Well, since I am posting this after the Seahawks ran over the Pack, I will tell you that I predicted it 100% accurately!! Don’t believe me? Then come with me as I see the future for the rest of Week 1.

Buffalo @ Chicago – The Bills are desperately trying to improve and the Bears are looking to get over the hump. Cutler and his array of weapons should be way enough to put away a defensively improved Bills team. Bills run too much to keep up with the high powered Chicago offense.  Bears 31 – Bills 16

New Orleans @ Atlanta – I have predicted a comeback year for the Falcons, but the Saints are a bad draw for Week 1. Graham owns the Falcons and the Falcon D cannot solve the Saints offense. I see this as a high scoring game that has much to do with the coming year.  Saints 35 – Falcons 31.

Cincinnati @ Baltimore – The Ravens have no Ray Rice, but they may have moved on from him anyway. It will come down to defenses. Baltimore must stop the Bengal offense and of course, visa versa. I think the Ravens have the tougher task. Dalton, Bernard and Green should prove too much.  Bengals 27 – Ravens 20

Jacksonville @ Philadelphia – I loved the Jags draft this year and the improvements they have made on defense. Unfortunately, they lack weapons especially with Blackmon staying stupid, Shorts a little tender and Sanders suspended. Not mentioning the high flying Chip Kelly offense, I would still take Philly.  Eagles 34 – Jags 17

Washington @ Houston – Talk about two teams with a lot to prove. Houston can’t be as bad as they looked last year, right? Washington certainly is closer to 10-6 than that abysmal season of 2013, right? It comes down to RGIII and company vs what still should be a very good defense.  Closer than you might think. Redskins (yes, I said it) 26 – Texans 21

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh – Big Ben and the Steelers need to start strong this year and Cleveland should be the ticket. No Gordon for the Browns and a QB position in question. The Browns still boast a good defense, but Pittsburgh has many weapons. I see the Steelers taking off quickly.  Steeler 34 – Browns 14

Minnesota @ St. Louis – A real interesting game here. St. Louis has a great defense, but lost Sam Bradford for the season to injury. Minnesota seemed to have QB problems, but Norv Turner may have Cassel in a comfort zone while Bridgewater learns. Not a flashy game, but a close one.  Vikings 23 – Rams 20

Tennessee @ Kansas City – The Chiefs lost a plethora of Offensive lineman this offseason, but still have Jamaal Charles. The Titans have people scratching their heads over who will be the running back and just what can Locker do if he stays healthy. I think the KC defense may pull one out. Chiefs 21 – Titans 17

New England @ Miami – Will Gronk play? He’s cleared, so I say YES! When the Pats are healthy, they are tough to beat and Brady is really out to win another one as he feels Father Time creeping up on him. Miami has some people excited and others not so much. Me? Not so much. Patriots 37 – Dolphins 23

Oakland @ NYJets – I think Rex will have them competitive again. The Raiders are coming across country and relying on rookie QB Derek Carr to carry them as Matt Schaub continues his downward spiral.  Geno has been looking pretty fair and the offense has some upgrades with Decker and CJ?K.  Jets 27 – Raiders 21

San Francisco @ Dallas – The Cowboys can’t stop anybody and Michael Sam isn’t going to change things. The Cowboys’ offense is potent enough to win, but can they hold SF to under 35? Not too sure about that one. 49ers 35 – Cowboys 30

Carolina @ Tampa Bay – Both defenses should provide some highlights. Newton is Questionable at this writing, but probably playing. The Bucs have many questions including Doug Martin. Carolina should win, but I’m yanking down an upset. Bucs 24 – Panthers 20

Indianapolis @ Denver – This has fireworks written all over it. Big day for Luck again? I love Denver at home…no disrespect for Indy. Peyton will pick up here where (excluding the Super Bowl) he left off last year. Broncos 37 – Colts 27

NYGiants @ Detroit – The Giants really want to improve this year and Eli has to be the first. Unfortunately, the high powered Lions’ offense will prove too much in Week 1 until the G-men get on track. Stafford and crew should blister New York in Week 1. Lions 29 – Giants 17.

San Diego @ Arizona – The Chargers look to compete with Denver this year and another year in the Mike McCoy offense will have them doing just that. The Cards too, are looking to compete again in the brutal NFC West where 10-6 doesn’t seem to get you far. Dockett is gone for the year and that hurts immensely. This is going to come down to fewest mistakes. Chargers 22 – Cardinals 20

We had the pleasure of covering the Hall of Fame weekend in Canton, Ohio. We met and interviewed the class going into the hall and many other members who were there for the festivities. During our down time, we shot some shorts and put together material and things of that nature.

When the ceremony was over with, the last thing on the agenda was covering the first pre-season game of the year. Of course we know this is pretty much a meaningless game, but it was the ONLY NFL game being played and the chance to get the season under way and capture some post-game interviews was appealing.

We were happy to have front row seats on the 30 yard line on the Buffalo side when the game started. When it was winding down, I could not wait to head down to the field to get some interviews. Truly, I wanted to get a little player insight, but mostly to get away from the obnoxious fans next to us. I have seen drunken fans, extremely loud fans, angry fans, even the degrading screamer. But there seems to be a new breed of fan that is growing in numbers and it hit me at this Hall of Fame Game. It’s the Gimme Fan. It is not the fan who is seeking an autograph with a sports star. It is not the fan seeking a photo of or with their favorite player. It is not the fan throwing out some verbal support in hopes their star will return a comment, a nod or a high five.

I’m talking about the fans, who by the mere fact of buying a ticket; feel entitled to whatever the players have.  It was prevalent during the game when fans with goofy hats, stupid costumes and odious personalities screamed at the top of their lungs right by the sidelines for players to drop what they are doing and come over for a picture or autograph. They are on the job and working people. It really doesn’t matter what job you have, be it a plumber, a doctor or a busy burger cook at a fast food restaurant; that is your task at hand. You don’t just leave when you feel like it. Additionally, who would feel like walking over to someone who is having a hard time standing acting like a photo op with him is as appealing as having one with the player.

So I’m a little surly. I’ll grant you, fans can scream all they want, so I’ll let it go. But what fueled my fire was after the game. As we gathered waiting for players to head to the locker room, shower and come back out for some interview time, I was appalled at the spectacle made by the remaining fans. Now, I’m not judging all fans by a few bad apples: Hell, I’m a fan! At this point most all of the fans had left. But not the Gimme Fans. As players headed down to the locker room the calls from fans were not asking for a photo. They were not asking for an autograph. They were not shouting words of encouragement or even fan wisdom for the player to react to. It was a DEMAND for something. “Gimme that Gatorade towel!”,  “Gimme those gloves! You don’t need ‘em anymore!” (An actual quote).  I actually heard a demand of “Gimme your shoes man!”

In an age where the players are crucified for being too aloof, because they make so much money and have no connection with the real world or the little people, these fans are as demanding and angry as a hungry infant. It is a breed of fan that is angry and feels they deserve a piece of whatever the athlete has. This is a disgusting display of envy and jealousy that makes me sick. If I buy a ticket to Mumford and Sons, do I deserve that one of them gives me a guitar? It’s ridiculous and they should be ashamed of themselves. Wake up fans! It’s miserable to be around miserable people at a game that should be so fun.

By Rick Briggs

Asylum Fantasy Sports

   With the battle raging over whether or not Washington should change the “Redskins” name, I would like to weigh in on this little fiasco.  I know by writing on this subject, I will alienate or at least infuriate some readers no matter what side I take.  That’s a shame, because debate and discussion are the best way to solve, compromise or at least bring to light differences.

   When I say Washington Redskins, there is not one speck of meaning other than an NFL franchise.  There is no hatred; there is no prejudice and there is no ill-will in my speaking the word Redskin. Some people are arguing that is a racial slur akin to the N-word. I think this is total rubbish. The “Skins are 3 time World champions and a proud organization with loyal fans.  The squeaky wheels making all the fuss about degradation and offensive language should look at a stadium filled with rabid fans.

      Context matters.  Apparently it is OK for African Americans to call one another the N-word, but not a white guy.  I will have to assume Redskin is perfectly fine between Native Americans. It’s a double standard that is accepted, so I guess I can live with it. But it is not the same thing.   If you saw three men in Washington Redskins’ jerseys: a black man, a white man and a red man; what would you think? Would you think two of the men (black and white) are slurring the other while the red man is paying homage to his race? No! You see Redskins’ fans. It symbolizes more than anything, how team sports bring all types of people together.  If you are a Raven fan in Pittsburgh, trust me when I tell you it doesn’t matter what color you are! You are a Raven!

   I am part Irish, and many times on our shows on various outlets I have stated that if the NFL wanted to create a team called the Washington Drunken Irish Micks, I would love it.  Why? I refuse to become part of this country that has turned into the United States of the Offended (a term I first heard over 25 years ago coined by a well-known curmudgeon named Robert D. Raiford).  This issue has even been interfered with by the government when the Patent Office terminated the patent the team had on the Washington Redskins name. Seems they are diverting attention from what really matters to all people: shaky foreign affairs, slumping economy, unemployment, energy dependence and more than I care to go into.

   Alas, I have come up with a solution. If people and various groups must play the race card and cry foul over every little issue, then common sense tells me this is only the beginning. If they get their way, it opens the door for everyone. Therefore, I feel every questionable item should be dealt with now.  After all, we do not want to offend, neglect, shun or degrade anyone or anything. I took a look at the four major sports and determined which team names could be construed as offensive, degrading or instilling fear.  Since it would take too long to change every questionable team name (after all, look how long it is taking Daniel Snyder), we will just bar them from competition until they capitulate to the will of the vocal minority.

   Here are the teams that are barred from competition until their names are changed to something pleasant and why:

Washington Redskins, Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, Golden State Warriors, New York Yankees

As with starting the whole thing, the Redskins are barred, along with all other slang terms and references to a race of people.  Indians could be switched to Native Americans, but Chiefs, Warriors and Braves suggest a hostile nature of the said people. Blackhawks categorizes just one certain, shall we say, nationality of the said people. This is degrading to all others. Canucks is slang for Canadians. Montreal Canadiens were spared this penalty because they are, after all, Canadians or les Canadiens. “Yankees”, as we all know, symbolizes the darkest days of America. Plus it is a slang term used to describe people from the North. Any grim reminders of those days can be the roots of more social issues we don’t need in sports.

Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals,  Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins,  Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Phoenix (now Arizona) Coyotes, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs,  Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans

After the Michael Vick catastrophe with dog fighting, there is no way I can send animals into battle: even symbolically. This clearly suggests by the sheer number of animal team names that we already have no respect for them.  What if you put Timberwolves against Pelicans???  Slaughter.

New Orleans Saints, New Jersey Devils, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres

This is clearly going to alienate all the atheists out there who have no intention of believing in Saints, Devils and what not. We can’t have their beliefs just cast aside like it means nothing. It would surely show disrespect and that cannot happen in the world of sports. After all, they are trying to ban “Under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance, so it makes sense to set a precedent.

SanFrancisco Giants, New York Giants

How can we separate sizes of people? Giants clearly separate themselves from average sized AND more importantly, the little people of the world. Calling attention to their size suggests that somehow they are special and we know that is not the case. Even suggesting this could be very offensive to some individuals.

Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns,

We can certainly see the race implications here.  RED Wings?? REDS, BROWNS???  Come on! Separating things by color, or type (Where’s the OAK Leafs or PINE Needles?) is not only offensive, but very thoughtless towards other colors and species, in general. Why is Black Sox used to remind us of the fixed World Series, and Red and White Sox are pure and traditional team names?  I’m afraid we draw the line here. If Redskins is degrading, then surely Red or White Sox can’t be expected to be okay.

Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Miami Heat, Oklahoma City Thunder, Calgary Flames

There are many things here. First, each is an act of God (See above with Saints, Devils, etc.).  Next; blaming nature for your loss would offend every single environmentalist everywhere.  Hurricanes already have a bad rap, but think of the all the other storms being left out. Tornadoes, blizzards and sandstorms would all be ignored and discriminated against.  What about hail, sleet, cold, tsunamis? It’s a slippery slope we are putting ourselves on here, so let’s get off now.

SanFrancisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Kings, Ottawa Senators, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers

These are basically occupations and we know where this can lead.  No plumbers, doctors, sanitation engineers, accountants, carpenters, clerks, mechanics and many more? No way can we elevate certain occupations, positions or trades above others. We must come up with a name that does not separate.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators

There are a lot of names here that can conjure up nightmares for the little ones. They have been subjects of swashbuckling adventure, dark sages after our heroes and cut-throats out to murder us. These things are downright scary and could be considered offensive.

Buffalo Sabres, San Antonio Spurs

Pretty soon every kid will want to wear spurs or play with swords. These things are downright dangerous. Sharp and made of metal, we can’t allow the public to see such dangerous implements glorified and hailed in the world of sports.

Los Angeles Clippers

Well, you know.

   Hopefully I haven’t missed anything or left anybody out. I apologize to those who might find a team name degrading and I thoughtlessly left in.  While it’s true the leagues will be a bit shorthanded for a while, I suggest we allow the players out of their contracts to the barred teams until the names have been changed. Meanwhile, they will be free to sign with any other team that wants them. This will surely improve the competitive factor and provide us with thrilling entertainment. We will have to shrink the amount of teams in the playoffs, but we can always expand the season.  There will be 7 teams in the NFL, so that takes care of the bye week every week.  There are 8 teams left in the NHL, so Playoffs are no problem; everybody is in. Leaving nine teams in baseball is advantageous as well. We can have much more interleague play, plus we can expand the World Series to the best out of 21. Finally, leaving 11 teams in the NBA means they can have more time off because one team will be off while the other ten play each other.  We can also incorporate all teams into the playoffs using three wild cards playing each other in double elimination. Winner gets to play the 8^th seed to enter the REAL playoffs.

   There are many advantages to becoming politically correct; making everybody feel good about their fuzzy-bunny world is just the beginning.  So now that I’ve insulted some, made some others laugh and hopefully made the rest at least think about it, I need to know when this will stop. Nobody is degrading anybody using a team name that has come to symbolize a glorious franchise in the greatest league in the world.  It is a bit tongue-in-cheek, but mark my words now: If the Redskins are forced to change, it will start an avalanche of every squeaky wheel that is gets offended or has an agenda to force onto people what they think should be their vision.

This should not be who we are. A Washington Redskin jersey symbolizes players and fans, be they black, white, red, yellow or brown, coming together as one to participate in a sport and enjoy life together. Where do you think terms like “Steeler Nation” and “Raider Nation” come from? This divisive thought process is what causes many upheavals in society, and tarnishes what has become a focal point of millions of lives.

]]> http://asylumfantasysports.com/content/2014/06/28/the-washington-redskins-and-more-offensive-nonsense/feed/ 0 http://asylumfantasysports.com/content/2014/05/30/early-qb-rankings/ http://asylumfantasysports.com/content/2014/05/30/early-qb-rankings/#comments Fri, 30 May 2014 02:44:57 +0000 http://asylumfantasysports.com/content/?p=545    by Rick Briggs

It’s that time of year again and I am ready to get you ready for 2014. Quarterbacks are not necessarily that dime-a-dozen position some lead you to believe. Heck, ask Eli Manning owners from last year. But there is not a ton of disparity after the top 3 or 4. However, fantasy sports are a fickle thing and getting the best QB at the right pick could mean a championship.

1. Peyton Manning – We may not get 55 TDs out of him, but Denver is still going to be a high octane offense because of Manning. There’s no way I can have him any lower.

2. Aaron Rodgers – I love this Green Bay offense and Rodgers is an elite talent. Not only do they have weapons on the outside, they have a legitimate run game now. Rodgers can run too, which makes him a premier Quarterback.

3. Drew Brees – Another given in the fantasy world. Brees is so solid and has so many weapons, that he rounds out the “Three Kings of Quarterbacks”.  Expect more big numbers from this offense.

4. Matt Stafford – The Detroit offense is in the running in the NFC North arms race. Stafford has the potential to throw for 5,000 yards. Not only does he have Megatron, they’ve added Golden Tate and the running backs are great pass catchers. Detroit is poised to strike often in 2014.

5. Phillip Rivers – I am taking heat for this high ranking right now, but Rivers is back to his old form. San Diego’s running back stable is deep and Rivers has a ton of good talent at WR to spread the ball to.  This guy is solid all the way around, and now in the second year of the new McCarthy system is great fantasy news.

6. Cam Newton – I love Cam’s ability to run and score TDs. I am not thrilled with a new receiving core and an aging run game. However, he does have Greg Olsen  to lean on and Kelvin Benjamin should make an immediate impact. Cam will get his rushing yards too.

7. Andrew Luck – With Reggie Wayne back, Hakeem Nicks in camp and TY Hilton to boot, Luck is looking to have a big year. He may be cut loose offensively this year. He has taken over the team and is a born leader. Great arm, can run and is tough: that’s fantasy gold.

8. Matt Ryan – I look for a real bounce back year for the Falcons. Let’s not forget Ryan threw for 4,500 yards and 26 TDs without Julio Jones, and suffered without Roddy White for most of the season too. With Harry Douglas emerging along with the other two, all Atlanta has to do is get a resemblance of a run game going to be really good again.

9. Tony Romo – I’ve said it before, I might not want Romo for my NFL playoff team, but I will take him all day as my fantasy QB. This guy does nothing but put up good numbers. You do have to watch his INTs, but 31 TDs vs 10 picks is pretty darn good. He is creeping up in age, and his back injury bears watching.

10. Nick Foles – What he did last year was phenomenal, but I have a feeling that the NFL will catch up a bit with Chip Kelly’s offense. He has lost Jackson, but brings in Maclin, so that is a wash in my mind. Avant is gone too. Sproles is in town and that could mean some two back sets with McCoy. Philly will still cause problems and Foles is a QB1.

11. Tom Brady – Brady is good enough to just turn things around and have another blockbuster year. Will he? I’m not so sure, but I think he deserves a ranking in the top 12. The system works and the Pats always put pieces together to score a bunch of points. Time is running out for Brady which is another reason to watch out.

12. Robert Griffin III – I’m just cautious enough to know what he can do if healthy. I think you must consider him a QB1. He has DeSean Jackson to compliment Pierre Garcon, and Washington has a good run game. Watch for RGIII to be much less timid in his running this year too.

Those are your QB1 rankings. Here is the best of the rest:

13. Ben Roethlisberger

14. Russell Wilson

15. Andy Dalton

16. Jay Cutler

17. Colin Kaepernick

18. Carson Palmer

19. Ryan Tannehill

20. Mike Vick

21. Teddy Bridgewater

22. Eli Manning

23. Joe Flacco

24. Ryan Fitzpatrick

25. Matt Schaub

Keep watching as the season nears, because things change and so do rankings!

There has been lots and lots of debate about Re-draft strategies moving toward drafting your top notch Wide Receivers first. I have argued against it, and although I see the WR as a dominating position (especially in PPR formats), I will stand firm on my commitment to Running Backs. You see, there is a glut of Wide Receiver talent. You can get wonderful WR production in later rounds rather than spending your first and second picks on them thinking you can compromise with so-so Running Backs.

Here’s a scenario worth looking at: Say you are the 7th pick in a 12 team league. I use this, because Calvin Johnson is a favorite to go around here. You are employing the WR first strategy. You pick Calvin Johnson. Nobody is going to argue against Megatron to be sure, and let’s say for argument’s sake you actually got Brandon Marshall. Now, that is a dynamic duo if I ever saw one at WR. Now comes the third round and you feel it’s time to supplement the RB position. Here comes the problem. After looking at the RBs left, you find that Steven Ridley is the best RB available.  Now it is the fourth round and you get your RB2, which turns out to be Monte Ball. After all, Moreno is unproven and injury prone, and Ball comes with expectations. You are feeling pretty good about your squad.

Here is where I stick with RBs first.   Let’s say you were able to get Matt Forte at 7. Bear in mind, I’m using some of last year’s ADP’s not what Forte looks like this year. In the second you go for another RB and land Alfred Morris. Not a PPR stud, but a good starting RB. Now comes the third round and you get Andre Johnson; who was going 30 and higher in some leagues. Now in the fourth you grab Vincent Jackson. Who is better off?

Well, let’s look. Calvin and Marshall are just who you thought they were. Calvin is 84/1,492/12 for 283.2 in 1 pt. PPR. Marshall is 100/1,295/12 for 273.5.  That is simply awesome production. Ridley 773/7 and 10/62 for a total of 125.5 and Ball comes in with 559/4 and 20/145 for a total of 101.4.

Your other scenario sees Forte come in with 1,339/9 and 74/594/3 for 315.3, while Morris had 1,275/7 and 9/78 for 182.8. Andre Johnson had 109/1,407/5 for 244.2 and finally VJax had 78/1,224/7 for 215.4.  Totally the scoring, The Calvin Johnson squad had 783.6 points while the Forte squad had 957.7.

I know, you are saying “Oh, what did you do Rick, just pull out names that would have your scenario win?” NO> I used 2013 ADPs and with all the talent at WR, it is foolish not to wait. You could substitute Jerico Cotchery for VJax and still win by 140+ points! Need more proof? In 2013, there were 31 players at the WR position to score 150 or more fantasy points and 59 that scored 100 or more. In contrast, at RB there were 25 to score 150 or more and 44 at 100 or more.  With a difference of 15 players, that is over a full round of drafting! Don’t kid yourself, get a RB early.

Bear in mind that I only covered the first four rounds; the disparity continues between the two positions and you should be doing your homework. Championships are drafted in the middle rounds and WR value and RB depth are key. But this is a lesson in getting the upper hand early on. The talent is there at WR and RBs are key to your title run. Get them early and see you in the Super Bowl!

2014 Re-Draft – Running Backs

Out With the Old & In With the New

By Rick Briggs, Asylum Fantasy Sports

    There’s one mistake many re-draft owners make: Owners tend to draft the same faces or keep them in keeper leagues year after year because they had some success.  There’s an influx of new, young talent coming into the league every year. Some will be duds, but some will become the superstars of tomorrow. The late bloomers sometimes come up and surprise owners after a slow start to their careers, but there are the players who show what it takes in their rookie years.  As a successful owner, you have to adapt and learn to recognize the talent and pull the trigger on a young player even when your heart tells you Ahmad Bradshaw has another great year in him.

    Some of you out there are saying, “Rick, why are you telling us the obvious?” Because what is obvious to some is still part of the mystery of great drafting to rookie owners, novices or somebody who drafts with his heart instead of his brain and gut feeling. Going into 2014 I’ve compiled some tidbits for these owners to clean out some dead wood and start building for a winner.

Out With The Old

1. Steven Jackson –  2,552 carries and 10,678 yards, not to mention 440 receptions too, Steven Jackson will be 31 by the time camp starts.  Eight straight years of over 1,000 is great, but he has averaged 282 carries per season during those great years. He is one of the greats, but his mileage is high and his role is uncertain in Atlanta.  Value: Mid RB 3.
2. Maurice Jones-Drew – Here’s a guy who is tough as nails on a bad team. He will be 29 this year and 2009 through 2011 seemed to take its toll on him. He may be out of Jacksonville in 2014, so watch what happens. Suffering a Lis franc fracture in 2012 did not help his body at all, and 2013 was very pedestrian albeit he did come alive somewhat towards the end of the season. He has more upside than Jackson, but he shouldn’t be the sought after commodity he once was. Value: low end RB 2.
3. Frank Gore – Here is another running back who will be 31 when camp starts. Granted, some experts have been writing Gore off prematurely and he has proven them wrong, but the clock waits on no one. Gore has 7 seasons over 1,000 yards. He has averaged 243 carries per year in his career. Most alarming in fantasy is his receptions have dropped off dramatically in the three years Jim Harbaugh has been head coach. He hasn’t had the heaviest work load in his career, but he has taken some pounding. Do not be afraid to draft Gore, but be cognoscente of his real value. Value: Low to Mid RB 2.
4. Chris Johnson – Even though he is turning 29, CJ has only played 6 seasons. If Tennessee keeps him, I would not be expecting a huge year. He loses goal line carries to Shonn Greene and as long as he is around healthy, that will be the case. Johnson’s speed burst seems to have diminished somewhat as well. He has been single digit TDs for three straight years and that will continue. If though, the Titans choose to part ways with him, monitor where he lands. A change of scenery could be what the doctor ordered. He has some gas in his tank, but he needs a good line to tap dance behind before finding the hole. Value: High end RB 2.

In With The New

1. Eddie Lacy – At 5’11” 230 pounds, Lacy is a big, tough runner with speed. Remember; Rodgers was hurt most of the regular season. He posted 1,178 yards on 284 carries with 11 TDs. On top of that, he hauled in 35 catches for 257 yards. All this for a rookie who only played 80% of his team’s snaps in 25% of the games. That means his workload will increase in 2014. His new Running Backs Coach Sam Gash, said Lacy reminds him in some aspects of Curtis Martin who Gash blocked for as fullback. Lacy is on a potent offense and is definitely first round material. Value: Mid to High RB 1.
2. Giovani Bernard – The Bengals are already telling us that Bernard is in line for 300 touches in 2014. What does that mean? The Law firm is definitely regulated to back up, and the offense will be looking to Bernard for more production. Coming off a rookie campaign that accounted for 170 carries plus 56 receptions, Bernard compiled 1,209 yards from scrimmage and 8 Touchdowns. Considering the Bengals had 481 rushing attempts last year, the defending AFC North champs will be fielding a first rate run game again. The difference will be that Bernard is now the focal point. His expanding role is great news for fantasy owners, so don’t let Gio slip away. Value: Low to Mid RB 1.
3. Le’Veon Bell – Another big back, Bell has agility too. His 3.5 YPC last year was low, but Pittsburgh’s offensive line has young talent and finally started to gel late last year. Bell can run and catch, and Haley really does like to use his running backs. The Steelers are on the brink of scoring a ton of points this year and Bell figures to be a big part of it. Value: High RB2 to Low end RB 1.
4. Zac Stacy – The Rams have found their replacement for Steven Jackson. The Darryl Richardson experiment is over and all signs point to a heavier load for Mr. Stacy. The only negative is St. Louis plays three of the NFL’s toughest defenses twice, but the Rams are stocking up draft picks and talent in the tough NFC West. Stacy is poised to lead the offense. Bradford has not translated into the franchise Quarterback they hoped for, but now with the solid run game back, it will take some pressure off him as well. Look for a big year for Zac Stacy. Value: Mid RB 1.
5. Andre Ellington – He may not be as impactful as the previous four backs, but Ellington will be the guy in Arizona. He has put on ten pounds of muscle in the off-season which should help considerably. Mendenhall is done and Stepfan Taylor will be the complimentary back to Ellington’s quickness. Ellington was not used consistently last year, but averaged 5.5 YPC. Palmer has the Cardinals moving the ball through the air now, so eight in the box is not an option to stop the Cards. He is on the small size, but properly utilized, Ellington should be a great value in your upcoming draft. Value: Mid to High end RB 2.

So there’s a little food for thought going into 2014. Another word of advice is don’t throw out Ray Rice yet, but keep your eyes on him through training camp. I have a feeling his decline could be rapid. Monitor CJ Spiller. Why? Sooner or later Fred Jackson will be gone and Spiller could be dynamic. When? I don’t know, but I’m not investing much in him yet. Adrian Peterson could start showing signs of breakdown too, but since he’s a freak of nature, I still have him in my top 3.

New Orleans 27 – Carolina 26

Cincinnati 30 – Minnesota 24

Denver 37 – Houston 17

Tennessee 26 – Jacksonville 23

Kansas City 34 – Indianapolis 27

Dallas 27 – Washington 17

NY Jets 20 – Cleveland 18

St. Louis 27 – Tampa Bay 20

Seattle 28 – Arizona 21

Detroit 38 – NY Giants 17

New England 26 – Baltimore 24

San Diego 35 – Oakland 27

Green Bay 27 – Pittsburgh 25

Chicago 36 – Philadelphia 22

San Francisco 37 – Atlanta 21

Atlanta 31 – Washington 27

San Francisco 30 – Tampa Bay 20

Seattle 22 – NY Giants 16

Philadelphia 27 – Minnesota 14

Miami 21 – New England 20

Jacksonville 27 – Buffalo 21

Indianapolis 30 – Houston 20

Chicago 32 – Cleveland 23

Kansas City 34 – Oakland 24

Carolina 24 – NY Jets 10

Dallas 34 – Green Bay 30

Arizona 24 – Tennessee 21

New Orleans 37 – St. Louis 21

Cincinnati 24 – Pittsburgh 21

Detroit 27 – Baltimore 24

Baltimore 24 – Minnesota 14

Green Bay 27 - Atlanta 24

Kansas City 35 – Washington 19

Buffalo 27 – Tampa Bay 20

Pittsburgh 24 – Miami 17

Detroit 38 – Philadelphia 26

Cincinnati 26 – Indianapolis 24

New England 31 – Cleveland 14

Oakland 21 – NY Jets 18

Denver 30 – Tennessee 17

San Francisco 23 – Seattle 20

San Diego 34 – NY Giants 30

Arizona 21 – St. Louis 19

New Orleans 33 – Carolina 24

Dallas 35 – Chicago 30

Detroit 30 – Green Bay 24

Dallas 28 – Oakland 16

Pittsburgh 20 – Baltimore 18

Tennessee 27 –  Indianapolis 24

Cleveland 27 – Jacksonville 21

Carolina 30 – Tampa Bay 27

Chicago 27 – Minnesota 17

New England 38 – Houston 17

Arizona 32 – Philadelphia 28

Miami 27 – NYJets 14

Buffalo 24 – Atlanta 17

San Francisco 24 – St. Louis 18

San Diego 30 – Cincinnati 21

Kansas City 31 – Denver 30

NYGiants 35 – Washington 20

New Orleans 24 – Seattle 23