BREAKDOWN – NFC West
By Steve O’Reilly
The NFC West is a Division that is wide open and depending who you ask, can be had by anyone. The Cardinals have the most talent, arguably, followed closely by the 49ers. The issue with the Cardinals however is gone is Kurt Warner and the new starter, Derek Anderson leaves some a bit nervous as to how far he can take them. The Niners are young but made strides in 2009 and if they continue along that path they should be tough to beat, the issue with them is the same as the Cardinals, how much do you trust their QB. In their case it’s former 1st Overall pick Alex Smith. For the Seahawks, they brought in a new Head Coach from USC and some new players to boot but of all the NFC West teams they have the best Quarterback…when he’s upright! The St. Louis Rams also have a #1 Overall pick on their roster and he too plays Quarterback, his name is Sam Bradford and the kid from Oklahoma has been turning some heads. What lies ahead for all these West Coast squads? Let’s take a spin around the Division and break it all down!! Read more
QB Alex Smith Owns Greg Ellis
By Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith showed he had major balls and flattened Oakland Raider Greg Ellis, who is a defensive end. I don’t know which is crazier, your quarterback blocking a defensive end or your defensive end capable of being absolutely owned by a quarterback.
Who’s No. 1? Smith, Carr battle for 49ers’ starting QB spot
No. 1 overall selections in the NFL draft three years apart, Alex Smith and David Carr are now competing to be the No. 1 quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. Read more
Week 13 – Fantasy Football Pickups
WEEK 13 – FANTASY FOOTBALL PICKUPS
By Gayle Saunders follow him on twitter: GayleESaunders
If you are looking for a free agent or waiver wire pickup, here are a couple of the best options likely available out there. Its time to get smart and make sure your Fantasy team is ready for the playoffs.
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QUARTERBACKS
Tennessee Titans- Vince Young is now 9 for 9 of his last starts. That is 5 straight victories, since he took over at QB for the 5-6 Titans. I cannot stress enough, go pick him up. Its possible Vince Young still might be available. We urged you last week to pick him up and what did he do? 43 pass attempts for 387 yds and 1 td off a 99 yard drive to end the game. He’s hot right now look for him to continue the streak even if it’s against The Indianpolis Colts. Remember he has beaten them in the past. Other favorable upcoming match ups: (1-10) St Louis Rams, (4-7)Seattle Seahawks, (5-6) Miami Dolphins.
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San Francisco 49ers- Alex Smith had a big day against The Jaguars going 27-41, 232 yds, 2 TDs. We projected that he would pull through and once again go pick himup if you need a QB. His next opponents are Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions and St Louis Rams. Besides the eagles, he matches up well with the rest of these secondarys. If in need go get Alex Smith!
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Atlanta Falcons- Chris Redman had a big day filling in for the injured Matt Ryan. Redman went 23-41, 243 yds, 2 TD. If your looking for someone to fill in, he’s worth a look.
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Atlanta Falcons – Jerious Norwood- Injuries and a limited workload have hurt his potential. But with Michael Turner once again on the sidelines after reaggravating a high ankle sprain, Look for Jerious to get involved in a big way. No Doubt He will yield carries to Jason Snelling but the shifty rusher’s game-breaking ability and well-rounded skill set cannot be forgotten. Lets get this straight in 50 career games he’s averaged 6.5 yards per touch… just food for thought.
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Dallas Cowboys– Tashard Choice last week with just 3 carries mind you, he had 67 yards against the Oakland Raiders. Choice will continue to be the third option in the Dallas backfield. But against weaker defensive fronts, he could get some decent fantasy points. Defensively, the Giants have been hit hard with injuries and with the secondary banged up as well, look for running lanes to open up on the second level. The Giants are also with out emotional leader Antonio Pierce in the middle. Look for for this game to be a perfect opportunity for Choice to get touches.
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TIGHT END
Green Bay Packers – Jermichael Finley- proves to be worth a pick up. A high-upside borderline TE1 going forward, Finley is a must pick up. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Oakland Raiders – Zach Miller- The only reliable receiving option this season, Miller responded pretty well to the quarterback change with 5 cathhes for 65 yards and 1 score against Cincy last week. Miller and the Raiders offense have tough matchups the next two games, but like I said he is the only reliable option for the Raiders.
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Denver Broncos- Tony Scheffler is in Kansas City this week. Look for him to get some targets and for the Denver offense to move the ball quite effectively. He had 4 catches for 53 yards against the Giants last week…against Kansas feel safe to deploy Scheffler.
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WIDE RECEIVERS
Tennessee Titans – Kenny Britt with Vince Young playing well you have to look at Kenny Britt. We spoke of him the last 2 weeks and he just keeps coming up big. Kenny Britt had 128 yds and 1 big score to end the game. With Justin Gage out of the lineup and the fact that he is Young’s go to guy, this makes Kenny Britt a must pick up.
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St. Louis Rams – Brandon Gibson He had a quiet day last week with 3 catches for 19 yards, but he may have a breakout game. With the 4-7 Chicago Bears secondary playing uninspired and banged up. Look for Gibson to get some targets with Donnie Avery getting the attention. Charles Tillman may not be a go this weekend and that is only more reason to pick this kid up.
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Philadelphia Eagles- Jason Avant- The Eagles slot receiver is once again a potential play this week, with Desean Jackson a “maybe” this week. The next best thing besides Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek is this guy Jason Avant. He should be available…and word to the wise he’s been known to be McNabbs trusty go to guy in the clutch. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Antonio Bryant- Is back in action, Even though he is playing for a 1-10 team, Antonio is your #1 WR option in the Tampa Bay offense. He snagged 3 cathes for 91 yds and 1 score. He is probably still there and available, but not for too long. You might have a day to pick him up. So what are you waiting for if you need a receiver?
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New Orleans Saints – Robert Meachem – We’ve recommended adding Meachem the past 3 weeks, and he’s delivered with four scores against the Rams, Bucs and Patriots. Meachem is well worth a roster spot in the Saints’ fast-break offense, but he remains a high-risk/high-reward fantasy play. On any given sunday a Saints receiver could have a big day.
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Houston Texans – Jacoby Jones – By now everybody should know a little secret. The Jaguars secondary gives up big yards to opposing offenses and their receivers. They are 25th against the pass and with that being said, on the season, Jacksonville has allowed 15 touchdowns and 11 70-yard WR performances, which equal to the fourth-most fantasy points surrendered. JJ is a big play guy…if you’re desperate and looking for an option Jacoby Jones could be that dude.
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SanFrancico 49ers - Josh Morgan – With Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree pulling in major attention. Josh Morgan could be targeted more than often. The Seahawks are 24th against the pass.
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Week 12- Fantasy Football Pickups
WEEK 12 – FANTASY FOOTBALL PICKUPS
By Gayle Saunders follow him on twitter: GayleESaunders
If you are looking for a free agent or waiver wire pickup, here are a couple of the best options likely available in your league. With major injuries all around the league its time to get smart and make sure your Fantasy team is ready for the playoffs.
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QUARTERBACKS
Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford is not playing this week, but if you may need a qb down the road come playoffs when your stud is sitting out, Matthew Stafford might have got some confdence going on from last weeks game passing for 422 yards 5td. Not to shabby eh? Look for favorable matchups if you deploy Stafford. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tennessee Titans- Vince Young is now 8 for 8 of his last starts. That is 4 straight victories, since he took over at QB for the 4-6 Titans. The improvement is real. Young continues to play with a high level of confidence While he might not be the best passing option, he makes up for it with his legs. Against the Texans, Vince had 73 yards rushing so you know he is always a threat to score on the goal line on a qb sneak. If your at need at QB he may be a safe option depending on opponent.
San Francisco 49ers- Alex Smith could have a big day against The Jaguars who have only 10 sacks on the season and they dont get many turnovers. He has one of the top TE’s in fantasy in Vernon Davis and with Michael Crabtree coming into his own, Smith is a safe bet against Jacksonville. If in need go get Alex Smith!
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Washington Redskins – Rock Cartwright With injuries to the backfield in Washington it makes Cartwright a no brainer pickup for this week. Clinton Portis is still dealing with the concussion and Ladell Betts tore some knee ligaments. He had 140 combine yards and 7 receptions last week. Go get him while he is still there. He looks like he could average 20 touches a game down the road.
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Indianapolis Colts – Donald Brown , With the rate Indianapolis Colts are going in… they look ready to be a lock for home field advantage with a couple more wins. With this potential scenario for the fantasy playoffs, he may be safe to deploy since the Colts are always known to rest players. It would be a perfect time for them to evaluate his talent. If your looking for creative ideas in crunch time, he could be worth a shot.
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New England Patriots – Sammy Morris- before he got injured he was getting touches. If you cant get Kevin Faulk , your next pick is Sammy Morris in deeper leagues. With one game under his belt he might be ready to get more reps. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TIGHT END
New York Giants- Kevin Boss Boss has scored 4 touchdowns in his last three games, if he is still there take a look. He may even be worth a trade, if your TE’s have been ineffective, he’s your guy.
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Green Bay Packers – Jermichael Finley- proved to be fully healthy in his Week 11 return, leading the team with 10 targets while posting seven catches for 54 yards. A high-upside borderline TE1 going forward, Finley has a dream matchup this week. A must pickup!
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Oakland Raiders – Zach Miller- The only reliable receiving option this season, Miller responded pretty well to the quarterback change with 5 cathhes for 65 yards and 1 score against Cincy last week. Miller and the Raiders offense have tough matchups the next two games, but like I said he is the only reliable option for the Raiders.
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WIDE RECEIVERS
San Diego Chargers- Legudu Naanee is worth a look, he isnt catching tons of passes, but he is an explosive player and had two touchdowns in 2 straight games for the chargers.
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Tennessee Titans – Kenny Britt with Vince Young playing well you have to look at Kenny Britt. We spoke of him last week and he came up big for a score in week 11. If your hurting at receiver he’s worth a look.
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St. Louis Rams – Brandon Gibson He was targeted as many times as Wes Welker last week (17 times). The only problem is that Marc Bulger went down. With an average of six catches for 77 yards on 13 targets the past two weeks, Gibson is worth a roster spot if you’re in need of a receiver.
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Philadelphia Eagles- Jason Avant- The Eagles slot receiver is coming off two of his top three fantasy performances of the season. Give him one more week to prove to you that he is worthy.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Antonio Bryant- Is over his knee issues, thus sending Maurice Stovall back to the bench. During fantasy playoffs he may be wortha play in week 15 against the Seahawks secondary.
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New Orleans Saints – Robert Meachem – We’ve recommended adding Meachem the past two weeks, and he’s delivered with three scores against the Rams and Bucs. Meachem is well worth a roster spot in the Saints’ fast-break offense, but he remains a high-risk/high-reward fantasy play.
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