Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets Sunday Night Football Pick

Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets Sunday Night Football Pick: The Jets continue to impress me. Two years ago I thought they went to far, and last year they ended up a win away from the Super Bowl after beating the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts in back to back playoff games. Pittsburgh finally ousted them, but this team continues to get better as a young offense grows up. That being said, the additions of Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason add some nice pieces for a possession style offense that wants to hold onto the ball. Both those old guys have good hands, run good routes, block well, and know how to get open – they’ve been doing it forever. Moving Shonn Greene into the starting running back role was a good move – he’s the right guy for that job and should punish defenses if nothing else. He’s a beast.

Still, I don’t think they’re as amazing as everyone else does. They are overachieving in my book, and eventually that has to even out. I see the Cowboys as one of the potential best teams in the NFC, and they should give the Jets a big run. Rarely do the Cowboys come into a game and a season with less hype than their opponent, but because of Rex Ryan’s enormousness, in mouth and body, the Jets are expected to win this game. Experts have them as a big favorite, and the public likes them too – the old double dipper!

But I’m on Dallas’s side. I think they’ll be improved defensively with the addition of a good defensive coordinator, and I think they’ll be more disciplined with a better head coach situation. Tony Romo is really good, and his stable of weapons might be good enough to give the super secondary some trouble.

Dallas Cowboys (+4) @ New York Jets

Week 6 Fantasy Football: Fantasy Focus REVIEW

Fantasy Football Rankings: Fantasy Focus REVIEW Week 6

Well, Arse’s run at the top is over, but unfortunately it’s not me taking the title from the Arse, nope, this week belongs to Papa Weimer who absolutely killed it. He tied for 1st in QB rankings and got 2nd in WR rankings – everything else he took the top spot. He has the best overall week of the season, going for a final ranking’s total of just 6. 1, 1, 2, 1, 1 – that’s freaking awesome. Like I said, I didn’t win, but I didn’t finish last either. It was close, but Red Red Ryan and his three 4th place finishes (QB, RB, and DST) got him last place. Papa already sent out a gloating email when Chris Johnson scored that meaningless TD at the end of a slaughter game, but you all know how he loves to email!!! (Send fantasy questions to PAPAWEIMER50@HOTMAIL.COM) Heres the fantasy review!

We went and changed up the Focus competition this week. Instead of grading our scores based on rankings, we ranked everything out based on total fantasy points. It’s more fantasy realistic and more telling as to how we fared in our fantasy predictions.

Elite Starters: Guys picked early that I love this week, looking for Top 5 at their position. C+

1. Peyton Manning –Peyton’s 300+ yards and 2 scores were good, but 9th amongst QBs. Still, his 22 points were just 4 behind the 2nd best QB in Week 6. B
2. Chris Johnson- CJ’s 27 fantasy points (many of which came on a final drive that meant absolutely nothing) were good for a tie for 1st amongst RBs this week. A+
3. Frank Gore – Gore had 149 yards rushing to get the 49ers their first win of the season, but he didn’t score and he didn’t catch passes – that gave him just 14 fantasy points – good for 15th. C
4. Reggie Wayne –  Wayne finished 32nd amongst WRs, but his 13 poits were just a fandful away from the Top 10. C
5. Phillip Rivers– Rivers was oddly bad on Sunday. He lost Antonio Gates and Malcom Floyd in the game, but he wasn’t doing much wit them. Thee were 17 guys better than Rivers on Sunday. He tied with Bradford and Tom Brady. D+

Solid Starters: Guys picked in middle rounds that should outplay their ranking/draft position this week. B

1. Kyle Orton– Orton wasn’t great, but he looked solid – he was 14th overall and continues to be as solid as any QB in the league. B-
2. Ahmad Bradshaw– Bradshaw was 10th amongst RBs, and looked great running against the Lions. A
3. LaDainian Tomlinson– Tomlinson found it tough sledding against a motivated Denver defensive front, but in the end, his 2 touchdowns were huge, as he stepped up the pace when he was needed most. He was 3rd amongst RBs on Sunday. A+
4. Eli Manning- Eli was tied for 10th despite having a funny look on his face throughout the game. 19 fantasy points and a couple TDs. B
5. Jay Cutler –He threw for 290 yards, didn’t throw an interception – but he still didn’t do all that well. He didn’t throw a TD, either, and was getting hit early and often by Seattle’s un-vaunted pass rush. D

Sleeper Starters: Guys ranked low, drafted low or not at all, but I still like them this week… A

1. Johnny Knox -Over 100 yards receiving for Knox, still no TD yet, but 17pts was good for 14th amongst WRs. A
2. Jamaal Charles –Charles got 16 carries and 4 catches and got over 100 yards of offense. He was 13th amongst RBs. A
3. Ryan Torain– #2 going into Monday’s game. Pretty dang good. RT runs hard! A+
4. BenJarvus Green-Ellis– He didn’t do much with his limited touches, amazing how all of a sudden he doesn’t get any love from his coach – but BJGE did score a TD on one of those carries, and accrued 8 points for 30th amongst RBs. C+
5. Pierre Garcon – Garcon led the Colts in receiving, and finished with 4 grabs for 103 yards and a TD. Good for 9th Sunday. A+

Super Sleepers: Undrafted guys that are usually unowned, but in a pinch put ‘em in coach! B

1. Cadillac Williams– Williams didn’t run all that well, but he was a threat out of the backfield, catching a bunch of passes. He finished with just 12 fantasy points, just 23rd on the day – but just 4 points away from a Top 10 week. B
2. Derrick Mason- The old man did work, catching 8 balls for 100 yards (both season highs) a top 12 WR on Sunday. A
3. Dwayne Bowe– Amazing day for Bowe. Does this mean he’s back? Over 100 yards, two touchdowns, maybe? A+
4. Joshua Cribbs – Cribbs went down early and couldn’t come back with a minor concussion. F
5. Anthony Armstrong- 9 fantasy points for AA, Top 44 amongst WRs – not a bad last second option. B

Sit ‘Em Son: I don’t care where they were drafted, I don’t like these guys starting this week… B+

1. Mike Williams (TB)–I didn’t expect much and he didn’t deliver much. Probably not his fault, but his 8 fantasy points were good for 47th amongst WRs. A good sit. A
2. Sam Bradford– Sam played a very solid game and got the win for his guys. He was just 18th but tied with Brady and Phil Rivers. Not bad company, but just 18th overall on Sunday. He threw one TD and didn’t toss one INT. B-
3. Shaun Hill – Shaun Hill was playing well when he broke his arm. Not sure I would have been right but as is, I’ll take the injury solid play here. B
4. Jahvid Best– GMen locked Best up pretty good, Jahvid had just 10 fantasy points. He also had 12 carries for just 16 yards. He’s a good player, but admit it, that was a terrible match-up. B+
5. Peyton Hillis– Hillis wasn’t bad – his rushing totals looked like he played Pittsburgh, and he did, but he got to 14 fantasy points after a big catch week. C+

***The scoring has changed, but did the outcome stay the same? No, sir – with the scoring change went Arse’s rain at the top – you can still follow him @AlakanArse on Twitter.***

Week 6 didn’t see me at the bottom, close though. Papa takes the cake in Week 6, Arse loses his strangle hold – here are the fantasy rankings for Week 6.

Week 6 QB Final Rankings

Ryan Kauffman 4	Josh Arsenault 1	Papa Weimer 2	Lucky Lester 3
Peyton Manning 22	Peyton Manning 22	Kyle Orton 16	Peyton Manning 22
Phillip Rivers 13	Phillip Rivers 13	Drew Brees 26	Phillip Rivers 13
Eli Manning 19	Drew Brees 26	Phillip Rivers 13	Tony Romo 26
Kyle Orton 16	Joe Flacco 23	Peyton Manning 22	Eli Manning 19
Joe Flacco 23	B. Roethlisberger 26	Big Dumb Ben 26	Kyle Orton 16

Week 6 RB Final Rankings

Ryan Kauffman 4	Josh Arsenault 1	Papa Weimer 1	Lucky Lester 3
Frank Gore 14	LeSean McCoy 12	Chris Johnson 27	Chris Johnson 27
Ray Rice 19	LaDain. Tomlinson 20	Adrian Peterson 14	Frank Gore 14
Rash. Mendenhall 18	Frank Gore 14	Ahmad Bradshaw 16	Adrian Peterson 14
LaDain. Tomlinson 20	Adrian Peterson 14	Rash. Mendenhall 18	LaDain. Tomlinson 20
Michael Turner 5	Chris Johnson 27	Matt Forte 14	Michael Turner 5

Week 6 WR Final Rankings

Ryan Kauffman 2	Josh Arsenault 3	Papa Weimer 1	Lucky Lester 4
Miles Austin 3	Reggie Wayne 13	Reggie Wayne 13	Reggie Wayne 13
Andre Johnson 27	Anquan Boldin 16	Greg Jennings 25	Brandon Lloyd 11
Anquan Boldin 16	Hakeem Nicks 3	Malcom Floyd 3	Hakeem Nicks 3
Hakeem Nicks 3	Roddy White 14	Roddy White 14	Malcom Floyd 3
Malcom Floyd 3	Mike Sims-Walker 3	Miles Austin 3	Miles Austin 3

Week 6 TE Final Rankings

Ryan Kauffman 2	Josh Arsenault 3	Papa Weimer 1	Lucky Lester 3
Antonio Gates 3	Antonio Gates 3	Antonio Gates 3	Dallas Clark 11
Dallas Clark 11	Vernon Davis 13	Dallas Clark 11	Antonio Gates 3
Vernon Davis 13	Zach Miller 6	Vernon Davis 13	Chris Cooley 8
Chris Cooley 8	Chris Cooley 8	Tony Moeaki 4	Zach Miller 6
Aaron Hernandez 11	Dallas Clark 11	Tony Gonzalez 16	Vernon Davis 13

Week 6 DST Final Rankings

Ryan Kauffman 4	Josh Arsenault 3	Papa Weimer 1	Lucky Lester 2
Steelers 17	Steelers 17	Steelers 17	Bears 8
Bears 8	Cowboys 11	Titans 22	Steelers 17
Giants 12	Chargers 7	Chargers 7	Titans 22
Chargers 7	Jets 9	Bears 8	Giants 12
Jets 9	Giants 12	Seahawks 13	Chargers 7

Week 6s Writer Rankings

Ryan Kauffman 4	Josh Arsenault 2	Papa Weimer 1	Lucky Lester 3
1.QBs 4	1.QBs 1	1.QBs 1	1.QBs 3
2.RBs 2	2.RBs 3	2.RBs 1	2.RBs 4
3.WRs 4	3.WRs 1	3.WRs 2	3.WRs 2
4.TEs 2	4.TEs 3	4.TEs 1	4.TEs 3
5.DST 4	5.DST 3	5.DST 1	5.DST 2

Who did we MISS?

QB: Kevin Kolb: In Mike Vick’s absence Kevin Kolb has done work. This week he led all quarterbacks in fantasy points.

RB: Felix Jones and Ryan Torain both had a big week and were 5th and 3rd amongst RBs in Week 6.

WR: Jeremy Maclin, Dwaned Bowe, Deion Branch, Mike Williams: A good week for wide receivers – who ever thought the Deion Branch trade would work out for both sides? Mike Williams (yep, that USC MW) looked good as the #1 against that tough Bears D, and he led the Hawks to a win. Deion Branch was huge leading the Patriots in receiving during an OT win over Baltimore. Dwayne Bowe dropped having the drops, he was impressive with a couple scores, and was ranked 2nd headed into Monday Night. Jeremy Maclin took advantage of his own teammate going down, and he became the go-to-guy, catching 7 balls for 159 yards and a couple touchdowns from Kevin Kolb.

TE: Ben Watson; We should have known. The Browns weren’t going to be able to run, and Colt would find some solace in his big athletic Tight End.

DEF: San Francisco 49ers: The Niners did work and ousted the Raiders – that’s the D that Samurai Mike has been looking for.

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots Pick & Preview

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots Pick & Preview: No, this has nothing to do with Randy Moss’s trade to Minnesota, if the Patriots did anything a couple weeks ago it was prove that they didn’t need Randy to be efficient offensively. That’s why everything went haywire in the first place, I reckon. It doesn’t have anything to do with it, I’d be taking the Ravens and the points even if Randy was running go routes down the sidelines.

The Ravens just have too much to use against the Patriots. Anquan Bolding, Derrick Mason, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh can all do good things in that young Patriots secondary. Joe Flacco has the arm to get it done back there, so the Patriots can’t gang up against one aspect of their opponent’s offense, something they’ve been able to do in all three wins this season (Cincinnati, Buffalo, and Miami). New England will take advantage of bad passes, and they are an opportunistic offense as well, but they don’t have anything that Baltimore can’t handle – and the Ravens have a lot the Patriots will struggle with.

Baltimore finally beat the Patriots last season, running the Pats defense into the ground with over 220 yards of rushing offense (159 on 22 carries from Ray Rice) and really limiting Tom Brady’s passing attack. I don’t see why they can’t do the same this year. The Pats are one All-Pro lineman short and the Ravens are as strong as ever.

Baltimore Ravens (+3) @ New England Patriots

Week 1 Waiver Watch 2010: Thing 1 and Thing 2

What’s up party people, your favorite Alaskan resident PE Teacher/freelance sportswriter is back for another season of spreading the fantasy knowledge.  After looking over some of my Thing 1 and Thing 2 articles from a year ago, I realized that owners that payed a attention to the words in this column did very well for themselves down the stretch.  For those in keeper leagues, my advice toward owners in week 6 of last year was to go out and grab Chad Henne (3% ownership at the time), Justin Forsett (1%), Mike Wallace (3%) and Jermichael Finley (15%) – how are those guys looking about now?

The point once again is that titles are rarely won on draft day.  The owners that put in their due diligence and work the waiver wires and their fellow league members throughout the grind are those that more often than not find themselves with a shot at the ‘ship when the weather turns cold.

So if you’re new to the crew or a returning reader off your game, here’s how this column works.  I will throw out stat-lines for two players at a time (Thing 1 and Thing 2).  Though the production of these two players will be similar, their ownership will not be – Thing 1 will be owned in most leagues and Thing 2 will be a guy you have a good shot at adding if you can beat your fellow league members to the punch.  For the quickest updates following the weekend action, stay up to date by following me on Twitter @AlaskanArse or by checking in on the site daily – now let’s get down to business.

Thing 1: This QB with a roller coaster past took over as starter for his club last year and led them on an impressive second half run.  He is capable of making plays with his legs and his arm and is owned in 95% of ESPN standard leagues.

Thing 2: A supremely talented athlete with a similarly checkered past, this QB will get an opportunity to start at least a game or two for his club.  His playmaking ability is second to none and he is currently owned in just 7% of leagues.

Reality Check: Thing 1 is Vince Young and Thing 2 is Michael Vick.  Although Vick’s hold on the starting job in Philly is tenuous at best, he will make head coach Andy Reid’s decision tougher if the Eagles respond as they did in nearly coming all the way back against a very good Packer team in week 1.  Vick has never been known for his passing efficiency, but he is surrounded by more weapons than ever before and his trademark speed and elusiveness have returned.  The Eagles get the Lions and Jags in the next two weeks, and Vick could be among the highest scoring fantasy QBs in the league during that stretch.

Thing 1: This running back totaled 63 yards on 18 carries in week 1.  Despite being owned in 100% of standard leagues as the unquestioned starter on his team, his upside is limited and his best years are behind him.

Thing 2: This running back also totaled 63 yards on 18 carries in week 1.  Despite being owned in just 2% of standard leagues, this player is now the unquestioned starter on an explosive offense who may be poised for a breakout season.

Reality Check: Thing 1 is Clinton Portis and Thing 2 is Brandon Jackson.  A nasty ankle injury to Packer RB Ryan Grant will likely sideline him for the season.  Jackson will likely be the hottest waiver commodity in most leagues this week but he is deserves it.  The 24-year-old former Husker has shown flashes of brilliance in his career as a backup and now has the opportunity to show what he can do.  A gifted pass catcher out of the backfield, Jackson may be a better fit for the explosive Packer passing attack than the injured incumbent Grant.  I am all-in on BJ’s fantasy prospects this season, and wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him crack the top-15 RBs in PPR leagues.

Thing 1: This veteran WR had a disappointing opening week and may see his production drop in 2010 due to roster changes.  He is known for his steady production and is currently owned in 100% of standard leagues.

Thing 2: This veteran WR had a surprising opening week and may see his production increase in 2010 due to new surroundings.  He has been inconsistent during his career and is currently owned in 5% of standard leagues.

Reality Check: Thing 1 is Derrick Mason and Thing 2 is Mark Clayton.  Given the arrival of Anquan Boldin, Mason’s days as the #1 target in Baltimore are likely over.  A healthy Todd Heap, plus the addition of TJ Whoseyourdaddy will only serve to further muddy the target breakdown.  Clayton on the other hand has landed in an ideal situation in St. Louis where injuries depleted the Rams’ receivers corps in the preseason.  If week 1 is any indication, Clayton and young QB Sam Bradford have already developed a decent rapport.  The Rams are improving but will still find themselves behind in a lot of games (Bradford slung the rock 55 times in their week 1 loss to the Cardinals).  I like Clayton to outproduce his former teammate in 2010, and you can get him on the cheap if you act quickly.

theRUNDOWN: Week 3

Week 3 has some happy match-ups – big time sits – and a couple that have me wondering what I’ve got myself into – oh the intrigue! This old man played nick knack paddy whack, gave a dog a bone, and then went with Jill up to the well and filled her pocket full of posies. Believe that ryhme, son! Here’s my best plays of the week.

QB: Tony Romo vs. Packers: I don’t know why, maybe because there will be another guy putting up points on the other team, but Romo is giving me that 4 touchdown vibe. After a tough start, Romo turned it on and burned the Eagles last week. I say he does the same against another good defense.

RB: LaDainian Tomlinson vs. New York Jets: I have to get him right some time right? Is LT too old? Is he done? Is his injury holding him back? I’m answering no to all of those, heck, I’m answering, NO! LT goes off against the Jets – that’s my bet. If he randomly doesn’t play, then I’ll switch my pick to Sproles.

RB: Michael Turner vs. KC: The Burner will be leaving jet streams all over the field on Sunday. The Chiefs are bad – Turner is good, he will run like the wind – the wind carrying a freaking anvil. This kid is a beast, watch him run with admiration. Plus, I always wanted to start LT and Mike in my best options list.

WR: Plaxico Burress vs. Bengals: I have no reason to believe this, but I think the Bengals hold close in this game, put up some points, and keep Eli throwing. If that’s the case, Burress goes wild. Even if it isn’t, I’m sure the Giants will throw in the first half – that would make Burress a nice option.

WR: Steve Smith vs. Minnesota: Because now that I can I will. I love me some Steve Smith – he’s a more seasoned version of Eddie Royal and I believe he torches the Vikings.

TE: Jeremy Shockey vs. Denver: He’s the best receiver they have right now, the safeties in Denver don’t scare me, and this game will be chalked full of points. It just makes sense.

K: Josh Brown vs. Seattle: Not that it matters but I might as well try.

D: Patriots vs. Miami: This defense is putting a lot on their shoulders, seems like they’d dominate this game with all that confidence.

PAPA’S Week 1 SLEEPERS

David Garrard: I know he’s really struggled, but that’s how he’s become a sleeper – Bob’s absence kills the Colts D.

Aaron Rodgers: Against Dallas on the main state? You bet I still like Rodgers. But another good one here and he can’t be considered sleeper material.

JT O’Sullivan: Martz versus the Lions. You bet. Top 10 QB this week.

Maurice Jones Drew: Best runner in Jacksonville hits gold against a Bon Sanders-less Colts team.

Julius Jones: I like Julius to do his thing again, this time against the Rams.

Sammy Morris: He’ll get most of the carries and score a touchdown or two against Miami.

Chad Ocho Cinco: Is it bad when a guy changes his name and then doesn’t do dick? That’s where Mr. 85 is at right now. He’s in sleeper status. I think he has a nice game though, he’ll have to to keep the Bengals in it.

Anthony Gonzalez: The Jaguars don’t scare me in the secondary, and Gonzalez is becoming the #2 in Indy, shhhh… Don’t tell Marvin.

Derrick Mason: Lots of catches, almost 100 yards – that’s worth a sleeper pick.

Todd Heap: Heap will get some this week. Finally. Then you’ll pick him up off the waiver wire and be crushed in Week 4. But still – nice sleeper this week.

Buffalo: Not sure they are a sleeper, but they should handle the Raiders rushing attack.

Papa’S Week 1 Splinter-Butts (bench him, son)

Jamal Lewis: He always runs well against the Ravens, right? Not this time Jamal.

DeAngelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart: It will be the Delhomme to Steve Smith game if the Panthers want a shot – neither back will do much for you this week.

Chris Perry: Another tough one for Chris – ha, seem familiar? The Bengals play a tough schedule – good year for that.

Hines Ward: I don’t think Hines keeps catching touchdowns like this, not this week against a good Eagles secondary anyway.