Top 32 Fantasy Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning, Broncos
2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
3. Drew Brees, Saints
4. Andrew Luck, Colts
5. Matthew Stafford, Lions
6. Matt Ryan, Falcons
7. Nick Foles, Eagles
8. Cam Newton, Panthers
9. Tony Romo, Cowboys
10. Tom Brady, Patriots
11. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers
12. Russell Wilson, Seahawks
13. Robert Griffin III, Redskins
14. Jay Cutler, Bears
15. Philip Rivers, Chargers
16. Andy Dalton, Bengals
17. Carson Palmer, Cardinals
18. Ben Roesthlisberger, Steelers
19. Josh McCown, Buccaneers
20. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins
21. Alex Smith, Chiefs
22. E.J. Manuel, Bills
23. Eli Manning, Giants
24. Joe Flacco, Ravens
25. Johnny Manziel, Browns
26. Teddy Bridgewater, Vikings
27. Sam Bradford, Rams
28. Matt Schaub, Raiders
29. Michael Vick, Jets
30. Chad Henne, Jaguars
31. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Texans
32. Jake Locker, Titans

Manning is still the top guy, Rodgers and maybe Brees will go in 1st round or early 2nds.  After that there is a gap to me.  I'd wait awhile.  QBs ranked 4-13 may not be separated by all that much.

The health of Tom Brady's weapons scare me.  The health of Robert Griffin III himself, scares me.  Cam Newton doesn't have any weapons.  Nick Foles will throw more INTs this year, but how many more?  

Manziel and Bridgewater are the only rookies on the Top 32 as we stand right now mid-August.  They should start Week 1 but we have to wait and see.  Little value in normal leagues, but dynasties or those stupid 2-QB leagues they could be drafted.  

I'll have RB - WR - TE - Sleepers - Rookies throughout the month.  

The Sports Hub Fantasy Football Show starts on Sunday, August 24th (8:00-10:00am), and will run every Sunday throughout the regular season.  

NFL Week 1 Thoughts

Week 1 is over and Week 2 is just two nights away.  (Not sure if I love the idea of Thursday night NFL games, EVERY week, but I'm sure I'll get used to it).  Anyway, what did we learn from the first weekend?

Peyton Manning looks good.  Real good.  I thought that 4 neck surgeries might slow down the 36 year old.  Guess not.  He lit up the Steelers on Sunday night, and now we must all consider the Broncos to be a contender... still not a favorite by any means, it's just Week 1, but still a contender for sure.

Joe Flacco might almost be as good as he thinks he is.  Ok, that can't happen.  By the sounds of that guy he thinks he's better than Montana.  Either way, Flacco went for 299 yards and 2 touchdowns in Baltimore's easy win over the Bengals last night.  The no-huddle offense may work, let's see them play a better defense first.  (Yes I know Cincinnati made the playoffs last year, how'd they look last night?)

Adrian Peterson is good to go.  84 yards and 2 touchdowns for AP after all the talk that he might have to really ease into the season coming off knee surgery.  He looked good... real good in fact for a "game-time decision."

Brandon Lloyd, despite missing a deep 1st half connection with Brady, already looks way more comfortable in the Patriots offense than Chad Ochocinco ever did.  In fact the new #85 is only 10 catches shy of tying the old #85's reception total from all of last year.

What's up with Wes Welker?  122 catches last year, and just 3 little dink passes in Week 1.  A message by the team or just an off week.  I'm not sure.

Stevan Ridley could be a monster for the Pats.  One of the best passing teams in the NFL may have themselves a 1,200+ yard back.  The 2nd year RB from LSU ripped off 125 yards vs. the Titans on Sunday.

The Jets looked great, the Bills looked like crap.  Great debate all preseason about which team would finish 2nd in the AFC East.  Well the two choices (Miami will be a distant 4th), faced off Week 1 and it was all New York.  Mark Sanchez was a stud, Bills D was weak, and Fred Jackson got hurt, again.  Yikes.

Rookie QBs:  Robert Griffin III was AWESOME.  The Skins beat the Saints in New Orleans, and it was all about the Heisman winner.  RG3 made it look easy, the rest of the rookie starters.... not so much.

Russell Wilson of the Seahawks almost pulled out a victory, although he wasn't very good... but how about these piles of crap.

Andrew Luck - Ryan Tannehill - Brandon Weedon = 1 TD & 10 INTs, (0-3 record).

49ers are a complete team.  The defense is the best in the league.  Frank Gore is solid, Alex Smith is good enough and now they have receivers.

Randy Moss!  Back in the league and back in the end zone.  His 154th career TD reception breaks the tie with Terrell Owens and moves him into 2nd place behind only Jerry Rice.

Packers and Steelers are the best teams that should have the most concerns.

Matt Ryan had an eagle of a day.  With Julio Jones (2 TDs), Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, and Michael Turner, the Falcons should be a VERY high scoring team.

But with any reactions you hear, it was still just 1 week.  Looking forward to Week 2, although I need to get used to this quick turnaround.  Packers vs. Bears on Thursday.


-Keefe

Trying to understand the Colts and Redskins

Update 3/11/12, 11:39am: According to ESPN's dynamic duo of Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter, sources close to Manning say he's narrowed his choices to Denver and Arizona. Suprised that Miami isn't a bigger contender, but Denver would be interesting. Catch the story here: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7672173/2012-free-agency-peyton-manning-favors-denver-broncos-arizona-cardinals-sources-say

As I sit here on Sunday morning in San Francisco, watching golf and waiting for this brief bout with constipation to end, I thought it was the perfect time to sum up some thoughts from conversations with folks this week regarding the Colts and Redskins and their bold moves in recent days.

At face value, a lot of people questioned the moves by both teams - the Colts releasing 14-year veteran and arguably the greatest QB of his era, Peyton manning, and the Redskins trading three 1st rounds picks (2012 - 2014) and a 2nd-round pick to move up four spots in the 2012 draft for RG3. I'm here to tell you why I agree with the Colts decision and disagree with the Redskins, and why I find the timing of both moves ironic. I'll start with the Colts.

I get why a lot of people think it's a stupid move. Manning is one of the best in the game, has been the QB for the last 14 years, and their now banking on Andrew Luck being their (successful) franchise QB for the next 10-15 seasons. It's a huge risk. Luck isn't a lock. He hasn't taken an NFL snap. And aside from his neck, which has been medically cleared by doctors, there's no reason to think Manning's skills have diminished.

But let's not forget that the Colts were on the hook for $28 million with Manning. And that was just a one-year option. He turns 36 this year, and while he could easily play into his 40's, you just don't know. Yet 15 years ago, the Colts were coming on a 3-13 season, in need of a franchise QB. They selected Manning as their man. And while they easily could have stuck with Manning to remain competitive in the next few years, look at what's around him. He doesn't have a great backfield anymore - Addai can't stay healthy and productive, the other guys suck - and the defense is getting old and remains unreliable. It was the perfect time to clean house, start over, and rebuild like they did 15 years ago. Manning went 3-13 in his first year, then 13-3 in 1999 after the Colts trade Marshall Faulk to the Rams and drafted Edgerrin James in the 1st round. Not to say Luck will follow a similar path, but the Colts now will have their QB at a much lower price, especially given the rookie salary cap in place, and can begin their rebuilding process. You have to believe they'll have a high pick in 2013, so they can add another important piece, such as a top-flight RB, to help compliment Luck in 2013 and beyond.

Meanwhile, I think the best spot for Manning is naturally Miami. He lives there in the offseason and will have some great weapons around him with Brandon Marshall and Davone Bess at WR, and Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas in the backfield. The Dolphins lack a legit TE weapon, an asset Manning has always enjoyed having, but perhaps he'll make a guy like Anthony Fasano better than what he's been.

The Broncos and Cardinals are also interesting choices. Denver could bring in Manning and instantly become a Super Bowl contender. The team made the AFC Divisional playoffs with a brutal offense under Tim Tebow. The Broncos are built on defense. But with Manning at QB, that team suddenly becomes well-rounded with the ability to produce proficiently on both sides of the ball. And in the long-term, Tebow can learn from one of the greats for a few years, grow as a QB, then move back under center when Manning moves on. At that point, you have to believe given Tebow's work ethic and penchant for winning, that he'll become a legitimate threat on the ground and through the air that can keep a winning tradition in Denver once Manning moves on.

For the Cardinals, Manning would give Larry Fitzgerald a competent human being to throw him the ball. Fitz is the best WR in the game, hands down (or up, however you want to look at it). Beanie Wells can run the rock, and that would be a nice trio competing in the NFC West. While the emergence of the 49ers makes that division more competitive, it's still up for the taking.

I think the decision by the Colts was a bold one, but it benefits the franchise, Manning, and the NFL in the long run. The Colts can rebuild, Manning can start fresh and finish his career with a team he hand picks, make them a contender, and bring hope to that franchise while shifting the axis of power in the NFL. Chances are, the AFC or NFC will have a new team competing at the top of the heap that hasn't been there in some time. The Dolphins, Broncos and Cardinals all fit the mold.

That's where I find the Redskins situation an interesting one. Was this team not the perfect fit to court Manning? Rex freaking Grossman was the quarterback. Disgusting. Why not sign Manning, albeit for $28 million, put him in the same division as Eli, ride him for a few years and grab a young QB that you can season under his leadership to take over when he's done? Instead, they've traded 2012 draft picks with the Rams, given them their 1st round picks in 2013 and 2014 and a 2nd rounder in there just to draft RG3. In that division, he's probably not going to find consistent success for a few years when he's seasoned and groomed. Even Cam Newton, perhaps the best young, talented QB in the NFL right now, isn't finding consistently winning to be easy in the NFL. Yet the Redskins can't use draft picks in the next couple years to add any pieces around RG3. Why do you ask? Because they traded them away!

Meanwhile, the Rams should be expelled from the NFL if they aren't winning by 2015. If you can't make it work with all those 1st round picks you have now, that's just awful.

Alright I'm done. Still constipated.

-Bess

Bowl Games Worth Watching

The Bowl Schedule has been out for a few days, but it takes at least that long to truly digest the fact that there are 35 different bowl games. 70 of the 120 Division 1-A teams will play in a bowl. Let that sink in. Quick math says that over 58% of the teams in the country make it to a friggin bowl game. I know that's not new this season, but it doesn't make it any less ridiculous. So with a plethora of 6-6 teams (even a 6-7 UCLA team which got in cause it lost in the Conference Championship game) which games are worth watching this year? Here is the list.

New Mexico Bowl- Wyoming (8-4) vs. Temple (8-4)
December 17, Saturday, 2:00pm ESPN

What the hell? Yes I start with Wyo vs. Temple. The reasons are simple. 1. My Dad went to Wyoming and we don't get to see them on TV very often. 2. It's the first Bowl game of the year. 3. Well, that's it.


Las Vegas Bowl- Boise State (11-1) vs. Arizona State (6-6)
December 22, Thursday, 8:00pm ESPN

Boise State had a real shot at the BCS Title Game this season. The loss to TCU bumped them for that, and little did we know at the time, also knocked from any BCS Bowl, or even one after Christmas! Coach Peterson was outspoken about the BCS, does this mean they beat the balls off the coach-less Sun Devils? I say yes. Also the final college game of one of the great QB's of all time Kellen Moore.


Alamo Bowl- Baylor (9-3) vs. Washington (7-5)
December 29, Thursday, 9:00pm ESPN

My Heisman winner Robert Griffin III leads his Bears against Sophomore QB Keith Price and the Huskies. I say Griffin wins the trophy, plays one last college game, and heads into the 1st round. This is the game for you if you've missed Baylor this year.


Rose Bowl- Oregon (11-2) vs. Wisconsin (11-2)
January 2, Monday, 5:00pm ESPN

It's the Pac-12 Champ vs. the Big 10 Champ. Oregon's high flying offense led by head coach (and New Hampshire native) Chip Kelly square off against Heisman finalist RB Montee Ball and Heisman candidate QB Russell Wilson. Ball will be going for the TD record in this one (although he will have played 3 MORE games than Barry Sanders). Teams like this also make you long for a playoff.


Fiesta Bowl- Oklahoma State (11-1) vs. Stanford (11-1)
January 2, Monday, 8:30pm ESPN

Andrew Luck vs. Brandon Weeden. Toss in the best WR in the nation, OK State's Justin Blackmon and I am in. I also believe the Cowboys should be in the title game vs. LSU. If OSU can blow out Stanford they will definitely garner some 1st place votes (if LSU loses).


Cotton Bowl- Arkansas (10-2) vs. Kansas State (10-2)
January 6, Friday, 8:00pm FOX

It may not be the SEC vs. Big 12 match up that I wanted to see, but it's still pretty intriguing. Conference bragging rights will be on the line.


BCS Championship Game- LSU (13-0) vs. Alabama (11-1)
January 9, Monday, 8:30pm ESPN

I was going to boycott the game, but the fact is, at worst its a match up of 2 of the top 3 teams in the country. I don't like it, but I'll watch. My biggest problems.
-We already saw this game.
-It was 9-6.
-Alabama had their chance.
-There are other deserving teams. (See: Oklahoma State)
-If Bama wins a close game (say by 3) then what?
-You can win a National Championship without winning a Conference Championship?

In summary, I am interested in 7/35 of the Bowls. (20%). And that might be high compared to you.

What about something different, like, oh, I don't know, a PLAYOFF!

8- Team Tournament: (Higher seeds host games until Title Game)

1. LSU
8. Kansas State

4. Stanford
5. Oregon

3. Oklahoma State
6. Arkansas

2. Alabama
7. Boise State

Good Lord! I am in on that! (How bad is KSU, ARK, Boise missing out on this and a Top 5 Bowl Game, brutal.)

WE WANT A PLAYOFF!

-Keefe

Keefe's Heisman Ballot

Believe it or not, I actually DON'T have a Heisman vote. I'm just as surprised as you are. Apparently the Heisman people(?) take The Sports Brief as some kind of "amateur blog." Whatever. If I had a vote this is how my Top 10 would look.

10. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
113 receptions (2nd in NCAA), 1,336 yards (7th), 15 TDs (t-3rd)

9. Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin
2,879 yards passing, 31 TD - 3 INT, 191.6 QB Rating (2nd)

8. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
3,507 yards passing, 41 TD (2nd) - 7 INT, 176.8 QB Rating (4th)

7. Tyrann Mathieu, CB/PR, LSU
71 tackles, 2 INT, 1.5 sacks, 2 punt return TDs

6. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
1,759 yards rushing (1st), 32 rush TD (1st), 38 total TD (1st)

5. Case Keenum, QB, Houston
5,099 yards passing (1st), 45 TD (1st) - 5 INT, 177.9 QB Rating (3rd)

4. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
3,528 yards passing, 39 TD (3rd) - 7 INT, 161.8 QB Rating (8th)

3. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
3,170 yards passing, 35 TD (5th) - 9 INT, 167.5 QB Rating (5th)

2. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
1,583 rushing yards (6th), 20 TD (5th) 23 total TD

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
3,998 yards (6th), 36 TD (4th) - 6 INT, 192.3 QB Rating (1st), 644 rushing yards, 9 TD rush


There you have it. The finalists in New York should be Griffin, Richardson, Luck, Barkley. If Houston could have capped off a perfect season I would have invited Keenum, but after losing to Southern Miss, sorry you got to sit home.

Also while we are on the subject of college football, what a joke the bowls are. I mean Virgina Tech is in the Sugar Bowl?? They suck. They lost twice to Clemson and didn't beat a good team ALL season. Meanwhile Boise State, Arkansas, Kansas State, and Baylor are all in weaker (less profitable) bowls. And how about Michigan getting in over Michigan State to a BCS Bowl. Awful. Not to mention I am not looking forward to a rematch of a game that was 9-6 for our National Championship. Sucks.

-Keefe