Tom Brady Out For the Year?

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suffered a torn ACL in today's game against the Kansas City Chiefs and is likely gone for the remainder of the season. Brady was injured when safety Bernard Pollard inadvertently rolled over Brady's leg following a throw to Randy Moss. This is devastating news for the Patriots and their fans. With backup Matt Cassel in, New England struggled against a lowly Chiefs team and had to put up a last-minute goal-line stand to squeeze out a 17-10 victory.
Assuming against a miraculous return from injury by Brady, the Pats are in serious trouble in their quest to return to the Super Bowl. New England is probably not even the best team in the NFC East right now, given Buffalo's resounding victory this morning over Seattle.
From a fantasy standpoint, Brady's injury diminishes the values of receivers Moss and Wes Welker. However, running back Laurence Maroney should see an increase in carries, and in turn improved statistics.

NFL Week 1 Power Rankings

In addition to the weekly fantasy football updates, we will be publishing NFL power rankings, typically every Tuesday. This week's rankings come a day early, since the season already kicks off this Thursday with Washington visiting the New York Giants.

The rankings are called "The 10," as they comprise of who we believe the top 10 teams in the league are at the time the rankings are published. Why not include more teams? Blame time restraints. Well, here's the first installment of this series:

1. Dallas Cowboys
Why: Yes, neither quarterback Tony Romo nor head coach Wade Phillips have ever won a playoff game, but there is a lot of reason to believe that this season will be magical. The Cowboys are solid at every position, thanks to a bevy of offseason acquisitions; Dallas picked up cornerback Pacman Jones and middle linebacker Zach Thomas to bolster their defense and also drafted speedster Felix Jones to serve as a nice compliment to bruiser Marion Barber in the backfield. Add these impact players to last year's 13-3 team, and you get our 2009 Super Bowl pick.

2. New England Patriots
Why: Despite their problems in the secondary (which they attempt to address in the signing of CB Deltha O'Neal), the Pats still have the best offense in the NFL. They will give up more points than they did last year, but with the Tom Brady-Randy Moss-Wes Welker triangle, they'll be scoring in bunches as well. Don't forget that New England is also loaded at running back with Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, and LaMont Jordan. We see the Pats repeating as AFC champs this season.

3. Indianapolis Colts
Why: Now that Marvin Harrison and Dwight Freeney are healthy, the Colts seem primed to make a run against the Patriots for AFC supremacy. However, the Colts lost center Jeff Saturday last Sunday (Saturday tore his MCL and will be out for at least half the season) and also have a string of injured players on defense, which is why we have them behind the Pats in our preseason rankings. The offense, already brought down by the loss of Saturday, will be under a lot of pressure to carry this team through the first few weeks of the season with DE Robert Mathis and DT Raheem Brock also out with injuries.

4. San Diego Chargers
Why: Many people have pinned the Chargers as the best team in the AFC, and even in the NFL, but we're not seeing it. Ok, Philip Rivers heroically played last year's AFC Championship game with a torn ACL, but how does that make him a better quarterback? Rivers is not an elite QB, and the last time an average quarterback won the Super Bowl was Trent Dilfer with the Ravens in 2000. Baltimore had the one of the best defenses of all time that season, and we don't think the Chargers currently match up to that. The Chargers, however, do have some things going for them this year, hence their #4 ranking; Antonio Cromartie has developed into a lockdown cornerback, and LaDainian Tomlinson will put up another monster statistical season. Look for the Chargers to win the AFC West but not truly contend for the conference title.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars
Why: Quarterback David Garrard and the Jags showed the world that they were for real in last season's divisional playoff game against the Pats, and Jacksonville is back this year with strength on both sides of the ball. Tackle John Henderson leads one of the game's best defensive lines, and the linebackers and secondary aren't too shabby either. On offense, the Jaguars sport the one-two combo of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew at running back that helped the team to the 2nd best rushing offense in the league last year. The only questions are in the receiver corps; the Jags have former Viking first-round bust Troy Williamson and erratic Jerry Porter as their starters. To compete in the AFC, the Jaguars will need to somehow establish their passing game, as they will not go far with a one-dimensional offense.

6. New Orleans Saints
Why: The Saints have one of the league's most potent offenses. Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees heads a large group of playmakers in receivers Marques Colston and Devery Henderson, and backs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister. New Orleans also acquired star tight end Jeremy Shockey from the Giants this offseason, who rounds off their loaded offense. On the defensive side, the Saints hope that the addition of rookie tackle Sedrick Ellis will help a squad that on average gave up 24 points per game last season. The Saints will score a lot of points, and as long as the defense can bend but not break, they will be a winning team.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers
Why: The Steelers are making strides on offense while retaining one of the league's best defenses. After last season's 32 touchdown versus 11 interception effort, Ben Roethlisberger has developed into a top-tier quarterback. Santonio Holmes' strong sophomore effort dictates his own rise as a receiver; Pittsburgh has a top receiving tandem in Holmes and stalwart Hines Ward. In addition, rookie Rashard Mendenhall joins Pro Bowler Willie Parker in a strong backfield. The Steelers are a real threat in the AFC if their offense plays as good as it looks on paper, since they have no significant losses from last season's top 3 defense.

8. New York Giants
Why: We wanted to give the reigning Super Bowl champs a little bit of respect and tried desperately to justify a top-5 ranking, but we couldn't find ample evidence. The losses of pass rushers Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora to retirement and injury hamper the otherwise average defense, which is built around quarterback pressure and relied on it in their playoff wins last season. Quarterback Eli Manning must continue the quality play he displayed in last year's postseason if the Giants are to even return to the playoffs, as the offense will need to carry the team this year. Manning has the weapons in the likes of Plaxico Burress and Brandon Jacobs; he just needs to make good decisions with the football.

9. Green Bay Packers
Why: Only part of the Packers' success last season can be attributed to Brett Favre, and there is no reason to believe why the team will be much worse this season under quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In case the offense falls into trouble, a solid defense headed by linebackers Nick Barnett and A.J. Hawk can lead the team, but it is unlikely that the Packers will ever even encounter this situation. Rodgers will be aided on offense by Greg Jennings and Donald Driver at wideout; they perfectly complement each other, as Jennings is a big-play guy while Driver is a possession receiver. In addition, running back Ryan Grant aims to carry over his amazing play in last year's postseason to this 2008 regular season. As long as Rodgers doesn't flop, the Packers will compete in the NFC.

10. Cleveland Browns
Why: Quarterback Derek Anderson and receiver Braylon Edwards are fully recovered from injury and will play in week 1, which is great news for the team. The two both enjoyed breakout seasons last year and have established themselves as an elite quarterback-receiver combo. At 10-6 last season, the Browns were the surprise of the NFL, and they only hope to build on that record this year. The addition of receiver Donte' Stallworth further strengthens their high-scoring offense, which will have to make up for their below-average defense. Nonetheless, Cleveland will challenge the Steelers again for the AFC North division title.

Agree or disagree with our rankings? Leave a comment!

NFL Fantasy Football Sleepers

Throughout the course of the NFL season, we'll be providing weekly fantasy updates complete with sleepers, who to play, and who to sit. In this post, we will give our sleepers for this coming season. Consider to trade for, pick up, or draft the players mentioned below.
Look for the Week 1 fantasy update at the end of this 3 day weekend.

Season Sleepers:

QB

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay
Why: Rodgers is surrounded by the same potent offense that Brett Favre enjoyed last year. Wide receiver Greg Jennings is ready for a breakout season, and fellow starter Donald Driver is still a solid producer. Everything depends on how well Rodgers knows the offense and how good his chemistry is with his receivers, but he has been groomed three years for this moment.
When: Look for Rodgers in the late rounds of a standard draft.
What: Rodgers has the potential for 3200+ yards and 25+ touchdowns.

2. Eli Manning, New York Giants
Why: After his scintillating performances in the playoffs, Manning has established himself as the leader of the Giant offense. Manning already has 4 seasons and a Super Bowl victory under his belt and is too mature now to produce another high interception tally. With a strong receiving corps, Manning is ready to become a #1 fantasy QB.
When: Manning is readily available in the middle rounds and is a steal in the later rounds of the draft.
What: Expect Manning to put forth his best statistical season yet. He has the tools to near 4000 yards and 30 touchdowns.

RB

1. Reggie Bush, New Orleans
Why: Bush is now the starting back in a high-powered Saints attack. Because of New Orleans' spread offense, Bush will be able to run against many smaller nickel and dime packages. In addition, he figures to see a lot of passes thrown his way, since it will be very difficult for defenses to account for all of the Saints' offensive weapons.
When: Look for Bush in the early to middle rounds. He has been about the 20th back picked in drafts this season.
What: Bush is fully capable of 1500+ total yards and a double-digit touchdown total. His value increases exponentially in leagues that reward receptions, as he will have at least 70-75 catches this year.

2. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina
Why: The 13th overall pick out of Oregon, Stewart will be splitting carries this year with DeAngelo Williams. However, Stewart figures to receive most of the goal-line action, as he is more of a pounding, breaking tackles type of running back than Williams. In addition, the Panthers will rely heavily on their ground game this year, considering the multitude of injuries and suspensions that their receivers are currently facing.
When: Stewart is a mid-to-late round pick. In a standard draft, he should definitely be taken if he falls past the 9th round.
What: Expect Stewart to be somewhat of a Marion Barber who racks up the touchdowns but not the yards. He has the ability to go for 800-900 yards on the ground and 10+ touchdowns.

WR

1. Eddie Royal, Denver
Why: Broncos Coach Mike Shanahan has said that prior to the draft, he thought Royal was the best receiver available, and that Royal has yet to prove him wrong. This statement indicates Royal's abilities; the Virginia Tech product has moved his way into the starting lineup, now lining up opposite Brandon Marshall as the Z receiver. Royal's speed and quickness make him a big-play receiver who will be sure to receiver his share of touchdowns. He is also Denver's return man on kick and punts, so he may score fantasy owners a couple of bonus special teams touchdowns as well.
When: Royal is going undrafted in most leagues, but he deserves a pick-up, as he will be a solid #3 receiver barring injury.
What: Royal will be looking at around 700-800 receiving yards as well as 7-8 touchdowns.

2. Javon Walker, Oakland
Why: After two injury-plagued seasons with the Broncos, Walker comes to the Raiders as a starting receiver. Walker's pairing with JaMarcus Russell is a fantasy gift; Russell can throw the deep ball, and Walker is a down-the-field receiver, a combination that translates to yards and touchdowns. Yes, the Raiders will focus on running the ball this year, but that might just benefit Walker, who will see a lot of 1-on-1 coverage if the defense puts 8 men in the box.
When: Walker is a mid-to-late round pick, which is very good value for a borderline #2 or #3 fantasy receiver.
What: Walker can easily produce an 1000+ yard season with 8+ touchdowns.

TE

1. Kevin Boss, New York Giants
Why: The Giants are serious about Boss, considering that they traded away star Jeremy Shockey to make space for Boss in the starting lineup. A physical specimen at 6-6 250, Boss will give defenses trouble, as he is much larger than any safety and also faster than most linebackers.
When: Look for Boss in the late rounds of a standard draft.
What: Boss can certainly put up solid #1 TE numbers. Look for 500+ yards and 6+ touchdowns.

2. Vernon Davis, San Francisco
Why: Although Davis is not exactly a traditional sleeper as a current mid-round pick, his potential is still being undervalued. With an exceptionally poor group of wide receivers, quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan will throw a lot of passes to his tight ends. Davis may very well join the upper echelon of tight ends this season.
When: Davis will be taken in the middle rounds of most drafts.
What: Now completely injury-free, Davis could go for 700+ yards and 7+ touchdowns.

K

1. Robbie Gould, Chicago
Why: Even though Gould lacks in leg strength, he still kicked tied for the 2nd most field goals in the league last year, and there is no reason to believe why that would change. Gould, however, has been about the 20th kicker taken in most drafts this year, making him a giant steal for the owner shrewd enough to take him.
When: Gould will be readily available in the late rounds.
What: Expect Gould to produce another 30+ field goal season.

D/ST

1. Seattle
Why: The Seahawks forced the 2nd most turnovers in the league last year, and only gave up about 18 points per game on average. With their defense remaining largely intact, they are primed to post similar numbers this year, which would greatly undervalue their current late-round draft placement.
When: Seattle D/ST has been taken in the last couple rounds of a standard draft, where they are a steal.
What: Seattle will be a top-5 fantasy D/ST this year, barring injury to their key players.

Green Bay Opts for the Hand Off of Brett Favre

With all the current sports issues, and by that I mean the trade deadline in baseball and the upcoming Olympics, it has been hard to write about possibly the most talked about happening this week in sports. So as you all know (or so I hope), Brett Favre has been traded to the New York Jets. Finally, I will get to watch ESPN's highlight shows and not be stuck watching a whole hour-long analysis of the Favre situation. Of course, I am not the only one happy that the air has been cleared. Not only Favre but also the Green Bay organization are pleased that they can focus on preparing their teams for the season to come. Brett's decision can be disected and discussed until we're blue in the face, but in the end it comes down to this: the old man was tired of the staff at Green Bay, and Green Bay was tired of him. And you can't blame No. 4, who had spent 16 seasons with the Packers. The unfortunate aspect of the trade for Favre is that he is leaving a team that was full of talent and potential, and arriving at a team striving for mediocrity. But it was the right thing to do, because Favre had simply nothing left to play for in Green Bay, with all possible goals accomplished. The Jets are taking a huge gamble because Favre most likely won't be around in the game much longer (Jets will be lucky if he makes it through the end of the season). So the time to win is now, and its not entirely out of the question. Even though the Jets went 4-12 last year, they made offseason acquisitions for the likes of offensive linemen Alan Faneca and Damien Woody. So from Favre's perspective, he'll have to learn a whole playbook, targeted at hitting wide recievers Laveranues Coles and Jerricho Cotchery, with the thought that he only has one year to turn the Jets around from a lousy season last year to a Superbowl contending team this year. Personally, I think Brett Favre alone will NOT cause the Jets to make the playoffs.

Brandon Marshall Suspended 3 Games

Roger Goodell has really mixed it up since he became the commissioner of the league two seasons ago. Actually, ruler is probably an apter title; Goodell knows how to assert his power. Did we ever even hear the words "Paul Tagliabue" and "discipline" together once in the 15 seasons before Goodell's reign? Anyway, Broncos wideout Brandon Marshall is just one out of quite a few players suspended by Goodell/the league. The most publicized case, Pacman "Call me Adam" Jones, comes to mind, along with Bears DT Tank Johnson, Bengals WR Chris Henry, and fellow Bengal LB Odell Thurman. Of course, Mike Vick deserves a mention on this list, but then again, even Tagliabue might have done something about him, given that the feds themselves locked him up for a couple of years. Speaking of Mike Vick, I spotted someone adorning his jersey last week at a Taco Bell (it was actually the first Vick jersey I've seen since he was connected with dogfighting). It got me to thinking: what happened to that little chihuahua that used to appear in all of Taco Bell's ads, with that "Yo quiero Taco Bell" slogan? I wonder if Vick was somehow involved.

But back to the point. Since he was drafted by the Broncos, Marshall has never even been convicted on any serious charges. He does have his DUI trial set for September 16th, and he has gotten tickets for traffic violations, but I believe that Goodell should have waited to see the results of the trial before calling for any suspensions. With all the previous perpetrators, Goodell had least waited until after their trials to levy disciplinary measures. In addition, all of them, with the exception of Thurman, who pleaded no contest, had been found guilty in court. These unprecedented actions by Goodell send a message to the players: bad behavior is not tolerated, even if it safely gets through the court system. Gone are the days of avoiding punishment despite being implicated in a double murder (see Ray Lewis). Now, all the misbehaving players of the league have to watch out for themselves (see the members of the Cincinatti Bengals). Hopefully, we will see a season with fewer suspensions and better player conduct.

Is Favre Staying with the Packers?

Favre talked with the President of the GB Packers. Now, after multiple seasons of saying he's done, Brett is still trying to stay in the game. However, it seems like NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell refused to look at Brett Favre's reinstatement statement. Personally I think its time that he should just stop because nobody really wants him. In fact there are rumors that the GB Packers even paid Favre to stay retired! I do say, utter blasphemy.