http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/2420 Recent articles about Andre Johnson en-us This is the final article of our very controversial series of three. Once again I want to repeat that we do not think the "sleepers" we have listed will finish in the top 10 but every year 2 WRs ranked outside the top 30 finish in the top 10 and we believe these players are the most likely to do it this year. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:15:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287402 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287402 Jeff and Greg flip the pigskin around for their first NFL mock fantasy draft, and not a moment too soon. With both of their baseball seasons careening into a dark chasm, the colicky couple need to be pacified, and fast. Neither of them have done a stitch of research for this draft, but they both believe that gives them a strategic advantage. Who the hell can predict anything in football? Not these two, but that's not going to stop them from trying. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:03:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285473 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285473 I loved Prisco's top 50, but there were definite faults in it.  Even though he did a great job tackling the Brady v. Manning topic, some of his picks were, how do you say, questionable.  Here is my attempt at naming the top 50 players in the NFL.  With 1696 players on the active roster, cutting it down to 50 is tough, but here I go. 1. Tom Brady/QB/New England Patriots (Prisco Ranking-1): Ugh.  I hate this.  I hate putting Brady at number one.  50 touchdown passes does qualify him for this spot though.  This doesn't feel right.  Do I have to put Patriots players on my list? 2. Peyton Manning/QB/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-2): Ah, this feels better.  Manning in his downyear through for more than 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, got his team a first-round bye while missing his top wide receiver for most of the year.  Scary to think of what he can do with the whole team in his "great" years. 3. Randy Moss/WR/New England Patriots (Prisco-4): When he's not bumping traffic cops, he's pushing off of cornerbacks and safeties to break the receiving touchdowns in a season record (although that title is complete bogus).  He should do well again this year, but not 20+ touchdowns. 4. LaDanian Tomlinson/RB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-3): LDT is a Hall of Fame running back, but there are other backs in the league that are catching up to him.  Tomlinson can do it all: run, catch, and even pass.  He's the definition of an all-around back. 5. Bob Sanders/S/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-7): Sanders is definitely the best defender in the league.  No other defensive player changes a game in the way that Sanders does.  We've all seen what the Colts did on defense in 2007 as opposed to the Sanders-less 2006. 6. Jared Allen/DE/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-12): Legal matters aside, Allen has moved into the category of a healthy Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney as the game's premier pass rushers.  He got 15.5 sacks in 14 games last year.  It is crazy to put him out of the top 10. 7. Antonio Cromartie/CB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-NR): I have no idea how Antonio Cromartie was not ranked by Prisco.  Cromartie led the league in interceptions, returned a missed field goal for a touchdown, and he recovered 2 fumbles.  He was definitely the best corner in the league last year. 8. Adrian Peterson/RB/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-15): Peterson exploded onto the scene last season, running for over 1300 yards, leading the league in rushing yards per game, and taking home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 9. DeMarcus Ware/OLB/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-9): Last season, Ware had the best season of his career.  He had career-highs in sacks and tackles, and he is only going to improve. 10. Walter Jones/OT/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-16): Even though the Seahawks have no offensive weapons, the Seahawks have a top 10 offense.  How is it possible?  This man is the reason why. 11. Nnamdi Asomugha/CB/Oakland Raiders (Prisco-29) 12. Brian Westbrook/RB/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-20) 13. Reggie Wayne/WR/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-22) 14. Steve Hutchinson/OG/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-19) 15. Albert Haynesworth/DT/Tennessee Titans (Prisco-14) 16. Terrell Owens/WR/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-13) 17. Jeff Saturday/C/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-NR) 18. Champ Bailey/CB/Denver Broncos (Prisco-5) 19. Shawne Merriman/OLB/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-11) 20. Kevin Williams/DT/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-10) 21. Dwight Freeney/DE/Indianapolis Colts (Prisco-25) 22. Ed Reed/S/Baltimore Ravens (Prisco-23) 23. Jason Peters/OT/Buffalo Bills (Prisco-27) 24. Richard Seymour/DE/New England Patriots (Prisco-30) 25. Braylon Edwards/WR/Cleveland Browns (Prisco-34) 26. Devin Hester/RS/Chicago Bears (Prisco-50) 27. Andre Johnson/WR/Houston Texans (Prisco-26) 28. Chad Johnson/WR/Cincinnati Bengals (Prisco-28) 29. Asante Samuel/CB/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-37) 30. Patrick Willis/MLB/San Francisco 49ers (Prisco-43) 31. Antonio Gates/TE/San Diego Chargers (Prisco-24) 32. Osi Umenyiora/DE/New York Giants (Prisco-42) 33. Tony Romo/QB/Dallas Cowboys (Prisco-NR) 34. Tony Gonzalez/TE/Kansas City Chiefs (Prisco-46) 35. Steven Jackson/RB/St. Louis Rams (Prisco-33) 36. Patrick Kerney/DE/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-NR) 37. Mario Williams/DE/Houston Texans (Prisco-6) 38. Ernie Sims/OLB/Detroit Lions (Prisco-39) 39. Larry Fitzgerald/WR/Arizona Cardinals (Prisco-31) 40. Ben Roethlisberger/QB/Pittsburgh Steelers (Prisco-17) 41. Lofa Tatupa/MLB/Seattle Seahawks (Prisco-40) 42. Adrian Wilson/S/Arizona Cardinals (Prisco-NR) 43. Shawn Andrews/OG/Philadelphia Eagles (Prisco-38) 44. Tommie Harris/DT/Chicago Bears (Prisco-36) 45. Pat Williams/DT/Minnesota Vikings (Prisco-NR) 46. Aaron Kampman/DE/Green Bay Packers (Prisco-45) 47. Drew Brees/QB/New Orleans Saints (Prisco-35) 48. Brian Urlacher/MLB/Chicago Bears (Prisco-32) 49. Larry Johnson/RB/Kansas City Chiefs (Prisco-NR) 50. Plaxico Burress/WR/New York Giants (Prisco-NR) Unranked Players On My List That Are On Prisco's List: Carson Palmer (8) Charles Woodson (18) Steve Smith (21) Vince Wilfork (41) Kellen Winslow (44) Marcus Trufant (47) Wes Welker (48) Fred Taylor (49) Tue, 01 Jul 2008 22:49:48 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284878 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/284878 The wide receiver position in the NFL is very talented and full of playmakers. It's hard to make a top 20 list, but I tried and here is my list. Hope you enjoy! 1.Randy Moss, Patriots: Moss was outstanding last season in his first year with Tom Brady and the Patriots. Moss broke the single season TD catch record with 23 grabs and help lead the Patriots to a 16-0 regular season record and a Super Bowl appearance. 2.Terrell Owens, Cowboys: T.O. had another great season last year and has become one of the most consistent WR the NFL has seen in a while. Owens shows every year that he is a dominant receiver, and last year was no exception. He had over 1300 yards and 15 TD's. 3.Reggie Wayne, Colts: With Marvin Harrison out for most of the year last season, Wayne knew he had to setup, and did he ever. He had the best season of his career by far, grabbing 104 passes and gaining 1510 yards. 4.Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals: Even though Fitz plays for the Cardinals, he still is able to put up big numbers and be a threat. Last season he tied his career high in yards and TD's. 5.T.J. Housmandzadeh, Bengals: Though he might be over looked sometimes due to Chad Johnson, T.J. has been just as good as Chad the past year or two. His 12 TD's and 112 receptions were both better than Chad, and he has become Carson Palmer's favorite target. 6.Braylon Edwards, Browns: Edwards had a breakout year last season as he improved in every statistical category by far. With Derek Anderson solidly at the head, it could mean another fantastic season for Braylon this year. 7.Chad Johnson, Bengals: Ocho Cinco was very consistent again last season as he put up his usual big numbers. What is even better is that Chad continues to be great along side another outstanding wide out in T.J. Housmandzadeh. 8.Steve Smith, Panthers: Steve may not be the biggest or tallest receiver out there, but he plays like it. He is always a deep threat and you can count on him to make the big play. 9.Andre Johnson, Texans: Dre might be the most underrated receiver in the NFL. You don't here a lot about him like Ocho or T.O., but he is turning into a real good receiver. He only played nine games last season, but was on pace for career best numbers. 10.Torry Holt, Rams: Holt has been a staple in the NFL for years for being one of the best receivers the game has to offer. Every year, no matter what, you know he will produce and get his numbers. You can count on him to make plays. 11.Anquan Boldin, Cardinals: Quan doesn't have the numbers Fitz has, but they are nothing to slouch about. 9 TD's for a guy who is on the other side of Fitz is real good. He is also a receiver you can trust as a QB to make the clutch plays. 12.Roy Williams, Lions: Roy might not have had the best numbers last year, but he definitely was key in the Lions pass happy offense. Without Roy, what would have the Lions been? He does make some incredible catches as well. 13.Marques Colston, Saints: Some have said that Colston is overrated. How? Everyone said he had a great rookie year and now he is overrated after he put up better numbers than in his first year? Not a chance. Colston is solid overall, especially with Drew Brees throwing to him. 14.Brandon Marshall, Broncos: B-Marsh was an absolute beast last year. He gathered up 102 receptions and over 1300 yards and quickly became Jay Cutler's favorite target. Even with his recent arm injury, I still expect big this again from Marshall this season. 15.Wes Welker, Patriots: Welker had a breakout year last year, but what else do you expect from a guy who was on the Patriots? He's not the biggest guy, but his game is huge as he was maybe more consistent than All Pro Randy Moss last season. 16.Plaxico Burress, Giants: Plax is a real big receiver that can dominant a corner physically through a game and his height helped him reel in 12 TD's last season. Oh yeah, he also had the game winning TD catch in the Super Bowl. 17.Hines Ward, Steelers: Though Ward is smaller than other receivers, he might be the toughest around. He doesn't have mind-boggling numbers, but he is solid and is an outstanding blocker. He plays with a lot of heart. 18.Marvin Harrison, Colts: Marvin was unfortunate last year as he was out for most of the season with an injury, but that isn't saying he can't come back this season and produce again. If anyone could, it would be Harrison who has been one of the greats. 19.Lee Evans, Bills: Evans has had some good seasons with Buffalo, but I think this year will be his best yet. With Trent Edwards becoming a solid QB, Evans could have a huge season numbers wise, as he will be the main target in the offense. 20.Donald Driver, Packers: Driver is another receiver who basically knows what he has to do to get it done. His numbers aren't huge, but he will consistently make big catches and be a good target for Aaron Rodgers to gain confidence with. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 18:18:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283661 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283661 With the initial quarterback and running back power rankings already up, it's time to rank favorite position in fantasy football, the wide receiver. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:25:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282127 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/282127 Here's my opinion of fantasy WRs... Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:35:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281594 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/281594 Last year, receivers were some of the biggest difference makers in fantasy football as the passing game around the league was in full effect. They had different impacts in many ways though as some leagues just count yards and touchdowns, while others count receptions as well. Here are my top ten fantasy football receivers this year and if you want one of them, you better grab them early in your draft because they will be gone fast. 1. Randy Moss Patriots: When motivated, everyone knows that Moss is going to have a big year. But when he has a great quarterback as well, the sky's the limit. Tom Brady and Moss proved that last year as they hooked up for 23 touchdowns. There is no doubt that he can put up these kind of numbers again. Expect around 1400 yards and 18 touchdowns. 2. Terrell Owens Cowboys: Owens may lead the league in drops in the last two years, but he always puts up great fantasy numbers. With Tony Romo gaining another year to learn Jason Garrett's offense, expect more of the same from T.O. which would be 1300 yards and 15 touchdowns. 3. Reggie Wayne Colts: Wayne is becoming the number one receiver for the Colts but if Marvin Harrison comes back healthy, he won't put up the same numbers. The only problem with Wayne is that there are too many weapons in Indianapolis to score tons of touchdowns. But either way, Wayne is a great number one option and should be picked in between the 2nd and 3rd round. Expect around 1300 yards and 8 touchdowns. 4. Andre Johnson Texans: Last year Johnson didn't really get to develop a connection with Matt Schaub as they were both hurt. But when they both played, Johnson was among the elite receivers in fantasy football. In 4 games with Schaub, Johnson had 23 catches 419 yards and 4 touchdowns. If they both stay healthy for a full season, Johnson could become the best receiver in fantasy football. The only problem is, that's a big if. Johnson's best value though is in reception leagues considering he averaged almost 7 catches a game last year. Expect around 1250 yards and 10 touchdowns. 5. Braylon Edwards Browns: Edwards last year showed why people take chances on receivers entering their third year in fantasy drafts. Edwards last year was at best a late round pick, but is now one of the best receivers in all of fantasy football. He has a great connection with Derek Anderson but with all the weapons on offense, Edwards may not score as many touchdowns, but he will still put up huge numbers. Expect around 1200 yards and 10 touchdowns. 6. T.J. Houshmandzadeh Bengals: While many fantasy players try and get Chad Johnson in the draft, this is the Bengals receiver you want on your team. Housh last year had 112 catches along with 12 touchdowns. So while Johnson is getting all the attention, Houshmandzadeh is putting up great fantasy numbers. Expect around 1100 yards and 10 touchdowns. 7. Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals: On pure talent, Fitzgerald isn't this low on the list. But when he has the aging Kurt Warner and the inconsistent Matt Leinart throwing to him that could be a problem. Fitz somehow managed to put up great fantasy stats last year with 1409 yards and 10 touchdowns. But with another year under Ken Whisenhunt who wants to establish the run, Fitzgerald probably won't put up those numbers again. Expect around 1300 yards and 8 touchdowns. 8. Steve Smith Panthers: Through the first three weeks of the season, Smith was having a great fantasy year with 281 yards and 4 touchdowns. But then, Jake Delhomme got hurt and Smith's stats took a huge hit as he only had 3 touchdowns the rest of the year. Delhomme is now returning from Tommy John surgery so Smith's stats should improve but even if Delhomme isn't at full health, Smith to get lots of receptions. Expect around 1200 yards and 8 touchdowns. 9. Marques Colston Saints: Colston was a fantasy star his rookie year but most people didn't notice he had even better numbers his second year in the league. Colston had 28 more catches and 3 more touchdowns which is impressive considering he doesn't have a real threat lining up across him. He should put up similar numbers this year, but don't expect another 20 catch improvement. Expect around 1150 yards and 9 touchdowns. 10. Brandon Marshall Broncos: Marshall has gotten lots of headlines for what happens off the field but when on it, he's an absolute monster. Marshall last year caught over 100 passes and led the league in passes thrown his way. Those stats show that he has excellent chemistry with Jay Cutler and overtime that will only improve. Expect around 1100 yards and 8 touchdowns. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:58:22 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/280474 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/280474 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 Jacksonville offensive line is mean, and sets the tone for its offensive. In Indianapolis, the Peyton Manning-led Colts thrive on the quick thinking of their quarterback. Either way, both offensive lines produce great results with completely different formulas. Moral to the story. It might not matter how you win as long as you find a way to win. Expect Jacksonville and Indianapolis to again make the playoffs and for their respective skill players to shine in 2008 thanks to the contributions on the offensive line. Conversely, Tennessee and Houston will struggle because of the lack of talent up front. See how we rank them now. Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:06:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279523 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/279523 Another new blog joins the FSB family…Toro Times. No, it has nothing to do with lawn mowers…it's a blog about the Houston Texans. Houston has an exciting, up-and-coming team with stars like Mario Williams and Andre Johnson. John Harden, Toro Times' lead blogger, should have a blast covering them this year. Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:19:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277975 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277975 Ultimate FF Strategy's 2008 Wide Receiver Rankings are now available. They include projections, a reward and a risk grade which are all used to make the rankings. Moss and Wayne are the obvious top two but you will likely be surprised at who you will find right behind them. You can find our Non-PPR rankings here: http://www.ultimateffstrategy.com/Rankings/wr_noppr.htm Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:59:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277589 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/277589 Andre Johnson's recent knee injury prompted some serious discussion on our forums regarding his fantasy trade value. He happens to be the perfect example of a player who has solid dynasty value in spite of his most recent injury situation, due to the fact that when healthy, his ceiling is so high - and he has plenty more years left to play. The problem is that his seasonal outlook is very different. Thu, 29 May 2008 21:14:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/272287 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/272287 A look at how the 2003 Draft would look if it could be done over. Sat, 17 May 2008 19:18:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/268150 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/268150 Houston Texans wideout Andre Johnson feels that his charity got the shaft by Wal-Mart. He ordered 750 bicycles for the Andre Johnson Foundation, which supports underprivileged kids and in turn the megastore promised free water and ice. Fri, 16 May 2008 09:05:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267577 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/267577 Arizona Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver and former Pahokee High standout Anquan Boldin is in town this week for his fourth annual Q-Fest, and several of his NFL friends will be joining him for the three-day festival that begins Thursday. The festival is a celebration to bring awareness to the nonprofit Anquan Boldin Q81 Foundation, which has a mission to bring hope to and expand the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged children, and award college scholarships to graduating high school students at select schools in Florida and Arizona. Among the celebrity guests expected to join Boldin at the various activities this week are NFL stars Daunte Culpepper, Chad Johnson, Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis, Santana Moss, Randy Moss, Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Matt Leinart, Reggie Wayne and former NFL star and fellow Florida State standout Deion Sanders. CLICK for full read, some big names here!!! i dig when players give back to the communities and do not forget where they came from!! Wed, 09 Apr 2008 05:47:37 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233030 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233030