L.T. staying with Chargers, and the Cutler Soap Opera.....

L.T. and the Chargers were able to work out a deal that would keep him a Charger until 2011. I'm glad that he's going to remain a charger and probably end his career with the team he started; he has said in the past that he does not plan on playing a very long career. So what does that mean for us fantasy football players? I think you will see his A.D.P. drop significantly next year. I don't think he's a top 3, top 5, or as much as I hate to say it, not even a top 10. I personally think he falls between 11 and 15. Sproles still has the franchise tag on him, and will take carries, and catches away from L.T.. Not to mention, L.T. has been injured the past 2 years.

I can't help but have a little laugh when i think of the whole Jay Cutler mess. Who do I blame? More so the Josh McDaniels, but i would say a small bit of blame goes on Cutler. For McDaniels, what are you doing exactly? If you wanted Cassel, then pull the trigger and make it happen. If you can't, then continue to shop Cutler. Don't go through the process half way. Now you've got Cutler, who thought he was your franchise QB, upset and questioning his future with your team. You just got on the boat, why try to sink it?
As for Cutler, it's a business, and QB's are a hot commodidty. I understand that feelings are gonna hurt and bridges may be burned, but think there is a better way to go about this whole thing than throw a hissy-fit. Cutler's got a great arm and moxy behind him. I say, keep quite, try your best for the next 2 years, and enter FA after that. You raise your stock, earn more money, and get the last laugh to boot!

T.O. to the Bills

He got signed a lot faster than i thought he would, and to a team that i never thought he would end up with. I don't hate the fit, but, on the fantasy side, i don't love it either. Trent Edwards is decent, and that's about as much credit that I'm going to give him. He'll have Lee Evans across from him, with a solid running game in Lynch...that is if Lynch can keep himself out of trouble. But, when you look at the Bills, what part of the Offense is better than the Cowboy's? I can't think of any. I think Owens' fantasy value goes down playing for the Bills. As good as a receiver that Owens is, he'll only go as far, or score as much points, as his QB will allow...If he couldn't handle the likes of Garcia, McNabb, and Romo, I'm not sure how he's going to be able to work with Edwards, who i believe, is an inferior QB to those just mentioned.

Ward to the Bucs

So the Bucs signed Derrick Ward...i was a bit surprised, but i guess this makes sense with all the house cleaning the Bucs have been doing. Now that they are without Dunn, it looks like Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham will be the RB duo there. I don't think Cadillac will pan out in this picture...With 2 flats and a busted suspension, i think he gets taken out. Derrick Ward was too good in the time he was at the Giants, that a team was bound to cough up a lot of money for him...I think he's a good running back; he's quick, and he's got great hands, but I'm not totally sold on him being a premier back in the league. Plus, whose gonna be the QB?

Ray Lewis, Kurt Warner, T.O....

Ray Lewis remains a Raven and Kurt Warner remains a Cardinal...This is good news for Fantasy owners as it helps to keep the Raven's defense intact. The loss of Bart Scott isn't enough to derail the Ravens as one of the elite Fantasy Defense's. The Ravens also signed Center Matt Birk (I hate my Vikings for letting him get away), which will help Flaco and their running game.

I think a lot of us were hoping that Warner would stay with the Cardinals...well, for at least for fantasy value. Not only for him, but for Larry Fitzgerald as well.

T.O. got released by the Cowboys yesterday...i know there was a lot of talk that it could happen, but i never thought it would. Fantasy Football Roster effect? Well, even though he was a distraction, i don't think the Cowboy's Offense is better without him. If you look at many of the games Romo scored high in fantasy points, you'll notice that T.O. was a big part of it. They still have Willams, Hurd, Crayton, and Witten, but none of those other 3 wide outs are T.O., even if he is on the decline. I'm hearing talk about possibly the Raiders being a good fit...not so sure i agree. His fantasy value would take a huge drop there...imagine if he went to the Patriots...he won't be the #1 wide out there, but i can tell you Mr. Brady's ADP (average draft position) will skyrocket if he goes there.

Cleveland Browns...

So, you trade away Kellen Winslow for a 2nd this year, and a 5th round pick next year. I hope Braylon Edwards got a new pair of hands and Jamal Lewis rushes for another 2000 yard season for your sake...i think its the only thing that will help you this season. Once again, we don't know who your starting QB is. This is a team trying to get worse.

I think Kellen Winslow is okay at the Bucs...but whose their QB? I'm guessing Luke McCown ends up starting. If it is, im guessing Winslow gets a lot of targets; being this is the first year Luke will be starting for the Bucs.

Matt Cassel to the Chiefs

So Matt Cassel goes to the Chiefs, along with Mike Vrabel, for a 2nd round pick. My first thought was, "why the heck didn't my Vikings pull off this trade?!" Well, after getting to think about it for a few hours, i think both sides made out. The Chiefs now have what they believe is the future of that franchise at QB, and the Patriots were able to clear off almost 15 million towards their cap.

Fantasy Football Roster impact of this trade?

Well, aside from Tony Gonzalez, the Chiefs are a relatively young team. Cassel will have arguably the best pass catching TE, and one of the best young receivers in Dwane Bowe. Who knows, maybe with all the moves the Chiefs have made, maybe LJ actually starts playing again. Cassel finished in the top 10 for Fantasy QB's. Now he won't have Randy Moss or Wes Welker, but he will be playing against weaker defenses in his new division. I don't see Cassels numbers dropping or rising dramatically with this trade, that isn't saying he won't do well. I think he should finish around the same spot as this year, anywhere from 8th to 12th in QB points rankings.

Notable WR on the Market

TJ "whosyomama", Anquan Boldin, and Nate Washington are the noteworthy names on the FA market as of today. I believe that TJ is the best out of these 3. You could say for the price, that Washington would give you the most bang for your buck...i say, why buy a Honda when you can have a Ferrari.

So depending on where they land, any movement by these 3, well, at least 2, will have some sort of impact on your Fantasy Football Roster.

TJ to Philly: This...would...be...awesome. If your in a PPR (points per reception) league, can you see a better home? Well, maybe the Patriots, but, c'mon, lets get back down to earth. I read that TJ would like to come to the Vikings (OH HOW I HOPE HE DOES), but i don't think they can afford him, and fantasy wise, his value would drop there.

Boldin to ????: I've been trying to think of a team that would realistically make a bid for him for whom he could flourish with. Philly would be my first guess, but, i would rather have Housh if I had the choice. A couple of teams come to mind, although, i dont really like any of them for Boldin. One being the Bears. I guess it would be nice to have Hester and Boldin...that is if Orton can improve. The Lions...Calvin Johnson is a beast; i could see Boldin on the other side...but who's their QB? Yeah, will have to wait and see on that one. If i could chose a team, i would give him to the Chargers...yea...that would be AWESOME.

Washington to "Don't Really Care": Yup, i said it, i don't really care. He's a good receiver, but he's not on the same level as the other 2. I've heard talks about the Lions wanting him. Yea, I'm just gonna go ahead and say...it doesn't matter. Untill the Lions get something that resembles a QB, an WR there will suffer. Calvin Johnson did good, but could be better. He was somewhat inconsistent due to an inconsistent QB....So says the Vikings fan...HAH!

Oh yea, what about Marvin Harrison? Thought i was gonna leave him out?...negative. I hope he can find a home where he'll have a shot at the playoffs. This guy belongs in the post-season. Where would he fit in? I could think of a couple of teams that have legitimate shots at making the playoffs...one being the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Ryan, Micheal Turner, Rody White, and Marvin Harrison...boy that sounds nice. The problem with the Falcons is I believe they will commit their money more towards the defensive side of the ball. Other teams that come to mind are the Dolphins, Titans, and if he's cheap enough, the Patriots...but he wouldn't do that to his Colts would he?....

Some Players Staying Put

Kerry Collins, DeAngelo Hall, and Chris Kemoeatu were among the players who decided to stay put. Hall resigned with the Redskins for 6 years/54 Million. This came before signing Haynesworth. So far, the Redskins have spent almost 200 million in free agency. Rejoice Redskins fans!...well, for now atleast.

Kerry Collins resigned for 2 years/15 million with the Titans.

Kemoeatu resigned with the Steelers for 5 years/20 million.

So which do you think has the biggest impact on their team? If I had to pick, I would say Collins. After losing Haynesworth, you gotta find a way to resign him. Vince Young has proven to be an athlete, but not the leader of your offense. If it wasn't for Crumplers fumble on Baltimore's 1 yard line, maybe the Titans advance past the Steelers, and maybe Collins gets a Super Bowl Ring...Maybe.

Kemoeatu...meh, i still think they need one more good offensive lineman...I mean, one of these days defense's are gonna find a way to bring him down...Someone let the Cardinals know when they find out.

DeAngelo Hall...I like the move to resign him. He's still young, he's fast...like really fast, and corners are at a premium in the league. But, he still doesn't make as big an impact as Collins. DeAngelo will benefit from having one of the better defenses...at least on paper that is. Haynesworth, London Fletcher, Jason Taylor, DeAngelo Hall, Carlos Rodges, and Fred Smoot. Imagine if they still had Sean Taylor...we could be possibly calling the Redskins a Top-5 Fantasy Football Defense.

Off Season Hype!

First, this is my first dip into the blogosphere! Just a little history on me; I have been an avid football fan since i was 10. I grew up loving the Houston Oilers, but now I am a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan. I know...i must be a glutton for punishment...1992 Oilers...1998 Vikings...it hurts soo bad!

Alas, I've moved on...as will this blog. So as of yesterday, free agency has opened. As expected, the biggest player splash was made by Albert Haynesworth. On Friday he signed with the Washington Redskins at a reported 7year/100million dollar deal with 41 million guaranteed (NFL record).

WOW...that's all i could say when i saw the "breaking news" on ESPN as it scrolled across my television. I heard something along the lines of 33 million of it would be payed out in the first 13 months. Hey, good job to Haynesworth to get the deal, but, was it too much on the part of Washington? I personally think hes worth the 7 year 100 million, but where it scares me is the 41 million guaranteed. One bad cut block, and he may miss a season, and worst, may never be the same player.

So how does this effect your Fantasy Football Roster? Last season Washington finished in the bottom third of most leagues. In one of my leagues, which has been running for 10 years, they finished at 26th. I think Washington will finish much better this season, I'm guessing at least in the top half of the league. Haynesworth will help to keep Brandon Jacobs, Marion "The Barbarian" Barber, and Brian Westbrook in check...well, at least a little better than last year. If you look at what the Redskins did this off-season, you would have to expect them to be better defensively this year right? Right? I don't think Haynesworth makes the Redskins defense the Baltimore Ravens, but i do know he makes them better.

Well, that's it for today, ill touch on some of the other FA moves tomorrow!