Fantasy FanHouse

Week 14 Fantasy Football Sunday Morning Tailgate Kicks off at 10:30 Eastern

Matt Snyder — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

It's time to step up your game. Depending on your league's setup, you are either competing in the playoffs or positioning yourself for the playoffs in the last week of your regular season (seriously, like any of our readers would have bad teams).

Hopefully you had Vincent Jackson and Philip Rivers active Thursday night, so you won't have to worry about those spots for today.

Regardless, we have you covered here at FanHouse for any of your needs.

You want playoff previews? We got 'em, division by division ... NFC North, NFC South, NFC East, NFC West, AFC North, AFC South, AFC East, AFC West.

You want Week 14 positional rankings? We got 'em ... quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, kicker, and defense/special teams.

There are several injury issues, like Clinton Portis, Marion Barber, Matt Hasselbeck, Trent Edwards, Brian Westbrook, Joseph Addai, and a bevy of others. To keep up with all that, make sure to keep your eyes glued on the up-to-the-minute player updates.

Finally, we can give you that personal touch, here in the chat. We'll get to as many questions as we can, but if you ask something that could not be answered with any of the above links, there's a better chance you'll get through.

Week 14 Fantasy Football Sunday Morning Tailgate Kicks off at 10:30 Eastern originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 07 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Tailgate: Live Fantasy Football Chat, Circa 10:30 AM Eastern

Ryan Dembinsky — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

Good morning good folks. Hopefully, everybody is off to a good start this week after the Titans read the Lions the riot act on Turkey Day and Brian Westbrook singlehandedly destroyed some opponents' hopes and dreams. Personally, I was hoping for more out of Anquan Boldin, but everybody has an off day now and again.

Moving forward, we'll be here from 10:30 ET all the way up to kickoff in an attempt to guide your fantasy football teams to victory.

Check out up-to-the-minute player notes for injury updates.

We have already completed positional rankings for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, D/STs, and kickers. Yes, it's true; we are so awesome that we actually rank kickers.

We'll be happy to tackle flex position starts, trade situations, shady commissioner activities -- pretty much anything else under the sun, including unrelated questions about Lost and Heroes, .

See you at 10:30!

Sunday Morning Tailgate: Live Fantasy Football Chat, Circa 10:30 AM Eastern originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Week 12 Fantasy Football FanHouse Sunday Morning Tailgate 10:30 EST

Matt Snyder — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

Just as we do every week, we'll be sitting here Sunday from 10:30 until the first round of games kick-off at 1:00. C'mon in for your fantasy football questions, and we'll get as many as we can. Here are some resources you can use without having to take part in the chat, should you not be able to make it.

- Up to the minute player notes.

- Injuries to watch.

- Positional rankings for quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense/special teams, and kicker.

Hope you can join us.

Week 12 Fantasy Football FanHouse Sunday Morning Tailgate 10:30 EST originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Tailgate: Live Fantasy Football Chat, Circa 10:30 AM Eastern

Matt Snyder — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, NFL Injury Report, Expert Chats

Hopefully you learned your lesson Thursday night to not put all your stock into weather reports. Weather can have an adverse affect on players, but for the most part I'm pretty sure you want to play your studs.

Also, hopefully a large number of you -- though I doubt it -- enjoyed Matt Cassel's output.

Moving forward, we'll be here from 10:30 ET all the way up to kickoff in an attempt to guide your fantasy football teams to victory.

Check out up-to-the-minute player notes for injury updates.

We have already completed positional rankings for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, D/STs, and kickers.

We'll be happy to tackle flex position starts, trade situations, shady commissioner activities -- pretty much anything under the sun.

See you at 10:30!

Sunday Morning Tailgate: Live Fantasy Football Chat, Circa 10:30 AM Eastern originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 10:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Week 10 Sunday Morning Tailgate Provides Your Fantasy Advice, 10:30 AM EST

Matt Snyder — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:13:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

Ok, let's get this out of the way. JaMarcus Russell is not going to play this weekend against Carolina. Yeah, I know ... I can hear all the suicidal panic attacks coming from his fantasy owners everywhere. Sometimes you just have to fight through adversity in fantasy-land.

On a serious note, we will be having our weekly Sunday Morning Tailgate this week.

Please feel encouraged to drop on in and bombard our expert panel with questions about your lineup, take part in light-hearted debates, or make fun of over-paid famous people. We're game for anything.

Up to the minute player notes can be found here, and we'll be announcing the inactives who are fantasy relevant around 11:35.

Please join us. We'll publish as many of the fantasy relevant comments as we can and answer as many questions as is humanly possible.

Week 10 Sunday Morning Tailgate Provides Your Fantasy Advice, 10:30 AM EST originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Welcome to Your Crossroad: Fantasy Football Sunday Tailgate, Week 9

Tom Herrera — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:10:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

Playoffs!? ... I just hope we can win a game.

In the infamous words of Jim Mora, that's all it comes down to, my fantasy compatriots. You take it one game at a time, one matchup at a time, and hopefully you're lucky enough to be there in the end. Football is the crapshoot of fantasy sports, and this might as well be the most crucial week yet for some of you -- especially if you're sitting with a 4-4 record, just on the outskirts of the cut line. The rapid-fire, fun-filled tailgate chat you know and love is after the jump. But before you join us for the madness, here's some quick tidbits:

-- Up-to-the-minute player news can be found here.

-- Spot Plays: Quarterbacks .... Chad Pennington vs. Denver, Marc Bulger vs. Arizona, Matt Ryan vs. Oakland ... Running Backs ... Tim Hightower supposedly starting vs. St. Louis. Kevin Faulk vs. Indianapolis tonight. Justin Fargas vs. Atlanta may surprise. I would say Antonio Pittman vs. Arizona, but Steven Jackson says he's playing... Wide Receivers ... Devin Hester vs. Detroit, Kevin Curtis vs. Seattle, Antonio Bryant vs. Kansas City, and Kevin Walter vs. Minnesota.

Welcome to Your Crossroad: Fantasy Football Sunday Tailgate, Week 9 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fantasy Football Tailgate: Week 8, Now Who the Heck Are These Guys?

Tom Herrera — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

If I told you before the season started that a guy named BenJarvus Green-Ellis would be starting for the Patriots in Week 8, you'd think I was nuttier than a Dennis Green press conference. But here we are. Green-Ellis is likely getting the main workload for the Patriots. Mewelde Moore is starting for the Steelers again. And Kansas City's Kolby Smith fills in for Larry Johnson, who is too busy being disgusted with himself.

As always, if you need the latest news updates on your fantasy players, head over to our Player Notes feed, powered by RotoTimes.com. There's a nifty search function where you can sort it by name. And our rankings for this week can be found here.

We'll be taking this bad boy from 10:30AM EST all the way till kickoff, and maybe we'll stick around to go running through the streets naked after the first touchdown (If you're lucky). Chat is after the jump. Bring your green hat.

Fantasy Football Tailgate: Week 8, Now Who the Heck Are These Guys? originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Get Your Fantasy Tailgate On: Week 7

Tom Herrera — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 10:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

Week 7 can definitely be a make-or-break affair for your fantasy squad. If your team is 2-4, you're not quite as desperate as the Seahawks, but it sure is getting there. It's time to pull out all the stops and go with the upside. And that includes those wily Texans vs. "Tornado Dan" Orlovsky's Lions.

The good news is the previously injured Saints have come marching in (Colston, Shockey and even Patten). The bad news is Tony Romo won't be starting. And neither will Joseph Addai. And there's the usual annoying bye weeks to deal with (Arizona and Philly, ugh). The best news is that we'll be here once again answering all your questions until kickoff. Join myself, Brinson and Dr. Slick (Snyder) along with some other possible cameos for a fistful of fantasy football fury.

Latest player notes are here (Bookmark it)... Chat is after the jump (starting approximately 10:30am EST).

Get Your Fantasy Tailgate On: Week 7 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 19 Oct 2008 10:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Fantasy Tailgate: Week 6 (Now With More Injuries! Joy!)

Tom Herrera — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:10:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

Photo credit: AP (2)

Note: Due to some scheduling difficulties, this morning's Tailgate may be delayed. Please be patient and thanks for sticking around! You're my boy, Blue!

Apparently, Brian Westbrook and Carson Palmer didn't get the memo from the thousands of fantasy owners begging them to play. And now we're left to pillage the waiver wire like it was full of sweet, sweet gummy worms (or gummy sharks if you like those better). My gummy worms this week are Justin Fargas and Steve Breaston. Hi Justin and Steve, welcome to the "Browning Nagle Bomb Squad".

In case you missed it, we covered the implications of the Palmer injury here and the Westbrook injury here. Other guys that have been ruled OUT already this week include: Jon Kitna, Deion Branch, Anquan Boldin and Matt Hasselbeck is likely out as well with back spasms. Questionables include Laurence Maroney (as usual), Roddy White (reportedly playing despite having his bell rung this week), Kellen Winslow (still in a hospital as of this writing), and Eddie Royal (reportedly a bone bruise, will be limited, and I'd look for other options)

As always, check all the latest player notes right here.

Chat is after the jingly jump!

Sunday Morning Fantasy Tailgate: Week 6 (Now With More Injuries! Joy!) originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Tailgate: Week 5

Will Brinson — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

I'm going to bypass any jokes about the Cubs -- it just doesn't seem necessary to rub in the Dodgers' sweep in a fantasy football post. So, no baseball talk, no "I told you so!" type of things ... just some good, old-fashioned fantasy football chat.

So, at 10:30 this morning, if free and awesome fantasy football advice is something you might be interested in, then stop by for the Tailgate. Chat is after the jump. (Latest Player Notes and More Updates Here.)

Sunday Morning Tailgate: Week 5 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Tailgate: Fantasy Football Chat Circa 10:30 AM Eastern

Matt Snyder — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

It's that time again ... if you have fantasy questions we haven't answered yet with our positional rankings for this week, feel free to check in.

If you are worried about injuries and want the latest updates, pop on in.

Or, you know, if you just like our friendly banter, come on down and take part.

We'll be taking this baby all the way up to the 1:00 kickoffs, so there's no pressure to join in when we start bright and early (for some of us 10:30 on a Sunday is early).

Hey, maybe someone will take the time to come tell us we're all losers ... or more people will ask if we like Jonathan Stewart this week (an emphatic yes).

You never know, for when it's the Sunday Morning Tailgate, FanHouse owns. I'll now commence with the obligatory ... "bring your green hat."

Sunday Morning Tailgate: Fantasy Football Chat Circa 10:30 AM Eastern originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 10:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Tailgate: Live Fantasy Football Chat at 10:30 AM Eastern

Matt Snyder — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football

So it's week three in fantasy. One of the last weeks where every owner still has a chance -- yeah, if you start 0-3 the panic button should be pushed.

We've ranked some positions, given you some stars that could be sit-worthy, talked about injuries, gotten some z's, and now it's time to discuss your specific questions. Stop by for our tailgate, and we'll give you stellar fantasy advice! We're 90 percent sure that our advice works at least half the time. Or something.

Seriously, if you have lineup questions or wicked weird scoring systems, stop on in and pick our brains. If you want to tell me how stupid my rankings are (you'd be wrong), please stop on in and let me know. Criticism is quite welcome ... and fun.

We'll be here from 10:30 until 1:00 when the games kick off. Stop on in, even if only for a few minutes and we'll post as many comments/questions as is humanly possible.

Bring your green hat (I know I've used that before but it really never gets old for me).

Sunday Morning Tailgate: Live Fantasy Football Chat at 10:30 AM Eastern originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Tailgate: So Good It Got Blown Up Last Week

Will Brinson — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football

Well, we survived Week 1. If you listened to us then, your team is probably 1-0. And we're ready to take you one step closer to your undefeated season.

We've already: Covered some nice sleeper-styled options, went over some excellent desperation measures for this week, discussed the injuries you need to watch out for, trading possibilities for the overrated, ranked everyone at every position, ranked the rookie runners, put our over/under reputations on the line, told you which stars to sit, went over some options for Marques Colston's replacement, and talked about some serious value changes from Week 1.

Whew. Yes it is a lot. But we're not done. No, sir. We'll be here all morning long, answering your questions in the chat below. 10:30 am through 1 pm. You, me/us, fantasy questions and the clown above, if we're lucky.

Sunday Morning Tailgate: So Good It Got Blown Up Last Week originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Tailgate: Football Is Here, Nothing Else Matters (Oh, Fantasy Rulez Too)

Will Brinson — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sunday Morning Tailgate, Fantasy Football, Expert Chats

GO. TIME. PEOPLE.

That's right. Football started on Thursday night and it was glorious (insomuch as a Giants - Redskins, "Hey, we're both .500 teams!" type of game can be). But today ... today is when everything becomes wonderful once a week for 10 hours at a time.

And part of that glory is fantasy football of course. Which is why the Sunday Morning Tailgate returns for 2008, complete with live chat capabilities. We've already covered the positional rankings, talked about important fantasy injuries, we've discussed sleepers, we've examined a few coinflips, we named some last-minute upside plays, we made total point predictions, and we've even told you what stars to sit.

Now, we will hang out and chat with you, answering your questions, talking strategy and drooling at the thought of 16 more weeks of sweet, sweet foosball.

You bring the chicken biscuits, we'll bring the expertise. We go live at 10:30, and maybe earlier if I can't sleep Saturday night.

Sunday Morning Tailgate: Football Is Here, Nothing Else Matters (Oh, Fantasy Rulez Too) originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 07 Sep 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Injury/Inactive Blog: Week 16

Will Brinson — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy Football, Sunday Morning Tailgate, Injury Report

You've been waiting all morning and now your questions get answered. Who's in? Who's out? We'll be posting the inactive/injury lists for all teams here. It's mainly going to be who's out, but sometimes a lack of a name tells us more than anything else. Plenty of peeps are questionable, probable, doubtful, whateva. We're gonna help you sort it out, eh? Wicked.

Of course, Brian Westbrook is questionable. It's kind of what he does. But will he actually cost fantasy owners another possible win this week after taking a knee at the one? You'll have to take the jump and find out in our weekly inactive report. (See, that was a teaser. Solid, huh?) Anywho ...

Update: 4:00 Inactives/Injuries

Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are ACTIVE
Joe Horn is INACTIVE
Todd Heap and Daniel Wilcox are INACTIVE
Jesse Chatman ACTIVE
Ben Watson is OUT
Troy Smith starting as Baltimore QB; Kyle Boller listed as third QB
Kellen Clemens ACTIVE, Chad Pennington starting though
Jerricho Cotchery ACTIVE
D.J. Hackett OUT

Houston Texans
Matt Schaub = 3rd QB - Sage Rosenfels = Sleeper Supreme

Indianapolis Colts
Marvin Harrison - OUT - Anthony Gonzalez remains a very nice fantasy option this week.

Green Bay Packers
Bubba Franks - ACTIVE - Hurts Donald Lee's value.

Chicago Bears
Nathan Vasher - OUT - Helps out Donald Driver, et al.
Lance Briggs - OUT - Ryan Grant = even more attractive of a start.
Rex Grossman - 3rd QB - Well, shucks.

Cleveland Browns
Nothing significant.

Cincinnati Bengals
Rudi Johnson - OUT - Kenny Watson starts and DeDe Dorsey supposedly will split carries. W.T.F. (Watson is the start)

Oakland Raiders
Daunte Culpepper - OUT
Justin Fargas - OUT - Rhodes will start and split carries with Boogie (see below).

Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike Peterson - OUT
Reggie Hayward - OUT - Both those make LaMont Jordan and Dominic Rhodes more attractive.

New York Giants
Sinorice Moss - OUT
Plaxico Burress - ACTIVE

Buffalo Bills
Nothing significant

Kansas City Chiefs
Larry Johnson - OUT
Eddie Kennison - OUT

Detroit Lions
Nothing significantTatum Bell - OUT

Philadelphia Eagles
L.J. Smith - OUT

New Orleans Saints
Reggie Bush - OUT
Eric Johnson - OUT

Injury/Inactive Blog: Week 16 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Tailgate 16

Will Brinson — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy Football, Sunday Morning Tailgate

Good morning and welcome to the Sunday Morning Tailgate everybody. Today is probably championship day in your fantasy league, I'm your host Will Brinson and we're gonna be here all morning (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) working out matchups, weather and injuries. Along the way, I'll be happy to take your questions -- either shoot me an email to fantasyfanhouse@gmail.com or ask away in the questions below.

So you know, my TV schedule usually goes random from 10-10:30, Sportscenter from 10:30-11, NFL Network from 11-12 and FOX from 12-1. I'm fair and balanced like that.

Remember, it's gonna be cold across most of the country, so keep your eye on the weather station throughout the morning. I mean, I'll be looking but weatherman I'm not.

10:01 - What? No Sterling Sharpe on the NFLN this morning??? Really? I miss his cell phone cover already.

10:05 -
Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
Harumph: Anthony Gonzalez, Andre Johnson
Boooooo: Joseph Addai
Sleeper: Ron Dayne, Kenton Keith
Weather: Dome

A fantasy owner's worst nightmare. That's right, the Colts are locked into the number two slot in the playoffs, making their last two weeks totally irrelevant as to whether or not they win. Which means that it doesn't really matter how much time Peyton Manning has on the field. However, he's said that he wants more time on the field with guys like Gonzalez, to make sure they're on the same page come playoff time if Marvin Harrison can't go. If you rode Peyton this far, you have to start him, but you don't have to be super excited about it. The good news? The game is in a dome. Joe Addai isn't a "bad" start against the Texans, I'm just concerned that Dungy will rest him and let Kenton Keith get some playing time so as to make sure Addai stays healthy.
10:15 - Mike asks a tight end question, and it's a very good one: Kellen Winslow at Cincy or Dallas Clark at home against the Texans. Winslow obviously has the best matchup but the thing that concerns me with the Browns-Bengals game is the wind: 25 plus mph from 1-4 p.m. today. I think the Browns are going to end up giving Jamal Lewis 20-25 carries and trying to slow the game down against a Rudi Johnson-less Cincy team. This would also be a good time to point out that I said Kenny Watson would be a steal come fantasy playoff time, but I'm not a braggart, so I won't. However, the other problem is that Clark might not play the entire game because it doesn't mean anything to the Colts. Ergo, I think you have to roll with Winslow - the Browns have to win and he'll play the whole time.

10:25 - I'd like to thank Jessica Simpson at this point in time. Maybe the Cowboys choking to the Eagles wasn't her fault, but it's fun to pretend it is. And because they lost, suddenly this game is very, very important for the Packers.
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears
Harumph: Ryan Grant, Brett Favre
Boooooo: Adrian Peterson, Bernard Berrian
Sleeper: Devin Hester
Weather: 10% chance of rain, 28 mph wind, 22 degrees

Gee, golly the weather is nice. I was going to put Favre in the "boo" list ... then I remembered that he likes crappy weather. I'm a little concerned about Greg Jennings today though -- he's been a superb fantasy option but he brings in the bacon by being a deep threat, and it's always tougher to be find a deep threat in 28 mph wind. Expect Ryan Grant to get tons of carries and end up with 100 plus rushing yards today. Not going to say the same about Peterson, but I think the Bears will lean on him, as Kyle Orton struggles in dome, much less big winds. Don't bank on your Bear receiving options for big games. If your league counts return yardage as well as receiving yardage for individual players, you've already got Devin Hester starting I assume. But it's worth considering him as a regular option in a reeeeeaaally deep league or a reaaaaaly desperate scenario -- the Bears did everything in their power to find him last week on offense.

10:35 -
Kansas City Chiefs @ Detroit Lions
Harumph: Kevin Jones, Kolby Smith, Calvin Johnson
Boooooo: Tony Gonzalez,
Sleeper: T.J. Duckett
Weather: Dome

See, this game, without fantasy football, is just "meh". But mix in a lot of fantasy relevant players and it's suddenly pretty exciting. I'm playing against Gonzo today, so while I think he's technically a bad start, you can pencil him in for a touchdown. Kevin Jones and Kolby should both be nice starts, Smith especially. See: Sproles, Darren if you need more confirmation of that. Calvin Johnson has been warming up and I see a large game for him. Dwayne Bowe is also a nice start. I wouldn't use either quarterback here unless I was desperate and stay away from the defense. Lions win by a touchdown and a half. That's my exciting call of the day.

10:42 - Hammerin' Hank time!
Cleveland -3 (Totally agree. Chris Mac must not have seen the weather channel though.)
Houston +7 (Yup. Can't trust the Colts although it's interesting to hear that Dungy isn't sitting anyone. Hmmm.)
New York G-Men -2.5 (Meh. I'm a Marshawn man.)
Philadelphia +3.5 (Yeah, I'm teetering on this one and it seems like Philly should be bitter.)
Jacksonville -13 (Jags = good running team; Rayyyyydaaaahs = horrible running defense)

10:46 - Okay, so Tony Dungy isn't sitting anyone. I don't know if I believe that totally. It does him absolutely zero good to leave everyone in. Well, he should leave Reggie Wayne in and bench everyone else, but that's just obvious. Right? Right????

10:52 - Porter writes in with a few burning questions: Kurt Warner or Derek Anderson? Edge James, Aaron Stecker or Kolby Smith? Greg Jennings, Anthony Gonzalez or Reggie Brown?

- The first two don't bother me that much. I think because it's not going to be raining, you gotta go Derek Anderson. Warner has the better matchup but the Browns have to win. At running back I'm taking Kolby Smith. Darren Sproles shredded the Lions last week and Smith should score at least once. (Secretly, if he doesn't get 100 yards and two TDs I'm going to be disappointed.) At WR though, that's where it gets tricky. I don't think you can actually bench Greg Jennings. He got you here, not Gonzalez. I'm struggling with it too, as I'm playing Peyton in my fantasy finals of one league -- I already have Reggie Wayne and have Gonzalez on my bench with Jennings starting. So I could try and nullify Peyton by putting Gonzo in and sitting Jennings but if Greg goes large I'll want to hang myself with broken shoelaces. So I'm sticking with my guns and the guy that got me here and starting Jennings.

10:56 - Matt asks who to pick between Marshawn, Kevin Jones and Kolby Smith. Kolby is the best option out of the three. If I owned all three I would personally start Marshawn, but that's because I'm usually not as objective about my own teams. The best choice is Kolby.

11:00 - Matt (the redux) - You gotta roll with T.J. Housh. Even in the sketchy weather. And the Jets started Brad Smith last week, the Titans are still in the playoff hunt and the Seahawks are pretty much locked in at this point. Defensive touchdowns are, of course, as much a crapshoot as picking a kicker but I'd go with the Titans here. You gotta start Brandon Marshall too -- he has an absurd 21 catches in his last two games. That's really ridiculous. I think White and CJ are going to have big games but 21 catches is more than 10 a game. That's beasty.

11:06 -
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals
Harumph: Jamal Lewis, Kenny Watson, Kellen Winslow
Boooooo: Derek Anderson, Carson Palmer
Sleeper: Joe Jurevicious,
Weather: 28 mph wind, flurries, 35 degrees, 30 % chance of precip

Godzilla. I'm trying to Youtube Chad Johnson's outfit as he strolls into work but the stupid "sun" on my porch is messing up the video. This week also reminds me why I didn't trade for Carson Palmer earlier this year -- I wanted nothing to do with having to pick him over R-Berger against the Rams. People keep talking about all the offense for this matchup, but are we so sure there's going to be 80 plus points combined? With that much wind, I'm not. I think you gotta start your guys in this matchup, especially the wideouts that you've grown to hate love. Absolutely start your running backs.

11:15 - Brian Billick is "okay"? How much of a free pass does a Super Bowl net you? Honestly. The guy is a yoke.
11:17 - NOOOOOO! Ditka is going to dress up as Santa Claus while Jason Krause dresses up like an elf? Apocolypse Now.

11:25 - Injury blog thingie coming soon. Man I love this Matt Hasselback ad with his kids. I don't know why, but I just do. The NFL Network is superb. Suckers.

11:32 - Sorry, working on the injury post. Brian Baldinger thinks that to get to the quarterback, you have to beat the tackle one on one though. Excellent analysis.

11:34 - And here you go. As soon as the Verizon update shows up (about nine minutes) I'll be firing out inactives.

11:35 -
Oakland Raiders @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Harumph: Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew, Ronald Curry
Boooooo: LaMont Jordan,
Sleeper: Dominic Rhodes
Weather: Mostly cloudy, 10 mph wind, showers late

You want to start your Jacksonville running backs. And Reggie Williams. I'd start him too. David Garrard is a nice start as well. Basically, the Jaguars are going to annihilate the Raiders. Their playoff hopes are on the line, the Raiders are horrible against the run and the Jaguars smash people's faces in. Jaguars win big.

11:44 - Injuries up. Nothing really crazy early. Brian Westbrook is playing.

11:53 -
New York Giants @ Buffalo Bills
Harumph: Marshawn Lynch, Brandon Jacobs
Boooooo: Lee Evans, Eli Manning
Sleeper: Fred Jackson, Buffalo DST
Weather: 59 degress, 80% chance of rain, Thunderstorms, 22-30 mph wind

Yow-za. Nasty, nasty weather in Buffalo in December. Shocking, really. If the Giants don't give the rock to Brandon Jacobs 30 times today, they don't deserve to be in the playoffs. Kevin Everett is on the sidelines so I expect the Bills to play with energy and poise and ... okay, look, start your running backs here. Avoid the wide receivers, even my boy Lee Evans and your boy Plaxico Burress. I would actually start Plax though -- if I owned him -- because I can see Coughlin forcing Eli's hand on passing the ball despite the obvious need to run. Which means Plax should have a nice game and the Buffalo D is a dynamite sleeper this week.

12:04 - Okay, injuries and inactives are finalized.

12:10 - On the Stecker versus Portis question ... yikes. Portis has a tougher matchup but I'd go with him anyway. I think the Saints will throw. Bush is out though.

12:15 - Philadelphia Eagles @ New Orleans Saints
Harumph:Brian Westbrook, Donovan McNabb, Reggie Brown
Boooooo: Aaron Stecker,
Sleeper: Devery Henderson
Weather: Dome

Love the Philly passing game today - their wideouts make nice options if you need a desperation heave in deeper leagues. You gotta start Drew Brees I think but I'm not high on Aaron Stecker and I think Philly is gonna show up and play hard.

12:25 -
Tampa Bay Bucs @ San Francisco 49ers
Harumph: Frank Gore, Ernest Graham
Boooooo: Joey Galloway
Sleeper: Darrell Jackson
Weather: 55 degrees, cloudly, no wind

This game is just bizarre really. The Bucs have little/nothing to play for, the Niners are bad and this game shouldn't mean much. But for fantasy it means a ton. Gore should be pretty nice against a defense that will rest players. Ernest Graham should continue to be a very nice start. However, I don't like galloway this week as he's boom or bust and well, the Bucs shouldn't be lobbing up passes all day. Shaun Hill is, sadly, better than Trent Dilfer and Alex Smith so D-Jax and Vernon Davis are nicer options today than usual.

12:31 -
Atlanta Falcons @ Arizona Cardinals
Harumph: Edgerrin James, Jerious Norwood, Roddy White
Boooooo:
Sleeper: Arizona DST
Weather: Freaking gorgeous

Of course, start your Arizona wide receivers. Atlanta is just horrible. Edge should go large -- as Tom Herrera points out the Birds have allowed six straight rushing touchdowns -- and Norwood isn't a horrible start. Should be plenty of offense and the Cards DST is a pretty nice little sleeper this week; they seem to score even with a bunch of people banged up.

12:36 - Jeff, sit Joey Galloway. Juice, go with Chatman.

12:38 - Addendum on the above Bucs game - I'm an idiot. The Bucs can still snare the 3 seed if they win out and Seattle loses. I still don't think they'll be passing a lot, but it's certainly worth noting.

12:46 - And time to get really really fast with the previews. Sorry. Things happened.

New York Jets @ Tennessee Titans
Harumph: LenDale White, Vince Young
Boooooo: Thomas Jones, Jerricho Cotchery
Sleeper: Chris Brown
Weather: Sunny, etc.

Which VY is gonna show up? I don't know, you don't know and he probably doesn't either. But the Titans are playing for a potential playoff spot and the Jets are superb defensively, so I'd start him. Definitely start LenDale -- this is why we held onto him. For this matchup. I'd probably stay away from the Jets for the most part, although I'm confused why I think they're going to lose by less than 9.5 points. Hmmm.

12:49 - Baltimore Ravens @ Seattle Seahawks
Harumph: Matt Hasselback, Deion Branch
Boooooo: Willis McGahee
Sleeper: Nate Burleson, Maurice Morris
Weather: Lots and lots of rain

The Ravens are beat down. The Seahawks need to "get right". Expect the Seahawks to roll. Lots of passing in the rain too and a healthy dose of Maurice Morris when Shaun Alexander fails to move the ball against a one-armed Ray Lewis.

12:57 - Okay, I'm going to get the last few games up late, I promise, but as an added bonus, I'll also be adding to the injury live blog with the 4:00 updates, so make sure and keep an eye out around 3:30 ish

Good luck in your fantasy finals/semi-finals everyone!!

Sunday Morning Tailgate 16 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 23 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Tailgate 15.1

Will Brinson — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy Football, Sunday Morning Tailgate

10:00 - Good morning everyone. And Merry Early Fake Fantasy Nerd Christmas. That's right. The playoffs are here. Odds are pretty good that you're not going to be watching quite as intently that intense Falcons - Bucs game quite as closely if you're not in the playoffs of your fantasy football league. And odds are even better that you're not going to be reading this.

But if you are, welcome anyway. Make sure and hang around and click refresh a couple hundred times. I'm Will Brinson, and I host the Sunday Morning Tailgate here at the Fanhouse where we'll be going over the matchups, talking about who are the best plays this championship week, answering questions and making generally snarky commentary about people on television.

You can reach me in the comments below or at fantasyfanhouse@gmail.com for all of your questions.

INJURY/INACTIVE REPORT HERE

10:03 - As anyone who's been around here before knows, we'll also be running an injury live blog starting at 11 with all the inactives and what not coming out of the television.

10:14 - Sorry about that. One of my roommates tried to push some bunk coffee off on me, and I was all like "Dude. Brah. ~~Mom~~. I blog for a living. You think I drink anything other than the best? Come on!!" You'll thank me later.

10:18 - Focus on LT you say? It doesn't matter whether we're talking about the Lions or the Chargers...PLAYOFFS! (Oh yeah, I'm starting off on the NLFN. Too early for Lupica.)

10:20 - Okay I caved. And somehow Jeremy Schapp is saying decidedly that Les Miles will end up at Michigan. Sometimes you really forget how powerful Nepotism is.10:25 - Let's do a little previewing:
New York Jets @ New England Patriots
**Weather Warning** 30-35 degrees, wintry mix, 25 mph winds
Harumph: Thomas Jones,
Boooooo: Jerricho Cotchery
Sleeper: Laurence Maroney

As tripledeacon asked, "can I bench Brady?". I just don't think you can. Or Moss. Or Welker. (Welker might be the actually best option there he just seems like he would be great in crappy weather for some reason.) By the way, it would totally suck to be a groundscrew member at Foxboro, wouldn't it? I mean, sure, you probably get tons of Laurence Maroney autographs but I bet this last month of the season ain't exactly fun. Anyway, start Thomas Jones, and start your Patriots defense. That weather is gross, but I just don't think you can bench the guys that got you to the playoffs. On the other hand, I'd be benching Coles and Cotchery. If only because Kellen Clemens isn't Tom Brady. Oh, and Laurence, I hate you just for the fact that you've been so bad that I'm making you a "sleeper" this week.

10:30 - I should mention that I would bench Brady for another stud quarterback. But not a banged up Jeff Garcia for example. Like, if I somehow had Ben Roethlisberger or Derek Anderson, I'm starting them over Dreamboat today.

10:36 - Hammerin' Hanks picks coming up after the break. I torched him last week, IIRC.

10:42 - R-Burger doesn't have a single mention of his injury in the daily paper. And ignore what I'm saying about starting him over Brady - apparently weather is going to be horrible in Pittsburgh too. Hines Ward has said that Burger is goin to play for whatever that's worth.

10:44 - Hmmm. Maybe I didn't thrash him. 5-1. Well done Hank. Touche, Mr. Goldberg, touche.

10:45 - Buffalo +5.5 (This is lovely. My picks league is messed up and Cleveland is dogs 5.5, so I have to take them.)
- New Orleans -4 (Sure. Again, I get the Saints as 6.5 point dogs. Ridiculous, I know.)
- Baltimore -3 (Seems like Miami is the play, right? But then again, maybe not.)\
- Tennessee -3.5 (Lock it up.)
- Seattle -7 (Hmmm. Seems like the smart thing, as opposed to taking the Panthers)

10:47 - Oh and John, I totally back Deion's insane gear as well.

10:50 -
Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs
Harumph: LenDale White, Dwayne Bowe
Boooooo: Kolby Smith, Tony Gonzalez
Sleeper: Chris Brown

I hate to keep booing Tony Gonzo, but as long as Brodie Croyle is under center he's just not going to catch a ton of balls. Croyle might be throwing a lot, as the Titans should run up the score on the ground via White and potential TD vulture Brown. I wouldn't touch Kolby Smith as long as Albert Haynesworth is active either. And because Croyle is chunking the ball, I expect Bowe to get a touchdown.

10:54 - Be right back in a second with the live injury blog link. I'll be putting it up shortly.

11:00 - By the way, Brady is four TDs off Peyton's record ... you think Peyton is pulling for more nasty weather in New England this week?

11:07 - Sterling Sharpe just called Terrell Davis the "best running back on TV". And then added that Marshall Faulk was good too. In other words, everyone knows how embarrassing Emmitt Smith is.

11:13 -
Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers
Harumph: Steve Smith, Bobby Engram, Deion Branch, Matt Hasselback
Boooooo: Shaun Alexander
Sleeper: Maurice Morris, Nate Burleson

I really want to take the Panthers at +7.5, but it's really, really hard. Because we are really, really bad. You probably have to start Steve Smith today, but don't be excited about doing it. Actually you know what? Screw it. Cats at home, getting a touchdown with Matt Moore leading the way ... I'm taking them. And putting Smith as a love this week. People will point to Fred Taylor going huge against the Panthers last week, but take away that one 80 yard run and we shut down the Jags rushing attack. Don't be too thrilled about using Alexander today, as "good" as he's been all year - I think Morris ends up with the better game. Hasselback though, should go large. Like Burleson for a TD too and Branch and Engram are almost must starts with the Seahawks slinging the ball so much.

11:17 -
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Harumph: Fred Taylor, Willie Parker, Ben Roethlisberger
Boooooo: Reggie Williams
Sleeper: Dennis Northcutt

This is my worst nightmare. I've got Roethliberger and Hines Ward in my main league, and I don't see how I can bench them. This could end up being a straight defensive battle and it should be low scoring since both teams will be committed to the run. I think you have to start Willie Parker, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew this week. All have bad matchups but all are capable of breaking off the big, long, high fantasy scoring run. And if you own one of them, they've already gotten you this far. I could see Northcutt performing better than Williams who will get most of the attention of the Steelers secondary. If Polamalu is out, don't be surprised to see David Garrard have another smart, steady game. Also, don't forget how good Roethlisberger has looked in shoddy weather conditions so far this season.

11:25 - Sorry was getting the injury thingie ready. Report comes out from NFLN in about 15 mins.

11:30 - Here's the link for the Injury/Inactive Report.

11:33 -
Buffalo Bills @ Cleveland Browns
Harumph: Marshawn Lynch, Lee Evans, Derek Anderson
Boooooo: Defense
Sleeper: Fred Jackson, Trent Edwards

Didn't see this game playing such a vital role in the playoff system this season. But I'm totally okay with it. The Bills are legit and they're going to give Marshawn and Jackson close to 40 carries today - they know if they can keep the Cleveland offense off the field they have a good chance to win. There's really not anyone I wouldn't start in this game - I'm actually considering using Trent Edwards over Ben Roethlisberger today. I'll keep you updated.

11:38 - It's really upsetting to me that I'm used to Brian Baldinger's voice at this point. Ugh.

11:40 -
Green Bay Packers @ St. Louis Rams
Harumph: Greg Jennings, Brett Favre, Ryan Grant
Boooooo: Steven Jackson
Sleepers: Marc Bulger

This game should be interesting ... if Bulger plays. Be right back with the injuries. Liars! Stupid Verizon guy. Anyway, if Bulger plays, you obviously bump all your Rams up a notch or two on your start list. Torry Holt becomes a stud again, although you probably have to start him anyway, and Isaac Bruce certainly becomes startable. S-Jax's value will increase too, just because the Rams will give him some room to run with a passing game, but remember, the Packers are very good against the run. Not so good against the pass. Start your Packers obviously, especially if Bulger plays, as it'll be a higher scoring game, which means more Favre to Jennings (we can all hope anyway).

11:46 - Screw Verizon and the NFL Network. Bubba Franks is OUT! That's our biggest news of that injury update. LAaaaaaaaaaaame. Although Roethlisberger is playing. Troy Polamalu is also active. Santonio Holmes is active.

11:50 -
Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Harumph: Ernest Graham, Joey Galloway
Boooooo: Roddy White, Jerious Norwood
Sleeper: Michael Jenkins

The Falcons o-line is mushed today and they are, well, not good. I wouldn't start Norwood. I also wouldn't want to start Roddy White, although I understand if you have to. The Bucs are just a bad matchup. If I owned him I would start him, I just don't like the matchup is all. (Convincing, I know!) Well, basically, I'd rather be starting Joey Galloway, is what I'm saying. Jenkins could backdoor a touch though, and Ernest Graham is just a monster.

More injuries coming.

MISTER MITTENS IS STARTING.

...

Just kidding. MAtt Moore.

12:01 - BEN WATSON IS OUT.

12:02- Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaw. FOX Countdown time. Wild and crazy guys.

12:06 - Jay Glazer is here with some insider information ... "Bobby Petrino may be leaving Atlanta for Arkansas..."
Seriously, Glazer's insider information just isn't that impressive, I'm sorry.

12:08 -
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints
Harumph: Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Kurt Warner
Boooooo: Jerheme Urban, Edgerrin James
Sleeper: Bryant Johnson, Aaron Stecker

With Boldin and Fitzy playing, Bryant Johnson is no longer a great start in this playoff week. He is still a decent WR3 because the Saints are so bad against the pass, but it's a bit risky. He could still do well, and so could Urban, but again, a pretty risky move in the playoffs. Edgerrin James is risky too - the Saints stuff the run and the Cardinals should be throwing all day. I'd be starting my Saints wideouts as well with the Cards banged up, and this whole game should be pretty high scoring. Stecker is nothing more than a Flex flier type play with the way this game should involve aerial attack. David Patten should go large again though.

12:17 -
Baltimore Ravens @ Miami Dolphins
Harumph: Willis McGahee, Ted Ginn, Jr., Derrick Mason
Boooooo: Everyone else
Sleeper: Samkon Gado, Cleo Lemon

Doesn't really get more exciting than this does it? I'm putting Gado as a sleeper and not a boo because with the Ravens so banged up, I think there's a chance he finds the end zone. And let's be honest - the Jets and Bills aren't great, but isn't this the real test of Miami's ability to go 0-16? If they get blown out here ... well ... it's awkward. I'd start Ted Ginn, especially in leagues where you have an "!" at the end of your provider, since you usually get return yards added in. It's going to be nasty in south beach though, so don't go looking for nice fantasy options here. Cleo Lemon's always a decent option though at quarterback, if only because he always seems to find the end zone by foot.

12:21 -
Indianapolis Colts @ Oakland Raiders
Harumph: Joseph Addai, Reggie Wayne
Boooooo:
Sleeper: Anthony Gonzalez

With Marvin Harrison still out, Wayne should go large, and Gonzalez is a nice sleeper, although it would make sense that the Colts run a lot today, instead of just airing it out all day. Expecting a two touchdown day again would seem a bit premature. Fargas seems like he could actually do well today - first decent matchup for the Raiders in a while. Plus, the Colts have plenty of people that aren't starting on defense, so this game could be closer than we might originally think. Remember, Oakland is "ranked" fifth against the pass ... because they're so horrible against the run.

12:31 -
Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys
Harumphs:Terrell Owens, Marion Barber, Jason Witten
Boooooos: Donovan McNabb
Sleeper: Patrick Crayton, Reggie Brown

I'm going to go ahead and call Jason Witten the start of the week. That's right. Really I'm just trying to jinx him now, but he is a very good start. Barber normally wouldn't be against the Eagles but I think the Cowboys get up big via TO and Romo - TO should catch at least two touchdowns in a straight spite move against the Eagles again this week. I'm not high on McNasty or any of his wideouts. Obviously you start Brian Westbrook if you own him.

12:33 - FOX is playing Curb Your Enthusiasm music for the Jets-Pats montage. That's fairly amusing. Untiiiiiiiiiil a joke gets made about the music. Siiiiiiiiiigh.

12:35 -
Detroit Lions @ San Diego Chargers
Harumph: Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates
Boooooo: Chris Chambers, Calvin Johnson, Kevin Jones
Sleeper: Michael Turner

P-Riv is the kind of guy that you would think twice about starting ... until you realize you have David Garrard as your other quarterback. Looking at you, Chuck. Rivers has a nice matchup and probably won't throw a ton, but he should get enough tosses to be a viable option for fantasy owners, especially if Gates plays. Tomlinson, obviously,is the key, and he should go enormously huge today. I'm wary of starting really anyone from Detroit just because I think this team is utterly and completely finished. I'd probably start Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey as lower end wideouts, and if I own CJ, I'm probably firing him out there, but I'm not happy about it.

12:46 - YES! Baldy on the call in Carolina! Nice.

12:52 - Okay, go time for the playoffs. Thanks for hanging folks. We'll be back next week of course, and if you have any questions about the later games, email me at fantasyfanhouse@gmail.com about them.

Sunday Morning Tailgate 15.1 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 16 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inactives: Week 14

Will Brinson — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy Football, Sunday Morning Tailgate, Injury Report

I consider myself pretty adept at this whole fantasy thing. But you know what? If you'd told me before the season that the biggest injury (although Marshawn Lynch is certainly arguable) concern heading into week 14 would be Joey Galloway, I would have said something opposite of and far more condescending than "Wow. I bet you're right!" Or something like that. Anyway, as the news comes in from the teams on who is Inactive this week, I'll be posting it here. Check back early and often.

Buffalo Bills
Marshawn Lynch - ACTIVE

Carolina Panthers
DeShaun Foster - ACTIVE
Dwayne Jarrett - OUT

Cincinnati Bengals
T.J. Houshmandzadeh - ACTIVE

Houston Texans
Matt Schaub - OUT
Ron Dayne - ACTIVE

Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike Peterson - OUT - The Jaguars DST is still a nice start.

Miami Dolphins
Jesse Chatman - OUT - Three headed "beast" starting for the Fins this week.
Marty Booker - OUT - Ted Ginn, Jr. is an decent play this week.

New York Giants
Brandon Jacobs - ACTIVE - A great start against the Eagles.
Plaxico Burress - ACTIVE - You want to start him.
Steve Smith - OUT - Not important.

Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb - ACTIVE - Yikes. Dare you? I might if my back was against the wall.
Brian Westbrook - ACTIVE - You start him.
Kevin Curtis - ACTIVE - I'd probably start him too.

St. Louis Rams
Marc Bulger - OUT - Berlin is starting with Todd Bouman backing him up. Good day to be a Rams fan!

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jeff Garcia - OUT - Luke McCown starts and is a spicy sleeper.
Joey Galloway - ACTIVE - Start him. Houston pass D ain't great.

Tennessee Titans

Albert Haynesworth - ACTIVE - He's not yet listed but rumor is he's going to play regardless of how bad he feels.

Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers - INACTIVE - Favre is going for 250 today.
Brandon Jackson - INACTIVE - Oh. No.
Charles Woodsen - ACTIVE - Nice for GB DST.

Detroit Lions
Roy Williams - OUT - Start Calvin Johnson.

Oakland Raiders
JaMarcus Russell - 3rd QB - Start McCown this week.
Dominic Rhodes - OUT - Fargas gets all the carries anyway.

San Diego Chargers
Shawne Merriman - ACTIVE

Inactives: Week 14 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sunday Morning Tailgate: 14.1

Will Brinson — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy Football, Sunday Morning Tailgate

It's kind of disturbing that it's already week 14 isn't it? Feels like the NFL season started like a month ago. Of course, one cool thing about this point in time (especially if you're a Carolina Panthers fan, although somehow we're still in the playoff hunt, yeah NFC!) is that the fantasy playoffs are here. Either you're fighting for your life to get into the playoffs this week and desperately need a win, or you're gearing up for that first round matchup. Some of you may even be on a bye. That is probably because you've been checking in regularly with the Tailgate and soaking up all the brilliance that we spill each week. Right? I'd love to hear how your teams are doing, because, um, that's like my total favorite thing in life, hearing fantasy stories, so drop a note in the comments on where you stand.

Also, you may have questions about who to start this week. That's what I'm here for. Ask away in the comments (that's the preferred method of communique around here) or you can email me at fantasyfanhouse@gmail.com. Oh yeah. If for some reason you're new here, I'm Will Brinson and I host this thing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. I'll be previewing each of the games with a set of "Harumphs" (good plays) and "Boooos" (bad plays) with some sleepers mixed in.

More importantly, sometime after 11 this morning, the NFL Network and NFL.com will start releasing Inactives for Week 14. Because I heart you so much, I own the Sunday Ticket thing and will be getting you immediate updates you might not otherwise be privy to. I'll set up a separate injury blog and link to it a little later. If you've got any questions, holler. Otherwise, in the words of Jay-Z, "Let's rock."10:05 - I should have mentioned this before, but, yes, we are in fact live* in Jacksonville* to watch the Panthers pull an upset. Feel free to throw BBQ at the Jags' fans as you walk past, they won't know what it is. Seriously -- barbeque down here is first a verb (it's a noun in North Carolina) and secondly, chicken slathered in some sort of mustard sauce.

10:15 - Just proving further that everyone is bad at announcing, the NFL Network guy (whose name is escaping me) just said that the Eagles "really need to win out from here on" or something absurd like that. He also called the Giants "in the thick of the NFC Wild Card race". Two game leads aren't thick, pal. And now, velvet voiced Steve Sabel.

10:22 - I'm going to get the previews started a little early today. You'll also notice that you can click on the teams this week to take a look at Fanhouse's preview of that game ... which is pretty sweet, no?

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills
Harumph: Marshawn Lynch
Boooooo: Jesse Chatman, Lee Evans
Sleeper: Trent Edwards, Josh Reed

There's plenty of talk about Buffalo keeping Miami utterly defeated. But more importantly, the Bills are trying to sneak into the playoffs. Which means is going to play. And I think he's going to play good. As always, Lee Evans is a threat to go large - it's kind of what he does. Or supposed to do anyway. But Trent Edwards doesn't target him as much, and the Fins will certainly try and double team him. You start him if you have him, because the matchups too good, but I think owners come away unsatisfied. Same with Jesse Chatman, who might not even play. Cam Cameron's mentioned something about a three headed "monster" of Samkon Gado, Lorenzo Booker and Patrick Cobbs. If you'll excuse me, I need to wash the vomit out of my mouth. Put a gun to my head and I'll pick Booker to get the carries.

10:25 - Wow. Duce Staley, Ricky Watters and Wilbert Montgomery are the only three Eagle running backs to ever have back to back 1,000 yard seasons. Brian Westbrook can join them today. Interesting. I'm not sure whether I even have the energy to make a Andy Reid joke right now.

10:27 - Aaaaarghadkfjald;sfehaidah. Sorry. I just changed the channel to ESPN and Sports Reporters. Bob Ryan screaming something about Reggie Bush and Michael Jordan (it turns out he was anti-Bush, so I back it) followed by Mitch Albom doing the end-show rant about his movie FOR ONE MORE DAY. You'll never beleieve this ... but it's being shown tonight on ABC!!!! I urge you to watch (snickering).

10:34 - I hope Sportscenter knows I'm only here for Hammering Hank. Seriously, he's the only reason I watch ESPN anymore. Wow. Is he really .500 on the year? How awkward Hank. It's also worth noting that I think Sportscenter forces him to take certain games:

10:41 - Annnnd we've got Hammer's picks:
Pittsburgh +10.5 (Love it. It's just too many points for a 9-3 team. It really is.)
New York Giants +3 (Shocking that Philly is favored. Agree here too.)
San Diego PK (I took the Titans +3.5)
Seattle -7 (No Fitz or Boldin and this is a lock)
Cleveland -3.5 (This should be a lockjob.)

10:45 - Guys, I have a brief family emergency that I have to run out and take care of - I will be back right at 11 though...kick it here and leave your questions in the comments. We'll be sticking with this thread all morning.

11:13 - Okay, really sorry about that. But we're good to go now, and thanks for your patience.

11:23 - And more previews as we get to the comments and get ready for injuries:
Dallas Cowboys @ Detroit Lions
Harumph: Patrick Crayton, Cowboys DST, Calvin Johnson
Boooooo: Jon Kitna, Kevin Jones
Sleeper: Julius Jones

Be aware that I have never been correct about Patrick Crayton and his fantasy performance. Jon Kitna has angered the Cowboys defense and I think they're going to respond by scoring. And by shutting Kitna down. Roy Williams is out though, so Calvin Johnson could be a nice play. Don't bother, of course, with any Detroit running backs.

11:28 -
Carolina Panthers @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Harumph: Maurice Jones-Drew, Fred Taylor, Reggie Williams
Boooooo: Steve Smith
Sleeper: Drew Carter

The logical matchup says MJD and Freddy should do well. I agree. But then the logical matchup says Smuff should be horrible. And again, I'm going to play the matchup. I would start Smith regardless, but I don't think you reasonably expect a large game out of him. Dont' be surprised to see DeAngelo Williams get some decent carries if this game gets out of hand though. Don't sleep on Drew Carter either -- we've seen how teams can beat the Jags with their number two wideouts, and Carter is lightning fast. In fact, I'm calling two touchdowns for him today. How you like that?

11:32 -
Minnesota Vikings @ San Francisco 49ers
Harumph: Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor, Sidney Rice, Vernon Davis
Boooooo: Frank Gore
Sleeper: Tavaris Jackson

Maybe I'm too enthusiastic about the offensive possibilities of this game. I could just see Minnesota getting up large early and then running the ball, while San Fran racks up like 17 points in junk time or something. I think Vernon gets a little junk time love too, finally paying off those owners who have been patient with him. You do know that Vinny Testaverde kind of tore up the Niners right? Tavaris should have a nice game. Love Sidney Rice. Have loved him since South Carolina too. Gore is borderline startable this week - it would almost be easier for owners if he was just out, that way they didn't have to make the decision. I'd start both Taylor and AP too - should be enough carries to go around.

11:38 - Here's the INACTIVE LIST link, btw. It's not released yet, but I'll be listing everyone there, along with putting anyone especially pertinent right here. It's actually on deck on the NFLN so get ready.

11:44 - Sunday News Update Time. Weefreakinghee
(NYG @ PHI) Nothing crazy from the Giants-Eagles game
(CAR @ JAX) Mittens is the third quarterback listed. Mike Peterson is out which makes
(STL @ CIN)Brock Berlin is out. Nothing for Cincy.
(Dal @ Det) Roy Williams is out, Terry Glenn is out.
(OAK @ GB) JaMarcus Russell is the third QB, Daunte Culpepper is OUT. Bubba Franks is OUT
(SD @ TEN) Haynesworth is active.

Sheesh. What a joke. There's really nothing of value there. Thanks NFLN. You're grrrrreat!

11:51 -
St. Louis Rams @ Cincinnati Bengals
Harumph: Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Steven Jackson
Boooooo: Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt
Sleeper: Randy McMichael

Brock Berlin. That's your starting quarterback for the St. Louis Rams. And I see people picking them everywhere! Like Brian Baldinger. He just said he likes the Rams and he's calling this game. Darn. Guess I won't be watching then. I'd start just about everyone in this game, with the exception of Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. You should see the Rams lean heavily on Steven Jackson, unless I'm just really, really, really, really, really wrong about Berlin's chances at succeeding at quarterback for a professional football team. I like McMichael a little since Berlin might use him with a limited playbook. Oh and btw, I'm probably still starting T-Holt if I own him. Start all your Bengals.

11:55 -
Oakland Raiders @ Green Bay Packers
Harumph: Ryan Grant, Ronald Curry
Boooooo: Donald Driver, Justin Fargas
Sleeper: Josh McCown

Grant is going to go sooooo freaking large. If he doesn't get in the end zone at least twice, I'm going to be disappointed. Curry's a nice play since the Packers pass defense isn't spectacular but they stop the run so I'd avoid using Fargas if I could. Meanwhile, the Raiders give up everything on the ground, and not through the air, so Driver is a tough start. McCown is very useful for teams in need of a gamble at quarterback to make the playoffs - he could actually go off this game against the Packers, especially if the Raiders are playing from behind.

12:04 - JOEY GALLOWAY IS ACTIVE

12:05 - BRANDON JACOBS ACTIVE
PLAXICO BURRESS ACTIVE

12:12 - Okay the full list of inactives (so far) is up here. And when I say "full" you know I mean "fantasy relevant", right? Just making sure.

12:15 - Oh my. Are we really getting something that involves James Gandolfini and the Dallas Cowboys?

12:16 - Okay, okay. This is a little funny. But why does Mark Cuban have a knife? Does he hate the Cowboys? Wouldn't he love the Cowboys? I'm a little confused.

12:19 -
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Houston Texans
Harumph: Joey Galloway, Ernest Graham
Boooooo: Andre Johnson, Ron Dayne
Sleeper: Ike Hilliard, Luke McCown

Hilliard and Galloway are active, so get them in there (deeper leagues for Hilliard obviously). Houston's pretty good against the run, but Ernest Graham has been too good all season long to think about sitting. I'm starting the McCown brothers across the board today. Another big week from them. Don't bench Andre Johnson, but he does have Sage Rosenfels throwing to him, and the the Bucs are stupendous against the pass, so don't expect a huge statistical output. I'm not high on Dayne today either.

12:28 - This Michael Strahan thing on FOX is the worst piece of crap I've ever watched. Holy mess. I mean, literally the worst. Strahan's gone off the deep end.

12:36 -
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles
Harumph: Brian Westbrook, Plaxico Burress
Boooooo: Eli Manning, Jeremy Shockey, Donovan McNabb
Sleeper: Brandon Jacobs, Rueben Droughns

The Giants running back situation has been insane this season. It's like, all of sudden, someone else is healthy and jumps into the starting lineup. This week, it's Jacobs, who makes a nice start despite Philly's ability to stop the run. Rueben Droughns is a deeeep sleeper with his goal line prowess. Gotta start Westbrook, who's healthy and I think you might have to start McNabb, although I'm not particularly high on him today (but he always blows up when he's not supposed to, you know? Eli has found Plax all year but hasn't gotten anything near Shockey except for one week so far.

12:40 - Is anyone else confused by Jay Glazer's "Insider" status? I know he's trying to disseminate to the masses and what not, but nothing he's telling me is really "new" persay.

12:42 - Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks
Harumph: Deion Branch, Bryant Johnson, Shaun Alexander
Boooooo: Edgerrin James
Sleeper: Nate Burleson, Maurice Morris

Howie Long made a good point - Alexander is getting challenged for his starting job and now he's actually trying. How pathetic. Not as pathetic as me outsourcing to HL, but whatever. I'd start Alexander this week. I'd start Edge too, but be a little wary of his matchup. Bryant Johnson is a must start if Larry Fitzgerald is out, and with D.J. Hackett out, all of Burleson, Branch and Bobby Engram are startable. Morris is a deep sleeper because he wants to win that job too, and is capable of ripping off another long TD run this week.

12:45 - Okay, we're running out of time, so let's fly through these last previews. By the way, Baldinger is soooo out of control. "Berlin has waited a long time for this"??? Really. Hasn't he just been kind of kicking it?

12:48 - Pittsburgh Steelers @ New England Patriots
Harumph: Hines Ward, Wes Welker, Ben Roethlisberger
Boooooo: Laurence Maroney
Sleeper: Nate Washington

I'm starting everyone in this game. Yeah, it's supposed to be a defensive shootout, but when elite teams go head to head you usually end up getting a lot of points. And I think New England's defense has been proven to be overrated. Their offense, however, is not.

12:50 - Cleveland Browns @ New York Jets

And then there's this shootout. I'm starting everyone here too. Kellen Clemens is a nice sleeper, and you want everyone on Cleveland as a go. I think Thomas Jones finds the end zone too this week. Laveraneus Coles is all Clemens' has got, so he should be fine to fire out there today too.

12:52 - Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos
Harumph: Kolby Smith, Travis Henry
Boooooo: Tony Gonzalez, Javon Walker
Sleeper: Brandon Stokely

Start the running backs and sit the wideouts - except Dwayne Bowe and Brandon Marshall. Unless you're in a shallow league or are stacked at WR, you probably want to start them. The Broncos rush D looked horrible last week, so expect a big game out of Kolby Smith. Gonzo doesn't do anything with Brodie Croyle under center.

12:55 - Alright kids, we've got everything covered! Thanks for hanging out at the Tailgate, good luck in week 14, may all your playoff teams be on bye ... holler if you have any questions and we'll see you this evening for the Sunday Wrap Up.

Sunday Morning Tailgate: 14.1 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Injury Live Blog Week 13

Will Brinson — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy Football, Sunday Morning Tailgate, Injury Report

Here's your one-stop-shop for fantasy relevant injuries on Sunday Morning. I'm gonna run through the early status injuries (stati through Saturday) and then fire out the inactives once they're listed a little later. The early ones I'll have listed are either out, doubtful or questionable and I'll put a letter next to their name to help you out. Out is obvious, doubtful is 25 % chance they play, questionable is straight 50-50, probable is 75% they play.

Blew up the list and now have all your inactives listed here.

San Francisco 49ers
Alex Smith

Carolina Panthers
Dwayne Jarrett

Jacksonville Jaguars
Mike Peterson

Indianapolis Colts
Marvin Harrison

San Diego Chargers
Luis Castillo

Kansas City Chiefs
Larry Johnson - Kolby Smith will come in and run the ball. Thanks Baldinger!
Brodie Croyle - Damon Huard starts and is a borderline fantasy sleeper type option.

Seattle Seahawks
D.J. Hackett

Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb - OUT

Washington Redskins
Antwaan Randle El
James Thrash

Buffalo Bills
Marshawn Lynch
Anthony Thomas

Minnesota Vikings
Troy Williamson
Antoine Winfield

Detroit Lions
Nothing of significance, unless you count Tatum Bell

St. Louis Rams
Marc Bulger

Injury Live Blog Week 13 originally appeared on Fantasy FanHouse on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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