Antonio Gates Close To Making History

Antonio Gates needs 29 receiving yards to break Hall-of-Famer Lance Alworth’s Chargers' franchise record for most career receiving yards.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 23, 2014

Antonio Gates is closing in on becoming the Chargers all time leader in receiving yards.  Quite an accomplishment when you think of some of the greats the Chargers have had over the franchises history. Take a look below.

It's safe to say that tonight game against the Denver Broncos is going to be a shootout and that Gates will break the record.  Truly one of the greats to play the tight end position and one the guys that transformed what teams look for in a tight end.  Congrats to Antonio Gates!

#SanDiegoChargers #AntonioGates #NFL #ChargersvsBroncos

NFL: Week 5 Thursday Night Vikings Vs. Packers

This weeks Thursday Night match up features the Minnesota Vikings and the Green Bay Packers. Both teams come into the game 2-2 and look to separate themselves from a tight NFC North.

The Packers should win this game.  They seem to have found their stride again after looking sluggish in the first two games of the season.  Although their defense is suspect they should have a better game against the Vikings who at best will have a hurt rookie quarterback starting tonight.

Which leads to the big questions of the night for the Vikings.  Will Teddy Bridgewater play?

Adam Sheffter reported this morning that Bridgewater is feeling better.

Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer: Teddy Bridgewater's ankle "doing much better".
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2014

But the Vikings really shouldn't rush this kid onto the field.  Yes he looked great last week and yes he looks like he has a bright future but their is no need to risk further damaging his ankle. These Thursday night games make it tough for teams injury wise and this is a perfect example. The Vikings should be happy to be 2-2 after losing Adrian Peterson for the year, rest Bridgewater this week, and have him for the long haul the rest of the year.  The whole "switch" thing still confuses me.

So who will start for the Vikings at QB?

Don't be surprised if it's Christian Ponder but at the same time dont be surprised if Bridgewater forces himself out there.   He is young and hungry.....but he won't be effective with that injury.

Fantasy Lookout: 

Aaron Rodgers will have a huge game, Randall Cobb will have a huge game, and Jordy Nelson will have a huge game.

For the Vikings look out for this kid Jerick McKinnon.  He is the most explosive back they have and could make some big plays tonight.

Final Prediction:

Green Bay will be hot on offense.  Bridgewater will play but will either leave the game early or be ineffective with his injury.  Their offense will not be able to catch up.  

Green Bay 34- Minnesota 20

NFL Week 4: Fantasy Football Results

I thought it would be interesting to post the results of my Fantasy Football team from my main "legacy' league The T.I.E.F.F.L. The league is a little more high scoring so I'll highlight the scoring settings that are different than standard leagues.



1. All positions 10 yards= 1 point
2. PPR
3. In addition to points given up and touchdowns Defenses score on fumbles cause, recovered, interceptions, and sacks
4. Return yards are 20 yards= 1 point

This win puts me at 4-0.  Brees, Murray, and Antonio Brown continue to carry me. Wish me luck going forward. 

Fantasy Football: Week 5 Waiver Wire

Here is my top 5 players available in most leagues that could help your team.  Keep in mind this list is intended for more deep leagues where players are hard to come by.

5. Ruben Randle
I'ts amazing that I am saying this but Eli Manning seems to be getting this offense on the right track.  Although Donnell and Cruz have had big weeks recently look for Randle to pick up his production.  He is too talented not to and I don't see Cruz playing big every game.

4. Mike Glennon
Tampa Bay looked much better with Glennon at the helm.  I thought he played well in his rookie campaign.  The Bucs obviously did not and signed Josh Mccown to be their starter.  He is out and Glennon can throw it.  If you need a start at quarterback because of a bye he may be worth a look.

3. Branden Oliver
It was surprising that Oliver made the 53 man roster after pre-season.  The Buffalo product showed the Chargers something to keep him around and now he is going to get a chance to prove it. The Chargers have been decimated by injuries at the running back position and so far this year have been ineffective running the ball. With Woodhead out look for Oliver to fill in as a change of pace back and receiver out of the back field.  Worth a look in deep leagues.

2. Malcom Floyd

He isn't getting targeted much but when he is catching the football it'sover 20 yards.  He is always a big play waiting to happen and Phillip Rivers trusts him.  Royal won't score 2 touchdowns a week for long.

1. Justin Forsett

It is shocking how available he is in fantasy leagues right now.  He is the most explosive back the Ravens have and he is getting enough touches to be productive.  I made the mistake of not starting him in one of my leagues last week.  He is a guy that should not be available in your league.



Honorable Mention: James Jones. Made the list a few weeks ago and is still producing at a high level.

Chargers vs Jaguars: My Pics

Oakland Raiders Fire Allen Promote Sporano to Interim Coach, Gruden in the Wings

The Raiders made the first head coach firing of the season by letting go of Dennis Allen.  Not surprising after a 0-4 start to this 2014 season and a 8-28 record overall.

I can't say I complete blame Allen for this, GM Reggie McKenzie hasn't been great at putting good talent on the field.  This year's roster looks like a late 2000's pro bowl team with the likes of Justin Tuck, Charles Woodson, Maurice Jones Drew, and Matt Shaub.

Really????  Did they really expect this team to do well this season?

The Raiders fans should be angry.  The Raiders are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history.  They should have no problem attracting top talent or have any problem spending money to get it.  The Raiders make millions of dollars before they even sell a ticket.

Don't forget they have one of the most supportive fan bases in the NFL.  The team has been HORRIBLE (in my Charles Barkley impression) for years now, yet they still have fans dressed in black, face paint all over, Darth Vader suites, and spikes everywhere.  They don't call their home field  the "black hole' for no reason.

So who is going to lead the ship for the Raiders now?  Tony Sporano.

A defensive minded coach who failed miserably as an offensive coordinator with the Jets and failed as a head coach for the Dolphins.  I think he is an upgrade over Allen but in an interim period this isn't going to change the Raiders fortunes for the rest of the season.

The Raiders have to go for a big name.  They have to change the culture.  They have to go for Jon Gruden. They need Chuckie back. They need their identity back.

Look at the coaches and their records since Gruden left.


Bill Callahan (2002-2003) 15-17
Norv Turner(2004-2005) 9-23
Art Shell (2006) 2-14
Lane Kiffin (2007-2008) 5-15
Tom Cable (2008-2010) 17-27
Hue Jackson (2011) 8-8
Dennis Allen (2012-2014) 8-28

Close friend of Jon Gruden: “One of these days, he’s going to accept these offers he gets every year. Maybe it’s this one.” #Raiders
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2014

Tony Sparano: “Things will change and our football team will get better.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2014

#Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie, asked how much is his failure: “A lot of it rides on me. I brought Dennis in to win. That didn’t materialize”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2014

As I Charger fan I will be the first to admit that I am happy with seeing the Raiders continue to fail.  I love penciling them in to finish last in the AFC West, but if I am being objective the Raiders have to go all in on Gruden. Owner Mark Davis has to apologize to Gruden for the ending with his father Al Davis and throw the bank at him! We'll see what happens.

Former Teammates Williams and Smith Ready for Sunday

I'm ready for sunday @89SteveSmith...are you?! lol #bloodandguts #panthernation pic.twitter.com/0S8GeUJTxo
— DeAngelo Williams (@DeAngeloRB) September 25, 2014

The former teammates Steve Smith and DeAngelo Williams are ready to square off on NFL Sunday.  Both players play on the offensive side of the ball so we won't see a personal battle but this tweet makes it clear how big Steve Smith was in the Panthers locker room.

Steve Smith spent 13 years with the Carolina Panthers until signing with the Baltimore Ravens this season.  He was thought to be at the tail end of his career but so far this season has been spectacular and stands 7th in receiving yards.

It will be interesting to see the emotions and performance that comes out for Steve Smith from playing his former team where he spent so much time and meant so much to the season.