- Guru Database: Deep Stats- 5 Years, customizable
- Customized Projections
- Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets, SOS Tool, Points Allowed Tool
- Best Strategy Articles around
- Tons of News & Inside information
- Trade/Roster Analyzers
- Blogs, Message Boards, Expert Chats, Informative Podcasts, Video Reports, more
We had a very good year in 2008, due in part to our merger with footballinjuries.com and our enhanced scouting of players due to contacts in the league who have the opportunity to analyze coach’s tape. Between our 15 years in this industry, our ability to get excellent inside information, and our contact with legitimate NFL scouts and analysts, we expect the success we had in ’08 to continue in 2009.
To get a feel for the accurate coverage we gave our readers in 2008, check out some direct quotes from our preseason content. The following were all published in August of ’08.
Quarterbacks
“We really, really like Jay Cutler now as THE breakout QB in 2008, especially with Brandon Marshall down only one game.”
August, 2008
“While we’ve been very optimistic on Kurt Warner this summer and very pessimistic on Leinart, we still believed the younger player was likely open the season #1 on the depth chart. But Leinart was so brutally bad this past weekend that he’s given the team no choice: Warner must start. We don’t think he’ll lose the job, either, unless he gets hurt. There is no question he’s still playing at a high level, and he’s in a good situation, so draft away.”
August, 2008
“Matt Schaub’s almost certainly going to produce fantasy-friendly digits based on the pin-point accuracy we’ve seen out of him this summer and the receiving weapons he’s surrounded with. It’s a tad risky to rely on him as a starter, but he’s a terrific backup with the upside to not only start for you most of the season, but to also carry you.”
August, 2008
“Sadly, L.T. might be nearing the downward arc of his career, so the Chargers will likely be keyed by the pass more and more, starting now. And with a multitude of sizable playmakers at WR and TE, it’s hard to see Philip Rivers, who can make all the throws and excel in a vertical passing game, failing if he continues to play with the poise he showed in the post-season.”
August, 2008
“Aaron Rodgers has a ton of weapons to throw to. Rodgers looks like the ultimate system quarterback, and if things are clicking in the system, he can definitely enjoy a lot of success. There is some upside, for sure, with Rodgers, so he’s a really nice backup option.”
August, 2008
“It’s odd in that this team may go into the regular season opener without both their starting WRs, yet the vibes are overall still pretty good here. We think Donovan McNabb is healthy and still good enough to get things done, despite the losses. The emergence of the rookie Jackson definitely helps the good vibes.
August, 2008
“Matt Ryan’s going to be good. He has very good anticipation and the ability to throw the ball to guys before they are done coming out of his breaks. Once he understands what throws he can make and what throws he cannot make, he will be very good. His line has held up so far, too, as he’s been sacked only 4 times in over 50 attempts. He’s been named the starter, and while it’ll be an uphill climb, he could have a season similar to Peyton Manning’s way back in 1998.”
August, 2008
“Joe Flacco’s a big, strong quarterback who has a rocket arm and who’s not afraid to stare down the gun barrel. He’s very strong in the pocket, he throws with timing and anticipation, and he shows a willingness to make stick throws. And he’s a confident guy when he throws. He’s consistently accurate. He projects very well to the NFL. We’re not expecting much in Year One, but Flacco could do better than anyone expects late in the season.”
August, 2008
“At the very least, Tom Brady’s inactivity in the preseason and their serious issues/injuries on the OL should prevent you from using a #1 pick on him. If you pass, you can still get a stud like Romo or Brees, and we like that plan better.”
August, 2008
“Although we didn’t expect much from RB Rudi Johnson, we would have felt better about the Bengal offense if he were there, since he’s their best potential sustainer, and they need that for their offense because they have to keep defenses honest. The vibes continue to be very, very shaky for Carson Palmer. Again, the value has to be very good to take him, and you must have a great roster around him.”
August, 2008
“Again, not getting great vibes. These are the Colts, of course, so it would be insane to paint an ugly picture. But these guys could be a little slow off the mark – and that’s assuming Peyton Manning is good to go for Week One.”
August, 2008
“The offense looks out of sync, the line is not looking good in pass protection and lost more two players to injury, and there will clearly be some growing pains here under Al Saunders’ system, even if Torry Holt is healthy. Plus, he's still missing his best offensive weapon (Steven Jackson) to a holdout. Need any more reasons to avoid Marc Bulger like the plague?”
August, 2008
“Given all his issues, we’re not sure Matt Hasselbeck will be productive enough to be a low-end starter. He’s clearly a shakier option who could easily let you down these days, and even his usually favorable schedule looks below average this year, so it’s probably wise to consider him only as a fantasy backup in 2008. His ADP as of very early July is still in the top-70, and there’s no way we’d be willing to pay that price for an aging player with several key red flags.”
August, 2008
“If you’re looking for some legit potential for your bye week, look elsewhere. And if you’re looking for a guy who might be productive enough to start a decent stretch – as you ideally should for your backup – forget it with Jeff Garcia.”
August, 2008
“From start to finish this season, Matt Leinart will be challenged physically and mentally, which leads us to believe Kurt Warner – who is chomping at the bit to start again and get a legit chance to beat Leinart out – could once again become relevant as the year progresses.”
August, 2008
“We’re just not seeing success from this passing offense out of the gates. At this point, we’re really focused on taking someone other than Jason Campbell as our backup. We’re locked into that.”
August, 2008
“We will see a noticeable improvement from Tarvaris Jackson this year – but Viking fans will still be looking for a better option at the position by season’s end.”
August, 2008
Running Backs
“If there’s one back who’ll likely be drafted as a #2 runner with the potential to be even a top-five guy, it’s Maurice Jones-Drew. And best of all? Given his power, excellent goal-line prowess, speed, playmaking ability, durability, and youth, there’s no downside. None.”
August, 2008
“Given the likelihood that he’ll receive 300+ carries again, and since he’ll be running behind an upgraded offensive line and will likely see more efficient play at the quarterback position, things are setting up well for Thomas Jones to emerge as a very helpful fantasy back. If you’re still searching for a viable #2 back in the 5th round or if you’re looking for a really nice 3rd back at that point, we urge you to take a gander at Mr. Jones.”
August, 2008
“When you’re looking to add some depth at RB, and especially if you’re looking for some juice and upside, make sure you highlight Chris Johnson’s name on your cheat sheet. After all, the Titans didn’t use the 24th overall pick in the draft to sit him. They did so because their offense desperately needs his speed. It’s looking like he could see even more carries than expected, perhaps up to 50% of them in Tennessee.”
August, 2008
“DeAngelo Williams really does look great, and this is the Williams we thought we’d be seeing when we were enamored with him the last two years. He has to show he can do it consistently still, and he’s in an RBBC, but you better believe that he has value and potential. This guy could still possibly be a lead back if they need him to be.”
August, 2008
“This is the second week we’ve upgraded Steve Slaton, so either we’re off our rocker or on to something, and we firmly believe the latter is the case. Slaton has injected some life into their running game, and while he’s a smaller back who projects best as a 3rd-down back, the same was said of Domanick Davis on this team several years ago, and Slaton impressed again by showing an ability to play bigger than he is and handle the physical aspects of the game. We are definitely ‘feeling’ him as a nice late-round pick for depth. That could go down as a swift move.”
August, 2008
“Right now the strength of this offense is clearly their OL and their running game, which is good news for Clinton Portis, who looks like his usual solid self. He’s not a sexy pick, but he’s a productive one.”
August, 2008
“Tim Hightower continues to look rock solid. In fact, he may even be one of the best handcuff RB options in the league at this point. He’s scored in each of their three preseason games.”
August, 2008
“Sammy Morris should pick right up where he left off last year in this potent offense. That means 10+ carries a game, and likely a TD every other game as their primary goal-line back. Over the course of a full season, if healthy, that means Morris should be a lock to finish as a top-30 back. Not bad, considering you can get him 100-120 overall.”
August, 2008
“There is something of a log-jam at the position, but Pierre Thomas is still one of the more intriguing options you’ll find at this position toward the end of your draft. If veteran Deuce McAllister falls short in his attempt to return from double-knee surgery, Thomas figures to have an expansive role in 2008 after he showed phenomenal burst, excellent between-the-tackles instincts, and steady hands in his limited action last year. He could be a real force in head coach Sean Payton’s wide-open offense, which should only get better and more prolific with time.”
August, 2008
“The Colt line is in trouble with starting G Ryan Lilja out six weeks and starting C Jeff Saturday out at least six weeks, not to mention the timing of the QB. Joseph Addai should still be very good, but we’re a little hesitant to list him as a very high pick in the 1st round.”
August, 2008
“While Darren McFadden has some upside and is a sexy pick, he also has downside, and he should, at the very least, be hit-or-miss this year. Based on his hype and based on how some less-than-informed fantasy players will select him, thinking they have the next Adrian Peterson, he’ll almost certainly be overvalued in fantasy drafts this year. So while McFadden looks like a sexy pick, we’re thinking he’ll be an unwise one.”
August, 2008
“Steve Jackson’s a stud talent, but the best we can expect from him at this point is production and play similar to what he put up last year when he was (at least relatively) healthy. Thing is, Jackson really padded his stats by busting off long runs last year. Without them, he would have been a major disappointment. If at all possible, just steer clear of him.”
August, 2008
“Drafting Willie McGahee at this point is a gamble, and we’re not that into taking big gambles very early in drafts. At this point, we view him as 3rd round pick, and he’s even a risky pick in that round.”
August, 2008
“The vibes are bad; let’s face it. Over the weekend Reggie Bush had some swelling in his knee, the same knee that knocked him out last year, which isn’t good. In his preseason debut, he looked like the same old Reggie Bush – the bad one. And according to our sources, some within the organization are tiring of his inability or unwillingness to accept that he is no longer in college. In reality, if you’re wondering what’s wrong with Bush, we have to say at this point the answer is that he’s no longer at USC. Sure he’ll say all the right things about needing to improve – he did to us in 2007 – but we’ve yet to see him actually do it. In a non-PPR league, we see no reason to make it anything close to a priority to draft him unless he turns things around quickly here in the preseason.”
August, 2008
“Ronnie Brown’s ADP is about 38 in a 12-team league, or just after the 3rd round and a very early 4th round pick. You simply can’t take a player with such injury questions and in a possible committee that high.”
August, 2008
“RB Earnest Graham will probably be okay, but he’s just not for us. We need more juice and value, and he really offers neither.”
August, 2008
“We’re not moving Laurence Maroney down in our rankings, but he is relatively low to begin with. He doesn’t look very impressive this summer, showing again his inability to run downhill while showing good vision. Their line is something of a mess right now, too.”
August, 2008
“Seattle’s line isn’t what it once was, and their receiving corps will be perilously thin if Deion Branch isn’t able to come all the way back from his knee injury this year (which is likely) because Bobby Engram is going to miss roughly 3-4 weeks. And does anyone think Julius Jones is going to make this potentially situation better? If anything, he could make it uglier.”
August, 2008
Wide Receivers
“Calvin Johnson is jumping off the page now as a big-time breakout candidate and play-to-win pick. He erupted for 3/76/1 in his second preseason game and it doesn’t look like there’s any stopping him right now. He’s playing physical, which is scary given his size. We’re officially begging you to draft CJ.”
August, 2008
“We’ve nicknamed Brandon Marshall ‘Godzilla’ because that’s kind of what he looks like running around the football field abusing defenders as if he’s stepping on 10-story buildings. The guy’s got issues, but he might be the most dominant receiver in the league right now, so fantasy owners have to take notice. He’s now out only one game now, so we officially love him this year.”
August, 2008
“Steve Smith will be on a mission when he returns, so look out. He’s not overrated at all; he’s one of the top-5 most dangerous wideouts in the NFL.”
August, 2008
“They (the Packers) will throw the ball a lot because, as Greg Jennings told us earlier this month, “that’s what we do.” It also helps that his QB played a lot better last week. All Aaron Rodgers has to do is settle down, and he and Jennings should be okay.”
August, 2008
“Eddie Royal could emerge as one of Jay Cutler’s favorite deep threats, and we know Cutler has a gun for an arm. We love the guy, and we expect him to start all year. He’s a good kid who works hard and he’s shown he can play. He is now our #1 rookie wideout for 2008.”
August, 2008
“Dwayne Bowe is a sizable, strong receiver who can outmuscle defenders for the ball, and this summer he has really embraced the physical aspects of the game and looked great in practice. There’s definitely a lot to like about him, and he could be the next stud receiver in the NFL.”
August, 2008
“We’re concerned with the shaky QB play and less-than-ideal system and offensive identity, but Roddy White has been killing the young Falcon DBs in camp, so he’s doing everything he needs to do to stay relatively high in our rankings. It’s possible, too, that we’re underrating him because we do love the guy, always have.”
August, 2008
“Kevin Walter looked TREMENDOUS in their second preseason game, so we’re back on board for 2008 (after being previously concerned about his role) and ready to endorse him as a nice late pick. In a PPR league, he’s a brilliant one.”
August, 2008
“If Antonio Bryant wins a starting job, he could be a late-round steal based on his talent and upside.”
August, 2008
“If Isaac Bruce can stay healthy – and that is a question mark at 35 years of age coming off a season in which he was slowed by a hamstring injury as well as a hand issue – then he’ll likely catch upwards of 70 passes for Martz, making him a viable starter in most leagues (especially PPR leagues).”
August, 2008
“Given the injury to Kevin Curtis, and how DeSean Jackson has lit it up in the preseason, we have to think Jackson will be asked to do a lot more than anyone expected, and he’s very dynamic. We wouldn’t go crazy and expect him to be a great #4 fantasy WR, but he’s very intriguing, no doubt.”
August, 2008
“Donnie Avery is a little undersized and may struggle with the physicality of the NFL game, and he’s not the most refined route-runner, but he could still be a terrific vertical and run-after-the-catch threat as soon as this year.”
August, 2008
“We’re getting aggravated again with Plaxico Burress. We just don’t trust him still, which is saying something because he should have earned a ton of trust after what he did last year.”
August, 2008
“Since you can’t bank on Javon Walker being a weekly stud, as since he’s saddled with more downside than upside until proven otherwise, you had better be getting incredible value if you draft him. The good news is he’s not overvalued per se; he’s just a guy we’re inclined to pass on.”
August, 2008
“Jerry Porter’s hamstring injury is really serious, and he said on 8/5 that had it gotten a little worse he would have missed the whole year. So, for one, it remains to be seen if and when he’ll be healthy. He’s also missed and will miss most or all of their training camp, so he won’t exactly be on the same page as QB David Garrard. Yes, his value in drafts will drop, but you’re better off looking elsewhere and avoiding him.”
August, 2008
“Joey Galloway still hasn’t played this summer, which might not be a huge deal for him, but his QB still stinks; that we know. Jeff Garcia may be a winner, but he’s not much of a passer, and he was rusty in the opener. Galloway is still viable, but things are more likely to get bad here than better compared to last year.”
August, 2008
Tight Ends
“Owen Daniels told us last year that the team had him dialed up for passes in the red zone, but the TDs just didn’t come. They could potentially come in bunches this year, so the youthful Daniels is a nice option once the clear studs are off the board. Add in a couple more TDs, and he’d look even better, more like a fantasy stud.”
August, 2008
“We’re learning Zach Miller is going to be a HUGE part of their offense, which is what we fully expected. Miller could catch 60+ passes if healthy.”
August, 2008
“Dustin Keller continues to show flashes and see production with Brett Favre in, so he’s someone to watch, if not pick up on a long shot.”
August, 2008
“We’ve been told by those at Seahawks’ camp that the rookie tight end has been coming on and making some plays. The Seahawks might have reached a little bit for John Carlson, but it looks like he’s on track to open the season as the top target at the position, if not the “starter.” There may be some upside with Carlson if you draft him very late as your backup.”
August, 2008
“Tough one here, but we’re not really feeling the Redskin passing game lately, and we haven’t for most of August, quite frankly, despite their fast start. Chris Cooley’s going to remain high in our rankings because he’s a proven commodity and we certainly like him a lot, always have. But we’re really not targeting him, per se, so make sure he’s too good to pass up, just in case he’s slow of the mark.”
August, 2008
“Bottom line, you have to believe Jeremy Shockey will get hurt, so we’ll be looking elsewhere. Based on the value and the potential, we’d rather have Owen Daniels or Tony Scheffler.”
August, 2008
“At some point, you have to really take a step back and think about how Todd Heap is supposed to be a football player, a tough, hard-nosed football player. But the guy just can’t get or stay healthy, and his injury issues are getting ridiculous at this point. You can do so much better than Heap later in drafts.”
August, 2008