The Scoop

By Dalton Del Don

Going 1-5 in six championship games and an ugly 3-13 ATS this week, I’m calling 12/21/2008 “Black Sunday” in the course of history. Actually, I had fun on the day, tailgating at the Raiders game with my buddies, rain and all. And let me tell you, some classy individuals showed up at McAfee Coliseum on Sunday, and since I actually didn’t watch most of Week 16’s carnage, it’s almost as if it didn’t truly happen, and assuredly, outcomes would have been different had I willed my teams with my own two eyes. Of course, the results did in fact occur, and in hindsight, I couldn’t have picked a better Sunday to leave the TV behind. Alas, I must move on with life, so after two days digesting as much “Short Cuts” (best invention in the history of mankind?) as humanly possible, let’s go over the Week 16 action:

The Colts had no business winning that Thursday night game. Then again, the same could be said about five other Indy wins this season. At some point, it’s obviously more than just luck, but some of that good fortune may have run out, as the team clearly preferred traveling to Denver than the now more likely scenario of going to San Diego…I’ve resigned the fact Peyton Manning is going to win the MVP, but I must admit, that was an awesome performance last week…If the Jags cut ties with Fred Taylor and bring in little competition in their backfield, I’ll have Maurice Jones-Drew ranked as the No. 2 fantasy back. There are less than a handful of backs who get most of the carries between the 20s, catch passes and also dominate at the goal line, and none of them are as talented as MJD. It would help if Jacksonville improved as a team, but right now I’m closer to putting Jones-Drew No. 1 than I am moving him lower.

You won’t find a bigger Marion Barber fan than me – possibly the toughest RB to tackle in the NFL. However, his lack of long speed is apparent and hurts his overall upside quite a bit. Even a healthy Barber would deserve losing touches to the exciting Tashard Choice – this kid can play. And Felix Jones will be a factor next season as well…What is wrong with Roy Williams? Looks like the guy is running in quick sand. What a trade by the shrewd Lions!…It’s looking likely the AFC’s No. 3 and No. 4 seeds will be home dogs during wild card weekend, and no one should want to play this dangerous Ravens team…I’m not exactly jumping off my Cowboys bandwagon, but it’s getting lonelier with yet another disappointing performance. Fitting two of the league’s biggest underachievers with possibly the greatest potential meet Week 17 in Philadelphia.

Did the Bengals really attempt just nine passes Sunday?…I’m beginning to think Ken Dorsey might not have a future in this league…The Browns have gone five straight games without an offensive touchdown…During Weeks 15 and 16, fantasy football’s most important time, the leader in yards from scrimmage was? Cedric Benson!…Word is, Carson Palmer will in fact require Tommy John surgery. Good thing they didn’t take care of it 10 weeks ago.

What’s up with Sean Payton’s refusal to give Pierre Thomas a full workload? He’ll still be a recommended fantasy pick next year, but his ceiling is lowered by Payton’s usage…What an awful drop by Jeremy Shockey. He’s actually a solid blocker in the run game, but his career as a receiver has been a massive disappointment…I’m for sure in the minority here – in fact, I may be the only one at all – but I thought Rob Parker’s comment was funny, not offensive. He even started the question by prefacing, “on a light note.” Rod Marinelli’s endless supply of optimism and willingness to put all the blame on himself is admirable, but one can’t improve –both on the football field and in life – if unable to admit faults. As such, there is no reason for change.

Sunday marked the first time this season the Dolphins committed more than one turnover, yet the team still prevailed since they also forced three takeaways. What a turnaround…Ricky Williams gets 2.8 YPC and loses a fumble, while Ronnie Brown gets 4.0 YPC yet four fewer rushes. I don’t get it, but it’s become a theme…Tyler Thigpen is a much better fantasy quarterback than he is a real life one, but that doesn’t mean he’s not fun to watch.

How bad are the Cardinals? That performance was disgusting Sunday, and any weather excuse doesn’t work since Matt Cassel threw for 345 yards. It’s the fourth loss by at least 21 points this season for the NFC West champions. They’ll be yet another home dog during the first week of the playoffs…The Patriots have scored 40 points in a game the same amount of times this year as they did last season…It’s a cruel world when the 11-5 Patriots could possibly be left out of the postseason when an 8-8 Chargers team gets in.

Steven Jackson looked like he was playing with a broken leg Sunday. If things break right, Jackson has about as much fantasy upside as anyone in the league. In reality, he’s always hurt and stuck on one of the worst teams in the NFL. Let someone else take him early during next year’s draft…I like Shaun Hill as a quarterback, but his lack of arm strength was apparent last week…You do not, let me repeat, do not mess with umpire Garth DeFelice.

Impressive win by the Titans, but if anything, it really just makes it that much more likely the Steelers win if there’s a rematch in the playoffs. The game was much closer than the final score indicated. Still, quite surprising it was Tennessee who was the first team to reach 300 yards against Pittsburgh this season…Here are Willie Parker’s YPC over the last five years: 5.8, 4.7, 4.4, 4.1, 3.6 – notice a trend?…Tony Brown and Jason Jones (who?) were flat-out dominant Sunday. Even without Albert Haynesworth, that defensive line is incredible.

I’ve been calling Philip Rivers MVP since the middle of the season, and now that the team looks likely to make the playoffs, maybe those who are obsessed with team success in a sport that starts 22 players can even throw me bone (but probably not). He leads the NFL in TD passes (32), YPA (8.3) and QB rating (104.0) – in fact, the second best QB rating is nearly 10 points lower! With the season on the line, he went into Tampa Bay and got 9.3 YPA with a 4:0 TD:INT ratio. Rivers doesn’t throw many picks or take a bunch of sacks and also isn’t aided by a comfy home stadium that’s a dome. If win/loss record is so important, consider San Diego’s defense ranks 25th in the league, and there isn’t a single above average weapon at his disposal on offense, unless you consider Vincent Jackson one. LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates haven’t been close to their former selves, and everyone knows Chris Chambers sucks. Week 1 they lost when Carolina scored a touchdown as time expired. Week 2 was the “Ed Hochuli game.” Week 12 they lost on a 51-yard FG as time expired. My point? Judging individual performance based on team record is a dangerous endeavor. Rivers has been the best player at the game’s most important position in 2008, hence making him the most valuable…Where do you rate Antonio Bryant in your WR rankings next year? Top-15? Top-10?…It’s probably just a coincidence, but the Bucs have had three straight disappointing defensive efforts right after the Monte Kiffin departure came to light.

My man P.J. Pope was off to a big start Sunday, running for 44 yards (7.3 YPC) over the first 7 minutes of the game. Too bad torn hamstrings are so tough to predict. Then again, wasn’t it obvious? After all, Denver has placed a staggering seven RBs on the IR this season…Fred Jackson would be an upgrade at RB for at least 15 other teams (and maybe even his own). I hope he ends up on a bunch of my rosters next year…The final two plays of Sunday’s game were a microcosm of Jay Cutler’s season. First he misses a wide open Brandon Stokley in the end zone. Then he throws a perfect pass while off his back foot under pressure that lands directly in Stokley’s hands for a would be TD had the defender not knocked it away at the last second. Cutler needs to improve his consistency and accuracy, but I still believe…Update on my Randy Moss vs. Brandon Marshall bet: Moss (68 catches, 995 yards, 11 TDs), Marshall (98 catches, 1,210 yards, 6 TDs). Looks like I’m going to need a big effort from Baby T.O. Sunday night!

What a disappointing performance by the Texans. As usual, the Raiders left Nnamdi Asomugha at RCB all game, so Chris Johnson also deserves plenty of credit for shutting down Andre Johnson (and Kevin Walter). Matt Schaub is now 2-10 on the road over the last two years…Darren McFadden was in for just 30 of Oakland’s 60 snaps, so apparently Tom Cable didn’t get the memo…Is there a better TD call than Greg Papa’s “TOUCHDOWN, RRRRAID-ERS!!!”? I say no.

Brett Favre has a 1:6 TD:INT ratio over his last four games. In other news, he’s in the Pro Bowl and Philip Rivers isn’t. Awesome. Please, just retire already…How funny would it be if the Pats win the early game, and then the Jets rest all of their starters to ensure a Dolphins win, and therefore, keep Eric Mangini’s good buddy out of the postseason? Come on, you know he’s at least considered this…The Seattle game was so boring, even Gus Johnson only got high pitched 20-25 times – approximately 80 fewer than usual.

Fumbles are the great equalizer and can make predicting outcomes seem futile. Minnesota outgained Atlanta in yards 350-222, yet five backbreaking fumbles were the difference. Meanwhile, Matt Ryan puts the ball on the carpet, and it’s recovered by the Falcons for a TD. Adrian Peterson really needs to figure this problem out fast. Speaking of AD, I love me some Purple Jesus more than anyone, but talk of him as an MVP is silly – is Minnesota really that much worse with Chester Taylor in the backfield?…Tarvaris Jackson continues to impress. He’d be a sneaky fantasy option if he continues to run like that…It’s a lot easier when playing with the lead in the NFL, and Atlanta’s plus-82 margin in the first half this year is best in the league…A Falcons division title is inevitable, no? After all, it would mark the sixth straight year the previous last place NFC South team won the division the next year, which is as long as the division has been in place. The Saints might want to consider tanking Sunday’s game as insurance.

I haven’t flip flopped more on a team than this year’s Eagles, and true to form, they disappointed yet again last week just when I bought back into them. And against a bad Washington squad to boot. Tough to blame Donovan McNabb with all those drops Sunday, but how good can a team really be if its quarterback has gotten just 6.0 YPA over the last seven games?…With 2,023 career carries and a body that looks less healthy than the lead singer from Deerhunter, I’m letting someone else draft Clinton Portis next year.

What an awesome Giants/Panthers game, highlighted by a terrific backdoor cover of my “best bet.” Why was Jonathan Stewart getting the OT carries? Do you realize DeAngelo Williams entered Week 5 with zero touchdowns? How was that Carolina’s first pass interference call of the season? How does Derrick Ward run for 215 yards on just 15 carries and without a TD? He’s a perfect nickel runner…Hines Ward is the best, but Muhsin Muhammad isn’t far behind when it comes to run blocking. He’s a big reason why Williams has six 30-plus yard TD runs this year…As fantastic as Williams has been – hands down the fantasy MVP – I’m not sure I’d take him in the top-5 next year. It will be next to impossible repeating such a performance locked in a timeshare. Then again, Stewart has been prone to nagging injuries.

In the 2008 season, Ryan Grant averaged 2.9 YPC on the road…Chicago has found its long-term answer at running back and tight end, but the team still needs to address the quarterback position. Kyle Orton is simply not the answer…While the Vikings aren’t great, I’d still rather see them in the playoffs than the Bears. Good thing Houston should take care of that this week.


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32 responses to “The Scoop”

  1. Stevie YaYo Avatar
    Stevie YaYo

    Thanks for starting the Rotoscoop Invitational League and letting me go up against a bunch of talented rotominds (plus The Jewru — heh). If nothing else, I like to think that my championship season in this league is a reminder that complacency gets you nowhere, and that last week’s flavor of the week can still come through even after he’s been thrown back into the free agent pool. Looking forward to future baseball and/or football clashes witchya.

  2. Brett Avatar

    DDD,

    With the first overall pick in next years draft I would select D’Angelo Williams.

    He leads all RB’s (other than Derrick Ward, thanks to his 215 yards on 15 carries in week 16) with a 5.4 YPC. Only Ward and Jacobs, both on the same team have a YPC of 5.0 or better.

    Over the first two years of his career he’s taken a backseat to Deshaun Foster, which has limited his carries to less than 150 in each of his first two seasons.

    This year, despite sharing time with Stewart, leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns and in overall touchdowns.

    He’s clearly the goal-line back.

    By season’s end he’ll only have amassed 270 carries, well below average amongst starting RB’s.

    With no wear and tear like many others out there.. and a clean bill of health, I see no reason to select anyone else aside from D’Angelo Williams with my first overall pick next year.

    By the way, he is yet to fumble the ball in 2008, unlike Adrian Peterson.

    He also has more receptions and receiving yards than Adrian Peterson.

    In fact, Chester Taylor effects Adrian Peterson’s value moreso than Jonathan Stewart does D’Angelo Williams.

  3. Dreamweapon Avatar
    Dreamweapon

    Interesting, but there is still no way on earth I would take Williams over AD, MJD, Turner, Westbrook and a handful of others. He wasn’t anything special at all for the first month and a half or so of this season (incredibly, I outright dropped him in one league, my points PPR–only the fact I have all four of the top-4 receivers is keeping me from hanging myself), and was bordering on total bust going into the season. It’s too easy to get caught up in the hype of a great half-season. Look at Ryan Grant’s back nine last season–a lot of ppl (myself included) were sure he’d be a first-round talent this year. No such luck. Stewart was as highly regarded as Johnson, Slaton and Forte, and could end up pipping Williams as easily as Williams usurped Foster’s place, should he struggle at all. I can’t say he’s not a first rounder based on his performance, but he’s not safe enough for a first-round pick, not with only a ten-game hot streak to serve as his CV.

  4. Dreamweapon Avatar
    Dreamweapon

    I mean, not safe enough for a “first OVERALL” pick….long day.

  5. Dreamweapon Avatar
    Dreamweapon

    Also, I think the Hierarchy of Certain Doom goes something like:

    1. Spinal Tap drummers
    2. Denver tailbacks
    3. Red-shirted ‘Star Trek’ crew members on away missions

  6. matt Avatar
    matt

    Great write-up.

    I went 0-2 in my championship games….could have used DeAngelo, whom I dropped in Sept in one league.

  7. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Stevie Ya Yo – Congrats on the win. I would complain about one of the most brutal championship weeks ever – Warner, S. Smith, R. White, a hurt Gore and Addai, but honestly, you had the best team in the league unquestionably, and I personally pegged it as such after the draft, so it’s no surprise. And hey, the Jewru knows his stuff – trust me.

    Anyway, that league was such a success, I expect a very competitive RotoScoop baseball league this year – and you have an entry ensured.

  8. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Brett – Excellent points. Pretty persuasive as well. I’ll even add the fact that Williams has shown the previous ability to be a MUCH bigger factor as a receiver in previous years, so there’s room for growth there, whereas AD can’t catch a cold. And I’m not questioning his talent – the fact he has taken a backseat to DeShaun Fing Foster the past couple of years is a joke. And I’m big on YPC – the Panthers’ O-line is legit and should be for years to come (and Williams has been impressive here even before this season). I also love the fact he has little wear and tear like you mention.

    That all said, I will argue with you “he’s clearly the goal-line back” claim. I’m too lazy to look up the numbers right now, but trust me, at best he’s an even split with Stewart there moving forward.

    Honestly, I would applaud the aggressiveness taking him No. 1. I can see it. I’m big on upside, YPC and Carolina should be good. But J. Stewart is very, very good, making Williams a dangerous top-5 pick.

  9. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Dreamweapon – Broncos RBs not No. 1 huh? – I bought into Grant this year too. One thing I will say is this – I’d rather D. Williams than Westbrook next year. I’m over dealing with his health issues and Philly’s soap opera.

  10. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Matt – Sorry to hear. Thanks for commenting all year, hope you are down to join the baseball league.

  11. The Jewru Avatar
    The Jewru

    Hey Dover I actually thought you had the best team going into the year along with Clams and Tyler. I surely butchered my draft, combined with injuries caused my fall from the the top to the bottom. Looking forward to redemption in baseball.

    Dalton I choked in the Big Money Yuppie league by playing CJ over Turner in the semis. Cost me $2000. Appreciate you having my back although I think Dover likes to funny above all and means no ill will towards my skillz. lol

    Deangelo and the Carolina running game surely looked unwordly this year, but I think you have to factor in that Stewart was taken 13th overall and will get a greater load next year despite Williams success. Fox likes two backs and a 60-40 split seems likely.

    I wouldn’t mind getting Matt Forte in the first round next year. In a league chock full of committees, having a back who plays every down plus gets two tilts with the Lions is certainly appealing and gets you steady production weekly.

    How many wins would the Colts have if Peyton went down week 1? Just wondering. I really would like to see if the Pats can make the Super Bowl without Brady. Fucking Bellicheck. The guy is truly amazing.

    Who threw up when they heard about Texy? Me too.

  12. Brett Avatar

    Jewru,

    I do wonder.. I don’t see the Colts having the same kind of success without Manning when compared to the success the Patriots are having without Brady.

    Although there is something to be said about backups who haven’t made an NFL start, but do know the playbook like the back of their hand.

    Sorgi has been the backup for four years. Cassell didn’t start off very well this year, but once he got comfortable he turned out right.

    I commend Belichik for (from day 1) saying that Cassell will be his starting QB for the rest of the year. That’s where his balls impressed me.

    Is anyone opposed to seeing a Manning vs Manning superbowl?

    And no, I’m not referring to Danieal Manning from the Bears.

    What would be more impressive?

    Chad Pennnington marching back into New York and beating Brett Favre and the team that released him and locking up a playoff spot in the process.

    Or…

    Atlanta beating St. Louis and New Orleans beating Carolina, locking up a first round bye for Matt Ryan and the Falcons.

  13. The Jewru Avatar
    The Jewru

    I would say Matt Ryan leading Atlanta to a first round bye is more impressive. As a Jets fan I fully expect Chad to march in and out of town with the division crown. The Jets are truly cursed. Merry Christmas my gentile friends. 🙂

  14. Tyler Durden Avatar
    Tyler Durden

    I thought I had the best team. But I always think that. Habit.

    League was fun. Baseball sounds good, but I might be in too many and, well, I win all my baseball leagues, so you guys might not want me in.

    Just saying…

    Happy Chrismukkah to all.

    F the Yankees.

  15. Tyler Durden Avatar
    Tyler Durden

    Top 5 Shows I Still Think No One Is Watching:

    1. Big Bang Theory
    2. How I Met Your Mother
    3. Californication
    4. Chuck
    5. Life

    Best Recently Discovered Songs:
    1. “Lately” by The Helio Sequence
    2. “Lost In TIme” Stellastar
    3. “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 2” My Morning Jacket
    4. “Days Go On” Greg Laswell
    5. “Faded Beauty Queens” The Thrills

    Best Offseason By-Lows In Dynasty Baseball Leagues
    1. Howie Kendrick
    2. Felix Hernanadez
    3. Cliff Lee (no one seems to believe)
    4. Yunel Escobar
    5. Billy Butler

  16. Dreamweapon Avatar
    Dreamweapon

    Can I just say that Matt Lepsis is my new favorite ex-NFL player?

  17. Wright, Most the Time Says Avatar
    Wright, Most the Time Says

    Finishing up 8-8 last week was okay but I have a good feeling about this week Dalton. I have to admit that I am embarrased by the my current college picks though. I will begin my comback tonight hopefully with C. Michigan. Here are my picks for the week:

    Raiders +13
    Lions +10.5
    Cowboys +1.5
    Giants +7
    Bears +3
    Saints +3
    Rams +14
    Bengals -3
    Jags +12.5
    Colts +3
    Steelers -10.5
    Dolphins +2.5
    Patriots -6
    Seahawks +6.5
    49ers -3
    Denver +8

  18. Kritter Avatar
    Kritter

    Hey 3D, I still have one more week to my ESPN league, down 18, here’s what I have to work with

    QB – Warner, Schaub, Eli
    RB – De’Angelo, MJD, L.McLain, D.Ward, Addai
    WR – Housh, Welker, Evans, Moore
    TE – Carlson
    K – Elam
    D – Falcons vs Rams, Pats vs Bills

    Lineup is QB, RB, RB, Flex, WR, WR, TE, K, D
    As of now its

    Schaub, DeAngelo, Ward, McLain, Housh, Welker, Carlson, Elam, ATL, what say u???

  19. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Jewru – Sucks you lost in the Yuppie league. Always worse when it comes down to lineup decisions as well…Forte is easily a top-10 pick next year. I could see him going as high as 4th or 5th even…There’s not a doubt in my mind Peyton wins MVP – but Rivers deserves it more in my book…Belichick is the man.

  20. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Brett – I say Ryan is more impressive. First year head coach. Rookie QB. New RB. No. 2 seed? Crazy. That team is for real too.

  21. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Tyler Durden – Good stuff. I watch Californication and How I Met Your Mother. Not the other three tho. I’ll have to check out those songs. Agree with the buy lows in baseball. No one believes in Cliff Lee – it’s true.

  22. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Kritter – I’d go with MJD over Ward, who has a tough matchup and may see limited snaps. Agree with all your other decisions.

  23. Kritter Avatar
    Kritter

    I know its still a ways away, but how am I looking for entrance to the Baseball league, I want in!

  24. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    You should be good to go.

  25. Kritter Avatar
    Kritter

    Sweet! Can’t wait!

  26. Stevue YaYo Avatar
    Stevue YaYo

    I’m already gearing up to start offseason trading in the baseball keeper league that I run. And today’s spring-like weather in Chicago, it feels like April — let’s do it!

  27. Stevie Ya Yo Avatar
    Stevie Ya Yo

    The Ron Schandler annual arrived today. Me gusta el beisbol!

  28. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Stevie Ya Yo – I hear you. Can’t wait for baseball season. I’m getting pumped just thinking about it.

  29. Stevie Ya Yo Avatar
    Stevie Ya Yo

    $adly, I can’t $pell “$handler” correctly $ometime$.

  30. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    I knew who you meant 🙂

  31. Stevie Ya Yo Avatar
    Stevie Ya Yo

    But did ya pick up on the $ubliminal me$$age contained within? lol

  32. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Actually, I’m an idiot and did not. But I do now. I took care of it.

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