Yardbarker: Shayne Graham

Fantasy Football Weekly Words - Week 6 (Recap)

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:23:59 -0500

The story line of week 6 was redemption, and it came in many forms. Big name players, who have struggled in the start of 2008, bounced back with monstrous games. Winless teams battled to the wire to get their first victories. And, a new chapter was written in the New England Patriots - San Diego Chargers saga. Read all about the week that was in the Week 6 Weekly Words. -------------------- Jones-Drew Just Dominates Besides one 21 point outing in week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts, Maurice Jones-Drew has found it hard to put together solid fantasy weeks. In fact, he only had 25 fantasy points on top of that 21 point outing through 5 weeks of play. Week 6 though was different as Jones-Drew racked up 26 fantasy points, burning the Broncos for 125 rushing yards, 23 receiving yards, and 2 TDs. Jones-Drew benefitted from Fred Taylor being knocked out of the game early, taking full advantage of the extra carries. In fact, even upon Taylor's return, the Jags rode Jones-Drew and the hot hand to the victory. This game should open the eyes of Jack Del Rio and co. as putting the ball in Jones-Drew's hands gives Jacksonville the best chance of winning. If the Jags' coaching staff realizes that, than Jones-Drew will start giving fantasy owners' the best chance of winning, also. To read about other news from Week 6 of the NFL season, click below...

[Bengals] Bengals DT John Thornton Among Inactives

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:30:38 -0500

Bengals inactives for Week 6 are: QB Carson Palmer (3rd), K Shayne Graham, SS Dexter Jackson, LB Corey Mays, WR Andre Caldwell, WR Jerome Simpson, DT...

[Bengals] Bengals Sign PK Dave Rayner, Cut FB Regan Maui'a

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:27:33 -0500

The Bengals signed Dave Rayner on Saturday, giving them another kicker with Shayne Graham hampered by a sore groin. Graham didnA't practice on...

[Bengals] Bengals Sign PK Dave Rayner, Cut FB Regan Maui'a

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:26:16 -0500

The Bengals signed Dave Rayner on Saturday, giving them another kicker with Shayne Graham hampered by a sore groin. Graham didnA't practice on...

[Bengals] Bengals PK Shayne Graham Misses Practice With Groin Injury

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:18:23 -0500

It is being reported that Shayne Graham was held out of practice on Thursday with a right groin injury.His status for Sunday is uncertain and it was...

[Bengals] Bengals PK Shayne Graham Misses Practice With Groin Injury

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:18:23 -0500

It is being reported that Shayne Graham was held out of practice on Thursday with a right groin injury.His status for Sunday is uncertain and it was...

[Bengals] Bengals PK Shayne Graham Misses Practice With Groin Injury

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:15:23 -0500

It is being reported that Shayne Graham was held out of practice on Thursday with a right groin injury.His status for Sunday is uncertain and it was...

[Bengals] Bengals PK Shayne Graham Misses Practice With Groin Injury

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:15:23 -0500

It is being reported that Shayne Graham was held out of practice on Thursday with a right groin injury.His status for Sunday is uncertain and it was...

Fantasy Footbal Week 6 Rankings - Kickers

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:59:31 -0500

Anyone who doesn't think a kicker is an important part of a football team needs to talk the New Orleans Saints. After Reggie Bush returned two second half punts for touchdowns against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night the Saints were in position to take a three-point lead with under two minutes to go. Then Martin Gramatica did the unthinkable and missed his second field goal of the game. This left the Vikings in decent field position with plenty of time to get themselves into position for a field goal and Minnesota kicker Ryan Longwell hit the game winner with 13 seconds left. This was the second time this season Gramatica missed a crucial kick that could have won the game for the Saints. If not for Gramatica the Saints could be 4-1 instead of 2-3, which they are now. Is it a surprise that the Saints have placed Gramatica on injured reserve for the remainder of the season? We think not. Kickers can be just as important to a fantasy football team. Bruno Boys Fantasy Football has preached all year not to overlook your kicker, just a few points often decide fantasy football games. As such, please enjoy the Bruno Boys Week 6 Kicker Rankings. ---------------------- 1. Nick Folk (Dallas Cowboys) @ Arizona The Cowboys and Cardinals both can score points in bunches and with both defenses allowing 20 plus points a game, we should have a shootout in the desert. Look for Nick Folk to have a big week. Point projection: 11 points ---------------------- TO FIND OUT WHERE THE REST OF THE KICKERS RANK IN WEEK 6, CLICK THE LINK

NFL Survivor: Week 6

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:23:32 -0500

Last week:
Dallas: W, 31-22
Carolina: W, 34-0

Fortunate once again, as a Shayne Graham FG cut the Cowboys' lead to one with 14:02 left. Only 19% of the ESPN contestants were eliminated last week, which is the lowest since I've been keeping track; in Weeks 2-4, an average of 36% of the field was eliminated each week.

Five weeks in, this is going to start getting a bit trickier. Here are the teams I have used so far, along with their LVSC ranks: Philly (6), Tampa (16), NY Giants (2), Jacksonville (9), Dallas (1). So I still have three top five teams left, in the Chargers, Redskins, and Steelers. The Redskins are a legitimate top five team. Wow.

Here are this week's most popular ESPN selections:

Washington (LVSC #4, v. St. Louis)
Minnesota (LVSC #13, v. Detroit)

These are the only games with spreads over 10 this week; the Redskins are favored by 13.5, while the Vikings are -13. Because of their slow start, that number probably underrates Minnesota somewhat; they're receiving just 50% of the action at Wagerline. There's no sense in trying to split hairs; these two teams have essentially the same chances of winning this week.

The Redskins are pretty clearly the stronger team, which gives the initial edge to the Vikings, since Washington will be more valuable to save. Playing in the NFC East, the Redskins have a very difficult schedule the rest of the way, but they do have another easy game next week, when they host Cleveland. The Browns certainly aren't as bad as St. Louis, but Washington should be favored by about 10 points in that one. That looks like the second best spot for next week; the Giants, hosting San Francisco, will probably be favored by more, but I already used them in Week 3. If anyone has both Washington and New York left, that's another discussion, which I suppose we can have in the comments.

After Sunday, the Vikings have five home games left, against Houston, Green Bay, Chicago, Atlanta, and the Giants. That Week 16 game against the Falcons would certainly be a possibility, but that's just too far from now, and there's too much uncertainty regarding what will happen between now and them, for it to be worth saving them. Unless you have both the Redskins and Giants left, I think Minnesota is the best option this week.

New Orleans (LVSC #15, v. Oakland)

I have a hard time getting too excited about this Saints team, and Vegas obviously feels the same way. I cannot think of any reason to take them here; this is, at best, the third best spot of the week. The Saints also host the Falcons in Week 14; there's a good chance that at that point I'll be pretty desperate, having used most of the teams ahead of them in the rankings, and they may end up being the best option.

Philadelphia (LVSC #6, @ San Francisco)
Chicago (LVSC #16, @ Atlanta)

Okay, these are just dumb. These Eagles and Bears are favored by 4.5 and 3 points, respectively, and are both very popular picks to cover those numbers. The "no road teams" rule should only be broken in extreme circumstances, and this week certainly does not qualify.

[Bengals] Bengals PK Shayne Graham On How NFL Handled Matt Bryant

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:51:18 -0500

Bengals kicker Shayne Graham is not pleased with the way the NFL handled a situation with Tampa Bay kicker Matt Bryant, whose 3-month-old son,...

[Bengals] Bengals PK Shayne Graham On How NFL Handled Matt Bryant

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 00:51:18 -0500

Bengals kicker Shayne Graham is not pleased with the way the NFL handled a situation with Tampa Bay kicker Matt Bryant, whose 3-month-old son,...

Fbkid's Week 4 Fantasy Studs

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:18:08 -0500

Last week I was right on with Julius Jones and J.T. O'Sullivan as they both had pretty big days. The players who were waiver wire sensations in week one are now starting to establish how they are really going to play the rest of the season. This is also the first week that owners are affected by bye weeks and it should be interesting to see how owners with players such as Peyton Manning and Calvin Johnson react. I have also added a new thing which is star to sit. That is my prediction of somebody who is usually starting for most fantasy owners on a weekly basis but won't fair very well against that weeks opponent. Here are my week 4 fantasy studs. QB: Trent Edwards vs Rams: The Rams have had trouble stopping anyone so far this season and Edwards has looked very impressive so far. The more shocking thing is, he hasn't even been picked up in a lot of leagues. Look for other Bills players such as Lee Evans and Marshawn Lynch to have big days as well. Expect around 230 yards and 2 touchdowns this week. RB: Jonathan Stewart vs Falcons: Stewart has looked very impressive early on in his rookie season and should have a career game against a weak Falcons rush defense. He may not put up huge yards, but he does get the goalline carries. Expect around 90 yards and 1 touchdown. WR: Braylon Edwards vs Bengals: Many fantasy owners have given up on most Browns players and for good reason. The offense was supposed to be one of the most explosive in all of football. But last year the Browns offense was struggling early on as well and everything changed when they played the Bengals and the two teams combined for 96 points. The teams probably won't score this much but it should be a shootout none the less. Edwards should have a huge game and show owners why he is one of the best receivers in the league. Expect around 130 yards and a touchdown. TE: Vernon Davis vs Saints: With 6 teams on bye, people will be looking to replace tight ends such as Dallas Clark and Anthony Fasano. That is where Davis comes in the picture. Davis is available in many leagues and even though he hasn't lived up to expectations so far could fair well in a potential shootout against the Saints. Look for Davis to perform well this week and if he doesn't, he will probably be back on the waiver wire again. Expect around 70 yards and a touchdown. K: Shayne Graham vs Browns: The Bengals are in almost the exact same situation as the Browns and with this game both teams players have the potential to get back in fantasy owners good graces. Graham should fair very well also as even though he may not get many field goal chances, extra points add up fast. Expect around 2 field goals and 4 extra points. Def: Jaguars vs Texans: The Jaguars historically struggle against the Texans but with the way the Texans have been playing lately, the Jaguars are a must start. Expect around 3 sacks, 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery. Star to sit: Ben Roethlisberger vs Ravens: While Roethlisberger has been solid so far and was considered a top 5 fantasy quarterback entering the season, it would be smart not to start him. That is because the Ravens defense is back. Roethlisberger has been getting tons of pressure so far this year and the Ravens defense is getting back to it's early 2000's form. Roethlisberger may still have a decent game, but fantasy owners should get their hopes set too high.

Fantasy Football Week 4 Rankings - Kickers

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:57:26 -0500

What an exciting start we have had to this NFL football season. There have been many ups and downs. Quarterbacks like Jay Cutler and Phillip Rivers have come into their own right before our eyes, while Tom Brady has been lost for the season and Peyton Manning has struggled to return to form from off-season surgery. Rookies like Matt Forte, Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, Jonathan Stewart, and Darren McFadden all have shown the potential to be stars in this league. While many fantasy football weeks, even seasons may hinge on the production of skill players like the ones mentioned above, any veteran fantasy footballer knows that it takes a complete team to win a championship. Many fantasy football games are decided by a few points, so not only do you need to make sure you start the right skill players, you better make sure you start the best possible option as kicker. That being said, please enjoy the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 4 Kicker Rankings! -------------------- 1. Nate Kaeding (San Diego Chargers) @ Oakland Kaeding is 5 for 5 on field goal attempts the last two weeks for a total of 24 points. Now, the Chargers head to Oakland to play a Raiders team that fell apart in the 4th quarter in a week 3 loss to the Bills. Kaeding should once again post double-digit points as the Chargers will continue to pour on the hurt on Oakland. Point Projection: 11 points -------------------- TO FIND OUT WHERE THE REST OF THE KICKERS RANK THIS WEEK, CLICK THE LINK...

Week 3 Predictions

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:31:37 -0500

If you think you liked last week's predictions, get ready for something equally as thrilling. That's right. It's time for week 3. Atlanta Falcons over Kansas City Chiefs - It was a coin toss. I kid you not. NEXT Buffalo Bills over Oakland Raiders - Oakland won in a big way last week. It's a shame they were playing the Chiefs. This just in, the Bills are pretty good this year. Although Jacksonville hasn't had the best of starts, Buffalo's win was still pretty good. 3-0 Bills? Sounds pretty good to me. Tampa Bay Buccaneers over Chicago Bears - It's the revenge of Brian Griese. Citizens of Chicago, run for your shanties. Although Chicago let one slip away against the Panthers last week, I really don't see them winning more than 7 this season. This will be another one of their losses. But Matt Forte is pretty good. If you haven't had a chance to check him out, I suggest you do. Houston Texans over Tennessee Titans - Looks like Kerry Collins gave the Titans a real shot in the arm last week. It's a shame he was passing against the Bengals. Although the Texans secondary isn't really what one would call spectacular, it is better. Plus, the Texans have a better pass rush. This just in, Mario Williams is good. Remember when people were upset when the Texans didn't take Vince Young? Who's the idiot now? Carolina Panthers over Minnesota Vikings - I'm the worst Vikings fan ever. This is two weeks in a row I've picked against them. I hope I'm wrong. But, to be honest, I don't blame me. Have you seen the Vikings passing game? Don't tell me Gus Frerotte is going to be much of a help, because he probably won't. On top of that, the Panthers add Steve Smith. Scary for a team with a shaky pass defense? I think so. Could I ask more questions? Not about this game. New England Patriots over Miami Dolphins - Thanks to Ted for pointing out that this was missing. It was written down, but for some reason didn't make the transfer from Word to the Yard. Go figure. But, as he stated, this game is not that hard of a choice. The Dolphins, while better than last year, are still not very good. Matt Cassel looked decent in his first NFL start, and never really looked terribly out of place. Look for Randy Moss to make him look really good this week against a bad Dolphins defense. New York Giants over Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals are bad again! We've gotten in our way back machine. They've got some great players on offense and Shayne Graham, but the rest of the team is pretty crummy. And guess what, the Giants aren't missing Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora too much. Justin Tuck is coming up huge, and I don't think he's going to be stopping any time soon. Arizona Cardinals over Washington Redskins - While both teams are pretty bad overall, Arizona's got one nasty offense. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are just too good to be stopped by people like Fred Smoot. Also, Kurt Warner is playing like himself 10 years ago. Detroit Lions over San Francisco 49ers - The return of the home-field nod? I think not. The 49ers are bad. The Lions have a pretty good offense. The end. Seattle Seahawks over St. Louis Rams - The return of the home-field nod?! YES!!! Both teams are just playing awful. But the Seahawks were the best most recently. And did I just see them sign Koren Robinson today? I think I did. It's a shame, too, I kind of liked Scott Linehan. Denver Broncos over New Orleans Saints - You can't stop them, you can only hope to contain them. Or just have a bunch of terrible calls go their way and win with a 2-point conversion with 24 seconds left. Tomato, tomahto, let's call the whole thing off. Brandon Marshall came back in a big way last week. Expect to see him in the end zone this Sunday. Also, if you haven't realized it, Jay Cutler is pretty darn good. Although the Saints are a pretty good team, I'm going to let my fan get the best of me on this one. I'm not the first, folks. Philadelphia Eagles over Pittsburgh Steelers - This will be a high scoring game. The Eagles let one get away last week, and they'll be looking to bounce back in a big way. However, the Steelers aren't pushovers. Ben Roethlisberger, last I checked, is one of the league's best. And Willie Parker will make that Eagles D work just as much as... Well, Brian Westbrook will make the Steelers D work. The Eagles, again, will be involved in the most interesting game of the year. Interesting enough for me to watch? Probably not. But I will get score updates periodically. Jacksonville Jaguars over Indianapolis Colts - The Colts won a squeaker over the Vikings last week. It should never be that close over a team that is performing that poorly. Jacksonville is going to come out hungry. Winless after three? I think not. The Jaguars should have a big week. David Garrard is a lot better than he has been playing. Cleveland Browns over Baltimore Ravens - This team has talent. I don't see them losing this week. I just can't accept it. The Ravens aren't very good and the Browns should be coming out fast to try and get things turned around. Braylon Edwards needs to STOP DROPPING PASSES! Dallas Cowboys over Green Bay Packers - In addition to me hating the Packers, I hate the Aaron Rodgers love fest that has been going on. I want him to go out and have a terrible game. Who better to make you feel bad about yourself than the Cowboys? Everyone hates losing to the Cowboys. Tony Romo and Terrell Owens are already firing on all cylinders and Marion Barber is a beast. Please just embarrass Rodgers and make the media stop. That's all I really want. New York Jets over San Diego Chargers - Brett Favre wants to win. He wants to let everyone know the Jets are for real. What better place to do so than on Monday Night Football. And it won't hurt that they're playing a Chargers team that has stumbled out of the gate. I don't expect LaDainian Tomlinson to stay quiet for three weeks, but I still don't see the Bolts winning this week, either. That's it for my week 3 picks. Hope everyone enjoys this week's games.