Jan
24

Three and out: Manning says he’s not retiring

Manning, Irsay to discuss QB’s future: Don’t expect Rob Lowe to give up his day job anytime soon. Last week, the actor tweeted that Colts QB Peyton Manning was considering retirement, sending the Internet into a tizzy. But in an interview with The Indianapolis Star, Manning said he was caught “way off guard” by the report and denied that he had any plans to call it quits. As for his future in Indy, Manning says he’ll discuss it with team owner Jim Irsay, but suggested that conversation wasn’t imminent. The 2012 home of the future Hall of Famer will be one of the biggest stories of the offseason, with plenty of teams expected to show interest. Without being able to predict whether he’ll be the Peyton Manning we’ve all come to know, there’s no way to recommend him as a first-round pick, but depending on his landing spot, Manning still has top-tier value.

Gronkowksi expected to play in SB XLVI: Despite leaving Gillette Stadium in a walking boot Sunday, Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will reportedly be able to play in the Super Bowl. That’s good news for Pats fans as well as anyone counting on the dynamic pass-catcher in the NFL Playoff Challenge. With a week off to rest before practices begin for the Super Bowl, it means Gronkowski has a little more time to get ready.

Wells to have surgery: Cardinals RB Beanie Wells tweeted Tuesday morning that he was undergoing surgery and while no one (not even the Cardinals’ website) was able to specify what exactly was being operated on, an educated guess would be his knee. Wells was hampered for the last half of the season after suffering an injury in Week 7 against the Steelers, although he played in eight of Arizona’s final nine games. Wells posted career highs in carries (245), yards (1,047) and touchdowns (10) this season and looks poised to be the Redbirds’ No. 1 RB for the foreseeable future. He turns just 24 in August and has yet to hit his prime. As long as this medical procedure isn’t major — and it doesn’t appear to have been — Wells will be a solid No. 2 RB fantasy back next season.

– Marcas Grant

Jan
23

Three and out: Manning could be on the move

Several teams interested in Manning: The big story of the week centers around Eli Manning and his emergence as an elite NFL quarterback. But in fantasy land, his brother Peyton Manning is still a major topic of conversation. Will he return in 2012, and if he does, which uniform will he be wearing? Some reports are suggesting that if the Colts and Manning part ways, the Cardinals and Dolphins will be among the teams to pursue him. When I saw the Cards mentioned, the first thing I thought of was Kurt Warner and the fantasy success he had late in his career with that franchise. Second, I thought of how sick it would be to have Manning throwing to Larry Fitzgerald. In fact, I would argue that Manning has never had a receiver as talented as Fitzgerald in his offense (sorry, Marvin Harrison). So if Manning’s departure out of Indy is indeed imminent, fantasy fans everywhere should be hoping he lands in the desert.

Is Matt Flynn headed to South Beach?: In the event that the Dolphins don’t land Manning, it seems obvious that Flynn will be on their radar after the team hired former Packers OC Joe Philbin to be their head coach. Flynn, slated to become a free agent, would turn into a solid sleeper if he were to be re-united with his old coach. With an intimate knowledge of the offense, I would argue that Miami would be the best landing spot for Flynn from a fantasy perspective. In the event that he ends up with another team (like the Redskins) and needs to learn an entirely new offense, Flynn would have a better chance at being the next Rob Johnson.

Rams hire OC Brian Schottenheimer: New coach Jeff Fisher will turn the offense over to Schottenheimer, who was hired by the Rams last week. While he was all but forced out of New York, Schottenheimer’s offense still made Mark Sanchez a top 10 fantasy quarterback in 2011. Much of that had to do with Sanchez’s six rushing touchdowns, but he also recorded career highs in passing yards and touchdown passes. That could bode well for Sam Bradford, who will enter his third different offensive system in three seasons. If the Rams add some legitimate weapons (Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon comes to mind), Bradford could be a sleeper in 2012.

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Jan
20

Three and out: Turner could see reduced role in 2012

Rodgers to get more touches: With Dirk Koetter taking over for the departed Mike Mularkey as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator, it appears changes to the offense are already afoot. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the team plans to get running back Jacquizz Rodgers more involved in the screen passing game next season, likely taking snaps away from Michael Turner. With the NFL becoming a QB-driven league, feature RBs are being de-emphasized — especially in favor of backs who can catch the ball. Look no further than the effectiveness of Ray Rice, Arian Foster and Darren Sproles for proof. Turner has never been much of a pass-catcher (he hauled in a career-high 17 receptions this season) so the integration of Rodgers into the Falcons’ offense would reinforce Michael Fabiano’s fear that the veteran back is headed for a disappointing 2012 season.

Holmes will be back in 2012: Despite the Jets’ crash landing at the end of the season, at least one key member of the crew appears to be returning. Owner Woody Johnson told reporters WR Santonio Holmes will return to Gang Green next year. Holmes caught only 51 passes for 654 yards this season — the yardage total was a career low, while the receptions were the least since his rookie season. In fact, his production has steadily declined since he posted career highs in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was also the center of controversy this season when he was accused of quitting on the team. Any hard feelings among teammates will likely be sorted out by training camp, but unless Mark Sanchez can become more consistent and Holmes decides to give a full effort next season, it’s hard to recommend taking a chance on the mercurial receiver until the later rounds.

Patriots want Welker back: This season hasn’t ended yet for the Patriots, but they’re already looking ahead, with owner Robert Kraft saying that the team wants to re-sign WR Wes Welker. And why wouldn’t it? Since joining New England in 2007, Welker’s been one of the league’s most productive pass-catchers, registering 111 or more receptions in four out of five seasons; even while recovering from ACL surgery in 2010, he caught 86 balls for 848 yards. The veteran from Texas Tech will turn 31 in the offseason, but age doesn’t have the same effect on receivers as it does on running backs. As long as he continues to catch passes from Tom Brady, Welker will remain in the top tier of fantasy receivers.

– Marcas Grant

Jan
19

Three and out: Forte to consider a holdout

Keep tabs on Forte this offseason: No one would argue that Matt Forte had a nice fantasy season in 2010. Before injuring his knee, he posted 52 catches and 1,487 yards from scrimmage in 12 games. With so many questions at running back, Forte definitely has first-round value in 2012. The lone issue, though, is a potential holdout. If the Bears don’t give Forte a contract extension and slap him with the franchise tag instead, there’s a real chance he could pull a Chris Johnson and sit out of training camp. If we have learned anything about players holding out, especially runners, it’s that there’s a greater risk of injury and a bigger potential for a decline in statistics. Clearly, this is a story to watch the coming months.

CJ2K will remain with the Titans: Despite the fact that he’s coming off an awful season, Chris Johnson is a lock to remain in Tennessee. The Daily News Journal reported that new general manager Ruston Webster said that he’ll focus on improving the running game in the offseason — and that means continuing to use Johnson in a featured role. It also means making sure the offensive line is up to snuff, a unit should be more cohesive in 2012. That’s good news for CJ2K, who is going to be a first- or second-round fantasy pick.

Eli returns to Giants practice: If you’re planning on starting Eli Manning in the NFL Playoff Challenge this weekend, you’ll be pleased to know that he returned to practice on Thursday. Manning was dealing with what coach Tom Coughlin called “a stomach bug” that caused him to miss part of Wednesday’s practice. He has been solid during the postseason, throwing for 607 yards and six touchdowns in wins over the Falcons and Packers. If you were smart enough to start him on Wild Card Weekend and stuck with him, you could end up getting quadruple points from Manning if the G-Men reach the Super Bowl.

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Jan
18

Fantasy Live Podcast: The winds of change

Hour 1 - 

Hour 2 –

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Former 49ers OL Randy Cross joins Michael Fabiano and Elliot Harrison to talk about the conference championship games on Sunday and how to stop the Patriots incredible offense. In Hour Two, the guys explain how the NFL and fantasy football are changing with the decline of the running back and where Alabama RB Trent Richardson will land in the 2012 draft.

Jan
18

Three and out: Murray the favorite in Dallas

Murray to see featured role in 2012?: One of the best waiver wire pickups of the 2011 fantasy season was DeMarco Murray, who replaced an injured Felix Jones and thrived as the top backfield option in Dallas. During a six-week stretch, he scored double-digit fantasy points five times, including 18-plus points three times. His impressive rookie performances led Rob Phillips of the Cowboys official website to suggest that Murray will enter next season atop the team’s depth chart. That’s not a surprise, but the question in fantasy land centers on whether he can handle a full workload and if he’s worth a first-round pick in drafts. I’d say no on both accounts. While Murray will see more carries, I don’t see the Cowboys going away from Jones completely. He played well when healthy last season, and will serve as a compliment to his younger teammate. I do think Murray could have second- or third-round value depending on his recovery from a broken ankle, but he’s one of several runners who will come with some risk in 2012.

Tebow played hurt against Patriots: According to a report, Tim Tebow suffered torn cartilage along his rib and bruised a lung while suffering fluid buildup in his pleural cavity during last weekend’s loss in New England. That’s notable from a fantasy perspective, because Tebow’s style of play makes him more vulnerable to injuries and could hurt his stock in 2012 drafts. Broncos VP of Football Operations John Elway has already stated that Tebow has earned the right to open training camp as the team’s No. 1 quarterback, and I’m not jumping off the bandwagon in my promotion of the Florida product as a starting fantasy signal-caller. But there are at least eight to 10 better options at his position at this point in time. Right now, I see Tebow as being worth a middle-round selection in the majority of standard formats.

Steelers need to limit sacks in ’12: No one will argue that Ben Roethlisberger had a down year from a fantasy perspective in 2011, but at least part of his decreased numbers could be blamed on playing behind a porous offensive line. Steelers president Art Rooney II told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that while he feels like the team has “the people in the building that can do the job (protect Roethlisberger),” he also said “the draft is always something that we look at as an opportunity to get better.” In my recent mock draft, I have the Steelers taking Georgia OT Cordy Glenn with their first-round selection. Improving that line will go a long way to making Roethlisberger a potential value pick in 2012 fantasy football drafts.

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Jan
17

Three and out: Gore’s injured leg not an issue

Gore ready to roll vs. Giants: There isn’t a truly elite fantasy running back left in the postseason outside of Ray Rice, but the closest one is Frank Gore. Fortunately, it looks like the Niners will have their workhorse in the NFC Championship Game. The San Jose Mercury News reports that while he appeared to re-injure his right leg on the team’s final drive against the Saints, Gore “feels good” and will “do whatever it takes to get to the Super Bowl.” If you’re in the NFL Playoff Challenge, he’ll be a popular option. It’s hard to trust a Patriots running back, and the duo of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs have the daunting task of facing the Niners — no team allowed fewer fantasy points to runners in 2011. While it’s true that Gore hasn’t rushed for 100 yards since Week 9, he has found the end zone in three of his last five games.

Browns targeting Robert Griffin III?: In his first mock for the 2012 NFL Draft, NFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche reports that “league sources” are saying that the Browns want Griffin. While the team might have to move up to No. 2 to land him, the Browns have the most ammo to deal, with both the No. 4 and No. 22 overall selections in Round 1. I’m also projecting Griffin, who will have fantasy owners dreaming of the second coming of Cam Newton, to land in Cleveland with one of the first four picks. In that scenario, the Baylor product will be worth a middle- to late-round pick in seasonal fantasy drafts and a top-three selection in dynasty formats.

Peyton Manning’s still a question: There are all kinds of reports floating out there about Manning. He’ll be traded, he won’t be traded, he’ll be released if his neck remains an issue, etc. The reality is that we probably won’t know his status for 2012 anytime soon, but most NFL.com experts still expect the Colts to take Stanford’s Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft. If that scenario comes to fruition, it will have definite fantasy implications. If Manning and Luck are both on the roster and the former is 100 percent, the rookie wouldn’t have much value in seasonal leagues. Let’s face it, if Manning is healthy and a member of the Colts, he’s their starting quarterback. On the flip side, which would have Manning traded, released or unable to return to the field, Luck would become an instant fantasy sleeper as the top signal-caller in Indianapolis. Clearly, this will be the biggest story of the NFL offseason.

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Jan
16

Three and out: Bills going backfield committee

Jackson, Spiller to share time: The one thing we don’t need in fantasy football is more backfields-by-committee. Guess what? Bills coach Chan Gailey told the team’s official website that the combination of Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller “is a great situation we have at running back” and that he’s hopeful to have “a two-headed monster which will be pretty strong.” That might be good for the Bills, but it makes for a mess in fantasy land. In a league where featured running backs are few and far between, losing an effect fantasy player like Jackson to a committee approach only hurts the value of the position. As it stands, both backs will come off the board in the middle rounds in standard fantasy drafts.

Falcons add new OC Dirk Koetter: With former OC Mike Mularkey now the head man in Jacksonville, the Falcons filled the vacant role with former Jaguars OC Koetter. Since his system is so similar to Mularkey’s, there’s no real need to alter the fantasy value of Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Julio Jones or Tony Gonzalez. The same can’t be said for veteran runner Michael Turner, who turns 30 next month and could start losing more time on the field — especially on passing downs. Koetter will no doubt use more screens (like he did with Maurice Jones-Drew), and Turner isn’t the runner to fill that role. It’s further evidence that the Burner has bust written all over him in 2012.

Schottenheimer to become Rams OC: According to NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi, former Jets OC Brian Schottenheimer is set to become the new OC in St. Louis, pending a contract. While he was all but forced out of New York, Schottenheimer’s offense still made Mark Sanchez a top-10 fantasy quarterback in 2011. Much of that had to do with Sanchez’s six rushing touchdowns, but he also recorded career highs in passing yards and touchdown passes. That could bode well for Sam Bradford, who will enter his third different offensive system in three seasons. If the Rams add some legitimate weapons in the offseason (Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon comes to mind), Bradford could enter next season as a fantasy sleeper.

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Jan
13

Peterson remains confident after knee surgery

For the first time in his NFL career, Adrian Peterson will not be one of the first players selected in fantasy football drafts next season. In fact, he won’t even be taken in the first round after suffering a ruptured ACL and torn MCL in a Christmas Eve contest against the Redskins.

Where then, is it safe to draft one of fantasy’s once-elite running backs?

That remains to be seen, but we have received our first bit of news on Peterson’s recent reconstructive knee operation from Vikings’ head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman, who met with reporters on Friday to give an update on A.D.’s status. Sugarman reported that Peterson’s knee was painful in the week after surgery, which is normal, but all indications are that the procedure was a success. Peterson is also confident that he’ll make a full recovery.

In fact, the talented running back suggested that he will be even “better than [he] was before.” While that statement is admirable, the fact remains that most NFL players who come off such a serious procedure need at least one full year to regain both mental and physical confidence in the knee. Look at Wes Welker, who had a late-season ACL injury with the Patriots in 2008 and saw his 2009 totals decrease in both the reception and yardage categories.

ACL ailments can be even tougher for running backs to overcome, as we have seen in the past from the likes of Jamal Anderson, Edgerrin James and more recently, Kevin Smith. And when you consider how hard Peterson runs and how late in the season he was injured, well, coming back better than he was before, at least in 2012, is a long shot.

As it stands, I’d consider A.D. a second- or third-round pick (assuming he has no setbacks over the next several months and will be back in time for Week 1). But if we start hearing the term PUP list once we get into the summer time, Peterson’s stock could fall even further.

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Jan
13

Three and out: Griffin a candidate for Browns

Holmgren won’t anoint Colt McCoy: Browns President Mike Holmgren announced last week that there will be a quarterback competition next season to determine a starter between McCoy, Seneca Wallace and … Robert Griffin III? It could happen, as Griffin has declared for the 2012 NFL Draft and the Browns have the fourth overall selection in April’s rookie extravaganza. That’s an exciting proposition for a team that hasn’t had a consistent signal-caller since, well, before it returned to the league via expansion in 1999. If Holmgren and the Browns do land the Baylor product, it’s hard to envision a scenario where McCoy is more than a backup — and Griffin doesn’t emerge into a potential fantasy sleeper in both seasonal and dynasty leagues.

Browns to retain Peyton Hillis?: Let’s stick with the Browns, who could also decide to pass on RG3 and go after a running back with their first selection in the draft — Alabama’s Trent Richardson would be the likely choice. Of course, that all depends on what the team does with Hillis after his Madden-cursed disaster of a 2011 season. General manager Tom Heckert told the Canton Repository that he plans to talk Hillis’ representatives “in the next week or so,” and that the team “wouldn’t be adverse to bringing him back.” Not a ringing endorsement, is it? Whatever the scenario, Hillis’ fantasy value is in a serious state of flux at this point.

Jennings looking good at practice: The best fantasy wideout in Green Bay this season was, surprisingly, Jordy Nelson and not Greg Jennings. Of course, a big part of that was the fact that Jennings missed the final three games with a bum knee. The veteran looks like a go for this weekend’s divisional round matchup against the Giants, however, and needs to be considered a viable option in the NFL Fantasy Playoff Challenge. While I’d still start Nelson over Jennings, if I had to decide between the two, reports on the latter have been positive. In fact, the Green Bay Press-Gazette believes the Packers expect to have a “sharp, effective” Jennings out on the gridiron. He’s the fifth-ranked wideout for the NFL Playoff Challenge this week.

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Jan
12

Three and out: Turner has bust written all over him

Turner a risk in 2012 drafts: Being 30 isn’t consider old in real life — heck, I still consider myself to be young as I enter my 39th year on this big blue marble. But for a running back in the NFL, 30 is often the beginning of the end. Just ask Eric Dickerson. Or Shaun Alexander. Or Edgerrin James (you get my point). Well, Turner is turning the big 3-0 next month, and his intense workload over the last four years makes him a risk in 2012 drafts. He’s carried the ball 300-plus times in each of his last three full seasons and was one of just two backs (the other being Maurice Jones-Drew) to have 300-plus carries in 2011. The Falcons have also acknowledged that the running game will be part of their offseason evaluation process, so Turner’s workload could be decreased in the upcoming season. I’ll be avoiding him at all costs in 2012.

The next Cam Newton?: Fantasy owners are always looking for the next superstar to emerge. And after what we saw from Newton in 2011, I can almost guarantee that Baylor’s Robert Griffin III will be highly touted in fantasy drafts. The 2011 Heisman winner, Griffin has confirmed that he will forgo his senior season and apply to enter the 2012 NFL Draft. He put up amazing numbers as a junior, completing 291-of-402 passes (72.4 percent) for 4,293 yards with 37 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Aside from his passing skills, what makes RG3 a potentially valuable fantasy asset are his Newton-like running abilities — he ran for 10 more scores and posted 100-plus rushing yards twice. Where he lands will be a huge part of determining his value (he’s been linked to the Browns in some reports), but I can almost guarantee that Griffin will be considered a potential sleeper in 2012. He’ll also be a top-three pick in dynasty leagues across the board.

Jets could scale back offense: The departure of OC Brian Schottenheimer and the addition of new coach Tony Sparano is likely to mean that the Jets will return to more of a “ground and pound” attack in 2012 and beyond. Clearly, that’s bad news for the value of Mark Sanchez, who actually finished 10th in fantasy points at his position in 2011. On the flip side, such a move should bode well for Shonn Greene, who is coming off the first 1,000-yard season of his career. But can the Men in Green lean on him in a true featured role? I’m not sure about that. In fact, I’d expect the team to incorporate more plays for Joe McKnight — or go after a running back during the offseason. One thing is for certain, though. The Jets won’t be a pass-laden offense with Sparano now in the mix.

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Jan
11

Fantasy Live Podcast: Getting personal

Hour 1 - 

Hour 2 –

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Heath Evans busts into the show and joins Michael Fabiano and Elliot Harrison to talk NFL playoff football and NFL.com’s Fantasy Playoff Challenge. In the second hour, Fabiano and Harrison get personal in the “Fantasy Cantina” as they talk about potential breakout and sleeper fantasy players for 2012 and go over the NFL.com Playoff Challenge.

Jan
11

Three and out: Sanchez root of Jets’ offensive woes?

Sanchez’s future in doubt?: Jets QB Mark Sanchez is the latest victim in Gang Green’s nasty postseason fallout, ripped by anonymous teammates for being “lazy and content”. The unnamed players suggest the team needs to add a second quarterback who can challenge for a starting spot  – possibly Peyton Manning. Both Jets fans and fantasy owners are well aware of Sanchez’s inconsistency this season, but New York’s offensive woes seem to run deeper than the quarterback. Plaxico Burress was underwhelming, Santonio Holmes was accused of quitting on his teammates and running back Shonn Greene was just generally ineffective. Maybe Manning can solve some of those issues, if he’s healthy. But it seems to be asking a lot for such a dysfunctional lot that looks to have minimal fantasy value in 2012.

Moore back at practice: Still recovering from a lingering hamstring injury, Saints WR Lance Moore participated in a light practice Tuesday. However, it’s still unclear how much Moore was able to go and how that will affect his status for Saturday’s game against the 49ers. All season, we’ve been confounded by any New Orleans pass-catchers not named Marques Colston or Jimmy Graham. If you believe strongly in the Saints’ chances to make the Super Bowl, you could consider Moore for the NFL Playoff Challenge. But with Wes Welker, Jordy Nelson and Victor Cruz among the big-play WRs still available, there are plenty of better options out there.

Palmer may have to compete for job: With a new regime in Oakland, no one’s job is safe — including that of QB Carson Palmer. New GM Reggie McKenzie told reporters that Palmer could be forced to contend for his starting spot next season. Whether that competition involves Jason Campbell (who is currently a free agent) or a QB currently on Oakland’s roster remains to be seen. It was an up-and-down season for Palmer, but with a solid running game and a plethora of dynamic WRs, whoever calls the signals in Oakland next season could have some fantasy value.

– Marcas Grant

Jan
10

Three and out: Starks still uncertain

Starks remains a question mark: The status of Packers RB James Starks (ankle) is still up in the air as Green Bay prepares to host the New York Giants in an NFC Divisional Game. Starks took over for an injured Ryan Grant last postseason and was the team’s leading rusher. It could be a role reversal this offseason if the second-year runner can’t play, making Grant an attractive Playoff Challenge option. Green Bay’s running game was among the league’s worst during the regular season, while the Giants weren’t spectacular against fantasy running backs, giving up the 11th-most points per game. The Giants put the clamps on Falcons RB Michael Turner last week, so neither Starks nor Grant is worth considering.

Spiller can be a “workhorse” for Bills: Bills GM Buddy Nix recently told reporters he believes RB C.J. Spiller can “be a workhorse kind of back” for years to come. That might not be music to the ears of Fred Jackson, who is hoping for both a contract extension and his job back as Buffalo’s No. 1 RB. Spiller had a breakout season replacing the injured Jackson, posting 830 yards from scrimmage with six touchdowns. Then again, Jackson rushed for 934 yards and six TDs in 10 games before a season-ending broken leg. With two productive backs heading into training camp, this could be one of the key position battles for fantasy owners to watch.

Crennel non-committal about Orton: Newly minted Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel was evasive when asked about the future of QB Kyle Orton, who is an unrestricted free agent. Crennel also went on to reaffirm his belief that the team can win behind Matt Cassel. Orton was far from a fantasy monster this year, even before he was muscled out of Denver in favor of Tim Tebow. But Orton did post a couple of respectable stat lines late in the season in Kansas City. If he lands in a starting role somewhere else next season, Orton could have some value as a matchup-based or bye week fantasy option.

– Marcas Grant

Jan
09

Playoff Challenge owners take a pass on bye week players

After a very full weekend of NFL playoff football, what have we learned?

Well, we learned that the Saints offense is still good. We learned that Mike Smith isn’t the man to call when you need a play on fourth-and-short. We also learned that the clock hasn’t run out on Tebow Time yet.

Finally, we learned that you, the faithful NFL Playoff Challenge player, don’t like guys with byes. Despite the prospect of double points in the second round, most people opted for guys that played this week. Nowhere was it more evident than at the quarterback spot, where just 7.36 percent of owners added Aaron Rodgers to their lineup and only 2.04 percent took a chance on Tom Brady. Then again, it’s hard to argue against that when 83.4 percent of you enjoyed a healthy 30-point day from Drew Brees.

That trend held true for RBs as well, with Arian Foster (64.07 percent), Darren Sproles (43.6) and Michael Turner (36.89) all being more popular choices than Ray Rice (17.47).

By and large, the more frequently selected players lived up to their billing, but there were a couple of notable flops from the first week. Victor Cruz (51.07 percent owned) had two catches for 28 yards and posted a paltry two points. But he was better than the Steelers defense. With the Steel Curtain facing a previously struggling Broncos offense led by Tim Tebow, 63.03 percent of you thought Pittsburgh was a solid choice. One Demaryius Thomas overtime stiffarm later, Pittsburgh earned everyone minus-two points. So add knowing that we really know nothing to the list of things we learned this weekend.

Speaking of not knowing things, we need to have an earnest talk with some of you. In addition to the names we all expected to see on rosters, there was a long, undistinguished list of backups that found their way into starting spots. Dennis Dixon? Chris Pressley? Really? Sure, the .03 percent of you who actually got a TD from TE Will Heller may have a bit of a reason to gloat. But you there, the .01 percent starting David Carr … you really believe double points are in the offing? Good luck with that.

Seriously, though, do you know something about those guys that the rest of us don’t? Or maybe you’re the president of the Charlie Batch Fan Club. Either way, it’s not too late to jump on the Rodgers/Brees bandwagon and make a run at the top of your league. In the meantime, feel free to discuss your strategy or talk about any longshot picks you made in the comments section.

– Marcas Grant

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