Fantasy Football Sleeper: Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Source: KFFL.com NFL

If you didn't notice, the Cincinnati Bengals tipped their hand by drafting more offensive weapons to diversify their attack. This will benefit Andy Dalton in his third season.

For those about to MOCK: Notable trends seen in early fantasy football drafts

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

When Mr. Irrelevant, South Carolina tight end Justice Cunningham, had his name called in front of a small group of reasonably sauced lingerers at last month’s NFL Draft, Fantasyland’s finest quickly began formulating thoughts and assembling cheat sheets for this year’s fake football drafts.

Mock season officially kicked off …

Over the next several weeks, armchair quarterbacks of various backgrounds will hone their draft skills in preparation for main events come August. During these exercises, participants will tinker with new strategies, rack their brains over complicated backfields and shout out expletives when desired players are pilfered just before their pick, all the while proclaiming

The Roto Arcade Fantasy Football Mock, RDs 1-2

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

When Mr. Irrelevant, Justice Cunningham, had his name called Saturday, the fantasy football mock season officially got underway. To kick off Yahoo!'s festivities, we'll mock two rounds per day Tuesday-Friday (12-teams, PPR scoring) to help you get educated on which players will be valued/undervalued when the bulk of the draft season begins in August. Please declare a winner and/or express your general disdain for our 'stupidity' in the comments section below.

ROUND 1

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings (PK1, RB1) – Is there even an argument for anyone else? Only a lunatic contrarian would veer away from the game's best back, coming off an all-time

The Roto Arcade Fantasy Football Mock, Rounds 1-2

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

When Mr. Irrelevant, Justice Cunningham, had his name called Saturday, the fantasy football mock season officially got underway. To kick off Yahoo!'s festivities, we'll mock two rounds per day Tuesday-Friday (12-teams, PPR scoring) to help you get educated on which players will be valued/undervalued when the bulk of the draft season begins in August. Please declare a winner and/or express your general disdain for our 'stupidity' in the comments section below.

ROUND 1

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings (PK1, RB1) – Is there even an argument for anyone else? Only a lunatic contrarian would veer away from the game's best back, coming off an all-time

Saved by the Bell! Pittsburgh RB, other rushers, to set rookie pace

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

When it comes to rookies conventional wisdom no longer applies. With a few notable exceptions, most first-year players, particularly quarterbacks, were once thought to be multi-year projects, the Steve McNair approach – observe, learn and wait.

But in this day and age where instant gratification is constantly sought after, time isn’t of the essence. Several players picked in April are immediately pressed into competitive situations where often times they emerge as the go-to option, evident in the rapid ascension of guys like Robert Griffin III, Doug Martin and Josh Gordon, to name a few, last year. Because nuances from the college game are commonplace

Bengals draft TE Tyler Eifert

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

The Bengals used a first-round pick on a tight end for the second time in four years Thursday. Cincinnati spent the No. 21 selection on Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert. The Bengals already have Jermaine Gresham, the 21st pick from the 2010 draft, who has gone to the past two Pro Bowls. But the Bengals needed to add more firepower to their offense. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Granted, I didn't think they would add to that offense with another tight end. However, it's working out really well for the Patriots. In Cincinnati, Gresham can be the in-line tight end while Eifert lines up all over the formation. He's not a speed merchant, but he has very, very good hands, and that's got to be something the Bengals coveted after Gresham dropped 10 passes

Bengals | Andy Dalton knows he needs to throw better deep balls

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton said he knows that he needs to be more accurate with his deep passes and expects to show improvement in that area. 'I think there are times where I didn't get those throws. That's one thing people have said about me since I was coming out of college. I'm going to get better. I know I need to get better. I'm going to make the improvement. I expect myself to make throws like that. I have to hit more throws down field. I also have to get better in other areas,' Dalton said.

Bengals | Andy Dalton looking to be a leader

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton said he wants to be more of a leader on and off the field next season. 'The biggest thing I can do is take more control. Whether it be on the practice field or during a game, whatever it is, I need to step up and really show my leadership. That will be big. The more you play, especially being a quarterback, the more you're going to become a leader on the team,' Dalton said.

Wednesday was apparently 'Sign a backup quarterback' day

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

When Carson Palmer is the best quarterback to change teams this offseason, you know the field of available QBs is pretty barren. Wednesday saw a handful of signal-callers get deals, but barring injury, you probably won't hear much from them this season. The Redskins signed a pair of quarterbacks, Rex Grossman and Pat White. Grossman has spent the past two seasons in Washington. White, a second-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2009, last played professional football with the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League in 2011. Elsewhere, the Seahawks signed Josh Portis to a two-year contract. He is now the direct backup to Russell Wilson. Portis, 25, has never played in an NFL game and was cut from the Seahawks' practice squad in

John Skelton - Bengals acquire John Skelton

Source: The Huddle

The Cincinnati Bengals acquired QB John Skelton off waivers from the Arizona Cardinals Wednesday, April 3.
Huddle Up: Skelton and Josh Johnson will battle to back up Andy Dalton.

Rapid React: Water in desert, Fitz lands Palmer

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

More times than not, divorces are not pretty. But after the extensive bickering, lawyer talk and concessions, sometimes beauty can emerge from the chaos.

Just ask Carson Palmer.

As reported by various outlets, including the Purple Palace’s own Michael Silver, the fractured relationship between the Raiders and the two-time Pro Bowler is beyond irreparable. The passer wants out, an identical feeling he expressed just three short years ago when held hostage by Mike Brown in Cincinnati. Assuming he gets his wish, which rumblings suggest

Rapid React: Water in desert, Fitz set to land Palmer

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

More times than not, divorces are not pretty. But after the extensive bickering, lawyer talk and concessions, sometimes beauty can emerge from the chaos.

Just ask Carson Palmer.

As reported by various outlets, including the Purple Palace’s own Michael Silver, the fractured relationship between the Raiders and the two-time Pro Bowler is beyond irreparable. The passer wants out, an identical feeling he expressed just three short years ago when held hostage by Mike Brown in Cincinnati. Assuming he gets his wish, which rumblings suggest will happen imminently, a red alert

Rapid React: Water in the desert, Fitz set to land Palmer

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

More times than not, divorces are not pretty. But after the extensive bickering, lawyer talk and concessions, sometimes beauty can spring.

Just ask Carson Palmer.

As reported by various outlets, including the Purple Palace’s own Michael Silver, the fractured relationship between the Raiders and the two-time Pro Bowler is beyond irreparable. The passer wants out, an identical feeling he expressed just three short years ago when held hostage by Mike Brown in Cincinnati. Assuming he gets his wish, which rumblings suggest will happen imminently, a red alert will be issued

Josh Johnson - QB Johnson agrees to terms with Bengals

Source: The Huddle

The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms with free-agent QB Josh X. Johnson (Browns). Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Huddle Up: With the Bengals is need of a backup to Andy Dalton and missing out on Ryan Fitzpatrick, who signed with the Titans, Johnson is the immediate front-runner with Zac Robinson the only other QB on the roster. Don't be surprised if Cincy comes out of the draft with another QB as well.

Bengals | View Ryan Fitzpatrick as backup

Source: Footballguys.com

The Cincinnati Bengals are interested in free-agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Bills) as their backup to QB Andy Dalton.

Andy Dalton has "a long way to go"

Source: Draft Sharks

Bengals QB Andy Dalton's NFL career is off to a good start.  He's completed 60.2% of his passes with 47 TDs vs. 29 INTs over his first 2 seasons.  But OC Jay Gruden is looking for more from Dalton moving forward.  "There’s not one part of his game that he doesn’t need to improve," Gruden said. "... Your arm strength, your strength, your footwork, basically your fundamentals of football. And obviously he needs to get better with his deep ball accuracy and touch, and there’s not really one part of his game that he can’t really improve upon. He has to get better in every phase — scramble ability, foot quickness, accuracy, deep accuracy, short, anticipation. He’s got a long way to go... We feel like he has not come close to

Bengals | Andy Dalton has room to improve

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said Tuesday, March 5, in a radio interview that QB Andy Dalton needs to improve in every phase, specifically his deep accuracy and touch. 'He's got a long way to go,' Gruden said. 'He's done some great things for a second-year quarterback, won a lot of games and thrown some good touchdown passes, but we feel like he has not come close to his potential. That's our job to get it out of him.'

Bengals QB Andy Dalton has 'a long way to go'

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Last we saw Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, he was turning in an all-around awful performance against the Texans in a wild card playoff game. So, kudos to offensive coordinator Jay Gruden for not viewing Dalton through rose-colored glasses when talking about him during a Tuesday radio interview. quot;He has to get better in every phase -- scramble ability, foot quickness, accuracy, deep accuracy, short, anticipation," Gruden said. "He's got a long way to go. He's done some great things for a second-year quarterback, won a lot of games and thrown some good touchdown passes, but we feel like he has not come close to his potential. That's our job to get it out of him. And he knows he's gotta play better, and we all do. "There's not one part

Jaguars GM says 'we need to build around' QB Blaine Gabbert

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

There's no question that after two years, the Jaguars' Blaine Gabbert has been the worst quarterback of those drafted in 2011's first round (or even the second round considering that's where Andy Dalton and Colin Kaepernick were selected). First-year general manager Dave Caldwell has no attatchment to him, but he's also not ready to give up on the 23-year-old. quot;That was his second year," Caldwell said earlier this week when asked about Gabbert's poor play before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. "What were they saying about other quarterbacks after their second year? We're looking for improvement [in his third year]. We need to build around him. We'll upgrade whenever we can upgrade." FANTASY ANALYSIS: Gabbert's first two

AJ Green wants more touches

Source: FFToday

Bengals' star WR frustrated over lack of action in postseason

A.J. Green had fun in last Sunday's Pro Bowl with three touchdowns, but he admitted that the disappointment over the Bengals' 19-13 loss to the Texans in the first round of the playoffs still stings, even more so than last year. "It's more disappointing because we had the team and we could have won that game if we put the plays together. We knew with that game we played one of our worst games," Green said on Thursday after making an appearance for Gatorade. "Last year no one expected us to make the playoffs." He also admitted that there was frustration over not being targeted or

Andy Dalton (QB)

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by George Rev

Andy Dalton quietly put together a very nice year in Cincinnati throwing for 3,669 yards and 27 touchdowns. Now Dalton doesn’t get much praise from the fantasy world, but I believe Dalton can be a low QB1 or high QB2 in 2013. Who do you think throws A.J Green all of those touchdowns?

Don’t forget Dalton is only entering his 3rd year, and the connection between Green and Dalton will continue to grow, as they were drafted in the same class. Dalton isn’t going to go too high in the draft, and could potentially put up QB1-esk numbers for you. If you find yourself drafting RBs and WRs early and you feel like you missed the ship when it comes to starting QBs check out Dalton, as he could easily be a top 10 QB next year.

Getting a healthy Mohammad Sanu will help Dalton’s numbers out and Cincinnati should add some offensive talent in the upcoming rookie draft. Dalton had his fair share of stellar performances during the year, putting up 20 plus points 6 times last year. Look for Dalton as a bail out QB for your team, and a surprise QB1. He’s a great backup and bye week filler, and should be the starter in Cincinnati with an elite weapon in A.J. Green for a long time to come.

NFL | Ryan Nassib compared to other QBs

Source: Footballguys.com

Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib is being compared to Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton and Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins because of his intelligence and love for the game. He doesn't have a standout arm, but he 'can make all the throws.'

Bengals | Looking for another QB

Source: Footballguys.com

The Cincinnati Bengals appear to be searching for a backup quarterback to QB Andy Dalton with QB Bruce Gradkowski headed for free agency this offseason. However, they don't want to push Dalton out of the starting role, so they are unlikely to use early draft picks on a QB. Bengals quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese will take a look at North Carolina State QB Mike Glennon, Florida State QB EJ Manuel, Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson, Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib and University of Miami QB Zac Dysert this week. Glennon has been receiving the most praise from evaluators, and they believe he might be in the best position to succeed immediately in the NFL.

Breakfast Table: Slay the Favorite

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

For the last decade or so, Michael Salfino and Scott Pianowski have been putting together an email exchange centered around (but not limited to) the NFL. You might enjoy listening to them haggle. You might prefer a swift kick into the stomach. The Table isn't for everyone; we hope some of you enjoy it.

From: scott pianowski
Date: Wed, Jan 9, 2013 at 11:57 AM
Subject: divisional breakfast
To: Michael Salfino

There aren't many letdown weeks in the NFL season, but the Wild Card round would qualify. The first three games were boring and sloppy, and the fourth game became one big morality play. I have no intention of looking back. I have nothing new to add on these

Early Top 200 for the 2013 Fantasy Football Season

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by FFAdvantage

Here’s an early look at my Top 200 for the 2013 fantasy football season. There are a number of factors that will certainly be changing over the next several months so expect to see big changes. Use the comments section at the bottom of this article to tell me where you agree or disagree.

2013 Top 200

1. Adrian Peterson

2. Arian Foster

3. Calvin Johnson

4. CJ Spiller

5. Marshawn Lynch

6. Ray Rice

7. Jamaal Charles

8. Doug Martin

9. Aaron Rodgers

10. Tom Brady

11. AJ Green

12. LeSean McCoy

13. Trent Richardson

14. Drew Brees

15.

First Down: Cuts like a knife! Surgery clouds RGIII’s 2013 draft standing, keeper value

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Overnight Tuesday while most of us were dreaming about trysts with Brent Musburger obsession Katherine Webb, nightmarish details leaked from Redskins HQ about the status of one of fantasy's most coveted players.

First reported by ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Robert Griffin III, who turned the fantasy world on its collective ear posting the fifth-best per game output among quarterbacks,

Bengals | Need to improve protection of QB

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton was sacked 46 times this season, the most sacks of a Bengals QB since QBs Akili Smith and Scott Mitchell were dropped 52 times in 2000. However, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden feels the offensive line improved as the season went on. 'This is going to sound asinine, probably, but I think from a protection standpoint, as far as protection and blitzes, we're as good as anybody,' Gruden said. 'A lot of the sacks were Andy stepping up and there were sometimes the pocket seemed collapsed. We need to work on that.'

Bengals | Accentuating positives with Andy Dalton

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden plans to work with QB Andy Dalton to get him more consistent from start to finish. 'It's easy to look at the negatives. You can see his start and then he kind of went down here at the end of the year,' Gruden said Tuesday, Jan. 8. 'It's our job to get him better and to focus on the positives and we can work on the things he needs to work on in the offseason.' The team plans to work more on the deep ball with Dalton, and the need for him to make more plays out of the pocket.

Dalton struggles mightily as Bengals bounced - Andy Dalton | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Football

Andy Dalton completed 14-of-30 passes for 127 yards and an interception in the Bengals' 19-13 Wild Card Round loss to the Texans.

Breakfast Table: Field Turf of Dreams

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

For the last decade or so, Michael Salfino and Scott Pianowski have been putting together an email exchange centered around (but not limited to) the NFL. You might enjoy listening to them haggle. You might prefer a swift kick into the stomach. The Table isn't for everyone; we hope some of you enjoy it.

From: scott pianowski
Date: Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 3:52 AM
Subject: something wild breakfast
To: Michael Salfino

So here we are, the playoffs. I'm excited for the tournament as a whole, but the Wild Card slate doesn't seem that interesting to me.

You'll really have to sell me on the AFC matchups, given that I can't imagine anyone other than Denver or New

2012 Playoff Rankings – Tavaner

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

The NFL Playoffs are now set after 17 grueling weeks of play! There are a ton of story lines to follow. Among the more intriguing are three rookie quarterbacks, one of whom is guaranteed to win a playoff game in their first year; a second year quarterback who took over in week ten; a Colt’s team who went from worst last year to a playoff team this year, riding an emotional high after the return of their head coach from a successful bout against leukemia; and a team that went from the favorite for a first round bye to the number three seed in a few short weeks.

These are the overall rankings for the playoffs. Some formats require you to choose from all the teams in the playoffs, others allow you to go week to week. These

2012 Wild Card Weekend – Tavaner

Source: Fantasy Football Xtreme by Tavaner

Quarterbacks Russell Wilson (SEA) Aaron Rodgers (GB) Robert Griffin III (WAS) Andrew Luck (IND) Joe Flacco (BAL) Andy Dalton (CIN) Matt Schaub (HOU) Christian Ponder (MIN) Running Backs Ray Rice (BAL) Adrian Peterson (MIN) Arian Foster (HOU) Marshawn Lynch (SEA) Alfred Morris (WAS) Benjarvus Green-Ellis (CIN) Vick Ballard (IND) DuJuan Harris (GB) Ben Tate (HOU) Ryan Grant (GB) Bernard Pierce (BAL) Brian Leonard (CIN) Wide Receivers Anquan Boldin (BAL) AJ Green (CIN) Andre Johnson (HOU) Greg Jennings (GB) Reggie Wayne (IND) Torrey Smith (BAL) T.Y. Hilton (IND) Jordy Nelson (GB) Sidney Rice (SEA) James Jones (GB) Pierre Garcon (WAS) Golden Tate (SEA) Marvin Jones

Submitted for your derision: Fantasy ranks for NFL playoff leagues

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Perhaps the dumbest thing a fantasy manager can possibly do is publish player ranks on a mainstream sports site on the morning of a draft. Definitely not recommended. Poor strategy, requiring a special combination of stupidity and hubris. Far from ideal.

Nonetheless, I'm doing it today. My first fantasy playoff draft is coming up in just a few short hours, and I'm publishing ranks in advance. (Again: Unwise). Obviously I'd prefer to post this thing much later in the afternoon, after the draft, but my schedule is pretty jammed. I've blocked off eight-and-a-half hours to watch the Big Ten get mauled across five bowl games. The conference requires my full attention. So let's just rank the NFL playoff field right

Submitted for your derision: Fantasy ranks for 2013 playoff leagues

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Perhaps the dumbest thing a fantasy manager can possibly do is publish up-to-date player ranks on a mainstream sports site on the morning of a draft. Not recommended. This requires a special combination of stupidity and hubris. Far from ideal.

Nonetheless, today you're getting my NFL playoff ranks just a few hours before my first postseason draft of 2013. I'd prefer to publish this thing much later in the afternoon, post-draft, but unfortunately my schedule is pretty jammed. I've blocked off most of the day to watch the Big Ten get mauled for eight-and-a-half hours, across five games. So let's just rank the field right now.

But first, a few details about league settings...

My upcoming draft is a

Andy Dalton - Bengals not planning to rest starters

Source: The Huddle

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he will not rest his starters in Week 17 because the team wants to be playing well going into the playoffs.
Huddle Up: Great news for Dalton, A.J. Green and BenJarvus Green-Ellis fantasy owners who are looking to field reliable championship-week lineups.

Exit Interview: Among QBs, RGIII, other rookies, stole show in 2012

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Expect the unexpected. For those that followed the timeless phrase and invested in a rookie quarterback in 2012, chances are they, at the very least, punched a playoff ticket. Carrying on the work started by Cam Newton and Andy Dalton last year, RGIII, Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson continued to erase negative stigmas attached to first-year passers. Their success speaks to the position's overall depth and scope. In terms of yards per game (232.8), 2012 was the most prolific passing season in NFL history. No surprise, 15 signal callers averaged at least 20 fantasy points per game, a new century-high. Below is our recap of this season's QB

Cincinnati Bengals won't rest starters Week 17

Source: Draft Sharks

Bengals HC Marvin Lewis says he won't rest his starters in Week 17, despite being locked into the #6 seed.  Lewis rested his starters 2 previous times, and Cincy was eliminated in its first playoff game on both occasions.  "How'd that turn out for us?" Lewis asked rhetorically.  "I think it's important for our team to play well. We are going to play to win the football game. [We're playing for] improvement."  Andy Dalton, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, A.J. Green, and Jermaine Gresham will be safe to use in fantasy this weekend.

Bengals | Andy Dalton better on the road

Source: Footballguys.com

The Cincinnati Bengals are 10-5 on the road and just 7-8 at home since QB Andy Dalton has taken over at quarterback.

Andy Dalton - Dalton struggles against divisional foes

Source: The Huddle

Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton is just 3-7 against the AFC North division, with all three of his victories coming against the Cleveland Browns.
Huddle Up: It's a fantasy concern as well as Dalton faces the Steelers and Ravens over the season's final 2 weeks. In the first 2 meetings with those clubs, Dalton twas limited to a combined 326 passing yards, TD and 2 interceptions.

Bengals | Andy Dalton struggles against divisional foes

Source: Footballguys.com

Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton is just 3-7 against the AFC North division, with all three of his victories coming against the Cleveland Browns.

Week 16 – QB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Tim Heitman / USA TODAY Sports

Judging by the first half of the season, it appeared Tony Romo and the Cowboys offense were going nowhere fast. The team had a losing record, one of the worst offensive lines in the league and outside of a couple solid performances, they couldn’t run the football if their lives depended on it.

The second half has turned out to be much more promising and in fact for those of you that were actually playing Romo, you’ve enjoyed a pretty good run down the stretch.

Over the past eight weeks Romo has at least 300-yards passing in six of those games and in two of those games he’s thrown for over 430-yards. Outside of his four interception game against the

Bengals need more consistency from Dalton - Andy Dalton | CIN

Source: Rotoworld Football

Bengals OC Jay Gruden says Andy Dalton "has got to be more consistent" over the final two games of the season and beyond.

Over/Under: Is a Spiller spectacular on the horizon?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders for Week 15.

C.J. Spiller, now locked in the pole position, total yards versus Seattle 109.5

Scott — OVER is the only logical way to play this. Chan Gailey is finally saved from himself, and even if the Seahawks control the game, Spiller can make hay as a receiver. The Bills are going to have to bite the bullet on Spiller as a pass blocker (something that's made the team nervous); it's sink-or-swim time.

Dalton — OVER. Spiller has averaged 92.3 yards from scrimmage on just

Over/Under: Is the Spiller spectacular on the horizon?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders for Week 15.

C.J. Spiller, now locked in the pole position, total yards versus Seattle 109.5

Scott — OVER is the only logical way to play this. Chan Gailey is finally saved from himself, and even if the Seahawks control the game, Spiller can make hay as a receiver. The Bills are going to have to bite the bullet on Spiller as a pass blocker (something that's made the team nervous); it's sink-or-swim time.

Dalton — OVER. Spiller has averaged 92.3 yards from scrimmage on just

Week 15: Sleepers of the Week

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

These lesser-known players deserve to start this week due to matchup or other circumstances. This week's picks include Andy Dalton, Colin Kaepernick, Shonn Greene, David Wilson, and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Week 15 – QB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Geoff Burke / USA TODAY Sports

What an interesting story we have lined up in Baltimore as Joe Flacco’s long time offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was fired on Monday. The Ravens will place their bets (click here) on former Colts Head Coach Jim Caldwell improving the offense in perhaps the biggest matchup in the NFL next week against the Broncos.

Because Ozzie Newsome (well respected around the league) is the general manager of the Ravens, I have to feel like he wouldn’t have made this move unless he knew both Caldwell and Flacco had a good working relationship. Caldwell

NFL Skinny: Week 14 preview

Source: Roto Arcade by Brandon Funston

It's the first week of the fantasy playoffs for most Yahoo! leagues, which means that things have gotten as serious as a heart attack for those owners that have survived into the postseason. Each week from here on out, it's do-or-die. Many of you won't bother checking next week's Skinny because your season will be dashed on the shores of Week 14. It reminds of a quote from one of the teachers in "Dazed and Confused":

"It's like our sergeant told us before one trip into the jungle: 'Men, 50 of you are leavin' on a mission … 25 of ya ain't comin' back!'"

Here's hoping you make it back for Week 15. Of course, it all starts with proper preparation for the week at hand. Let's get down to some Week 14 business,

Mostly NFL Notes: The year of the rookie quarterback

Source: Roto Arcade by Dalton Del Don

I've blamed Houston's run blocking mostly this year, but it's hard to defend Arian Foster when he gets 2.8 yards-per-touch against a Titans defense that has allowed the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Of course, he once again helped fantasy owners by hitting pay dirt, but with Justin Forsett equaling his 14 carries and nearly doubling his yardage, the O-Line excuse becomes weaker. Foster has a legitimate shot at finishing as the No. 1 fantasy running back while getting fewer than 4.0 YPC AND having less than 150 receiving yards — a feat in which I'd be shocked if it wasn't the first time ever…Andre Johnson didn't see one target in the second

Week 14 – QB Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: John Rieger / USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a tough season for fantasy owners who invested a high pick in Cam Newton. The second-year quarterback has struggled but based on his recent play it appears he’s ready to pull out his sophomore slump. Over the past two games Newton has 532-yards passing, five touchdown passes with zero interceptions to go with 130-yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns.

Granted Newton has faced the Eagles and Chiefs while putting those numbers together and this week promises to give him a tougher matchup as Carolina heads back home to play the Falcons. Then again, perhaps not as one of Newton’s finer performances of the season came in Atlanta when he posted

Flames: Bryce Brown to pass playoff test with flying colors

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Each week the Noise highlights 12-13 somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post the results, whether genius or moronic, the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 14 Flames in the comments section below.

Joe Flacco, Bal, QB (14-percent started)
Matchup: at