Matchup To Watch: Jackson VS Revis

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UPDATE: The Union-Tribune repots, “Darrelle Revis is the guy who’s shut down everybody in this league,” said New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan of his star cornerback. “And he’ll do the same again this week, I believe, whoever he’s matched up against.” Most likely, that would be San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson. He’s decidedly a big part of the Chargers offense, but probably hasn’t quite attained the name-brand level of some of those who’ve been covered by Revis this season.

FANTASY IMACT: Jackson’s matchup with Revis could open things up for the other Charger receivers. When Revis shut down Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco in the wild-card round, it created opportunities for Bengal WRs Laveranues Coles and Andre Caldwell. Look for Charger WRs Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee to get more chances if Revis wins his matchup against Jackson.



Matchup To Watch: Jackson VS Revis

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UPDATE: The Union-Tribune repots, “Darrelle Revis is the guy who’s shut down everybody in this league,” said New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan of his star cornerback. “And he’ll do the same again this week, I believe, whoever he’s matched up against.” Most likely, that would be San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson. He’s decidedly a big part of the Chargers offense, but probably hasn’t quite attained the name-brand level of some of those who’ve been covered by Revis this season.

FANTASY IMACT: Jackson’s matchup with Revis could open things up for the other Charger receivers. When Revis shut down Cincinnati Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco in the wild-card round, it created opportunities for Bengal WRs Laveranues Coles and Andre Caldwell. Look for Charger WRs Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee to get more chances if Revis wins his matchup against Jackson.



Blackhawks Start Eight-Game Road Trip

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The Hawks will start an important eight-game road trip this weekend, first kicking it off in Columbus, were they will play the Blue Jackets right after they shut them out 3-0 Thursday.

It’s the longest road trip for the Hawks this season, and it comes in a crucial part of the season. The Hawks looked good as ever Thursday as Brian Campbell scored just 61 seconds into the game last Thursday.  Huet, who struggled against Minnesota last Saturday, was sharp, stopping all 24 shots that came his way.

The Hawks are looking to retain their spot as the top team in the Western Conference, and a road trip like this will surely test the Hawks’ ability to win crucial, mid-season games because it’s not an easy road trip.

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Jones Good To Go Sunday

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UPDATE: The New York Daily News reports New York Jets RB Thomas Jones declared himself "good to go" for tomorrow's AFC divisional playoff game against the San Diego Chargers. Jones, who wore a brace on his right knee and only rushed 15 times in last week's wild-card win over the Bengals, said he felt 100%.

FANTASY IMPACT: Jones set career highs in yards (1,450) and carries (331) this season, and is a big reason why the Jets have the NFL’s best rushing attack. Expect Jones to get his usual amount of carries as the Jets look to keep the Chargers offense watching from the sidelines.



Warner Leaves with Chest Injury

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UPDATE: Fox Sports is reporting that Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner left today’s game in the second quarter with a chest injury and is questionable to return.

FANTASY IMPACT: The Cardinals trail the New Orleans Saints by 21 points at halftime and have suffered a number of injuries on both sides of the ball. They will look to backup QB Matt Leinart to lead a comeback if Warner cannot return.



Dolphins Target WRs in Draft

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UPDATE: According to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. For Miami Dolphins, the question is whether Oklahoma State's 6-2 WR Dez Bryant — the consensus top receiver — could slip to Miami's pick at No. 12, though the Dolphins also will consider defense. Many have Bryant going in the top 10, and Mel Kiper ranks him ninth overall.

FANTASY IMPACT: Bryant would be a great addition to a Dolphins receiving core that struggled with consistency all season. Bryant has great hands and has a knack for making big plays. In 2008, Bryant had 87 catches for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns for Oklahoma State.



Rodgers-Cromartie is doubtful to return

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Update: Fox Sports is reporting that Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is doubtful to return after suffering a sprained knee in the first quarter of today's game at New Orleans.

Fantasy Impact: Things opened up great for the Cardinals, but Drew Brees has been dead on with his accuracy so far this afternoon, and losing Rodgers-Cromartie is a major blow for the Cardinals secondary. 



Lewis named Coach of the Year

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Update: ESPN is reporting that Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis has been named the Associated Press' NFL coach of the year.

Fantasy Impact:  The Bengals ended their season on a down not, but Lewis did a tremendous job this season turning the Bengals into one of the league's top defenses, all while dealing with a number of tragedies, one which included the death of wideout Chris Henry.  Where the Bengals were last offseason, and where they are today is like night and day.



Flacco still banged up

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Update: NFL.com's Jason La Canfora confirms that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will be playing at less than 100 percent on Saturday night against the Colts, but that there are some reports that are being blown out of proportion about the extent of his injuries.

Fantasy Impact:  There has been a ton of talk about Flacco's status, but one thing is certain.  He must have a better passing day on Saturday night against the Colts, then he did against New England last week, or the Ravens will struggle.



The Colts’ Self-Inflicted PR Problem

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bill-polian-jim-irsay

So I am walking around every corner of downtown the past four hours, doing tours, meetings, getting lunch, observing, chatting with football fans, etc, and all I see are Ravens fans.

AirTran added 3 extra flights from Baltimore yesterday to accommodate demand. Many are quite pleased to get “inexpensive seats.”

Realize Baltimore has a VERY small fan-base, and the Colts have every game sold out.

Therefore what happened?

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AJ Kaufman is the Co-Editor of MSF. Follow him on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ajkauf7

WWSC: Why Adam LaRoche’s New Contract Should Matter to Cubs Fans

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[Editor's Note: What follows is the third edition of a new series of regular posts that you will start to see here on MSF called Wendell Willkie's Spam Cleansing (WWSC for short).

Throughout the day I participate in email conversations with friends about hot sports topics. One of my friends in particular is very active in these conversations. This is that friend.]

———-

The back pages of the virtual espn.com newspaper this morning report Adam LaRoche signing a 1 year contract with the AZ Dbacks for $4.5M.

Why should you care?

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Video: College Basketball Dunk of the Year…From a Small NAIA College in Indiana

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errick-mccollum-dunk

When most people hear the term “basketball in Indiana” they think of the movie Hoosiers, Bob Knight, Larry Bird, and fundamentally sound white dudes with picture perfect releases on their shot.

I grew up in Indiana so I know that while that stereotype is there for a reason, there is much more to basketball in our proud state than short shorts and short jumpers.

So…if I told you that the dunk of the year in college basketball (at least so far) comes from tiny Goshen College in Indiana - a Mennonite liberal arts college with an enrollment of 1,000 – I’d assume that you’d all be just as surprised as I am.

But don’t be.

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



Friday Link Dump: The Big Lead Hates Indianapolis, and Vice Versa

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It’s the end of the week. It’s time to leave. I don’t fee like writing a description (but DO feel like watching so good football games this weekend!). Enjoy your links.

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



Cowboys Hire Pasqualoni as D-Line Coach

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Update:  Matt Mosely of ESPN.com reports that the Cowboys have hired a familiar face to replace defensive line coach Todd Grantham, who has accepted the defensive coordinator position at Georgia.  Owner Jerry Jones and head coach Wade Phillips didn't waste any time in hiring former Cowboys assistant Paul Pasqualoni as the defensive line coach.  Pasqualoni coached tight ends and linebackers 2005-2007 before joining Tony Sparano in Miami.  Pasqualoni was fired as the Dolphins' defensive coordinator earlier this week in a move that surprised a lot of coaches around the league.

Fantasy Impact:  Todd Grantham will continue to coach the Cowboys' defensive line in the playoffs, including this Sunday's divisional round against the Vikings.  NT Jay Ratliff leads a tenacious front three that are peaking as a unit for what could be a deep postseason run.



Barber Probable for Sunday

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Update:  Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News reports that Cowboys RB Marion Barber took part in a full practice on Friday after being limited on Thursday because of a bruised left knee and will play Sunday against Minnesota.

Fantasy Impact:  OK, time to get Barber back in your lineup.  For now in playoff formats, use Barber as a #2 option coming off his injured knee.  Cowboys RB Felix Jones still might be a better #2 option as he has put up huge numbers in the last two games against the Eagles.