Yardbarker: Amani Toomer

Fantasy Football Weekly Recap - Week 5

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:45:00 -0500

With 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter, Houston Texans' fans were more than ready to celebrate their team's first win of 2008. After all, they were up 10 on the Indianapolis Colts and had the ball. Then, the unthinkable happened. QB Sage Rosenfels, who was filling in for the flu-ridden, Matt Schaub, fumbled not once but twice, leading to two Colts touchdowns and a 31-27 loss for the Texans. Just as games can swing so quickly in the NFL, so too can they in fantasy football. In fact, even with just one game left on the docket for week 5, plenty of owners going to bed tonight thinking they have their game in the bag may not be so happy tomorrow if Drew Brees or Adrian Peterson go off. But, that's what makes this game so beautiful. Now, onto the Week 5 Weekly Words. -------------------- Manning Masterful With the New York Giants suspending wide receiver Plaxico Burress for insubordination for their week 5 match-up against the Seattle Seahawks, there were questions as to how Eli Manning would perform without his favorite target. Perhaps a younger Eli would have struggled, lacking the confidence to get the job done. But, in taking the Giants through the playoffs last season to a Super Bowl championship, Manning matured and is a different quarterback than he was in the past.... TO READ MORE OF THE WEEKLY WORDS, CLICK THE LINK...

Breaking Down the Seahawks at Giants

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:23:20 -0500

It's back to work for the champion Giants as they get set for their fourth game of the 08 season Sunday, playing host to the NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks at the Meadowlands.A The Giants are 3-0, atop the tough NFC East after the Redskins upset the Cowboys last Sunday 26-24.A The Seahawks, who are just trying to get healthy, are 1-2, but feel a lot better after a 37-13 win in week three. New York is a good home team, this despite being taken to OT by the Bengals in week three.A Eli Manning is playing well, and has thrown for 765 yards and four TD's.A He made a big throw to Amani Toomer in OT of that Benglas game that got the team in position to win.A The team will be without leading WR Plaxico Burress, who is suspended for the game for breaking team rules. Burress has caught 18 passes for 259 yards and one score.A Look for more from Toomer, who has 13 catches and possibly Steve Smith, who has 11 grabs for 94 yards.A The running game led by Brandon Jacobs will try and attack the line of the Hawks, who have allowed just 88 yards per game on the ground in the first three games. The Giants offense is putting up 400 yards per game, and it will be up to the Hawks D to try and stop them.A Look for them to pressure Manning and try and force some turnovers.A It's not going to be easy, as Eli has handled the ball well thus far through three games.A The secondary of the Hawks is allowing 226.3 yards per game. Matt Hasselbeck has thrown for 551 yards and two scores, but may have good news coming, as his wide outs are getting ready to take the field.A Bobby Engram and Deion Branch may both be back, which will be the first time this year they have been able to take the field.A Look for them to be rusty, but they will help the passing game, which has been somewhat lost with receivers shuffling in and out. Julius Jones has run for 312 yards, and they will use him to soften up the Giants D in order to be able to put the west coast offense in full effect.A The Giants front line will look to stop the run first, then pressure Hasselbeck.A The Hawks O-line is going to have their hands full, and New York should be able to force mistakes from the Seattle D. This game should come down to the Giants being able to find holes in the Seattle secondary, and their front line controlling the Hawks west coast offense.A Look for New York to keep being the best team no one is talking about, as they should be able to get their fourth win against no losses, dropping the Hawks to 1-3.

Fantasy Football Week 5 Rankings - Wide Receivers

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:32:57 -0500

Believe it or not, we are already entering Week 5 of the fantasy football season and what a wild ride it's been thus far. At the wide receiver position, the only top tier players living up to the hype have been Reggie Wayne, Larry Fitzgerald and Terrell Owens, while the likes of Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards, Andre Johnson, T.J.Houshmandzadeh and Torry Holt have been a huge disappointment. Instead of dwelling over the failures of expected prized possessions you should be doing everything in your power to either make trades or work the waiver wire to make the most of your fantasy squad. In fact, just about every week a new wide receiver becomes a hot commodity on the waiver wire and if you are lucky enough to find that gem it could make your season. With that in mind, we bring to you the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Week 5 Wide Receiver Rankings. Make sure to read these from top to bottom, because if you're in a bind and you need a good plug-n-play option the Bruno Boys just might have the right guys targeted. ------------------- 1. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts) @ Houston No team is better than the Colts the week after a bye, as Indianapolis has scored 105 points over the past three years once coming off a bye. As for Wayne, he has 377 receiving yards and two touchdowns during those games and with the Colts addressing offensive efficiency during the layoff don't be surprised if Wayne has his best games of the season while visiting the Texans. Point Projection: 18 points ------------------- TO READ WHERE THE OTHER WIDE RECEIVERS RANK IN WEEK 5, CLICK THE LINK

Fantasy Football's Week 5 Waiver Wire

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:40:14 -0500

By Garth Gregor. Deuce McAllister - Where did this come from? Out with Pierre Thomas, and suddenly Deuce is back in his prime? Only owned in 52 percent of ESPN leagues and I would guess that those are mostly owners that have not checked their lineups since draft day. He came roaring back with 21 touches for 83 yards and a touchdown. I could never start him against Minnesota in week 5, but he should be on all rosters until the dust settles.

Week 5 Top 10 Waiver Claims

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:05:56 -0500

Seattle's Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are expected to return for Week 5 and appear in Roger Rotter's Top 10 waiver claims. See who else is on the list.

Our Thoughts: Does Plax's Suspension Shift the Balance of Power in the NFC East?

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:14:45 -0500

Sum: No, it doesn't. As I discussed in my Pre-Season Faux-Cast, Eli can do just fine without "talent" at the wide-receiver position, plus the Giants have lots of depth there. In the second preseason game (Cleveland), Eli completed 4 of 7 pass attempts, and none of the recipients were named Plaxico, Amani or Steve Smith. In fact, in that game, none of those three "starters" even caught a pass, and that was one of the two all-important weeks of the pre-season. So, I think the Giants will be fine for the ONE game they're Plax-less. Sure, Plax and Eli have the "connection" down pat, but Eli is a team leader now, and he can lead his team without Burress. Now, if this were last season prior to Shockey's injury, or anytime before, my answer would be much different. The balance of power in the NFC East still has Cowboys-Eagles-Giants at the top with the Redskins a semi-distant second. At least for now.

Armin: Not so much, in my opinion. Dallas is the team to beat in the NFC (B)East. Washington is going to finish last. The battle will be between the Eagles and Giants. However, before Plaxico was suspended, it was not too hard...not TOO hard...for me to say that Philly was playing like the better team. We also saw Steve Smith step it up a little lately, and he looks like he could be a weapon. Toomer is usually "Old Faithful" on 3rd downs. If Eli can create an even better connection with Kevin Boss, the Giants should be ok. I guess the big question is: Will Plax become a problem?

Clement: Determining the 'Balance of Power' in the NFC East won't occur until a few more weeks. Anything before that is speculation supported with speculation. The real key in the coming weeks is which NFC East team can win a game on the road (memo to Zorn and the Skins). It's fun to call Dallas "October's Team", but everybody for years had the same issues (and made excuses) for Peyton and the Colts. It's Romo's third season and the team's defense is still gelling with new additions all over the field (Thomas, Jones, Jenkins, etc.) In reality, New York suspended Burress for far more than missing a practice during a bye week. He just earned a FAT contract and isn't representing the team well with recent reports of potentially missing several meetings and possible potential domestic disturbance issues. Washington isn't allocated for last place, not yet. Every team still needs to answer several questions before we can analyze who is who. Dallas seems at the top right now; however, the Giants are an incredible road team and that isn't something I'm willing to pass up. Eli will have a lot of work to do without Plax for a week, obviously. What I'm really interested in is how the Giants balance their platoon of 3 backs. It doesn't take a fantasy owner to realize that Brandon Jacobs needs more than 12-15 carries a game to impose his size, strength, and will on an opposing defense.

Paymon: In a word, YES, it most certainly does. At a maximum, only three NFC East will make it to the playoffs. In reality, some weaker team will rise from the scrap-heap to claim the second wild card slot. The season is not decided in September, but Dallas certainly has the look of the best September to December team in the NFL, let alone their conference and division. As noted, Philadelphia and New York were in a dead heat for second billing with most giving the Eagles a slight edge. Washington, who was expected to be the doormat of this division, have reeled off two straight wins, albeit at home, against decent competition and Jason Campbell looks worthy of being an NFL quarterback. You can think of this as a one-game suspension. You can also think of this as a potential chemistry killer. Chemistry - the very reason that the Giants are the defending Super Bowl champions. Though the Giants are off to a 3-0 start, their competition is a combined 2-7, and they had to eek out an overtime home victory against the winless Bengals. Long story short, the margin for error is too little for chemistry issues in addition to the existing set of personnel losses. Plax's ego minus his production is too big a loss, because I do not think he will let it go (even though he is likely at full fault for whatever it is that he did) after he returns to work two weeks from now. Also, his presence allows for players like Toomer to dominate on 3rd down and Smith to roam the field out of the slot.

Plaxico Burress Suspended Per NFL Sirius

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:40:35 -0500

I'm not normally a into breaking news BUT I figured I pass this on. According to Randy Cross and Bob Papa on NFL Sirius, Plaxico Burress has been suspended for two weeks for insubordination. It is reported that he will at least miss the Seattle game after their bye week. Look for Amani Toomer, Steve Smith [...]

Week 4 Waiver Suggestions

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:38:31 -0500

Rudi Johnson looked very good this week against the 49ers and the surprising part is that he had the majority of the carries even though Kevin Smith was healthy. The Lions are one of the worst teams in the NFL and have a week off followed by a game against the Bears and the Vikings. Don't expect much from him in the coming weeks but any time you can pick up a potential starter at RB on waivers you have to try. Find out who else you can pickup this week that could help out your team.

Brett The Jet Needs To Hit Eject Button

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:04:47 -0500

Monday Night Football was beyond rough to watch. The Jets looked like the New England Patriots on Sunday and the AFC East is starting to resemble the Ivy League. I was good and ready to watch some football last night - I had a few bottles of perfectly chilled Smutty Nose Pumpkin ale, a bag of Snyder's pretzels, a few freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and some tasty Haribo gummi bears. (Haribo is the preferred choice for the discriminating gummi bear patron.) Alright, it's a lethal concoction of beer and assorted snacks, but this is true comfort food.

Brett The Jet Needs To Hit Eject Button

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:01:57 -0500

Game Effort Not Enough in 23-20 OT Loss to Giants

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:44:13 -0500

No one can ever say the Giants don't make it interesting. Today at the Meadowlands, the champions went to 3-0, but it wasn't easy, as they went to overtime before finally topping a game Bengals team from Cincy 26-23. The game-winner came in OT as John Carney nailed a 22-yard field goal for [...]

Week 3 Waiver Suggestions

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:32:31 -0500

The second week of the season is often one of the last weeks in which you can find a sleeper without it being because of an injury to the starter at his position. Here are our waiver suggestions for this week by position.

Rotter's Top 10 Waiver Claims after Week 2

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:50:33 -0500

Fantasy's consensus No. 1 draft pick LaDainian Tomlinson was hindered by an injury in Week 2, but his backup Darren Sproles became Sunday's top fantasy running back in his place. See who else you should be picking up.

Despite Two Blowouts - Rams Saying What They Should

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:17:12 -0500

I don't know what I expected from the Rams in the wake of their second embarrassing loss in as many weeks, but the Rams are hitting the press. Let's go to the quotes. First from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch via Turf Show Times, Tye Hill, underachieving Rams cornerback, "The secondary's fine," Hill said. "We're better than what we're playing." I would argue that the secondary is not quite "fine" and I would hope for their sake that they can play better. I just don't know what is wrong. They aren't covering, they aren't in position and they aren't picking the ball off. When you allow Hank Baskett and Amani Toomer to tear up the secondary, everything isn't "fine". Next, staying in the secondary, from cornerback Ron Bartell, But far from good enough, Bartell conceded. "Same result," he said. "Somehow, some way, we've got to fix whatever is going wrong and get it turned around." This smacks of old Mike Martz-isms "Shoot, we'll fix that". Bartell has played the best amongst the defensive backs, but with the problems the Rams are having no one should escape the scrutiny. Now we move up the organization to the leader, Scott Linehan who will hopefully tell us that they have already made changes for next week and everything is fine, "…we're going to be talking here and having disappointing conversations and press conferences with you guys where you're asking what the hell's wrong with us. That's not going to change until we do that and it's my job to find out what it is." Oh…ok. So, Linehan is the boss and he hasn't figured out what the problem is yet, thanks for reassuring me. Secondly, I don't know if I'm happy that it is Scott's job to find the solution, as he hasn't found a solution in the last three years. The benefit of the doubt era is over and I would like to see some answers presented in the form of: 1) wins 2) playing good football. One person who agrees with me is owner Chip Rosenbloom, who spoke to the Post-Dispatch in the article found here, "It is the job of the head coach, Scott Linehan, to figure out how to motivate and give some urgency to this team." Yes, sir. It is his job. "Obviously, the game of football is about winning. The level of play is not acceptable to me or anybody in the organization." I like where you are going here, no one think that this is how a professional football team should be run or play. "I believe in these players and I believe in this coach." Ok, now I'm officially lost. When in the last three years have the Rams inspired anyone to think that this coaching staff or front office has the answers. The players haven't inspired anything on the field and don't appear to particularly care if they win or lose (some exceptions obviously). The vote of confidence makes for a great quote, but I no one takes it seriously. And lastly, the money quote, "Things will get better," Rosenbloom said. "And if they don't, changes will be made." That is the threat of the change we are all looking for. At this point, things don't look like they are going to get better. Hopefully, Rosenbloom will follow through with his tough talk and give the organization the change it deserves.

Giants Take the Horns out the Rams and Make em Look Like Sheep...41-13!!

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:39:39 -0500

I know its the Rams but this is the NFL where anything can happen. That being said what my title says is what the Giants did on the field. It was not close at all even in the fourth quarter with the score 20-13 (GIANTS). The Giants just blew it away like Hurricane Ike blew away part of Reliant Stadium down in Texas. Justin Tucks interception was insane, and definietly top play. Torry Holt's TD was amazing as well...Expect both plays on ESPN tonight Heres a list of observations: was this game close. Yes when it was 0-0 was this game fun to watch. Yes. Giants O-Line- Needs lots of Love 3RB- Giants RB deepest in league without ? Chris Long- Congrats on your first sack in the NFL Is Justin Tuck for Real. Yes Eli Manning- he threw a pass left handed which was hilarious and tripped on his own feet. Besides that solid game for Mr. Toyota. Amani Toomer- Played another good game, one of the most underrated recievers in the NFL Giants Depth in WR--is bountiful 41-13 the final score of Giants Vs. Rams. And I really feel bad for the Rams and their coaching staff. Linehan looked so amped up after each time they scored and then Giants would just show why they are a much better team. The Rams are really a bad team but I hope all turns out well in the coming weeks. Bulger getting decked every play and Jackson playing tough but nothing showing for it. The Rams looked like last years Giants but then again they dont have the tools like last yrs Giants to go to the Superbowl With that my Giants are 2-0 and thats a wrap like Christmas MofUC&A$