Fantasy Draft #3 of Five: The Cromartie Eight

It's the weekend, everybody! Today was the third of my fantasy drafts. This draft takes place with the NFL. com fantasy football, and the league is called the Football Fist Pump. I was really nervous because I had the 11th pick out of 12. Let me introduce you to The Cromartie Eight!

Introducing the starting line-up:

1st round-11th Pick: Ryan Mathews RB San Diego Chargers. I watched Mathews, the rookie replacement for LaDainian Tomlinson, play Friday night against the New Orleans Saints. The young running back from Fresno State looked pretty good, and he wasn't bad on the field either. NFL.com has him projected to earn 200 fantasy points. I hope so young man.

2nd round-14th Pick: Philip Rivers QB San Diego Chargers. I want go on about how much I love Philip Rivers. You guys know by now that he is mine and @theNFLChick's favorite Quarterback. Rivers had 4,254 yards with 28 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. Philip had 282 fantasy points last year and is projected to have 254 this year.

3rd round-35th Pick: Greg Jennings WR Green Bay Packers. Greg Jennings...Greg Jennings...Well, I'll admit. I grabbed him without thinking. I'm hoping his bye week doesn't kill me. Jennings caught 1113 yards for 4 touchdowns last season. He had 80 Fantasy points in 2009. Hope he is much, MUCH, better this year.

4th round-38th Pick: Jonathan Stewart RB Carolina Panthers. Stewart ran for 1133 yards last season for 10 touchdowns. He had 186.25 fantasy points in 2009.

5th round-59th Pick: Tony Gonzalez TE Atlanta Falcons. Greatest Tight End Ever. One catch away from 1000. All World Tight End. TG had 83 receptions for 867 yards and 6 touchdowns in his first year in Atlanta. He had 79.35 fantasy points in 2009.

6th Round-62nd Pick: Minnesota Vikings DEF. The Vikings D had 48 sacks last season and 11 interceptions. They recovered 13 fumbles as well. They are ranked as the #6 defense in the league.

7th Round-83rd Pick: Johnny Knox WR Chicago Bears. Johnny Knox had 45 receptions for 527 yards and 5 touchdowns last year. Knox had 56.35 fantasy points in 2009.

8th Round-86th Pick: Dexter McCluster WR Kansas City Chiefs. Dexter McCluster rushed for 1169 yards and 8 touchdowns last year for the Ole Miss Rebels. This year, my Chiefs have decided to use him as a WR. I guess, Charlie Weis knows what he is doing. Good luck, Dexter.

Here are my Bench players:
9th round-107th pick: Donovan McNabb QB Washington Redskins
10th round-110th pick: Devin Aromashodu WR Chicago Bears
11th round-131st pick: Dustin Keller TE New York Jets
12th round-134th pick: San Diego Chargers DEF
13th round-155th pick: Ryan Succop K Kansas City Chiefs
14th round-158th pick: Mario Manningham WR New York Giants
15th round-179th pick: Mike Bell RB Philadelphia Eagles

Next week, I have a double draft, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Until next time, “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.”~Bill Shankly

Happy Birthday, DianaDishes

I offically suck, and I'm a big enough woman to admit when I screw up. I forgot the birth of my baby, DianaDishes. DianaDishes was born on May 16, 2009. I started out with 2 readers, who I might add were suppose to be part of a collective...I'm the only one who still posts...You guys know who you are...I'm now up to about 12 readers, which I totally appreciate because I never actually thought anyone would read my blog, much less take me seriously. I appreciate the support of all of you guys, especially my twitter BFFs @sportychic56 (go G-Men) and @ShirleyHuangESQ (Let's go Bucs!) who constantly support this blog. I am going to do my best continue to make DianaDishes a better blog. Thanks for the great year! I hope to make the next one better!

Fantasy Tight Ends Report

Hey, everybody! Sorry, it's been so long, but alas, my real job takes precedence over my blog. Well, I'm back, and I'm going to drop the last of my fantasy reports. I know, that I have already done a fantasy "tight end" report. I hope you all enjoyed it. I know I did :), but this is my real fantasy Tight End report. It's no secret the tight end position is probably my favorite. They are big, they block (some of them) and they catch. Once again, I don't rank them. I'll leave that to the experts and you kind reader, but these are the guys I want as my fantasy tight end, and they aren't half bad players either ;)

Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers. This former Kent State basketball player has been at the summit of the Tight End mountain for the past six years. He is definitely Philip Rivers go to guy, and with Vincent Jackson threatening to hold out for most of the season (in addition to his 3 game suspension), you know Philip will be looking for his big tight end (6' 4"/260 lbs). Last season, Gates pulled in 79 receptions for 1157 yards and 8 touchdowns. 2009 Fantasy Stat: 105.85 points.

Dallas Clark of the Indianapolis Colts. Tight Ends are a quarterbacks best friend, and Peyton Manning loves Dallas Clark. Clark finally made a Pro Bowl, after playing second and third fiddle to Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez. Clark had 100 receptions 1106 yards and 10 touchdowns. 2009 Fantasy Stat: 116.40 points.

Vernon Davis of the San Francisco 49ers. I haven't been this excited by 49ers tight end since Brent Jones. Finally, Vernon Davis showed everyone what we had expected to see when he first came into the league. Once Vernon realized he was better off on Mike Singletary highway, he exploded. He corralled 78 receptions for 965 yards and 13 touchdowns. Hopefully, who ever is finally under center in San Francisco will find Davis early and often. 2009 Fantasy Stat: 126.25 points.

Jason Witten of the Dallas Cowboys. Generally speaking, I rarely have anything good to say about anybody wearing the "star." However, Dallas' tight end and Tony Romo's best friend is an exception to the rule. Witten has been a top five Tight End for the last three years. In 2009, Witten hauled in 1030 yards, but only two tight ends. 2009 Fantasy Stat: 63.50 points.

Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons. My favorite tight end. The Greatest Tight End of All Time in my opinion. TG's first catch of the season will be number 1000 of his career. People keep waiting for Tony to fall off, but he continues to surpass every one's expectations. He left my Chiefs last year to join the Falcons in an attempt to chase that seemingly elusive Super Bowl ring. He finished the 2009 season with 83 receptions 867 yards and 6 touchdowns. Not bad for an "old timer." 2009 Fantasy Stat: 79.35 points.

Other Top Ten Tight Ends: Brent Celek (Philadelphia Eagles), Kellen Winslow (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Visanthe Shiancoe (Minnesota Vikings), Heath Miller (Pittsburgh Steelers), Greg Olsen (Chicago Bears). Watch for Jermichael Finley (Green Bay Packers), Owen Daniels (Houston Texans), and Dustin Keller (New York Jets).

Rookie on the Rise: Jermaine Gresham of the Cincinnati Bengals. Gresham was the 21st overall pick and the first tight end off the board. The 6'5", 261 pounder from Oklahoma was hampered a bit by a knee injury, but he finished his senior season with 66 receptions for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns. His college totals were 111 receptions, 1629 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Until next time, "Football is a game played with arms, legs and shoulders but mostly from the neck up."-Knute Rockne

*Gratuitous Tony Gonzalez shot

Fantasy Draft #2: Introducing Hecate's HellHounds...

It's the weekend, everybody! Today was the second of my fantasy drafts. This draft takes place with the NF L. com fantasy football , and the league is called the League of Champions. Once again, bec ause the draft order is randomized, we didn't find out our draft order until this morning. I had the 2nd pick out of 12! Let me introduce you to Hecate's HellHounds!

Introducing my starting line-up:
1st round-2th pick RB Adrian Peterson Minnesota Vikings. Despite a battle with the fumble-itis last year (7 fumbles), Peterson finished the season with 1383 yards and 18 touchdowns. 2009 Fantasy stats: 268.70 fantasy points.

2nd round-23rd pick QB Philip Rivers San Diego Chargers. Philip is one of my favorite quarterbacks, mostly because of that Southern Charm and his ability to get under the skin of opposing players. Rivers finished the season 4254 yards and 28 touchdowns to 9 interceptions. He'll be without his favorite WR Vincent Jackson, but he still has Antonio Gates. 2009 Fantasy stats: 307.70 fantasy points.

3rd round-26th pick RB Ryan Grant Green Bay Packers. Grant may not have the yards that Peterson does, but he has great hands. He committed only one fumble last year. He finished the season with 1253 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. 2009 Fantasy stats: 201.15 fantasy points.

4th round-47th pick WR Wes Welker New England Patriots. This is the down side of having a high pick. Something has to to suffer; for me, it is my receiving corps. Welker is Tom Brady's go to guy when Randy Moss is under pressure. He finished the season with 1348 yards and 4 touchdowns. 2009 Fantasy stats: 95.00 fantasy points.

5th round-50th pick The Captain of the HellHounds-TE Tony Gonzalez Atlanta Falcons. I got Tony, I got Tony...ha-ha-ha-haa-ha...ha-ha-ha-haa-ha...Uh-uhm. In his first year as an (sigh) Atlanta Falcon, TG finished the season with 867 yards and 6 touchdown. His next catch will be number 1,000, the first Tight End to reach that number. 2009 Fantasy stats: 79.35 fantasy points.

6th round-71st pick WR Pierre Garcon Indianapolis Colts. Last season, Garcon finshed with 765 yards and 4 touchdowns in 13 games. Plus, Peyton Manning is throwing to him. 2009 Fantasy stats: 63.25 points.

7th round-74th pick DEF Minnesota Vikings. Vikings finished 6th in overall defense last year. They led the league with 48 sacks, and they tacked on 11 interceptions. 2009 Fantasy Stats: 116 fantasy points.

8th round-95th pick WR Malcolm Floyd San Diego Chargers. Malcolm Floyd should benefit from Vincent Jackson's absence because of Jackson's holdout and impending suspension. He finished the 2009 season with 776 yards and 1 touchdown. Just one? C'mon, man. 2009 Fantasy stats: 44.80 points.

These are my bench players:
9th round-97th pick DEF San Diego Chargers (Lights out is back! Plus, I didn't want another team with the Chargers.

10th round-119th pick RB Clinton Portis Washington Redskins
11th round-122nd pick QB Carson Palmer Cincinnati Bengals
12th round-143rd pick TE Heath Miller Pittsburgh Steelers
13th round-146th pick WR Dexter McCluster Kansas City Chiefs
14th round-167th pick K Ryan Longwell Minnesota Vikings
15th round-169th pick WR Nate Burleson Detroit Lions

Will the HellHounds wreak havoc upon the League of Champions, or will they be a team of pitiful puppies? Only time will tell. What do you think? Leave me a line.

So until next time remember, "Football is easy, if you're crazy as hell."~Bo Jackson

Congratulations, Jerry!!!

As a little girl growing up in Natchez, Mississippi, my grandmother was probably the most influential person in my life. One of the things I will always be grateful for her introducing me to is football. My grandmother for some inexplicable reason loved the San Francisco 49ers. She never explained how a lady born and raised in Natchez loved the 49ers. Thus as a little kid, I too was a 49ers fan. Joe Montana was and still is my all-time favorite football player, but in 1985, the 49ers drafted this upstart Wide Receiver from Mississippi Valley State University. It wasn't long before this young man was giving Joe Montana competition for my football affections.

I watched him as he and Joe led the 49ers to two more Super Bowls and added Super Bowl MVP to his resume in Super Bowl XXIII, and later, get over Steve Young's release to add another Super Bowl Ring to his collection. Even as my loyalty defected to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1990, I still rooted for my 49ers. I watched as he recovered from a massive knee injury in 1997, and returned before the doctors wanted him to. I watched as he began to rack up NFL record after NFL record. I was devastated when left the 49ers in 2000 to go to the Raiders, so I pretended that he retired while continued to add to his numbers with the Raiders.

I watched as he racked up 13 Pro Bowl selections, 11 All Pros, Pro Bowl MVP, 197 receiving touchdowns (208 total), 1549 receptions, 22895 receiving yards (23540 total). I watched in 2006 when he signed a one day contract to retire as a San Francisco 49er, the way it should be. Today, I will watch as he joins my other favorites Bill Walsh (Class of 1993), Walter Payton (Class of 1993), Joe Montana (Class of 2000), Ronnie Lott (Class of 2000), Steve Young (Class of 2005), Marcus Allen (Class of 2003), Derrick Thomas (Class of 2009), and Rod Woodson (Class of 2009).

Congratulations to the Hall of Fame Class of 2010: Russ Grimm | Rickey Jackson | Dick LeBeau | Floyd Little | John Randle |Emmitt Smith

A special congratulations from Diana Dishes to the Greatest Wide Receiver of all-time Jerry Rice. You will always have a special place in my heart and the heart of 49ers fans everywhere. Thank you for showing that good things do come from the state of Mississippi! We are proud of you! Congratulations #80, immortality awaits you!

Come Back, Shawne!!!!

Dear Mr. Merriman,

I am a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan, but as the 10-12 readers of my blog (not to mention my twitter account) can attest to, I am a big fan of yours. Granted it wasn't always that way. Your first couple of years in the league, I thought you were a raving lunatic hell-bent on destroying my team's fragile quarterbacks. I burned in anger when you blew up Priest Holmes' career. I, like many Chiefs fans, rejoiced when you were suspended by the league in 2006. It was later, however, that I read about your background, and how you had survived numerous maladies as a youth. I was surprised, mostly because I usually didn't give two thoughts to the players wearing the opposite helmet.

Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers warms up before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 25, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

I started watching you play. I liked how you would throw yourself around with reckless abandon evoking fear in the hearts of opposing quarterbacks. It reminded me a lot of my favorite LB the late Chiefs star #58 Derrick Thomas. I enjoyed watching your tie ups with Tony Gonzalez on the line of scrimmage. I was cheering you on when I saw the cheap shot that messed up your knee. I, unlike most Chiefs fans, was devastated when you announced that you would not play the remainder of the 2008 season because of knee surgery. So, I settled for watching you, Jay Glazer, and Eddie George on Pro Football Talk.

I can't wait for the start of every season. I look forward to the Chiefs taking the field and hopefully winning the AFC West. I know, it's a little delusional, but I can still hope. I couldn't wait for the start of the 2009 season, because it meant "Lights Out" was returning to the field. I watched you try to power through the injuries, and unlike some fans, I understood how difficult it was to overcome. I cheered you on, and I don't think anyone screamed louder when you twice sacked JaMarcus Russell (because I absolutely hate the Raiders, and I thought it was funny) and later sacked Eli Manning twice.

Daunte Culpepper #8 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by Linebacker Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers during the first half on October 14, 2007 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Earlier this year, I bought a Chargers jersey. It was the first time I had ever bought a jersey that was not from one of my favorite teams. That jersey was yours #56. Don't get me wrong, I still sport my Chiefs jersey even though it is a Gonzalez jersey, and he is in his second year with the Falcons, much to my chagrin. So, this season, I was looking forward to your playing at full strength.

Shawne Merriman #56 of the San Diego Chargers against the New York Giants at Giants Stadium on November 8, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Chargers defeated the Giants 21-20. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Look, I know you and A. J. Smith don't get along. I don't really think A. J. Smith is impressed by anybody but himself. I am not an A. J. Smith fan, especially after the way he kicked Marty Schottenheimer to the curb (I know there was probably more to it, but I prefer to have A. J. as the bad guy, because I love Marty). I'm not like those fair weather fans who are currently tossing bad names in your general direction. I save those names for the people who truly deserve it-The Raiders. I know you want to have some reassurance from the Chargers that they want trade you. You want to be wanted. I got it. It's no fun playing for a team that appears to not appreciate you.

This is the reason why I believe you should play. Show them how important you are to the team. Show them why they should give you those reassurances. Show them the "Lights Out" that put the fear of God in those quarterbacks, and if they trade you, show them why that trade will be their loss. I think there are a lot of Pro Bowl years left in you. We can't see that if you are at home (I also get that Training Camp may be a bit of a pain). It sickens me that Larry English is taking your reps (I don't really dislike the kid, but you get my drift). Remember what Joni Mitchell said "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone." Show the Chargers that you are the true leader of that defense. Show them that you are still that guy breaking through the line with reckless abandon. I hope you are on the field when the Chargers play my Chiefs on Monday night football. I want to be shielding my eyes as you break through the line and hit Matt Cassel (don't kill him, the team still owes him a lot of money). Show them why they should give you that long term contract, and if they don't take your talents elsewhere. I will still root for you, unless you become a Raider...just don't do that... Looking forward to seeing you on the field!

Sincerely,
Diana

P.S. "The secret of greatness is simple: do better work than any other man in your field – and keep on doing it." Wilfred A. Peterson

Fantasy Quarterbacks Report

Howdy do, everybody. Well, it's almost that time...The fantasy seasons are gearing up. Fantasy geeks all over are perusing fantasy mags, crunching numbers, and selecting punny names for their teams...Now, you need a quarterback.

Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints. The reigning Super Bowl Champs has one of the fantasy heroes of one of the past few years. In addition to leading the Saints to the Lombardi trophy, Brees racked up 4388 yards while leading the league with 34 touchdowns. Brees only gave up 11 interceptions over the 16 game season. Brees had 7 games where he threw for over 300 yards including a 419 yard performance against the Washington Redskins. He finished the fantasy season with 336.50 fantasy points averaging 22.43 pts. per game.

Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers finished in the top 5 in passing yards touchdowns, and fantasy points. Rodgers ended the 2009 season with 4434 yards and 30 touchdowns. Rodgers, unlike his predecessor Brett Favre, doesn't turn the ball over much either with only 7 interceptions last season. Rodgers only had 5 games over 300 yards last year, but he averaged 277.13 yards per game. He finished the fantasy season with 372.10 fantasy points, averaging 23.26 fantasy pts. per game.

Matt Shaub of the Houston Texans. Matt Shaub led all quarterbacks in passing yards last year with 4770 yards. He threw 29 touchdowns; however, he also turned the ball over 15 times last year, but it was good enough to start the Pro Bowl in place of Peyton Manning. Matt Shaub had 9 games where he tossed over 300 yards, including a 392 yard 4 touchdown performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Shaub finished the year with 298.13 yards per game. He finished the fantasy season with 331.60 fantasy points, averaging 20.73 pts. per game.

Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts. Peyton has been a fantasy stalwart for years now, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Peyton was second in both yards and touchdowns last year. He racked up 4500 yards and 33 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. (You ever notice that Peyton Manning only needs one name now?). Like Shaub, Manning tossed for over 300 yards 9 times last year. His best game was a 379 yard, 4 touchdown performance against the Arizona Cardinals. He finished the fantasy season with 322.70 fantasy points, averaging 20.17 pts. per game.

Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. Coming of a knee injury, Brady had a lot to prove last year, and for fantasy players he did not disappoint. He finished the season with 4398 yards and 28 touchdowns to 13 interceptions. He threw for over 300 yards 7 times last year. His best game was a 380 yard, 6 touchdown performance against the Tennessee Titans (I remember, because Brady spanked one of my teams by himself.). He finished the fantasy season with 314.30 fantasy points, averaging 19.64 pts. per game.

Other Top Ten Quarterbacks:
Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys), Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers), Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings, unless he decides to be the starting quarterback for Oak Grove), Eli Manning (New York Giants), Donovan McNabb (Washington Redskins), and Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears). Look for much improvement from Vince Young (Tennessee Titans), Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) and Matthew Stafford.


Rookie on the Rise: Sam Bradford of the St. Louis Rams
All eyes are turning toward St. Louis and the Rams #1 pick Sam Bradford. The Rams have a much riding a kid that only played 3 games last year because of a bum shoulder. In his 31 game career with the Oklahoma Sooners, Bradford threw for over 8400 yards with 88 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. The 2008 Heisman Trophy winner will now try to turn the Rams around. Good luck, Sam.

*Fantasy tip: Make sure you read the rules for your fantasy league's points system. Points vary from Organization to organization (NFL.com, ESPN.com, Yahoo.com) and from league to league.

Until next time, "I learned that if you want to make it bad enough, no matter how bad it is, you can make it." Gale Sawers


**stats provided by NFL.com and FantasyFootballChallenge.com