The NFL vs The WWE: AFC South

Moving right along with our penultimate post in this series, comparing the teams in the AFC South to WWE Superstars.

- Houston Texans: Cody Rhodes
          I have been waiting for Cody Rhodes to get his (well-deserved) push for about three years, and it still hasn't happened.  He is a great wrestler.  He is good on the mic.  He has the family history, being the son of Dusty Rhodes and brother of Dustin "Goldust" Rhodes.  He is loaded with potential, but has yet to get over that hump to super-stardom.  The Houston Texans are exactly the same.  We know they have a ton of talent.  They are just a massive ball of untapped potential.  Two straight trips to the playoffs are nice.  A Super Bowl is nicer.  Is the third time the charm?

- Indianapolis Colts: Kane
          Kane is one of my all time favorite wrestlers, and even though he has been the same character for 16 years, he has managed to reinvent himself by pairing with younger stars he can help push.  The latest of these was his teaming with Daniel Bryan, or his feuds with The Shield and The Wyatt Family.  And infusion of young stars helps his character stay fresh.  The Colts weren't exactly a young team when Peyton Manning left. They got rid of some of their older players, and hooked up with #1 pick Andrew Luck.  He has been great, and now the Colts are back to being a playoff contender.

- Tennessee Titans: Kofi Kingston
          I like Kofi, I really do.  He is super fun to watch.  The problem is that he is stuck in the mid-card.  He needs some tweaks to his character or his style to push himself to the next level.  The same can be said about the Titans.  They aren't a terrible team, they just don't have the talent to be a true contender.  Chris Johnson hasn't been himself in years, making us wonder if he is on the downside of his career.  Jake Locker still needs to prove that he can be a starting QB in the NFL.  Kenny Britt needs to show he can stay health and out of trouble.  If they are able to take care of some of these issues, then I could see them making a run.  Until then, they are just middle of the pack.

- Jacksonville Jaguars- Hornswoggle
          The Jaguars aren't exactly a good team.  To be fair, they are pretty awful.  They seem to just be around these days for the amusement of the rest of the NFL.  That's the reason why Hornswoggle is in the WWE.  He is a leprechaun (or just vertically challenged) whose best friend is a 7'1 man from Punjab, India.  He dances, he throws out t-shirts, he makes kids happy.  We don't expect to see him in the main event any time soon, and we feel bad if some bigger guy is picking on him, but we don't take him that seriously as a wrestler.  He's there for our entertainment, just like the Jaguars.

Our journey concludes in the next post, the AFC West.  Join us, won't you?

The NFL vs The WWE: AFC North

Welcome back!  Now time to compare the teams of the AFC North to WWE Superstars.

- Baltimore Ravens: Alberto Del Rio
          The current World Heavyweight Champion is, in my opinion, kind of boring.  Sure, he wrestles well, and always seems to hit people really hard, but I am not entirely sure how he has managed to remain a main event player so consistently since he debuted.  This is pretty much exactly how I feel about the Ravens, and I like them!  The Ravens will knock you out, have been in the playoffs the previous 5 seasons, and won the Super Bowl last year.  However, there doesn't seem to be anything that spectacular about them.  They may not be the best team to watch, but they manage to stay at a high level all the time.  Furthermore, Ray Lewis, the mouthpiece of the Ravens, is now gone.  Ricardo Rodriguez, ADR's ring announcer, is now teamed with someone else too.  Funny how that works.

- Pittsburgh Steelers: Brock Lesnar
          The Steelers are one of the best run franchises in all of sports.  They are extremely physical, intimidating, and tough.  Even when they aren't around the playoffs, they will make sure they hit you hard.
They are a perfect comparison to Brock Lesnar.  He is a monster that always makes sure his opponents feel the most pain possible.  He takes some breaks from being on TV, but comes back stronger and crazier each time.  Its a shame that he has already tried to be in the NFL and failed, because he sure does look like he would be the perfect kind of player for the Steelers.

- Cincinnati Bengals- Sheamus
          FELLA!  Yes, the biggest Irishman you will ever lay your eyes on is my pick for the Bengals.  After all, both hit hard, seem to be fairly consistent these days at being good but not great, and both are overshadowed by the other guys in their division (the Heavyweight division, for Sheamus).  Not stopping there, both the Bengals and the Celtic Warrior are kind of boring.  Yes, they have occasional moments of flash and brilliance, such as AJ Green's spectacular catches, or Sheamus' electric Brogue Kick.  But on the whole, they don't do much to really wow you.  Finally, of course, both Sheamus and Andy Dalton are gingers.  Perfect.  I wonder if Andy is related to Beaker also...

- Cleveland Browns- The WWE Divas
          Ok, so the Browns are the Divas, only not nearly as much fun to look at.  They have some talent, sure.  They have a strong, dependable and underrated back in Trent Richardson.  The Divas have Natalya, who really should always be fighting for the title, but isn't because she isn't dating John Cena or something like that.  Really, neither the Browns nor the Divas have any kind of direction, which is a shame.  Both have great histories.  Jim Brown was a Brown!  Trish Stratus was a Diva!  Oh well.  Now both are just painful to watch.  I don't really expect much from either one of them any time soon, though I'd be happy if both were better.


The next entry?  The AFC South.  Only a week until the season!

The NFL vs The WWE: AFC East

Back from vacation with the second half of our comparison between NFL teams and WWE Superstars.

- New England Patriots: John Cena
          The Champ Is Here!  Well... not really.  In fact, Cena is out 4-8 months after finally succumbing to a tricep tear that made his elbow look like it had a baseball growing out of it.  He may be out as long as Gronk!  But, to be fair, this is why the Patriots are the John Cena of the NFL- they are always around the title picture.  The Patriots have been one of the best teams in football since Tom Brady took the reigns in 2001.  The naysayers insist that they aren't that good, or that Brady is overrated, but that simply isn't the case.  Sure, some teams may be more entertaining to watch, and some may even be better coached, but it is hard to argue with the consistent production of the Pats.  John Cena has won the title 13 times.  He has been in some of the best matches the past ten years.  These are facts.  The icing on the cake?  Despite both being good, they are very hate-able to a part of their sport's fan base.  The Patriots are the evil empire that wins too much, and Cena is hated by the "smart" fans who think other (better?) wrestlers deserve his spot.  And hey, Cena is from Massachusetts.  Its a perfect fit.

- Miami Dolphins: The Usos
          Jimmy and Jay Uso are the sons of former WWE Superstar Rikishi (a fan favorite), so you know that they have the pedigree.  They are up-and-coming in the tag divisions, having recently received a mini-push by feuding with The Shield for the tag team belts.  They have a ton of potential.  The Dolphins are a popular pick to make some noise in the AFC East this year, with Ryan Tannehill, Lamar Miller, Mike Wallace and that defense showing signs of improvement from last season's 7-9 record.  The fact that they signed my friend AJ Francis as a free agent helps too, of course.  If they are able to put it together, they could make a splash just like the Usos seem poised to do.

- Buffalo Bills: Antonio Cesaro
          A Swiss wrestler of Italian descent that speaks 5 languages?  Very international.  A team that may move to Canada soon?  Also international!  Yes, the Bills and Cesaro seem like a fairly good fit.  They both have talent (just watch Cesaro's matches vs quality opponents, and then watch CJ Spiller gash up a defense), but they seem to lack some direction.  Cesaro isn't exactly enthralling on the mic, so he has been bumped back to xenophobic tag team wrestler with Jack Swagger's Real Americans.  The Bills have a new coach (who I wish was still at Syracuse...), a new QB (who is injured), an old owner and the threat of moving from their city.  They could both use an upgrade back to relevance.

- New York Jets: TNA Impact Wrestling
          This is kind of a low blow... to TNA.  They put a good product into the ring some times, especially with the X Division (their Knockouts division destroys the WWE Divas division as well).  But they are just not on the same league with the WWE.  Their storylines can be dreadful and outdated.  Sometimes their product is just unwatchable.  That is EXACTLY like the Jets.  They will probably win a few games this year, somehow.  The Jets, though, just seem to be the worst run franchise in the NFL, if not all of sports!  I have many friends who are Jets fans, including my best friend from college.  They are all threatening mutiny.  They need a massive overhaul if they want to play with the big boys.


Next up, perhaps the most physical division in the NFL (mostly), the AFC North.

The NFL vs The WWE: NFC West

Time to wrap up the NFC portion of my fan favorite column comparing NFL teams to WWE Superstars.  We end out in the NFC West:

- San Francisco 49ers: Randy Orton
          So, you may recall that, in my post about the Falcons being like Daniel Bryan, I said DBry would be the champ (but not for long).  I was right!  Randy Orton cashed in Money In The Bank last night and is the new WWE Champion.  He is the apex predator of the WWE- he hits hard, he hurts you, he is always dangerous and is a threat to be the champ.  The new attitude that Jim Harbaugh brought to the 49ers is just like that.  It seems that, with their defense, an evolving offense and a great coach, it is only a matter of time before the NFC Champions win the big one.

- Seattle Seahawks- The Shield
          The Shield came on the scene suddenly and impressed the hell out of everyone.  They were able to surprise some of the established stars of the WWE en route to winning the Tag Titles and the US Championship.  The Seahawks are that young, up-and-coming team that all the analysts drool over.  ESPN insists that Russell Wilson is the next big thing, even taking time off from talking about RG3's knee to praise the diminutive Seahawks signal caller.  Their defense is strong, tough and doesn't always play by the rules.  I'm not sure either will carry their momentum that well into the fall, but it will be entertaining to watch regardless.


- St. Louis Rams- The Wyatt Family
          The new wild cards of the WWE are the Wyatts.  Rumor has it they are in line for a big push, and they have the perfect leader to do it in Bray Wyatt, who is solid in ring and fantastic on the mic.  They are able to mess with your head and intimidate you.  Shockingly, the Rams are becoming a comparable organization.  While the offense still needs some work, the additions of Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens and Jared Cook should actually provide Sam Bradford with real weapons for the first time in his career.  Their defense is young and getting better, led by Chris Long.  Plus, like Bray Wyatt, the Rams have an intimidating leader whose followers buy into everything he says, and will do whatever it takes to win.  Jeff Fisher is the most intimidating coach in the NFL.  Just look at that mustache.

 

- Arizona Cardinals- Chris Jericho
          This one might be a bit of a stretch.  To be honest, when Y2J is around in the WWE, he is one of the best wrestlers on the roster at everything.  The problem is, he isn't always around.  He has other commitments outside of wrestling, including his band Fozzy which seems to be picking up steam.  This is kind of like the Cardinals.  A few years ago, when they were relevant, they were amazing.  Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald carried this once-sad franchise to and NFC title and a last-second Super Bowl loss.  But then, Kurt (like Jericho) went away.  They have the talent, especially in the persons of Fitz, Patrick Peterson and rookie Tyronne Mathieu (so they say. I will buy him when I see him perform in the big time and not get suspended).  They just need a QB to rise back above the jokes and the mid-card.



Next we move over to the AFC with the East division.  Stay tuned.

The NFL vs The WWE: NFC South

On to the NFC South division with our comparison of NFL teams with WWE superstars.


- Atlanta Falcons: Daniel Bryan
          It seems weird to say, since we all know Vince has never been too fond of the stars that don't have the prototypical WWE physique, but Daniel Bryan is about to become one of WWE's biggest stars.  There is a solid chance that he becomes the champion soon (though it may not be for that long), his matches are always exciting, and he is over with the crowd.  The Atlanta Falcons seem like that team just on the verge of massive success as well.  They finally got over the hump of not winning a playoff game under Matt Ryan.  Now, with an explosive offense led my Matty Ice, Julio Jones and Roddy White, the sky seems to be the limit.  Now, if only one of them would grow a Daniel Bryan-esque beard, the comparison would be perfect.  Could they win the Super Bowl this year?  YES! YES! YES!

- New Orleans Saints: Dolph Ziggler
          I don't know if I can name anyone (outside of Falcons fans, of which there are maybe 40) that hates the New Orleans Saints or how they play football.  Even last season, when they were hurt by suspensions surrounding Bounty Gate, more fans seemed to take their side instead of agreeing with Roger "Vince McMahon" Goodell.  They want to see the Saints do well because they are great to watch, and can steal the show every Sunday.  Dolph Ziggler is the smark's favorite wrestler.  He sells things perfectly.  He is great on the mic.  Even when he was a top heel, cheating to win, the fans loved him.  He won a title, then was hurt via concussion, but looks like is coming back better than ever, despite Vince "Roger Goodell" McMahon's refusal to push him.

- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jack Swagger
          Remember when the Bucs won the Super Bowl?  Didn't that seem weird to a lot of people?  I mean, sure, they had an awesome defense, but they just didn't seem like a championship team in the era where Brady and Manning were dominating.  The same can be said for Jack Swagger.  He was the World Champion, but I can't exactly remember anything about his title run.  He just doesn't seem to fit in with the Main Event players.  Both the Bucs and Swagger are looking to improve, and not just be stuck in the mid card for another year.

- Carolina Panthers- Tons of Funk
          Originally, I thought that the whole Brodus Clay "Funkasaurus" thing was cute.  It was like Rikishi in Too Cool, or Flash Funk.  Seemed like harmless fun.  Perfect for WWE-PG.  The thing with Rikishi, though, was that we knew that if he could actually wrestle if it was needed.  Still not sold on Brodus Clay.  Furthermore, the attempted re-branding of Lord Tensai (Albert...) as Sweet T only added to this joke because he hasn't won any kind of big match in WWE since he was teaming with Test (RIP).  Its the same thing with the Panthers.  Sure, Cam Newton can be fun to watch.  He is big, he runs a lot, he can throw a mile.  When he scores, he does a fun/easily-imitable "Super Man" move that the kids love.  The problem is, when the Panthers come to play on Sunday, they usually lose.  No one is afraid of them.  The Panthers, like Tons of Funk, need a re-branding if they want to be taken seriously.

Next up, we conclude the NFC with a look out West.

The NFL vs The WWE: NFC North

Part 2 of the fan favorite comparison between NFL teams and WWE Superstars.  Up next- the NFC North.

- Green Bay Packers: CM Punk
          Best In The Wooooorld!  Well, not currently, title-wise.  But it difficult to deny that CM Punk is the best all around superstar, combining in-ring ability, mic skills, merchandise sales, fan popularity and national recognition.  We he says he is the best, it is probably true.  And so it is with Aaron Rodgers.  Yes, Brees/Brady/Manning are still going strong in their Hall of Fame careers.  But it is very hard to argue against Aaron Rodgers as the best QB in the NFL.  He took over this crown in Green Bay from the great Brett Favre.  CM Punk took the beloved anti-hero role over from Stone Cold Steve Austin.  Even when Punk isn't on top of the WWE Title picture, we all know we want to see him most.  Same with Rodgers and the Packers.

- Minnesota Vikings: Curtis Axel/Wade Barrett
          What do you call the team that has everything except for that one missing piece that would vault them to success?  The Vikings.  I don't believe that Christian Ponder is a big time QB, but they made it to the playoffs in spite of him.  They have the best running back in football, a strong defense, but no real passing game.  Its just like Axel and Barrett.  We know they have the talent: they have been around since the Nexus days and have provided memorable in-ring moments.  Axel has the pedigree, his father being Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig.  Barrett has the presence, listed at 6'7, 250 lbs.  But they are both just missing that one thing that would thrust them into the main event picture.  I want the Vikings to solve their QB issues because they are great to watch otherwise.  I want Axel and Barrett to finally click with the fans/management and turn into the next generation of stars I know they can be.  But until then, in the NFL and WWE, they are just midcard players.

- Chicago Bears: Mark Henry
          The Monsters of the Midway and The World's Strongest Man.  It seems like a perfect fit.  Both are strong, intimidating, and hard hitting.  The Bears made a reputation as a dominant defensive team that would hit you in the mouth and be happy about it.  Mark Henry is more than willing to induct anyone into the Hall of Pain.  The NFL is better when the Bears are good.  The WWE is better when Henry is healthy and a believable heel.  The Bears won a title once.  Henry won a title once.  Its a no brainer.  Even in their current roles, it makes sense.  Mark Henry, now on the downside of his career, is still an intimidating heel draw or an impressive babyface on which young heels can earn legitimacy.  The Bears aren't a perennial title contender, but never seem to be far out of the playoff race, and always put up a solid fight.  This is what they do.  (Full disclosure, I am a huge Mark Henry fan.  I need to buy this shirt).

- Detroit Lions- Big E Langston
          Think of Big E as a young Mark Henry who hasn't found his way yet.  That's just what the Lions are.  They have the talent.  They have the youth.  They can knock you out.  But they just haven't put it all together at the right time.  Both have a very bright future.  If Langston can stick in some major storylines and can develop his mic work, he is a perennial IC champ threat at the worst.  If the Lions keep making strides, then they will be a playoff contender every year.  You still want to see them put it all together at one time and make a push for the title, but you don't want to rush them.  It will come soon, and when it does people better watch out.


Next up- The NFC South!

The NFL vs The WWE: NFC East

Time to dust off an old fan favorite- Comparing every NFL team to a WWE Superstar!  I did this a few years ago, and it was one of my most viewed pieces.

Let me just preface this entire thing by saying I am not trying to insult your team.  I have no doubt that every man in the NFL is committed fully to their team and their job, and could probably beat the tar out of me... Except maybe for those kickers.  I am just going off of how I perceive them based on their personnel, on-field succes, and off-field hi-jinks.  

I will break the comparisons down by division, and will start with the home of my Redskins, the NFC East.

- Dallas Cowboys: Ryback

          Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler are always telling us about how much of a threat Ryback is.  They insist that he is a main event player.  They compare him to other monsters from the past, like Goldberg and Batista.  ESPN et al tells us every season that the Dallas Cowboys are a threat to win the Super Bowl, just like the 1990s.  Tony Romo is super talented.  They have all those receivers and DeMarcus Ware, who wants to feed on more QBS.  Surely, both Ryback and the Cowboys are the real deal, right?  Well... no.  When the time comes, and its the biggest matches of the year, Ryback folds.  He went on a massive PPV losing streak, and can't be considered a top guy.  The Cowboys have won exactly 1 playoff game this millennium.  Frankly, we don't believe they are real title threats anymore.

- New York Giants: The Undertaker

          Consider the Giants the opposite of the Dallas Rybacks.  Much like The Undertaker, the Giants aren't always around.  Sometimes, they miss the playoffs, much like Undertaker misses all of the year's PPVs.  However, when they are at the biggest stage of all, they do not lose.  The Phenom's WrestleMania undefeated streak now stands at 21-0, with extremely memorable wins over the best that the business has to offer.  The past two trips to the Super Bowl for Eli and company, they have come home with that Lombardi Trophy in extremely entertaining games against the Dynasty that is the Patriots.

- Washington Redskins: The Miz

          I had a lot of trouble with this one.  After all, saying that my team is The Miz could be an insult, cause there are a ton of WWE fans that don't like him.  But hear me out.  Miz has the talent.  We know this.  He has been in some great matches.  He is a former champ.  That's just like the Skins.  They have always had talent, even when it was old or under-performing.  And no one can take away the fact that the franchise was, at a time, a dominating champion.  Miz is the "Most Must-See" superstar.  How often do you see RG3 on your TV each commercial break?  A lot.  Finally, while Miz is not at the top of the ladder right now, he could be if he could just avoid those damn injuries!  Needless to say, that is perfect for the Skins.  Just think of the list of hurt players the Skins had last year and early this year: Orakpo, RG3, Garcon, and JFLANland favorite twitter follower/ avid WWE fan Adam Carriker.  If they weren't constantly bit by that injury bug, they could be something special.  I haven't given up hope for either The Miz or my Skins yet.

- Philadelphia Eagles: 3MB

          I don't say this just to insinuate that the Eagles are some kind of joke, a low/mid-card act that is really there just to get the top guys over in various squash matches...  Although, I don't think the Eagles will do much of anything this season.  No, I am picking 3MB because no one really knows what these three wrestlers (Jinder Mahal, Drew McIntyre and Heath Slater) are doing together, and why they are pretending to be a band.  Think of the Eagles QB situation as the 3MB of the WWE.  Mike Vick is McIntyre.  At one time, he was considered "The Chosen One", and the new face of his business before he actually did anything.  Then, following some injuries, some mistakes (Vick's worse than McIntyre's I'm sure), and inconsistent performance, he dropped.  Nick Foles is Slater.  You know there is some talent there somewhere, even if it isn't Hall of Fame stuff, but you are pretty sure he is in the wrong spot to let what he has actually flourish.  Matt Barkley is Jinder Mahal, the 3rd banana who should get a push if there weren't concerns over using him as a stereotype (Mahal being the feared foreigner from India, Barkley the feared USC QB failure as a pro).  By midseason, Philly fans will be screaming for Barkley, just like how "Don't Hinder Jinder" is becoming a movement.  No direction, no reason for them all being there, and no threat to the top stars.  The Eagles are 3MB.  And seriously, why the hell are they a "band"?  They don't have instruments!

Part 2: NFC North, coming soon!

JFLANland's NFL Fantasy Forum: Sleepers I Love

It is entirely possible that I am a fool.  After all, I am writing this post about the fantasy sleepers that I love for my Fantasy Forum weeks before my fantasy draft.  My friends (and fantasy enemies) could very well read this and take all of my picks.  I don't know how I feel about that...

Nevertheless, I want to help you, my faithful reader, win your league however I can.  So, here are some of those lesser-known players for the 2013 NFL season that I love:

- Mike Williams, WR, Tampa Bay:  I don't know if he should really be called a sleeper.  He just signed a big contract extension, which was very much deserved.  While Vincent Jackson may be the big play threat for the Bus, Mike Williams is the great possession receiver that can also catch touchdowns.  Last year he had more fantasy points than Antonio Brown, Dwayne Bowe, Larry Fitzgerald, Jordy Nelson, Desean Jackson and a ton of other WRs being drafted above him.  With his QB entering a contract year, and with Doug Martin a legitimate Top 10 fantasy back, I see no reason why Williams won't improve on those numbers.

- Rookie running backs!  Last year I watched all of the Redskins preseason games.  I noticed that a certain Mr. Alfred Morris was getting a ton of touches, and playing with the first team offense.  Apparently, none of my friends realized this, and I was able to snatch up Morris in the 10th round.  He went on to break Redskins rushing records and finish second in rushing yards in the NFL.  Are there guys in this rookie class than can be valuable late picks?  There sure are!
Obviously, Eddie Lacy, Montee Ball and Le'Veon Bell are the featured rookies, who are expected to start Week 1 for their teams.  But further down the ranks are guys who will not only steal carries from older backs, but will also be great for deep keeper leagues.  Giovani Bernard on the Bengals could be the starter in Cincy by Week 12 if BenJarvus Green-Ellis struggles.  He is also an ideal 3rd down back, who may even see some plays at WR because he is that good at catching the ball.  Johnathan Franklin will be splitting carries with Lacy in Green Bay, but may be the more dependable every-down back.  Denard Robinson will be a WR/RB hybrid, officially listed as OW: Offensive Weapon.  The former Michigan QB will be a slasher on a team in desperate need for an offensive kick, so its worth stashing him on your bench for a starter's bye week.

- DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston:  Reporters are saying the rookie wideout is impressing everyone at camp.  The great news about this is that, since Andre Johnson will get all of the defense's attention in the passing game, is that Hopkins should get one-on-one coverage all the time.  In his first pro game, he was targeted 5 times, and got 4 catches, 52 yards and a touchdown.  He'll start as the Texans' #2 receiver Week 1.

- Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati:  Kyle Rudolph is listed as a top 5 tight end by ESPN.  He doesn't have a QB throwing to him.  Eifert is younger, more talented, and already has great chemistry with Andy Dalton.  Lots of teams will be upset they didn't draft this Notre Dame TE.

- Jared Cook, TE, St. Louis:  Sam Bradford has always lacked great weapons in the passing game.  While Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey will help with the WR ranks, it is Cook that is going to be his best option.  Reports are that Cook has lined up at TE and split out wide, and looks to have as much of an offensive presence as another higher-rated tight end in the NFC West, Vernon Davis.

- Baltimore's defense:  Did they lose Ray Lewis and Ed Reed?  Yep.  Did they get younger, deeper, faster and more explosive through their draft and free agency?  Sure did.

- Kenny Stills, WR, New Orleans:  For deeper leagues, it is never a bad idea to take the #3 guy from an explosive offense.  Kenny Stills has a future HOFer throwing to him, and won't be guarded as closely as Colston or Graham.  He'll put up great numbers some weeks, and probably none on others, and could be one of those feared Big XII WR busts, but it is never a bad idea to take one of Brees' weapons.

- Joseph Randle, RB, Dallas:  I know, this goes against my "Don't Draft Cowboys" mantra.  However, we have seen that DeMarco Murray is made of glass and cannot stay healthy.  Randle has already impressed in preseason, so you should keep your eye on him later in the year.



That's all the secrets I feel like giving away right now.  I hope that this helps you out.  Remember, watch the preseason games and follow how teams are using these sleepers.  Then you can learn if they are worth picking sooner rather than later.  Good luck!

JFLANland's NFL Fantasy Forum: Who To Avoid

I don't claim to be a fantasy guru.  The fact that I have won my fantasy football league the last three years may show I know something though.  Yes, a combination of luck and knowledge has earned me some nice cash prizes, and I would like to pass some of this knowledge onto you.  Why?  Cause I'm a nice guy.  Also, I know my luck won't go on forever, so I might as well act like a know-it-all while I can.

For the first installment of JFLANland's NFL Fantasy Forum, I'd like to give you some of my players to avoid.  I don't like taking these guys, or players of their ilk.  Sometimes, it is because I hold an odd personal grudge.  Sometimes, it is because I dislike their team.  Other times it is because I think I know something you don't.  The results don't lie.  Here we go!

Do Not Draft!-

-The Dallas Cowboys.  I know, it is kind of silly.  Yet I have been able to win without them.  Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, DeMarco Murry: They all get hurt.  They are unreliable.  Tony Romo will put up some good numbers, sure, but I tend to take QBs early enough to get one better than he is.  Maybe take Witten, but even then, I would avoid him because there are some great young tight ends on other teams.  Plus, they are the Cowboys.  You don't want to root for any of their players to do well.

- The Philadelphia Eagles.  Jeremy Maclin is out. Vick always gets hurt.  We have no idea if Chip Kelly's system will work in the NFL.  Riley Cooper will be injured by some angry safety.  DeSean Jackson doesn't really care that much.  I don't trust LeSean McCoy either.  Just avoid the Eagles.  Plus, like with the Cowboys, do you really want to root for the Eagles as the trip over themselves?

- Rob Gronkowski- Gronk hurt.  Gronk hurt a lot.  Gronk no play much.  Gronk no spike ball no more.  No draft Gronk.

- Darren McFadden and Chris Johnson.  You know that these guys have the talent, but they are perennial disappointments in fantasy.  Where is the old CJ2K?  Maybe he will be jealous that Adrian Peterson makes it look easy and will decide to play again.  As for Run DMC?  He'll be hurt by Week 8, so don't waste a pick on him in the first 4 rounds.

- DeMaryius Thomas, if he is your #1 WR.  I like him a lot, but only if he is coupled with another good wideout.  Peyton Manning with get Thomas the ball for sure, but he also has Decker and Welker to throw to now.

- Ryan Mathews.  Just don't.  Not again.  You know he has hurt you in the past.  Don't let him do it one more time.

- Aaron Hernandez... Obviously.

- Any Jets receiver until they prove they can throw.  Normally, I am all for taking the #1 WR on a bad team, because someone has to catch the passes.  In this case, though, I just don't think there is the talent there, both at QB and WR.  That being said, if you are desperate during the week for a sub, always look to the bad teams for a good replacement.  They may not get you consistent numbers like a #2 or 3 guy on an awesome team will, but they have bigger boom potential.  This can apply to the Browns too.

- Older running backs trying to hold off young guys.  This basically means that, if you don't have a #1 RB by the time the good ones are gone, you are screwed.  BenJarvis Green-Ellis is a solid flex player or substitute back, but he will be splitting time with Gio Bernard.  Rashard Mendenhall won't get much help from that Arizona O-line.  Ahmad Bradshaw will get receptions, but Vick Ballard could take some of his carries.  Frank Gore and Stephen Jackson have been horses for years, but their time will run out soon.  Be wary.  This is why you watch preseason games.

- Big XII receivers.  Wes Welker is the only exception.  Dez Bryant falls under the Cowboys rule.  Justin Blackmon is suspended.  Michael Crabtree is hurt.  There aren't any other WRs from those schools worth taking, so don't force it.\


There you go!  Hopefully this helps you out.  I'm not asking for a portion of any of your winnings, but some thanks would be nice.  Have fun!

Football Is Back!

Well, my baseball team is hot garbage, so it's time for me to dive head first into football!  NCAA!  NFL!  HOORAY!  The sport of kings has returned.

Yes, I love football.  A lot.

I love it so much I watch the Scouting Combine.  I watch all seven rounds of the Draft.  I watch as many preseason games as I can to get a little leg up on my fantasy competition.  I won the past 3 years, so I think I'm making a wise choice.

Anyway, over the next month, I will be posting more about football and much, much less about baseball.  This also means I will be posting more than I have been the past few months anyway.  I know you have missed it, and that I have promised to post more before, but this time I mean it.

So, enjoy the preseason!