The No Huddle Episode 12-02

Paul Morrissey was our guest on this week’s show. As a Giants fan, Paul was somewhat impressed by the Cowboys’ performance in week one, however he is nowhere near sold on Tony Romo. Listen to the show for some hilarious insight.

We’re still at the point where your starters are your starters, barring injury of course. For week 2, if you do have a sit or start dilemma, go with the guy who has the better surrounding talent. This especially true of QBs and WRs. A RB can have a solid game no matter who hands him the ball, but once that ball is in the air you have to have some rapport.

It should also be noted that this post is going up early (Friday). Busy weekend ahead. Last night the Packers thumped the Bears. It was largely due to an incredible defensive performance by Green Bay, who sacked Bears QB Jay Cutler 7 times (!) and picked him off 4 times. The Packers’s D was likely inspired by Cutler’s comments earlier in the week, in which he dared the Green Bay D to get physical with the Bears’ WRs. Well done, Jay! Never underestimate so-called “bulletin board” comments.

Some news of note as you look at your match-ups.

RB Ryan Mathews has been practicing more, but at this point it is unclear as to whether or not he will start, or see any playing time this week. Ronnie Brown, his back-up, is an o.k. option.

RB Trent Richardson is mad, and wants to take it out on the Bengals. We’ll see. On the other side of the ball, the Browns could have a decent defensive game against the Bengals.

How about the Ravens offense? We all knew about Ray Rice and the receiving core looked good last year, but they seem to be playing at a higher level now, which also let’s their defense rest a bit.

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (no kin to original Dolphins investor, TV personality Danny Thomas) sat out practice Thursday. Speculation is we could see RB Lamar Miller Sunday. Check the injury report arouns 12:30 EDT Sunday. Reggie Bush should still get the bulk of the carries in either case.

Again, if you had a starter disappoint last year, and he doesn’t have a history of being “streaky,” stick with him. After this week, we should have a good idea of where NFL teams are as far as overall offense and defense, and that in turn will make it easier, or more anguishing, to compare match-ups.

 Questions? Ask away: TheNoHuddle@gmail.com

Like us on Facebook follow us on twitter, @TheNoHuddle, as we will be tweeting a lot on Sunday. Email thenohuddle@gmail.com and bookmark the blog here, thenohuddle.blogspot.com.

You can find the podcast on Podbean or in iTunes.

As always, good luck in your games!

The No Huddle Episode 12-01

Tim Harmsotn was our guest on this week’s show. He correctly predicted big things for TE Marcellus Bennett of the New York Giants who had 4 catches for 40 yards and a score.

As for the rest of the games, there are a lot of lopsided contests in week 1. However, your strategy for this week is pretty simple: start your starters. You drafted them in that order for a reason, right? If you have a situation where it’s a toss-up, go with the stronger match-up obviously. For example, Philadelphia at Cleveland, you would start all Eagles (plus the D/ST) and no Browns. I wouldn’t even start K Phil Dawson quite frankly. Trent Richardson at RB? He’s coming off an injury, and is playing against savage defense. If healthy he will get most of the touches, but if you have a better option use it.

Watch the Seattle at Arizona game closely. QB John Skelton is the Cardinal’s starter, but is owned by only 5% of teams in Yahoo! The talent around him could give him a lift, but the opposite is being forecast by the experts. Boomer Esiason during Wednesday night’s radio broadcast of the Giants/Cowboys game mentioned that WR Larry Fitzgerald’s numbers will suffer with Skelton at the helm. So, here’s another tip. Keep an eye on highly touted back-up Matt Flynn.

Pretty easy, for week 1. If you can, go to the NFL’s website around 12:30 EDT to see who is out for the 1:00 games, and again at 3:30 and 7:30. Some of you may have drafted a Ben Tate, or a Ronnie Brown (though he actually plays Monday night) and are waiting to see if starters Arian Foster or Ryan Mathews will play. At this point Mathews is out, but the NFL website is really the best resource for injury reports.

Questions? Ask away…

Like us on Facebook, follow us on twitter, @TheNoHuddle, as we will be tweeting a lot on Sunday. Email thenohuddle@gmail.com and bookmark the blog here, thenohuddle.blogspot.com.

You can find the podcast on Podbean or in iTunes.

As always, good luck in your games!

The No Huddle Episode 11-17

It’s Week 17 of the regular season in the National Football League, and they say if this is your championship week you are crazy. Judging from the number of downloads of this week's episode though there are a lot of week 17 Championship nuts. I used to be one. Wish I still was.

As we discussed on episode 17, the main reason for wrapping things up in week 16 is because a lot of NFL teams, with their play-off spot locked in choose to rest key players. However, that's been known to happen in week 16, and isn't a guarantee for week 17.

This year only two teams have their position set: the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans. We'll get to the latter in a minute, but in Wisconsin Aaron Rodgers, and probably a few other offensive stars, will take a breather. The rest of the play-off picture is, well, weird from a fantasy stand point.

New Orleans can secure a first round bye if they beat Carolina AND San Francisco loses in St. Louis. Saints coach Sean Peyton doesn’t think the latter scenario is likely, and as been talking about sitting QB Drew Brees. Both games start at 1:00. What if the Rams are beating the 49ers in the 3^rd quarter (for some insane reason) and the Saints are trailing Panthers? Does he put Brees in? Does he start Brees and then watch the scoreboard?

No one else is talking about resting their starters, because everyone that’s alive in the NFL play-offs needs to win to either clinch, or to get a more favorable spot. The only exception would be the aforementioned Houston Texans who are the third seed in the AFC no matter what. However, back-up QB TJ Yates will want to get plenty of experience with the first team offense, so no one will be resting in Houston.

Week 17 is a bit more volatile than week 16 to be sure, but your starters are your starters. Meanwhile, here is the latest on injuries.

RB LeSean McCoy is out with an ankle injury.

RB Jackie Battle is out.

RB Reggie Bush is out.

RB Mark Ingram is out

RB Darren McFadden is out

RB James Starks is out, which could mean a decent day for either John Kuhn, Ryan Grant or both.

TE Jake Ballard is out.

WR Greg Jennings is out.

WR Lance Moore is out.

I'm really interested to see what the Saints do with Drew Brees. It’s the national game on FOX so a lot o the country will get to see it.

If you’ve come this far, I think it bodes well for 2012, as the folks who play further into the fantasy play-offs are more in tune down the stretch and can see who’s hot going into next season.

Remember, copy your league stats for the draft, which is only 7 and half months away!

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 year round. Have a listen. You can also subscribe to that in iTunes.

On the football side, we’ll see you next August.

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!

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 3^rd 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.

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.

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.