Aaron Rodgers and the 5 Wide

By Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter

I can give you five reasons why Aaron Rodgers will be so successful this year.

It starts with five guys by the name of Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley and last but not least…the new addition Randall Cobb.

If you sit down and breakdown the Packers talented pass catchers its easy to see it leads to mismatches. Green Bay runs a precision passing attack and when you run such a technical passing game you cant excel without receivers who run phenomenal timing routes, beautiful intermediate crossing patterns, and guys who know how to run after the catch. That description describes the pass catchers for the Packers to a tee.

Donald Driver known as the old man in the club, however the guy can still dance at the age of 36. He is the perfect “lead by example” veteran that all the pass catchers in Green Bay should mirror their game after. He’s a reliable playmaker when a play needs to be made, a solid team leader on and off the field and have you seen his stats? Since 2002, he’s averaged 73 catches, 1009 yards, 5.5 touchdowns, 47 first downs, and 13.8 yards per catch. You’d have to say that Drivers numbers put him up there with the greatest receivers in Packers history no? Whatever his role maybe this season Rodgers can rely on this guy to make the tough catch or the lead the a solid WR unit to the playoffs.

Greg Jennings who can also be known for putting the team on his back, has become Rodgers trusty go to guy. How many perfect back shoulder passes can we see being caught by this guy this year. Don’t forget this guy is completely capable of taking over a game like he did in Minnesota last season with 7 catches for 152 and 3 TDs. Can you say BEAST. He’s very versatile and can do just about everything they ask of him.

Jordy Nelson is the typical bring your lunch pail to work and just work hard type of guy. When you look up the definition of role player, he’s your guy. On paper his numbers wont blow you away, speed wise or strength wise. What defines Jordy Nelson… Is he’s good at just about everything. Runs good routes, has good hands, blocks pretty well, and is capable of making the big play…you did watch the Superbowl lat year right?

Jermichael Finley is a mismatch nightmare. Not like any of the four wide outs weren’t in 2010 with Finley injured. The added dimension to this years offense is the Packers tight end Finley. With great size and speed, not to mention height, he has all the tools you look for in a tight end. Rodgers can easily use Finley as a decoy or take advantage of opposing teams linebackers or safeties who are weak in coverage. Roman Harper is a perfect example of what the packers will do with Safeties across the NFL.

Randall Cobb has shown is electrifying in the slot as well as the return game. The rookie from Kentucky has plenty speed and didn’t waste too much time to show his worth within the Packers offense. He is isn’t waiting for an invitation from anyone because he planned on crashing this party early. Look for the Packers to utilize his playmaking ability over the middle on crossing routes. As Driver walks off into the sunset I believe the Packers found their next piece to the puzzle for years to come

I’m telling you now the Packers passing attack could be and should be dangerous for years to come with the arsenal Rodgers has.

Packers Jermichael Finley likely done for Season

By Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter

Green Bay Packers star tight end Jermichael Finley expected to miss at least three weeks with the injury to his right knee, however the diagnosis has changed and it looks like he is out for the season, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Its been reported that the doctors believed they could repair Finley’s meniscus, rather than having to remove it, which was a better long term prognosis for Finley’s health, but it also meant the recovery period would be longer. Finley’s recovery period went from three weeks to eight to 10 weeks.

The 23-year-old Finley has 21 receptions for 301 yards and one touchdown this season. Finley has great size and speed to match. That combination makes Finley difficult to stop or even cover for that matter. He is a mismatch nightmare for linebackers, safeties or even cornerbacks.

Finley’s NFL 2010 Stats		TE rank
Rec yards	301	5th
Yards per rec	14.3	3rd*
Yards per game	75.3	2nd

Even Though Finley has only scored one touchdown this season, he’s been a huge part of the Packers’ passing game and he is is turning into one of the best tight ends in the NFL. We wish Jermichael a quick recovery!

Jermichael Finley Highlights from last season

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ RUNNING BACKS

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________RUNNING RUNNING BACKS

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________