Yardbarker: Antonio Gates

Fantasy Football Roundtable - Week 5

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:33:36 -0500

Thursday Night was Joe Biden and Sarah Palin's turn, now, it's the Bruno Boys chance to debate. But, unlike those boring things like the economy, the war in Iraq, and what not, we'll be tackling the issues that matter to you most as we discuss all things fantasy football. So, enjoy the Week 5 Roundtable. -------------------- Weekly Match-Ups! (Who'll Have the Better Week?) -------------------- 4. Roddy White vs. Greg Jennings Bruno Boys Whooley: WHITE. Not only am I going with White because Aaron Rodgers' status is up in the air, but also because I think the game will dictate that Atlanta throw the ball much like their week 4 match-up with the Carolina Panthers did. If that's the case, White will be the receiver QB Matt Ryan looks for. Bruno Boys Larry: JENNINGS. Even though both of these players have been solid on the season, Jennings has been a little better and if Aaron Rodgers can play and be effective Jennings will have another big day. The Packers have a better pass defense then the Falcons even without Al Harris, and they are playing at Lambeau Field. Bruno Boys Ziza: JENNINGS. As much as I like Roddy White this week, Greg Jennings against that Falcons defense is just such an awesome matchup that he can be considered a WR1 this week. Roll with Jennings all day long. I feel so strongly about that this week that I really don't see the need to explain any further. -------------------- To read about other Week 5 matchups click the LINK below...

Fantasy Football Week 5 Rankings - Tight Ends

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:47:25 -0500

With just five tight ends currently sitting above the 25 point plateau (Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Tony Scheffler, Tony Gonzalez, and Anthony Fasano), the tight end position hasn't been as deep as many experts, ourselves included, thought it would be. An assortment of reasons have attributed to this. For one, some tight ends are just not living up to their potential (i.e Vernon Davis). Others are struggling to put up fantasy numbers because of poor quarterback play, think Owen Daniels and Kellen Winslow. Still more have lost out as their quarterbacks have found new favorite targets (i.e. Chris Cooley). So, what is the fantasy owner supposed to do in these difficult times. Simple, read through the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 5 Tight End Rankings and find a solid match-up to exploit. Just like the economic crisis, this lack of TE depth won't get fixed in a day, you have to take it one week at a time and hope for the best. -------------------- 1. Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers) @ Miami We have a nice little duel brewing for the top tight end spot as Jason Witten and Antonio Gates continue to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. While Gates goes into week 5, trailing Witten by 6 fantasy points, he should be able to make some of that up as the Chargers get set to face a Miami Dolphins pass defense that is giving up 227.3 yards per game and has allowed 6 passing TDs in just 3 games. Point Projection: 15 points -------------------- To read the FULL article, click the link below...

Week 5 Fantasy Football Q & A LIVE

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:12:29 -0500

Bruno Boys Cavigs: Hello All and Welcome to Week 5 of the Bruno Boys LIVE FANTASY FOOTBALL Q & A Bruno Boys Cavigs: We are about to get started here shortly. Bruno Boys Cavigs: So get the QUESTIONS brewing Bruno Boys Cavigs: Remember, we QUEUE all the questions and get to them as we see fit. If your question hasn't been answered, HANG TIGHT and don't POST it multiple times! Bruno Boys Cavigs: Now let me introduce you to the co-host of this show, Mr. Bruno Boys Chris Ziza.... Bruno Boys Cavigs: Here we go... TO READ ALL OF THE FANTASY FOOTBALL QUESTIONS BROUGHT TO US BY OUR READERS AND OUR FANTASY ADVICE...CLICK THE LINK...

NFL Power Rankings - Week 5

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:44:55 -0500

I don't know that I've ever seen a better start to an NFL season. Week four featured upsets galore, some key injuries, and much much more. Without further ado, I present the week 5 NFL Power Rankings. 1. New York Giants (3-0) - Sure they ascended to the top spot by virtue of a bye, but they are undefeated and are defending Super Bowl Champions. They haven't seemed to miss a beat on defense despite the losses of Michael Strahan to retirement and Osi Umenyiora to a season ending injury. They coasted to wins in their first two games, but were just barely able to get past the lowly Cincinnati Bengals in week 3, winning by a field goal in overtime. They'll be without Plaxico Burress (suspended) in week 5 in what should be an interesting matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, who may have their top two receivers returning from injury. 2. Tennessee Titans (4-0) - Best defense in the league thus far, hands down. Albert Haynesworth is a beast and Cortland Finnegan is gaining prominence as one of the league's top cover corners. Chris Johnson is a lightning bolt. Kerry "Cocktail" Collins makes this offense more stable, allowing the defense to do what it do. 3. Dallas Cowboys (3-1) - Their dominating performance in Cleveland in week 1 was followed up by a week 2 shootout victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. In week three they traveled to Green Bay, where they had never won a game, and took it to the Packers for an impressive victory. Rookie Felix Jones has proven to be a dynamic playmaker, but inexplicably didn't receive a single touch in the week 4 loss to the Washington Redskins. Some knuckleheads will argue that the Redskins should be above the Cowboys since they have the same record and Washington beat Dallas, but you can't forget that Dallas has scored victories over both Philadelphia and Green Bay. (continued at pcpsports.com)

Week 4 Gridiron Fantasy Match-Ups

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:24:03 -0500

Call it favorable match-ups... call it start/sit... any way you put it, these are the players to keep an eye on in fantasy football for Week 4 (along with those guys to consider keeping on your bench).

Fantasy Football Week 4 Podcast - LISTEN NOW

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 00:14:03 -0500

The Bruno Boys are back on the airwaves! So, grab a cold one, cozy up in that nice leather recliner, and get ready for a wonderful ride through the world of fantasy football with the latest Bruno Boys Podcast. Bruno Boy Cavigs and Bruno Boy Whooley breakdown all the upcoming WEEK 4 games, analyzing who has a strong match-up and who has one you should stay away from. All 16 games with all the information you need for fantasy football success. Some of the topics discussed are.. Can Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers be considered a must start on a weekly basis? Will the Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys game be your typical NFC East Shootout? Should the Oakland Raiders even show up for their divisional contest against the San Diego Chargers? Does any player in the Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers game have fantasy value? and much much more.... To find out the answers to these questions, click the LINK below to listen NOW...

Week 4 Fantasy Injury Report

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:54:20 -0500

The Counselor is IN:

Here are the Week 4 fantasy injuries and my commentary.

Cardinals:
TE Jerame Tuman is questionable with a hamstring injury. He has not practiced on Wednesday. He is the third string guy so he has not fantasy value.

WR Steve Breaston has a hamstring injury and is probable. He is the third receiver for the Cardinals. He has limited value unless Boldin or Fitzgerald gets injured. His value of a return man may be in jeopardy.

Falcons:
RB Michael Turner is probable with a foot injury. He fully practiced on Thursday. He is an every week starter. Start him unless something changes.

WR Laurent Robinson has a sprained knee and is out for week 4. He has limited to no fantasy value.

Ravens:
QB Troy Smith is out with tonsil issues. He has lost a bunch of weight since he started battling these issues. He has lost the starting job which he was about to win in training camp. He isquestionable and the tonsils continue to haunt him. He has gained some of the weight back. It may be too late for him to get a chance to start at QB.

RB Willis McGahee has a cut on his eye lid and is listed as probable. What?!? A cut on the eye lid. McGahee is now sharing carries so that will affect him more than a cut on the eye lid.

Bills:
TE Derek Fine has a thumb injury and is out. He is coming back from thumb surgery. He should not be on your fantasy team.

WR Roscoe Parrish is out after having surgery on his thumb . He is out 4 to 6 weeks.

Panthers:
WR Ryne Robinson has a knee injury and is questionable. He is down deep on the depth chart. He practiced on Thursday and should play this weekend. He should not be starting for your team even for off weeks.

RB Jonathan Stewart is probable with a foot injury. He will play this weekend and is a good game against the Falcons.

Bears:
WR Devin Hester has a rib injury with torn cartilage and is questionable. He was limited in practice on Thursday. Check on him before starting him this weekend. There are a lot of expectations about Hester having a break out year as a receiver. He is still developing.

WR Brandon Lloyd is questionable with a sore hip. He missed practice on Thursday.

Bengals:
RB Kenny Watson is probable with an hamstring injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday.

TE Ben Utecht has a sternum injury and is probable. He has been limited in practice this week.

Browns:
WR Donte Stallworth has a quad injury and is questionable for Sunday. He limited in practice on Thursday. He will be a game time decision.

WR Joe Jurevicius is out until October with a knee injury.

WR Braylon Edwards has a shoulder injury and is probable. He is expected to play this weekend.

Cowboys:
WR Sam Hurd is probable with a high ankle sprain. He fully practiced on Thursday. It looks like he should be back this weekend.

RB Felix Jones has a calf strain and is probable. He is expected to play Sunday and bring his big play ability with him.

Broncos:
RB Ryan Torain is out with a dislocated elbow. He will be out for a while.

WR Darrell Jackson has a calf injury and is listed as questionable for this weekend.

Lions:
Off Week 4

Packers:
RB Kregg Lumpkin has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He did not practice on Thursday. This rookie is third on the depth chart. He brings limited value.

WR James Jones is probable with a knee injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday.

Texans:
WR Kevin Walter is probable with a toe injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday.

RB Ahman Green has an ankle injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice on Thursday. He has lost his starting job to Slaton so his value is very limited.

Colts:
Off Week 4

Jaguars:
WR Troy Williamson is questionable with a thigh injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday.

RB Fred Taylor has a hand injury and is probable for this weekend. He practiced fully on a limited basis on Thursday. He should play this weekend.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew is probable with an ankle injury. He did not practice on Thursday. I believe he will play this weekend but he might be limited with the ankle injury.

Chiefs:
No significant fantasy injuries.

Dolphins:
Off Week 4

Vikings:
RB Chester Taylor is probable with a foot injury. He was limited in practice on Wednesday. He should be ready to play.

WR Sidney Rice is probable with a knee injury. He was limited in practice on Thursday. .

RB Adrian Peterson has a hamstring injury and is probable. He was limited in practice but does not have any tightness in the hamstring. He will be ready to play this weekend.

Saints:
WR Dave Patten has a groin pull and is questionable. He did not practice on Thursday.

WR Marques Colston is 2 to4 weeks with a torn ligament in his thumb. He had surgery on his thumb. This fantasy stud will not be available for a while.

RB Aaron Stecker has a hamstring injury and is questionable to play this weekend. He was limited in practice this week. Stecker has limited value.

TE Mark Campbell is questionable with an hamstring injury. He did not practice on Wednesday.

TE Jeremy Shockey is out for 3 to 6 weeks after a sports hernia surgery.

Patriots:
Off Week 4

Giants:
Off Week 4

Jets:
WR Laveranues Cole has a thigh injury and is questionable. He was limited in practice this week. I would keep him on your bench this weekend. Favre does need a healthy Coles against a desperate Chargers team but I am not convinced he will have him.

K Mike Nugent is listed as out for this week.

QB Brett Favre has an ankle injury and is probable. He continues to practice more every day. He will start this weekend.

Raiders:
RB Darren McFadden has a toe injury and is probable. He was limited on practice on Thursday. He is expected to start on Sunday.

RB Justin Fargus is questionable with a groin injury. He did not practice on Thursday.

Eagles:
TE L.J. Smith is questionable with back spasms. He did not practice on Thursday.

RB Brian Westbrook has an ankle injury and is questionable. He did not practice on Thursday. He will be a game time decision.

QB Donovan McNabb is probable with a sore chest. He did not practice on Thursday. He is expected to play this weekend.

Steelers:
RB Willie Parker is out with a sprained left knee. He will be week to week.

Chargers:
RB LaDainian Tomlinson is probable with a toe injury. He practiced fully on Thursday. He is not 100% yet but he is getting closer.

TE Antonio Gates has a toe and hip injury and is probable.

Seahawks:
Off Week 4

49ers:
WR Bryant Johnson has a hamstring injury and is questionable. He will be a game time decision.

Rams:
RB Steven Jackson has a groin injury and is probable. Jackson stated his groin injury is fine and he will play.

WR Keenan Burton is out after having surgery of a torn meniscus cartilage.

Buccaneers:
WR Joey Galloway is listed as out with a foot injury.

QB Brian Griese is probable with general soreness. He will play this weekend.

Titans:
QB Vince Young is out with a knee injury. Kerry Collins will be the starter until further notice.

WR Justin Gage has a groin injury and is listed as probable. He practiced all week.

RB LenDale White is questionable with a shoulder injury. He practiced fully on Friday but was limited earlier in the week.

WR Justin McCareins has a groin injury and is questionable. He practiced on Thursday.

Redskins:
RB Clinton Portis is probable with neck stiffness. He is expected to play.

WR Malcolm Kelly has an ankle injury and is out.

The Counselor is OUT:

Fantasy Football Week 4 Rankings - Tight Ends

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:34:04 -0500

All pre-season long, we harped on the depth of the tight end position, but we never imagined it went this deep. In week 3, the top six tight ends were, in order, Jerramy Stevens, Anthony Fasano, Kevin Boss, Delanie Walker, Dustin Keller, and Visanthe Shiancoe. Just think of the odds you would have gotten in Vegas if you did that pick six. The question for week 4 is whether or not we'll see the regulars climb back on top, or if we'll get another assortment of characters as we did in week 3 reigning supreme. To find out, read the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings. -------------------- 1. Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers) @ Oakland Gates had two mediocre games vs Oakland in 2007, without finding the end zone, but his numbers against the Raiders in years past are pretty impressive. Gates has scored in two of the Chargers first 3 games, and the Raiders pass defense is struggling mightily this year. They ranked in the bottom ten against the pass, and you should expect Philip Rivers to exploit them early. Point Projection: 13 points -------------------- TO FIND OUT WHERE THE REST OF THE TIGHT ENDS RANK, CLICK THE LINK...

Jets Run Over by Chargers in 48-29 Loss in San Diego

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:36:49 -0500

At this point, Monday Night Football is becoming the night to bet the over. For the second straight week, the defenses took a nap, as the New York Jets and San Diego Chargers combined for a whopping 77 points as the Chargers won their first game of the season, 48-29. It was a tough night for the Jets, who fall to 1-2, and new QB Brett Favre. He threw a pair of picks, one of which was returned for a score in the first half in which the Chargers built a commanding 31-14 lead. The night really belonged to two Chargers offensive stars - QB Philip Rivers and QB LaDainian Tomlinson. Rivers was 19-for-25 for 250 yards and three TD's. He recovered after an early pick six the other way that gave the Jets a quick 7-0 lead. He had TD passes to Mike Tolbert (1 yard), Chris Chambers (27 yards) and Antonio Gates (6 yards). Tomlinson played the most he's played in 08, and had two short TD runs and 67 yards on 26 carries. As for Favre, he was 30-for-42 for 271 yards, three TD's and two picks, one of which was brought back by the Chargers Antonio Cromartie 52 yards to make it 17-7 just 12 seconds into the second quarter. Favre was under pressure all night as he continued to try and get a groove with the Jets offense. He was officially sacked three times for minus 30 yards, but also was knocked down quite a few times. The Jets were also punished when it came to the running game, as they were only able to manage 41 yards on 13 carries (3.2 per carry) as they fell behind early and were never in the game after San Diego went up 24-14 in the second quarter. New York also was just 1-for-8 on third downs, another indication of just how far Farve and the Jets offense is off right now. As for the Chargers, this was about as big of a must win as there was for this team. They were snake-bitten through the first two games, losing on the last play to the Panthers in week one, and then last week getting robbed by the officials in a last second loss to the Broncos. They made sure to score more than enough on this night so no refs could take this win away from them. As for New York, Favre and company had better get on the same page, or they are going to keep finding themselves time after time trying to fling the ball all over the field in desperate attempts to come back. They are better team than 2007 when they were 4-12, but right now, Favre or no Favre, they are not going to win many games if the defense doesn't get better or the offense doesn't get more in sync.

No Doubt This Time: Chargers Score Early and Often in 48-29 Win

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:26:36 -0500

At this point, Monday Night Football is becoming the night to bet the over. For the second straight week, the defenses took a nap, as the New York Jets and San Diego Chargers combined for a whopping 77 points as the Chargers won their first game of the season, 48-29. It was a tough night for the Jets, who fall to 1-2, and new QB Brett Favre. He threw a pair of picks, one of which was returned for a score in the first half in which the Chargers built a commanding 31-14 lead. The night really belonged to two Chargers offensive stars - QB Philip Rivers and QB LaDainian Tomlinson. Rivers was 19-for-25 for 250 yards and three TD's. He recovered after an early pick six the other way that gave the Jets a quick 7-0 lead. He had TD passes to Mike Tolbert (1 yard), Chris Chambers (27 yards) and Antonio Gates (6 yards). Tomlinson played the most he's played in 08, and had two short TD runs and 67 yards on 26 carries. As for Favre, he was 30-for-42 for 271 yards, three TD's and two picks, one of which was brought back by the Chargers Antonio Cromartie 52 yards to make it 17-7 just 12 seconds into the second quarter. Favre was under pressure all night as he continued to try and get a groove with the Jets offense. He was officially sacked three times for minus 30 yards, but also was knocked down quite a few times. The Jets were also punished when it came to the running game, as they were only able to manage 41 yards on 13 carries (3.2 per carry) as they fell behind early and were never in the game after San Diego went up 24-14 in the second quarter. New York also was just 1-for-8 on third downs, another indication of just how far Farve and the Jets offense is off right now. As for the Chargers, this was about as big of a must win as there was for this team. They were snake-bitten through the first two games, losing on the last play to the Panthers in week one, and then last week getting robbed by the officials in a last second loss to the Broncos. They made sure to score more than enough on this night so no refs could take this win away from them. Rivers continues to look like a star, and having L.T. back in the backfield is going to pay off, as he finally seems close to being the back the team is going to need to make a playoff run. It may be only three weeks, but the Chargers needed badly to get a win and gain some confidence before they take on the Raiders next Sunday.

Week 3 Predictions: 10-5 Against The Spread!

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:40:04 -0500

Off to a blazing start through two week's with a 10-5 record against the spread. This week there are not as many games to love, but I've found 7 little gems that should put some decent coin in your pocket. Last week featured a lot of nailbiters, let's hope this week we can sit back, relax, and coast to victory. Home teams are in caps, Duke's picks are in bold. Away we go…

Fantasy Football Week 3 Rankings - Tight End

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:50:59 -0500

A total of seven tight ends amassed double digit fantasy points in week one of the season, that number was cut in more than half come week 2 as only three tight ends reached the double digit mark. But, that's the rub of the tight end position. Much like a roller coaster, these guys will have their ups and their downs, and it's up to you to figure out when each will occur. Luckily for you though, we are here, and just like that good buddy of yours who let you copy his homework all throughout middle school, we'll let you cheat off our week 3 paper. So, make sure you get an "A" by reading the Fantasy Football Week 3 Tight End Rankings! -------------------- 1. Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers) vs. New York Jets Heading into the season, there were concerns about Gates' health, specifically his sugically repaired toe; however, while in week 2, Gates was on the field, once again catching 4 balls for 61 yards. Gates has now made it through two games without any problems from the toe and appears ready to fight for the top TE spot. A match-up against a Jets defense that gave up double digit fantasy points to both TE David Martin and TE Anthony Fasano in week one, should help the cause. Point Projection: 14 points -------------------- 2. Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys) @ Green Bay While Witten has yet to find paydirt in 2008, he's racked up enough yardage to keep his fantasy owners happy, totaling 206 receiving yards in the Cowboys first two games. The Cowboys seem to be operating on all cylinders right now on the offensive side of the ball, something made evident by the 41 points they put up on the Eagles this past Monday Night. Look for Romo and Witten to hook up a good deal in their Sunday Night match-up against the Green Bay Packers' 22nd ranked defense. Point Projection: 13 points ------------------ To see the rest of the Week 3 Tight End Rankings click the LINK below...

NFL News and Fantasy Football Views - Week 3

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:53:06 -0500

Don't worry people, Bruno Boys Larry and Bruno Boys Ziza did not hang themselves after the very disappointing 48-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers in which the Detroit Lions led with just a few minutes left in the game! Yes, that is what I said, just a few minutes left in the game! That is truly amazing, but nothing that we haven't gone through before. Disappointment is a way of life for the true die-hard Lions fan, and that is why we don't want you to feel the same agony as us. That is why we will be discussing the following topics, Darren McFadden's great Week 2, Jay Cutler's great Week 2, LaDanian Tomlinson's taboo injury as well as Larry Johnson's dissatisfaction with the Kansas City Chiefs organization, that way we can help bring you a better shot at winning in Week 3! ------------------------ RED HOT NFL Newz: Jay Cutler led the Broncos to a come from behind win over the San Diego Chargers. Cutler had 350 yards passing with four touchdowns and 1 interception. With two good weeks in the books has Cutler become a must start fantasy QB? BBL Viewz: Actually Ziza 3 weeks ago, I would have said no way. I would have figured we were at least one year away from Jay Cutler possibly having consistent fantasy value. He did show signs in 2007 when he threw for 3,497 yards with 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, but he did not show the consistency it takes to be a top fantasy QB. I realize that we are only talking about the first two weeks of the season, but I think he is showing guts and leadership and I think he has arrived as QB1 option cable of being a starter week in and week out. To read the full article, click the link below...

Fantasy Football/NFL Week 2 Recap

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:07:08 -0500

Week 2 is not quite yet in the books, but it's getting there, and like week 1, it was as exciting as advertised. The New England Patriots showed us that there is life after Tom Brady. Peyton Manning proved magical, leading the Colts to a comeback win against the Vikings. Aaron Rodgers has started his stint as Green Bay's starter with 2 straight wins, while the St. Louis Rams did nothing to disprove that 2008 is going to be a long season. So, much more to talk about, but so little time. So, let's get into Week 2's Weekly Words in which I cover five things that caught my eye this lovely Sunday. -------------------- McFadden's Monster Day With Justin Fargas leaving the Oakland Raiders – Kansas City Chiefs game with a groin injury, the Raiders' running game rested on the shoulders of rookie, Darren McFadden, and fantasy football owners got to see what all the hype was about. McFadden rose to the occasion Sunday, going for 164 rush yards and a TD. An upright runner, McFadden runs with both speed and power, and behind a Raiders' line that can open up holes (the team rushed for 2,086 yards in 2007), McFadden definitely has the opportunity to make a fantasy splash in 2008, especially if Fargas' groin injury keeps him out an extended period of time. -------------------- Other Rookies Running Wild McFadden wasn't the only rookie to make a splash in week 2 of the NFL season. Proving their week 1 efforts weren't a fluke, Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears and Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans both put up solid numbers again in week 2. Forte went for 92 yards on 23 carries, demonstrating once more the Bears' commitment to their rookie runner, while Chris Johnson... To read the ful article, click the LINK below...

Fantasy Football Bargain Buys - Week 2

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 21:33:04 -0500

We are going to suggest players who can be purchased for a reasonable price (using RotoHog stock market value) and have favorable matchups in Week 2. These players should help you climb up the ranks in your private league, public league, the Bruno Boys league or any other league that allows you to pick a random lineup each week (see Pay The Fan). To give you a better idea of which players should be considered good value in any salary cap league that allows you to reset your roster each week, we will breakdown every game in our Week 2 edition of Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Bargain Buys. TO READ MORE, CLICK THE LINK...