And Awaaaaaay We Go
by Eddie Mayrose

Ten years ago, the professional sports world took a sabbatical after the attacks on the World Trade Center.  While it was absolutely the respectful thing to do, I remember how badly I wanted some kind of sporting event to take my mind off of the tragedy.  Today, the NFL carries out that mission, providing us the entertainment we may need to deal with such a sad, sad day.

Two months ago, we weren’t even sure this day would come; as the lockout was in full swing. Any prep work or Fantasy mock drafts seemed a little hollow, as the uncertainty of the season stole a little of the fun.  But, luckily, both parties succumbed to their greed and decided to amicably split the billions that we, the fans, provide.  So, on with the show!!! Continue reading »

Is Michael Vick Really Best in Show?
by Eddie Mayrose

A year ago, Michael Vick was an afterthought in most drafts; a late flyer probably selected as no more than a handcuff to Kevin Kolb.  After Kolb went down, however, Vick was the surprise of the season, vaulting his status from also-ran to, in some cases, the first pick in some mock drafts.

He hasn’t completely convinced the FantasySportsDirt staff, however, that he’ll return the dividends necessary to justify a first round pick. First, there’s the issue of Vick’s durability.  While his running game is precisely why he is at the top of the QB list, it also puts him just one big hit away from the injury list.

Then, there’s the Eagles’ status as the NFL’s dream team for 2011. If Philly is going to make it to the Super Bowl, it’ll be on the legs of LeSean McCoy and Ronnie Brown, not Vick.

Finally, there are just too many QB’s that’ll provide more than adequate production in later rounds to pass on a stud RB or WR to select Vick. Actually, his success in 2010 supports the argument against him.  Be patient at the QB position rather than rech for a high risk/reward guy like Vick. Continue reading »

Put Your Season in the Right Hands

by Eddie Mayrose

They are the foundation of most Fantasy Football rosters.  The stud running backs of the NFL, posting 100 yard games and lugging the pigskin over the goal line enough to make their owners kings of their Fantasy leagues.  The problem is, with so much invested, your season is doomed if your prime ball carrier disappoints.

Such was the case last year with Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville’s star back who had registered 27 TD’s over the previous two campaigns. In 2011, however, despite the fact that his rushing total was, essentially, flat, his TD total plummeted to a measly 5.  Given the fact that he was likely selected in the top five of most drafts, it’s hard to believe that Jones-Drew was a member of too many Fantasy champs.

In addition to securing a marquee back, sleepers become equally important as they allow a Fantasy owner the luxury of filling other holes with better players. Owners that passed on Ray Rice last year in favor of a WR like Calvin Johnson or Roddy White were rewarded well by Ahmad Bradshaw, whose numbers compared very well to Rice.

Let’s take a look at the studs you need to have, the sleepers that will help and the busts you need to avoid. Continue reading »

NFL Lockout Sets Rookies Back

by Eddie Mayrose

The story is always the same.  Whenever there is discord within a family, the children bear the burden of the animosity.  Such is the case heading into the 2011 NFL season, as the dispute between the owners and players as to how to split billions of dollars resulted in months of lost time for the rookies drafted into the league in April.

Even under the best of circumstances, most rookies are behind the eight ball as they struggle with a new playbook and the increased speed and talent while trying to carve out some measure of playing time for themselves. This year, however, that task became even more daunting for first year players as the league’s labor dispute erased all of their pre-camp preparation and forced them to acclimate themselves on the fly.

Traditionally, the freshman class is an area where Fantasy Football owners look to uncover a hidden gem or two in the late rounds. By the time they arrive at their draft tables, they have, at least, some idea about a rookie’s potential playing time and how he fits in to his team’s offensive scheme based on his pre-season performance. Not so, this season, as owners selecting a rookie must do so with their fingers crossed.

Make no mistake, there are a few diamonds in the rough available. They’ll just be harder to find. Here’s an idea of how the old professor sees things. Continue reading »

Wagstaff and Son Reach Final Four of Survivor League

by Eddie Mayrose

After ten weeks, the good professor and his general manager, son Timothy, have outlasted ten family members and positioned themselves in the final four of the McGee Survivor League.  Riding the tails of the Johnson brothers, their two superstar wide receivers Andre and Calvin, Waggie and Tim have seen their Fantasy Football team, Home Alone 2, dodge every bullet thrown its way.  Now, with two brothers and a cousin standing as the only obstacles between him and the grand prize, Tim is feeling his oats.  ” I talked dad out of Carson Palmer last week and Joe Flacco came through.  This week, it’s Michael Crabtree in for Mike Williams. If we win again, dad’s paying for the Harry Potter movie.”  We’ll see, Tim. Continue reading »

© 2011 Fantasy Sports Dirt Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha