Sunday Stew

Ok, ok, I am back. After a week long hiatus I am back and ready to sling my fantasy football crap back out onto the Net. Please write if you are out there. acmeff.blogspot.com

Here are my quick observations, rants, stew and syrup from Sunday's action.

1) Wasn't Donnie Avery supposed to be the second coming of Torry Holt this year? I only mention this because there was a sighting...

2) Strong performance in a losing cause for Ray Rice, 142 combined yards and a TD.

3) Cedric Benson is making a statement that his top 5 selection a few years ago by the Bears was no mistake, although maybe the Bears gave up on him too soon.

4) Did anyone see that pathetic game in Buffalo? Other than 100 yards posted by Jamal Lewis, completely forgettable. Derek Anderson, 2 for 17 for 23 yards? Come on man! (ok, stealing that from the ESPN crew)

5) Miles Austin is my first mention of the MANY huge WR efforts today. 250 yards and 2 TDs is HUGE. Could Austin turn into the #1 receiver that Roy Williams just is not? Have to mention the solid game from Tony Romo as well, largely due to hook ups with Austin

6) Welcome to the NFL Jerry Maclin. I drafted Maclin, but when McNabb got hurt, he seemed to disappear. Now, McNabb is back and Maclin posted an excellent game 142 and 2 TDs.

7) The Soldier found a way to show up strong today, as Winslow caught 2 TDs and over 100 yards. Where was that in Cleveland last year Kellen?

8) How bad is Oakland? How good are the Giants? It looks like Ahmad Bradshaw as taken over as the back of choice in New York. Any other REALLY disappointed Brandon Jacobs owners out there? And WHEN will the Raiders bench the aweful JaMarcus Russell?

9) How bad is Calvin Johnson's knee? I didn't see the play, but saw the numerous references throughout the afternoon's games. Keep your fingers crossed for good news.

10) Rothlisberger just keeps rolling along, continuing to transform Pittsburgh into a pass-first offense. 3 more TDs added to an excellent start to the season for Big Ben.

11) Jason Campbell is the most inconsistant QB in the league. After a couple weeks in which us fantasy owners maybe started having hope, he lays an absolute egg against Carolina, 145 and a single TD. A really weak effort.

12) Honestly, there was nothing to even get excited about in the Panthers v Redskins game.

13) How good was Roddy White? 210 and 2 scores. After a somewhat slower start, owners are hoping this keeps up. Matt Ryan also have a nice game, and as with Tony Romo, largely from Mr White.

14) Michael Turner is a beast. He beat up the 49'er defense en route to 3 trips to the end zone and 97 pounding yards.

15) Welcome back Matt Hasselbeck! His yardage was modest at 241, but his 4 TD tosses brought the Seahawks to life, including the previously almost silent TJ Housh!

16) A VERY quiet day for MJD owners. Ok, quit your crying!

17) Wow, I am shocked at the Broncos. 5-0? Really? and beating down the Hoodie? Nice. Way to man-up Brandon Marshall. Now that he has his head straight, if you can buy a bit low, do it.

18) A great display of the two best WRs in the NFL. Larry Fitz 2 TDs and a modest 79. Andre Johnson strong with 101 and 2 scores of his own.

19) Steve Slaton disappears again, after teasing owners last week. Sure, he shows up when I play against him and becomes the hermit again the next week. Thank you Steve!

20) Too early to write on the Colts vs Titans, but if the Titans lose again, do we see Vince Young soon? Time to see if he is really an NFL QB.

Today's Hottie: Carissa Rosario

Ok, I will be back later tonight. Got my mojo back! :)

Hiatus

Hello! Due to various factors, including lack of interest and traffic here at Acme Fantasy Football, I am taking a hiatus, might be back later. Please contact me if you like: acmeff@gmail.com. Thanks!

Sunday Stew

Here are my quick observations, rants, stew and syrup from Sunday's action.

1) What is going on with the Saints defense? Two TDs and immense pressure on Mark Sanchez for the win. Did Greg Williams really make that big a difference?

2) I am now pronouncing the other Steve Smith as THE Steve Smith and the old Steve Smith is now the OTHER Steve Smith. After 100+ again... and two scores, Steve Smith is one of the better receivers in the league right now, and Eli loves him.

3) Since I am mentioning Eli, 3 more TDs and nearly 300 before injuring his heel. Not sure how serious it is, but Eli swears after the game he will be ready for Oakland. How many would pick up David Carr is Eli sits?

4) Is Brandon Marshall back? If you can get him cheap right now, steal him. Did you see the TD? Leaping over the defender, running across the field, breaking tackles and out running the others. Nice play.

5) Are the Titans really this bad? Each week, I don't think, other than Chris Johnson, there are any players worthy of fantasy mention, at least not consistently. The rookie WR, Kenny Britt did post a nice game in garbage time.

6) Ocho Cinco seems to have returned to himself, running clean route, making nice grabs and posting regular good numbers. He kept alive really well on the final TD reception.

7) If I were a Matt Forte owner (and I am), I would be happy with the 140 yards and a TD, but I would be worried about the lack of touches, only 14.

8) Is Tom Brady still a tier 1 fantasy QB? Perhaps it is the solid defenses he has been facing early this year. Still, 250 and a TD is a bit less than his owners had hoped.

9) I am somewhat amazed at the numbers the formerly retired Derrick Mason is putting up. I know, I know, Joe Flacco can really heave the rock, and really, does Baltimore really have any other solid options? Yet, I am still surprised.

10) Was that a pathetic quarterback display in Tampa Bay today? They barely completely 50% of their passes and just were not good.

11) What a nice game by David Garrard. 300+ and 3 TDs. Very strong. and to think, I could have picked him up as a bye week replacement.

12) The only thing that saved a horrible game for Maurice Jones-Drew was a rushing TD and that just barely. One would have thought, looking at the scoreboard, he would have been a bigger factor. And a quick shout out to Mike Sims-Walker, strong with 91 yards and 2 TDs.

13) Peyton Manning has established himself as the best QB in the league so far this year. Kudos for passing Tarkington in career TDs. Only a matter of time for him to catch Marino and Favre?

14) Is JaMarcus Russell really this bad? 12 for 33, 128, no TDs? Really weak.

15) Steve Slaton broke free finally, with 89 combined yards and 2 TDs.

16) The ground game in Miami is going strong. Ronnie Brown with 115 and 2 TDs and Ricky Williams with 85 and 1 TD. Really strong.

17) There was a TO sighting... briefly. (3 catches for 60 yards)

18) The RBBC experiment in Buffalo is not off to such a good start. less than 50 yards between Jackson and Lynch. So, how are the Dolphins making it work?

19) San Francisco really kicked the Ram's tail. Three defensive TDs? Ridiculous! Sick!

Today's Hottie: Shanna Olson

Spin Spit and Injury Round-up

This is a week where some disappointments are going to get on track and some top performers might slow a bit. Take a peek as I spit forth my twisted knowledge and some injury news I have gleaned from across the World Internet! Basically here are guys I would start, with some obvious selections and a couple that maybe aren't.

Put these guys in the game if you have 'em:
Quarterbacks
- Peyton Manning will carve up the Seahawks like Thanksgiving turkey. All systems are go for the Colts as Seattle comes to town.
- I might give Jay Culter the nod against Detroit. The Lions defense is nothing to write home about and it seems as though he is starting to find his rythm with his receiving corp, not just with the opposing team.
- Matt Schaub should have a strong game against the Raiders, but don't look for Andre Johnson to be the primary recipiant, see Kevin Walter below.

Runningbacks
- This is starting to sound like a broken record and fantasy owners are still waiting for Forte to break out and post a strong game. It could come this week against the Lions.
- Adrian Peterson should start in all leagues, all the time, no questions, but expect a really good game from him this week. He will shred the Packers.
- I have seen Cedric Benson listed as low as #19 on some start lists. Crazy. He is running strong and with a purpose. Bet the Chicago fans are wondering where in the hell this version of Benson was in the Windy City! Cleveland really stinks and doesn't really have a prayer of stopping him. He is a MUST start this week.
- Frank Gore would have been a must start against the Rams and I am putting Glen Coffee, his replacement, on my start list. Start him and have a good day Sunday.
- Brandon Jacobs will post a strong game against the Chefs, plus he is motivated from his "do better or I will retire" comment early this week.
- I would definately start Chris Johnson in Jacksonville, no questions.

Wide Receivers:
- Kevin Walter will benefit from The Asomugha effect. Johnson will be bottled up, and Schaub will be looking for Walter instead.
- Santana Moss will use his speed and shred the horrible Bucs secondary like almost everyone else has this year so far.
- I like Devin Hester to find the end zone and have a few grabs against Detriot.
- I like Jennings in Minnesota. Call it a hunch. Driver will struggle and Rodgers will remember his Pro Bowl wide out on the other side, especially on quick slants and short outs.
- I like Pierre Garcon. Peyton seems to like him too. He might even catch 2 TDs this week.
- I am not a Ocho Cinco fan, not with all his antics and crap, but he will tear it up against the Browns. Hell, my grandmother tossing it to her sister could find their way into the Dog Pound the way things are in Cleveland.

Tight Ends
- Dallas Clark is on my must start list until further notice!
- I would put Chris Cooley in my line up this week. The Bucs cannot stop anyone passing... or running for that matter.

As for these guys, get 'em some pine time!
Quarterbacks:
Disclaimer - I would definately start some of these guys, but temper my expectations
- Joe Flacco will struggle in New England, so don't expect the same strong numbers, look for 200+ and a TD perhaps
- Tom Brady will also have problems in the same match up as Flacco. The Ravens defense is still strong and while I would expect a couple TDs and 220+, I don't know that he will do much more.
- I really like what I am seeing from the Jets D and they will harrass and frustrate the Saints, bottling up both the running game and the passing game. This will be a tough game for Drew Brees and the entire Saints team.
- Aaron Rodgers could even be benched this week if you have another option with a good match up, if not, stick with him but he will be limited.

Runningbacks:
- The 49'er Defense bottled up AP a bit last week and would have beat the Vikings if not for the heroics of Brett Favre. I don't think Steven Jackson will do any better.
- The Green Bay offensive line looks aweful so far this year, with Aaron Rodgers already getting happy feet and opening very few legitimate holes for Ryan Grant. I don't think the Williamses' will give him much room. If you have better matchups out there, sit Grant.
- Marshawn Lynch should not start on your team. His is back from his suspension, but Fred Jackson has played so well, the Bills can't keep him on the bench. Rust and a RBBC will not give Lynch a great opportunity this week. Besides the Dolphins have been stout against the run.
- Fred Taylor is like Curtis Martin later in his career, simple a solid, good back. But the Ravens will shut him down like they do most people, and with the Patriots tendancy towards the pass, look elsewhere for your back this weekend.
- Pierre Thomas will struggle along with the rest of the Saints, even if I owned him, I don't think I would start him.

Wide Receivers:
- Andre Johnson should start in EVERY league, but as mentioned before, the Asomugha effect will slow him.
- Marques Colston will have the Revis effect, the east coast version, but more potent. Revis is my Defensive MVP so far this year.- If you are thinking of starting TO, get your head examined.
- Donald Driver should take a seat this week, unless you really need him in a flex spot or something.
- Bobby Wade will have some good days in KC, not this weekend against the Giants.

Tight Ends:
- John Carlson takes a seat, with Hasslebeck still side lined
- The Jets are shutting down just about everything and will shut down Jeremy Shockey too.

Injury Round-up: Just the significant ones
- Matt Hasslebeck is said to be out this week again.
- Marc Bulger is out with Kyle Boller starting in his spot.
- LaDainian Tomlinson is back this week, but expect him to share duties with Darren Sproles. The Chargers will be careful with him.
- Frank Gore is out as I mentioned above, could be for a few weeks
- Felix Jones is out for Dallas, and Marion Barber is a game time decision, keep an eye out Sunday morning
- Wes Welker is questionable, but as always with all of the Hoodie's injuries, keep your eye open Sunday.

Today's Hottie: Krystal Klear

Hate / Love

Back for another addition? The usual participants, Matthews (The Talented Mr Roto), Jamey Eisenberg and you guessed it... me.

ESPN's Matthew Berry - Love / Hate list

In one moment, Derek Anderson is behind the wood shed taking a beating from Mr. Roto, but in the next, he is moving Braylon Edwards up his charts. Oxymoron! I would bet Anderson has a solid game, not great, but ok, and Edwards will be better too, just from the verticle abilities of Anderson... the two go hand in hand. He also tossed Josh Cribs on the fire, which, how in the hell can two Browns receivers be Loved, but Anderson Hated? Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do!

Nate Burleson is a stretch, even if the Colts blitz the hell out of Seattle, Seneca Wallace is just not a quality NFL QB, that is why he is a career back up. The combination of a consistently over rated Burleson with a not so great Wallace make it a complete reach.

Who would have thought a year ago that the Jaquars against the Titans would be a fantasy football passing game feast? Well, guess what, it still is not. Granted, both teams have serious secondary and pass defense issues, but they both still have tier 3 QBs tossing the ball and better running backs than most. I don't see Justin Gage or Mike Sims-Walker posting more than pedastrian numbers.

I can agree with Berry's assessment to sit John Carlson and will do that until Matt Hasslebeck returns on my own team. I also like putting Andre Johnson owners on alert, but you CANNOT sit the best WR in the league, despite past performances. While the past is a good predicter of the future, it is not sure fire, that is why everyone isn't doing it all the time.

Terrell Owens is no my bench until further notice.
And interesting to find Tony Romo also walking the plank immediately after TO. But, I have to agree, against a surprising Denver D, he will struggle, especially since he has stunk it up since the opener.

CBS Sportsline's Jamey Eisenberg - Start 'Em and Sit 'Em

Jamey is singing the praises of Jay Cutler, and he has had two better games since the disaster at Lambeau. I would rank Cutler just outside the tops tiers this week in Detroit. And with that, I would agree that Aaron Rodgers is not a good play in Minnesota, but he is still an upper tier 2 QB and it is hard to sit him, unless you have a backup with a great match up.

I like the Carson Palmer start, both Eisenberg and Berry did too. Against the hapless Browns, he should have all day to throw to the rejuvinated Ocho Cinco and good supporting wide out group.

I also like the sleeper alert, Kyle Orton. I just have a feeling he might do well too.
New England shut down the other sophmore sensation, Matt Ryan last week. I see them doing it again with Joe Flacco.

Again, I will reiterate my thoughts on Jaqs v Titans. I can't get all excited about either QB, whether named Kerry or David, so I am half in agreement with Eisenberg.

Benson is a good start, so I agree with both the pundits, but both also listed Julius Jones as a must start. Not in my book. Seattle will be behind early and often and will need to throw it. The only way Jones has a big day is some out of the backfield work. Ten Ginn is NOT a sleeper or even on the fantasy radar right now. Rookie QB basically, and no production so far, I just don't see that he is even worth a mention.

Roy Williams and TJ Housh(man-whatever) are both good sits. Williams is just not clicking in the Dallas offense or with Romo, and TJ almost MIA in Seattle.

Darrelle Revis is becoming the best shut-down corner in the game, having blanked Andre Johnson, Randy Moss and whoever from Tennessee. Colston will make three prime time wide outs he shuts down.

It is still too early to proclaim Vernon Davis a must start. I have to see at least some consistancy from the physical freak before I proclaim him more than a spot starter.

More next week. Out!

Today's Hottie: Carla Starr

Projections... SWAGs?

SWAG! Stupid Wild Ass Guesses. That is exactly what predicting the National Football League is. You might as well consult an astrologist and see if 100 yard and 2 TDs are in the stars for Randy Moss, or have a palm reader scan Steve Slaton's paws to see if he can finally get his swagger on. Ready for my SWAGs?

- I have seen Andre Johnson lined up as a lock for 100+ and at least one TD, but not so far. Oakland might not be the best team, but they do have the best cover corner in the league, you know that guy... Nnamdi Asomugha. I would definately start Johnson, but temper your expectations just bit, 80 yards and perhaps no TD.
- This might be iffy, but I think Santana Moss is going to have a good day. Against one of the worst pass defenses in the league in Tampa Bay, good yardage and a TD is not a stretch here.
- Greg Jennings has been struggling this year, mainly because the Packer O-line stinks and Aaron Rodgers is the most hassled QB in the league. I would not expect big things from either this weekend in the Dome in Minneapolis against the strong Viking's defense. Perhap 50 yards for Jennings and a tempered 200 and one score for Rodgers.
- Terrell Owens is permanently on the bench right now until he gets more than a couple scattered rocks tossed his way and a score. He won't get either this weekend.
- Steve Smith, yeah, the better Steve Smith these days will continue his solid play against the poor Chiefs D, 80+ and a TD, probably 8 or so ball possession receptions too.
- Ok, here is my reach of the week, Brandon Marshall will expose the porous Dallas secondary and post his first strong game, with 100+ and a TD... yeah, I know, this is a bit of a reach.
- The Ravens are going to bring pressure, like everyone is trying against Tom Teriffic. If Welker starts, play him, he is good for 10 catches and 80+ and maybe a TD.
- Temper your expectations for Steven Jackson this week. He is a tremendous back on a bad team, and San Fran, this week's opponent, shut down the best back in the league (well, slowed him down) last week. 80 yards and no TD, maybe a few receptions and some yards.
- Jerome Harrison is NOT the next coming of Marshal Faulk. He faces a surprisingly tough Cincy D and will flop against it this weekend, 50 combined yards.
- Matt Forte will get his swag on and murder the Lions, 100+ combined and at least one TD.
- Chris Johnson will get back on track this weekend and surpass 100 (maybe 120) against the suddenly poor Jaquars defense, and I think he will score multiple times.
- Along with Rodgers and Jennings, put Grant down for the week too, the Vikings will limit him (I think the Vikes are going to shut down the Packers, even if I bleed Green and Gold).
- AP on the other hand will expose the Packer defense and pass the century mark and score twice. I also see a long pass reception score.
- The Benson train keeps rolling this weekend right through C-town, no stopping (Cedric will have 100+ and 2 TDs)
- Pierre Thomas will have a tough go against the tough Jets gang, no more than 50 rushing yards, but he might get a few check downs as the Jets harry Drew Brees.
- I haven't mentioned Peyton Manning so far this year, but I do this week. Seattle is the all-hospital team, in fact, I hear they are going to start playing in the parking lot of Seattle General Hospital... Manning carves the' Hawks up for 300+ and 2 TDs.
- Joe Flacco is a great, up and coming QB, but the Hoodie will have a few things up his sleeve and limit his production, 220 perhaps and a score, no more.
- Drew Brees and the Saints tooks what was given to them against Buffalo last week, but this week, it will just be the Jets shutting them down, although not entirely, 225 and a TD here.
- Big Ben will need to score against the Chargers, and since Pittsburgh has not shown they can commit to the run or that they CAN run it, he will take to the air, 280+ and 2 TDs.
- Brett Favre could have a good day, but he won't need to. The Vikings stick to their formula, running the ball first, and since that will work, there will be no need for Favre to put the ball up... 180 and maybe one score (to AP)
- Ok, there was a Vernon Davis sighting this last weekend, but let's not get too excited, he will go back to mediocre this week, even against the lowly Lambs.
- Dallas Clark will continue to roll, Peyton loves him and why not, 80+ and a TD... again.
Now, remember, this is all SWAG, but hell, a kinda educated one... oh whatever... take it or leave it!

Today's Hottie: Eva Sandoval