Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Fantasy draft is completed

We had our fantasy draft in the Morning Journal Madness league through Yahoo Sports. Our league has 10 teams and we drafted 16 rounds. My team name is Ay dios Rios.

Unfortunately I was locked out of my computer prior to the draft and I had an auto draft for the first seven rounds, so I had no control of who was selected. This is a great example for anyone who has not drafted yet. Make sure your computer system is compatible with whatever website you use.

Anyway here is my team. The auto draft selected Titans RB Chris Johnson and Lions WR Calvin Johnson for the first two picks. Here is my complete draft:

1. (1) Chris Johnson

2. (20) Calvin Johnson

3. (21) Brandon Marshall

4. (40) Steve Smith

5. (41) Ronnie Brown

6. (60) Hakeem Nicks

7. (61) Brent Celek

8. (80) Joe Flacco

9. (81) Jerome Harrison

10. (100) Santana Moss

11. (101) Carnell Williams

12. (120) Chris Cooley

13. (121) Ben Roethlisberger

14. (140) Cincinnati

15. (141) Ryan Longwell

16. (160) Darren McFadden


Email me at arios@MorningJournal.com for any questions about fantasy football.

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Monday, August 30, 2010

Injury bug strikes early

As the preseason enters its final week there are a couple of keys injuries to keep an eye on.

The most recent is the Bengals releasing WR Antonio Bryant. Bryant was signed in the offseason to play alongside Chad Ochocinco, but his knee wasn't fully healthy and he was given his outright release, so if you drafted him get rid of him immediately.

With Bryant's departure, Terrell Owens stock has now sky-rocketed for fantasy owners. When he first signed people thought Owens would be the No. 3 receiver, but so far during the preseason he has emerged as Carson Palmer's favorite target. If you haven't drafted yet make sure you keep an eye on T.O.

Another big injury happened to Vikings WR Sidney Rice. Rice, who was the Vikings No. 1 WR, underwent hip surgery and will be out at least the first six weeks of the season, maybe more. Also keep an eye on WR Percy Harvin. Harvin is dealing with serious migraine headaches and there no guarantee that he'll be ready every Sunday.

So what's left? Right now Bernard Berrian is listed as the No. 1, followed by newly acquired Greg Camarillo and Javon Walker. I don't like any of these guys, but if I had to chose I'd go with Berrian.

This injury also increases the values of TE Visanthe Shiancoe and RB Adrian Peterson.

Redskins QB Donovan McNabb suffered an ankle injury in the team's second preseason game and there are rumblings that he might miss the season opener against the Cowboys. If that happens Rex Grossman would get the start.

Don't be too worried about McNabb's injury though, because missing Week 1 will not affect his draft status. He's still a Top-12 QB, so draft accordingly.

One injury that flew under-the-radar last week was to Colts RB Joseph Addai. Addai suffered a concussion in the team's loss to the Packers. Some might think that this is a minor injury, but the way the NFL is handling concussions could play a role with Addai availability.

It's reported that Addai is already back on the practice field, but during the season he will be more susceptible to getting more.

For now his value will not take a hit, but keep an eye on his backup Donald Brown. Brown took some of Addai's carries away last season and could have an expanded role in the Colts' offense.

Remember if you have any questions about drafting, who to play and who not to play, email me at arios@MorningJournal.com.

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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Welcome to the world of Fantasy Football

Football season is right around the corner, which means Fantasy Football is back!

My name is Anthony Rios and I am the assistant sports editor at the Morning Journal.

I've been playing Fantasy Football since 2006 and have averaged about three leagues a year.

This season I'll be writing a weekly column about what fantasy owners should be keeping an eye on leading up to Sunday's games.

The column will run every Friday, but I'll try to blog frequently with injury updates, who to start /who to sit and any players you should pick up off the waiver wire.

I also want to have the readers involved, so if you have any questions about who you should play you can email me at arios@MorningJournal.com by Wednesday night and your question might be picked to put in the column.

Also I will be participating in a fantasy league called "Morning Journal Madness" with my co-workers.

I will post our entire draft online and keep you updated on how I'm doing in the league.

Good luck to everyone!