Friday, December 16, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-15

It’s Week 15 of the regular season in the National Football League, but it’s play-off time in fantasy football. For most leagues it’s the semis, or conference championship games.

Mark Chalifoux was on the podcast to explain how he missed the postseason, but had advice on what to do if you were still in it.

Now your injury report for week 15 so far:

QB AJ Feely is out for the Rams and Sam Bradford is doubtful.

QB Colt McCoy is also out, but it’s not like any of these guys are in danger of making a fantasy start.

RB Javon Ringer who had couple of nice runs and receptions last week is definitely out. That means an even heavier dose of Chris Johnson.

RB Matt Forte is out, so look for another solid week from Marion Barber.

RB Mark Ingram is out, as is RB Darren McFadden.

WR Andre Johnson is out, as is Jacoby Ford.

If you have a last minute injury concern check with the NFL’s site as they have the latest info right before kick-off of the games in question.

The end is almost here. Where did the season go? Hope you’re still in it, and if you’re reading this you probably are.

Remember, and I said this last week as well, if your anguishing over who to sit and who to start in your play-off match up, your starters are your starters. If it’s still a toss-up, go with the best match-up. And don’t worry about the other guy, just worry about your team scoring points.How do you determine the best match-up? Go here.It's the NFL team stat page. See what your player is up against, without the editorial comments---like these!

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

PF’s Tape Recorder, (hopefully) entertains with comedy, music, and interviews. Have a listen, as Mark was guest on the Tape Recorder as well!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-14

It’s Week 14 in the National Football League, and as the regular season reaches the home stretch, play-off time in fantasy football.

“Philly” Dave, who is play-off bound, returned to the podcast. He gave us some insight into what got him to a first round-bye, and what he plans to do with the off week in regards to evaluating talent for his semi-final match up in week 15.

If you’re not in the play-offs, hopefully you’re still keeping up with fantasy football. Next year's big point producers are playing now. You also want to pay particular attention if you’re in a keeper league of any kind. Just because you were eliminated, doesn’t mean you had a team of stiffs. Note how your top players perform down the stretch. Also, look at the rosters of the teams in your league that did make the play-offs.What kind of players got them there?

Here are some guys that are worth looking at next year, that weren't necessarily high picks in 2011:

TE Rob Gronkowski. Now the league’s premiere tight end.

RB Roy Helu. He may finally have established himself as the Redskins top back, but look at his numbers in the next few games to be certain. In points-per-reception (PPR) leagues, he as extra value, as he’s been catching a lot of passes out of the backfield.

QB Cam Newton. Makes mistakes, but does everything else well. Remember, a lot of great QBs as rookies were hampered by turnovers, but straightened things out the following season.

QB Matt Moore. Not a fantasy starter yet, but keep an eye on him in these last few weeks of the NFL regular season.Certainly a late round back up, if nothing else.

WR Percy Harvin. Playing on a bad team, he’s still managed to compile some solid numbers in the past few weeks.

WR Victor Cruz. Has emerged as one of the top players at his position, and seems poised for a big year in 2012.

WR Antonio Brown. Has exploded in recent games, not only as a receiver, but as a punt and kick return man.

Now your injury report for week 14:

WRs Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore are out.

WR Andre Johnson is out.

RB Darren McFadden is out.

RB Mark Ingram is out.

RB Matt Forte is out, meaning Marion Barber will get most of the snaps at RB. He’s been effective at the goal line, but between the 20s it’s been more of a challenge.

QB Kyle Orton is doubtful.

Going through the Texans lengthy list of banged-up players, I noticed QB Jake Delhomme (!) is probable. He’s listed as 3rd on the depth chart behind T.J. Yates and Kellen Clemens.

Remember, if your anguishing over who to sit and who to start in your play-off match up, your starters are your starters. If it’s still a toss-up, go with the best match-up.

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

PF’s Tape Recorder, (hopefully) entertains with comedy, music, and interviews. Have a listen.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-13

Week 13 has arrived in Fantasy Football and the National Football League.

Mo Egger from ESPN Radio1530 in Cincinnati was on the podcast. He discussed how his short attention span keeps him from succeeding in fantasy football. We also talked about NFL QBs with an eye toward the 2012 season.

I was right about Eagles WR Riley Cooper I just got the week wrong. Cooper caught 5 passes for 94 yards in relief of the injured Jeremy Maclin against Seattle to start week 13. Last week it was Jason Avant pulling down some big numbers in the same role, so of course I started him Thursday instead of Cooper. Thanks for the 2 points Jason. Cooper, by the way, could move up in the depth chart should DeSean Jackson depart at the end of this season.

If you’re on the bubble as far as getting into the play-offs, this is a tough weekend. Do you go by match-up, or solid starter? In most cases, stick with your starters.

Take a look at RB Marcel Reece now, and for 2012. With several Raider RBs and WRs out, he’s been used both in the backfield and as a slot receiver. This week though, he faces a (surprisingly) stingy Miami defense.

Speaking of the Raiders, WRs Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore are out as is RB Darren McFadden.

WR Julio Jones will likely play, though he did last week and Harry Douglas still pulled in more points.

WR Miles Austin is out

RB Michael Turner will likely play.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw will be a game-time decision.

QB Josh Freeman will be a game-time decision. He has an injured thumb, so even if he goes be weary.

Even if you’re out of it, make sure you put your best players out there. The nice thing if that is the case is that you don’t have to anguish over who to sit and who to start.

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

Laugh it up with out other podcast, PF’s Tape Recorder, when football is over.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-12

Week 12, Thanksgiving week, is upon us in Fantasy Football and the NFL.

Tony Meale from FantasyFootballJungle.com was on the podcast. He had a lot of great insight about what to do if you’re in the play-off hunt.

The Bronocs waived QB Kyle Orton and two days later the Chiefs picked him up. He posted some solid numbers last year and a change of scenery could be just the tonic he needs. He may be activated for Sunday night’s game against the Steelers, but likely won’t start. With the Chiefs still in the hunt for the AFC West crown, we could see a Carson Palmer situation, with Orton coming on in relief. He’s played this year, so that seems even more likely.

WR Jeremy Maclin is out. That means Jason Avant will likely start, although Steve Smith may also see some targets from QB Vince Young.

WR Julio Jones is probable for Sunday, meaning Harry Douglas will return to the number 2 spot.

WR Mario Manningham is questionable for the Giants.

WR Sydney Rice will likely play against the Redskins, as will QB Tavaris Jackson.

WR Andre Johnson is probable for the Texans, but will have Matt Leinhart throwing to him. Keep an eye on this situation though. Last week’s guest on the podcast, Joe Long, told us that Leinhart could be a sleeper pick up given the Texans soft schedule down the stretch.

RB Adrian Peterson is out meaning Toby Gerhart will get the start. The Falcons are very tough against the run though.

RB Darren McFadden is out. Michael Bush again gets the start.

RB Fred Jackson is out for the season meaning the running duties now fall to CJ Spiller who draws a tough Jets defense in his first start.

Speaking of the Jets, LaDainian Tomlinson is unlikely to start.

QB John Skelton will start for Arizona against St. Louis. Neither team is moving the ball particularly well. Save for WR Larry Fitzgerald, a solid starter, even RBs Steven Jackson and Beanie Wells, is hard to find in this lot. That being said, it’s not like those guys are in a committee situation, so both should get the majority of their teams’ carries.

Whether you’re still in it, or if you’ve been eliminated, stay on top of things especially down the stretch. You should be noting who is doing well in the final weeks of the season, as that will be a good indicator of how things shape for the 2012 season. One thing to look for is running back committees. Also, check how players are doing in your league’s scoring system. If you are in a points-per-reception (PPR) league, running backs that catch a lot of passes out of the backfield are of course much more valuable. RB Roy Helu is a good example. He leads all rookie backs in receptions, and if he can establish himself as the starter he’ll be a solid pick in PPR leagues next year.

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

Don’t forget to check out our comedy podcast, PF’s Tape Recorder.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-11

Welcome to week 11 in the NFL, and of course, Fantasy Football.

Joe Long from eachnotesecure.com joined us on the podcast. We discussed a possible waiver wire sleeper at QB and how to deal with deadbeat owners.

Here’s all the injury news that’s fit to blog.

WR Jeremy Maclin is out.

WR Jacoby Ford is out.

WR Malcom Floyd is out.

WR Miles Austin is out.

WR Santana Moss is out.

WR Julius Jones is still listed as questionable, but he did not practice Friday, meaning he is likely out and Harry Douglas will get the start.

QB Michael Vick is out. Vince Young will start.

QB Matt Cassel has been ruled out for Monday night. How this affects the rest of the offense is unclear, but it likely means more groundwork from RB Jackie Battle and WR/RB Dexter McCluster.

RB Peyton Hillis is out, but do not look for a replacement on the Browns roster, as Cleveland has had an abysmal time moving the ball.

RB Jahvid Best is out.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw is out.

TE Tony Gonzalez is out as is TE Jeremy Shockey.

If you need a K don’t look to the Miami/Buffalo game as Rian Lindell is out, and the Dolphin’s Dan Carpenter is questionable.

Some other thoughts:

This week I realized that we should stop calling QBs, RBs, TEs, and RBs, the “skill” positions. All 11 guys on a football field are skilled. Perhaps “point” positions would be better, although still slightly inaccurate, as really anyone can score even if it’s by fumble recovery.

The Tim Tebow thing--- why are people, if they’re not a Denver Broncos fans, SO invested in this? He’s been able to start a few games in a row, and looks like a guy who has started a few games in a row. He’s not John Elway, and he’s not Ryan Leaf, and if you think he’s either, I must ask “how do you know?” I don’t think it’s unreasonable to wait and see how he does the rest of the season.

BYES: Texans, Saints, Colts, Steelers

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

Don’t forget to check out our other podcast, PF’s Tape Recorder for a few laughs.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-10

It’s week 10 in the NFL, and of course, Fantasy Football.

Mark Chalifoux came in off the bench at that last minute, and engineered a winning drive. San Diego was stunned by Oakland Thursday night, thanks to some solid play by ex-Bengal Carson Palmer. Are Bengals fans still mad at their former QB? Mark Chalifoux isn’t. He explains why on the podcast.

There’s a full slate of games this Sunday. Here’s the latest news.

WR Andre Johnson is out again.

WRs Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham are questionable for Sunday’s game.

WR Julio Jones was held out of practice Friday, but should play.

With RB Mark Ingram back for the Saints, it looks like the backfield just got a little more crowded in New Orleans.

QB Tom Brady faces the league’s top pass defense, so what do you do? Well, he’s still Tom Brady, so you’ve got to start him.

QB Kevin Kolb will likely not play against Philadelphia, lowering the value of Cardinal receiver Larry Fitzgerald. RB Beanie Wells, on the other hand, could be solid start versus one of the league’s poorest run defenses.

If you’re out of it, or almost out of it, now is the time to start planning for 2012. Take notice of who’s playing well particularly in the second half of the season. Determine what offenses have solid starters at WR and RB, as opposed to committees. Start a list and keep it tucked away on your mobile device or computer. Also, experiment with match-ups, or start players based on a certain site or analysts recommendations, and see how those prognosticators fare.

Come next August you’ll have the insight you need to draft a dominating team.

BYES: None

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

Don’t forget to check out our other podcast, PF’s Tape Recorder.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-09

It’s week 9 in the NFL, and of course, Fantasy Football.

LinkSmitty from Imagination Movers was the big guest on the podcast. Have a listen.

Meanwhile, here’s the latest from around the league:

Headlines were a buzz with word that QB Peyton Manning was going to try and return to the Colts line-up soon. However, the Indianapolis Star reports that Manning is not on pace to suit up any time soon.

RB Darren McFadden is out, giving Michael Bush the start against a fairly soft Bronco defense.

If you’re looking for a quick fix at RB, don’t look to Cleveland’s Chris Ogbonnaya not just yet anyway. The Browns continue to struggle on the ground and through the air, and won’t have an easy time of correcting either in Houston on Sunday.

It’s anybody’s backfield, but neither Ryan Torrain nor Roy Helu seems to have made a decisive claim on the staring spot in D.C. Keep an eye out, as perhaps one of them might finally emerge.

RB Mark Ingram is out for the Saints, meaning Darren Sproles or perhaps Pierre Thomas will carry the load. Sproles looks like the better option.

RB LeSean McCoy has been battling some kind of bug all week, but should be ready to go Monday night.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw will likely not play, meaning Brandon Jacobs gets the call against a struggling Patriots D.

TE Jermaine Gresham remains doubtful for the Bengals.

TE Antonio Gates is probable.

TE Fred Davis is nursing a sore ankle but will play against the 49ers.

BYES: Panthers, Lions, Jaguars, Vikings

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.Link

Don’t forget to check out our other podcast, PF’s Tape Recorder.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-08

The No Huddle Episode 11-08

It’s week 8 of Fantasy Football, and of course the National Football League.

Nate Bargatze was the big guest on the podcast. We talked FF of course, as well as a little college ball. Nate also gave us some insight into the Tennessee Titans, his favorite team.

Here’s the latest:

WR Hines Ward is out for the Steelers. This may make Mike Wallace and TE Heath Miller that much more valuable. The Patriots have had a rather porous secondary. Indeed they are last in pass defense.

WR Andre Johnson is out. WR David Anderson and WR Kevin Walter may be an option.

WR Santana Moss is out.

WR Lee Evans is out. Hard to tell who will pick up the slack there. Troy Smith had that big game against the Rams, but has been pretty quiet ever since.

WR Mohamed Massaquoi is out, making Greg Little a bit more of an attractive option. However, the Browns offense has been dreadful, and they are on the road in San Francisco.

Here’s a fun fact though. The Browns are number 1 against the pass. That was helped by Seattle back-up QB Charlie Whitehurst, but still the Browns D has been playing fairly well.The only problem has been giving up the big play at the most inopportune times.

WR Anthony Gonzalez is questionable, but so is the rest of the Colts offense. Sorry about that. The only worthwhile option for the Colts is Pierre Garcon, and that’s based more on the Titan’s defensive collapse last week.

RB Mark Ingram is out, reducing the committee in New Orleans to Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas.

RB Felix Jones is out. RB Demarco Murray should have a big game.

RB Mike Tolbert is doubtful, which may mean more solid numbers for Ryan Mathews.

The status of RB Dexter McCluster is unclear. Check before kick-off if you can.

RB Willis McGahee is out, which could be good news for owners of Knowshon Mareno. Save for McGahee though, the Broncos have not run the ball particularly well.

RB Daniel Thomas is out. Reggie Bush will see more carries, and Steve Slayton and Lex Hilliard may as well according to NFL.com. Keep an eye on those last two. If either has just a decent game against the Giants on the road, they could be worth a pick up.

BYES: Falcons, Bears, Packers, Jets, Raiders, Buccaneers

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

Don’t forget to check out our other podcast, PF’s Tape Recorder if you need a laugh.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-07

The No Huddle Episode 11-07

It’s week 7 in the NFL, and of course, Fantasy Football.

Elliot from NFLReviewUK was on the podcast this week to help preview the London game between the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Elliot also gave us his thoughts on QB Cam Newton the signal caller for his favorite NFL team.

Now here’s the latest player news to help you figure out who to start and who to sit:

RB LeGarrett Blount will not play in London Sunday. Ernest Graham will get the start. The Bears are 23rd against the run, but have given up only 4 TDs on the ground.

RB LaDainian Tomlinson will start for the Jets against his old team the San Diego Chargers, who are 17th against the run, and have surrendered only 3 TDs to RBs.

RB Willis McGahee seems to have emerged from the committee situation in Denver, though he’s not putting up tons of points even while getting most of the carries. Miami is 12th against the run.

QB Tim Tebow will get his first start Sunday at Miami. The Dolphins are 29th against the pass and have given up 10 TDs through the air. QB Charlie Whitehurst will likely get the start for the Seahawks against the Browns. Cleveland is 4th against the pass, but has given up some big plays at the most in opportune times. Also, Miami seems to play even worse at home than they do on the road. The game is in Miami.

It is still unclear who will start at QB for the Oakland Raiders Sunday, newly acquired Carson Palmer or Kyle Boller. It may very well be a game-time decision. KC is 17th against the pass giving up 12 TDs, however their offense seems to have found its legs so this COULD be a shoot-out.

TE Antonio Gates is expected to start Monday night against the Jets. However, if he is a last minute scratch, you’re stuck unless you also have Randy McMichael who hasn’t done much starting in place of Gates. The Jets are 5th against the pass and have given up only 3 aerial TDs. This may not be the best week for FF owners to bring Gates back. Then again, you’re starters are your starters.

We hardly ever have kicker news but K Sebastian Janikowski seems to be nursing a sore hamstring. The Raiders are trying out kickers. Easy enough replacement in most cases, except Janikowski regularly boots long FGs, and if you’re league awards points for kicks over a certain distance, that’s a loss of few points.

BYES: Bills, Bengals, Patriots, Giants, Eagles, 49ers

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

Don’t forget to check out our other podcast, PF’s Tape Recorder.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-06

It’s week 6 in the NFL, and of course, Fantasy Football.

Dan Koabel was on the podcast this week. We discussed reaping the benefits of a good draft, and the peace of mind that comes with it. We also got some insight on the New York Giants.

Considering who to sit and who to start? Here’s some helpful information: Link

RB Rashard Mendenhall will start versus the Jacksonville Jaguars who are 10th against the run, allowing 3 TDs on the ground so far in 2011.

RB Joseph Addai is out versus Cincinnati. Delone Carter and Donald Brown will take up the slack. The Bengals are 7th against the rush, allowing 4 TDS, and the Colts are 30th in rushing, with but two TDs. It would be wise to look elsewhere for an running back this week.

RB Tim Hightower is expected to play, but may share time with Ryan Torrain who had a huge game in week 4. Looks like a committee is forming in D.C.

RB Ernest Graham will get the start for the Bucs versus the Saints on Sunday.

RB Peyton Hillis is expected to see more action this Sunday at Oakland, but stay away from the Browns if you can. This is the first home game following the passing of Raiders’ owner Al Davis, and there will be plenty of emotion in the stadium. This also goes for WR Greg Little who was elevated to starter, and QB Colt McCoy who other wise would have been a good bye week options.

WR Lee Evans is likely out for the Ravens. With Derrick Mason off to play for the Texans, it looks like rookie Torrey Smith looks like a good sleeper option.

TE Heath Miller is a good option this week if you’re in a pinch.

This is the second week of BYES. Cardinals, Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, Seahawks, and Titans are off. Adjust your rosters accordingly.

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

Don’t to forget to check out our other podcast, PF’s Tape Recorder.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-05

It’s week 5 in the NFL, and of course, Fantasy Football.

Mark Chalifoux was on the podcast this week. We discussed the bumps in the road many people have been experiencing this season, and what to do about them.

Considering who to start and who to sit? The following information may help:

RB Brandon Jacobs is doubtful for Sunday with a mildly sprained ankle.

RB Isaac Redman will start for the ailing Rashard Mendenhall. Mendenhall may see some action in the game as a back-up.

QB Curtis Painter will again start for the Colts Sunday. Good news for WR Pierre Garcon owners. You’d think for Reggie Wayne owners as well. The Chiefs, while looking better, are still quite suspect on D.QB Matt Cassell and WR Steve Breaston are possible sleepers.

While the heat continues to increase on QB Tony Romo, he is still the starter, and he has loads of talented people to throw to, however he has the week off due to the bye.

Looking to replace a struggling, dinged-up, or disappointing QB? Tavaris Jackson seems like a solid, if not overwhelming, option. The whole Seahawk offense seems to be responding to a, er, uh no huddle offense.

This is the first week of BYES. Ravens, Browns, Redskins, Cowboys, Dolphins, Rams are off. Adjust your rosters accordingly.

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

Don’t to forget to check out our other podcast, PF’s Tape Recorder.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

The No Huddle Episode 11-04

It’s week 4 in the NFL, and of course, Fantasy Football.

“Philly” Dave was on the podcast this week. We discussed the situation in Philadelphia, or “situations,” as Dave pointed out. Also, we addressed the reports that QB Carson Palmer may be headed to Miami. As usual this blog post updates the current of The No Huddle.

He’s our Tony Randall, “Philly” Dave is. Fans of David Letterman will remember that years ago when a guest cancelled on the talk show host at the last minute, they would call Tony Randall who lived only a few blocks from the studio. Our Dave stepped in when a comedian we had scheduled never called back to confirm.

However, that worked out in our favor as “Philly” Dave always has great insight, and as a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles can give us timely insight on that team and its players. We also discussed the Carson Palmer to Miami rumors, as we have both lived in Cincinnati for nearly 20 years.

Meanwhile here are the post-show updates:

WR Reggie Wayne is lobbying hard for QB Curtis Painter to get the start. For a guy that rarely takes a snap, even in practice, Painter seemed to look fairly comfortable replacing a dinged-up Kerry Collins. This would also seem to indicate a solid relationship between Wayne and Painter which bodes well for Wayne owners. Keep an eye on Painter if he does the start, which looks likely.Link

QB Michael Vick will wear a Kevlar glove to protect his injured non-throwing hand Sunday. WR Jeremy Maclin plans to play as well.

TE Antonio Gates is not expected to play Sunday. His back-up Randy McMicael is a great option, as he caught a lot of passes in pre-season. Yes, pre-season is rubbish, but it’s the same offense. McMichael had 4 receptions for 51 yards against Kansas City. The Dolphins gave up a few to TE’s Evan Moore and Benjamin Watson of the Browns.

RB Ryan Grant may be a no-go on Sunday as well. That means more work for RB James Starks.

RB Arian Foster is set to return to the Tecans backfield, meaning fewer carries for Ben Tate. However, Tate may be inserted near the goal line. Foster’s hamstring may flare up again as well.

RB Ryan Mathews is nursing a sore foot much like his teammate Antonio Gates, but Mathews expects to play Sunday.

Good luck in your games. Remember, you can stream, or download, The No Huddle at Podbean, or subscribe in iTunes.

Don’t to forget to check out our other podcast, PF’s Tape Recorder.