NFL 08

[Pixelator]

The Abejas continue their rise despite a mediocre week. :scratch: I think half the teams above must have stopped playing.

I'm not making any recommendations this week as I've gone for a slightly weird team.

QB Cassel
RB Slaton, Pierre Thomas
WR Randy Moss, Bryant
TE Gonzalez
K Joe Nedney
D Dallas!

Only 16 million, despite paying extra for my kicker and team D.
Cassel and Moss are heart over mind selections, to celebrate New England being on the TV this week.

OK, 1 tip - pick players who like the cold! Oh, and don't pick the Tennessee D, missing its 2 most influential linemen.

And 1 prediction - On Monday morning we'll be saying the road to the superbowl goes through Carolina and Pittsburgh.

 

[kevalutonbee]

I've gone for

Cutler
Peterson
Williams
Andre Johnson
Welker
Scheffler
Elam
NYJ

 

[kevalutonbee]

The Abejas continue their rise despite a mediocre week. :scratch: I think half the teams above must have stopped playing.

I am currently 2495th with 1180 points but I think this is my best season ever

 

[Jam Jar]

I am currently 2495th with 1180 points but I think this is my best season ever

I'm in 155th position with 1330 points, also a record for me, normally i'm in the top 2000.

Going for a few risks this week

QB - CASSEL - NE
RB - THOMAS - NO
RB - FORTE - CHI
WR - JOHNSON - HOU
WR - BRYANT - TB
TE - CLARK - IND
K - GOTKOWSKI - NE
DEF - ATLANTA

 

[Guildford Bee]

QB: Drew Brees
RB: Thomas Jones and Matt Forte
WR: Brandon Marshall and Lance Moore
TE: Jason Witten
DE: Dallas
K: Nick Folk

Currently 3,759 with 81 points. It's amazing to think there are more than 15,000 players worse than me!

 

[kevalutonbee]

I've gone for

Cutler
Peterson
Williams
Andre Johnson
Welker
Scheffler
Elam
NYJ

That will teach me to change my team at the last minute. I subbed Boldin for Welker and then an hour after the game froze the Cards said Boldin was carrying an injury and may well be a game time decision. Damn these Thursday games

 

[Pixelator]

TE - CLARK - IND

Good call! 100 yards and a touchdown. And I almost posted last night to say he's listed as questionable.

 

[Simon T]

The NFL's first great quarterback Sammy Baugh died on Wednesday night aged 94

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80d6988a&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

The article has some surprising facts about him - he still holds the NFL single season punting record and in one game he threw for 4 touchdowns and intercepted the opposing quarterback 4 times.

RIP Slinging Sammy

 

[kevalutonbee]

The NFL's first great quarterback Sammy Baugh died on Wednesday night aged 94

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80d6988a&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

The article has some surprising facts about him - he still holds the NFL single season punting record and in one game he threw for 4 touchdowns and intercepted the opposing quarterback 4 times.

RIP Slinging Sammy

Can you imagine some of todays QBs playing on Special Teams?

 

[Jam Jar]

Good call! 100 yards and a touchdown. And I almost posted last night to say he's listed as questionable.

Indy cannot run the ball and with Marvin Harrison questionable I knew Clark would be a big target.

 

[Pixelator]

Oh, and don't pick the Tennessee D, missing its 2 most influential linemen.

5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries and a touchdown. 33 points.

On Monday morning we'll be saying the road to the superbowl goes through Carolina and Pittsburgh.

 

[Jam Jar]

5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries and a touchdown. 33 points.

Also never trust Houston players

Interesting set of scenarios for the final week.

In the AFC I think the Pats might sneak through, The Jets have stunk but they may win against Miami in which case the Pats win the division. Think Baltimore have that final wild card slot pretty much locked down.

In the NFC, its between Tampa Bay and Dallas, (not sure about Chicago/Minnesota), Tampa Bay have the easier game but I think a Dallas win sees them qualify, only problem is they play the Eagles who I think mathematically still qualify.

The Giants look odds on to make the superbowl, rushing for 300 yards against the Panthers.

 

[kevalutonbee]

Also never trust Houston players

Finally put Andre Johnson in and he contributes a massive two points

With Boldin not playing having subbed him for Welker its a good job DeAngelo Wiiliams, Matt Cassell and Michael Turner turned up this week otherwise my score could have seriously embarrassing

 

[Pixelator]

110 points for me, I think. Could've been more, but I can't pick Gostkowski as I would feel a "conflicted" when the Pats get into field goal range. Same reason I've never picked anyone playing against the Pats.

The Jets have stunk but they may win against Miami in which case the Pats win the division.

New England have to win too. It'll be the first time I've ever cheered on the Jets.

its a good job DeAngelo Wiiliams, Matt Cassell and Michael Turner turned up this week

Williams and Turner were brave picks, considering the opposition. Respect due. Boldin, though . Clearly didn't fancy the cold.

Thank Gawd there's no Thursday night game this week.

 

[kevalutonbee]

110 points for me, I think. Could've been more, but I can't pick Gostkowski as I would feel a "conflicted" when the Pats get into field goal range. Same reason I've never picked anyone playing against the Pats.



New England have to win too. It'll be the first time I've ever cheered on the Jets.



Williams and Turner were brave picks, considering the opposition. Respect due. Boldin, though . Clearly didn't fancy the cold.

Thank Gawd there's no Thursday night game this week.

I have the same problem not picking Cowboys opponents!!

Like I said previously I subbed Boldin for Welker and then they announced he was likely to sit two hours after the game locked Judging by the performance they got a bunch of street guys to play in Cards uniforms

By my reckoning there are three head to head loser goes home scenarios and with all games on Sunday we don't have to play Russian roulette with injury reports.

By the way Pixelator, what is the translation of your team name?

 

[Pixelator]

It's a Romanian curse meaning "Eli Manning, may your jockstrap be full of itching powder, and may you suffer the minor discomfort of hangnails on your throwing hand."

 

[kevalutonbee]

It's a Romanian curse meaning "Eli Manning, may your jockstrap be full of itching powder, and may you suffer the minor discomfort of hangnails on your throwing hand."

rofl

 

[Pixelator]

Remaining AFC playoff places

In the east we have 4 teams fighting for 2 places:
New York Jets v Miami
Buffalo v New England
Baltimore v Jacksonville

Miami and Baltimore have their destiny in their own hands; win and they are in the playoffs.
The Jets must win and hope for a Baltimore or New England defeat.
New England must win and hope for a Baltimore or Miami defeat.

So why aren't these games being played at the same time? The Jets and Baltimore games have been moved to the late afternoon slot, after the New England game. :mad1:

I think CBS are hoping New England lose, so the Jets v Miami game is a true winner-takes-all game. But if New England win their game the Jets will know their hopes hang by a thread.

And they're all on CBS, which I think means they won't be shown in Spain :sad:

The situation in the west is much simpler. San Diego v Denver is the late night game, the winner goes through as AFC West champions, the losers are out. Unthinkable 3 weeks ago, but San Diego get a chance to revenge the refereeing mistake which cost them the game in Denver in week 2.

 

[Jam Jar]

In the east we have 4 teams fighting for 2 places:
New York Jets v Miami
Buffalo v New England
Baltimore v Jacksonville

Miami and Baltimore have their destiny in their own hands; win and they are in the playoffs.
The Jets must win and hope for a Baltimore or New England defeat.
New England must win and hope for a Baltimore or Miami defeat.

So why aren't these games being played at the same time? The Jets and Baltimore games have been moved to the late afternoon slot, after the New England game. :mad1:

I think CBS are hoping New England lose, so the Jets v Miami game is a true winner-takes-all game. But if New England win their game the Jets will know their hopes hang by a thread.

And they're all on CBS, which I think means they won't be shown in Spain :sad:

The situation in the west is much simpler. San Diego v Denver is the late night game, the winner goes through as AFC West champions, the losers are out. Unthinkable 3 weeks ago, but San Diego get a chance to revenge the refereeing mistake which cost them the game in Denver in week 2.

As a 49ers fan, I hope the Pats and the Cowboys miss out. Somehow I feel they won't though.

 

[kevalutonbee]

As a 49ers fan, I hope the Pats and the Cowboys miss out. Somehow I feel they won't though.

As a Cowboys fan I suspect your prediction will be 50% correct but I fear the AFC part will be the correct part

 

[Jam Jar]

As a Cowboys fan I suspect your prediction will be 50% correct but I fear the AFC part will be the correct part

124 points this week, that idiot from Houston let me down.

Stormed into 60th position in the whole league.

 

[kevalutonbee]

124 points this week, that idiot from Houston let me down.

Stormed into 60th position in the whole league.

Is that the idiot called Johnston? He let me down too

2361st palce overalll. Perhaps I'll go for a top 2000 finish

 

[Pixelator]

One last push for a top 10 finish. :bound:

Great to have 2 bees in the top 100.

 

[Pixelator]

Remaining NFC playoff places

Far too complicated for words, but there's a lovely graphic here.

Like the AFC, the schedule is a bit screwy. Philadelphia could be out of the picture by the time they play Dallas. Doesn't that give Dallas a slight advantage?

Why couldn't they put Philly v Dallas on earlier with the Tampa Bay and Chicago games, and New England on later with the other key AFC games?

 

[Jam Jar]

Far too complicated for words, but there's a lovely graphic here.

Like the AFC, the schedule is a bit screwy. Philadelphia could be out of the picture by the time they play Dallas. Doesn't that give Dallas a slight advantage?

Why couldn't they put Philly v Dallas on earlier with the Tampa Bay and Chicago games, and New England on later with the other key AFC games?

Shows you they care more about TV schedules and money than fairness. Even the with the time difference across the states I am sure they could have all meaningful games kick off at the same time, how hard can it be.

 

[Pixelator]

Peyton Hillis is out for the season with a hamstring injury - that's 5 running backs out for the season, plus Selvin Young who's injured but not on IR.

That just leaves Tatum Bell, who was a mobile phone salesman until 4 weeks ago.

Now P.J. Pope and Selvin Young have been put on injured reserve too. That's 7 running backs Denver have lost for the season. Not looking good for their playoff chances.

 

[Jam Jar]

Now P.J. Pope and Selvin Young have been put on injured reserve too. That's 7 running backs Denver have lost for the season. Not looking good for their playoff chances.

Its not good for UK users that the San Diego vs Denver game is a 1am, that is the one I want to watch. I actually think San Diego could do some damage in the playoffs if they make win on Sunday.

 

[Pixelator]

I'll be staying up for it, as Denver are my 2nd team - I spent a couple of days there in 1986, and got a picture of Rich Karliss with a burger or petrol or something. And, unlike New England, I've actually seen Denver win 2 Superbowls.

A pan of mulled wine and a box of chocolate truffles will keep me going. And I might pick Cutler, Marshall, Scheffler, Royal and Prater for some added interest.

 

[Guildford Bee]

Its not good for UK users that the San Diego vs Denver game is a 1am, that is the one I want to watch. I actually think San Diego could do some damage in the playoffs if they make win on Sunday.

No work for me on Monday.

I read today that Five is on the brink of cancelling ALL of its American sports coverage.

 

[Jam Jar]

I guess as far as fantasy football is concerned picks should be a little easier as meaningful games are at a premium, San Diego & Denver players look good bets.

 

[Pixelator]

I guess as far as fantasy football is concerned picks should be a little easier as meaningful games are at a premium, San Diego & Denver players look good bets.

:yes: Easy. Entire passing and kicking game from San Diego v Denver. Running backs from Atlanta and Carolina, who have must-win games against weaker opposition. And Baltimore's defence, who have a must-win game against the much-sacked Dave Garrard.

Then again, I don't think you can ignore Aaron Rodgers or Cedric Benson just because their games aren't important.

And Arizona say they'll be taking their game seriously, and they're playing against the league's worst defence.

And Adrian Peterson could score big points if the Giants rest Justin Tuck and a couple of other defensive players.

I'm provisionally going for

Rodgers
Turner, Williams
Fitzgerald, Marshall
Scheffler
Prater
Baltimore D

But I expect a lot of last-minute changes.

 

[Jam Jar]

:yes: Easy. Entire passing and kicking game from San Diego v Denver. Running backs from Atlanta and Carolina, who have must-win games against weaker opposition. And Baltimore's defence, who have a must-win game against the much-sacked Dave Garrard.

Then again, I don't think you can ignore Aaron Rodgers or Cedric Benson just because their games aren't important.

And Arizona say they'll be taking their game seriously, and they're playing against the league's worst defence.

And Adrian Peterson could score big points if the Giants rest Justin Tuck and a couple of other defensive players.

I'm provisionally going for

Rodgers
Turner, Williams
Fitzgerald, Marshall
Scheffler
Prater
Baltimore D

But I expect a lot of last-minute changes.

Carolina are banged up defensively so I think New Orleans will take them apart

So far I have gone for

QB - Rivers (SD)
RB - Turner (ATL)
RB - Thomas (NO)
WR - Marshall (DEN)
WR - Bryant (TB)
TE - Gates (SD)
K - Gotkowski (NE)
D - Baltimore

Again I expect to make changes, am tempted by playing some GB playes but I have a feeling Detriot will be doing their utmost best to avoid 0-16.

 

[Pixelator]

Didn't you get burnt last week with a WR up against Oakland? Having said that, Oakland's Pro-Bowl CB Asomugha is on the injury list; if he doesn't play that will be very good for Antonio Bryant.

Also on the injury list is Ed Reed. If he doesn't play I'll swap the Baltimore D for something cheaper.

 

[Jam Jar]

Didn't you get burnt last week with a WR up against Oakland? Having said that, Oakland's Pro-Bowl CB Asomugha is on the injury list; if he doesn't play that will be very good for Antonio Bryant.

Also on the injury list is Ed Reed. If he doesn't play I'll swap the Baltimore D for something cheaper.

Aware that Oakland have a decent pass rush, (ranked 9th), but Tampa Bay have home advantage, and they need the win plus they do not have a prolific running game, plus Bryant is on a hot streak.

Am tempted by Adrian Peterson also as the Giants are going to rest key starters.

Last chance to get that top score to win a chance to get to the Super bowl.

 

[Pixelator]

Week 17 injury update

The grading of injuries is:
Probable, Questionable, Doubtful, Out

These are some of the more relevant injuries this week, and their fantasy implications.

Anquan Boldin Q - Increases the value of Fitzgerald, Breaston, Urban
Brandon Jacobs Q
Pierre Thomas Q
Lav. Coles Q
LenDale White Q - Increases the value of Chris Johnson
Marion Barber Q - Increases value of Tashard Choice
Cedric Benson P
ATL WRs Douglas, Jenkins Q - Increases the value of Roddy White
BAL S Ed Reed Q - Decreases the value of the Baltimore D

The following players are also likely to benefit from injuries in the opposition defence:
Adrian Peterson
Aaron Rodgers, though this will be counteracted by the crappy weather
The entire Houston pass offence
Antonio Bryant

 

[Pixelator]

windy in Buffalo

Did anyone see Rian Lindell's field goal attempt? From the 30 yard line he aimed it well to the left of the posts and it floated wide right like a beach ball. It missed by yards. The same end where Gostkowski had kicked a short one straight down the middle earlier.

Now the posts at the other end are leaning at a strange angle. Patriots just converted a 4th and 5 to set up a field goal attempt and the ground staff are trying to straighten out the posts.

Dohh! It would have gone in if they'd left the posts wonky. :sad:

 

[Guildford Bee]

Picked Matt Cassell as my QB at the start of the week. Rookie error.

 

[Pixelator]

Early games round-up

Champagne moment from Buffalo:
Buffalo failed to kick a short field goal on the final play of the first half, as their players were too busy playing handbags with the New England defence and time ran out.

New England won 13-0 and now depend on the Jets or Jacksonville winning.

Loads of 4th quarter lead changes in the key NFC matches.

Carolina blew a big lead in New Orleans, then won the game with 6 seconds left kick to confirm 2nd seed for them and 5th for Atlanta.

Minnesota won with the last kick, to win the NFC North and send Chicago out.

Tampa Bay blew the lead against Oakland, leaving Philadelphia and Dallas to fight it out for the 6th NFC spot.

And poor old Detroit lost in the Green Bay tundra to go 0-16.

Now, come on Jets!

 

[Guildford Bee]

Cowboys as good as done. Stupid penalties from A Jones and Newman just seen the Eagles go 24-3 up. As I type, Jones has fumbled a kick return and the Eagles hit a 50-yrd FG on the stroke of HT.

 

[Jam Jar]

Cowboys as good as done. Stupid penalties from A Jones and Newman just seen the Eagles go 24-3 up. As I type, Jones has fumbled a kick return and the Eagles hit a 50-yrd FG on the stroke of HT.

Cowboys being humiliated, Marion Jones fumbled on the goal line, Eagles return the TD. Come on you Dolphins now !

 

[Jam Jar]

Suprised to see the Bucs go out, but their defense has sucked big time in the last month.

Wish I had picked that idiot from Houston, he's had a monster game.

My final team line up is

QB - Rivers (SD)
RB - Turner (ATL)
RB - Benson (CIN)
WR - Jennings (GB)
WR - Marshall (DEN)
TE - Gates (SD)
K - Gotkowski (NE)
DEF - Pittsburgh

 

[Guildford Bee]

Cowboys being humiliated, Marion Jones fumbled on the goal line, Eagles return the TD. Come on you Dolphins now !

As familiar as I am with supporting crap sports teams, I've switched over to the Jets-Dolphins as watching the Cowboys is excruciating.

Atlanta shall become my adopted team for the play-offs.

 

[Guildford Bee]

Tank Johnson and Pacman squaring up now. I wonder if TO will be shedding tears for Romo in the press conference this year....

 

[Jam Jar]

Tank Johnson and Pacman squaring up now. I wonder if TO will be shedding tears for Romo in the press conference this year....

Congrats to the Dolphins, winning 9 of their last 10 games, deserved winners of their division. Hard luck to the Pats, tough being 11-5 and not making it.

 

[Pixelator]

I will not be signing Brett Favre's retirement card. :sad:

 

[Scratchy]

Bloody Jets

As for the Patriots I reckon we'll struggle to make the playoffs. The aging defence might prove our undoing this season. We'll see I guess. Still at least we'll be able to console ourselves by watching old man Favre fail miserably at the Jets.

Fair play to the Dolphins and Ravens who did what they had to do. I didn't think we would go 11-5 this season though, especially after week 1. Belichick and Matt Cassel, who I didn't rate going into this season, deserve huge credit.

I don't think I'll be signing Favre's leaving card either. :sad: Still old Mangenius might get the tin tack now. Gobsh*te that he is.

 

[Simon W]

Watching the Cowboys last night ruined my Christmas

Thats what you call humiliation !

I have said it before on here .. I have never seen a team give away so many penalties as Dallas seem to do

We started positively 2nd half with the first few plays and I thought that an amazing comeback could be on the cards and then another fumble was returned and yet another Romo interception was returned ... I think the big time has gone to his head and has had a very indifferent season.

The only bright spot last night was seeing those very wet Tampa Bay cheerleaders on the red button interludes !! :love2:

Did I see the Eagles owner go to high-5 his female companion and accidently hit her in the face ??

 

[The H]

Still old Mangenius might get the tin tack now. Gobsh*te that he is.

Why..???

He did his job, he stopped the Pats from getting in the play-offs

 

[Jam Jar]

Watching the Cowboys last night ruined my Christmas

Thats what you call humiliation !

I have said it before on here .. I have never seen a team give away so many penalties as Dallas seem to do

We started positively 2nd half with the first few plays and I thought that an amazing comeback could be on the cards and then another fumble was returned and yet another Romo interception was returned ... I think the big time has gone to his head and has had a very indifferent season.

The only bright spot last night was seeing those very wet Tampa Bay cheerleaders on the red button interludes !! :love2:

Did I see the Eagles owner go to high-5 his female companion and accidently hit her in the face ??

Harsh on Romo he has had injury problems, plus the number of hotheads in the dressing room does not help. Although Jerry Jones has backed Wade Phillips I would not be suprised if Bill Cowher becomes the next Cowboys coach.

Please the Chargers knocked out the Bronco's, thats time for Shananhan I think and San Diego now becomes my adopted team for the Superbowl although its likely they will fall at the wild card hurdle as they play a red hot Colts team.

Wild Card predictions.

Indy@SanDiego - Indy for me but its too close to call.
Miami@Baltimore - Baltimore for me

Atlanta@Arizona - High scoring one for me, Atlanta to win
Philly@Minnesota - Philly for me.

 

[Pixelator]

Wild Card predictions.

Indy@SanDiego - Indy for me but its too close to call.
Miami@Baltimore - Baltimore for me

Atlanta@Arizona - High scoring one for me, Atlanta to win
Philly@Minnesota - Philly for me.

That says a lot - you think the 2nd team in the 4 strongest divisions can beat the top team in the 4 weakest divisions on the road. (Miami are at home too.)

It seems a bit wrong that a 12-4 team has to travel to an 8-8 team. Also 11-5 Baltimore travel to 11-5 Miami, but Baltimore's 5 defeats all came to 12-4 or better teams while Miami haven't even played a 12-4 or better team.

That's why I'm not too upset about New England. They weren't the best team in quite a weak division, and they certainly didn't deserve to oust Indianapolis or Baltimore from the playoffs on the basis of an easier schedule.