Playoff Bound!

Short post tonight!

Congratulations to the Drunken Irish. Can you believe my team started the season 2-5 and ended with 7 straight triumphs in must-win games to win the division and the #2 seed in my league! Here is my team:

QBs:
Ben Rothlisberger - drafted in the 8th or 9th round
Matt Schaub - received in trade in about week 10 for Matt Forte, straight up

RBs:
Ricky Williams - Started as a late round hand cuff for Ronnie Brown
Brandon Jacobs - Still a disappointment
Quinton Ganther - A solid last week pick up
Beanie Wells - Wish he would get all the carries, could be a stud

WRs:
Sidney Rice - waiver wire pick up early in the year
Greg Jennings - struggling season for him
Robert Meachem - just picked him up too
Devin Hester - solid bench guy
Roy Williams - Drafted in the 5th round, dropped him and then picked him back up later

TEs:
John Carlson - thought he would have a great season, but was ok, not great
JerMichael Finley - I drafted him and have kept him on my bench during his injuries, which is paying off

DEF:
Denver - picked up early in the year
Washington - Picked up for the Raiders game

K:
Garrett Hartley - picked up last week

Wish me luck going into the playoffs!

Today's Hottie: Ashley Brooke
http://www.modelmayhem.com/ashleybrooke816

Sunday Observations

New Orleans v Atlanta
Drew Brees had his typical stellar day, but who would have predicted 300+ and a TD for Chris Redman? As nice as the passing game was, who else was disappointed with the running game on both sides? Pierre Thomas was limited (althought had 100+ combined) and Jason Snelling too was limited, but threw in a TD, and the 100 combined number. And with all those yards flying around, there weren't any outstanding receivers, but a bunch that did nice. Reggie Bush did have to receiving TDs, but Robert Meachem fans were a bit disappointed with his 4-57.

Detroit v Baltimore
No surprises here. Outstanding game for Ray Rice, 200+ combined and a TD. Willis McGahee reappeared as well, with 76-2 TDs. Did anyone see Derrick Mason's TD catch, sandwich job and a long TD. Culpepper was impressive... NOT.

Green Bay v Chicago
Anyone counting on Aaron Rodgers to carry them into the playoffs were disappointed with his 18 yards and no TDs, but Ryan Grant was fantastic with 137-2 TDs. Did anyone start either Johnny Knox and Devin Aromashodu? Both had solid games. Plus JerMichael Finley continues to play well when he is healthy. Both Jennings and Driver were disappointments.

Seattle v Houston
Matt Schaub had a game by half time, finishing with 350+ and a pair of TDs. Glad I sat Big Ben on Thursday! Andre Johnson was huge as well with 11-192-2 TDs. There wasn't a single Seahawk worth talking about.

Denver v Indianapolis
Peyton was his usual self, with 4 TDs and yardage, but 3 INTs was a little big of a set back. Reggie Wayne continues to struggle with injury and is fading down the stretch. Dallas Clark is determined to take up the slack, posting 3 TDs. And we can't say enough about Brandon Marshall's HUGE day, and on top of his 22-200-2 TDs, he told everyone he was going to do it.

Miami v Jacksonville
Ricky Williams is continuing his excellent play since Ronnie Brown went down, with 108-1 TD. Now that he is healthy, Greg Camarillo is starting to look like a southern Wes Welker, with 7-100-0 TD. MJD was ok with nearly 100 combined and a TD, after a few quiet weeks. Nothing else much to say, except, if there is anyone in fantasy-dom that is counting on David Garrard, what the HELL are you thinking?

Buffalo v Kansas City
Jamaal Charles has played well since LJ left town (20-143-1 TD). And Fred Jackson had a nice game too (20-99), with Marshawn Lynch adding 84 yards on the ground. Matt Cassel was impressive with 4 INTs.

Cincinnati v Minnesota
Actually fairly pathetic fantasy play from both Palmer and Favre. Benson surprised me a bit with almost 100 yards against the stout Viking D. AP returned with a great game after last week's poor showing (97-2 Tds , plus 3-40 receiving). Both Rice and Ocho Cinco salvaged their days with TDs.

Carolina v New England
I don't know what anyone thinks, but Moss gave up in this game... what a waste of talent. Almost identical pedastrian numbers for Brady and Moore. Williams returned with nearly 100 yards, and Maroney posted about the same. The only good games were from Welker (10-105) and Smith (2-83-1 TD).

New York Jets v Tampa Bay
Really poor games for both QBs. For Tampa, there really is nothing to talk about from a fantasy perspective. Solid game again for Thomas Jones, 99-2 TDs. And that is about it. Thomas Jones.

St. Louis v Tennessee
Keep an eye on the VY injury, but I think, since this game got out of hand early, they pulled Young so not to aggravate his hammy, but I didn't see the game. Who in the heck is Keith Null and what in the hell were the Rams doing starting him? Chris Johnson is ALL-WORLD... 3 TDs, 117 rushing, 69 receiving. WOW.

Washington v Oakland
Jason Campbell almost sunk my playoff battleship with his 222-2 TD performance, but his second half was slow. Those who had to pick up Quinton Ganther didn't do too bad, with almost 100 combined and 2 TDs. When is Oakland going to figure out that McFadden is the most talented guy on the team?

San Diego v Dallas
The December tank keeps on rolling in Dallas. Both Romo and Rivers put up solid if not spectacular games (249-2 TDs vs 272-1TD). Vincent Jackson has to be considered an elite receiver now, with another great game (7-120), though lacked a TD. Tomlinson has turned into a TD guy, scoring once with modest numbers. While for Dallas, the RBBC is killing JOnes/Barber/Choice.

For the final notes of the night. 1) What a shoot out in the Meadowlands tonight... 37-31 and counting. 2) Welcome to the fantasy playoffs Drunken Irish, after posting a 7th straight Must-Win, winning the division and the number 2 or 3 seed in our league. Sweet!

Today's Hottie: Marielle Jaffe

Sunday Morning Quick Injury Updates

I am sitting on the couch this morning, watching the football shows, checking the internet, etc. Just a few quick but important injury updates as I have them from this morning. I will pop updates in as I get them.

Michael Turner - Turner is inactive for today's game. Smelling and Norwood will split time at tailback
Update - Officially out

Matt Ryan - Chris Redman is starting at QB, so Ryan is sitting this one out again.
Update - Officially out

Mike Bell - Bell is questionable at this point, so Pierre Thomas will get the bulk of the carries, and Reggie Bush will see more touches
Update: Bell is out

Justin Forsett - Forsett seems to be back from a thigh injury, but Julius Jones will steal carries in a RBBC in Seattle

Matthew Stafford - The shoulder is going to put the rook on the bench today... maybe they shouldn't have played him in so many meaningless games?

Percy Harvin - Harvin is on the official inactive list with his concussion issues, Sidney Rice should see more looks.
Update - Officially out

DeAngelo Williams - He is back, slipping Jonathon Stewart into the backup role again, unless you are desparate or extremely confident, sit Stewart
Update - Williams is active officially

Jake Delhomme - Jake is still out with the broken finger, so Matt Moore starts... but don't you start him

Tom Brady - This is the Brady watch... he is listed as questionable. Does anyone even know who the back up in New England is?
Update - Brady will play, is NOT on the inactive list

Fred Taylor - Not that anyone owns him right now, but he could possible play
Update - Taylor is on the inactive list, he is out

Mark Sanchez - Sanchez is down today, so Kellen Clemens gets the start

Mike Sims-Walker - MSW is probably not going to play, but no official word yet.
Update: MSW is going to play

Devin Hester - Hester is most likely out, but I will check again soon.
Update - Officially out

Steven Jackson is listed as questionable, but is likely to play
Update - even with a bad back, he should play according to ESPN

Vince Young - He is questionable, but will probably play
Update - Should play

Donald Brown - Brown is listed as inactive

Brian Westbrook - He is out, on the inactive list, McCoy will get the start
Update - Officially out

Chris Johnson - Johnson should play inspite of

Tim Hightower - He will play with the injured thumb

DeSean Jackson - He should be playing, despite a sore knee
Jeremy Maclin - Will be limited if not sit this one out

Ahmad Bradshaw - Will play with his bad feet

Since I missed yesterday, it is Sarah Sunday this morning!
Today's Hottie: Sarah Stage

Counter Point

Jay Clemons write a pretty entertaining column for SI.com. And like most fantasy guru's or experts or whatever you want to call them, you never agree with all of what they say. Jay writes before the weekend games on guys who are a lock for good performances. Here is this week's column and my comments:

QB Locks For 275 Yards and/or 3 TDs
1. Drew Brees @ Atlanta - Brees should do well in the Georgia Dome.
2. Peyton Manning vs. Denver - This is an interesting call.. Denver pressure D against Manning... I have to go with Manning. Sure, they shut out the other Manning fairly well, but this Manning is a whole other ball game.
3. David Garrard vs. Miami - Not. Not. NOT!
4. Matt Schaub vs. Seattle - I am hoping his separated shoulder is healthy enough for this game, but if he plays, he should do well
5. Brett Favre vs. Cincinnati - I am not sold on this one, the Bengal corners are tough
6. Philip Rivers @ Dallas - Dallas is vulnerable... think Aaron Rodgers here
7. Tony Romo vs. San Diego - Romo should do well against a banged up defense
8. Donovan McNabb @ N.Y. Giants - A big game, but will the Giants D come up big... I think they will and limit Donovan
9. Kurt Warner @ San Francisco - Warner should have a strong day here

RB Locks -- 120 Total Yards and/or 2 TDs
1. Frank Gore vs. Arizona - Gore has been suspect this year and will continue to be
2. Chris Johnson vs. St. Louis - Bank Johnson each and every week
3. DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart @ New England - Williams, perhaps, probably not stewart and certainly not both
4. Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Miami - Should be up for a good day
5. Steven Jackson @ Tennessee - Jackson is almost as bankable for 100+ as Johnson is
6. Ray Rice vs. Detroit - After disappointing last week in GB, Rice is due
7. Fred Jackson @ Kansas City - I like Jackson in this game, nice call
8. Jamaal Charles vs. Buffalo - Buffalo's defense is very porous
9. Joseph Addai vs. Denver - Addai has been scoring a bunch of TDs, but I don't see it happening this week
10. Thomas Jones @ Tampa Bay - This should be fairly certain
11. Pierre Thomas @ Atlanta - Thomas has been quiet of late, time for a wake up
12. LeSean McCoy @ N.Y. Giants - McCoy is not westbrook, and won't have a great day
13. Knowshon Moreno @ Indianapolis - If Denver can stay close, Moreno will have a strong day
14. LaDainian Tomlinson @ Dallas - Ok, I can agree with this hunch

WR Locks -- 110 Total Yards and/or 1 TD
1. Larry Fitzgerald @ San Francisco - I can agree with one or the other, but...
2. Miles Austin vs. San Diego - Austin has disappeared and Cromartie should shut him down, I would go with Williams here
3. Sidney Rice vs. Cincinnati - With Harvin out, Rice should get more looks
4. Reggie Wayne vs. Denver - Can he beat Champ Bailey consistently, I think he will
5. Anquan Boldin @ San Francisco - ...not both Boldin and Fitzgerald for the game
6. Lee Evans @ Kansas City - Lee Who? Ain't gonna happen
7. Marques Colston @ Atlanta - Meachem had gotten the goods lately, but Colston has been solid too, should be again
8. Andre Johnson vs. Seattle - Fairly bank-able
9. Donald Driver @ Chicago - Jennings or Driver... or Finley?
10. Randy Moss vs. Carolina - This depends on on Brady's health

Today's Hottie: Lisa Marie

Hate / Love

Matthew Berry from ESPN writes a weekly column he calls his Love Hate list. He runs through players he loves for the weekend's matchup and those he hates. And well Berry is an "expert" and gets paid big jack to express his opinions, I often disagree. So, here is my spin in the Talented Mr Roto's thoughts, which can be found here

Berry "Loves"

Jerome Harrison - I am watching the Pittsburgh v Cleveland game as I write this and Harrison has a meager first half

Mohammed Massaquoi - I don't know if he checked the weather forecast before posting his column, but I wouldn't start anyone in the passing game for either team really

Santonio Holmes - See above

Robert Meachem - I just picked him up in my league, sure hope he does great again

Roddy White - With Ryan not playing, temper your expectations for White this week

Greg Olsen - Against the solid Packer's D, not

Johnny Knox - see above, and Knox hasn't done much as year

Mike Sims-Walker - MSW has slowed after a early season surge... I think he stays slow

Brian Hartline - Devone Bess is the man in Miami these days

Calvin Johnson - EVen with the rook QB, Johnson has been solid, caution if Culpepper plays

Joe Flacco - Against Detroit? Play him.

Kevin Walter - Conversative, but maybe a half dozen points, not sure why that would be love

Knowshon Moreno - As long as the Colts don't jump out ahead, this could work

Jamaal Charles - I would start him

Fred Jackson - and I would start Jackson

Sammy Morris - Very, very, very deep league play

Quinton Ganther - Interesting analysis, but any time you can find a starter this late in the season, that is a good thing

Tony Romo - Unless San Diego can put pressure on him, Romo will have a field day

Vincent Jackson - He is a must start all the time, right?

Kevin Boss - Not sure why folks are so high on this guy...

Donovan McNabb - They held Brees in check for a long time last week, but McNabb is a good play

Tim Hightower - Too much time share with Wells

Berrys "Hates"

Jay Culter - I am down with this one, the Packer D is tough

Matt Forte - See above

Antonio Bryant - Revis should shut him down, I mean, if he can do it against Moss, Johnson and such, Bryant is simple

Julius Jones - I have never liked Jones really

Chris Brown - Too much time share with Moats and any guy that can throw a pass as ugly as the half back option he tried last week... well, I just can't start him

Matt Cassel - Second tier, he is ok

Carson Palmer - Palmer has been up and down, and he doesn't have the weapons Warner has, but the Vikings secondary can be had

Jonathon Stewart - Williams is back, no decision or discussion here

Randy Moss - I actually like the reasoning here from Berry

Vince Young - I agree with Berry on this one and Young has a nagging injury, check the news updates

Eli Manning - Manning has been a huge disappointment for owners since the foot problem, and against the Eagles, he will find the going tough

Brandon Jacobs - I wish I could have been sitting him all year long

Frank Gore - Gore is another of those huge disappointments this year, and he will continue to disappoint, but I have to say, the 49'ers are a completely different team from the last time Arizona played them

Today's Hottie: Jessica Nicole

Weekend Summary

Jamie Eisenberg writes a decent weekend summary. You can read it here. In the article, he mentions Matt Forte and Jonathan Stewart and the solid fantasy games both put up this weekend, after a year of disappointment. See below.

Matt Forte - I had Forte on my team for most of the year, as he was my first pick in the draft at #3 in a 12 team league. After week 10, I made a trade, Matt Schaub for Matt Forte, straight-up. Yeah, I know, I fleeced the guy, but he had three quality QBs on his team and need RB help. Made sense for us both, as I needed back up help for Rothlisberger. As for the rest of the year, I am afraid Eisenberg is right, Forte should NOT be counted on for the rest of the year with poor match ups the remaining.

Jonathon Stewart - Stewart was a late start wen DeAngelo Williams was made inactive late Sunday morning. And, as expected, he came up roses for his owners. But, if I were an owner, I would never have counted on a backup RB as an option during the year. Sure, GREAT handcuff, or excellent bench guy waiting for an injury to Williams. It is like counting on Felis Jones from Dallas. Any back up is not a fantasy starter in my book, with rare exception.

Take a read of the rest of the article, good reading.

Today's Hottie: Rochelle

R & R - Ramblings and Rantings

Injury Impacts - Not a great deal of injury, but still some things to talk about.

Both Ben Rothlisberger and Kurt Warner were back in action this weekend and both did pretty well.

Michael Turner - Turner could still be out this coming week, keep an eye on the injury reports as the week moves along

Mark Sanches - Sanchez still didn't learn how to slide, even with Joe Girardi trying to teach him how (ok, who in the hell, as a boy, doesn't learn to slide?). Not that it matters, no one was starting Sanchise anyhow.

DeAngelo Williams - I have not heard if Williams will be set for next week or not, but it bears watching, as he was a late and surprising scratch on Sunday.

Matthew Stafford - The other high profile QB in this past year's draft reinjured his left shoulder. Not that anyone is starting him, but I have to question continuing to play the promising rook with his bad shoulder, risking more serious injury.

Matt Schaub - Schaub did return to the game after injurying his shoulder, but watch his status close this week.

Tom Brady - Not that the Hoodie will reveal anything or that Brady would sit out, but arm and hand injuries are hurting, keep an eye out.

What's Up? Guys who you might want on your roster.

Kenny Britt - Again, Britt is listed here and you better pick him up if he is out there and you need help... or prevent your rivals from getting help.

Vince Young - Young is still a decent replacement QB if you really need one, although Alex Smith, if still available is a better option.

Pierre Garcon - Did this past Sunday finally convince you that I was right?

Robert Meachem -Ok, Meachem is becoming a must have for the Saints.

No real running back pick ups, except to drop some of the hot pick ups from a few weeks ago, Forsett, Snelling and Scott.

Today's Hottie: Sarah