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Daily Haze: Start & Sit

Published: September 10, 2009

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Daily Haze, fantasy football, NFL, sports news

Finally! Football is back tonight —real football— with the season opening contest between the Steelers and Titans. Should be good stuff.

That means one thing for fantasy owners: Get those lineups set! At least, if you have Steelers’ and/or Titans’ players on your roster.

It also means the time has come for our first start/sit advice of the year. This just applies to tonight’s game, come back tomorrow for a look at all of the week one action.

Start ‘em

  • Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: C’mon. You never sit your studs. Johnson put down some good numbers against Pittsburgh last year and will get the call to do so again tonight. You drafted him to be a starter.
  • Willie Parker, RB, Steelers: Parker gets the vote of confidence from head coach Mike Tomlin and that should be enough for fantasy owners to give him a go tonight. He draft value was sweet considering the Steelers do plan to continue using him, instead of Rashard Mendenhall, near the goal line.

Sit ‘em

  • LenDale White, RB, Titans: Something tells me the Steelers’ defense is going to make life especially hard on White tonight. Something about revenge for stomping on the terrible towel. Besides, White was drafted as an RB3 this year. He can gladly stay on fantasy owners’ benches tonight.
  • Heath Miller, TE, Steelers: Miller went undrafted in many fantasy leagues and for good reason: He is an inconsistent an option as they come. Capable of a decent stat line, I still do not trust Miller in any fantasy formats.

Here are today’s great reads:

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports’ world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!


Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com


Daily Haze: One More Day

Published: September 9, 2009

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Daily Haze, fantasy football, NFL, sports news

The NFL regular season — thank goodness for no more preseason football — begins tomorrow. Make sure to set your fantasy lineups accordingly.

There will be a special start/sit Daily Haze tomorrow for the Steelers-Titans game tomorrow night.

In addition, the deadline to make picks for the Pro Football Pick ‘em and the Survival League may be tomorrow — not entirely sure, so I went ahead and made mine — so if you want to compete against The Hazean, sign up today.

Here are today’s great reads:

  • Matthew Stafford “won” the starting quarterback job in Detroit, but that should not mean too much for Calvin Johnson. [FanHouse]
  • The best and the worst match-ups for week one starting quarterbacks. [Sports Data Hub]
  • He played well in stretches for fantasy owners last year and a lot of fantasy experts are expecting bigger things from Joe Flacco this season. [RotoProfessor]
  • More Flacco love and four other predictions for the 2009 fantasy football season. [National Football Post]
  • If you are looking for some help off the waiver wire in week one … [Sons of the Tundra]
  • Speaking of the waiver wire, there are a number of unowned players in standard leagues that need to be on fantasy rosters right now. [No Offseason]
  • Start and sit advice continues to trickle down from the fantasy experts. [CBSSports]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports’ world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!


Read more NFL news on BleacherReport.com


Daily Haze: Brett Favre

Published: September 1, 2009

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Daily Haze, fantasy football, NFL, sports news

The old man played pretty well last night.

Making his first lengthy preseason appearance, Brett Favre completed 13-of-18 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown last night against the Houston Texans. He also threw a pretty dirty block on a cornerback from the Wildcat formation.

Favre’s touchdown pass came on a short screen pass to Chester Taylor before the end of the first half. He also had another pass into the endzone go between the fingers of Percy Harvin, so he should have ended with two scores and no picks.

Not too shabby.

All in all, I think Minnesota Vikings fans should be pretty excited about the offensive prospects for 2009. With Favre under center and Adrian Peterson behind him, opposing defenses are going to have their hands full.

Here are today’s great reads:

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our Web site for more great fantasy content!



Daily Haze: Michael Vick’s Return and More

Published: August 28, 2009

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Daily Haze, fantasy football, NFL, sports news

The return of Michael Vick officially got kicked off last night in Philly.  Of course, the Philly fans went wild when Vick stepped onto the field for the second play of the game.  He finished the night going 4-4 for 19 yards, and one rushing yard. 

He won’t be shooting up any draft boards with that performance, but I think that he’ll get draft in most leagues now as a late mid-round flier.

Here are today’s great reads:

Baby T.O…er…Brandon Marshall puts in a lackluster performance at Wednesday’s practice, a no-show for Thursday’s practice, and now he is saying that he wants a fresh start in Denver.  In this case, I think that actions speak louder than words.  [ABC News Denver & ESPN]

Each year, certain first round picks will have a fall from grace and underperform.  That is just the nature of the beast.  So which 2008 studs will be 2009 duds?  Here is a list of the top 20 players and their chances of falling out of the top 20 for next year. [Fantasy Football Librarian]

The hype machine on Ray Rice is reaching unstoppable proportions.  Is it all unjustifiable hype, or is there a reason that Rice is flying up everybody’s cheatsheets? [Pancake Blocks]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports’ world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forumsfor all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!


Rookie Report: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not?

Published: August 27, 2009

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Rookie Report, fantasy football, NFL, rookies

Oh Michael Crabtree. How I wonder who in the world continues to take you in fantasy drafts?

Seriously. Who is doing this? And why on Earth? The guy has not played a snap this preseason. He has not even smelled the turf and man sweat at the San Francisco 49ers practice yet.

I would not draft him in any redraft league right now. Rookie receivers are generally slower to develop and, at this pace, Crabtree will be in the womb for a while.

We are two weeks into the preseason and some rookies are already impressing, some rookies are looking like rookies and another elite rookie remains unsigned. That other rookie is, obviously, Michael Crabtree.

The talent of Crabtree is undeniable, but I may have overlooked his then-undeserved diva status when making my rookie predictions earlier this offseason.

So which rookies have been impressive and which ones are just rookies?

 

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets

Mark Sanchez impressed the brass in the first preseason game enough to earn the start in the second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.  e rewarded the decision makers with a 3-for-8 performance with one touchdown and one interception. Those numbers are not that impressive for a starting quarterback in the NFL, but good enough for Rex Ryan to name him the starter for week one.

 

Matt Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

Matt Stafford was also given the starting nod over Daunte Culpepper in his second preseason game. His numbers were even worse as he finished 5-for-13 with a pick. Stafford needs to improve greatly in the remaining two preseason games if he wants to win the starting job.

 

Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Josh Freeman has not received an opportunity to start like the two previously mentioned quarterbacks, but he has been just as unimpressive. Freeman has no touchdown passes mixed with an interception. The quarterbacks of this year’s class are failing to impress me thus far.

 

LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

In his first preseason game LeSean McCoy looked real good running the football and in his second preaseason game McCoy was effective in the passing game. McCoy is a must handcuff for all Brian Westbrook owners just in case an injury befalls Westbrook.

 

Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals

In the meantime, Chris Wells is falling further behind Arizona incumbent running back Tim Hightower due to his injuries. Wells has not seen any playing time this preseason. His ankle is supposedly improving, but he has durability questions that are not being answered so far this preseason.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our Web site for more great fantasy content!



The Top 11 Touchdown Vultures for 2009

Published: August 26, 2009

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“Touchdown” Tommy Vardell. Jerome Bettis. Mike Alstott.

Fantasy owners know these names all too well. They are not the guys toting the rock 20-plus times a game. Nor do they regularly churn up 100-plus yards of offense (Bettis did more so early in his career; Alstott certainly had his share of big games here and there as well).

Nope. These are the players stealing touchdowns from your fantasy running backs.

While your guy may do all the work to get his team into the red zone, nothing eats at a fantasy owner more than his guy not getting in for six.

Even worse, he did not even get a chance after his team moved inside the 20.

With more and more NFL teams moving to a running-back-by-committee approach, there are more touchdown vultures than ever.

Sure, it makes the running back pool a little deeper on draft day. But it also lowers the ceiling for some of the bigger names on fantasy cheat sheets.

In no particular order, although the first guy on this list may be the best current touchdown vulture of them all, here are the top 11 touchdown vultures for 2009.

 

LenDale White, Titans
Stealing touchdowns from: Chris Johnson

Perhaps the best example of everything a touchdown vulture should be, minus the offseason weight loss program.

White is a big boy with an identity crisis. He may feel threatened by the every-down, versatile capability of Chris Johnson, but his straight-ahead, plowing running style is perfectly suited for short-yardage and goal line work.

Much to the chagrin of Johnson’s fantasy owners, White is in line for another double-digit touchdown season.

 

Shonn Greene, Jets
Stealing touchdowns from: Thomas Jones, Leon Washington

A majority of fantasy experts expect to see Greene steal a fair number of touches from Thomas Jones and Leon Washington this year. Personally, I think Greene is the life-after-Jones plan.

Most rookie running backs do have an immediate impact in the NFL. Just look at last year’s class for a great example of that.

If Greene does play a role this year, I doubt he gets the all-important goal line touches over the veteran Jones.

Then again, I could be wrong. Greene is a big back that runs north-south, perfect for goal line duty. Rarely will he lose yardage on a run.

He could be a factor late in games when the Jets are trying to pound the rock for the win.

 

Le’Ron McClain, Ravens
Stealing touchdowns from: Ray Rice, Willis McGahee

McClain was one of the bigger surprises last year. Slated to play fullback, he got extensive work in the three-headed monster of a backfield the Ravens employed in 2008.

While it appears the Ravens are grooming Ray Rice to become the team’s No. 1 running back, McClain earned the opportunity to receive more touches this season.

Baltimore plans to transition him back to fullback, but he could still see plenty of work near the goal line.

 

Earnest Graham, Buccaneers
Stealing touchdowns from: Derrick Ward, Cadillac Williams

Tampa Bay brought in Giants’ castoff Derrick Ward to become the team’s top running back.

Sharing touches with Brandon Jacobs, Ward accumulated 1,409 yards of offense last year (1,025 rushing, 384 receiving), but only two touchdowns.

He may have to share the touchdowns again this year.

Graham, who has one double-digit touchdown season to his credit, is being transitioned to fullback this season, but that does not mean he will not touch the football.

He has proven to be a capable runner during his tenure with the Bucs and could become something similar to Mike Alstott—though not nearly as legendary—for Tampa Bay.

 

Tim Hightower, Cardinals
Stealing touchdowns from: Beanie Wells

The Cardinals gave Hightower the opportunity to become the team’s featured back last season, but he never distanced himself from veteran Edgerrin James.

One area of the field where he did excel, however, was near the goal line.

While James did most of the work between the 20s, Hightower punched the ball in the end zone 10 times. He only averaged 2.8 yards per carry, but that matters little when you only have a few yards to get.

Arizona drafted Beanie Wells to solve its featured back dilemma; however, Wells cannot even stay on the practice field this preseason.

Hightower, meanwhile, appears in line to resume his role as the team’s short-yardage and goal line running back, if not more.

 

Ricky Williams, Dolphins
Stealing touchdowns from: Ronnie Brown

“He Who Will Not Go Away,” the elder Williams has carved out a niche in Miami—one that many a Ronnie Brown owner, myself included, despises.

Now two years removed from knee surgery with no setbacks, Brown should be able to handle a workhorse-esque role on his own, but the Dolphins continue to give Williams looks and he does pretty well with those opportunities.

Brown’s ceiling will continue to be limited by Williams’ presence, even if it appears irrational in the eyes of fantasy owners.

 

Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
Stealing touchdowns from: DeAngelo Williams

Good news for DeAngelo Williams owners: This might not come to fruition.

Obviously that is bad news for Stewart, who cannot stay on the football field—heck, the practice football field—long enough to steal anything from Williams. JStew continues to battle a bum foot while Williams continues to cement his role as the team’s feature back.

As soon as Stewart gets healthy, he will play; he was drafted in the first round of last year’s draft for a reason.

But the Panthers may ease him into a role on the offense and save him for the back half of the season, if necessary.

 

Sammy Morris, Patriots
Stealing touchdowns from: Fred Taylor, Laurence Maroney, Kevin Faulk

Good luck picking the right running back out of this fantasy quagmire.

The best bet is to grab the guy best near the goal line. Morris was the go-to red zone running back two years ago down the stretch when Tom Brady was throwing 50 touchdown passes.

He had some more-than-serviceable fantasy performances that year and could resume his role as the touchdown vulture this year if he can return to good health.

 

Michael Bush, Raiders
Stealing touchdowns from: Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas

If you were going to build a perfect goal line running back, Michael Bush might be the mold.

He is big, physical, not afraid to take on the bigger players, and a good north-south runner with a knack for the end zone.

Bush will be used this season to spell McFadden after Run DMc takes the Raiders down the field.

He definitely is worth a pick in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.

 

Reggie Bush, Saints
Stealing touchdowns from: Pierre Thomas

I know, right? It does not make any sense. Why in the world do the Saints keep giving Reggie the ball at the goal line?

Well, it happens, far too often sometimes for even this Bush fan.

While Pierre Thomas is not your typical goal line running back, he certainly appears closer to the mold than Bush, yet the Saints let Bush try to punch it in from inside the five a frustrating amount of times.

I expect that to change this season. In an effort to keep Bush healthy, look for Thomas, Mike Bell or even fullback Heath Evans to get the touches near the goal line. Thomas will get the first crack at securing the all-important job.

 

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers
Stealing touchdowns from: Willie Parker

This is a contract year for Willie Parker, which means two things: 1) Parker is playing for his job and 2) Mendenhall needs to prove that he was worth a first-round pick a year ago.

Talk about a battle.

When it comes to running styles, Parker is much better suited between the 20s. He has struggled at times in short yardage situations and that is where Mendenhall can hunker down in the battle for playing time this year and beyond.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!



Daily Haze: Last Mock Draft Update of the Summer

Published: August 26, 2009

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Daily Haze, fantasy football, NFL, sports news

The Hazean’s fantasy football mock draft database has been updated for the last time this summer.

Most fantasy owners are just about done with mock drafts. I already have participated in one real draft and have another one this weekend. My final real draft—the most competitive league in which I play—drafts next weekend in New Orleans.

Thanks for keeping up with all of mock draft trends via the mock draft database. I hope it was a tool you guys found useful.

If you have some feedback or a way to make it better next year, please share in the comments below.

Here are today’s great reads:

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports’ world?

Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!



Daily Haze: Yes, I Am Still Calling Him Chad Johnson

Published: August 25, 2009

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So the discussion arose after ultimate Frisbee practice last night regarding one Chad Ochocinco Johnson. Just wanted to reiterate my stance on his name, for the record.

I grew tired of Johnson’s antics some time ago, particularly after he kept running his mouth without actually performing at as high a level as he had in the past. Until he starts throwing down mad production again—production he is capable of—he gets no perks, including being called a ridiculous choice for last name.

To sum up: He is still Chad Johnson in the eyes of The Hazean until he earns the respect of this author by playing well on the field. So far, so good for Johnson during preseason, as he is looking more like the flashy, productive Chad of old and less like last year’s clown.

Here are today’s great reads:

  • Most leagues require that you draft a kicker to fill out your starting lineup. My advice: Wait until the very last round to do so. [Bruno Boys]
  • Jay Cutler and Matt Cassel—both new faces in new places—bounced back after a poor showing in each’s first preseason game. [Fantasy Football Geek Blog]
  • Fantasy analysis from each of the week two preseason games save last night’s Jets-Ravens game. [Sports Data Hub]
  • A deep look at how this year’s rookie class fared in week two of the preseason, certainly including James Davis’ and Glen Coffee’s monster outputs. [Fantasy Clicks]
  • Eight fantasy football draft fouls every owner should strive to avoid making during this year’s drafts. [Mock Draft Central]
  • Those of us pimping Shaun Hill this offseason can breathe a little easier this morning now that Hill has been named the starting quarterback for week one. [ProFootballTalk]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports’ world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!


Daily Haze: Football in the Air

Published: August 24, 2009

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Daily Haze, fantasy football, NFL, sports news

Two full weeks deep into the preseason schedule and we—football fans—are halfway to the real thing next month.

Most teams only have two preseason games left on the slate of “meaningless” football. Fantasy football owners have or are drafting for real leagues these days, salivating over sleepers and keepers. Football is back, baby.

With football comes a bevy of fantasy games, including two fantasy football games that will pit you, the reader, against The Hazean. Prizes are possible, but pride definitely is on the line.

This month also marks the last month to submit your best fantasy football team name for our three-month contest. The winner of this month’s contest—which already has received 50+ submissions—will go against the winners from June and July for ultimate bragging rights next month.

Here are today’s great reads:

  • Seven draft mistakes even good fantasy owners make. Rarely, if ever, should you draft backup tight ends, kickers or defenses. [Roto Arcade]
  • For those prepping for fantasy drafts, remember these five things to do on draft day. [Bruno Boys]
  • If plan on playing in a point-per-reception league this year, bone up on PPR knowledge before heading into your draft. [SI.com]
  • Ladell Betts is going to usurp some touches from Clinton Portis this year, which could knock Portis’ draft value that much lower. [ProFootballTalk]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forums for all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our Web site for more great fantasy content!



Daily Haze: Brandon Marshall’s Stock Plummeting

Published: August 21, 2009

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Preseason football action is in full swing, and I’m loving every minute of it. 

Now I’ll be the first to admit, that preseason is in no way, shape, or form as sweet as the regular season, but a guy can only take so much baseball until he goes crazy.  Also, watching the preseason is a good way of scouting out a few players you felt were on the fence as far as sleepers go. 

I know after watching a few games, I have more confidence in selecting those mid-rounders who I think could become studs.

Enjoy your weekend!

Here are today’s great reads:

  • Brandon Marshall isn’t doing himself any favors in Denver this preseason.  Apparently, he has yet to grasp Denver’s new offense and is now buried on the depth chart.  With a possible suspension in the works, Marshall’s draft stock could be plummeting soon. [Denver Post]
  • In case you haven’t gotten tired of the Brett Favre Saga, here is the transcript from a press conference as a new Viking.  [Every Morning Quarterback]
  • Yet another reason to draft Chad Ocho Cinco in your upcoming drafts.  Not only will he get you points for receiving, but throw in there a few extra points. [Yahoo Sports]
  • A great article on handcuffing your stud running backs.  Some guys are a strong recommendation for handcuffing while others aren’t much of a concern. [Fantasy Football Geek]

Got a pressing fantasy football question and need an answer now? Or just want to chat about all the recent developments in the sports world? Head over to The Hazean’s fantasy football forumsfor all that and more. Also remember to check out The Hazean’s fantasy rankings and mock draft database.

If you are a Tweeter, follow The Hazean on Twitter. If it is a good chuckle you desire, check out The Hazean’s Facebook page. Remember to follow (Twitter) and become a fan (Facebook) of The Hazean on both popular social networking sites.

If it is just more solid reading material that you crave, check out The Hazean’s Google Reader Shared Items page.

Thank you for reading the latest post from The Hazean. Please visit our website for more great fantasy content!

Daily Haze, fantasy football, NFL, sports news



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