Sun – (1:00pm ET) St Louis @ Chicago (-7.5) o/u 43

St. Louis is not a team to sleep on.  Sam Bradford seems to finally be healthy and comfortable.  The Rams were a three point underdog at home but came away with the three point victory.  I may be a lot higher on the Rams than most people but I’m also just as down on the Bears prospects this season after two games.  The Bears biggest problem the last three seasons has been consistency and through the first two weeks these seem issues seem to still be plaguing the Chicago still.  The supposed bump in Cutler’s production with the addition of his Denver partner Brandon Marshall has not been realized.  I like Bradford’s renewed chemistry with Danny Amendola and the addition of Brandon Gibson opposite him.  Even though the game is in Chicago I see St. Louis keeping it close enough to cover the spread

Line: St. Louis +3

Total: Over 43.5

Sun – (1:00pm ET) Tampa Bay @ Dallas (-7.5) o/u 46

Dallas came out of the gates with a solid overall performance in New Jersey against the Giants only to go to Seattle and lay and absolute egg against a young, mediocre Seattle Seahawks team.  Dallas couldn’t run, they managed barely anything in the passing game and were overwhelmed by Seattle’s defense for most of the afternoon.  Hopefully for Jerry’s Boys they can rebound at their palace in Arlington.  Miles Austin seems to be the only consistent receiver in the Dallas offense and even he has been dinged up lately.  Jason Witten is not the same player he once was and is also dealing with injuries.  The one positive Dallas can look to is that they are still 1-1 with a home game against a surely heartbroken Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Tampa managed to let a sizeable lead slip away last week against Eli Manning who led the comeback and eventually finished with 510 yards through the air.  Josh Freeman and Vincent Jackson have developed a solid chemistry quite early and they can clearly score points.  I would like this line a lot better at 6.5 because a 7.5 point line means Vegas is going to make money if even Dallas wins by a TD.  I think Tampa Bay keeps this one close and I like this game to go after 46

Line: Tampa Bay +7.5

Total: Over 46

Sun – (1:00pm ET) San Francisco (-6.5) @ Minnesota o/u 43

San Francisco finished last year very strong and nearly beat the Giants in the NFC title game.  I think if they would have topped the Giants, it would have been San Francisco holding the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the year.  The Niners defense looks absolutely BRUTAL to play against and matchup with a still recovering Adrian Peterson and an improving but inexperienced Christian Ponder things again are looking up for Jim Harbaugh’s boys.  This game has all the red flags of a trap game and if the line moves up closer to 8 points I don’t know if I’d bet the game at all, but at 6.5 I like it.  West Coast team, going East, playing a 1 PM game….this line looks odd to me but Im not biting.  I like San Francisco based almost totally off of their defense and ability to limit the Vikings to less than 14 points.  Take San Francisco if your line is -6.5 and the o/u is up to you because I could see this game being a toss up at 43.

Line: San Francisco -6.5

Total: Under 43

Sun – (1:00pm ET) Cincinnati @ Washington (-3) o/u 49

Cincinnati looked better in Week 2 and their passing game seems to be clicking, their defense on the other hand needs to tighten up.  Giving up 24 points to Cleveland in a game they almost let slip away, the Bengals hung on for the win and a nice boost after and awful Week 1 showing. Washington on the other hand started with a solid defense that is suddenly reeling after IR placements of linebacker/rush specialist Brian Orakpo and defensive end Adam Carriker.  The loss of these two is a big hit for the Washington pass rush but these losses will also spill over into other areas of their D.  Cincinnati needs desperately to improve on defense as well if they are going to contain the explosive Robert Griffin III. I don’t see either team struggling to put up points and neither does Vegas with a line approaching 50.   I like this game to be VERY close and although I don’t feel all that comfortable with it, my gut tells me take Cincinnati with the points.

Line: Cincinnati +3

Total: Over 49

Sun – (1:00pm ET) New York Jets (-2.5) @ Miami o/u 41.5

This game is another matchup that sticks out to me as an odd line.  The Jets were feeling positive after a Week 1 dismantling of the Buffalo Bills but laid an egg in Week 2 against the Steelers.  This team literally cannot run the ball if their lives depended upon it.  Through two weeks, the combination of Bilal Powell, Joe McKnight and Shonn Green has done little to dispel preseason talk of talk of the running game being a glaring hole in this team’s playoff chances.  With all this being said Miami is no powerhouse and although Reggie Bush EXPLODED in Week 2 against an awful Raiders team, I don’t know about the Dolphins prospects against the Jets.  Miami plays much better at home and I could see them keeping this game close until late 3^rd, early 4^th quarter, but eventually I see the Jets getting by in this one and covering the line.

Line: New York Jets -2.5

Total: Over 41.5

Sun – (1:00pm ET) Kansas City @ New Orleans (-9) o/u 53

Kansas City looked downright unwatchable at points last week during their match with the Buffalo Bills. Although they scored a few garbage time points with Dwayne Bowe late in the game after it was long over, Kansas City has the look of a team that will drafting in the Top 5 come April.  The Bills were thoroughly handled by the New York Jets in Week 1 and served up the same for Kansas City in Week 2.  Something tells me a horrible defense going on the road to New Orleans against that offense is not what Kansas City needs to bounce back from a bad loss.  The Saints are reeling early and the leadership void created by the season-long absence of Sean Payton may have been underestimated by almost everyone yet I don’t see Drew Brees being allowing his team to continue their downward tumble.  With a line of -9 points I like the Saints to take this one and I see them turning this in to a track meet early that Kansas City will have no ability to control.

Line: New Orleans -9

Total: Over 53

Sun – (1:00pm ET) Buffalo (-3) @ Cleveland o/u 44.5

Both Buffalo and Cleveland bounced back from Week 1 setbacks with statement games in Week 2, albeit with Cleveland’s game ending in a different result.  The Browns came out with a more polished offensive game but couldn’t seem to keep Cincinnati’s offense in check en route to a loss to a divisional foe.  Brandon Weeden looked much better in Week 2 and Trent Richardson had his breakout game as well.  With a matchup against the Bills, Cleveland has to like the chances for their first win of the season if they can keep the came close early.  Buffalo is notoriously slow starting on the road and has not won a game away from The Ralph since the opening day matchup with Kansas City in 2011.  If Buffalo is to remedy their road woes, a game in Cleveland seems to be just what the doctor ordered.  CJ Spiller’s emergence is undeniable and if Ryan Fitzpatrick can put together a few sustained drives resulting in points I see no reason the Bills can’t cover three points and send the Browns to an 0-3 start.

Line: Buffalo -3

Total: Over 44.5

Sun – (1:00pm ET) Jacksonville @ Indianapolis (-3) o/u 43

I don’t know why, but I really don’t like any games so far this year involving the Jags.  They have not looked good at almost any point this season, but with MJD in the backfield they could rush for 200 yards on his back alone at any point and it makes their AWFUL quarterback seem an obstacle that could be overcome.  I don’t see it though.  Especially this week against Andrew Luck and a Colts team that will surprise some people and may end up finishing the season closer to .500 than a lot of people thought going in to the 2012 season.  I’m staying well away from this game as far as my own money but if you plan on taking this game, I like the Colts to cover the three points and I also like the under.

Line: Indianapolis -3

Total: Under 43

Sun – (4:05 pm ET) Philadelphia @ Arizona (-3.5) o/u 42.5

Philadelphia escaped for a second Week with a win in a close game and now lead the NFC East.  Arizona as well starts out the season 2-0 and is coming off of a surprising statement win on the road in Foxboro against the Patriots.  The Eagles are the ultimate boom or bust team.  With the fragility of Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson and the toughness throughout this division I don’t see this Eagles team either winning the division OR making the playoffs.  That aside,  I don’t like this game for the exact same reasons I don’t like the Jacksonville/Indianapolis game.  I have my opinions and predictions for the game, but the purpose of my posts are to direct you towards the best possible games to bet money on and I don’t like this game for betting purposes whatsoever.

Line: Philadelphia +3.5

Total: Under 42.5

Sun – (4:05 pm ET) Atlanta @ San Diego (-3) o/u 47.5

Ladies and Gentleman, Payton Manning is still human after all.  I admit to taking Denver’s Week 1 performance a little too seriously going into Atlanta in Week 2 and I paid for it, literally.  Manning had one of the worst 1^st Quarter performances of his career yet somehow managed to resurrect himself and his team in the second half to make a game of a contest that easily could have been over half way through the 1^st Quarter.  Atlanta, and especially their offense looked great in their win last week over Denver.  San Diego on the other hand has managed an undefeated record as well and looked much better last week in a huge win over a clearly overwhelmed Tennessee Titans squad.  I like this game to be a shootout and ultimately in the fair weather city of San Diego, I see Atlanta’s offense being on full display this week again and taking the Dirty Birds to t 3-0 record to open 2012

Line: Atlanta +3

Total: Over 47.5

Sun – (4:25 pm ET) Houston (-2) @ Denver o/u 44.5

So Payton Manning, are we going to get your 1^st Half performance or your 2^nd Half performance from last week?  That’s the question everyone in fantasy and betting circles will be wondering this week.  Manning seemed to have recovered from his disastrous 1^st Half but it was ultimately too little too late.  Personally, I think the home crowd will be the factor in a close game and a road team giving two points to a home team seems like too much of a proposition to pass up.  Although I like Houston’s prospects of winning a weak division and the 1-2 punch of Arian Foster and Ben Tate, I don’t like them going on the road to Mile High and covering two points.  Manning is just too good, too experienced and too professional to not rebound from last week’s performance behind a home crowd in Denver.

Line: Denver +2

Total: Over 44.5

Sun – (4:25 pm ET) Pittsburgh (-4) @ Oakland o/u 45

Pittsburgh responded from a disappointing loss to Denver in Week 1 with a statement game in Week 2 against Rex Ryan and the New York Jets.  Although it was a plodding, slow moving game, Pittsburgh wore down the Jets who struggled to contain Pittsburgh’s offense as well as to put any points of their own on the board.  Pittsburgh does a great job of turning over defensive players and keeping talent flowing through their system on defense side of the ball and some of their young stars are really starting to emerge and take over from the “Old Guard.”   Oakland on the other hand looks to rebound from a disappointing outing in Miami where their defense gave up a career game to Reggie Bush.  Oakland has the looks of a team that has no real identity.  They will struggle week to week to find themselves and I don’t think this is the week Oakland grabs their first win.  Pittsburgh is a too complete of a team to not be able to handle an overmatched Raiders team.  I don’t think Oakland’s offense is prepared for the type of pressure and schemes that Pittsburgh will bring and I really like the Steelers in this one.

Line: Pittsburgh -4

Total: Under 45

Sun – (4:25 pm ET) Baltimore (-3) @ New England o/u 49

I’ve learned a lot in my short betting past by betting against the Patriots two weeks in a row.  It does not pay to bet against the Patriots twice.  Ever.  I made money on whim last week with Arizona and I take no credit other than “I had a feeling.”  The Ravens are a solid team and have the makeup to again meet these same Pats in the AFC title game this season but I have the same problem with Baltimore that I have with many teams in the NFL.  They are not consistent.  Betting, and winning on bets, relies almost entirely on your ability to spot consistency and trends before Las Vegas does and Baltimore is not the type of team you can count on on weekly basis.  The fact that Baltimore is going in to Foxboro as a 3 point favorite blows me away.  I like the Pats in this game.

Line: New England +3

Total: Under 49

Sun – (8:25 pm ET) Detroit @ San Francisco (-6.5) o/u 45

San Francisco went in to Green Bay on the NFL’s opening week and handled their business.  This team looks a lot like the 2000 Baltimore Ravens.  Unbelievable defense with a mediocre QB that can take his team a long way by limiting turnovers and simply managing his team to a few touchdowns.  They beat Green Bay and put a significant amount of points.  I like this team a lot.  But, Green Bay still put up some points.  Detroit can score some points as well.  I see this game being a lot lower scoring than 45 points but I like the Lions to keep it real close and possibly go into San Francisco and steal a win.  Lions to cover 6.5 in a low scoring affair.

Line: Lions +6.5

Total: Under 45

Monday Night Football

Mon – (10:15pm ET) Green Bay (-3) @ Seattle o/u 46.5

Bet this game ALL DAY.  Ok, Seattle beat the Cowboys at home last week.  Great.  Does anyone really think that Green Bay doesn’t come in to Seattle and cover a field goal?  Green Bay is not much different today than the team that won a Super Bowl in 2010.  Russell Wilson is decent and improving every week.  I think long term he is a legit quarterback in this league but I find it very hard to believe that Green Bay cannot beat the Seahawks by at least a touchdown.  Please…take Green Bay this week.

Line: Green Bay =3

Total: Under 43.5

Overall

Week 3 Lock: Green Bay -3

Week 3 Avoid: Jacksonville Vs. Indianapolis

Week 1 Parlay: 100 points to win 500 points

Pittsburgh -4

New Orleans -9

San Francisco -6.5

-Thanks for reading and best of luck this week!  Follow @ErikTheLineMan

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1.	Eagles	@ CLE
2.	Texans	Vs. MIA
3.	Ravens	Vs. CIN
4.	Bears	Vs. IND
5.	Bills	@ NYJ
6.	Seahawks	@ ARI
7.	Jets	Vs. BUF
8.	Steelers	@ DEN
9.	Giants	Vs. DAL
10.	Lions	Vs. STL
11.	49ers	@ GB
12.	Vikings	Vs. JAC
13.	Packers	Vs. SF
14.	Bengals	@ BAL
15.	Saints	Vs. WAS
16.	Falcons	@ KC
17.	Cowboys	@ NYG
18.	Chargers	@ OAK
19.	Broncos	Vs. PIT
20.	Patriots	@ TEN
21.	Chiefs	Vs. ATL
22.	Raiders	Vs. SD
23.	Jaguars	@ MIN
24.	Panthers	@ TB
25.	Dolphins	@ HOU

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Chicago Bears

The Bears were the surprise NFC North Champions last season, even with the Super Bowl Champions in their division.  They played exceptionally on defense and even found a balance between the rushing and passing attacks on offense during last regular season.  Unfortunately for Bears fans, they were not able to overcome their mediocre at best offensive line in the playoffs, but this made it clear where their first pick should go.  With the 29^th overall pick, the Bears took Gabe Carimi from Wisconsin to anchor their line for years to come. Carimi is a prototypical right tackle, but might spend a little time playing at guard on this line next season unless the Bears go after any interior lineman in free agency. I also think that he would do well on the left side after he develops as an NFL athlete, but ideally there will be another tackle added to the roster next year that can play the left side.  In round two with the 53^rd overall pick, Chicago selected Stephen Paea who set the Scouting Combine record on the bench press. He is a bit of a developmental prospect with raw athleticism, but he will excel as a one gap run stopper in the middle of the defensive line in the future. His incredible strength will translate to this role in the Bears’ defense that loves to blitz up the middle.  Paea will eat up at least two blockers and should allow pressure by the linebackers through the middle. In round three, the Bears took DB Chris Conte from California.  Conte is an incredibly versatile defensive back that filled in at just about every spot during his time in college before transitioning to safety in his final season.  He will make an immediate impact on special teams and with the veterans on defense to help him develop, he will find a spot somewhere in the starting lineup before too long. I would have liked to see the Bears take an interior offensive lineman that would allow Carimi to play at right tackle, but Paea will be an impact player and clearly the Bears were confident in his abilities. Also, they opted not to take a playmaker at WR. I am not jumping for joy at this draft, but I think they should be running the ball more anyways and there is plenty of free agent talent available at receiver, so all hope is not lost.

My Grade: C+

Detroit Lions

Many people are very big on this year’s draft for the Lions, but I am not one of them.  They added some great players to their team, but ignored their biggest need in the secondary. Prince Amukamara fell past Houston and seemed to be a lock for Detroit who continues to lose games because they cannot contain the big play.  I will admit that I had Fairley higher on my draft board than Prince, but it was because of how well Fairley fits into Tennessee’s defensive scheme and how big of a reach it was for them to take Locker 8th overall. Fairley along with Suh at DT will give the Lions a VERY stout run defense and will obviously make the pass rush more effective, but this is not enough for a secondary that was average at best last season statistically. There were two picks in the second round for Detroit and both were spent on offensive skill positions.  First the Lions selected Titus Young from Boise State.  Young is just 5’1’’ 174 lbs, but he has the speed to be a very impactful deep threat as well as return man.  He is so fast he makes it very difficult for teams to not provide safety help to the corner that is covering him and with Calvin Johnson on the other side of the field, one of these guys will be in man-coverage more often that opposing defenses would like. The second pick in round two for the Lions was spent on Mikel Leshoure who is much better between the tackles than Jahvid Best, who is almost certain to serve as a 3^rd down / change of pace back from here on out.  Passing on Amukamara was a mistake, but they made considerable improvements to their team and stayed true to their draft board.  They won’t get an A from me, but I don’t hate their choices.

My Grade: B+

Green Bay Packers

The Super Bowl Champion Packers had needs on both sides of the line as well as WR and DB.  They were able to address these concerns for the most part in this draft, by selecting someone at each of these positions in the first four rounds with defensive lineman being the only exception.  In the first round, they took Derek Sherrod from Mississippi State. This isn’t a pick that is going to excite too many fans, but he has the versatility to play anywhere on the line, but would ideally be a great RT of the future for the Packers opposite Chad Clifton. In round two the Packers took Randall Cobb from Kentucky, who is a speedy playmaker that could fill in for James Jones, who is looking to enter free agency after his fourth season.  In round three the Packers made what was, to me, a puzzling selection with RB Alex Green from Hawaii.  Green is a big, punishing runner with great hands out of the backfield. To me, the Packers are a passing team with Ryan Grant at RB and James Starks as a change of pace back.  If I was coaching the Packers, Green would just be a goal line back at best… but don’t be surprised if he has a much larger role than this starting in his rookie season. I am not sure how much better they got with this draft, but they filled gaps that will be opened by departing free agents and added depth along both offensive and defensive line.  And after all, they were Super Bowl Champions last year, so they will certainly still be able compete for a chance to repeat next season.

My Grade: B

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings only had two selections in the first three rounds this season and with their first round pick, they made the second most questionable selection in this year’s draft by taking Christian Ponder 12^th overall.  Ponder has a lot of the intangibles that you want to see in a franchise QB and came from a pro-style offense.  It will take the Vikes a little time to adjust their personnel and playbook to suit the quick timing attack that suits Ponder’s strengths, but with great risk comes great reward… so only time will tell how good this pick was. He might be in over his head if he has to start week 1, especially considering the lockout, but there is certainly a nice running back at his disposal to help him move the ball down the field.  In round two the Vikes took the draft’s top Tight End, Kyle Rudolph from Notre Dame.  Rudolph is likely to assume a primarily blocking role and for good reason, he might as well be a tackle… judging by the size of him.  I would have thought the Vikes would look to add a possession receiver or grab an impact player on defense with this pick, but having a TE tandem like Rudolph and Shiancoe can provide one hell of a crutch for a young QB.  Minnesota’s saving grace was that they were able to address areas where they lacked depth with their 6 picks in rounds 6 and 7.  With reaching for Ponder AND ignoring positions of need to take Kyle Rudolph, I can’t grade Minnesota well, but if Ponder becomes a successful NFL QB, I’ll be happy to have been wrong!

My Grade: C

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Well, week 3 of the preseason is where we get the best look at the fantasy players from each team (if healthy) before the season.  And while many people don’t like to use the preseason to impact their rankings, I feel this week is one of the best indicators you can find before your draft.

Packers vs. Colts

Well this was a hell of a game to watch.  You usually don’t get to see quite so many sparks fly in the preseason, but with these two high powered offenses playing for around 3 quarters… It was bound to be a fun one to see.  Since all the insanity with Favre and now Sidney Rice being out half the year I have to think the Packers are now the favorite to win their division.  Rodgers looks like an MVP candidate so far, and Jennings has been much more active in the passing game than last year. He (Jennings) could rack up 1400 yards and 10 TDs no problem this year.

As for the Colts, no need to be concerned.  They had some rough spots caused by, what seemed to me, deliberately pushing the limits of the new ball spotting system.  I hope that the Reggie Wayne doubters have been paying attention, because I think he has had a VERY strong preseason and he will remain my number 3 WR.  Garcon has done a good job separating himself from Collie and Gonzalez and in doing so he earned a bump in my rankings.  Also I am starting to have some concerns about Addai.  He is in a contract year, and the Colts drafted Donald Brown for a reason.  I think if Addai misses just one game he will lose his job permanently to Brown.  The Colts will not want to pay to re-sign a back in his decline.

Cowboys vs. Texans

It is no surprise that the offensive line is the biggest area of concern for the Cowboys offense this year, but even so, Romo spent too much time on his back this week.  If they play this poorly during the season Romo will not be able to stay healthy.  Austin and Witten will maintain their production through these issues, but I am concerned for Felix Jones who seems to get injured a lot as is.

Arian Foster became the first Houston Texan to break 100 yards rushing in a preseason game this week and moved up quite a bit in my ranks as it is becoming clear he will see the vast majority of the carries.  Seeing Slaton back to return kicks shows that they don’t intend to use him like they used to by any means.  Jacoby Jones also had a strong showing in this game, helping his cause for becoming the #2 guy over Kevin Walter.

Bears vs. Cardinals

So far this preseason we really hadn’t seen a glimpse of last year’s Jay Cutler, until this week that is.  The bottom line is with this guy, is he is a gunslinger that makes some bad choices.  You need to expect around 20 interceptions from Cutler this year but you can also expect 30 TDs and around 4,000 yards.  Johnny Knox and Chester Taylor both looked very strong in this game as well but I don’t quite give anyone a bump in the rankings.

Oh Arizona… I thought you were finally going to be a good team, but now there are rumors flying around about them trading away Matt Leinart or cutting him altogether.  It is definitely time to downgrade all the Cardinals in our rankings. Beanie Wells can’t be productive in an inconsistent offense that can’t convert on third downs and between the injury and the QB situation I am afraid that Fitzgerald will have a very bad season (at least by his standards).  Tim Hightower is falling too far in the drafts that I have seen, he will still be their third down guy and if he is hot they will certainly not be afraid to let him get some carries.

Chiefs vs Eagles

First thing first, Jamaal Charles is fine, no worries for fantasy owners here.  He is not supposed to miss any time in the regular season.  After he left the game Thomas Jones did a great job filling in for him, but I still think he will be inconsistent behind a worse offensive line and might actually be more productive as the number 2 with fewer carries and hits taken.  It was good to see Dwayne Bowe get involved a bit more too, he remains a sleeper of mine for the middle rounds.

I remain convinced that the success of the Eagles offense hinges on DeSean Jackson.  So, it was not much of a surprise to me that they did not do well without him after he left very early.  As with Charles, no concern here for fantasy owners… he will be back by week 1.  LeSean McCoy ran well, but did not see a lot of carries.  No adjustments to my rankings for any of these guys.

Other Notable Performances

LaDainian Tomlinson – Gotta start calling him a sleeper.  Watching Hard Knocks may be tainting my reaction here, but I just keep hearing Rex Ryan say “I love being right”.

Pierre Thomas

Reggie Bush

Joe Flacco

Frank Gore

2 Comments »

The Bears had a pretty bad off season in my opinion, considering they addressed none of their offensive line issues.  It is hard to blame them for this too much as they were without any draft selections in the first two rounds as well as had some pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball.  They did make some big name moves getting Chester Taylor and Julius Peppers, but without an offensive line none of it matters.  They should still see some decent production from their playmakers and I expect a rebound year for just about all of the fantasy relevant Bears.  The popular choice for which receiver will have a breakout year is Aromashodu who has tremendous upside given the chemistry him and Cutler had at the end of last season.  While I do rank him slightly higher than Johnny Knox it is mostly due to Devin’s tremendous potential.  I think Knox is the safer pick and should remain the Bears best and most consistent deep threat.

Top Fantasy Players

Matt Forte – Last year’s biggest bust is bound to fall pretty far in drafts this coming year.  I think he will do ok and could even finish inside the top 20 by the end of the season in the Bears new Mike Martz offense, but without the offensive line issues resolved it won’t be easy.

Jay Cutler – If he is able to curtail the number of interceptions this season his fantasy points will be in the top 10.  It would take effort to throw as many interceptions as he did last year, so should definitely improve on his numbers.  Also, a Mike Martz offense will utilize the strengths of Cutler’s game better so expect to see more touchdowns and yardage too.

Devin Aromashodu – There are no polished pass catchers on this offense and this young guy is the closest thing they’ve got.  He was drafted as a raw physical talent with impressive physical attributes, so the only question was were they able to tame this beast and turn him into the receiver the offense desperately needs.  Personally I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Johnny Knox had the most fantasy points out of Chicago receivers.

1 Comment »

Both last season and this upcoming one should end with similar standings.  The Vikings will be bringing Favre back and the Packers are the only team with a chance at upsetting them for the division title.  I expect the competition to be tight between the two powerhouses in this division, but I most look forward to how the Lions do this year!  I think they have made some huge steps in improving their franchise and fantasy owners should get used to the name Matthew Stafford right now.

Chicago Bears

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Minnesota Vikings

1 Comment »

With the first weekend of free agency drawing to a close its time to look at how the moves that have been made so far impact next years Fantasy Football season.  Many big-names have changed teams during this week, and  will shake up next seasons pre-draft rankings quite a bit.  Here are the roster moves made so far during this free agency period that have an impact on fantasy football:

Anquan Boldin traded to Ravens – The biggest move of the free agency period was not a signing, but a trade.  With the addition of Anquan Boldin to the Ravens offense three different players all receive a bump in my rankings; Joe Flacco, Anquan Boldin (shocker!), and Ray Rice.  The biggest weakness of the Ravens last year was balance in the passing game.  They have been lacking a serious play-maker at the wide receiver position, and Flacco’s production was hurt the worst by it.  Mason is getting old and may not be back in a Ravens uniform next year, but with the addition of Stallworth and now Boldin the Ravens will finally have two polished receivers that can stretch the field AND get open over the middle.  The impact on Ray Rice will also be significant, with Boldin on the roster the Ravens will have a balanced offensive attack instead of the Ray Rice show that was last season.  Next year he wont be a surprise, people know what he can do now and without a balanced attack he would be vulnerable to being schemed against.  With game-breaking talent at wide-out defenses will need to respect the deep ball and Rice will remain a top tier back.

Antonio Cromartie traded to the Jets – Another trade tops my list of moves made during free agency week, and yes I know it was the day before but its so significant I’m sneaking it in!  This move will solidify the Jets as my #1 Defense for next season barring some unforeseen incident.  While Cromartie  is certainly no Revis, he is a very gifted player filling the area of biggest need for the Jets already number one ranked defense.  Oh, and the Jets were already first in the league in passing defense last year… 30 yards fewer per game than the number two Bills.

Bears sign Chester Taylor – I am really excited to see what Taylor can do outside the shadow of Adrian Peterson… but I do not think we will know his full potential until at least next year.  The Bears have no picks in the first two rounds, and have an offensive line that could use quite a bit of work.  Good news for the Bears however, this is a VERY deep draft class at offensive line and there is a real chance they could find a diamond in the rough.  Taylor is a very complete back and he will likely take over the primary role leaving Forte to handle third downs.

Lions sign Nate Burleson – Calvin Johnson finally has someone that could pull some double teams away from him… ok not quite. However,  Burleson has 7 years of experience and a fair few left in him.  His veteran leadership and experience at being on mediocre teams could go a long way to helping the Lions on the road to average.  And lets face it, with a tough and talented kid like Stafford at the helm they could get there pretty quick.  Burleson will likely see similar production as he had in his disappointing last season, but he could really help Megatron get open a couple more times per game… and that is certainly a good thing.

Bears sign Julius Peppers – The Bears make my list twice since they needed to use the limited free agent pool as their draft, and lets face it… you cant draft the best pass rushing defensive end and that is what the Bears got in Peppers.  The biggest weakness for the Bears defense last year was… well… their offense.  With Cutler throwing such a large number of interceptions as well as the Bears’ inability to extend drives and provide some rest for their defenders, just about every game the defense was worn out by the fourth quarter and unable to stop much of anything.  Hopefully Taylor and Manumaleuna help to extend drives and give those poor guys a break.  If the Bears find a good lineman or two, their defense could be a top5 fantasy defense again soon.

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