http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/1414 Recent articles about Chris Brown en-us So how do we beat the RBBC conundrum? Knowledge! I know, I sound like a bad public service announcement but in fantasy football, knowledge really is power. And there's just not enough info out there on all the various committees. I applaud the few sites out there that have attacked the RBBC analysis...though I can't say I really blame the experts out there for not wanting to talk about them. But now it's time we face committees head on and do our best to take a gamble and figure out which guys might pull to the front of the committee battles. Trust me, some of those guys might even be a top 10 back by the time the season is over. With that being said, let's take a look at 3 under-discussed teams and their backfield situation heading into 2008: Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:40:00 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294709 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294709 Fantasy football drafts are right around the corner, so who looks to be the hits and misses? This guide's a long read, but it's in-depth, and it channels the wayback machine for some who are older than they'd like to admit (or buy lots of old DVDs). Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:36:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292572 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292572 In this new top ten we look at sleeper candidates for the 2008 season. Our top ten sleepers are players that could breakout and most are also very safe bets to outperform their average draft position. Find out why Leon Washington is number one on our list and who else we believe will surprise in 2008. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:50:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291022 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291022 A quick look at the offensive statistics for the Tennessee Titans last season reveals nothing eye-opening. The quarterback threw more interceptions than touchdowns, the running back had over 1,000 yards, but averaged just 3.7 yards a carry and no receiver had more than 800 yards. Yet, the Titans somehow managed to go 10-6 and advanced to the playoffs. Quarterback, Vince Young, had what can only be called a transitional year. He threw for 2,546 yards, nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Comparatively, he threw for 2,199 yards, 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions as a rookie. Young also had four more rushing touchdowns and 157 more rushing yards as a rookie. However, there were some positives. Perhaps unnoticed by the average fantasy owner, Young increased his completion percentage, from 51.5 in 2006 to 62.3 last year and his quarterback rating, from 66.7 two years ago to 71.1 last season. Meanwhile, running back, LenDale White, finally made good on some of his potential, rushing for 1,110 yard and seven touchdowns on 303 carries. Chris Brown added 462 yards and five touchdowns on 102 carries, while rookie Chris Henry rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. On the receiving end, Justin Gage caught 55 passes for 750 yards and two touchdowns, while Roydell Williams caught 55 passes as well, going for 719 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end, Bo Scaife, had his best season yet, catching 46 passes for 421 yards and one touchdown. Perhaps the best fantasy performance though came from Tennessee's kicker, Rob Bironas, who had a career year, scoring 133 points up from his previous best of 99 in 2005. None of that though compares with the Titans defense. Thought to be weakened by the loss of Pacman "Adam" Jones, the Titans surprised everyone as they ranked eighth in points allowed, fifth in total yards allowed, 10th in passing yards allowed and fifth in rushing yards allowed, a big reason Tennessee made that playoff push. To read more about what Bruno Boys Staff Writer, Cory Steger, has to say about the Tennessee Titans and their fantasy potential, click the link below Sat, 12 Jul 2008 02:18:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289411 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289411 Looking back on the Houston Texans' season, it's hard to believe that this is a team that finished 8-8 overall. After all, free agent quarterback Matt Schaub missed the better part of six games, wide receiver Andre Johnson was out from week three to week 11 and free agent running back Ahman Green carried the ball 10 or more times in a game just four times. Instead, Sage Rosenfels threw 15 touchdowns to Schaub's nine, Ron Dayne led the team in rushing with 773 yards and six touchdowns on 194 carries and Kevin Walter led the team in receptions with 65. With their top three players at each position missing significant time, the Texans still managed to have a respectable season, at least by their standards. The benefit of those players being injured was it allowed other players to demonstrate their potential. Tight end Owen Daniels caught 63 passes for 768 yards and three touchdowns and running back Darius Walker had 264 yards and one touchdown on 58 carries. With some better offensive line play, and better luck when it comes to injuries, the Texans could become a pretty good offense. Make sure to read more of what Bruno Boys Fantasy Football staff writer Jesse Burkhart has to say about the Green Bay Packers and their fantasy football worthy players heading into the 2008 season by clicking the link... Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:13:54 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/280184 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/280184 The last of our AFC division previews, the Colts are still the dominant force but the Jags figure to be in the playoff hunt again. We simulated every game and provide you with team analysis, projected scores and fantasy sleepers. Here's the Colts analysis, and click the link for game projections and the other teams. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) It may feel like it because they are always winning, but this is not the same team that the Colts keep running out there to win the division. Each season has some defections and each season the Colts find talent within their own limited player pool to step up and fill the void. 2008 is no different. This year, some of Peyton Manning's weapons from the past few seasons are gone or banged-up and a lot of the depth on defense moved on, yet there are several great talents ready to step up. The Colts average 29.1 points per game (#3 in the NFL) and allow 20.5 points (#8) against a schedule featuring nine games against 2007 playoff teams. Absolute Record: 15-1 Most Significant Newcomer: Mike Pollak, OL - This is probably the most difficult team to pick of any in the league. The Colts build their teams from the draft up and typically develop a player for a couple years before they try to count on him. For 2008, this is amplified by the fact that the Colts had no first round draft choice and no glaring needs or major free agent acquisitions. From the nine players drafted, Pollak, a second-round pick out of Arizona State looks like the most valuable to the team right now. He may be asked to start at guard immediately and eventually replace Jeff Saturday at center. Biggest Strength: Peyton Manning - The answer here is probably the same as with New England. The "system" or the brain trust between Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy runs this team and keeps everything running smoothly. Most Exploitable Weakness: Running game - Joseph Addai is a great talent and a fantastic fantasy performer, but the Colts were a slightly below average running team last year and Addai cannot be the only guy. The team brought back Dominic Rhodes and drafted Mike Hart, but neither projects to improve the team rushing average. Possible Fantasy Sleeper: Anthony Gonzalez, WR - Last year's first round pick had a promising rookie season. With Marvin Harrison aging, hurting and potentially in legal trouble, Gonzalez will get plenty of opportunities in 2008. Even if Harrison plays well all year, Gonzalez is a rich man's Brandon Stokely. The simulated season has him at 53 catches for 885 yards and six touchdowns. Closest Game: New England (Week 9) - We mentioned in the New England Patriots preview that this should be another classic. As it stands, it is the Colts only projected loss. Interestingly, with such a tough schedule, they are only heavily favored against a couple of teams. This leads to a much lower expected record than absolute record. Fantasy Notables (fantasy rank at position in parentheses): Peyton Manning (2) 4,260 yards, 32 TDs, 12 INTs; Joseph Addai (5) 1,718 total yards, 16 TDs; Reggie Wayne (4) 81 receptions, 1,307 yards, 9 TDs; Anthony Gonzalez (29) 53 receptions, 885 yards, 6 TDs; Marvin Harrison (42) 54 receptions, 737 yards, 5 TDs: Dallas Clark (8) 39 receptions, 560 yards, 5 TDs; Adam Vinatieri (3) 51/51 XPs, 29/33 FGs Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:30:47 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277956 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277956 Michael Turner to the Falcons was one of many interesting free agent moves in the NFL this off-season. See Junkyard Jake's rankings and fantasy ratings for the fantasy impact and what this will mean to you in preparing for this season's coming drafts. Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:47:56 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/273331 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/273331 This in depth analysis of the offensive line includes the projected starters for the upcoming season, statistics and injuries from the past season, an overview of players on the line and an outlook for the 2008 season. Sat, 17 May 2008 15:25:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/268109 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/268109 You and I both know that NFL football is the greatest sport on the planet. Hell, neither one of us would be sitting here talking about it in the middle of March if it wasn't right? Now speaking of the best, today I'd like to share my thoughts with you on what is arguably one of the best - if not the best - division in football; the AFC South. Need proof? Look no further than last years playoffs. Three teams made the tourney. Top to bottom, this division should be about as competitive as it gets in 2008. How does it stack up? Take a look. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:12:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/209148 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/209148 Nobody else in the NFL wanted Chris Brown, so when the Houston Texans signed Titans' castoff Chris Brown, he and his agent were more than happy to take their money. It's nice to know that a divisional rival's new GM is foolish enough to make unwise decisions like his predecessor. All of a sudden, I don't miss Charley Casserly quite as much... Sat, 15 Mar 2008 19:41:52 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/201941 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/201941 After flirting with the Bears the past week, Chris Brown found a new home with the Houston Texans yesterday. Brown signed a 2 year deal reportedly worth 3.6 million. He leaves Tennessee after 5 seasons. Brown rushed for 462 yards last season behind LenDale White. He has averaged 4.3 yards per carry in a career that has never played a full season. Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:14:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/198435 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/198435 Speculation that there may be a new Brown Bear hunting on Soldier Field next season. Bearing (sic) in mind the number of times Grizzlies got hit in the backfield last year, including Wrecks Grossman, I'd have thought a little help on the O-Line would be the first priority up there. Maybe they have their eyes on someone in the draft. Still, there's no doubt the running game could do with a boost. Whether Brown is the guy to do that or not... Thu, 13 Mar 2008 01:08:12 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/194919 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/194919 Julius Jones' decision to sign with the Seahawks creates a logjam at their running back position. Jones and fellow free agent signee T.J. Duckett have joined incumbents Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris in a crowded Seattle backfield. Considering the Titans' desire to add a running back and Reinfeldt's history with Seattle, could Shaun Alexander or Maurice Morris be a possible addition if the Seahawks decide to part ways with either of the veterans? Sun, 09 Mar 2008 12:10:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/187930 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/187930 The ground game was undoubtedly the strength of the offense in 2007, but I understand why some people feel that it needs to be upgraded. There were legitimate concerns and complaints about all the Titans' backs, for various reasons, for a good portion of the last season... Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:31:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/160675 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/160675 Like every other team in the league, the Titans have a sizable number of players who will be effected. Those not tagged, resigned or tendered will become free agents, so Mike Reinfeldt, Jeff Fisher and the Titans' staff have some decisions to make. If I was the one making the decisions, this is how I'd look at it... Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:46:08 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/152131 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/152131