2009 September | Midwest Sports Fans

Announcement: Site Redesign Coming Soon

September 25, 2009 By Jerod Morris Leave a Comment

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Just quick announcement.

Obviously there has been no new post yet today, in large part because I am working on a redesign of the site. My goal is to make the site more user-friendly, add some cool new features, and also allow for better ad integration. You’ll understand once we get the new design implemented.

Hoping to get this up tonight…so if you come to the site today and things seem a little screwy, that’s why.

Thanks for your patience. Have a great Friday everyone!

Filed Under: Admin Comments

NFL Week 3 Spreads and Picks: Vikings-49ers, Lions-Redskins, Bears-Seahawks

September 24, 2009 By BetOnline 1 Comment

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NFL Betting – Week 3 Picks

NFL Week 3 matchups are here already. Hard to believe how quickly the season is going. We’ve already seen a massive upset happen – how about those Bengals over the Packers? – and there could be an even bigger one on the horizon this weekend. Let’s make a few NFL picks.

San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

NFL betting favorite: Vikings -6.5

Here’s our chance to find out if San Francisco is truly for real. Frank Gore destroyed Seattle’s defense last week, racking up 207 rushing yards, but he faces the formidable Minnesota run defense led by Pat and Kevin Williams this week. If (when?) the Vikes stack the box and bottle up Gore, Shaun Hill will have to do more than caretake from the quarterback position. I’m not so sure he’s up to the task. San Fran’s “D” looks excellent under Mike Singletary but hasn’t faced a tailback anywhere close to Adrian Peterson’s caliber so far. Bet on Minnesota to cover.

Betting services recommend: Vikings -6.5

Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions

Sunday, September 27, 1:00 p.m. ET

NFL betting favorite: Redskins -6

Here’s your big shocker of the week. The Redskins are a superior team, of course, but they’re out of sorts. When you only beat the Rams 9-7 at home and score no touchdowns, how can you be a safe six-point favorite on the road against any team? Washington is struggling to pressure the quarterback, recording just two sacks in two games even after a matchup against Marc Bulger. That means Matt Stafford may have time to unleash some big throws to Calvin Johnson. The Lions can at least beat the spread and have a real shot to win outright.

Betting services recommend: Lions +6

Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks

Sunday, September 27, 4:15 p.m. ET

NFL betting favorite: Bears -1.5

After Matt Hasselbeck went down last week and Frank Gore trucked the Seahawks’ front seven, it’s a bit surprising that the Bears are only 1.5-point favorites. You’d think they’d be more popular choices after beating the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers. Jay Cutler found a groove against the Steelers and Matt Forte is itching to bust out. If Hasselbeck plays, he’ll still likely be ineffective playing through a broken rib. If he doesn’t, the Bears could rout the Seahawks.

Betting services recommend: Bears 1-.5

Rams-Packers Preview: St. Louis Looking to Pull Off Upset of Green Bay in Home Opener

September 24, 2009 By Ronald Clements 1 Comment

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The St. Louis Rams host the Green Bay Packers Sunday in their home opener. The Rams are winless through two weeks, losing 28-0 to Seattle, and 9-7 to Washington. The Packers are 1-1 following a 21-15 win over Chicago, and a 31-24 loss to Cincinnati.

Here is the TV and odds info for this weekend’s game:

Packers-Rams Date: Sunday, September 27th
Packers-Rams Time: 1:00 ET
Packers-Rams TV Network: FOX
Packers-Rams Announcers: Chris Myers and Trent Green
Packers-Rams Point Spread: Packers -6.5
Packers-Rams Over-Under: 41

There may be more Packers fans at the Edward Jones Dome than Rams fans with thousands of Packers faithful traveling to see their team. Couple that with disappointed Rams season ticket holders selling their seats, and you’ve got another version of “Lambeau South,” as the Dome was referred to two years ago when Green Bay came to town and left with a lopsided victory.

If the Rams expect to stay close and have a chance to win at the end, they must do these three things.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: NFL Tagged With: aaron rodgers, Charles Woodson, Green Bay Packers, Marc Bulger, NFL, St. Louis Rams, Steven Jackson

MNF Preview and Podcast: Cowboys-Panthers Analysis, Prediction, and Spread Pick

September 24, 2009 By AJ Kaufman 2 Comments

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Editor’s Note: AJ Kaufman’s weekly MNF coverage on MSF is sponsored by Sadler’s Smokehouse, a producer of premium pit smoked meats that are best described by Sadler’s slogan: Legendary since 1948.

Sadler’s premium meats are perfect for tailgating on Saturday, for grilling out at home on Sunday, or for when you are hosting a group of friends, or even just the family, on Monday night.

With a variety of delicious choices (beef, pork, ribs, turkey, brisket, and more) and availability at grocery stores throughout the U.S., Sadler’s meats are the tasty, convenient choice when you want to watch the big game and eat well while you’re doing it.

Check out Sadler’s Monday Night Football Recipe of the Week: Smokehouse Panini
Each week, you can also listen to the MSF Monday Night Football Podcast, brought to you by Sadler’s. In this week’s edition, Jerod and Big MB preview the Cowboys-Panthers Monday tilt and provide three “locks of the week” against the spread. (Note: Special thanks to Davey Heritier and Austin Bridges for the intro/outro song “Awake the Day”…one of Jerod’s all-time favorites.)
Follow the link to listen to the MSF Podcast on iTunes, or use the in-page player below to listen while you read.

Panthers-Cowboys MNF Preview Podcast presented by Sadler’s

(FYI…audio player may take a second or two to load)

MNF Preview Podcast: Cowboys-Panthers

——————–

Monday Night Football Preview

Carolina Panthers (0-2) at Dallas Cowboys (1-1)

Panthers-Cowboys Date: Monday, September 28th
Panthers-Cowboys Time: 8:30 ET
Panthers-Cowboys TV Network: ESPN
Panthers-Cowboys Announcers: Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden
Panthers-Cowboys Point Spread: Cowboys -9.5
Panthers-Cowboys Over-Under: 46
Panthers-Cowboys Pick by Jerod: I don’t like this game at all and would not touch it with a ten-foot pole if I actually bet money on these things. Luckily I don’t, so I can still offer up at least a guess as to how it will turn out. I think it all comes down to who you trust more: Tony Romo or Jake Delhomme. If Romo protects the ball and lets his great RBs do the heavy lifting, the Cowboys should rebound from their home opener for a win. However, Dallas is terrible against the pass (as proven last week by Eli Manning) and perhaps this is the game that Jake Delhomme gets well again. In the end, I do think Dallas will win this game, but Romo will make enough mistakes and Dallas’ DBs will play poorly enough for Carolina to keep it close. Plus, when in doubt, go with the 0-2 team that had playoff expectations coming into the year. Desperation can be huge in the NFL. Panthers-Cowboys free spread pick: Panthers +9.5
StubHub: Cowboys-Panthers MNF tickets as low as $25!
StubHub: all Dallas Cowboys home game tickets
StubHub: all Carolina Panthers home game tickets
StubHub: all 2009 NFL tickets

Cowboys-Panthers Preview & Analysis

Though it may seem silly and emotional, in Dallas, hope turned to despair from week one to two.

However, after a closer look, it is a very good sign for your offense when you are playing one of the top rated defenses in the conference, your quarterback plays one of the worst games of his career, and you still manage 31 points.

These results convey two important points: (1) that your offense is balanced, and (2) that your offensive line is getting the job done.

It should come as no surprise that given the production of said offensive line, the Cowboys running game is firing on all cylinders as Marion Barber and Felix Jones represent arguably the best 1-2 running back punch in the NFC, if not the NFL. Barber is averaging more than six yards per carry in 2009. Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, Barber is still questionable for Monday with a quad injury.

Fortunately for ‘Boys fans though, his backup, Tashard Choice, is no slouch, and should pick up the slack nicely if pressed into a more prominent role in the offense. Last year, Choice put together a string of three excellent games against Pittsburgh, New York, and Baltimore. Therefore, he should serve solidly in a time-share with Jones.

Expect Mr. Jones to maintain his role as the change of pace and 3rd down back with Choice claiming the “workhorse” duties. The duo should come up big against a Panthers defense that has an injury riddled front-line and has given up over 150 rushing yards in each of their first two games.   

As for Romo, odds are he’ll be fine. The bigger issue is the uncertainty over a reliable third option for the Cowboys’ receiving game (after Jason Witten and Roy Williams). Patrick Crayton seems destined to be nothing more that a slot receiver, leaving Miles Austin in the driver’s seat to run away with second wideout duties. His talent and big play ability has left Jerry Jones watering at the mouth, but Austin has yet to consistently manifest that talent into reality.  

It is a very bad sign for your secondary when Eli Manning, Mario Manningham, and Steve Smith look like the second coming of the Three Amigos. That said, I think the Cowboys will be fine defensively, so long as they abandon the experiment to rotate Orlando Scandrick (who was repeatedly burned by Manningham) and Mike Jenkins at the corner, and it seems like Wade Phillips has already started to move in that direction.   

Panthers fans can take some solace in the fact that Jake Delhomme, coming off two straight awful performances that led to major criticism, wasn’t nearly as bad last week against Atlanta; but that being said, his 308 passing yards shed far too positive a light on his actual performance. This simply isn’t the Delhomme of five years ago, and the Panthers have to be second guessing the heck out of themselves for his exorbitant contract extension this past off-season.

Though he indicated he “felt good out there,” Jake was nearly an early disaster. Though he began the game 4-4 for 54 yards, he could have thrown an early interception when he inexplicably tossed a weak underhand pass, which was dropped by a Falcons defender. If Delhomme would have thrown a pick there, things probably would have snowballed on him again, as they would have been in another big early hole.

Cowboys-Panthers Prediction and Spread Pick

So, though it’s not outrageous to muse that the 34 year-old is on the downward arc of his career, the Panthers do indeed have a dangerous rushing attack with DeAngelo Williams and 22 year-old Jonathan Stewart that will make things significantly easier for Mr. Delhomme at times.   

All that being said, I just don’t see how the Panthers stop the Cowboys’ rushing attack, especially with the season ending ankle injury to defensive tackle Louis Leonard, one of the team’s primary run stuffers. This is yet another hindrance to a defensive line already crippled by injuries.

Ultimately, I just don’t see the Panthers as being able to stop the Cowboys’ ground game without bringing a safety in the box, and in doing so, they will open up the passing attack for Tony Romo, who should have a good bounce back game. Dallas needs this win, and it’s highly likely they’ll get it, perhaps easily.  

Cowboys-Panthers Prediction and Spread Pick: Cowboys do cover the large spread.

**********

* – Felix Jones photo credit: Dallas Observer Sportatorium

* – Jake Delhomme photo credit: Snort Report

Filed Under: NFL, Podcast Tagged With: carolina panthers, cowboys-panthers prediction, cowboys-panthers spread, cowboys-panthers spread pick, dallas cowboys, Felix Jones, football, Jake Delhomme, marion barber, mnf, Monday Night Football, msf podcast, NFL, Sadler's Smokehouse, tashard choice, tony romo

Notre Dame-Purdue Preview, Analysis, & Prediction

September 24, 2009 By Tyler Juranovich 1 Comment

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Will Notre Dame’s offense still be able to produce after losing Michael Floyd for the season?

What!? Purdue lost to Northern Illinois!? Are they really that bad?

These are some very good questions, questions that need to be answered and that will be answered — at least in part — this coming Saturday.

Notre Dame at Purdue

Purdue-Notre Dame date: Saturday, September 26th
Purdue-Notre Dame time: 8:00 ET
Purdue-Notre Dame TV: ESPN
Purdue-Notre Dame Point Spread: Notre Dame -8.5

Notre Dame took a heavy blow after learning that their #1 receiver, Michael Floyd, will miss the rest of the season due to a broken left collarbone. Floyd was near the top in the nation, averaging 160 yards per game, before getting injured. This now means Golden Tate will get double covered every game for the rest of the season.

Jimmy Clausen, who might not even start on Saturday due to turf toe, will have to look for Duval Kamara, Robby Parris, or some other receiver to step it up and make some catches.

Otherwise the Irish’s offense is in for a long day.

As for the Irish’s defense, it has been terrible the last two weeks. If they play on Saturday like they have played the last two weeks, there will be trouble for Notre Dame and head coach Charlie Weis. The offense won’t be as productive because of the loss of Floyd, and because of Clausen’s injured toe. Clausen wants to play Saturday and Weis beleives he will, but even if Clausen does play, he will have to adjust his ball delivery. Clausen has stated that the toe hurts, and that he had to make an adjustment.

All that could mean bad news for the BCS hopeful Irish. They desperately need the defense to play a good game because the offense won’t be as good as in previous weeks.

One thing for the Irish to be positive about is that their opponent lost to Northern Illinois last weekend.

Surprising as it might seem, Purdue did lose to Northern Illinois 28-21. Purdue, a semi-mediocre team, looked like a D-II team last Saturday. Purdue isn’t a great team by any means, but no one expected them to lose that game either. Their passing game was non-existent, throwing for only 188 yards. They did rush for a little over 120 yards with 2 TDs, but that will hardly cover up the fact that Purdue just isn’t that good of a team this year.

Don’t expect a Purdue upset Saturday night. Even though the Irish are without Floyd, and Heisman hopeful Clausen is injured with turf toe, Notre Dame will be able to move the ball down the field and easily beat the Boilermakers on their home turf.

Filed Under: Big Ten Football, CFB Tagged With: Jimmy Clausen, Michael Floyd, ncaa, notre dame fighting irish, notre dame-purdue, point spread, Purdue Boilermakers, rivalry, tv schedule

Boys Will Be Boys But Jayhawks Should Focus On Opponents, Not Each Other

September 24, 2009 By Kimberly Westphall 1 Comment

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[Editor's Note: I am proud to introduce MSF's newest writer, Kimberly Westphall.

Kimberly is a graduate of the University of Kansas, where she studied journalism and strategic communication. Among her many experiences at KU, Kimberly worked for KAKE TV (ABC) and also traveled to London, England to write about hotel and tourist venues for Adjourn Magazine.

Here at MSF, Kimberly will be covering sports stories from her alma mater and will also be debuting a health & fitness column in the coming months. We are very happy to have her as part of the writing staff and think that you'll enjoy her first offering, a timely piece about the inability of the KU basketball and football teams to just get along.]

——————–

The University of Kansas Jayhawks have been making the headlines, but not for touchdowns or three-pointers.

Instead, they have found opponents in one another.

In case you have not noticed the stories being splashed about on various sports Web sites and publications, members of the KU football and basketball teams could not cage the rage…against each other. Now, typically you would imagine two high profile KU teams supporting one another, perhaps even cheering one another on in stands. This is not the happy picture painted during the last couple days.

KU basketball player Tyshawn Taylor was recently checked into Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas due to a dislocated finger, according to a KU Police incident report. There were reportedly dozens of individuals outside the Burge Union on KU’s campus who witnessed the altercation between the football and basketball players. Taylor took to his Facebook page to share the news about his dislocated digit.

The KU Police received another call the next morning regarding another incident apparently involving football and basketball players, this one taking place near Wescoe Hall on KU’s campus. Occurring a little before 10 a.m. on September 23, several eyewitness reports indicate the gentlemen found themselves in another conflict. Eyewitnesses claim they saw one of the basketball players exchange some words with an unidentified football player and “throw” him down a flight of stairs.

KU’s school newspaper’s Web site, The University Daily Kansan, is exploding with uproars from the student body regarding the brawl among fellow athletes. Comments range from believing the involved athletes should be kicked off their respective teams to not believing it is a big deal whatsoever.

After all, fights occur among college guys (and gals) every weekend. How many bar fights occur on a Saturday night because someone’s had a little too much to drink?

However, this is different.

The fights happened on school property.

Collegiate athletes are young adults, just like everyone else attending the university. There is of course a slight difference: they are under constant surveillance from the student body and community members.

Whenever one of the basketball or football players walks by you on campus, you suddenly become very aware of their presence. They are, after all, mini-celebrities lurking the streets of Lawrence. As this imaginary spotlight is blazing on them, their every move is going to be scrutinized.

Now throw in two major KU sports and a couple fists thrown and you’ve got yourself front page news. The media attention is what is upsetting KU sports fans and fellow athletes.

“They are all extremely admired by the student body here and I feel like they do a really great job of upholding a good reputation for KU athletics,” KU golfer, Alyssa Rainbolt said. “I think this is just a slip up on their end; they’re young boys and are immature. I think they realize now they made a mistake and understand the consequences in letting this thing happen.”

As a former KU student, I have witnessed the close-knit ties of the Jayhawk athletic community. You can spot a KU athlete a mile away, as they are decked out in their Adidas gear. Taking Communications and Journalism classes with several of these athletes, I noticed a strong bond among sports. The football players made it a point to attend the volleyball games and cheer on their fellow athletes and friends.

One has to wonder how the behavior of several athletes will reflect on the entire Jayhawk athletic community as a whole.

“It’s a shame this has to be so public just because it is kind of a reflection of the athletic department,” Rainbolt said. “I also know some of those guys personally and I know that it’s not a reflection on the character of those teams.”

There is no doubt these athletes are under a microscope, but is it fair they are placed under one? Or does it simply go with the territory? There is a line of sensitivity when it comes to athletes getting preferential treatment. We won’t get into the issues that tick people off about athletes and special privileges. The root of the question being: is it fair to hold athletes to a higher standard?

“I think that they put themselves in that position and coming into this kind of university setting, they’re going to expect the kind of publicity they get,” Rainbolt said. “Along with playing big-time college basketball and football, they know what comes with it.”

All opinions aside, I think we can all agree that these Big 12 sports teams have a lot to focus on right now. Let’s put the fists down and take that testosterone out onto the field and court.

I mean come on; this only makes us look unstable and weak to our competitors.

I am sure Mizzou fans are just eating this debacle up. What kind of t-shirt will they make out of this?

Anyway, let’s focus on the positives. The Jayhawk basketball team is consistently ranked number one in pre-season polls. KU fans should look to the season ahead and all the treasured memories they will spend in Allen Fieldhouse. And of course the football team has been on a roll for the past couple years with Orange Bowl and Insight Bowl championships. Not to mention that the past two home games have been sold out. This upcoming Saturday, the stadium is sold out again as KU faces Southern Mississippi.

Let’s hope the events of yesterday do not repeat themselves in the future. You would think with the athletic department and KU Police getting involved that the boys will put down their fists.

If not, I am afraid KU will be a laughingstock and our confidence will be shaken. I hope KU fans will just get over it. We all make mistakes and perhaps we should attribute this scuffle to the saying “boys will be boys.”

The football and basketball programs are both staples of the Lawrence community and culture. The last thing Lawrence needs is a line divided between the two.

Let’s see if these boys can channel their rage into winning seasons.

Author’s Note: At the time of publication of this article, nothing has been released about filing legal charges regarding the brawls.

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* – Tyshawn Taylor / Bill Self photo credit: Bring on the Cats

Filed Under: CBB, Featured Column Tagged With: CBB, CFB, kansas football-basketball fight, Kansas Jayhawks, tyshawn taylor

Eric Mangini Overseeing an Abysmal Mess in Cleveland

September 23, 2009 By MidnightWriter 1 Comment

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Okay, finally done with my so-called day job deadline so I can now truly reflect on the abysmal mess that head coach Eric Mangini has created with the once-proud Cleveland Browns.

Ironically, the imposters, the mismatched retreads, and rookies we call the New Browns are going to Baltimore to play The Real Browns, now called the Ravens.

But being from Cleveland, I’ll watch the game with my eyes partially closed, amidst the usual f-bombs, moans, screeches, and objects thrown.

To Jrod: Yeah, the first two weeks have flown by fast. Unfortunately, the season, after two games, seems on a runaway elevator catapulting down to the basement.

First and foremost: Mangini is a Madman, a paranoid schizophrenic who talked Randy Lerner into this gig.

It is like having your hometown ruled by a crazed dictator who charges players $1,700 for a failing to pay for a bottle of water; he talks a lot and says nothing, still refuses to discuss injuries, and totally f…ed up Brady Quinn by never naming him as starting QB (spies are out there, listening, ready to steal our playbooks.)

Moreover, he forced Quinn to change his stance and methodically check off, resulting in a QB who is caught holding the ball too long and getting sacked nine times so far.

Not only does Mangini demand the team march in lockstep, he has the players memorizing impossible schemes that won’t work because he allowed choice draft picks to be drafted so he could get twice as many has-beens, especially from his old team, the New York Jets who are all in hog heaven under the affable Rex Ryan.

I would name the ex-Jets has-beens who now wear Browns uniforms, but I just can’t remember their names.

Here is the reverse logic of Mangini’s Day at the Draft last April: I will let Mark Sanchez go; pass on Ray Maualuga and let him to haunt us from Cincy; I believe we also had a shot at getting Clay Mathews Jr. (his old man probably told the kid he was lucky not to be in Cleveland.)

First draft pick: Alex Mack, who sometimes has a hard time at center getting the football into Quinn’s hands instead of over his head or rolling on the turf. In the second round, rookie receivers Masaaquoi and Robiskie were chosen. But now Mangini doesn’t want to play them for some reason. Maybe they talked back to Coach, or worse, forgot to pay for a Pepsi — who knows?

About the only thing Brady Quinn has going for him is that Braylon Edwards is catching the ball again. (Although he will not fight for the ball, wrench it out of a defender’s arms, etc.)

Brian Dabold, the brand spanking new offensive coordinator has Brady Quinn posing like Tom Brady, calling signals as he lifts his foot, jerking his head right and left. Looks good until the snap goes awry.

As Quinn’s credence as a quarterback falls lower each day (at least on Cleveland sports radio), Quinn himself has to do something about it. Audiblize, do play action, run, something. Forget the meetingspeak crap and just try to win the game. (You’re gonna get yelled at on the sidelines, anyway, why not make it count?)

Bill Curry, former center for Johnny Unitas said that if a teammate ran the wrong route, he would order him out of the huddle and call for a replacement.

Football is different these days. It is rare for a QB to call his own plays. Quinn has got to step up and show he does have the cojones to risk an interception, to run out of the pocket, to dive for a first down, to change a play in the huddle.

Maybe the Browns won’t win the game Sunday (gee, you think?) but Quinn could orchestrate a few more first downs to give the defense time to catch its collective breath before facing Flacco and Co.

With so many things going against them — along with a continuous heap of bad luck — it is doubtful the Browns will contend any time soon. A 21-point underdog, this Sunday? That seems about right.

After two games and one offensive touchdown so far this season, the year 2007 — dubbed by local radio personalities as “The Season of Dreams” — is fading into obscurity. It seems, now, that the fabled 10-6 season was not a turn in the right direction. It was just a blip on 10 years of bad teams.

**********

* – Eric Mangini photo credit: The Cleveland Leader

Filed Under: NFL Tagged With: brady quinn, Cleveland Browns, eric mangini, NFL

Links, Including Crazy Story of Kansas BBall-Football Player Fight

September 23, 2009 By Jerod Morris Leave a Comment

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Crazy story about the fight between the Kansas basketball team and Kansas football team:

Fracas sends KU guard Tyshawn Taylor to hospital — (KUSports.com)
Tyshawn Taylor admits throwing punch, other details on Facebook — (The Big Lead)
Jayhawk-on-Jayhawk violence sends player to ER — (Sports By Brooks)
And then another confrontation this morning — (Sports By Brooks)

Sports:

NFL Owners, Players Lean Right With Political Contributions — (MoonDog)
50 pics of drunken NBA ball players with randoms — (Hail Mary Jane)
Plaxico Burress You Say? Donald Driver I Say — (Josh Q. Public)
Delonte West should be just fine — (Cleveland Frowns)
Lane Kiffin Wants YOU Chicago — (Not Qualified to Comment)
NFL should examine startling number of domestic violence arrests — (The Big Lead)
Shocker: BCS teams face lighter NCAA sanctions — (Sports By Brooks)
Yet ANOTHER Media Meltdown featuring Sean Salisbury — (Deadspin)
Is Ted Ginn scared to take a hit? — (My Sports Rumors)
Interesting NFL numbers through Week 2 – (Zoner Sports)
Exciting news for Blogs With Balls 2.0 — (Hugging Harold Reynolds)
California Hooters girls use boobs to support Tebow, charity — (Busted Coverage)
Cowboys-Panthers MNF Preview — (Dallas Sports Fans)

Non-Sports:

At U.N. Obama calls for new era in world relations — (CNN.com)
Obama’s “Safe Schools Czar” coming under fire — (FoxNews)
Obama considering strategy shift in Afghan War — (NY Times)

Filed Under: CBB Tagged With: Kansas Jayhawks, links

Fire Eric Wedge: The Final Plea

September 23, 2009 By AJ Kaufman Leave a Comment

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The Cleveland Indians, a choice by many including myself to rebound into 2007 form, and make this year’s postseason, fell into last place earlier this week. Yes, they now stand a game and a half behind the Kansas City Royals, who, like last September, have played good ball the final few weeks.

Since Labor Day, the Royals are 12-3, while Cleveland is a pitiful 1-13, losing nine in a row currently and more than ten games to KC in the standings. Has there been a better time to finally admit, despite the mid-season trades of a few key players and an injury or two (all teams have injuries), Eric Wedge has lost this team, as they sputter toward the worst record in the AL and potentially 100 losses?

Some say Cleveland has a “good young crop of players that will put them in contention for the future.” I disagree. For one thing, Columbus, the AAA affiliate of the Tribe, finished with the second worst record in the International League this season.

While the Indians have some decent prospects like 22 year-old Michael Brantley and 24 year-old Matt LaPorta, others have run their course, proving now in their mid to late 20s, they may not be the “answer”: Jeremy Sowers, Andy Marte, even 2007 hero Fausto Carmona, who’s arguably been one of the worst pitchers in the AL the past two seasons.

A great book on how the Tribe wisely rebuilt after 2001, planning for their runs in 2005 and 2007, is Dealing by legendary Cleveland sportswriter, Terry Pluto. Published in early 2008, it culminates with the miraculous 2007 run, leaving readers upbeat. Clearly, there is no expectation of the collapses of 2008 and 2009. Perhaps the book needs an updated edition.

Or perhaps, Eric Wedge finally must go!?

Filed Under: MLB Tagged With: cleveland indians, Eric Wedge, fire eric wedge, MLB

TOUR Championship Preview: Tickets, TV Schedule, Odds, and Prediction

September 23, 2009 By BetOnline Leave a Comment

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The TOUR Championship odds signify the end of the FedEx Cup playoffs, and the event at East Lake should be filled with excitement.

Five players hold their fate in their hands and can win the $10 million prize by winning here, so let’s check out their scenarios and the standings after we bring you the particulars for this weekend’s event:

TOUR Championship Preview

TOUR Championship Dates: Thursday, September 24th through Sunday, September 27th
TOUR Championship Location: Atlanta, Georgia
TOUR Championship Course: East Lake Golf Club
TOUR Championship Purse: $7.5 million ($1.35 winning share)
TOUR Championship Length: 7,154 Yards
TOUR Championship Thursday-Friday TV Schedule: GOLF Channel 1 pm – 6 pm ET
TOUR Championship Saturday TV Schedule: NBC 2 pm – 6 pm ET
TOUR Championship Sunday TV Schedule: NBC 1:30 pm – 6 pm ET
Official Website: TOUR Championship
StubHub: Great deals on TOUR Championship tickets
StubHub: Great deals on all PGA Tour tickets

Current FedEx Cup Standings:

Tiger Woods (16 events) – 2,500 points
Steve Stricker (21) – 2,250
Jim Furyk (21) – 2,000
Zach Johnson (24) – 1,800
Heath Slocum (26) – 1,600

Tiger Woods (TOUR Championship Odds: +100): The world’s No.1 romped to an eight-stroke win at Cog Hill two weeks ago, but with the reseeding that gives everyone in the field a chance to win, his lead fell to 250 points over Steve Stricker. That’s no matter, though. The last time he was at East Lake, Woods won.

Steve Stricker (TOUR Championship Odds: +1600): Stricker is coming off his worst result of the season, a T-52 at Cog Hill, and he was T-24 here last year. If he is going to overtake Woods, he’ll need the tournament of his life this weekend.

Jim Furyk (TOUR Championship Odds: +1400): Furyk is a steady play for online sports betting players, and he racks up top-10s like it’s going out of style. He was T-3 at East Lake last year, and he finished second to Woods at Cog Hill (albeit a distant second). With six top-10s at East Lake, look for Furyk to be there on Sunday afternoon.

Zach Johnson (TOUR Championship Odds: +2200): Johnson was fifth at Cog Hill, and he certainly likes East Lake: he has the course record there with his 60 in 2007. He has four top-20s in his last five events and he’s improved his score each week in the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Heath Slocum (TOUR Championship Odds: +10000): Slocum is used to being a darkhorse in your handicapping software, because quite frankly, he wasn’t even supposed to be here at this point. He jumped from 124^th in the 125-player FedEx field to third with his surprising win at Liberty National in the first event, but has since cooled off with a missed-cut and a T-38. In his last East Lake appearance in 2007, Slocum came in T-17.

Prediction: Padraig Harrington (+1400) should win the event as he has five top-10s in a row, including four in the top-six, but he needs to win and for Woods to finish third or worse, which isn’t the best scenario. Woods to win the FedEx Cup is one of the easiest sports picks of the weekend.

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* – Tiger Woods photo credit: TopNews.in

Filed Under: Golf, TV and Betting Tagged With: FedEx Cup, Golf, Heath Slocum, Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington, pga odds, PGA Tour, Steve Stricker, tiger woods, Tiger Woods odds, Zach Johnson

Fantasy Football: Week 3 Sleepers at QB, RB, WR, TE, and D/ST

September 23, 2009 By Jerod Morris 14 Comments

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Note: This post is from 2009!!!

Head over to MSF Fantasy Sports for our 2010 Week 3 sleeper picks.

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So I’m feeling a little under the weather today and decided to stay home from work. Nothing serious so far…just some congestion and a little bit less energy than usual. But, rather than start a Gator-like outbreak where I work, I figured it best to just stay within the confines of my apartment.

Of course, since I work in blogging and social media, “staying home from work” really just means doing exactly what I would be doing at the “office” from my living room table.

Such is life when your real office is a laptop.

I suppose I could have slept in a little longer than usual. No one would have really known. But I’m a morning person and do my best, most focused writing before lunch. I’ve just always been that way.

So rather than hit the snooze the button or sleep in until the last possible second, I get up as early as I think my body can handle and jump right into my day.

In this sense, you could say that I am not a sleeper.

But would you like to know a few guys who are sleepers? Yeah? Well good, because we’re about to discuss a few.

Note: remember how I do all of my weekly sleeper columns. Only players currently on 50% or less of Yahoo rosters are considered. I try my best to highlight players with solid matchups this particular week, but it doesn’t always work out perfectly. Regardless of how they do in Week 3, all of these players are guys I can see being valuable moving forward — unless otherwise specified — especially once the bye weeks hit.

If you want to see how my sleeper works out last week, check out this week’s start ‘em, sit ‘em post. As usual, I outlined the successes and failures of the previous week’s picks there. I was right on regarding Correll Buckhalter and the Washington D, but my other picks didn’t come through as well in Week 2. I still do think, however, that Shaun Hill, Vernon Davis, and Robert Meachem are solid guys to have on your bench.

Let’s get to it for Week 3.

Follow this link to StubHub for great deals on NFL tickets.

Week 3 Sleeper Picks

Week 3 QB Sleeper Pick: Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs New York Giants)

Full disclosure: I do have ESPN on in the background and did catch Matthew Berry talking about Leftwich, but I swear I was going to write about him anyway. And honestly, Leftwich has sleeper written all over him:

Currently owned in only 25% of Yahoo Leagues.
On a team with a horrendous defense that gets behind early, meaning lots of pass attempts.
572 passing yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs through two games, proving he can take advantage of deficits and passing opportunities.
Myriad fantasy owners have been burned by Leftwich in the past and won’t touch him…meaning he’s still sitting out there despite being ranked #36 overall in Yahoo currently.
Even Calvin Broadus agrees that Leftwich’s stock is on the rise.

This week Leftwich and the Bucs play the Giants, so it may not be the perfect matchup. New York has a great defense and harassed Tony Romo into three picks last Sunday. New York also likes to play ball control offensively, so they might not explode to a big lead that forces the Bucs to throw the entire second half.

That said, you could do worse than Leftwich if you’re heading into the bye weeks without a viable QB fill-in.

And make no mistake, that’s all Leftwich is: a fill-in. With consecutive games against the Giants, Redskins, Eagles, Panthers, Patriots, and Packers, Leftwich may see his numbers fall off somewhat. In fact, he probably will. Remember, he put up his big numbers against Buffalo and Dallas, neither of which has a great secondary.

But the promise for “quality” garbage-time TDs is there if you’re trolling for a backup QB.

Byron Leftwich Week 3 projection: 200 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Other QB sleepers I like specifically for Week 3: Kevin Kolb, Philadelphia (vs Kansas City, 9% owned); Jake Delhomme, Carolina (at Dallas, 36% owned)

A quick note on Jake Delhomme: I know it sounds crazy, but he could be a sneaky good start this week. If you’re in a two-QB league, I think he’s a no-brainer. There is no way that Dallas’ secondary can cover Steve Smith, who has not found the end zone this season (he’s due!) and could be in for a huge game Monday night.

And remember this: Dallas has not forced a turnover all year, which is Delhomme’s Achilles’ heel. I understand if you’re still skittish about starting Delhomme in a single QB league — I would be too — just know that he may pop for two or three TDs on Monday night.

Week 3 RB Sleeper Pick: Jerome Harrison, Cleveland Browns (at Baltimore Ravens)

Damnit, I did it again.

I found a way to sneak a Cleveland Brown into my sleeper picks.

In Week 1, my Brady Quinn pick worked out well as he got the garbage-time TD I predicted. In Week 2, Robert Royal disappeared. In Week 3, I think Jerome Harrison has intriguing value — especially in PPR leagues — and I think Harrison could be an interesting player from here on out.

Follow the link to read more about my thoughts on Harrison’s fantasy potential in 2009. This is not the first time I’ve touted him.

Currently, Harrison is owned in only 4% of leagues, so he’s definitely available. Let’s say you own Brian Westbrook and Marion Barber…you could be in need of a deeper sleeper as early as this week.

Here is why I think Jerome Harrison is an intriguing value for Week 3:

In his first game last week, Harrison caught four passes for 24 yards.
Cleveland’s offense blows, and swing passes to Harrison are one of the few reliable ways the Browns can get the ball into the hands of a play-maker. Expect his receptions to continue.
Over the last few years in New York, Eric Mangini proved that he can utilize a back — Leon Washington — with Harrison’s skills and size.
Until Harrison got hurt during the preseason, Mangini was singing his praises and vowing to do what all Browns fans wished the team would do last year: get Harrison the ball more.
Baltimore has already proven itself to be susceptible to running backs catching passes out of the backfield. In Week 2, Darren Sproles ripped them for 7 catches, 124 yards, and a TD. In Week 1, Jamaal Charles caught 4 passes for 29 yards. The Ravens are going to stuff the Browns’ running game, there is almost no question. Throwing to the backs will inevitably become a big part of the gameplan.
Jerome Harrison scored one of his TDs last season against Baltimore on a 19-yard reception. The brilliant Browns’ coaching staff of 2008 didn’t give him another touch in the game.

There are obviously a lot of backs I would not bench for Harrison. And the majority of rosters probably couldn’t handle taking a flyer on him, but keep your eye out. If you need someone at RB this week, I think Harrison could pay modest dividends. Cleveland will get blown out by Baltimore this weekend, but Harrison could get 5-6 catches and possibly even a TD.

And if anything happens to Jamal Lewis (who is, remember, in the dreaded 30+ RB category), Harrison will get more carries as well.

I may once again regret recommending a Brown, but Jerome is a guy I’ve been singing the praises of since last season. I’m sticking with him, no matter how deep of a sleeper he may be.

Jerome Harrison Week 3 projection: 3 rushes for 9 yards, 5 receptions for 38 yards, 1 TD

Other RB Sleepers I like specifically for Week 3: Mewelde Moore, Pittsburgh (at Cincinnati, 13% owned); Justin Forsett, Seattle (vs Chicago, 18%)

I also love Tashard Choice this week if Marion Barber does not play, but Fraschetti already covered Choice in his waiver wire post, so I didn’t want to take the easy way out.

Week 3 WR Sleeper Pick: Chansi Stuckey, New York Jets (vs Tennessee Titans)

Something tells me Chansi Stuckey might catch four passes this weekend against the Titans. Why do I think this? Well, perhaps because he has caught four passes in each of the Jets’ last four regular season games for 43, 50, 64, and 37 yards.

Unlike the final two games of last year, however, when none of Stuckey’s eight catches got him into the end zone, he’s already reached pay dirt once in ’09 (Week 1 at Houston) and barely missed catching a TD against New England in Week 2.

Stuckey is clearly the #2 wideout, is receiving red zone targets, and Mark Sanchez is not playing like a typical rookie QB. I see no reason why Stuckey cannot continue to catch 3-5 balls per game, for 45-75 yards, with the occasional TD. Those aren’t great numbers, but they are solid for a fill-in or a reliable flex play.

As for this week, the 27%-owned Stuckey gets to go up against Tennessee’s last-ranked pass defense. Temper your expectations because the Titans are not that bad and will no doubt play well in desperation mode this week, but Stuckey should still get his usual four receptions.

Chansi Stuckey Week 3 projection: 4 catches, 55 yards, .5 TD (i.e. who the hell knows and why predict it, but he’s getting red zone chances so it would not be a surprise)

Other WR sleepers I like specifically in Week 3: Isaac Bruce, San Francisco (at Minnesota, 47% owned); Brandon Stokley, Denver (at Oakland, 21% owned); Pierre Garcon, Indianapolis (at Arizona, 14% owned); Bobby Wade, Kansas City (at Philadelphia, 9% owned)

Week 3 TE Sleeper Pick: No one

I have now being sitting here for ten minutes staring at the under-50% tight ends in Yahoo and can’t find anyone I want to recommend.

Vernon Davis is still the best of the bunch, but I’ve lauded him two weeks in a row with only 7 catches and 72 yards to show for it. I still like Davis long-term this season, but will wait for a little bit more proof on the field before continuing to fawn over his potential.

Anthony Fasano is intriguing because the Dolphins have targeted him a decent amount, but only 3 catches for 11 yards — and with some key drops — has understandably sullied his value and rep.

I like the two TEs in Green Bay — Donald Lee and Jermichael Finley — against St. Louis this week, but who do you start?

And whoever starts at TE for Tennessee could get some opportunities, but it’s undecided right now because Bo Scaife is dinged up. Alge Crumpler would go if Scaife can’t, and they also have promising rookie Jared Cook as an option.

Instead of recommending anyone specifically, I’ll simply reiterate my support from this week’s start em, sit em column for Brent Celek. He is proving to be a very reliable tight end and is an obvious favorite of Kevin Kolb. With Kolb starting again this week, grab Celek (60% owned) if you can.

Week 3 D/ST Sleeper Pick: Cincinnati Bengals (vs Pittsburgh Steelers)

I know it sounds crazy to recommend the Bengals’ D against Pittsburgh, but my #1 choice is Denver and I already discussed them in the start ‘em, sit ‘em column. Consider this a bonus sleeper pick.

Pittsburgh has not proven it can run the ball, the game is in Cincinnati, and the Bengals are coming off of two impressive defensive performances. I think we are going to see a low-scoring slugfest on Sunday, with the Bengals having the potential to capitalize on suspect pass protection for Ben Roethlisberger, as well as the fact that the Steelers will probably be throwing a lot.

Lots of passing creates more opportunities for sacks, INTs, and passes broken up, which can all bring fantasy points depending on your scoring system.

I wouldn’t expect the same number of sacks that Cincy got last week as Big Ben is hard to bring down, but the Bengals should have a solid day Sunday and certainly are worthy of being owned in more than 6% of leagues.

Cincinnati Defense Week 3 projection: less than 20 points, 2 sacks, 1 INT

Other team defense sleepers I like specifically in Week 3: Denver Broncos (at Oakland, 37% owned)

And that concludes this week’s sleeper picks. Feel free to ask any questions down in the comment section and I’ll do my best to answer you as quickly as I’m able.

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* – Byron Leftwich and Snoop Dog photo credit: SnoopDog.com

* – Bengals D v Pittsburgh photo credit: Getty Images via Zimbio

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com

Filed Under: Fantasy Football, Fantasy Sports, Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: Byron Leftwich, Chansi Stuckey, cincinnati bengals, Fantasy Football, fantasy football sleepers, fantasy football week 3, jerome harrison, sleeper pick, week 3 sleeper picks, week 3 sleepers

Week 3 Waiver Wire Steals: Tashard Choice and the Giants WRs

September 22, 2009 By fraschetti Leave a Comment

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Pro Football Insight is back again with our Week 3 waiver wire steals and sleepers.

If you caught last week’s waiver wire steals column, you benefitted from picking up Todd Heap and from a quality performance off the waiver wire in the Atlanta Falcons Defense.

Here is a quick teaser of this week’s predictions, and then a link to this week’s complete set of waiver wire steals.

I will start by saying that if anyone is calling Steve Smith or Mario Manningham a sleeper or waiver wire pick up, they are definitely not going out on a limb. These two are no-brainers to get on your roster if available, and are worthy of starts if you do not have a quality #1 receiver.

I was going to call Manningham a waiver wire steal last week, but as a Wolverines fan, I avoid picking from my heart. With that in mind, I did pick him up for last week in every league I’m…I just did not start him. Enough small talk, onto this week’s injury and/or poor draft pick fillers:

1. Tashard Choice – RB – Dallas Cowboys

If you own Marion Barber and did not draft Felix Jones, Choice will get carries in Barber’s absence. As Jerod updated earlier today here on MSF, reports out of Dallas are saying that Barber will most likely miss Monday’s game against Carolina. You still want to check the injury reports heading into Sunday, but that’s the latest as of right now.

As for Choice, no he will not put up Barber numbers, but he will produce points in a tandem with Felix Jones. Tashard Choice is a solid substitute for Barber and is a solid flex-level play who could produce RB#2-like numbers.

Update: Definitely keep your eye on Marion Barber’s status. The latest update, at least according to ESPN, is that Barber received treatment yesterday and hopes to play Monday night. Looks like this will be a Sunday morning decision and you’ll just have to base your thoughts on Barber’s status for Monday night — which will obviously influence Choice’s value — on as much info as you have.

There are still four more solid gold Week 3 waiver wire steals awaiting you at ProFootballInsight.net. Follow the link for the rest the Week 3 waiver wire steals.

And, as always, feel free to use the comment section here or at PFI to ask your fantasy football lineup question.

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* – Tashard Choice photo credit: Tom Fox / DMN Photo Staff via Denton Record-Chronicle

Filed Under: Fantasy Football, Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: Fantasy Football, fantasy football waiver wire, fantasy football week 3, Mario Manningham, NFL, nfl week 3, Pro Football Insight, Steve Smith, tashard choice, waiver wire steals, week 3 waiver wire steals

Martin Havlat Nets Two Goals Against ‘Hawks

September 22, 2009 By Tyler Juranovich 1 Comment

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Preseason hockey for the Hawks started last weekend, and a match up against the Minnesota Wild seemed, to me, to be a preseason game watching.

Why you might ask?

Well this off-season the Hawks had told their fans that they had interest in re-signing forward, and points leader for the team, Martin Havlat. Havlat said he would love to stay in Chicago, and that Chicago was the only place he wanted to be.

As you might know, Havlat was released.

The Hawks signed Marian Hossa before Havlat was released, but fans knew once they signed Hossa, Havlat wouldn’t be returning.

Jump forward a couple of months.

Upon his return to Chicago, Havlat scored two goals. I don’t know what you think, but I think that’s a statement. Releasing Havlat was a cruel thing to do. After all, he was your season MVP. It was just the wrong thing to do. Havlat understandably probably wanted some renvege against his former team.

If I am the Hawks, I would watch out. This guy can hurt you from all angles of play. He was a valuable player to the Hawks, and now he might bite them in the butt.

Filed Under: NHL Tagged With: Chicago Blackhawks, Marian Hossa, Martin Havlat, NHL

I’ll Tell You This: JRod was Wrong, Belichick Still a Sore Loser, and the Cubs Finally Get it Right in Suspending Milton Bradley

September 22, 2009 By Big MB 4 Comments

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[Editor's note: Each week, Big MB's regales us with his post entitled I'll Tell You This, in which he tells us...whatever it is he wants to tell us. This week, he will no doubt be gloating that his Colts grabbed victory from the jaws of defeat last night in Miami -- proving him right and me wrong. In fact, maybe I just shouldn't even post this and blame it on an "internal server error"...?

Tempting, but nah. It's my fault for betting against the great Peyton Manning. Gloat away Big MB.]

——————–

Here are my top 5 stories for this week kids. Hope you enjoy!!

1. JRod was WRONG! Colts win to go 2-0.

In what was a great Monday Night Football game, the Colts emerged victorious after poor clock management by the Dolphins was sealed by a last second interception in the end zone by the Colts that secured a 27-23 victory in Miami.

An 80-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Clark from Peyton Manning on the first play of the game would only be outdone by a screen pass that second-year man Pierre Garcon would take to the house to give the Colts their 27-23 lead.

Miami did look very impressive in their Wildcat offense, accumulating over 200 yards on the ground.

I’ll Tell You This: Folks as promised, for those of you who caught last week’s podcast with JRod and myself, I am happy to say:

JROD WAS WRONG!!!!

However, I will also say Indy got lucky this week. Miami dominated on the ground on both sides of the ball, and held the Colts to under 15 minutes of total time of possession.

The Colts have improved to 2-0, but still have much to work on. The run game must improve, and the defense must improve on all fronts if this team wants to become a true Super Bowl contender.

Oh, and I kept my promise from the podcast. Jerod received a call from yours truly, gloating over the Colts victory.

2. J-E-T-S…..Jets, Jets, Jets!!!

The Jets backed up the smack they had talked in the week leading up to their match-up with the mighty Patriots by keeping New England out of the end zone and allowing only 9 points from the NFL “juggernaut”.

After the game Jets’ rookie QB Mark Sanchez offered a respectful handshake to Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick, but Belichick shrugged Sanchez off.

The Patriots fell to 1-1.

I’ll Tell You This: In all my years of watching football, I have never been a Jets fan, but I found myself rooting for the Jets as if they were my very own Colts.

Belichick once again proved that he has absolutely no sportsmanship. While he is one of the best winners in the NFL, he is obviously one of the worst losers in sports.

Here’s where I complain.

The Patriots should be 0-2, if it were not for that idiot kick returner for Buffalo (who in the best interest of his home not getting vandalized again, will remain unnamed). Had he just taken a knee instead of trying to be the hero, the Bills win the game.

The Patriots have now been exposed. They are not the team to beat this year and they are sore losers. They are overrated.

3. The Cubs Got It Right….Finally!!!

The Chicago Cubs suspended MLB bad-boy Milton Bradley for the remainder of the season this weekend for bad mouthing the organization and its fans.

Bradley was on record with a local Illinois newspaper as saying “You understand why they haven’t won in 100 years here” in reference to being scratched from the lineup.

I’ll Tell You This: Finally, some exciting news for Cubs fans.

Hopefully Bradley has played his last game in a Cubs uniform.

He has been nothing but a trash-talking, embarrassing, overrated, loud mouthed, disappointment to the Cubs and their fans. His head is so big that one may think that his ego is on steroids.

And to think, the Cubs let Mark DeRosa go for the chance to snag Bradley. Maybe that’s why they haven’t won in 100 years. Who knows. There’s always next year.

4. Thunder and Lighting

The first two weeks of this young NFL season have been the most exciting start to a season that I can remember.

Headlining Week 2 were two outstanding performances by two different running backs.

Although it was in a losing effort, from the get-go Chris Johnson put on a clinic against the young Houston Texans. Johnson had two long TD runs, including a 91-yard run on 3rd and 11, as well as a long touchdown reception.

The thunder came from what may be the dark horse of the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers. Frank Gore busted out back-to-back 80-yard touchdown runs and netted over 200 yards on the ground in the 49ers’ manhandling of division rival Seattle.

I’ll Tell You This: This has already been one hell of a season.

Honorable mentions for big games this week also go to Andre Johnson and Matt Shaub of the Texans, Peyton Manning and Dallas Clark of the Colts, Philip Rivers of the Chargers, and Ray Lewis of the Ravens for his big 4th down play that secured a win for Baltimore.

I hope this continues. This season has already been so fun to watch. It almost makes me want to go out and spend the $300.00 for NFL Sunday Ticket. Almost.

5. The MSF Weekly NFL Podcast

Hosted by MSF writers Jerod Morris and yours truly, Myles Berry, MSF takes a weekly look at the NFL.

The podcast debuted this past Friday in AJ Kaufman’s preview of Monday Night Football and is also available on iTunes.

Features include: The Monday Night Argument, Myles and Jerod’s NFL Locks against the spread, and the general banter that comes when these two butt heads on the mic.

I’ll Tell You This: Make sure you check out this week’s upcoming podcast, in which Jerod will feast on a big helping of crow from the Monday Night game.

[Editor's Note: I will feast on nothing.]

Another exciting week of I’ll Tell You This is in the books kids! Stay tuned for this week’s podcast. We’ll see you next week!

BigMB on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mylesb3269

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* – Milton Bradley photo credit: Fantasy Haven

Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB, NFL Tagged With: chicago cubs, Indianapolis Colts, Milton Bradley, Monday Night Football, msf podcast, NFL, nfl week 2, peyton manning

Fantasy Football Week 3 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Lineup Advice and Projections

September 22, 2009 By Jerod Morris 162 Comments

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The Week 17 start em, sit em lineup advice post is up.

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It’s that time of the week again: time for your early look at Week 3 of the 2009 fantasy football season with this week’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em post.

As usual before we begin, it’s accountability time. Let’s see how I did in last week’s start ‘em, sit ‘em post:

Start ‘Em Hits: QB Jay Cutler (236 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT); WR Terrell Owens (3 rec, 52 yards, TD); Green Bay Packers D/ST (31 pts allowed, 2 sacks, 2 INTs, Defensive TD)
Start ‘Em Misses: RB Ahmad Bradshaw (37 yards rushing, 2 rec, 8 yards receiving); TE Robert Royal (1 rec, 13 yards)
Sit ‘Em Hits: RB Julius Jones (11 yards rushing, 3 rec, -2 yards receiving, 1 TD); TE Jeremy Shockey (4 rec, 49 yards); Philadelphia D/ST (42 pts allowed, 2 sacks, 1 safety)
Sit ‘Em Misses: QB Peyton Manning (303 yards passing, 2 TDs); Dwayne Bowe (5 rec, 56 yards, TD)
Sleeper Hits: RB Correll Buckhalter (76 yards rushing, 1 rec, 30 yards receiving, 1 TD); Washington Redskins D/ST (7 pts allowed, 1 sack, 1 TO)
Sleeper Misses: QB Shaun Hill (144 yards passing, 0 TD); WR Robert Meachem (1 rec, 11 yards); TE Vernon Davis (2 rec, 32 yards)

Obviously I am proud of my Cutler recommendation when everyone else was telling you to sit him, but there are a few valuable lessons that I was reminded of last week:

Don’t ever sit Peyton Manning, especially against a suspect pass defense like Miami. In hindsight, this pick was more with my heart (as a Dolphins fan) than with my head. With less than 15 minutes of possession, Manning still had a great night. Stars typically play well on the biggest stages, and I should have looked elsewhere for a top-line QB who might not have a great day rather than telling you to sit an all-time great.
Don’t pick any Browns offensive players until they show some semblance of competence on offense.
Perhaps Vernon Davis isn’t going to explode and become a superstar this year. Either way, Brent Celek is the other guy I was considering last week and he is quickly a becoming a weekly must start TE. Amends are made below.

All in all, slightly more hits than misses, but still work to be done. I take these recommendations very seriously and want to steer you in the right direction.

I’m mainly trying to get tuned up for the bye weeks, because that’s where start ‘em, sit ‘em advice and sleeper picks really become important. But let’s see if I can build on my Week 2 improvement and have closer to a perfect week in Week 3.

As always, the comment section is yours. Post any lineup or waiver wire question and I’ll answer it as soon as I’m able up until kickoff.

Now onto the start ‘em, sit ‘em picks for Week 3.

Fantasy Football

Week 3 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Lineup Advice

Week 3 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em: Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills (vs New Orleans)

I was high on Trent Edwards as a sleeper coming into the season and a lot of people laughed at me. Well after two games, who’s laughing now?

Edwards has been solid so far: 221 passing yards per game, 4 TDs, and 1 INT. This week, he gets to go up against a defense that has given up a lot of passing yards this year (288 per game) but also gotten its fair share of turnovers (6 INTs).

Trent Edwards though, unlike Matthew Stafford and Kevin Kolb, will not be making his first career start against the Saints.

We know that New Orleans can and will score, and that the Bills will have to keep pace to have a chance. I already predicted that the Bills will cover the 5.5 point spread at home in this week’s TV schedule and point spreads post, so obviously I think they will do just that.

With Fred Jackson providing a solid rushing complement to Edwards’ sound decision making and outside playmakers (T.O. and Lee Evans), this Buffalo offense has been one of the more underrated units in the NFL through two weeks.

Look for Edwards to get into a bit of a shootout with Drew Brees. He won’t win it — either in real life or fantasy — but he will put up points worthy of a starting spot in most leagues.

Trent Edwards Week 3 projection: 285 yards passing, 3 TDs, 1 INT

Others I like in Week 3: Philip Rivers (vs Miami); Matt Schaub (vs Jacksonville); Eli Manning (at Tampa Bay); Joe Flacco (vs Cleveland)

Sit ‘Em: Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals (vs Pittsburgh)

So far in 2009, Carson Palmer has been pretty ho-hum. He threw for 247 yards, 0 TDs, and 2 INTs in Week 1 against Denver, then rebounded somewhat with a 2 TD performance this past Sunday (but with only 185 yards and 2 INTs).

Many people expected Palmer to reassert himself as a top-10 or even top-5 fantasy quarterback this year. So far it hasn’t happened, despite the reemergence of the Bengals’ running game.

This will be Carson Palmer’s first game against the Steelers since December of 2007 after missing most of last year with an injury. And though Troy Polamalu will still not be in the lineup for Pittsburgh — and Jay Cutler had a good day against the Steelers last Sunday — I’d like to see a little more consistency from the Bengals passing game before I throw Palmer out there against such a great defense.

Palmer may have a decent day, and I would not sit Chad Ochocinco, but there are other 2nd-tier QBs that you might also have that I like better, including: Matt Schaub (vs JAX), Aaron Rodgers (vs STL), Eli Manning (at TB), Trent Edwards (vs New Orleans).

Carson Palmer Week 3 projection: 210 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

Others I don’t like in Week 3: Kerry Collins (at New York Jets); Brett Favre (vs San Francisco); Kyle Orton (at Oakland)

Week 3 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Running Backs

Start ‘Em: Steve Slaton, Houston (vs Jackonsville)

There are some easy RB choices this week (look below in Others I Like) but I’m not taking the easy way out. I am a Steve Slaton owner, and others like me are probably wondering whether sitting Slaton is a good idea after watching him rush for 51 yards and not get into the end zone through the season’s first two games.

Start him. I am. And here’s why:

Last year in two games against Jacksonville, Slaton rushed for 166 yards, had 135 yards receiving, and scored 3 TDs.
Jacksonville’s defense has been overrated against the run for a few years now. They have already given up two rushing TDs in two games this year against the two worst rushing attacks in the NFL from 2008 (Indy, Arizona). Last year, they were 13th in the NFL against the run and gave up 14 TDs. Decent but not great, and I don’t think they are even that good this year.
Slaton is due.

Houston knows they have to run the ball to be successful this year. Last week, they got their passing game going against Tennessee. This week, it will be all about the run. Slaton had tough matchups in Weeks 1 and 2 (Jets, Titans) but should find plenty more room to run this week.

Steve Slaton Week 3 projection: 95 yards rushing, 1 TD, 5 rec, 55 yards receiving

Other RBs — specifically, good ones who have struggled so far in 2009 — I like in Week 3: Steven Jackson (vs Green Bay); Clinton Portis (vs Detroit); Matt Forte (at Seattle)

Sit ‘Em: Cedric Benson, Cincinnati (vs Pittsburgh)

Can you tell that I think it’s going to be a tough day for the Bengals at home against Pittsburgh?

Look, I’m a card-carrying member of the I Hate Cedric Benson Club, but even I can’t deny that he has been very good this year. He’s run for 217 yards through two games and has scored a TD. But Pittsburgh has one of the NFL’s best rushing defenses week in and week out, and they have already shut down fantasy studs Chris Johnson and Matt Forte in back-to-back weeks.

Why in the hell would a perennial fantasy stiff like Benson do what those two could not?

You want numbers? Here you go: Last year, Pittsburgh gave up 80.2 yards per game on the ground and allowed only seven rushing TDs all year. This year, they are giving up only 64.5 yards per game and have yet to give up a rushing score. Cedric Benson has a career average of 3.7 yards per carry and has scored a grand total of 13 TDs in 49 games.

No thank you. That was easy.

Cedric Benson Week 3 projection: 41 yards, 0 TDs

Other RBs I don’t like in Week 3: Thomas Jones (vs Tennessee); LenDale White (at New York Jets); Willie Parker (at Cincinnati); Larry Johnson (at Philadelphia)

Week 3 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em: Derrick Mason, Baltimore (vs Cleveland)

Cleveland’s defense has actually not been as bad as you might think. It is the offense that has truly been putrid. The problem is that the offense’s inability to stay in the field has led to tired legs in the second half and big plays for the opposition.

With Hank Poteat looking absolutely incompetent covering the slot, Derrick Mason could have another good game against the Browns. Here are his last four outings against Cleveland, the first two of which were with Joe Flacco at QB last season: 9 rec, 136 yards, TD; 4 rec, 42 yards; 6 rec, 83 yards; 10 rec, 78 yards.

Not too shabby.

Mason is hit or miss in terms of touchdowns, but makes an especially solid play this week in PPR leagues. The Browns will give up a lot of underneath receptions, which is exactly where Mason likes to operate. Plus, Baltimore should get up early and be salting away a win in the second half, which means they probably won’t be going deep too often after the first couple of quarters.

Derrick Mason Week 3 projection: 7 receptions, 87 yards, 1 TD

Other WRs I like in Week 3: Torry Holt (at Houston); Braylon Edwards (at Baltimore); Lee Evans (vs New Orleans); Mario Manningham and Steve Smith (at Tampa Bay); Desean Jackson (vs Kansas City); Johnny Knox (at Seattle)

Sit ‘Em: Donnie Avery, St. Louis (vs Green Bay)

A lot of fantasy owners had high hopes for Donnie Avery on the heels of his breakout rookie campaign during which he caught 53 balls or 674 yards and 3 TDs. Through two games in 2009, however, Avery has only 7 catches for 50 yards.

This week, the Rams play a Green Bay defense that was shredded by the Bengals last week at home. Green Bay’s primary problem on D is their inability to stop the run, but they do have two solid cornerbacks in Charles Woodson and Al Harris that will make life difficult for Avery and Laurent Robinson.

For St. Louis to win on Sunday, Steven Jackson will need to be the first, second, and third options in the offense. I think Avery will see limited targets, especially with Robinson’s emergence (11 receptions, 141 yards, 1 TD on the season).

Donnie Avery Week 3 projection: 3 rec, 35 yards, 0 TD

Other WRs I don’t like in Week 3: Nate Washington (at New York Jets); Laveraneus Coles (vs Pittsburgh); Nate Burleson (vs Chicago)

Week 3 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Tight Ends

Start ‘Em: Brent Celek, Philadelphia (vs Kansas City)

I should have listed Brent Celek here last week and taken advantage of his 8 catch, 104-yard performance. Alas, I did not; but I am righting that wrong this week.

Celek has been outstanding so far this year, catching no fewer than six passes through the Eagles’ first two games. Kevin Kolb, the likely starter for this Sunday’s game against Kansas City, clearly likes Celek and will throw the ball his way often.

And guess what? Kansas City sucks, which makes this a really solid matchup for Celek and his owners.

Brent Celek Week 3 projection: 8 rec, 79 yards, 1 TD

Other TEs I like in Week 3: Todd Heap (vs Cleveland); Dustin Keller (vs Tennessee)

Sit ‘Em: Benjamin Watson, New England (vs Atlanta)

I’m afraid fantasy owners are going to overrate Ben Watson for at least the first few weeks of the season. His Week 1 numbers will skew his cumulative totals and make otherwise sensible owners forget that he has caught only 58 passes over the past two seasons.

Watson was tremendous in Week 1, catching six balls for 77 yards and 2 TDs, but that was more of a fluky function of that game’s situation and a specific defense Buffalo had been employing that Tom Brady took advantage of in the waning moments of the game.

I expect Tom Brady to look deep early and often against the Falcons. Watson may catch a few balls, but there are plenty of better options who are probably available, but may not have the gaudy and misleading two week stats that Watson has put up so far.

Ben Watson Week 3 projection: 3 rec, 24 yards, 0 TD

Other TEs I don’t like in Week 3: Zach Miller (vs Denver)

Week 3 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Defense / Special Teams Units

Start ‘Em: Denver Broncos at Oakland

Denver’s D was a much-maligned unit heading the 2009 season, but thus far is the #2 ranked defense in fantasy. Granted, they played the Browns last week to help prop up the numbers, but they also held a pretty potent Cincinnati offense in check the week prior.

What I like about Denver’s D is their ability to pressure the quarterback. Elvis Dumervil alone sacked Brady Quinn four times last week. Sacks are a good way to balance out giving up a few points…but giving up lots of points shouldn’t be a problem this week for Denver.

Denver faces Oakland and JaMarcus Russell — the same JaMarcus Russell who went 7-24 last week against Kansas City. The Raiders are also without starting guard Robert Gallery, who is injured.

This should be an ugly, low-scoring game between two underrated defenses. Considering the Raiders’ porous QB play and Denver should be a solid start for at least one more week.

Denver D/ST Week 3 projection: 13 points or less given up, 4 sacks, 2 INTs

Other team defense units I like in Week 3: Philadelphia (vs Kansas City); Green Bay (vs St. Louis); Washington (vs Detroit); Baltimore (vs Cleveland)

Sit ‘Em: Dallas Cowboys vs Carolina

Dallas’ defense has been very disappointing so far this year. They have yet to force a fumble or record a sack. And while you might say that they are due, I’d rather not take my chances against an offense that has DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, and Steve Smith, no matter how much Jake Delhomme has struggled.

Truthfully, I came close to putting Jake Delhomme in the start ‘em column for this week. Dallas’ D is very susceptible to big pass plays, and Delhomme-Smith is still a lethal downfield combo that is searching for its first TD connection of the year. Delhomme played better last week, and has perhaps put his ungodly INT problems behind him.

Either way, you have better options than the Cowboys’ D in what will probably end up being a shootout this coming Monday night.

Dallas D/ST Week 3 projection: 27 or more points given up, 1 sack, 1 INT

Other team defense units I don’t like in Week 3: Buffalo (vs New Orleans); Indianapolis (at Arizona); Arizona (vs Indianapolis); New England (vs Atlanta); Atlanta (at New England)

Can you tell that I think you should take the over in the Indy-Arizona and Atlanta-New England games?

I’m going to try something new this week and let you the readers chime in with some thoughts regarding my start ‘em, sit ‘em predictions. If nothing else, this should give other readers more insight into what the majority opinions are, rather than just my own.

Which of Jerod's Week 3 start 'em recommendations do you agree with? (Select all that apply)

QB Trent Edwards (44%, 308 Votes)

RB Steve Slaton (36%, 251 Votes)

WR Derrick Mason (15%, 104 Votes)

TE Brent Celek (34%, 236 Votes)

D/ST Denver Broncos (25%, 177 Votes)

Total Voters: 701

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Which of Jerod's Week 3 sit 'em recommendations do you agree with? (Select all that apply)

QB Carson Palmer (31%, 170 Votes)

RB Cedric Benson (46%, 250 Votes)

WR Donnie Avery (43%, 235 Votes)

TE Ben Watson (28%, 153 Votes)

D/ST Dallas Cowboys (33%, 178 Votes)

Total Voters: 544

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That’s it for this week’s start ‘em, sit ‘em lineup advice and projections column. As I mentioned above, use the comment section to its full extent. Let’s get some good fantasy tips, Q&A, and discussion going and help everyone get prepared for their Week 3 matchups.

**********

* – Carson Palmer photo credit: Rick Stewart/Getty Images via DayLife

* – Brent Celek photo credit: 2 Minuted to Midnight Green

Email the author of this post: jerod@midwestsportsfans.com

Filed Under: Fantasy Football, Fantasy Sports, NFL Tagged With: Ben Watson, Brent Celek, carson palmer, cedric benson, derrick mason, Donnie Avery, Fantasy Football, fantasy football 2009, fantasy football lineup advice, fantasy football start em sit em, fantasy football starter advice, fantasy football week 3, NFL, Steve Slaton, Trent Edwards, week 3 start em sit em

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