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

Tiers for Beers: Graham a slam-dunk No. 1 in loaded TE class

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

It may seem insane-ludi-ridiculously early for fantasy football ranks, but with the NFL draft beginning Thursday, it's time for a refresher. In the final part of a special four-part series, the Noise tangos with TEs, and gets you a leg up on scoring extra beer money this fall. Team Huevos, shout, shout, let it all out in the comments section below.

See also:

Brandon Pettigrew unlikely to be back with Lions?

Source: Draft Sharks

The Detroit News suggests Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew will play elsewhere after this season. The 28-year-old underachiever has just one year remaining on his rookie contract. And the Lions are reportedly doing their homework on this year’s crop of rookie TEs. To date, they’ve met with projected mid to late-round picks Travis Kelce, Michael Williams and Dion Sims. Kelce would carry the most appeal in dynasty fantasy football leagues given his size (6’5, 255), athleticism and supporting cast. It’s worth noting that the organization’s drafted just 2 TEs (Pettigrew and Dan Gronkowski) over the last 10 years, though. Still, the

First Down: The push for Reggie Bush, MJD reboots and buying Bell

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

In locker-rooms, on plasma screens or behind podiums, NFL head coaches typically spew one of three different types of propaganda when discussing expectations for newly acquired players – believable, outlandish and whatever the heck flies out of Jim Schwartz’s mouth.

Over the years, Schwartz has rewarded the football community with several golden nuggets, his comparison of Jahvid Best video clips to “porn” being the best. Well, it appears the Old Hyperbolator is at it again. Last week, he divulged to Lions fans running back Reggie Bush is poised for an enormous season.

Lions HC Jim Schwartz says RB Reggie Bush could catch 80 passes this season

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Not that such a result would create much shock given the player in question and the offense in which he operates, but still. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz said Tuesday that Reggie Bush quot;could potentially catch 60-70-80 passes" this season, via DetroitLions.com writer Tim Twentyman. FANTASY ANALYSIS: That's a lot of receptions, but it's not totally out of this world for Bush. He caught 88 passes as a rookie and then 73 passes in 12 games the following year. Yes, that was seven seasons ago, but Bush is still a top-notch receiving back, and the Lions are still going to throw it a ton. Consider two things: One, Joique Bell caught 52 passes for the Lions last year. Is it really inconceivable that a more-talented RB who is still in his prime

Reggie Bush to catch a lot of balls

Source: Draft Sharks

We've already discussed Lions RB Reggie Bush returning to a role similar to what he played with the Saints.  Well, the team website reports that HC Jim Schwartz expects Bush to catch 60-80 passes.  Joique Bell led Detroit RBs with 52 receptions last season.  That total sat just 7 catches behind TE Brandon Pettigrew to rank 3rd on the team.  RB Mikel Leshoure caught another 34 balls, while he and Bell combined for 116 targets.  Expect Bush to take over a lot of those.  He twice reached 70 catches in New Orleans, including 88 in his rookie season. Bush looks like a strong RB2 in your PPR league, with RB1 potential.  He should be able to deliver solid RB2 production across fantasy football formats.

TE Myers agrees with Giants

Source: FFToday

Former Raiders' tight end replaces Bennett

TE Brandon Myers has agreed to sign with the Giants. (Mike Garafolo via Twitter)

FF Today's Take: Myers finished 9th among tight ends in standard scoring leagues and 6th in PPR leagues last season outproducing the likes of Dennis Pitta, Brandon Pettigrew,

Brandon Pettigrew - Pettigrew to see salary increase

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew will see his 2013 base salary increase from $1,146,250 to $1,846,250 because of incentives in his contract.
Huddle Up: Pettigrew should be thanking his agent after a down 2012 season as he saw declines in catches (83 to 59), yards (777 to 567) and TDs (5 to 3) from his 2011 numbers.

Lions | Brandon Pettigrew's 2013 salary increased

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew will see his 2013 base salary increase from $1,146,250 to $1,846,250 because of incentives in his contract.

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.

Matthew Stafford - Lions will look to add another weapon

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew said he will look to add a playmaker in the passing game this offseason. Mayhew has taken one wide receiver in each of his four NFL Drafts as Lions general manager. 'The way I look at it, when you've got a quarterback like Matthew Stafford, you want to keep giving him weapons, and that's what we're going to try to keep doing,' Mayhew said. 'If it's a receiver, if it's a tight end, if it's a running back that can catch passes out of the backfield, all those things help Matthew to be better, and they help Calvin to be better.'
Huddle Up: Stafford can use the help -- a dynamic, pass-catching RB would be a great fit -- and will also get a boost if players such as WRs Ryan Broyles

Brandon Pettigrew: (Ankle) Active Sunday

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Brandon Pettigrew: Pettigrew (ankle) is active for Sunday's game against Chicago, the Lions' official site reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Status Wrap: Browns send the JV to Pittsburgh; Roddy White in limbo again

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

There's nothing major on the line when the Browns and Steelers meet up in Week 17, and Cleveland certainly isn't making the game a priority. Make sure you buy a scorecard on the way to Heinz Field; you might not recognize some of the visitors.

For starters, the Browns will have third-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis under center. Brandon Weeden and Colt McCoy are both battling shoulder injuries and won't be available. Lewis, a 25-year-old who piloted Duke from 2006-2009, has yet to throw a

Brandon Pettigrew - Brandon Pettigrew doubtful

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 28, and is doubtful for Week 17.
Huddle Up: Matthew Stafford's seam threat will have missed several weeks in a row if/when he misses this week's game. Pettigrew was a decent fantasy option when healthy, and he should continue to have a big role in the offense next season.

Lions | Brandon Pettigrew doubtful

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 28, and is doubtful for Week 17.

Brandon Pettigrew doubtful for Week 17

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) returned to a limited practice on Friday but is listed as doubtful for Week 17. There's no reason for him to play against the Bears on Sunday. TE Tony Scheffler will see another full workload but isn't a recommended fantasy starter against the league's top TE defense.

Exit Interview: Gonzalez proof that age is nothing but a number

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

For the first time in the fantasy era, a pair of tight ends were weighed by drafters at the Round 1 turn. In the eyes of millions, Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, off historic 2012 campaigns, were position titans equal to or better than some of the virtual game's most established wide receivers. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency hindered the duo in the follow-up. Overall, after a year of unprecedented production, the position as a whole slipped. Though still deep, only four TEs finished the season with at least 120 total points in traditional formats, the lowest total since 2008. Below is our recap of this season's TE flames and lames with a quick look at what notable names could

Pettigrew returns to Lions practice on Friday - Brandon Pettigrew | DET

Source: Rotoworld Football

Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) returned to practice on Friday.

Lions | Brandon Pettigrew not practicing

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is not taking part in practice Thursday, Dec. 27.

Brandon Pettigrew - Pettigrew still not back on field for Lions

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle), S Louis Delmas (knee) and DT Sammie Hill (toe) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 26.
Huddle Up: Pettigrew hasn't played in the Lions' past 3 games and there's no reason to believe he'll return for Sunday's finale.

Brandon Pettigrew INACTIVE

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is officially inactive for tonight's game against the Falcons.  Tony Scheffler will serve as Detroit's primary pass-catching TE.

Brandon Pettigrew - Pettigrew officially out again

Source: The Huddle

The Detroit Lions have declared TE Brandon Pettigrew, OT Corey Hilliard, OT Jason Fox, QB Kellen Moore, DL Ogemdi Nwagbuo, CB Ron Bartell, DL Ronnell Lewis inactive for Week 16.
Huddle Up: Pettigrew will miss a third straight game as his disappointing season continues.

Lions | Trio to handle TE duties

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TEs Will Heller, Tony Scheffler and FB Shaun Chapas will handle the tight end duties in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons with TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) sidelined. Heller will start the game.

Lions | Week 16 Inactives

Source: Footballguys.com

The Detroit Lions have declared TE Brandon Pettigrew, OT Corey Hilliard, OT Jason Fox, QB Kellen Moore, DL Ogemdi Nwagbuo, CB Ron Bartell, DL Ronnell Lewis inactive for Week 16.

Brandon Pettigrew - Brandon Pettigrew doubtful

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 21, and is doubtful for Week 16.
Huddle Up: This dings Matthew Stafford a bit, and gives Tony Scheffler another shot to prove he can score at tight end. Unfortunately, that would be a bit of a risk for your championship game. Considering the stinker he had last week, you will be better off with a more proven option.

Brandon Pettigrew doubtful for Week 16

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) was unable to practice all week and won't play against the Falcons on Saturday. It puts Tony Scheffler on the low-end TE1 radar. He's seen 17 targets over the past 2 weeks.

Status Wrap: Thanks for the memories, Danario Alexander

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Normally we give you an Injury Wrap in this space on Fridays, and we will get to plenty of injuries after the jump. But with less in-flux injury news than usual this week, and a few non-injury situations worth discussing, we're broadening the scope of today's piece. Good luck to everyone in their playoff games.

I've enjoyed the Danario Alexander run as much as anyone. I picked him up where I could, started him aggressively, blogged about him constantly. Until the Week 15 bagel, it was a fun and rewarding ride.

But in Week 16, a one-game season, there's no time for sentimentality and future speculation. If you don't like someone's chances at points this weekend, you cut the cord. And with

Brandon Pettigrew: (Ankle) Ruled Out for Saturday

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Brandon Pettigrew: Pettigrew (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Atlanta, the Detroit Free Press reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Brandon Pettigrew - Pettigrew not expected to play

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is highly unlikely to play in the team's Week 16 game. He missed practice again on Thursday.
Huddle Up: It's looking like Pettigrew will miss a third straight game, and it's going to be up to Tony Scheffler, Kris Durham and the other Detroit pass-catchers to step up and perform with the Falcons devoting the majority of their defensive attention to Calvin Johnson.

Brandon Pettigrew still not back in practice - Brandon Pettigrew | DET

Source: Rotoworld Football

Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not practice again Thursday.

Lions | Brandon Pettigrew not expected to play

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is highly unlikely to play in the team's Week 16 game.

Lions | Brandon Pettigrew not practicing

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is not taking part in practice Thursday, Dec. 20.

Brandon Pettigrew - Brandon Pettigrew misses practice

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 19.
Huddle Up: The Lions offense sputtered last week, and Brandon Pettigrew's absence could have been a big contributing factor. Keep an eye on him to see if he will play this week; he should be a decent option at tight end if he does.

Lions | Brandon Pettigrew misses practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Brandon Pettigrew still out Wednesday

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) was still unable to practice on Wednesday.  We're now hearing reports that he's dealing with a high-ankle sprain, which makes him extremely doubtful for this Saturday's game against the Falcons.  Tony Scheffler will remain in the low-end TE1 mix.

Lions | Brandon Pettigrew not practicing

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is not practicing Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Week 16 – TE Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Michael Ivins / USA TODAY Sports

High expectations this summer came crashing back to earth after fantasy owners lost Aaron Hernandez to a bad ankle injury during the second week of the season. Hernandez struggled to find his way back to the active roster playing in only two games from week three to week eleven.

Over the past three weeks Hernandez has come back and performed for fantasy owners like we expected, an elite option at his position. During that span of time 26 receptions (no fewer than eight in a game), 247-yards and three touchdowns.

With Rob Gronkowski

Brandon Pettigrew INACTIVE

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is inactive for today's game against the Cardinals.  Tony Scheffler should see a healthy dose of targets, making him a viable fantasy starter.

Lions | Week 15 Inactives

Source: Footballguys.com

The Detroit Lions have declared TE Brandon Pettigrew, OT Corey Hilliard, OT Jason Fox, QB Kellen Moore, DL Nick Fairley, SS Ricardo Silva, DL Ronnell Lewis inactive for Week 15.

Pettigrew inactive for Lions game in Arizona - Brandon Pettigrew | DET

Source: Rotoworld Football

Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is inactive for Sunday's Week 15 game against the Cardinals.

Inactives - Week 15

Source: Fantasy Sharks NFL

Updated all the way up until game time. 

Weather Warnings
There are some showers across the NFL with the worst threat being in New England when the 49'ers come to town.  We don't see any reason to change your starting lineups due to it. 

Inactive
WR Davone Bess, WR Dwayne Bowe, RB Ahmad

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew has high ankle sprain

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew is officially doubtful to play Sunday versus the Cardinals, but fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see him until Week 17 at the absolute earliest. That's because, as the Detroit Free Press reported Friday, Pettigrew suffered a high ankle sprain early in last week's loss to the Packers. Pettigrew didn't practice this week and will likely be replaced by Tony Scheffler in the starting lineup. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Pettigrew said after that game that he was quot;fine," but you know how players are when it comes to their own health. They're always "fine." But it was telling when Pettigrew couldn't return to the game despite leaving in the first quarter, and he is obviously not fine. You should expect him to miss at

Brandon Pettigrew - Brandon Pettigrew doubtful

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not practice Friday, Dec. 14, and is doubtful for Week 15.
Huddle Up: Tony Scheffler looks like a great start this week at this point with Pettigrew's likely absence. If you are juggling tight ends, this might be the way to go.

Lions | Brandon Pettigrew doubtful

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not practice Friday, Dec. 14, and is doubtful for Week 15.

Brandon Pettigrew: (Ankle) Doubtful For DET

Source: RotoWire.com NFL

Brandon Pettigrew: Pettigrew (ankle) is doubtful for Sunday's game against Arizona, DetroitLions.com reports. Visit RotoWire.com for more analysis on this update.

Injury Wrap: Ahmad Bradshaw ruled out; news remains cloudy on Robert Griffin

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

It's semifinal week in most fantasy leagues and there's a lot going on with the medical news, so let's get right to the clipboard.

• The Giants aren't going to make us wait for the backfield story – Ahmad Bradshaw (he of the assorted ailments) is not going to play at Atlanta. This sets up David Wilson to pick up his first pro start, and presumably a healthy share of touches, though he will probably be spelled liberally on passing downs. The team still isn't sold on Wilson's ability to pick up the blitz.

• The Falcons have their own intrigue in this game, as Roddy White (knee) didn't practice all week and is

Lions | Brandon Pettigrew has high ankle sprain

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is sitting out of practice again Friday, Dec. 14, and is dealing with a high ankle sprain.

Lions TE Pettigrew battling high-ankle sprain - Brandon Pettigrew | DET

Source: Rotoworld Football

Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) missed his third consecutive practice on Friday.

Lions | Brandon Pettigrew misses practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 13.

Brandon Pettigrew out again Thursday

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) missed practice again on Thursday.  He's unlikely to play against the Cardinals on Sunday.  That'll mean a healthy bump in targets for TE Tony Scheffler, putting him on the low-end TE1 radar.