NBA Power Rankings 15-1

To see the First part of this series click here!

15: New Orleans Pelicans  Offensive Rating in 2013-14 (ORtg) 107.2 Defensive Rating (DRtg) 110.1

PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Tyreke Evans
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Omer Asik

The Pelicans will be one of the most exciting young squads to watch this year due to Anthony Davis’ emergence as an MVP player. Davis provides New Orleans with elite defending and shot blocking to go along with an always improving offensive game. Davis will look to establish himself as a legitimate 20 point, 10 rebound per game player. The power of The Brow will be a big enough reason to get excited about the Pelicans this season.

14: Phoenix Suns ORtg 109.5 DRtg 106.7

PG: Goran Dragic
SG: Eric Bledsoe
SF: PJ Tucker
PF: Markieff Morris
C: Miles Plumlee

In one of the most surprising stories of last season, the Suns finished the year with 48 wins, which was not enough to make it to the playoffs in the brutal western conference. Phoenix will look to outrun their opponents with a three headed monster in the backcourt that features Dragic, Bledsoe, and first year Sun Isaiah Thomas who averaged 20 points per game as a starter for the Sacramento Kings a year ago. If Phoenix can find a way to feature all three of these exciting young guards, the Suns could find themselves in the postseason.

13. Toronto Raptors ORtg 108.8 DRtg 105.3

PG: Kyle Lowry
SG: Terrence Ross
SF: DeMar DeRozan
PF: Amir Johnson
C: Jonas Valanciunas

Another surprise from a year ago was the Toronto Raptors, who made their fifth playoff run in franchise history. Toronto enjoyed a breakout season from Kyle Lowry who earned himself a major payday in the offseason. Dwayne Casey has this young squad playing an exciting brand of basketball highlighted by Lowry and DeMar Derozan who also enjoyed the best year of his career last season. Toronto’s biggest move of the offseason was hanging onto Kyle Lowry. While Toronto should continue to grow this year, they should continue to grow into a contender in the weak eastern conference.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder ORtg 110.5 DRtg 103.9

PG: Sebastian Telfair
SG: Andre Roberson
SF: Perry Jones
PF: Serge Ibaka
C: Steven Adams

No offseason/first week of the season went as poorly for any franchise as it did for the Thunder. Loosing last year’s MVP Kevin Durant to a Jones fracture in his foot was bad enough, but Russell Westbrook breaking his hand in just the second regular season game makes things even harder for the Thunder. While neither of these injuries will derail OKC’s chances come playoff time, staying in the picture until their all star tandem returns will be a tall task for head coach Scott Brooks.

11. Charlotte Hornets ORtg 103.6 DRtg 103.8

PG: Kemba Walker
SG: Lance Stephenson
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrest
PF: Marvin Williams
C: Al Jefferson

Another major winner of the offseason was Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets. Yeah, they’re the Hornets again for those keeping score at home. Lance Stephenson is a perfect fit in Charlotte’s defense first system, which earned them the seventh seed in the playoffs a year ago. The Hornets will be one of the top young teams this year unless Michael Jordan replace Al Jefferson with Kwame Brown.

10. Washington Wizards ORtg 106.0 DRtg 104.6

PG: John Wall
SG: Garrett Temple
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Nene Hilario
C: Marcin Gortat

Many expect the Wizards to take the next step this year but losing Bradley Beal for the first part of the season will hinder their win total. Paul Pierces gives Washington playoff experience and a veteran presence they desperately needed. If Beal can come back strong, the Wizards should be able to contend for a top spot in the eastern conference playoffs.

9. Houston Rockets ORtg 111.0 DRtg 106.3

PG: Patrick Beverly
SG: James Harden
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Terrence Jones
C: Dwight Howard

The Rockets had a legitimate shot to land Chris Bosh in the offseason but once again were unsuccessful in free agency. Despite their miss on Bosh, they replaced Chandler Parsons with Trevor Ariza who gives Houston a much-needed defensive presence on the perimeter. Terrence Jones is my pick for most improved player of the year as he is capable of recording a double double every night alongside Dwight Howard. If Houston can improve their defensive numbers, they should be able to contend in the West.

8. Portland Trail Blazers ORtg 111.5 DRtg 107.4

PG: Damien Lillard
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Nicolas Batum
PF: LaMarcus Aldridge
C: Robin Lopez

The high-powered Trail Blazers are one of the many lethal offensive teams in the western conference. Lillard and Aldridge are one of the best guard/big man combos in the league and wins are always hard to come by for visitors of the Rose Garden. While the Blazers might get lost in the shuffle in the West, they are certainly talented enough to make a deep playoff run.

7. Memphis Grizzlies ORtg 106.3 DRtg 104.6

PG: Mike Conley
SG: Courtney Lee
SF: Tony Allen
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Marc Gasol

There are a few things to keep in mind when you are about to square off against the Memphis Grizzlies. First off, you are going to be in for a dogfight as Memphis prides themselves on making you feel uncomfortable with hellacious defense. Secondly, their coach’s name is Dave Joerger. How he is not a household name is beyond this writer, as Memphis is prime for a big year. Look for a breakout year from Marc Gasol as he will continue to progress and become the superior player in the Gasol family. (Sorry Pau, but at least you can take comfort in the fact that you have a funnier sad face.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Golden State Warriors ORtg 107.5 DRtg 102.6

PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Harrison Barnes
PF: David Lee
C: Andrew Bogut

Out with Mark Jackson and in with Steve Kerr in Golden State. Still, Golden State will play a frenetic pace with the focal point of the offense being Curry and Thompson. I hold the belief that the Warriors should have parted ways with Thompson to acquire Kevin Love, but when it came down to it, the Warriors had to make a tough choice as to which white guy would be paired with “Chef Curry” (Drake voice).

5. Dallas Mavericks ORtg 111.2 DRtg 108.7

PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Chandler Parsons
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Tyson Chandler

Besides for the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Mavs were the obvious winners of the offseason. Many view the acquisition of Chandler Parsons as a huge one for Dallas as he gives Mark Cuban’s squad some offensive punch. However, do not overlook Tyson Chandler making his return to Dallas. Chandler was the most pivotal defensive piece in Dallas’ title run a few years ago and brings the same level of toughness to the floor in 2014. If Dallas can get enough defense on the perimeter, look for the Mavs to make a nice run this season.

4. Chicago Bulls ORtg 102.5 DRtg 100.5

PG: Derrick Rose
SG: Kirk Hinrich
SF: Mike Dunleavey
PF: Pau Gasol
C: Joakim Noah

Can Derrick Rose make it through the season with a clean bill of health? That is the one million dollar question for the Bulls as they hope to gear up for another run in the Eastern Conference. Pau Gasol will bring some much-needed scoring help but Rose will remain  the center of attention on Chicago. If Rose is unable to make it through the season once again, Chicago stands little chance to advance deep in the playoffs.

3. Los Angeles Clippers ORtg 112.1 DRtg 104.8

PG: Chris Paul
SG: JJ Redick
SF: Matt Barnes
PF: Blake Griffin
C: DeAndre Jordan

The Donald Sterling era in LA has thankfully come to an end, and title hopes seem realistic for the Clippers. Blake Griffin is my preseason pick for MVP as Chris/Cliff Paul, (whoever decides to take the court) will be serving up dimes the entire season. If Doc gets the entire team to buy into playing defense come playoff time, the Clippers will be a very difficult out in the postseason. Get excited Clipper nation, you are the true kings of LA.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers ORtg 104.2 DRtg 107.7

PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Dion Waiters
SF: LeBron James
PF: Kevin Love
C: Anderson Varejao

He’s back (creepy little girl voice). In one of the most exciting offseasons for any franchises in sports history, Cleveland got their hometown hero back. But this time, LeBron brought some friends. The trio of LeBron, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love has the potential to be one of the most dynamic trios in history as any one of those three has a chance to have a big game every single night. First year Cavalier Mike Miller described head coach David Blatt’s offensive system as “borderline genius” as the new look Cavs are looking to break Cleveland’s 50 year professional sports championship drought (no I do not count indoor soccer).

1. San Antonio Spurs ORtg 110.5 DRtg 102.4

PG: Tony Parker
SG: Danny Green
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Tim Duncan
C: Tiago Splitter

Another season has arrived and folks around the country are still overlooking the Spurs. You would think they’d learn. Amidst all the fanfare and excitement built around the new “super team” formed in Cleveland, San Antonio will bring everyone back for their championship run a year ago. While questions about Duncan and Parker’s age always seem to arise, coach Popovich always seems to be at the top of his game no matter who is on the floor. There is no reason why the Spurs cannot make another run to the finals.

MVP: Blake Griffin

ROY: Elfrid Payton

COY: David Blatt

Western Conference Finals: Spurs over Clippers

Eastern Conference Finals: Cavs over Bulls

Finals Pick: Cavs over Spurs in 7

NBA Power Rankings 30-16

Basketball season is among us! I feel it is necessary to have a great basketball preview, since our football preview didn’t really come to fruition. Sadly my passion for basketball left when LeBron left and didn’t really return when he did. But luckily I have the marvelous Alec Kwait to write this. You can follow him on twitter here. He’s got a lot more followers than me, and Dwight Howard follows him so he must be cool.

30. Philadelphia 76ers; 13-14 Offensive Rating (ORtg) 99.4 Defensive Rating (DRtg) 109.9

PG: Michael Carter-Williams
SG: KJ McDaniels
SF: Hollis Thopson
PF: Nerlens Noel
C: Henry Simms

The 76ers are taking the phrase “tanking” to a new extreme. In what looks to be one of the weakest starting lineups in NBA history, this proud franchise is the joke of professional sports. Another season of losing is on the way in the City of Brotherly Love. Joel Embiid’s twitter feed is more entertaining than what will be displayed on the court this year in Philly. Example:

Make sure y'all use my DREAM SHAKE on NBA 2k15…… I don't know who's gonna stop that. We made it.

— Joel-Hans Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) September 15, 2014

29. Orlando Magic ORtg 101.7 DRtg 107.4

PG: Elfrid Payton
SG: Evan Fournier
SF: Maurice Harkless
PF: Tobias Harris
C: Nikola Vucevic

The Magic are a young and up and coming squad who will suffer from major growing pains this season. Until they find another player to score on the perimeter to take the place of Arron Afflalo, they will struggle to win. With the recent news that Victory Oladipo is out for an unspecified amount of time after suffering a facial fracture, the Magic will rely heavily on Nikola Vucevic who  has proven to be a consistent low post scorer. Magic fans should also be excited about Elfrid Payton’s ability to defend and distribute the basketball at a high level.

28. Milwaukee Bucks ORtg  103.0 DRtg 111.8

PG: Brandon Knight
SG: Giannis Antetokounmpo (I think)
SF: Jabari Parker
PF: Ersan Ilyasova
C: Larry Sanders

Under new head coach Jason Kidd (how the hell that happened, the world may never know) the Bucks will grow as the season progresses. The lack of proven talent could have them spill down to the bottom of the standings like Jason Kidd’s drink. Look for the Bucks to establish an identity of length and athleticism as the season goes on. If Giannis insert last name can take the next step, Milwaukee has the potential to be a fun team to keep an eye on.

27. Boston Celtics ORtg 102.9 DRtg  107.7

PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Jared Sullinger
C: Kelly Olynyk

The writing has been on the wall ever since the Celtics selected Marcus Smart in the NBA Draft. The Celtics will be trading Rajon Rondo at some point before the trade deadline. The rest of the lineup lacks scoring besides for Jeff Green who has been inconsistent at best during his time with the Celtics. Brad Stevens has his work cut out for him this year.

26. Utah Jazz ORtg 103.5 DRtg 111.3

Starting Lineup

PG: Trey Burke
SG: Alec Burks
SF: Gordon Heyward
PF: Derrick Favors
C: Enes Kanter

I really thought the Jazz could make a move in the offseason but I am not a fan of their pick of Dante Exum in the NBA Draft. I still think their mammoth frontcourt of Favors, Kanter, and Rudy Gobert will be the focal point. Combine that with a young trio like Burke, Burks, and Heyward and you might have something if all goes well for first year head coach Quinn Snyder.

25. Minnesota Timberwolves ORtg 108.9 DRtg 106.2

PG: Ricky Rubio
SG: Kevin Martin
SF: Corey Brewer
PF: Thaddeus Young
C: Nikola Pekovic

Despite the most interesting player on the Timberwolves starting the year on the bench, (number one pick Andrew Wiggins) the Wolves have one of the most unproven rosters in the NBA. The presence of former NBA Champion Flip Saunders could expedite the growing process, but the fate of the organization lies on the shoulders of Andrew Wiggins when it’s all said and done.

24. Sacramento Kings ORtg 105.7 DRtg 108.8

PG: Darren Collison
SG: Ben McLemore
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Jason Thompson
C: DeMarcus Cousins

I’m not a fan of loosing Isaiah Thomas and replacing him with Darren Collison. It’s going to be another long year in Sacramento, especially given their last two number one draft picks play the same position (Ben McLemore and Nik Stauskas). DeMarcus Cousins is the lone bright spot in this starting five as Boogie is on the brink of stardom. I don’t think the Kings are ready to make that next step given their unsuccessful offseason.

23. Los Angeles Lakers ORtg 104.2 DRtg 110.6

PG: Jeremy Lin
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Wesley Johnson
PF: Carlos Boozer
C: Jordan Hill

In what might be the worst defensive lineup in the NBA, the Lakers will rely heavily on Kobe along with the rebirth of Linsanity amidst the news the purple and gold lost Steve Nash for the season. Kobe remains a question mark given his recent injury history but new head coach Byron Scott believes Kobe will bounce back in a major way this year. When it’s all said and done, 23 wins might even be too high if Kobe cannot stay healthy.

22. Indiana Pacers ORtg 104.1 DRtg 99.3

PG: George Hill
SG: Rodney Stuckey
SF: CJ Miles
PF: David West
C: Roy Hibbert

The Pacers will be one of the most intriguing stories to monitor as the season progresses. In what was a summer to forget for Pacer fans, the squad lost Lace Stephenson in free agency, and Paul George went down in a FIBA World Cup game and is likely lost for the season. What the Pacers can offer this year is a few intriguing trade scenarios involving big men David West and Roy Hibbert. If things do not go well for the Pacers early in the campaign, look for them to be active sellers once the trade deadline looms.

21. Denver Nuggets ORtg 106.0 DRtg 108.2

PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Arron Afflalo
SF: Danilo Gallinari
PF: Kenneth Faried
C: Timofey Mozgov

With the acquisition of Arron Afflalo, the Nuggets hope to bolster an already exciting backcourt, which features Ty Lawson. Denver’s undoing will be the tough life as a young team in the western conference and the lack of consistent scoring presence down low.

20. Detroit Pistons ORtg 108.2 DRtg 109.7

PG: Brandon Jennings
SG: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF: Josh Smith
PF: Greg Monroe
C: Andre Drummond

The Pistons have a chance to make a jump this year if they buy into new head coach Stan Van Gundy’s system that will revolve around promising big man Andre Drummond. Josh Smith could turn out to be an expendable piece if things are not going well early on for Detroit. Andre Drummond could be the next Dwight Howard if all goes well in Motown.

19. Brooklyn Nets ORtg 106.7 DRtg 107.7

PG: Deron Williams
SG: Joe Johnson
SF: Andrei Kirilenko
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Brook Lopez

We are entering year four of the Prokhorov ownership era in Brooklyn. The Nets have been extremely underwhelming since moving to Brooklyn and I do not see any reason why that trend will not change this season. The Nets will be counting on a comeback year from all-star center Brook Lopez who missed all of last year’s campaign with a foot injury. One of the strangest stories of the offseason was Jason Kidd’s mysterious departure from Brooklyn. Lionel Hollins is the new headman in Brooklyn and will bring a new defensive mindset to the Nets, one of the older teams in the NBA.

18. New York Knicks ORtg 108.3 DRtg 109.1
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: Iman Shumpert
SF: Carmelo Anthony
PF: Amar’e Stoudemire
C: Samuel Dalembert

The Knicks are going into the first year of Phil Jackson running the show and will look to show steady improvement from an extremely disappointing season a year ago. Jackson’s selection of Derrick Fisher as coach was one of the most interesting hires of the offseason and  like Jason Kidd, Fisher got a head coaching job his first year retired as a player. Getting Carmelo to buy in was a huge win for the Knicks as they were in danger of losing the all-star forward in free agency. While the Knicks are still being held back financially by Amar’e Stoudemire’s monster contract, look for the Knicks to be active come the trade deadline to make a push for the playoffs in the eastern conference.

17. Miami Heat ORtg 109.1 DRtg 105.8

PG: Mario Chalmers
SG: Dwayne Wade
SF: Luol Deng
PF: Udonis Haslem
C: Chris Bosh

I hope Miami fans enjoyed their four-year rental of LeBron James, because this season could turn into a major disaster if Dwayne Wade cannot stay on the floor. Luol Deng was a colossal disaster in Cleveland, and Chris Bosh is going to have to carry the load offensively. While the proud organization will most likely get more out of Deng than what Cleveland did, Miami’s attempt to rebuild on the fly could turn out to fail miserably (we hope ).

16. Atlanta Hawks ORtg 105.9 DRtg 106.4

PG: Jeff Teague
SG: Kyle Korver
SF: DeMarre Carroll
PF: Paul Milsap
C: Al Horford

Atlanta will look for a big bounce back year from center Al Horford who missed nearly all of the previous campaign with injury. Jeff Teague is one of the sneaky good point guards in the league who showcased just how good he can be in last year’s first round playoff exit against Indiana where Teague averaged nearly 20 points per contest. If the Hawks can remain relatively healthy they could easily make the playoffs, but its about as certain as death or taxes that they won’t make it past the second round.

Click here to see 15-1.

Fantasy Football Add Drop Week 9

Add:

1. Bobby Rainey- Doug Martin is hurt again so Rainey is worth an add. Rainey has been decent with martin out and his next 2 games are against the Browns and Falcon both of which can not stop the run. Also look out for Charles Sims.He’s coming off the IR and should  be ready to provide a spark for this offense.

2. Brandon LaFell- 17, 2, 21, 5 , 18. Can’t say he is consistent but he is certainly worth an add and perhaps a flex start now that Tom Brady is heating up.

3. Jeremy Hill- Bernard might miss next week against Jacksonville making Hill a great 1 week pickup.

4. Jonas Gray- Another Patriots RB who has shown signs of potential but will have low upside because he is a Patriots RB.

5. Martavis Bryant- I’m not a huge fan of taking 3rd WRs but Bryant has shown that he can be a red zone threat. I wouldn’t add unless you’re desperate.

6. Donte Moncrief- Once Reggie Wayne comes back he’ll return to being the third receiver. The only difference between Moncrief and Bryant is that Moncrief isn’t as adept in the red zone.

7. Lorenzo Taliaferro- If you need help at RB Taliaferro could be used. He’s going to be the Ravens short yardage back.

Drop:

1. Zac Stacy: He’s barely being used now, and even when he is being used he hasn’t been good.

2. Shonn Greene- Only had one carry against the Texans. The Titans are rightly running Sankey.

3. Bernard Pierce- Was a healthy scratch last week. Taliaferro seems to have the backup job locked up.

Fantasy Football Add Drop Week 8

Add:

1. Tre Mason- I’ve been hyping him all preseason as a guy who could be this year’s Zac Stacy. And after an 85 yard and a touchdown game he seems on his way.

2. Bryce Brown- He’s already proven that he can be a decent fantasy back over in Philadelphia and should get the first look in Buffalo with Spiller and Jackson out as long as he avoids fumbles.

3. Anthony Dixon- Dixon was the 3rd string back according to the depth chart. He has less potential than Brown but could be a red-zone monster with the Bills.

4. Odell Beckham- Just a reminder to pick him up in case no one did last week.

5. Doug Baldwin- The Seahawks spread the ball a lot so don’t have high expectations for him in standard leagues, but he has some potential in PPR leagues where should be decent.

Not Worth it:

1. Denard Robinson- Keep in mind that Denard had his big day against a Browns front 7 that was decimated by injury. Last week was just a fluky performance so you shouldn’t add him unless you are desperate at the position.

2. Paul Richardson- This guy is supposed to be Percy Harvin’s replacement. The only issue is that Percy Harvin hasn’t produced much.

Drop:

1. Matt Asiata- The Vikings are running McKinnon instead.

2. CJ Spiller- Broke collarbone. Out for the year.

Fantasy Football Add Drop for Week 7

Add:

1.  Antone Smith- Smith is somehow the 10th most productive back this year despite only having 23 touches. The Falcons should be trying to get the ball in his hands more, and that could lead to him being an Andre Ellington type high reward RB2.

2. Ronnie Hillman- Hillman got 100 yards against the stout Jets defense and should have a couple more good games before Ball comes back.

3. Andrew Holmes- Now that Holmes and the Raiders actually have a good coach I think its time to start expecting a little more out of the Raiders. And Holmes is a very athletic receiver who could potentially develop to be a poor man’s Josh Gordon.

4. Odell Beckham- Victor Cruz just gruesomely tore his patellar tendon which will open the door for a guy like Beckham to step in and stand out.

5. Benny Cunningham and Tre Mason- Zac Stacy hasn’t done well as of late and it feels like he may get benched soon. Cunningham has looked good in his attempts but its Tre Mason who has the talent to take over and become this years surprise running back.

6. Jace Amaro- Had 12 targets for 10 catches 68 yards and a TD against the Broncos last week. I think he’ll have enough decent games the rest of the year for him to finish a top 10 fantasy TE.

7. Derek Carr- Seems to have really good potential in two QB leagues after he threw for almost 300 passing and 4 passing TDs.

8. Bills Defense- Have Minnesota and the Jets for the next two games.

9. Browns Defense-  Going against Jacksonville, Oakland, and Tampa the next 3 games. This will be fun.

Drop

1. Terrance West- He was a healthy scratch against Pittsburgh and Crowell did well as the second running back. I don’t know what he did wrong but he looks to have a diminished role going forward.

 

2. Chris Johnson- He sucks. He has no hope.

3. Victor Cruz and Steven Ridley- Hurt. Out for the year.

Fantasy Football Add Drop for Week 6

Add:

1. Branden Oliver- Oliver had an amazing game in his first start and should be started in all fantasy league until Ryan Mathews comes back in a couple weeks. Oliver could very well be this years Zac Stacy.

2. Ronnie Hillman- With Montee Ball hurt Ronnie Hillman gets another opportunity. Hillman has the best chance of starting as of now but also keep an eye out on CJ Anderson. Whichever of these RBs plays most often will be very valuable in PPR leagues and worth a shot in standard leagues.

3. Andre Williams- Rashad Jennings sprained his knee and we all know Andre Williams is pretty darn good. Could keep his job when Jennings comes back.

4. Brian Quick- Him and Austin Davis are really starting to click.

5. George Winn- Only add him if you’re desperate for RBs. At best he could be a decent spot starter at worst he can be a like Darrin Reaves last week.

Drop

1. Mike Evans- He’s going to be out for a couple weeks, but I don’t anticipate him doing as well under Glennon as he did under McCown because Glennon already has a great rapport with Vincent Jackson.

2. Cecil Shorts III- Hamstring injuries are very problematic to recover from. I feel it’s safe to drop him, because even if he’s healthy he still plays for the Jaguars which limits his upside.

Pry from other owners.

1. LeSean McCoy- McCoy is strange, because we all know that the second we bench him he will break out for 30 points. Well here’s a hint I’m benching McCoy this week so everyone else should start him judging by my luck this year.

Fantasy Football Add/Drop for Week 5

Due to the lack of page views to my fantasy football pages I’ve decided to give up on having weekly fantasy rankings. It also doesn’t help that I’m a busy college kid who also writes for sites like More than a Fan Cleveland  and Hustle Belt. So for the rest of the football season I will provide you with weekly lists of which players you should add, drop, or trade for each week in fantasy. This post will be updated throughout the week until a new post is made next Monday for Week 6.

Add:

1. Matt Asiata- Matt Asiata has as many 3 TD games in his career as LeSean McCoy and Matt Forte.  Anyways Asiata has shown he can be a workhorse back in Minnesota’s surprising offensive outburst. Expect RB2 numbers immediately.

2. Bishop Sankey- Had more touches than Shonn Greene in his game against the Colts. Since lots of owners dropped him it should be safe for you to pick him back up. Could be a flex option soon.

3. Justin Forsett or Lorenzo Taliaferro- With Bernard Pierce being a healthy scratch it seems like Harbaugh is planning on doing a time share between these two. Forsett is more valuable in PPR while Taliaferro will get more goal line touches.

4. Branden Oliver- The rookie from Buffalo should get some opportunities with the Charger’s recent rash of injuries.

5. Heath Miller- 11 targets in one game for Heath is strange. I think the Steelers have putting more emphasis on him and I anticipate that it will continue.

6. Travis Kelce- The Chiefs don’t have many red-zone options in the passing game so I expect Kelce to continue to improve.

7. Roy Helu- Worth picking up in any PPR league.

Drop:

1. Riley Cooper- Jeremy Maclin has really stepped up while Cooper hasn’t done anything with his targets. Lots of better options on the market.

 

Pry:

The Browns defense- If you don’t live in Cleveland odds our this D is still on the market if so pick them up. If not trade some pieces for them.There schedule is amazing the next 5 weeks.

LeSean McCoy- See if you can nab LeSean McCoy after these 2 bad games. Lane Johnson is coming back from suspension so he should help.

NFL Predictions

Last year was a great year for amateur NFL predictors as the Seahawks and Broncos went to the Super Bowl just like everyone thought. I did well last year  nailing 9 out of 12 playoff picks right including nailing the Eagles and the Chiefs. The only teams I missed were the Chargers, like everyone, the 49ers, I seriously had the Bucs at the 6 seed, and had the Falcons instead the Panthers. Lets see if I can top that.

AFC East:

1. Patriots

2. Dolphins

3. Jets

4. Bills

Pats are going to win easy again. One team that interested me is the Dolphins. I feel their offense could take strides under Bill Lazor’s new offense. Jets could contend. Bills might end up being one of the worst teams in the league.

AFC North

1. Bengals

2. Ravens*

3. Browns

4. Steelers

I really like the Bengals this year. They are team that is dominant at home and have a great defense, a good QB to WR combo and a promising running game. If they can get home field advantage throughout the playoff they could be deadly. The Ravens are team that I feel are prime candidate to breakout. Joe Flacco has some new weapons and a Harbaugh coached team is always a threat. I feel the Browns will have some exciting wins and finish with the same record as the Steelers. The Steelers defense isn’t threatening like it used to be so I’m expecting a little worse than consistent mediocrity.

1. Colts

2. Texans *

3. Titans

4. Jaguars

The Colts are a team that could finisher with an amazing regular season record. They have an easier schedule and I feel this is the year Andrew Luck takes his game to the next level. The only thing is that I don’t trust there defense to take them far into the playoffs. Texans will this years Chiefs. Catapulted by an easy schedule an a great defense despite a mediocre QB. Titans are a real dark horse if Jake Locker can stay healthy. Ken Whisenhunt has a way to make OK teams good. Jaguars will be better and escape being the joke of the NFL but they still got a year or two to goo before contending.

1. Broncos

2. Chargers

3. Chiefs

4. Raiders

The Broncos will contend in the postseason but the regular season will be a little more difficult with a tougher schedule. Will get 11 wins but not much more than that. The Chargers will hang around in the wild card picture because of Philip Rivers. The Chiefs will decline without the easy schedule but should still be decent. The Raiders will likely be a disaster.

NFC East

1. Cowboys

2. Eagles

3. Giants

4. Redskins

The NFC East is always a toss-up so I’ll go with the team with the best QB. This division could get ugly with the winner only winning 8 or nine games. Chip Kelly’s Eagles will come down to Earth a bit, but they still have hope for the future. The Redskins and Giants will be awful.

NFC North

1. Packers

2. Lions

3. Bears

4. Vikings

Packers are the best in this division. They can make a deep playoff run. I really like how Peppers played against the Seahawks. He was really making his presence felt. The Lions will take a step further into contention with Calvin Johnson healthy. (He played much of last season with finger issues.) I feel the Bears are overrated. Everyone just Hypes the Forte, Marshall, Jeffrey combo. They don’t have much defense to back the offense up. The Vikings will be fun to watch because of Adrian Peterson and CorDarrelle Patterson.

NFC South

1. Saints

2. Falcons *

3. Panthers

4. Buccaneers

This will be a very competitive division. Saints will win with there amazing offense and a D reinforced by Jairus Byrd. They also got a favoorable schedule getting some of their tougher opponents at home. (Packers, San Fran, Cincy) Falcons are bound to make a comeback. Jake Matthews will really help that O-Line. THe Panthers DBs and WRs are awful but everything else is good. This year could be a disaster for them. Don’t count out the Bucs. They have a lot of good pieces.

NFC West

1. Seahawks

2. Cardinals*

3. 49ers

4. Rams

All four of these teams can make the playoffs. I went with the Cardinals due to there great coaching staff, stifling defense, and experienced QB. I don’t like the 49ers due to Smith’s suspension and McDonald’s issues. There secondary is also weak so they’ll have a tough time defeating good passing teams. I would have picked the Rams to go to the playoffs if it weren’t for Bradford’s injury. I just don’t know what to expect from Shaun Hill. The Rams D-Line will win lots of games for them.

AFC Seeds

1. Patriots

2. Colts

3. Broncos

4. Bengals

5. Texans

6. Ravens

NFC Seeds

1. Saints

2. Packers

3. Seahawks

4. Dallas

5. Falcons

6. Cardinals

WC Weekend

Seahawks over Cardinals. Can’t beat the Seahawks at home.

Cowboys over Falcons. Tony Romo wins a playoff game. You heard it here first folks.

Bengals over Texans. Andy Dalton wins a playoff game. This guy is crazy.

Broncos beat Ravens. This one will be a fun rematch of that epic divisional playoff back in 2012.

Divisional

Packers over Seahawks. This game will be epic. Packer will win off Rodgers heroics.

Saints over Cowboys. The score will be like 49-45. And the media will blame Tony Romo no matter what happens.

Bronco beat Colts. Manning vs Luck will end with Luck putting forth his best effort but Manning will destroy that suspect D in his old home.

Patriots beat Bengals. Nice run Cincy but this the Patriots year.

Championship Game

Packers over Saints. Home field advantage can be so key in the playoff but Rodgers overcomes in a second straight epic game for the Packers.

Patriots over Broncos. You know because Peyton Manning can’t play in cold weather. Just kidding it has more to do with Darrelle Revis shutting down Demaryius Thomas.

Super Bowl

Patriots over Packers. Brady cements his legacy with an exciting win over the Packers.

MVP: Aaron Rodgers. Aaron Rodgers is good. Aaron Rodgers playing fast will put up MVP-like numbers.

DPOY. Robert Quinn. The voters love sacks and Quinn can get a lot of them. JJ Watt will remain dominant.

OROY Bishop Sankey. He’ll be this year’s Doug Martin.

DPOY Aaron Donald. He’ll edge out Clowney by being more consistent.

Rushing leader: Adrian Peterson. Especially if Cassell can get a decent passing game to keep the strong safety out of the box

Receiving leader: Calvin Johnson. Because he’s the greatest.

 

Who should be the Last Pick in Fantasy Football?

Having the last pick in the draft is like an honor. You have the ability to make any pick in the world and have it be worth it. There are many different routes you can go. I will rate them by their lol factor, notoriety, and surprise factor. In addition I will add their value in a scale of 1-10. 1 meaning the guy is dead and 10 meaning the guys as value as some RB you’d take in the last round like James White.

1. Aaron Hernandez Lol Factor: 10 Notoriety: 10 Surprise: 4 Value: 2

He killed multiple people. Everyone hates him. He is also owned in 0.7% of leagues so drafting him won’t be as big of a surprise as it is for others. There is a chance he can break out of prison, and make fantasy contributions on the run.

2. Josh Gordon Lol Factor: 9 Notoriety: 8 Surprise: 5 Value: 3

When making this pick act like you don’t know he’s suspended for the year. They’ll think that you’re dumb then they will underestimate you.

3. Tim Tebow Lol Factor: 8 Notoriety: 10 Surprise: 1 Value: 7

He’s owned in 1.5% of leagues so it will surprise no one if you take him. But sadly everyone hates him. We all know that Tim will take the Rams to the playoffs this year while posting good stats so might as well take him.

4. Chad Johnson Lol Factor: 6 Notoriety: 6 Surprise: 9 Value: 6

Has a strange I remember him feel to him. Can be a contributor in a CFL league.

5.  T.J. Houshmandzadeh Lol Factor: 10 Notoriety: 3 Surprise: 9 Value: 3

TJ Who’s your mama.

6. Randy Moss or Terrell Owens Lol Factor: 6 Notoriety: 9 Surprise: 2 Value: 5

Moss is owned in 0.7% of leagues and Owens is owned owned in 1%. You should just draft both because that would be amazing in 2007. They should try to make an NFL comeback together. It’d be great TV.

7. Chris Greisen or Todd Bouman Lol Factor: 3 Notoriety: 0 Surprise: 10 Value: 3

Chris Greisen has not taken an NFL snap since 2000 but is available in ESPN leagues due to him being on the Cowboys practice squad in 2011. Todd Bouman had six diferent stints as the Jaguars backup. These guys are great if all the people in your league are super football nerds.

8. Donavan McNabb or Daunte Culpepper Lol Factor: 8 Notoriety: 7  Surprise: 5 Value: 4

Both QBs have ownage rates under 0.4% and both are known for doing dumb stuff. Win-win.

9. John Kasey Lol Factor: 5 Notoriety: 1 Surprise: 9 Value: 7

He’s is rated as the worst player in all of fantasy on ESPN’s draft board. I wonder if its anyone’s job to determine the difference between the 899th best fantasy player compared to 944th. I really hope so. I’d love to hear a a great debate about Ray Agnew’s value compared to Bethel McLeod- Thompson’s.

10 Phillip Supernaw Lol Factor: 9  Notoriety: 2 Surprise: 9 Value: 6

Hey guys lets make a 20 team draft using only players with a G in there name.

Me:  

Unpopular Opinion: I’d Rather have Tony Romo than Big Ben in Clutch Situations

Tony Romo has become a joke nowadays due to his hilarious, unfortunate choking. The concept of Tony Romo not being clutch is incorrect.  Tony Romo is a good QB and he’s clutch. In order to prove my point I’ll answer all the common objections to the statement and show you why the common objections are wrong. And for fun I’m going to compare Romo to a more “clutch” QB like Ben Roethlisberger.

“Tony Romo hasn’t made the playoffs in forever.” Over the past 4 seasons the Cowboys failed to reach the playoffs. In those years the cowboys defense finished 26th, 24th, 16th and 31th in points allowed.  The last time he made the playoffs back in 2009 their defense was 2nd in points allowed and 9th in yards allowed. In comparison during the seasons of Ben Roethlisberger Super Bowl appearances his defense finished 1st, 1st and 3rd in points allowed. I feel people tend to forget there are 23 (21 plus kicker and punter) other players on the team that make a difference besides the quarterback.

“Tony Romo sucks in the fourth quarter.” This statement is 100% false. Take a look at Romo’s fourth quarter stats in close games when compared to Ben Roethlisberger’s.

Romo
Year	CMP%	Y/A	TDs	Int	Sacks
2013	68.3	8.65	8	4	6
2012	64.6	7.48	5	2	5
2011	60.8	8.55	6	2	3
2010	60	6.76	2	3	0
2009	54.5	9.55	4	1	2
2008	64.1	8.56	4	1	2
2007	62.5	9.5	6	3	8

Roethlisberger
Year	CMP%	Y/A	TDs	Int	Sacks
2013	57.6	7.56	3	0	2
2012	59.7	6.88	3	2	8
2011	50	7.13	2	2	9
2010	48.6	7.37	1	0	7
2009	60.2	7.92	4	0	9
2008	60	7.02	4	4	8
2007	63.3	7.27	2	1	7

From 2011-2013 Tony Romo was clearly better than Big Ben during the fourth quarter. 2010 Romo missed half the season and Ben missed a 4 games so we can throw that year out. 2009 is to close to call but I’d give the edge to Romo. Romo was also clearly better from 2007-2008. If Romo is a choker in the fourth quarter then Ben Roethlisberger died of asphyxiation years ago.

“Did you not see Ben Roethlisberger’s drive against the Cardinals in Super Bowl in Super Bowl 43? That was the definition of clutch. Well that drive was clutch it was only one moment.” Tony Romo has put up tons of game winning drives throughout his career, in fact he has more game winning drives than Roethlisberger per year in his career, he just hasn’t had the opportunity to do it during the Super Bowl.