Talking NFL

Not to bring up the Patriots on this site yet again (you do know they’ve won 3 of the last 6 titles, right?  Just checking…), but when it comes to your fantasy draft, you really need to think like them in terms of value.  Just like Super Bowls, fantasy titles are won & lost in the middle rounds of the draft; you need to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.

In this installment, we’ll take a look at the mid-tier players that I feel are ranked below where they should be.  I’m using the rankings from CBSSportsline for 2 reasons; one, that’s where my league is hosted (and I’m hoping this free publicity translates into a free trophy or something…), and two, there are a TON of ranking goofs for me to plunder here!  Let’s get started…

Wide Receiver - Lee Evans (Bills)

CBSSportsline Ranking:  #14 WR
Talking NFL Ranking:  #7 WR

Lee Evans tied for 4th place last year amongst WR’s in total points, yet CBS has him ranked 14th this year.  I’d understand that line of reasoning if he was working with a different QB, past his prime, or had a solid # 2 WR to compete against.  None of that is true, so I must have missed the “Lee Evans will get hit by a tractor in Week 4″ memo.

In addition, he’s going against three AFC East teams that (assuming Asante Samuel holds out) all lack a proven shut down corner.  He’s a threat to go deep on every play (he averaged 15.7 yards per catch last year), and if you don’t have that # 1 CB to keep him at bay, get ready to be burned.  I expect big things from Mr. Evans this year…

Quarterback - Jon Kitna (Lions)

CBSSportsline Ranking:  #9 QB
Talking NFL Ranking:  #6 QB

Again, I’d appreciate it if you’d stop laughing before continuing to read.  Thanks.

I’ve all ready outlined what I like about the Lions in my NFC North division preview, but there’s one other HUGE element at play here that simply cannot be overlooked.  Take into account that Kitna has one of (if not the) best arsenals of weapons at his disposal (now that Calvin Johnson has signed), and combine that with the fact that the Lions secondary is going to get shredded on a regular basis, and that means one thing:

Garbage Touchdowns

Garbage TD’s are the life blood of a strong fantasy team, and the Lions are going to score them in droves.  They will become the new Arizona Cardinals this year.  Hell, I’m even counting on a few insane come from behind victories (one against the Bears, trust me).  

Let’s put it this way, when you’re watching the ticker late on Sunday, and you see the Lions down by 20 early in the 4th quarter; would you rather have Kitna playing for you or against you?  I’ll take the former, please.

(By the way, my one concern with this pick was the thought of the Lions getting off to a bad start and giving 2nd round pick Drew Stanton an early shot at QB. Well, nevermind.)

Running Back - Thomas Jones (Jets)

CBSSportsline Ranking:  #19 RB
Talking NFL Ranking:  #13 RB

One of the biggest keys to winning in Fantasy Football is obviously your running backs.  It’s hard to go wrong with a stud like LaDainian Tomlinson or Steven Jackson, but what’s really critical is getting a solid # 2 back that performs well.  Whiff on your second starter, and you’re at a huge disadvantage.

That’s why I love (in a non-gay type of way) Thomas Jones this year; much more than questionables currently ranked above him like Willis McGahee, Ronnie Brown and Cedric Benson.  Jones has been solid the last 2 seasons, averaging 1,272 yards and 7.5 TD’s per season.  True, he had a stellar Bears line to run behind, but the Jets will only improve in that area with young studs Nick Mangold and D’Brickashaw Ferguson leading the way.  He’s under 30, a proven commodity, and should get plenty of goal-line work as well.  Exactly what you need from a #2 RB.

He ain’t a sexy-time pick, but think of him as a cute little Mary Ann number to go with your Ginger.

(Speaking of which, did you know they had a pie-fight?)

That. Was. AWESOME.

…

(…what the hell were we talking about?)

Kicker - Jason Hanson (Lions)

CBSSportsline Ranking:  #11 K
Talking NFL Ranking:  #5 K

Yes, Kickers are fantasy football players too, although there’s no way you should be picking one before the last round.  Here’s the quick checklist for a good kicker:

- Are they consistent?  (over 80% accuracy)
- Do they play for a good offense?
- Do they have enough leg left for those 50+ kicks?
- Do they play in a dome or “a mile high”?

By my calculations, there are 4 guys that meet all the criteria:  Jeff Wilkins, Jason Elam, Adam Vinatieri, and Jason Hanson.  Hanson finished tied for 5th last year, has an ever better offense to work behind, yet somehow fell to 11th.  Yes, he’s getting up there (37), but if I’m right, he could be looking at a career best.

(and if I’m wrong about the Lions, I could be looking for another gig come February…)

Wide Receiver - Joey Galloway (Buccaneers)

CBSSportsline Ranking:  #26 WR
Talking NFL Ranking:  #18 WR

  “This is my gun. There are many like it but this one is mine!”

Yes, he’s 35 years old, and yes, he plays for the Bucs.  Both facts should rightfully give you the heebee jeebees.  However, he’s the only reliable weapon the team has, and he does get a much better QB this year in Jeff Garcia.  Remember, he had 10 games with the immortal Bruce Gradkowski flinging the rock last season.  (Who went over 200 yards passing in ONLY ONE GAME)

Despite that, Joey still had over 1,000 yards receiving in ‘06.  Only 19 wideouts can claim to have done that as well, so to not include him in the top 20 wide receivers is madness, I tell you.   MADNESS!

More value plays later this week…

NFL, Fantasy Football, Value Picks, Fantasy Draft, Ginger and Mary Ann pie fight, cold shower