Yardbarker: Andre Hall

Running back sleepers - Ray Rice running strong.

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:51:35 -0500

Chris Perry is playing well in preseason while Rudi Johnson has been sitting out, notes Mike Harmon. See who else he has pegged as running back sleepers for your fantasy draft.

RB battles: Carolina's Williams looks sharp

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:40:17 -0500

With Kevin Jones battling injuries, Matt Forte should have the edge to become Chicago's featured back, says John Juhasz. Read more for more RB battles in training camps and predictions on who will come out on top.

8/7 - NFL Training Camp Talk & Fantasy Football Impact

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:19:52 -0500

With pre-season games upon us, we sit here nervously anticipating this year's fantasy football season. Some of us may have already drafted and if you used the 2008 Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets you should be confident that you are going to be in the running for your league's title. Meanwhile, some of us are still absorbing every bit of football information we can as we prepare to draft what we hope to be our championship team. It doesn't matter if you are in a keeper league or a re-draft league, whether you have even drafted your team yet or not, one thing remains the same, you need to keep checking in with the Bruno Boys for the most up-to-date training camp information, found in our Training Camp Talk. To read more, click the link...

Rotowhine's Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:16:13 -0500

When it comes to fantasy football, only 99 percent of it is luck, so you better be prepared to use that final percentage point to your advantage. If you trust your instincts, you will either fail or succeed. If you study your depth charts and cheat sheets for six hours each night for three weeks leading up to your draft, you will either fail or succeed. If you hop around on one leg to the beat of Neil Diamond's "Cracklin' Rosie", you will either fail or succeed, and I'd like to see that. Email me. If you read this article of breakout candidates, you will only succeed. Unless you fail.

2008 NFL Position Battles - Running Backs

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 02:41:59 -0500

Position battles, especially ones that ensue at the RB position, can really swing the value of a player from starter status on your fantasy football roster to one that is thought of only as a handcuff at best. If you don't believe me, ask Chester Taylor owners from yester-year! Taylor left the Baltimore Ravens for the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 and became the team's starter, immediately having an impact in the fantasy world. A year later the Vikings drafted a kid by the name of Adrian Peterson. In a blink of an eye Taylor goes from a key RB keeper on many fantasy teams to a guy that lost pretty much all the value that he had held. And, that is why my friends, the great Bruno Boys Nation, MUST pay attention to these battles closely. But, just so you don't get overwhelmed from having to do all of the homework yourself, we, the Bruno Boys, have done the work for you! Which is why you should pay particularly close attention to these articles as they all will contain key information that can really make or break your draft! To ease your pain about the RB battles, I, Bruno Boys Ziza, am here to carry you on my back and take on your burden! Just don't grab my man boobies! Now let's get the RB's ready to rumble… To read more, click the link...

Leave The Broncos Cup Please

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:12:56 -0500

News from Broncos Country: - Brandon Marshall was suspended for three games this season by commissioner Roger Goodell for violating the league's conduct policy. His suspension could be reduced to two games if he attends counseling. After numerous encounters with the law, Marshall vows to become a better man on and off the field. - More bad news: Rookie fullback Ryan Torain was competing for the #1 spot alongside Selvin Young and Andre Hall (Micheal Pittman was moved to tailback), until his fractured his elbow in camp today. Torain is expected to miss 6-8 weeks. - On a lighter note (pun intended): I spotted Montrae Holland (with fellow offensive lineman Ryan Harris) in a Wendy's commercial this morning. Remember, Holland has been trying to slim down to 325 lbs. in order to practice with his team. I haven't seen him pushing a sled in front of Colorado's State Capitol Building, and I sure as hell hope I don't see him at a Wendy's drive-thru. Here's the commercial: - Jay Cutler has replaced John Lynch. No, not on the field. Only on television. Cutler will host a weekly football wrap-up show on Ch. 4 Monday evenings. - Center Tom Nalen has missed 7 consecutive practices. - The rookies are doing a nice job adjusting to the demanding schedule of playing for professional football. It hasn't been an easy ride. - There's no doubt that kicker Matt Prater has a lot to prove especially as Jason Elam's predecessor. He seems to be doing very well so far.

Selvin Young, not a Fantasy Stud?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:42:52 -0500

We all know that Denver Broncos is a running back farm. This team hasn't had a back to back running back that rushes over 1,000 yards since Clinton Portis. It bothers me that Selvin Young is not even ranked in fantasy top 25 running backs in 2008. Okay, I admit it. I do have Selvin Young in my fantasy league. For months, I have read fans of Broncos praising on Selvin Young being the next Terrell Davis. Watching Selvin Young in few games, I do love the way he plays ball. His running abilities and reading plays are remarkable. Not only he has it, he also said he will be Mike's soldier. That's something coach loves to hear! Granted, this team does have a great running back depth including a player with 1st rounder abilities, Ryan Torrian. I won't be surprised to see Selvin Young in top 15 this season when given the starting job for all 16 games.

TAVERN TALK

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:39:52 -0500

THINGS I LEARNED TODAY

1. Why did the Packers issue a press release saying Favre could compete and then turn around and say he can't? Is anyone talking to anyone in the Packer building? And I love it when things go bad, here comes the PR firm, and when things are good, everyone cannot wait to be in front and center.

2. No one looks good right now in Green Bay. Everyone I talked to today in the league is very happy Favre is gone. Everyone, except Jeff Garcia I bet. This is not world peace that needs to be resolved; this is a Hall of Fame player who wants to keep playing. Let him play!!!!

3. The Bucs and Jets seem to be the best course of actions for the Packers as trade partners. Just do it, and lets be done with this.

4. Kyle Boller starting in the first game allows him to play with the best offensive line the Ravens can put out there. But when Troy Smith and Joe Flacco go in the game the Ravens back-line might be so bad, they won't be able to execute the offense. Second lines are critical when you have quarterbacks to develop and learn more about their talents.

5. I still think NY Giant running back Derrick Ward is a back I would trade for this summer. He has too much skill to be sitting on the bench.

6. Jacob Ford the sixth round pick of the Titans a year ago had a pass rushing frame and skill set. He is worth watching and the Titans do a great job of developing players in the DL. Ford has skills worth developing. I believe you don't even evaluate DL until their second year in the NFL.

7. Speaking of last years' draft, Anthony Waters of the Chargers selected in the third round and had to red shirt. I look for him to be a player for them down the line. He has very good skills.

8. HBO starts Hard Knocks tomorrow and if I was a potential head coaching candidate, I would stay clear of the cameras. You don't want to make it appear like your politicking for a job. If I were Jason Garrett, that camera would never find me.

9. Andre Hall was one of those backs I watched last year each day at the Denver practices and wondered why did he get cut twice? Here is what he had to say in the Denver Post today; All you want anywhere in football is a fair shot," Hall said. "I went to Chicago, I didn't have one. I went to Tampa Bay, I didn't have one. Here it is different, here they look at you and decide by what they see. So everybody is on the edge here, everybody is on eggshells here, and that's the way I like it because at least you know you're in the mix." This kid is very talented and if he can learn what to do and be consistent and prove he can stay healthy, his future is unlimited.

10.I know the Cards just released Marcel Shipp, but unless JJ Arrington comes a long way, I don't see any depth in the Card backfield. Pre season will be critical for evaluating their running backs.

11.My condolences to Gene Stallings and his family for losing their son John David. And to the Carey family for losing Skip, the voice of the Atlanta Braves.

2008 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - Running Backs

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:56:45 -0500

Every year the league is flooded with first year players fresh from college. Some go on to Pro Bowl and Hall of Fame careers while others are done after one season. And like many of you, we here at the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football have a strange fascination watching these players adapt and adjust to life in the NFL. With every rookie class, there is a wealth of new talent ready to produce in the league and in fantasy football and this year is no different. We'll begin our rookie report with those rookies who'll be lining up under center, guiding their teams' offenses - the rookie running backs. ------------------- Darren McFadden - Oakland Raiders This one-man highlight machine adds a potent running attack to a team that has largely been lacking one recently in the Raiders. McFadden has a rare combination of strength, speed and size that hasn't been seen in the league since...

The rush is on in Denver

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 17:29:08 -0500

The Denver Broncos have opened training camp with an all out battle on their hands for the running back position. Initially it was believed that Selvin Young had the starting role locked up and the real battle was for his back-up. Well, like I said once before the plans could change at a moments notice. It looks like that is the case, as the backfield was informed that there is a battle for the job.

Broncos First Day Of Camp

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:18:20 -0500

This post is dedicated to the dude wearing the Colts t-shirt at Broncos camp today. A few sideline observations from today's first practice: - Players that impressed me the most - 1. WR Glenn Martinez - impressed the crowd with some tough catches from Cutler. 2. Eddie Royal - believe me when I tell you that this guy is fast. He had a couple of solid catches against Hamza Abdullah when the offense and defense went up against each other. He's still got a lot to learn about protecting the ball though. 3. ALL of the backs - I'm convinced Michael Pittman is a vet in a rookie's body. Selvin Young had some swift cuts and explosive speed fifteen yards past the line of scrimmage. Andre Hall left John Lynch standing in the dust. Ryan Torain proved that he can compete with the vets for playing time. It's a true battle at this spot. 4. Ryan Clady - the sheer size of him on the offensive line is a sight to behold. No question why he went as the Broncos #1 pick (12th overall). Our backs should have a great year because of "Sweet Feet." Living up to his nickname, Clady even did a little gig before team stretches. - Other observations - 1. Brandon Marshall - made some spectacular catches, but also dropped some easy stuff from Cutler. Maybe Marshall was a little winded. 2. Niko Koutouvides - looked like he was ready to start at middle linebacker. 3. Marcus Thomas - after a false start during drills, DT Thomas got an ear-full from defensive line coach, Bill Johnson. The team must be focusing on decreasing the number stupid penalties this year. 4. Mike Shanahan - still looks lean and mean, but that didn't stop him from inviting a 3 year-old out onto the field to catch a few balls.

Fantasy Football - Committing to a Running Back By Committee

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:40:00 -0500

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:

Battle in the Broncos backfield

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:48:48 -0500

As mini-camp ends for the Denver Broncos, the positional battles begin to heat up especially at the running back position. No there is no competition for the starting job, Selvin Young is pretty much locked into that position barring an injury. The real battle is taking place for his back-up, that is taking place between 2nd year back Andre Hall and the newly acquired Michael Pittman. Rookie back Ryan Torain is a distant fourth right now in the mix, which isn't a surprise as he's still got to prove himself. So who looks like they're going into training camp as the #2 guy?

Broncos crowded backfield

Tue, 27 May 2008 22:26:42 -0500

The Denver Broncos today agreed to a one-year contract with free agent running back Michael Pittman. This now gives the Broncos five backs, in what is quickly becoming one of the most crowded backfields in the NFL. The Broncos now have Travis Henry, Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Ryan Torain and Pittman. Having so many backs on this team, is definitely raising question marks. You've got three young guys, two veterans, so who gets the touches? All you know is this. In a Mike Shanahan led offense, whomever it is will perform well.

Week 13 Strong Plays and Weak Plays

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 17:35:29 -0500

Look for who to start and who to avoid in the upcoming week 13. Andre Hall did have a big game last week but you should sit him this week now that Selvin Young is healthy and Henry may possibly play.