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.

Steelers Sign James Harrison

Today news broke that the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed linebacker James Harrison.  The Steelers lured Harrison out of retirement to help patch their linebacking corps that was dealt some injury blows against the Carolina Panthers last Sunday Night.

Coach Tomlin is obviously excited to have Harrison back.  Harrison is a veteran who knows the Steelers system and championship pedigree having won acquired two rings from Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.

Deebo is back. There goes the neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/Ftnch8SUYy
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) September 23, 2014

A lot of media is up in arms regarding the signing due to Harrison's past troubles with domestic violence 7 years ago.

Unfortunately for the media this was a no brainer move for the Steelers to make. And if the Rooney family is ok with signing then I am on board as well.

We will see how much gas Harrison has in the tank but it is clear that the Steelers are excited to have him back. What do you think, was this a good move by the Steelers? Does his past domestic violence issues make a difference?

#Steelers #NFL #JamesHarrison  

Thursday Night Football: Giants vs. Redskins

Tonight's edition of Thursday Night Football on NFL Network features two struggling NFC East teams.  The Giants have a struggling veteran quarterback in Eli Manning and the Redskins have everyone's favorite backup Kirk Cousins starting in place of the injured RGIII.

So who wins tonight?

I am going with the Washington Redskins in this game,  Kirk Cousins is playing for a future in the NFL and so far has looked fantastic.  Even though he came up short in last weeks shootout against the Eagles, I think he is making the case that he should be a starter in this league if not the starter for the Washington Redskins.

Look at his numbers so far this year in only two games:

5 TD's only 1 INT and a QBR of 84.4.  That is impressive.  I have seen nothing from the Giants defense that makes me feel that Cousins won't have another big game this week.

For the Giants this seems like inevitable fall to the bottom of the NFC East.  Although Eli showed so glimmer of hope in last weeks game there is just nothing scary about this team,  

I think coach Tom Coughlin has made the right choice in putting an emphasis on running the ball.  Rashad Jennings was a beast last week, 34 carries, 176 yards rushing, and 1 TD.  In order for them to be competitive they have to shorten the game, keep their defense off of the field, and play physical.  They have a tendency to rely on Eli to make plays to much and that only leads to one thing...INT's.

Game Prediction:

Kirk Cousins will come out on fire at home and give the Redskins a 14-0 lead.  The Giants will stay committed to the run for a while but will have no choice but to throw the ball a lot which is good news for Washington D owners.  Redskins take this game 31-17.  

ASU UCLA: Thursday Night Pac 12 Football

Again I am biased here.  I am an ASU Alumni and my team is facing their first test of the year in the UCLA Bruins.  I won't even bore you with picking the game,

I am excited to see how amped up the ASU crowd will be after seeing how aggressive ASU has been in their social media with the #blackoutthebruins.  Even I pulled out my old black ASU shirt to show my support.

Wearing my black #ASU shirt for the#blackoutthebruins game tonight #GoDevils #SunDevils #collegefootball pic.twitter.com/hsW8FUFbKc
— Erik Hoskins (@airickhoskins) September 25, 2014

#BlackOutBruins GAMEDAY VIDEO: http://t.co/NCkVt9gCBn
— Sun Devil Athletics (@TheSunDevils) September 25, 2014

Hopefully tonight's game will show how talented the PAC 12 is and have a ton of highlights. Happy watching everyone!

Is Devin Hester a Hall of Famer?

Normally Special Teams players don't get the nod for the Hall of Fame but maybe Devin Hester will break the mold.

Since Deon Sanders no one has had more kick/punt returns for touchdowns.  Now Hester sits at the top of the list with 19 return touchdowns. However unlike Deon Sanders, Hester has not made the equal impact in other aspects of the game.

The question remains though, does Hester belong in the Hall of Fame?  Maybe a bigger question, should legendary impact special teams players be considered as a position for HOF inductees?

Maybe?....Maybe not?

His return ability has struck fear into teams for a generation.  No one wanted to kick to him and if they did they paid for it. Makes me wonder why teams still kick to him now!?

Despite his game changing ability I don't think Hester will get in.  The voters are too stubborn to let a guy like Hester in.  On top of that there are so many other position players who are snubbed every year that letting Hester in might cause an outcry.

What do you think? Does Hester get in? How about Special Teams Players getting more consideration for the HOF?

#NFL #DevinHester #HOF  

NFL Week 3: Injuries Pile Up

Week 3 of the NFL season saw quite a few nasty injuries. Some of them will have major impacts on their teams.

THIS JUST IN: The Chargers are placing RB Danny Woodhead on IR with a broken fibula. pic.twitter.com/uOXTtCCl2w
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 22, 2014

Cardinals CB Antonio Cromartie has what is said to be "just a bone bruise in knee."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2014

Panthers FB Mike Tolbert has hairline fracture in leg; RB Jonathan Stewart has sprained knee.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2014

THIS JUST IN: The Redskins announce CB DeAngelo Hall will miss the rest of this season with a torn achilles. pic.twitter.com/cTXlpYtPUV
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 22, 2014

Ike Taylor's surgery wrapping up. Could be candidate for IR- Designated to Return. Ryan Shazier out at least few weeks w/ankle sprain...
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 22, 2014

NFL Week 2: Waiver Wire Pick Ups

Here are some players I am seeing as popular adds or still available in many leagues on the waiver wire that can help your team.

1. Kirk Cousins:  Last week I stated RG3 needed to play well to get Cousins off his back.  The opposite happened.  Now RG3 may lose his job. Cousins led the Redskins to 40+ points and showed great command over the offense.  It's no secret that Coach Gruden favored him as well.  Good pick up if you are weak at the QB position.

2. Donald Brown:  Ryan Mathews is hurt.....again.  Brown is going to take over his touches.  Expect Woodhead to see some more action but overall Brown will be used in what is a very good Chargers offense.

3. James Jones: The Raiders are terriible but someone has to get the ball in this offense.  James Jones has two TD's in two games to start the season.  He has always had a knack for the end zone and he seems to be the primary target.  The Raiders will play from behind a lot and need to throw the ball.  James Jones will benefit.

4. Knile Davis: Easy choice for Jamaal Charles owners. Saw a ton of touches in Charles's absence and no reason for that to stop until Charles returns.  Get him if you can. 

5. Larry Donnell:  Don't like what I have seen from the Giants offense this season but I have noticed Donell is getting passes from Manning.  For fantasy football owners that is a good sign.  TE is a weak position in fantasy and many teams need a consistant option. Curious to see how he does moving forward but all signs point up.  So far 12 catches, 137 yards, and a TD.

NFL Week 2: Late Game Picks

Bucs over the Rams: Chris Long out for the year and they don't have a starting QB. Tampa Bay should win by default.

Chargers over the Seahwaks: I'm biased.

Texans over the Raiders:  Raiders....really...Texans win.

Packers over the Jets:  Not sold on the Packers but their offense should be enough to beat the Jets.

Broncos over Chiefs:  I think the Chiefs have regressed.  Broncos have too much firepower.

Niners over Bears:  WR injuries on the Bears offense will make it even harder to score on a tough niners D. Also the Niners are opening up their new stadium.  Take them.

NFL Week 2: Early Game Picks

Cardinals beat down the G Men:  Giants are a mess.  Arizona's D looked strong against a very good San Diego offense.  They like to blitz and blitz again plus Carson Palmer looks like a quarterback again.

Redskins over Jacksonville:  I gotta believe RGIII has a good game this week.  He needs it to get his "Cousin" off is back.. Sorry.  Jacksonville will be tough though.

Patriots over Vikings: No AP. Angry Tom Brady. Enough said.

Dallas over Tennessee:  I don't know why I would ever believe in the Cowboys because they always disappoint.  I just don't believe in Locker.  Titans do have a tough D though.

Buffalo over Miami:  Hardest game to pick. Both teams surprised last week.  Taking the home team.

Lions over the Panthers:  Cam Newton will be rusty.

Bengals over Falcons:  Falcons look good.  Lose on the road though.

Saints over Browns: Saints can't lose this game.  Brees outscores a surprisingly offensive Browns team.

Try NFL Pickem challenge on NFL.com  Easy way to pick games and see how you do over the course of a season.

AP Turns Himself In

Just read that Adrian Peterson turned himself in to authorities and was released today.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11514522/adrian-peterson-minnesota-vikings-indicted-child-case

What on Earth did Peterson do to his son.  And am I the only one who doesn't know what a switch is?  Apparantely that is what he uised that injured his son.

Whatever happened it seems very serious.  The Vikings and fantasy owners everywhere will be hurting tomorrow!

Sun Devils top Colorado in Opening Pac 12 Play

Proud of my Alumni tonight.  Took care of business in their first "test" of the season.

 ASU has always seemed to schedule their first two games very weak. In my days in Tempe, I can remember opening the season at home against Northern Arizona University.  Sparky probably did a 1,000 pushups that night so many points were scored.

Coloroado however is a legitimate Pac 12 team.  Although their football may not be strong this year ASU should be happy with the win.  From here on out the road gets tougher.

Next week the Sun Devils will face up against a solid UCLA team.  These next 3 weeks will determine ASU's true worth.  Let's see how it plays out.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 1

After week 1 of the NFL Season some surprising players made a big fantasy impact.  Here are some players I am seeing as popular adds or still available in many leagues on the waiver wire that can help your team.

1.  Justin Forsett-  With Ray Rice gone the RB for the Ravens is going to be on everyone's radar.  I think Forsett is the guy to get over Bernard Pierce.  Pierce keeps getting opportunities and keeps falling short of locking up the starting  job.  Forsett did not start in week 1 but was the more productive back compiling 70 yards on 11 carries with 1 touchdown and adding 5 catches for 13 yards.  Big pick up for PPR leagues.

 2. Allen Hurns-  The undrafted rookie came out of nowhere in week 1 catching 4 passes for 110 yards and scoring 2 touchdowns.  He was stellar all pre-season and looks poised to have a great season overall.  His targets may go down when Cecil Shorts gets healthy again but that is a big maybe.  He is still available in a lot of leagues and worth a pick up if your week at WR.

3. Harry Douglas-  Matt Ryan is throwing the ball all over the field,  Tony Gonzalez is gone as the 3rd option, and Roddy White and Julio Jones are always injury question marks.  Douglas is going to have a sneaky good year and could be a good back up starter on any roster.  He's a great option in deep leagues.

4. Bobby Rainey- A pretty obvious handcuff pickup for Doug Martin owners.  There was a lot of expectations on Doug Martin to have a bounce back season and in week 1 he was horrible.  9 carries for 9 yards.  After a questionable injury and possible benching, Rainey came on and made an impact scoring a touchdown.  In addition to that Mike James  has been placed on IR.  Rainey could be the bell horse by default.

5.  Terrance West- When Ben Tate went down West and Crowell became the running back by committee tandem.  It looks like Tate will be out for a couple weeks so West should see a lot of action. Although Crowell got the scores, West was the back used more getting 100 yards on 16 carries.  Expect more of that until Tate comes back.







Keep in mind these are options I am seeing for deeper leagues.  If you are struggling to find options these guys are the ones to target.  Good luck to all!

Megatron's Greatness: Kurt Warner Honored

Most receiving yards, first 7 seasons since 1970: Holt, Megatron, Moss, Rice, and Harrison. pic.twitter.com/dtMYyxOSO4
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 10, 2014

We all know Calvin Johnson is a beast.  People chomp at the bit to get this guy early in Fantasy Drafts and rightfully so when you see the list above.  Whenever you are in company with guys on the list you are among true greatness.

What is more surprising is that Torry Holt tops this list just ahead of Megatron.  It really shows how prolific the Rams teams under Kurt Warner were.  #greatestshowonturf

On a side note congrats to Kurt Warner for being inducted into the Arizona Cardinals ring of honor.  He deserved it.  He made the Cardinals a relevant team again when they were the laughing stock of the league.  A great quarterback who in my opinion belongs in the hall of fame.

Rice Suspended Indefinitely

Commissioner Roger Goodell hammers the nail in the coffin that is Ray Rice's career by suspending the running back indefinitely.

Big news from @mortreport: Ray Rice released. Finished with Baltimore.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2014

Roger Goodell has announced that based on new video evidence that became available today he has indefinitely suspended Ray Rice.
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) September 8, 2014

JUST ANNOUNCED: The NFL has indefinitely suspended Ray Rice based on new video evidence becoming available today. (via @gregaiello)
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 8, 2014

In my opinion this was an easy move to make for Goodell after Baltimore already released him.  Baltimore did the heavy lifting.  Now no team will want to sign Rice effectively ending his career.  Celebrities and athletes be warned, if you already didn't realize, if you do something bad TMZ will find it!

Ray Rice Done in Baltimore: TMZ Footage

After shocking video of Ray Rice hitting his then Fiancee and knocking her out unconscious, the Baltimore Ravens have decided to release Ray Rice.

Big news from @mortreport: Ray Rice released. Finished with Baltimore.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2014

If you haven't seen the video here it is:






For Commissioner Goodell this gets him off the hook for not having suspended Ray Rice for more games.  His initial 2 game suspension was met with a massive out lash from fans, players, and media.  After all  Josh Gordon is gone for a year and all he did was smoke marijuana.

After watching this video what seems worse to you?

Either way applaud the Baltimore Ravens for stepping up and handling the problem themselves.  Goodell would have had a bigger mess to deal with.  Ray Rice's career may be over.

Fantasy Football: Week 1 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

Some disappointments I had to highlight.

Doug Martin: Somehow hurt his knee and was completely ineffective.  Not that any of his teammates on the Bucs showed up either but I was expecting big things from him.  I am going to have to play him again next week but things are looking down.

Michael Crabtree: Didn't look 100% and was not targeted much even when playing a poor Cowboys Defense.  With the depth I have at WR on the bench (Reggie Wayne, Jeremy Maclin, Kelvin Benjamin) playing him going forward is going to be risky,  However his potential for the rest of the season is to high to completely give up on.


What I liked

Antonio Brown:  Boy am I glad to have Antonio Brown on my team again.  How about that kick to the kickers head!

#AntonioBrown just helped me go 1-0 to start this #FantasyFootball season. Boom! #intheface pic.twitter.com/HhHWDFnjmB
— Erik Hoskins (@airickhoskins) September 8, 2014

He is explosive and the Steelers are throwing the ball to him a lot.  His big numbers aren't stopping anytime soon.

Broncos offense slowing down in the 2nd half. With my opponent having Emmanuel Sanders and only needing 3 points to win it seemed almost inevitable that I was doomed.  But somehow the Fantasy Football gods were kind to me and Sanders along with the rest of the Broncos offense stalled.  I was biting my nails the whole 2nd half.  Fantasy Football at its best!

If your a Sanders owner you have to be happy.  Other than Julius Thomas exploding for three TD's Sanders was a difference maker.  He couldn't be covered and made big plays down the field time and time again. He is a player to watch especially with Welker out.


1-0 to start the season. Not to shabby.  Good luck to all Fantasy Footballers!

Mean Tweets - NFL Edition

The mean Tweets segment just doesn't seem to get old.  Check out Jimmy Kimmel's Mean Tweets: NFL Edition.  #Hilarious!

What is New Zealand Doing? Crazy intro to game with USA in FIBA World Championship

The look on the USA Basketball Men's Team is priceless.  I have never seen a team do something like this.  It seems like they spent more energy on their intro than the did on playing the game.  Take a look at the video below.

As expected USA prevailed and has finished group play undefeated after their win over Ukrain 95-71.

http://espn.go.com/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/11465071/us-wraps-pool-play-perfect-record

More Chargers Love!!!

All this love for the Chargers is making me nervous for the season! Let's go to Vegas!

Over/Under 8.5 Wins   I'll take that! I think Mike Mccoy thinks so too.

Coach Mike McCoy: "Outstanding day of work" http://t.co/H4uQWUgvHp pic.twitter.com/m6qpLUhD89
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) September 4, 2014

UNICORNS! SHOW PONIES! WHERE'S THE BEEF?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the best commentary for a game ending play ever. Period.

UNICORNS! SHOW PONIES! WHERE'S THE BEEF?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!: http://t.co/NfmBXx4QuX @tbrou11 #bestcommentaryever
— Erik Hoskins (@airickhoskins) September 4, 2014

Chargers Sports Pundits Favorites

About time my Chargers get some love on ESPN!

"@Chargers are going to be my SURPRISE team in the AFC." - @RealSkipBayless #FTpick pic.twitter.com/E6E8PcIG7X
— ESPN First Take (@ESPN_FirstTake) September 4, 2014

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Tonight the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers will kickoff the NFL Season and let me tell you I am very excited.  Insert Hank William's song:  

Still so much better than the new songs! Anywho.....

This year I will post all my picks to my blog as well as some Fantasy Football notes. I will be using NFL.com's weekly pick'em page to keep track of my record throughout the season. Thursdays game will be picked Thursday before the game, Sunday's games on Sunday morning and Mondays's games will be picked Monday night before the game. Let me know what you think of my picks or let me know your picks for the games.


Green Bay @ Seattle NBC 8:30 ET 

I'm going with Seattle mainly because they are at home, young and healthy, and looked extremely sharp in pre-season. The defending champ hasn't historically done well in the opening Thursday night game(look at Baltimore Denver game last year) but I think that trend changes tonight.  No Failmary needed this time.

Game Result: Seattle 24 - Green Bay 20
















Fantasy Factors Seattle: 

Percy Harvin: He is healthy and should have a big game.  With Golden Tate gone Harvin is now the primary target and will be used in a variety of ways.  He is also always a threat in the return game to give you that bonus touchdown.

Russell Wilson: I expect big things from Wilson this year.  He is one year wiser and looks extremely confident in the offense. His ability to run extra yards and touchdowns makes him even more valuable in fantasy.  I think he does well against Green Bay and overall has a great fantasy year.

Fantasy Factors Green Bay :

Randall Cobb:  With Seattle's D making it hard for receivers on the outside Green Bay has to attack the middle of the field and that is where Randall Cobb is most dangerous.  Look for Cobb to make some big catches and score a touchdown.  There won't be many chances but the ones available will probably be to Cobb.

Eddie Lacey: Someone's got to soften the Seattle D up and Lacey's rugged style is going to be called upon a lot.  Seattle has had some changes on the defensive line and Lacey will try to expose that.  Look for him to get a lot of work in this game. 20 touches.