notjustagame23@gmail.com

Many fantasy owners are enamored by Reggie Bush heading into the 2012 season. As a Dolphin last year he finally had the type of success many thought he would getting drafted into the NFL. For a guy that has not had near the success in his first five seasons in New Orleans, many are wondering what will happen this year as a Dolphin.

While in New Orleans after failed chances at being the featured back, New Orleans decided to relegate his role to sort of a decoy. A few carries here and there and try to spring him out for quick passes to let him utilize his speed. When his free agency came along, the Saints did not feel the value offered by his agent was true to what he brings on the field.

Miami though decided they would try to re-tool and utilize him differently. Up until week thirteen of last year it looked as if Bush was going to have another sub-par season. He only had one game rushing over 100 yards up until that point, and Miami was content at using Daniel Thomas just as much as they were Bush.

Thomas was banged up though out the season and that’s when the door opened a bit for Bush. Weeks 13-16 Bush ran wild and totaled 519 yards rushing including his monster game against the Buffalo Bills. Those yardage numbers were almost equal his season total through twelve games. So was the finish to Bush’s season in 2011 an aberration or can it carry over to 2012?

Even though Miami has a new coaching staff, it has serious holes offensively. A rookie quarterback and a depleted receiving group will force Miami to run the football as much as last season. The fact remains to be seen though if Miami will give more carries to Daniel Thomas over Bush. Thomas is more of the prototypical back and had success as a rookie last season.

Bush will see his carries head backward from the twenty carries a game he received weeks thirteen through sixteen. Miami also drafted rookie running back Lamar Miller in the fourth round. He should not pose a threat to either Thomas or Bush. It’s more of a pick to secure the backfield due to Thomas’s injury history and Bush’s size.

I would not consider Bush as a weekly fantasy starter. He can be a RB3 with possible starts based on Miami’s consistency with Bush. The question for Bush owners should be how many fantasy points can they expect from Bush with around twelve carries a game. That is what he averaged the first eleven games of 2011. Thomas will figure to get near fifteen carries a game.

This is what makes it tricky for Bush owners, because Bush can be treated like a hot jump shooter in professional basketball. Once on the field, if his first five to seven carries are explosive and getting the offense going, Miami will likely feed him an extra amount of carries over Thomas. If he is not getting the necessary yards than Miami will pound it with Thomas.

It’s an unusual circumstance that does not occur with most backs around the NFL. Bush should average six to eight fantasy points per game in standard leagues, and ten to twelve in PPR leagues. Expect around 750 yards rushing and five touchdowns on the year.

By Zack Cimini

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Bye weeks are something to worry about now. Just adding depth is not the sole reason to consider a waiver wire pickup. If you’re in a bye week jam, you may want to look at picking up one of these players.

Quarterbacks

Donovan McNabb

Throw out week one and McNabb has become an efficient game manager. Understanding his role as a quarterback that takes the backseat to Adrian Peterson has clicked in McNabb’s head. He has the best back in football and utilizing AP constantly is going to continue to open up pass plays for McNabb. There are a lot of teams in the hole to start the year, so this could be the year multiple teams at 9-7 make the playoffs. The Vikings have showed they can play with just about everyone, but cohesiveness needs to continue to be the key. McNabb can make a few plays a game with his legs and do enough with his arm to make him an option in deeper leagues as a number two quarterback.

Running Backs

Bernard Scott- Benson will likely serve his three game suspension at some point. When that happens the twenty five carries a game Benson is getting will all be his. Scott has been a comparable fantasy backup to Benson, and should have no problem filling in a few games. If you’re looking for that extra lift to help your team out for a few weeks, why not go Scott’s way?

Jonathan Dwyer- Dwyer stole the show from Redman. For a team that has struggled with the running game all year, there might be a mix up with the way Dwyer performed. Keep an eye on this situation as it develops.

Jackie Battle- Surprise, surprise. The Kansas City Chiefs realized McCluster could not be a split carry back, and a new back sprung from the Chiefs backfield. It seems to be a pattern for the Chiefs over the years. Holmes went down, in came Larry Johnson, down went Johnson in came Jamaal Charles. Now Battle.

Donald Brown- When Addai went done the team did not solely rely on Delone Carter. Brown hardly used all year, was used for eight carries. It looked as if the Colts had rode off the former first rounder. With the passing game revived with Painter under center, maybe the rushing attack will re-establish itself as well.

Kendall Hunter- The 49ers offense has shifted under Harbaugh. Alex Smith isn’t necessarily doing anything special. He is delivering timely key throws, but his statistics have been ordinary. The team is pounding the run and living off it very well. Hunter has shown great ability as Gore’s backup. With Gore fighting through injuries, you could find a steal in Hunter if Gore goes down for a length of time.

Wide Receivers

James Jones- How many Packers receivers caught a ball Sunday? The zone Aaron Rodgers is in has not been seen in a long time. Each week a new Packer could catch fire at receiver. Jones has shown before that he can be a big time performer. It’s the consistency to catch the ball that has limited him. The Packers resigned him for a reason, and for the first time this season he showed why. Only owned by 13% of Yahoo owners, Jones is going to be a hot pickup this week.

Devin Hester-

Hester seems to be one of the few receivers for Chicago that has been able to avoid injury. Cutler is starting to look more and Hester’s direction. You’d think that big plays would eventually happen with the Bears passing game involving Hester. Forte is too much of a threat rushing and out of the backfield, for another player not to emerge.

Chaz Schilens- Oakland needs that reliable big target that is different from the speed receivers they possess. That may be Schilens. Schilens was a waiver wire commodity a few years ago, and has fought off injuries the last few years. Sunday he made the game winning touchdown catch, and could see his involvement rise over the next few weeks.

Jason Hill- He could be a one week wonder, as seventy four of his yards came on one play. Jacksonville’s offense is upgraded with Gabbert at the helm over McCown. It is the transition as a rookie with Gabbert that worries fantasy owners on utilizing a Jaguar receiver. It may take another month or two, but Gabbert should establish himself as the other rookie quarterbacks have.

Doug Baldwin- You write him off once, twice, but not three times. Unheralded Baldwin has had a couple of impact games already this year. Instead most people discounted it for the simple fact that he is a Seahawk. The Seahawks offense is starting to do some things, and Baldwin has solidified that he is the most viable Seahawk fantasy wideout.

Jason Avant- I had Avant listed as a waiver wire pickup weeks back. There is no reason for Avant not to be considered as a depth filler on your fantasy team. With the way the Eagles have struggled defensively, the offense is going to need to put up points every week. That means more passes for Mike Vick, and balls spread out amongst the Eagles star receivers. Avant did struggle at securing the ball, but he is a veteran that will advance from it.

Devin Aromashadu-

McNabb has always been a quarterback that likes to air it out deep a few times a game. Minnesota does not really have too many weapons that can do that. Aromashadu is the one that can, and you can expect him to be targeted. As long as AP keeps establishing the offense, Aromashadu could have a few big games this season.

By Vidur Malik

notjustagame23@gmail.com

Quarterbacks

Matt Cassel – Look for Cassel to have another big game after good performances against Houston and Jacksonville. The Kansas City Chiefs play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, who do rank ninth in the NFL in passing defense, but Cassel has had back-to-back games with at least two touchdown passes and no interceptions, so he seems to be finding a rhythm.

Jason Campbell – If Campbell and the Oakland Raiders want to show that their week seven win over the Denver Broncos, in which they scored 59 points, wasn’t a fluke, they have a great opportunity to do so this weekend against the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks give up over 260 passing yards per game, and rank 2nd in rush defense, so Campbell should have the opportunities to put up good numbers, like he did against Denver.

Don’t Do It: Mark Sanchez – After not throwing an interception in his first five games, Sanchez threw two in the New York Jets’ 24-20 win over Denver in week six. The Jets take on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, who picked off Brett Favre three times in their week seven win over the Minnesota Vikings. It will be tough for Sanchez to have a mistake-free game against the Pack.

Running Backs

Frank Gore – With the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback situation again going through changes, Gore will be an even bigger part of an offense in which he is already the main guy. The 49ers play the Denver Broncos, who rank 30th in rush defense, so look for Gore to have a good game on the ground, and a few receptions out of the backfield as well.

Arian Foster – In terms of yards, Foster has struggled in his past two games, but that should change against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Colts give up over 130 rushing yards a game, so Foster should hit high marks in yards and yards per carry.

Steven Jackson – Jackson and the St. Louis Rams play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, whose defense is stingy through the air but generous on the ground. Look for Jackson to have a big day against a team that ranks fourth in pass defense and 24th in rush defense.

Receivers

Jordan Shipley – Shipley had his breakout game in the Cincinnati Bengals’ week seven loss to the Atlanta Falcons, with six catches for 131 yards and a touchdown. Wide receivers Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco also had good games, and Shipley should be able to get plenty of opportunities to become another target for quarterback Carson Palmer.

Mike Williams – Williams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Arizona Cardinals, who give up over 220 passing yards per game. Williams has been a consistent target for the Buccaneers’ offense, and is second on the team in receptions, so look for him to have a good day.

Don’t Do It: Brandon Marshall – There’s no doubt that Marshall is a great receiver, but he hasn’t produced as much in terms of fantasy points as other receivers of his caliber. He’s only got one touchdown catch, which is surprising considering his size, which should make him a huge target in red zone and goal-line situations. It might be best to go for a receiver who is a bigger touchdown threat.

By Vidur Malik
notjustagame23@gmail.com

Rashard Mendenhall – Though Ben Roethlisberger is back under center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mendenhall should still be a crucial part of the offense. He had 27 carries in Roethlisberger’s first game on Sunday, and should continue to get plenty of touches as the team’s feature back.

Ray Rice – It’s been a tough season so far for Rice, but he should help the Baltimore Ravens run wild over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Rice is one of the best running and receiving threats in the game, and the Bills rank last in the league in rushing yards per game with 182.4. Look for Rice to have a big day.

Don’t Do It:
LeSean McCoy – Though the Philadelphia Eagles convincingly beat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, McCoy struggled, gaining only three yards per carry. His numbers probably won’t be much better this Sunday, when the Eagles play the physical Tennessee Titans. The Titans rank eighth in rush defense, and after giving up over 100 yards to Felix Jones in week five, they shut down Maurice Jones-Drew on Monday night.

Michael Crabtree – Both Crabtree and the San Francisco 49ers seemed to have picked up their game recently. The 49ers get their first win of the season in week six, and Crabtree has caught a touchdown pass in the last two games, after not catching any during the first four games. He only had 57 receiving yards after going over 100 the week before, and even though the 49ers will play a Carolina Panthers team that is fifth in the league in pass defense, Crabtree has become a primary target for the offense, and he should get a good amount of looks on Sunday.

Mike Wallace – It’s not common for your leading receiver to only have 12 catches after six games, but Wallace leads the Pittsburgh Steelers with that many receptions. The key number is Wallace’s 25.1 yards per catch average. With that kind of production, Wallace only needs a few catches a game to have a huge impact. That should be much of an issue with Roethlisberger’s strong arm.

Don’t Do It:
Marques Colston – Colston leads the New Orleans Saints in receptions and receiving yards, but doesn’t have any touchdowns this year. The Saints will always have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and any one of their weapons can have a huge game, so don’t leave him on your bench for too long, but as Saints quarterback Drew Brees distributes touches to all his weapons, it looks like Colston’s numbers might fall a bit.

Matt Hasselbeck – Hasselbeck is coming off of a solid, but not impressive day in the Seattle Seahawks’ win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, but he should have a more productive day this weekend, when he and the Seahawks take on the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona ranks 26th in pass defense, giving up over 240 yards per game. A smart, veteran quarterback like Hasselbeck knows how to exploit a defense’s weak spots. Look for him to do that against the Cardinals.

Aaron Rodgers – The Green Bay Packers play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and Rodgers should build off of his 300+ yard performance against Miami in week six. He only threw for one touchdown in that game, but he’ll be at home and against a team that gave up three touchdowns to Tony Romo in week six. The Vikings rank sixth in pass defense, but Rodgers should also be able to throw for a few touchdowns against his archrival.

Don’t Do It :
Donovan McNabb – McNabb hasn’t thrown for more than one touchdown pass in a game so far this year, and that’s probably not going to change this week against the Chicago Bears, who are third in the league in points per game with 16.2. The Redskins are ninth in passing yards per game with 244.2, but one touchdown a game isn’t going to cut it in fantasy.

Listen in on Week Seven’s Podcast

By Zack Cimini
notjustagame23@gmail.com

Last week should have been one of our best weeks to date. We started the morning games red hot going 7-2. Then the afternoon games came and we took a beating like everyone else. Games that looked like blowouts on paper took a reverse fortune as all underdogs covered and some won outright. It just goes to show the mediocrity of NFL teams this year and makes for a fun filled rest of the season. Still we have yet to have a week below .500 and are glad to keep providing winners for everyone.

Overall Record: 40-34-2
Last Week: 7-7

San Diego -8- They’ve disappointed versus the spread besides for a blowout against the Cardinals. Even though this is yet another road game, the Rams are what the doctor ordered. They’re banged up all over offensively and just gave up forty four points to a previously winless Detroit Lions.

Kansas City +4.5- Houston seems to be regressing from their impressive fast start. Offensively with Andre Johnson not 100 percent they’ve had a tough time moving the football. Kansas City has got nothing out of Matt Cassel. If ever a week that he needs to step up it’s this.

Baltimore +2.5- Baltimore’s pass defense had their roughest outing against Kyle Orton last week, but they’re still number one in pass defense overall. Tom Brady will be able to dink and dump against them, but the Ravens have too much fire power offensively.

Tampa Bay +4- The Saints just look dismal offensively. Without Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas, Drew Brees has struggled to find the balance to blend with an air attack. It should be a low scoring affair decided in the fourth.

Atlanta +2.5- We’re real high on the Falcons currently. Their defense is playing strong and offensively they’re imposing with the amount of talent they have. Matt Ryan seems to be finding that groove back as well as Michael Turner.

NY Giants -10- Teams favored by seven or more this year haven’t done so well in covering spreads. Scratch that by the wayside and lay it heavy on the Giants. Three weeks ago it looked like Tom Coughlin was out. Now the Giants look like they can take the NFC East.

Seattle +6- Seattle’s been atrocious on the road but we just don’t trust Jay Cutler. Coming back from a concussion and an outing that is still replaying in Vegas minds, will take the points here. Marshawn Lynch should give Seattle enough to stem a double digit loss.

Miami- Aaron Rodgers will likely play but they’ve got too many injuries to compete with a team fresh off a bye week. Miami will regroup from their Monday Night loss and get their second win against an NFC North team this year.

Pittsburgh -13.5- Colt McCoy starting? Did any of you catch him in preseason action. This could be worse than Jimmy Clausen’s debut. No it will be.

Denver +3- Look for the Broncos to draw out long drives to keep the Jets offense off the field. That dink and dump style works, and worked to perfection against the Titans a few weeks ago. The play calling of the Jets just doesn’t seem to have patience, as witnessed by them almost blowing a lead by mismanagement last week.

San Francisco -6.5- It’s time for the first win to happen for the 49ers. The battle of the bay will have this crowd rowdy and pumped.

Minnesota -1.5- One team is going to come out this game 1-4. Minnesota seems to slowly be rounding and showing flashes that they’re on the comeback. Dallas on the other hand continues to meltdown and find ways to lose every week.

Washington +3- Washington could easily be 4-1 right now. The team has bought in to Mike Shanahan and is virtually winning with the same talent as last year. In some areas you could say they’re weaker. Donovan McNabb keeps making the plays when he has to, and will in this matchup against Peyton Manning.

Jacksonville +2.5- Talk about a quarterback that’s held his composure and fought off bench rumors extremely well. David Garrard ignored newspapers and the media and got two tough victories for his team. This will be a great Monday Night battle for first place in the division. We think that Vince Young’s weaknesses will be exposed more than Garrard’s.

Listen in on Week Six’s Podcast

By Zack Cimini
notjustagame23@gmail.com
We won’t look to far into week one as there is a long ways to go. Some teams caught everyone off guard such as Kansas City and the Texans. The shocking teams usually do just that and fade as the season goes on. Will see how real both those teams are, or if they end up being the Denver Broncos of last season. Glance away to see where your team lands on this weeks power rankings.

1. New Orleans Saints
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Green Bay Packers
5. Indianapolis Colts
6. Houston Texans
7. Tennessee Titans
8. New York Giants
9. New England Patriots
10. New York Jets
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. San Diego Chargers
14. Washington Redskins
15. Cincinnati Bengals
16. Philadelphia Eagles
17. Arizona Cardinals
18. Miami Dolphins
19. Jacksonville Jaguars
20. Kansas City Chiefs
21. Chicago Bears
22. Denver Broncos
23. San Francisco 49ers
24. Atlanta Falcons
25. Seattle Seahawks
26. Carolina Panthers
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
28. Buffalo Bills
29. Detroit Lions
30. Oakland Raiders
31. Cleveland Browns
32. St. Louis Rams