Final 2007 Awards

Biggest Surprise of 2007
Derek Anderson: The Browns signal caller wasn't drafted in any fantasy leagues but won the starting job in Cleveland and ran with it. Players who picked him up early in the season benefited greatly from his 3,635 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns and three rushing TDs.

Biggest Disappointment of 2007
Tie between Marc Bulger and Frank Gore: These early picks stunk it up for fantasy owners this year. Bulger was poised for a huge season with his surrounding talent but injuries to his offensive line and Stephen Jackson crushed his stats. Gore was a first round pick who never regained his 2006 form. Many a team suffered waiting for him to come around.

Mundy's 2008 Top Ten Draft Picks
1. Adrian Peterson
2. Tom Brady
3. LaDainian Tomlinson
4. Brian Westbrook
5. Randy Moss
6. Stephen Jackson
7. Tony Romo
8. Joseph Addai
9. Willie Parker
10. Terrell Owens

Have a great off season and good luck at your 2008 drafts!

Parting shots from the 2007 fantasy season

Every season I walk out of my fantasy football drafts oozing with confidence about the upcoming season. And every year I have to make a ton of moves.

The 2007 season was no different. Many players skyrocketed to fantasy football stardom while others drove the most sane player absolutely crazy. In my multiple leagues, I dealt with season-ending injuries, terrible quarterback play, and waiver wire players in my starting lineups. When the smoke cleared, the Iron City Hard Hats (yes, same team name in all six of my leagues) produced very good results in 2007.

The Hard Hats made the playoffs in five of those leagues, won one Super Bowl, lost two Super Bowls, and lost in two semi-final match-ups. The Hard Hats finished first in total points in three leagues, third in one, and fourth in two. In each league, the champion is the team that wins the head-to-head championship. (Typically, the champion gets the most money, the total points champion gets the next highest payout, and the Super Bowl runner-up gets the rest.)
In the "10 Angry Men League," the Hard Hats laid a big egg.

All week long, I read about the health and availability of each of my remaining players. Easy to Grin was my opponent and his team (which included Braylon Edwards, Tony Gonzalez and Marion Barber) put up a respectable 114 points. He started the Giants defense who went absolutely nuts against the Bills, scoring 32 points.

Unfortunately for me, the Hard Hats limped to the finish line with 79. Jon Kitna killed me by attempting 16 passes and only completing nine. Aaron Stecker and Andre Johnson had decent games.

The move (or lack thereof) that haunted me in this matchup was my benching of Anquan Boldin. The Cardinals' stud wide-out had been hampered by a dislocated toe he suffered two weeks prior. He was listed as questionable all week and the Cardinals were already eliminated from the NFL playoffs.

My decision came down to playing Ernie Graham in a game where I knew he would be rested in the second half or playing Anquan Boldin with the chance of him not playing at all.
Ernie Graham sat out the second half as I expected, but Mr. Boldin caught 13 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns. He scored 46 points to Graham’s eight.

I would've won easily had I made the right move. How many of us have said that this year?
Easy to Grin owner Kevin O'Neill appreciated my costly blunder and gladly took the win.
Let's just say the Hard Hats more than covered their entrance fees in 2007. Come out and support the Steelers in this years' playoffs. Drinks are on Mundy!

Super Bowl Week Start-Ems:

Willie Parker at St Louis: The Steelers are in must-win mode and Parker finally gets to run on a good surface. Start Parker and feel great about it.
Remember: this game is Thursday night.

Kolby Smith at Detroit: If Larry Johnson is still unavailable, Smith will have a field day against this sorry excuse for a defense. Detroit is in a historic free fall and whoever plays against them will set career highs.

Packers defense at Chicago: The Packers now have a shot at home field advantage and they're playing in the elements of Chicago, where the wind is known to blow a little every now and then. At this point in the season, play the defenses that still have something to play for.

Edgerrin James vs. Atlanta: James hasn't been his old self but should have an excellent day when the Falcons come to town. I would also play every other skill player in the Cardinals starting line-up. Aaron Stecker killed the Falcons last week and James will do the same Sunday.

Donovan McNabb at New Orleans: Yes, you heard me. Start McNabb this week. Revenge factor plus a shaky secondary equals big day for the Eagles quarterback. The Birds won't be mathematically eliminated at 1 p.m. either.

Matt Hasselbeck vs. Baltimore: Typically you would never start a QB against the feared Ravens defense, but Cleo Lemon should have put that theory to rest for you last weekend. Hasselbeck will light it up against the quitting Ravens.

Vince Young vs. NY Jets: If you have injury or weather issues with your No. 1 starter, consider Vince Young this week. They are at home in a must-win situation against the 3-11 New York Jets. Young should produce well in this match-up.

Todd Collins at Minnesota: If you are absolutely desperate, you should be able to pick up Todd Collins. The Skins are still alive and with Minnesota being so stout against the run, Collins should see plenty of opportunities to get the ball to Moss, Cooley and company.

Start em and sit em, playoffs style

Start 'em
Steve Smith at Jacksonville: If Vinny Testaverde can play two weeks in a row, start Steve Smith against the Jags. I know that sounds weird, but Smith has been riding fantasy benches all year long. He caught eight balls this past week and looked very strong. He is the best player on the field and Testaverde will need him this weekend.

Carson Palmer vs. St Louis: Palmer was horrible against the Steelers Sunday night. The weather, the crowd and the Steelers had a lot to do with it. Look for him to bounce back in a huge way at home versus the Rams. His "Big Three" receiver crew should also break out against St. Louis' secondary.

Tony Gonzalez at Denver: Gonzalez has discovered the fountain of youth. Ponce de Leon is going to be upset. Gonzalez is the only consistent option for Kansas City’s offense and will continue to be this week at Invesco Field.

Marion Barber at Detroit: Detroit has lost that loving feeling. Jon Kitna and company cannot do anything right and that includes stopping the run. Detroit's safeties had better get ready for Barber because the front seven certainly won't be stopping him. I see a lot of Dallas points and two touchdowns in the red zone for Barber.

Ryan Grant vs. Oakland: Grant will need to have a huge game to get Green Bay back on the winning track. The Pack is at home and the weather will likely be brutal. Favre isn't 100 percent. Oakland's run defense is weak. Any questions?

Vikings Defense vs San Francisco: Trent Dilfer is coming to town.

Sit 'Em
Donovan McNabb/AJ Feeley vs NY Giants: Whoever winds up starting for the Eagles, place him firmly on your fantasy bench. If it's McNabb, how mobile or accurate can he be with a bum ankle and a sore thumb? If it's Feeley, how many picks will he pile up? Philly's season is officially over thanks to Sunday's debacle against Seattle.

Lee Evans vs. Miami: Look for a better option if you are thinking about Evans this week. I know it’s a very attractive match-up, but I just don't think he and Trent Edwards get along. If Losman somehow gets the start at QB, Evans is a solid No. 2, but if Edwards keeps the job for another week, look elsewhere for a wide-out.

Edgerrin James at Seattle: James looked good against the Browns, but with the Cardinals top two receivers possibly out for this game, the Seahawks will be loading up against the run. Bryant Johnson and Sean Morey don't exactly strike fear in the hearts of opposing secondaries. Seattle will take away the Cards’ top option, and that's James now.

Jon Kitna vs. Dallas: Kitna had a great start to the season but he does, after all, play for the Lions. Dallas' secondary isn't the greatest, but the Lions are playing awful football and Mike Martz's play calling has become very easy to defend. The Boys are playing for home field and will be fired up while the Lions are finishing the season with a whimper.

Justin Fargas at Green Bay: Fargas has been awesome lately but the Raiders head to Lambeau Field this weekend where they are expecting 20 degree temperatures and snow. The Pack is used to this but Huggy Bear Jr. is from southern California, and while he might get off to a decent start, the weather and Green Bay's front seven will eat him up as the game wears on. Look for a better match-up.

Who invited the referees into our fantasy world?

The last week of the fantasy season is always stressful for teams on the playoff bubble. Money is on the line. Bragging rights are at stake. Nobody wants their season to end.
Players tend to spend more time making decisions leading up to these games than any other week during the regular season. Once line-ups are set, everyone can take a deep breath, watch the games, and know that the players will decide who wins or loses.
Unless of course the referees get in the way.

Which is exactly what happened when the Cleveland Browns visited the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. This looked like a good game for fantasy owners to be able to watch. Browns players Derek Anderson, Jamal Lewis, Braylon Edwards, Phil Dawson and Kellen Winslow have been factors this year for many a fantasy team.

The Cardinals sported Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Edgerrin James, and Neil Rackers. (Larry Fitzgerald did not dress for the game.) A lot of fantasy outcomes depended on the stats compiled in this game.

For those of you who were facing Braylon Edwards and Derek Anderson, I hope that this one particular play didn't ruin your season.
You see, Edwards caught a 37 yard pass and was clearly touched by the Cardinals defender as he went to the ground. Edwards popped up, acted as if he wasn't touched, and scampered 30 more yards into the end zone for a touchdown. Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt then challenged the play – which he should have – and the men in the booth along with the referees took over.
All of us at home saw the replay and knew the call would be reversed and the Browns would have a first down on Arizona's 30 yard line. We knew the extra 30 yards and touchdown would be eliminated from Edwards' and Anderson’s statistics, and all would be right with the fantasy world.

Then it happened. "After further review, the call on the field stands, the result of the play is a Cleveland touchdown."
Wha?
Anderson and Edwards owners (and Cleveland fans) rejoiced at this stroke of luck while those playing against them (and Cardinals fans) could not help but think that Tim Donaghy had a few buddies in the replay booth.

The controversial call didn't affect my teams, but it did get me thinking about how much this ref’s call ruffled fantasy teams far and wide.
Edwards got an extra 30 yards receiving, a touchdown, and extra bonus points for scoring more than a 50-yard touchdown. Anderson got an extra 30 yards passing, a touchdown, and extra bonus points for completing a touchdown pass of over 50 yards.
But that's not all.

With seconds left in the same game and the Browns trailing by six points, Anderson completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow Jr. The pass was ruled incomplete because Winslow only got one foot down in the end zone before he was hit in the air and knocked out of bounds.

This became a judgement call by the official on the field and even though the replay clearly showed that Winslow was hit in the air and forced out of bounds, the call could not be overturned. Winslow and Anderson not only lost the game, but their owners were deprived of the points 40 extra yards would have created as well as a touchdown.

If you won your fantasy game as a result of either of these situations, congratulations. If you lost for the same reasons, you can start your conspiracy theories like I did when Neil O'Donnell threw two picks to a stationary Larry Brown in the 1995 Super Bowl.

It's decision time in football fantasy world

Fantasy season is coming down to the wire. For most leagues, this upcoming week is the last week of the regular season and is make-or-break for many teams on the playoff bubble. The owners of these "bubble" teams will be stressing out all week over different match-ups and second guessing every bad decision they’ve made up to this point. For those of us in the driver’s seat, this week is stress free. The only thing we are worried about is one of our studs getting hurt and being unavailable for our playoff games.

I am in six leagues this year. In three of those leagues, I am sitting pretty with first round byes when the playoffs begin. I'm giving my players the week off to heal up some nagging injuries. I promised to get some of my back-ups some game action so my team will be in harmony once the money is on the line in the second round of the playoffs. I just hope the layoff doesn't make my squads rusty.

In the other three leagues, the Iron City Hard Hats are sitting on the big 'ol bubble. These teams have fought through injuries and poor coaching decisions and will not know their playoff fate until after the Monday night game between the Patriots and the Ravens. There is a slim chance that all of these squads will make the playoffs. There is just as slim of a chance that none of them will be going to the dance. This week I will be studying match-ups like no other week. Stats, trends, and home team weather conditions will be analyzed to death.

For example, in the "Delaware Bird Watchers League," the Hard Hats sit at 6-5-1. I am currently entrenched in the last playoff spot. It's a 12-team league with three division champs making the playoffs. The next best three records make it into the tourney with the tie-breaker being total points. I am second in total points but have the sixth best record. If I lose this week, I will be out of the playoffs entirely because my opponent is currently 6-6 and would move a half of a game ahead of me with a win.

I've got a solid squad as you can see by my points ranking. Unfortunately for me, it's just one of those years in the DBWL where I got everyone's best shot and have to sweat it out in week 13.
Win and I'm in.

Start 'ems for Week 13

Chester Taylor vs Detroit - The Vikings host the Lions and will be looking to feed the ball to Taylor all day. The last time Taylor was the featured back at home, he rewarded fantasy owners with 164 yards on the ground. The Lions front four is not bad, but the Vikings front five is better. I see big things from Taylor this week.

Frank Gore at Carolina - The Panthers are dreadful right now and Gore proved that his ankle is feeling fine with a great performance against the Cardinals. Gore has been a huge disappointment this year but if you have him on your roster, make room in the starting line-up this week. Trent Dilfer opened things up for him against Arizona and should be able to do the same in Charlotte this weekend.

Carson Palmer at Pittsburgh - The Bengals play at Heinz Field this weekend and they always show up. The Steelers will undoubtedly shut down Rudi Johnson and, with a full stable of healthy receivers, Palmer's stats should be ridiculous this week. The Bengals offense always seems to play well in Pittsburgh and this game could wind up being a shoot-out.

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Cincinnati - See above. Big Ben is playing well this year and the Bengals' secondary is not. Don’t let the domination of the Titans last week fool you. This game should go up and down the field. Three hundred yards with multiple touchdowns is a good bet here.

NY Giants Defense at Chicago - Even with Mathias Kiwanuka out for the year, the Giants pass rush should cause havoc for Rex Grossman this Sunday. The Bears could not block the Broncos front four and were lucky to win the game (Google Devin Hester) last week. The Giants will have a field day with sacks and turnovers and with Cedric Benson out, will not have to worry one bit about any Bears rushing attack.

Marques Colston vs. Tampa Bay - The Saints are desperate to get back to 6-6. Marques Colston has played well lately and New Orleans is at home. Colston was targeted 10 times last week against the Panthers and hauled in seven catches. With Tampa’s defense playing well against the run, look for Colston to see even more opportunities this weekend.

Derek Anderson at Arizona - Arizona gave up 256 yards passing to Trent Dilfer last week. This week they are facing a Cleveland Browns offense that is on a roll. Anderson is playing well and has awesome weapons in Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow Jr. and Joe Jurevicius. The Browns will light up a Cardinals secondary which has been without its best player in Adrian Wilson.

Kolby Smith vs San Diego - If Larry Johnson remains on the shelf with his mysterious injury, Smith is a must start. The rookie has a tougher match-up this week in the Chargers, but where else do the Chiefs go with the ball? Smith had 31 carries against the Raiders along with five targeted passes. He will continue to get the ball this week no matter how you slice it.

Earnest Graham at New Orleans - The Buccaneers will look to keep Brees and company off of the field with a consistent running game. John Gruden has stated that Graham is his guy and isn't shy about feeding him the ball. Graham handled the ball 25 times against the Redskins this past Sunday and will do the same in New Orleans. Tampa doesn’t win pretty, and with their lack of game breakers at receiver, that's how it has to be.

Sit 'ems for Week 13

Torry Holt at Atlanta - Holt is normally a must start. Look for another option this week with Bulger hurting and the possibility of Gus Frerotte playing again. Holt will get his catches, but I don't see a monster game here even with the Falcons as the opposition.

Steve Smith vs. San Francisco - He's been a bust all year long without Delhomme. The Panthers haven't improved all year with Vinny Testaverde or David Carr. Don't think that this is the week we see the Smith of old. Just bench him.

Willis McGahee vs. New England - The Patriots will stuff McGahee all night on Monday. Go with another back and only start McGahee if your only other option is Adrian Peterson of the Bears.

Rudi Johnson at Pittsburgh - Reoccurring theme here. Don't start whoever plays at the Steelers. They give up chunks of yardage, but only through the air.

Ravens defense vs. New England - They most likely started for you all year long but if I have to tell you why you're benching them this week, you've been living under a rock.

Vince Young vs. Houston - I think Vince Young will be a fantasy star in the next few years. He just doesn't have enough talent around him and he's making poor decisions as a result. He may scamper into the end zone Sunday, but find a QB that will complete more passes.

Ryan Grant at Dallas - Grant has been a nice pick-up for fantasy owners but I don't see a good game from him in Irving this Thursday. The Cowboys' strength is their run defense and with Romo and company firing on all cylinders, I don't see the Pack trying to control the clock. Use Grant is you have to, but don't say I didn't warn you.

A look at positional MVPs

Quarterback: Tom Brady, Patriots - The additions of Moss, Welker, and Stallworth have transformed Brady from the great quarterback he already was (in the NFL) to the highest scoring player in fantasy history at the mid-point of the regular season.

If you own Brady in your league, you're most likely in great position for a first round bye in the playoffs. He is on pace to throw for over 5,300 yards and 60 touchdowns. That used to be two solid seasons worth of stats for the New England signal caller, now it's one.

Runners Up: Tony Romo, Cowboys; Brett Favre, Packers

Running Back: Adrian Peterson, Vikings - Another record setting player takes the running back MVP in a landslide. His 296-yard performance against the Chargers was a thing of beauty. His 224-yard performance in Chicago was incredible as well. I can't wait to see what he's going to do in the second half of the season. It doesn't appear that his body can't handle the pounding. He gets stronger (and faster) as the game goes on. I've seen him traded straight up for LT in a few leagues. No one saw that type of play coming.

Runners Up: Joseph Addai, Colts; Brian Westbrook, Eagles

Wide Receiver: Randy Moss, Patriots - Moss' career has been rejuvenated in Foxboro. He and Tom Brady are in sync and Randy’s attitude problems are long gone. He has 12 touchdown receptions and will look to break Jerry Rice's single season record of 22 in the second half of the season.

His 924 receiving yards are 145 more than the next highest total (Mr. Ocho Cinco, whose team sits at 2-6 as of press time) and the only thing that can stop him is if Belichick takes him out late in games late when the Pats have a big lead. Oh wait, that will never happen.
Runners up: T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Bengals; Braylon Edwards, Browns

Week 11: Sit 'Em

(Editor's note: Due to early printing deadlines, we asked Brad to look even deeper into his crystal ball and makes picks for Week 11 some 10 days ahead of time. If any of the following players suffer injury in Week 10, we ask you not to hold Brad's picks against him. Thanks.)

Cedric Benson at Seattle - This underperformer will have even more trouble when the Bears visit the Seahawks. Benson has been a bust all year and although the Seattle defense has given up chunks of yardage this season, the crowd noise and lack of continuity should keep Benson from cracking your lineup.

Justin Fargas at Minnesota - The Vikings did a nice job on LT a few weeks ago and I don't see the Raiders being able to run effectively here. Fargas has been a nice option lately, but if you have a better match-up, sit him down this week.

Jason Campbell at Dallas - With all of the injuries to his receiving corps, Campbell will not be able to produce in this match-up with the Cowboys. I see him on the turf a lot in Irving this weekend.

Torry Holt at San Francisco - The 49ers are having a dismal season, but one of their strengths is Nate Clements. He will be locked up on Holt all afternoon and while I normally wouldn't bench Holt, this may be the week to look elsewhere.

Thomas Jones vs. Pittsburgh - I don't see the Steelers giving up yardage to any Jets runner while their passing game is so poor. Whether Kellen Clemens or Chad Pennington is under center, it won't matter. The Steelers are the toughest team in the league to run on, so sit Mr. Jones unless you are absolutely desperate.