Yardbarker: Pittsburgh Steelers

Fantasy Football Week 7 Waiver Wire Add & Drop Advice

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:12:12 -0500

With another week of fantasy football in the books, it means it's time to look at the Week 7 Waiver Wire. When looking back at the slate of games entering the weekend, it didn't appear that there were too many appealing matchups. Then the games started and we were treated to incredible finishes by St. Louis, Arizona, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston and Minnesota. In fact, the Eagles scored a whopping 23 points in the fourth quarter against to beat the 49ers by a final score of 40-26. And in case you were wondering, the Detroit Lions and the Cincinnati Bengals are still winless and it appears both teams will be fighting it out for the top draft pick in April. Enough with that talk, lets cut to the action, as the Bruno Boys bring to you their weekly Waiver Wire article. -------------------- QUARTERBACK Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is a rookie now only by experience. Ryan has been making steady improvement all season. The last three weeks the team has asked him to pass more and Ryan has passed the test, throwing for 653 yards, three touchdowns and just one interception while completing 60.8 percent of his passes. Take a look at the remaining schedule for the Falcons and you'll see that they have games left against weak passing defenses in Oakland, New Orleans, Denver, St. Louis and Minnesota. Ryan would make for a fine backup in any league and the more experience he gets, the better he will be. -------------------- RUNNING BACKS Dominic Rhodes (Indianapolis Colts) Starter Joseph Addai and backup Mike Hart left the Colts' 31-3 win over the Ravens and it was Rhodes that came in for them. Rhodes rushed 25 times for 73 yards and one touchdown against one of the toughest To see who else you should ADD to your fantasy roster in Week 7, click the link below...

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...

NFL Power Rankings

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:38:41 -0500

After a Sunday schedule the NFL power rankings have been updated. Who is too high? Who is too low? Read all your favorite team's latest headlines at SportProjections.com

Debunking the Myths of the 2008 NFL Season

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:33:16 -0500

After five weeks of the 2008 NFL season, we thought we knew something. Week 6 showed us that we were wrong about lots of those things. You could call today "Debunking Day." We here at ECB will run down the NFL myths that were debunked today.

Myth #1: The Colts aren't the same team without Bob Sanders
The Colts were underwhelming in their first 4 games, and lots of the blame was placed on Bob Sanders' injury. The Colts came alive against Baltimore today, looking like the Super Bowl contender they've been in recent years.

Myth #2: The NFC East is the league's toughest division
Last week there was talk that three of the top 5 or 6 teams in the NFL were in the NFC East. Today two of them lost to bad teams in the Rams and the Cardinals. The Cowboys and Redskins are still likely to make the playoffs, but both the NFC and AFC South might be tougher divisions.

Myth #3: Joe Flacco is a prodigy who will lead the Ravens deep in the playoffs
It was tough to be down on the Ravens after close losses to the Steelers and Titans. Joe Flacco looked decent in both games, and even with a tough schedule the Ravens looked poised for a run at a wild card slot. With three interceptions in a 31-3 humiliation in Indianapolis, the Ravens look to be at least a year away.

Myth #4: The Redskins are for real
Sure, they're 4-2 with one of the easiest schedules in the NFL, but the Redskins are not one of the best teams in the country. They could still make the playoffs, but the Rams exposed the Washington offense. St. Louis had given up at least 30 points in 7 straight games, but the Skins could only manage 7 points in the first 3 quarters. Their "ownership" of the fourth quarter wasn't even enough to best the lackluster Rams.

Myth #5: The "Wildcat" formation is a gimmick
Sure it was against the Texans, but the Dolphins may be on to something.

Myth #6: Dan Orlovsky is a big-time NFL quarterback
What, no one believed that myth?

Myth #7: Tom Cable will turn around the Raiders' season
Guess not.

Fantasy Football Bargain Buys - Week 6

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:09:03 -0500

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 NFL team in our Week 6 edition of Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Bargain Buys. -------------------- Chicago Bears- Believe it or not, Kyle Orton has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks over the past three weeks and his matchup against the Falcons could make it a ful month of productive play for Orton. If you play in a two QB league, Orton has some nice value. Another player to consider as a WR3 is Devin Hester. He has scored in two straight games and is starting to play a bigger role in this offense. Don't be surprised if he scores 6-8 points at a cheap price. Atlanta Falcons - With Roddy White's health being an issue, it's best to stay clear of him in a salary cap league. If he plays, I like his matchup, but why not use the healthy wide receiver when you can choose from the whole enchilada? The only other Falcon to consider is Michael Turner. He leads all running backs in fantasy points scored and he should go for 100 rushing yards and a touchdown, despite the Bears ranking 4th against the rush. -------------------- To read about all of the other NFL teams for Week 6, click below...

[Steelers] Steelers OG Darnell Stapleton Eventually Moving To Center

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:27:30 -0500

The Steelers may have found their center of the future. And no, itA's not Justin Hartwig, whoA's playing the position right now. DonA't be surprised if...

Great Fake-Outs in History, Including Magic's AIDS

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:03:58 -0500

Two conservative talk radio hosts in Minneapolis have come under fire for an exchange in which they stated they were convinced that Magic Johnson "faked" AIDS. Magic retired from the NBA in 1991 at age 32 after being diagnosed with HIV. We'll leave aside that Magic does not now and never has had AIDS. He is HIV-positive. There's a difference.

Maybe those guys were right. Here are some other great fake-outs in history.

1) Bill Clinton and the Blue Dress - Most people take the Starr Report for granted and assume that the greatest advertisement for Shout wipes and Stain Stick was actually created by President Clinton. In fact, Clinton was known to be a master of faking orgasms, convincing even the most Gennifer Flowers of pigeonheads. The substance on the blue dress? Don't count on being able to clone the silver-haired charmer with it. You'd just end up with a tub of Papa Johns' Garlic Dipping Sauce.

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bllahblahhblah Bill couldn't resist someone who would wear this dress?

2) Jim Abbott's Right Hand - This hoax took decades to develop. Using a little Hollywood make-up and sleight of hand, Abbott was able to convince the entire baseball world that he actually only had one hand. He even developed a showy procedure where he slid his pitching hand into a glove perched on his prosthetic stump as soon as he delivered each pitch. It was masterful deception and legerdemain matched only by whatever convinced critics that The Prestige isn't a steaming pile. The truth is that Abbott needed a gimmick to make himself more attractive to discerning California Angels and Yankees' fans. He stumbled upon the idea for the faked birth defect after watching The Elephant Man. The culmination (known as "the prestige" in the magic world, which explains why that movie was so confusingly titled) was his no-hitter in 1993. The entire Cleveland Indians team, in their last act before taking a break from sucking for the mid-1990's, let Jim put one over on the world.

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blablablabbhhblahblah This is just low, Jim.

3) Greg Louganis' HIV/AIDS and Homosexuality - Some people really don't know how to respond to embarrassment. In the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, Greg Louganis garned worldwide attention for smacking the back of his head on the diving board. Louganis, the last accomplished American diver, was devastated by the humilating blunder. For the rest of his life he did whatever he had to do to distract people. First he said he was HIV-positive, even back in 1988. This backfired, obviously, because then people wanted to know why he didn't tell anyone as his gaping board-wound was bleeding into the pool. He needed a new cover story, so he decided to tell people he was gay. Louganis, a noted poon connosieur, lived this lie for years before finally fake-dying of fake-AIDS.

blablahblahhblahblah This could possibly be a deduction.

4) The Streak - The people behind "Got Milk" needed a mascot people could relate to. They created 2500 Cal Ripken, Jr., (name chosen because it sounds like Cow Ruxpin when enunciated by a fat Wisconsinite with a mouthful of cheddar curds. Also, Wisconsinites really like Teddy Ruxpin and listen to all their Bob Seger tapes using Teddy) clones out of whey, hooves and piercing blue cow eyeballs.

blblahblaahblahblah Moustache not related to Bill Clinton entry.

5) Steelers Win Super Bowl XL - I still don't believe it happened. I still have nightmares where Ben Roethlisberger trips me by a shoelace going down the aisle to marry Scarlett, then parlays his sixth usher status into a lifetime of going to bed with her dirty little smile. Also, the game taught me that the plane of the goal line extends back to the one yard line as well. That was interesting. I just scratched my back and got called for clipping.

blahblblah This picture makes me die a little inside, and I hate the Colts too.

Week 6 Updated Rankings - Rising & Falling

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:52:23 -0500

Before diving into the week 6 risers and fallers, just a quick couple of items. First, due to the wide amount of injuries that plagued the NFL this past week, we have gone ahead and tweaked our Weekly Rankings a bit to reflect some of the more major changes (i.e. Carson Palmer sitting, while Ryan Fitzpatrick starts). To see these changes, visit www.brunoboys.net. The second order of business is just a quick heads up to a format change in regards to this article. Rather than break-up the risers and fallers based on position, I will simply be dividing players up into two categories. One for the risers, and one for fallers. As one incident can effect so many players on a team, this felt like the most appropriate way to construct this article. With the business out of the way, let's get to the fun, simply read on for the Bruno Boys Week 6 Updated Rankings - Rising & Falling. -------------------- RISERS WR Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints) vs. Oakland It was widely believed that Marques Colston would not return to the Saints line-up until week 7 at the earliest, but it appears the stud wide receiver, will be making an appearance in week 6 against the Oakland Raiders. While reports are stating that Colston will only be in for three and four wide receiver sets, you can be sure Brees looks to get him the ball when he's on the field. He should have a solid return.... TO SEE WHO ELSE IS ON THE MOVE IN WEEK 6, CLICK THE LINK...

Fantasy Football Weekly Rundown - Week 6

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:44:40 -0500

Heading into week 6 of the NFL season fantasy football owners are faced with many tough decisions. There is an ever growing list of injuries and four teams on a bye, so patching together a starting line-up has faired difficult for some and it seems to get harder by the day. As you try and piece together your week 6 line-up you will need the most up-to-date player information and we have that for you right here in the Bruno Boys Weekly Rundown (fantasy-style). -------------------- Brian Westbrook breaks two ribs Week 5, ruled out for Week 6 Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook broke two ribs week 5 when the Eagles lost to the Washington Redskins. Westbrook who has already been hampered by an injured ankle has been ruled out for the week 6 match-up against the San Francisco 49ers. Westbrook has been a huge disappointment early this season due to all the injuries. He has been limited since the ankle injury in week 3 and owners who drafted him as a top five overall pick in fantasy drafts have been scrambling to make up for the loss. With Westbrook out Correll Buckhalter will once again get the start. The 49ers have given up 128.4 YPG and 6 rushing touchdowns on the season so Buckhalter could be worth using as a bye week or injury replacement. -------------------- FOR MANY FANTASY FOOTBALL RELATED NEWS, CLICK THE LINK...

NFL Point Spread Pick Em - Week 6

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:36:16 -0500

Welcome to the Week 6 edition of Pick Em'. Some of you may be asking, what does this have to do with fantasy football? Well, to be honest, nothing. And that is fine! We all are die-hard fantasy football enthusiasts, but for the most part we also enjoy gambling on the NFL. Legally of course! So, with that we want to bring to you some of the best experts in this field, derived from members of both the fastest growing fantasy football website, the Bruno Boys, as well as our partner, Screaming Sports. This weekly column will provide to you the thoughts of five, that is right, FIVE sports columnists in which we will pick all of the NFL games according to the point spread as well as everyone's "Pick of the Week." For those that visit and love to bet on the NFL yet don't take fantasy football that serious or even play at all, we have a forum that we will be adding a section to, that way everyone can spread their knowledge and insight on NFL gambling, hopefully bringing us all home some good ol' hard cash! And we offer everything to you for free! Does it get any better than that? Now let's get going and make some good cash! After all, the holiday season is fast approaching! The columnists participating in Week 5 include Bruno Boys Marc Caviglia, Mike Whooley, Larry Joseph and Chris Ziza. Representing Screaming Sports is Tommy Deusser. HERE ARE THE WEEK 6 NFL LINES: @ New Orleans (-7) Oakland ------------------------- @ Indianapolis (-4.5) Baltimore ------------------------- @ NY Jets (-6) Cincinnati ------------------------- @ Tampa Bay (-1.5) Carolina ------------------------- @ Minnesota (-13) Detroit ------------------------- Chicago (-3) @ Atlanta ------------------------- @ Houston (-3) Miami ------------------------- @ Washington (-13.5) St. Louis ------------------------- @ Denver (-3.5) Jacksonville ------------------------- Philadelphia (-5) @ San Francisco ------------------------- Dallas (-5) @ Arizona ------------------------- @ Seattle (-2) Green Bay ------------------------- @ San Diego (-5) New England ------------------- NY Giants (-8) @ Cleveland ---------------- TO FIND OUT WHO THE EXPERTS PICKED, CLICK THE LINK...

The Bed Pan Fantasy Football Injuries of Note

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 07:24:13 -0500

2008 has been the year of the Red X. Most fantasy football owners have to be looking at their rosters and seeing spots of injuries dotted throughout. Let's have a look at some injury reports, who is going to start, who is going to sit, and who you may be able to plug in this week.

Fantasy Football Week 6 Rankings - Defenses

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:42:50 -0500

This week we will be analyzing 28 defenses, as four of them; Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans all have bye-weeks. Listed below are the Bruno Boys Defensive Rankings for Week 6, all you have to do is click the link below to see how your defense ranks ------------------------ 1. (New York Giants) @ Cleveland Browns The third best defense stats wise takes on the leagues worst offense at the moment. Is it just us, or do the New York Giants look like a great play this week? The only thing that could stop them is a return to old for the Cleveland Browns, which in all likelihood will not happen. Bruno Boys Stars: * * * * * ------------------------ 2. (Philadelphia Eagles) @ San Francisco 49ers The Philadelphia Eagles defense is pretty solid, ranking in the top 6 in the league allowing just 274 YPG. They take on a San Francisco 49ers club that has barely managed 300 YPG. As good as the Eagles rush defense usually is, barring last weeks Clinton Portis performance, the Eagles should be able to keep Frank Gore and his fellow 49ers in check. Bruno Boys Stars: * * * * * ------------------------ 3. (Chicago Bears) @ Atlanta Falcons The veteran Chicago Bears defense has a lot going for them this week. First of all, they take on an inexperienced, younger group from Atlanta. Secondly, their RB Matt Forte should be able to run all over the Falcons. This is a pretty good defensive match up this week, and only one of three that earns the 5 star rating. Bruno Boys Stars: * * * * * ------------------------ To READ the rest of the Week 6 Team Defense rankings, click the link below

Fantasy Football Week 6 Podcast - Start & Sit Advice

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:34:22 -0500

breakdown all the upcoming WEEK 6 games, analyzing who has a strong match-up and who has one you should stay away from. All 14 games with all the information you need for fantasy football success. Some of the topics discussed are.. How many combined points will the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys score in Week 6? After two big games will Ronnie Brown continue his torrid pace against the Houston Texans? Does Steven Jackson or any of the St. Louis Rams offense have fantasy value in Week 6? Has T.J. Houshmandzadeh shown enough to be plugged in as a WR1 on a weekly basis? and much much more.... To find out the answers to those questions, click the LINK below to listen NOW...

Fantasy Football Who Would You Rather Start - Week 6

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:24:48 -0500

Welcome, it's now Week 6 of the fantasy football season and this is when owners start playing meaningful games. You might have been able to afford a loss or two early on, but with the fantasy playoffs just seven weeks away you better bring your A game. With that in mind, Bruno Boys Cavigs & Ziza bring to you the Week 6 version of the Bruno Boys Fantasy Football Roundtable 1. Matt Forte vs. Michael Turner Bruno Boys Cavigs: TURNER. Both have been stellar running backs thus far, but I'm going with my gut here and predicting that Turner has another 100 rushing yard and touchdown performance. Forte has the better matchup, but my personal take is that the Bears have a tough time tackling Turner. Bruno Boys Ziza: FORTE. The Falcons rush defense is holier than Swiss cheese. While I project them both to have 16 points this week, the one with the bigger upside in my mind would be Forte. Turner is part of a fantastic RB duo, while Forte is no doubt the main guy. -------------------- 2. Ronnie Brown vs. Steve Slaton Bruno Boys Ziza: BROWN. After back to back solid games against the Patriots and Chargers, there is no doubt in my mind that he should keep it going against the Texans. Bruno Boys Cavigs: BROWN. Both running backs have been on fire over the past two weeks, but I'll take the true runner in Brown over the shifty and speedy Slaton. Look for Brown to post his third straight 100 rushing yard and touchdown performance. -------------------- To read the FULL article click the LINK below...

[Jets] Jets HC Eric Mangini Worried About Jets Defense

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:19:38 -0500

The last time the Jets surrendered as many as 83 points in back-to-back games was 1986, when they were ripped by the Steelers and Bengals for a...