Fantasy Football News 1/2/07

[Hache Man]

A New Season
Post-Season Fantasy Football is a safe and medically approved way to slowly wean you off fantasy football until the Super Bowl. Why not keep the season going? If you are new to post-season leagues, check out Evan Silva's article on the rules and guidelines. Most of the rules are similar to regular fantasy football, but your players are eliminated once their teams are. MyFantasyleague.com offers a free way to play. www.fantasysportspicks.com www.therx.info www.therx.ws

Before I get to the rankings, remember that strategy in playoff leagues is very different because games played may be the most important factor. Wild Card round teams have one more potential game (four in all), and occasionally make the Super Bowl. The 2001 Patriots, 2003 Panthers, and 2006 Steelers are three recent examples. Any player who participates in three games should score above-average points.

This year's NFC is so watered down that no result would truly surprise. The top four seeds in the AFC all won 12 games and would be worth Super Bowl participants. In the end, expect the unexpected.

That's why spreading out your post-season rosters among a handful of teams is a good idea. It's like diversifying a stock portfolio. Grabbing a player or two from a handful of different teams is a safer approach than drafting all Colts. That's a boom-or-bust approach that will sink a team with a first-round playoff loss.

With all that in mind, we've ranked the quarterback, running back, and kicker positions below. My rankings are affected by which teams I believe are strong. If you are convinced the Colts will lose to the Chiefs, Peyton Manning is ranked too high for you and adjustments should be made. Wide receivers, tight ends, and team defense rankings will be posted by Wednesday at noon.

Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks have far more value in playoff leagues because of position scarcity. Only eight will be left after the first weekend and they are guaranteed point-scorers. Owners that get three productive games from their quarterback position will have a good chance to win their leagues. That's why the top half of this list should come at a premium, ahead of many of the top running backs and wideouts.

1. Drew Brees, Saints – By any measure, Brees and Peyton Manning were the best two quarterbacks in the NFL this season. New Orleans' assortment of weapons should be fully healthy and are among the best in the league. Philadelphia's pass defense could present problems, but the Saints have to be considered co-favorites for the Super Bowl because of how Rex Grossman is playing.

2. Peyton Manning, Colts – It's hard for Manning to do anything quietly because he's in every commercial on television (and internet). But I get the sense his recent brilliance is almost taken for granted. Manning is playing an exceptional level with nine scores and no picks the last three weeks. He should destroy Kansas City's thin secondary this week and Baltimore would be a fine second round matchup for Indy. San Diego's rushing attack and 3-4 defense would be a more-certain loss.

3. Tom Brady, Patriots – The Jets are a tough matchup for Brady, who has topped 225 yards in six of his last eight starts. Eric Mangini knows New England's weaknesses. New England simply doesn't have the players to go vertical and Brady's accuracy hasn't been quite as good this year. That said, New England is coming off their best three-game stretch of the season and is a threat to make the Super Bowl despite playing on the opening weekend. Since 2003, Brady has 14 TDs and 4 picks in eight playoff games.

4. Philip Rivers, Chargers – Rivers is the quarterback of the best team in the NFL. But for playoff fantasy leaguers, there are some areas of concern. He may not be 100% and just completed a two game stretch in which he completed 18-of-53 passes. A matchup against Bill Belichick and the Patriots would be a difficult first playoff test. That said, the chances for a Super Bowl trip are better than the rest of the AFC quarterbacks.

5. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks – The Seattle passing game hasn't been particularly good since September. The whole team is probably worse than their 9-7 record. But among NFC quarterbacks, we'd rather have Hasselbeck than anyone but Drew Brees. A home date against the collapsing Cowboys defense is a perfect round one matchup. With so much uncertainty, that's enough to give Hasselbeck the edge.

6. Tony Romo, Cowboys – It's not his fault the Dallas defense has collapsed. But Romo's uneven effort against Detroit, including four fumbles, was a cause for concern. As long as Dallas is playing, Romo should be among the most productive quarterbacks left. Seattle's secondary is decimated and Romo led the NFL in yards-per-attempt by a mile. Like just about every team in the NFC, the Cowboys could get blown out in round one or make the Super Bowl.

7. Steve McNair, Ravens – A number of respected NFL observers believe Baltimore is the best team in the league. And while McNair improved as the season went along, his inability to go deep could be a problem against San Diego, Indianapolis, and New England. It's not like he has a great running game to lean on. McNair's best weapon is a defense that could keep in playing until February.

8. Jeff Garcia, Eagles – Philadelphia goes into the playoffs playing as well as any NFC team. Garcia put up 237 yards and a score on the Giants the last time they played. We'd expect similar numbers as from Garcia as long as Philadelphia keeps winning.

9. Rex Grossman, Bears – In his last 11 starts, Rex Grossman has thrown at least three interceptions five times. That means he's due for one by the NFC Championship. I suspect Lovie Smith won't wait for a third pick to replace him with Brian Griese, further diminishing his value. One positive: Rex's three possible first opponents (Dallas, Seattle, and New York) play lousy pass defense.

10. Chad Pennington, Jets – Pennington is a great story, but he's been a below-average fantasy option since September. He's unlikely to get on track against Bill Belichick and the Patriots, who are second in the NFL in points allowed.

11. Eli Manning, Giants – The change of play caller in New York should mean an emphasis on the run. Eli doesn't have many weapons and has been consistently erratic for the last two months. The Eagles pass defense is the strength of their team and it doesn't seem like a good place for Eli to snap out of his funk. It wouldn't be a shock, though, if the Giants rode Tiki Barber to the second round.

12. Trent Green, KC – Three touchdowns and six interceptions in the last four weeks, albeit against great pass defenses. He faces another one this week. The Colts are second in the league in yards-allowed-per-game and seventh in yards-per-attempt allowed. Green looks harried in the pocket lately and they will rely on Larry Johnson.

13. Brian Griese, CHI – He's the most likely backup to get serious playing time.

Running Backs

Of the 12 playoff teams, seven use running back committees. Another (Giants) use a red zone specialist. That means Larry Johnson, Tiki Barber, Jamal Lewis, and LaDainian Tomlinson are the only true "workhorse" backs in the playoffs. Fantasy owners hate time shares, but they can be effective.

1. LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers – I'm a little afraid about another Marty Schottenheimer quick playoff exit. In the end, though, guessing the results of the NFL playoffs is dangerous to your health. How do you not draft the best running back in the NFL number one when he plays for a 14-2 team?

2. Brian Westbrook, Eagles – It's strange to write, but the Eagles are now a run-first team. Westbrook still catches passes, so he's like combining Jamal Lewis' stats on the ground and Reche Caldwell's stats through the air. That adds up to the best fantasy option at running back other than LT2 likely to play two games. I'd still take the top quarterbacks over Westbrook.

3. Shaun Alexander, Seahawks – There are a lot of reasons not to draft Alexander. He averaged only 3.6 yards-per-carry on the year and had 59 carries in the last two weeks. That said, he's one of the few running backs left who get all the carries for his team and he's scored four times in three weeks. He's likely to score at least once or twice more this time against a vulnerable Cowboys defense.

4. Deuce McAllister, Saints – For the record, Reggie Bush finished with 51 more total yards (1,306-1,255) on the season, but Deuce scored two more touchdowns. I was shocked that Deuce was so effective the first season after ACL surgery. He may have been better than pre-surgery and his workload picked up late in the season. Look for a heavy dose of McAllister throughout the playoffs.

5. Reggie Bush, Saints – Remember when Reggie Bush was a disappointing rookie? He finished with 558 rushing yards, 89 catches, 748 receiving yards, and 8 TDs. His four touchdown game came out of nowhere, but he followed it up with two more huge efforts in the following three weeks. He's the x-factor of the NFC playoffs. If Bush and the rest of the Saints offense plays with confidence, I'm not sure anyone can stop them. If you get a point-per-reception, move Bush up this list.

6. Larry Johnson, Chiefs – He could be one and done, but what a game it should be. I say the over/under on his fantasy points against the Colts is 27 – 150 total yards and two touchdowns. Consider two games a huge bonus.

7. Jamal Lewis, Ravens – From sheer use (314 carries), Lewis racked up passable stats (1,132 yards, 9 scores) this season. But Jonathan Ogden isn't 100% and the Baltimore offensive line is average. A first game against the Colts could give Lewis solid stats, but it will be tougher sledding after that if Baltimore advances.

8. Laurence Maroney, Patriots – So the Patriots didn't completely unleash Maroney all season in an effort to keep him healthy. Since returning from the sideline in Week 16, though, he's rushed 20 times for 121 yards and two scores. If the Patriots are going to make a playoff run, they need explosive plays from Maroney. The Jets' weak rush defense is a fine place to start.

9. Thomas Jones, Bears – The Bears successfully eased off Jones down the stretch, but he's still their starter and best threat on passing downs. Look for a 2:1 split with Cedric Benson in touches and Jones' usual workmanlike 4.0 yards-per-carry average while Chicago stays in it.

10. Joseph Addai, Colts – He never quite took over as the primary carrier, but still out-gained Dominic Rhodes by over 500 total yards. Smart defenses will let Addai run all over them at the expense of pass coverage, but I'm not sure Kansas City is a smart defense. Look for Addai to get a great share of the work in the playoffs, but the matchups look tough.

11. Tiki Barber, Giants – The Eagles held Tiki to 212 hard-earned total yards in the regular season for a 3.15 yards-per-carry average. Saturday should go better and Tiki is assured of 25+ touches. If New York wins a game, Tiki is probably worth a higher pick than this.

12. Corey Dillon, Patriots – Dillon surprised with an energetic and effective effort in Week 17 against Tennessee. While Dillon is likely to get the ball more in the red zone, we suspect Laurence Maroney may take center stage in the playoffs.

13. Marion Barber III, Cowboys – Twice in the last four weeks Barber has finished with zero fantasy points. The other two games: 21 points and 9 points. I think the Cowboys can score in Seattle, so Barber is likely to pick up a touchdown. He'll finish with the same touches as Julius Jones, but gets more catches and goal-line carries.

14. Julius Jones, Cowboys – The entire Cowboys organization is at a crossroads. A first-round flameout could spell the end for many in the organization, including Bill Parcells, Terrell Owens, and even Jones. Julius finally stayed healthy this season, but his production was spotty. He doesn't contribute near the goal-line or on third-downs and hasn't topped 15 carries since Week 11.

15. Cedric Benson, Bears – So maybe he's not a bust. Benson played great in the second half of the season and deserves ten touches a game, especially in short-yardage situations. Chicago will try to limit Rex Grossman's exposure.

16. Dominic Rhodes, Colts – Rhodes finished an unremarkable year with 641 rushing yards and five scores. He's not the designated goal-line back and should get less work in the playoffs than Joseph Addai, even if he starts. Kansas City and Baltimore both play solid rush defense, so Rhodes looks like a below average backup.

17. Leon Washington, Jets – New England has problems defending faster running backs and Washington's game is made for turf. The Patriots are also susceptible to fine receiving running backs. Washington should take center stage over Cedric Houston this week.

18. Brandon Jacobs, Giants – We question if Jacobs should even be used in short-yardage situations. He's had some struggles recently and Tiki will play like a man possessed.

19. Cedric Houston, Jets – He's been useful for fantasy purposes, but Houston has a 3.4 yards-per-carry average on the year. He's unlikely to have a big game against New England and we doubt the Jets will play two games.

20. Mike Anderson, Ravens – With Musa Smith out for the year, Anderson becomes Jamal Lewis' backup and third-down back. Per-play, he's a superior option than Lewis, but Brian Billick shows no signs of splitting up the carries.

21. Michael Turner, Chargers – Turner averaged 6.3 yards-per-carry in 2006! There's not a better backup in the NFL, but Turner has only topped seven carries once since Week 4.

22. Correll Buckhalter, Eagles – It looks like his calf strain won't prevent him from playing. Buckhalter has potential to vulture a score from Brian Westbrook.

23. Maurice Morris, Seahawks – MoMO proved to be a serviceable backup when Shaun Alexander missed half the season with a cracked foot. Unless Alexander gets hurt again, Morris won't see the ball much.

24. Kevin Faulk, Patriots – Finished fourth on the Patriots with 43 catches – only Reche Caldwell caught more than 50. If you can draft reserves to use when players inevitably get knocked out, Faulk is a fine option.

25. Michael Bennett, Chiefs – He could rack up some yards on Indy's turf if he got the chance, but Bennett only has 45 touches on the season.


Kickers

1. Nate Kaeding, Chargers
2. John Carney, Saints
3. Robbie Gould, Bears
4. Adam Vinatieri, Colts
5. Matt Stover, Ravens
6. Steven Gostowkski, Patriots
7. David Akers, Eagles
8. Josh Brown, Seahawks
9. Martin Gramatica, Cowboys
10. Lawrence Tynes, Chiefs
11. Jay Feely, Giants
12. Mike Nugents, Jets

[Hache Man]

	Steelers meet with Cowher, no decision forthcoming
	Steelers Offense - TM - PIT - Jan. 2 - 8:43 p.m. ET
	Steelers owner Dan Rooney met with Bill Cowher Tuesday, but they did not pressure him for a decision about his future. It looks like ESPN's report was wrong. Cowher is still expected to retire, but there is no timetable for a possible announcement. He has now returned to North Carolina and isn't expected back in Pittsburgh until next Tuesday.Jan. 2 - 8:43 p.m. ET Source: Beaver County Times

[Hache Man]

	Domanick Davis healthy, not Davis anymore
	Domanick Davis - RB - HOU - Jan. 1 - 9:01 p.m. ET
	The Houston Texans' running back formerly known as Domanick Davis says he's close to 100 percent healed from knee surgeries. He's legally switched his last name to Williams, cut his braids, and changed his number from 37 to 31. The decision was made to honor his mother, whose maiden name is Williams. He's now lifting heavy weight without his knee swelling up, which had been his problem before landing on I.R. in September. "He changed his hair, his clothes and his name," teammate Dunta Robinson said. "I hope he changes his knee too."Jan. 1 - 9:01 p.m. ET Source: AP

[Hache Man]

Darrell Jackson - WR - Seahawks

Darrell Jackson and DJ Hackett missed Seattle's practice Tuesday.

Their status for the Wild Card Round is uncertain, but we'll know more when the injury report is released Wednesday. Jackson seems to have a longer road back. Other injured Seahawks: RG Chris Gray, CB Marcus Trufant, LB Leroy Hill, RG Floyd Womack and DT Rocky Bernard. Jan. 2 - 7:38 p.m. ET

Source: The News Tribune