Back again within the walls of my mythical stock exchange, watching the buzz for hot players and the desperate unloading of injured and poor performing players. Another bi-weekly report is here and the names may be the same but the outlooks on some quite different.

This has been a very hard season to predict, and an even tougher year for finding those gems on the waiver wire. The time has come to make deals to make your team better, and to try and stick with stars who may have some off weeks in hopes that the luck can change.

So many of you are thinking “How exactly do I know what to do with who?” Well I have a few pieces of advice:

1. Don’t be afraid to pull the trigger on a trade to get better at a position. An example is this, say you have 4 good RBs but no good QBs? Simple, fall out of love with one of those RBs and make the deal! Get a solid QB, and it will enhance your team.

2. Stop using your heart. If you live in Philly, the time may be here to stop using DeSean Jackson or the Eagles defense. Don’t let your home team heart kill your fantasy squad.

3. Read, and read often. Here at http://www.camelclutchblog/ we bring you plenty of fantasy reports, as do other sites. Don;t be afraid to read them, size them up and use them. I have to be honest, my Twitter, Facebook and emails blow up every week from people seeking advice. Never worry about asking someone. It’s not like asking directions when driving, asking is always a smart choice.

4. Just do it. How often do you say “Oh I wish I started this guy over that guy”? Well stop doing it and get him in there. You can’t always be perfect, and the right move is never 100% guaranteed, but if you try, you feel better than to not try and fail.

Alright, now that you have those helpful tips, let’s take a look at the Stock Report, and see who you should go with, and who you should move. Again, never a guarantee, but at least this gives you someone to blame. Or is that someone to trust? Well, you decide.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings: Buy! Yes, I see he has not done much for TDs so far this year, but Peterson is getting more active in the passing game, and is doing good work on the ground. He will find his TDs in time. My phone rings daily with people in my league trying to get Peterson from me, but he is hard to shy away from. So unless you can get a sweet ransom, hold on to Peterson.

Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins: Buy! Here is one for the CEO of CamelClutchBlog Mr. Eric Gargiulo. He swore to me that RG3 was a solid QB for fantasy, but I got scared by his injury and slight decline. After watching him handle Minnesota and run 76 yards for a TD, I am on his bandwagon, and if you own him, go with him!

Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers: Sell! There is still no answer as to when he will be back, and in his absence Jordy Nelson and James Jones have been excellent. Now I know Jennings is a terrific WR, but there are too many guys doing great things for him to be a huge plus each week. Now is the time to move him or at least look elsewhere.

Baltimore Ravens Defense: Sell! Injuries to key stars like Ray Lewis, Lardarius Webb and Haloti Ngata as well as still playing without Terrell Suggs make this a defense in trouble. They are already in the bottom tier in pass defense, not doing much for sacks, and now go up against the Texans offense. It looks like trouble is on the way for this once super bunch. Get out while you can.

Jahvid Best, RB, Detroit Lions: Sell! If you had him and were waiting for a glimmer of hope, it’s over. Best will miss the rest of the season and may end his career. His latest test did not look promising, and I wish him the best, no joke intended.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants: Buy! This hurts me to say, as I was one of the guys getting killed by his lack of play last year. However, Bradshaw seems to be running hard this year, and is putting up pretty solid numbers, including a 200 yard rush week against Cleveland. Bradshaw has always shown he had skills, but staying healthy was his issue. If he stays healthy you have to roll with him right now.

Ryan Matthews, RB, San Diego Chargers: Sell! I told you to do this 2 weeks ago, and I am sure many of you did not. Well, there is still time and he can still fetch you someone more reliable. As I watched him Monday night I saw a fragile back being seriously overworked by an offense with line issues. He can throw a good game out there once in a while, but he can’t be trusted for your run to a playoff spot.

Brandon Weeden, QB, Cleveland Browns: Buy! The “grandfather of rookies” is finally getting a chance to throw and throw often, and it has paid off nicely the last few weeks. He is averaging 2 TDs and 250 yards, plus with some bye weeks still coming for good QBs he can make a nice back up. Grab him if you can.

Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens: Sell! He is reverting back to a game manager perhaps? Flacco was white hot early this season, but has seemed to be warm at best since. 0 TDs 2 weeks ago against KC and only 1 this week at home vs. Dallas. It truly is Ray Rice’s team first, and Flacco has struggled. I have a hard time even endorsing him for a bye week play right now, that’s how bad it has gotten.

Fred Jackson/ CJ Spiller, RBs, Buffalo Bills: Buy! Yes, heck buy yourself a nice timeshare and treat the family. I swore Jackson would get phased out, but apparently both guys are getting equal touches and both had real nice weeks last week in PPR leagues. Spiller is dynamite, Jackson is a pounder, and somehow it pays off for them and works for nice Fantasy Flex action. Right now, you could do a lot worse than either one of these two.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles: Sell! He is just not getting it done. One TD for a guy with his speed and skill is fantasy death. His team is a mess on offense, he gets no more punt returns and really should have looked for a change instead of signing his deal here. There are way too many options to use right now.

Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets: Sell! Sell! Sell! Sell! No that is not an error due to the fact that I said this so many times. He had a career day last week, now has to go up against an excellent New England run defense. Catch a sucker and sell fast!

Kevin Kolb, QB, Arizona Cardinals: Sell! He couldn’t get the job done against defenses like Buffalo and the Rams, although the Rams have improved. He was a flash in the pan, and even suffered an injury last week while trying to add scrambling to his game. He is not a big time QB, but with bye weeks still looming, someone may try and buy him from you for a WR3 or RB3, and for that you take it!

Darryl Richardson, RB, St. Louis Rams: Buy! Keeper leagues and deep leagues as well this is for you. Although the Rams claim they want to keep Steven Jackson, this kid is looking too good for them not to keep using. He’s fast and shifty, and should get more touches. Get in on him now.

Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons: Sell! What? Yes I said sell, but at the right price. It seems to be a common theme in my leagues that owners that grabbed Jones did so very early and lack the real explosive RBs to put them ahead, but still own decent WR3 such as James Jones, Miles Austin, and Vincent Jackson. My advice is to unload Jones for a quality RB, someone like Alfred Morris, or Trent Richardson who are active but may be an owner’s number 4, and plug one of those WRs in. Jones has good weeks, but mixes in too many ordinary ones.

Now here is my answer of the week to a very popular question. Many have asked me if now is the time to trade Aaron Rodgers. My answer to you is a clear cut no! Although you would think his numbers were inflated by one huge week, Rodgers is still the top point getter in many fantasy leagues. The game has become one where QBs are at a premium, and unless the deal includes great RBs and a very good QB, you stick with Rodgers.

So that is it from this week here at the Stock Market. Keep coming back every 2 weeks and see what we have brewing for you. Also remember I do Start Em/Sit Em advice every Thursday so don’t miss out! Thanks again, and best of luck!

The Shark!

Fantasy Football Almanac 2012: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide

Madden 13 video game on all consoles

Fantasy Football for Smart People: How to Dominate Your Draft

NFL Jerseys on Amazon.com

The time has come to call out all the big shots who actually get paid to do this stuff! Matthew Berry of ESPN, you think you want some of this? Yahoo Sports guys like Andy Behrens and Brandon Funston, you really think you can handle this? Fantasy Guru’s, RotoWorld, and on and on, you all want a piece of me? I am here to call all of you out.

Yes me, just a lone guy with no errand boys to do my research, no mega-million dollar studio or financial backing, just a man, a computer, and a little football knowledge, especially fantasy football. The Shark should be the buzz right now in the fantasy world and now you all have your chance to jump on the bandwagon!

“Who is this guy?”, “Why is this guy all into himself?”, you may all be asking. Well I will get right down to it. Week 1 of the NFL season saw me go a lusty 4-0 in my fantasy leagues, but not only that, I was the point leader in every league, including our league here at CamelClutchBlog.com. The pre-season promises I made all were falling into place. I told the world that Matt Ryan was going to be amazing, and he was.

I drafted Brandon Marshall in every league, and he was back to form. Reggie Bush? Yep I have lots of Reggie, and despite no TD’s, he was solid. You don’t trust Tony Romo? I sure did! Kevin Smith can’t get the job done? That’s fine I’ll give him a try. Stevan Ridley made an appearance, so did Malcolm Floyd. Ravens defense is too old? All is good, I rolled those dice. Oh everything went right, a sheer perfect week. All that was missing in “fantasy” was Sofia Vergara serving me dinner in a French Maid uniform. (A man can dream). The beauty or beast of it all is that you are only as good as the next week. As much as I’d like to think my bragging and confidence is a good thing, it can easily explode. No problem, it’s a long season.

Week 2 comes at us very fast, as we have a Thursday night game to deal with, so I have to come at you faster and more furious this week with Starts/Sits for your fantasy team. Injuries will have to be watched closer, and moves made faster. My advice to you as they say in the movies is to “stick with me kid”. The Shark is here with his Week 2 advice. Read, enjoy, and good luck in week 2. P.S. I contacted Berry and RotoWorld via Twitter, and have gotten no response on my challenge, no surprise there, I’d be scared of me too! Let’s look at the picks for this week:

Quarterback

Start

Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons: Don’t think he’s back? Thomas, Decker and the gang think he is after carving up the rough and tough Steelers defense, plus he gets to play this week in a dome, as he has for years. Also the loss of CB Grimes is huge for the Falcons defense. Manning and Ryan will have a big shootout here, so if you own Manning, you roll with him here.

Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers: It’s easy to say Aaron Rodgers every week isn’t it? Cutler and his Bears have a huge chance on Thursday night to go up 2 games on the Pack if they can pull off this mild upset. The return of Brandon Marshall mixed with his trust in Earl Bennett has Cutler looking sharp and he could be looking at a great year. If you remember last week, Alex Smith and the 49ers had their way with this defense, so no reason not to trust Cutler for 2-3 TD’s and maybe as much as 300 yards.

Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks: Do you believe in paybacks? Karma? Second Chances? If you do then you have to believe in Romo this week. Seattle is after all the scene of the crime where Romo botched that snap on a 19 yard field goal attempt in 2007 that cost Dallas a playoff game. He comes back to town with a loaded group of weapons, and confidence. The Seahawks defense was pegged as a tough defense, but not much of that was there against a pour Arizona team last week. I like Dallas’ pass game much better than its run game, so go with Romo.

Sit

Blane Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars vs Houston Texans: Yep, even I can be wrong, and I trashed Gabbert often, but last week he had good numbers and hung tough in Minnesota. This week he is home which can prove even better, but he will face a much better defense and a better team. Jacksonville will be a better team soon enough, but nothing about this match up looks all that enticing. If you just added him, that’s a fine move, but use it at the proper time.

Mark Sanchez, New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers: Another guy that I bashed but yet had a huge week last week. However this is not the Bills defense and he is not at home. The Steelers got roughed up by Peyton Manning last week, and that happens, but no way does Sanchez come back with the same performance. Also on that Jets sideline will be Tim Tebow. Why does that matter? Last time the Steelers saw Tebow, he was knocking them out of the playoffs, once again, paybacks baby!

Carson Palmer, Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins: Serious? Yep! I know the Dolphins don’t have much, but neither does this Raiders offense. This team is only as good as Darren McFadden makes it, and with a bunch of “who’s” at WR and no solid TE’s the Raiders are in total disarray already. Their only TD last week came as time ran out, by an undrafted WR. Oakland used a lot of draft picks on Palmer, he needs to prove to be something and quick!

Running Back

Start

CJ Spiller, Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs: The injury to Fred Jackson opens the door for a guy who has the stuff to be a fantasy stud. 161 yards rushing last week and a TD, mixed in with being one of the best fantasy backs in the last 4 weeks of last season is a lot to get excited about. The Chiefs are banged up on defense as well. Spiller makes the Bills offense better, and it should show this week.

Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts: Every expert, fantasy owner, heck even his own coach had little faith in Peterson last week, but I am here to tell you, he is the real deal again. 2 big TD’s last week against the Jags and he was able to handle 17 carries. This week he will be indoors, and the Colts run defense is usually nothing special. Peterson is showing that the knee is not about to slow him down, and it should not be a concern for fantasy owners as long as he stays healthy in the weekly injury reports.

Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins: Not crazy about Oakland’s QB situation, but that has nothing to do with McFadden. He was plenty busy last week, and that should continue to be the case as long as he is healthy. The Dolphins gave up a pair of rushing TD’s last week, and if the Raiders are going to hang in this game DMC will have to front the load. Do it!

Sit

Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers: It may have been the bad weather, or the start of something special as the Bucs defense was brilliant last week against Carolina, especially on the ground. DT Gerald McCoy is suddenly coming into his own and they look tough up front. Bradshaw had a nice week 1 against Dallas, but I feel the passing game will need to do more to get the Giants back on track. Bradshaw may be able to punch one in here, but I don’t expect him to be huge.

Kevin Smith, Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers: Another guy who had a big week last week, but I have a hard time trusting running backs against the 49ers. The defense in San Fran looked tough last week in Green Bay, and Detroit will have to use the air to come out in this one. I like Smith, and if he is healthy you go with him, with the right match up. This is not that match up!

The San Diego Chargers backfield vs. Tennessee Titans: I know they got ripped up by Stevan Ridley last week, but it is hard to know how to measure what can happen against the Patriots offense. The Chargers have 4 different guys carrying the load, and none look all that special. Until Ryan Matthews comes back and gets into the groove I advise you avoid this mess at all cost. Hey, here is an idea, try playing Chris Johnson, what too soon?

Wide Receiver

Start

Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons vs. Denver Broncos: I like the new Broncos defense with Champ Bailey and Tracy Porter, but this week they will have their hands full. The Falcons have the weapons, and Jones is many people’s option to be the next great WR. What better way for him to really come out than on a Monday night? Roddy White still draws the attention, Gonzalez can still get it done, and they are creative in the backfield. It is hard to know who to focus on if you are a defense, so if you give this guy room, he can/will kill you! He had 2 TD’s last week and possibly 2 more this week.

Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills: The Bills secondary was toasted last week by a rookie WR and a “who is that guy” WR led by Mark Sanchez. This week a real big time WR comes to town in Dwayne Bowe, so the young Bills secondary may have its hands full. Matt Cassel is not a top fantasy QB, but even he can find an upside here. Bowe needs to prove his worth with a new contract looming next year.

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts vs. Minnesota Vikings: New QB same Reggie Wayne it would seem. After a slow start he had a big week last week, and now Wayne and Indy face a Vikings defense who at home last week had a hard time with an average Jags pass offense. Luck will have some growing pains, but he has to get 2 TD’s here I would think, and Wayne is due for one, and some more big yards. Wayne remains a factor as a WR2 or an emergency flex option.

Sit

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Baltimore Ravens: If you ask me, the Eagles most reliable WR is Jeremy Maclin, and there is a good chance he won’t play this Sunday. I know Jackson is explosive and can do lots of good things, but to have him as the one main guy against a quality defense and CB Webb does not look great on paper. The Ravens will throw everything at Michael Vick, so he will have a hard time making the plays. Jackson is hard to trust right now.

Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins at St Louis Rams: Alright, it’s hunch time. With Cortland Finnegan being the main CB in St. Louis I think Garcon will have his hands full, not to mention that the Rams for some reason usually play the Redskins tough. RG3 showed he has QB skills, but Garcon did get banged up so he may be slowed, and there is at least a bit of game film now for the Rams to watch. Also the Redskins showed they can run the ball, so and all out air attack may not be needed.

Kevin Ogletree, Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks: I can’t believe I have to write this, but after seeing how many people bought into that week 1 effort I feel it is my duty. This team does still have Miles Austin and Dez Bryant and Jason Witten as well as DeMarco Murray. Ogletree is a nice number 3 WR for the Cowboys, and Romo likes his 3′s, but this guy won’t have 2 TD, 100+ yard games often, so you should not be relying on him as a WR1 or even WR2 in your leagues. If he does it a few more times, well then paint me red!

Tight End

Start

Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: Sound easy? Well it should. Graham may be the best TE in football and is also the busiest target in a very pass happy offense. The Panthers have good linebackers who may slow him down, but you can’t really keep Graham down.

Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions: Still the most talented of the bunch here in San Fran, and he made good things happen last week. The Lions defense is a little tougher than Green Bay’s but Davis is a guy to be dealt with.

Sit

Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets: The Jets have good play at linebacker so Miller is not a sure bet even though they like him in close.

Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns: He looked sluggish Monday night after missing most of the preseason. I would like to see him have a big game or 2 before I trust him.

Defenses I like:

New England Patriots vs. Arizona Cardinals

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns

Defenses I don’t like:

Denver Broncos at Atlanta Falcons

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills

Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts

Waiver Wire:

I have some nice pickups for you this week. Come and get them while they last!

Randall Cobb, WR, Green Bay Packers: Greg Jennings may be out this week, and Cobb returns kicks and also has improved as a receiver. Cobb could stand to get busier in a high power offense like this.

Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins: Shanahan likes the hot hand, and Morris was very hot last week. He is a talented back, not blessed with speed but has shifty moves, good hands and runs strong. As long as he stays healthy, it is his job to lose.

Stephen Hill, WR, New York Jets: I said it back in my NFL Draft Preview, Hill has the skills to be the best rookie in this class and can be a factor in the NFL. He has good size and speed, and he put up 2 TD’s last week. He has plenty of upside so grab him and dump that guy you are clinging to that you grabbed in the 15th round.

Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars: A guy who was always on the brink of big things, Lewis was active last week and looks like a good target for young QB Blaine Gabbert. For TE leagues only, but a nice pick up/

Nate Kaeding, K, San Diego Chargers: Last year’s broken leg on the opening kickoff made many forget, but I am here to tell you to get Kaeding. He had a good game this past week, and is still one of the more accurate kickers in football.

So we are ready for week 2. I hope that my success can continue and I can help you all make your team a little better!

I have now joined Twitter, so if you would like to ask any questions or need any advice feel free to reach out to my personal account, @JPshark71.

Thanks again all for reading and good luck in week 2.

Fantasy Football Almanac 2012: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide

Madden 13 video game on all consoles

Fantasy Football for Smart People: How to Dominate Your Draft

NFL Jerseys on Amazon.com

The 2012 fantasy football is full of former early-round busts. Yet many of these busts are poised for big comebacks. Here are just a few former fantasy boom to bust sleepers that have the potential to bring you back major value in your fantasy football season.

Everyone loves a good comeback right? The NFL is full of comeback players and these comeback players generally turn into fantasy football sleepers in the preseason. For one reason or another, these are players that are coming off of highly disappointing seasons. Tarnished as frauds, these players didn’t just lose their talent overnight. You need to look hard at their situation last season and evaluate all circumstances surrounding the poor production. That time spent analyzing last year’s busts could bring you the highest rewards this season.

I have done a few drafts and the ADP (Average Draft Position) according to ESPN.com of some of these players astounded me. These are players you can probably wait long and hard on, take later, and insert into your starting lineup in week 1. Here are just a few former studs that I feel are ready for a comeback in 2012 that you need to target in the mid-late rounds of your fantasy draft.

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts – I can’t find anyone as bullish on Wayne as I am and I love it that way. Wayne was once the number-one rated receiver going into drafts. Unfortunately for those who kept him, his production drastically dropped off in recent years. Of course last year he was missing Peyton Manning and counting on Curtis Painter to help put up those numbers. This year he is playing with Andrew Luck and that is a mega upgrade over last season. I absolutely love the Luck-Wayne combo. The Colts defense is still a major issue and their running game is suspect. They are going to need to throw every week to stay in games. I expect major numbers from Luck and that can only mean great things for his number one receiver. Wayne’s ADP according to ESPN.com today is 103.2! That means you can have the number one target on a throwing team in the 9th or 10th round! He is a steal and I would not be surprised if he ended the season among the top 10 wide receivers in fantasy football.

DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles – Philadelphia Eagles fans like me know that DeSean Jackson can be a very frustrating player. After tearing through defenses in 2010 and giving NFL and fantasy fans some of the most memorable plays in NFL history, Jackson was an all out bust in 2011. Jackson has since revealed that he played it safe in 2011 while negotiating a contract. Jackson is now fully healthy and paid! I predict a huge bounce back for a guy who flew off draft boards the last few years. He is getting picked around the late fifth, early sixth round right now which makes him a phenomenal pick for your WR 3 and gives you great options at the position. He is an absolute must pick if he is still around for your sixth pick!

Peyton Hillis, Kansas City Chiefs – From waiver wire darling to fantasy bust, Peyton Hillis is back for another season! Fortunately for you things are different as Hillis is reunited with his old coach on a new team with a running offense. Hillis has looked like more than just a Jamaal Charles-handcuff this preseason, rushing for 52 yards on nine carries and a score. Hillis is taking over Thomas Jones’ role and Jones was given plenty of production over the last couple of seasons in Kansas City. Even better, Hillis’ new offensive coordinator is Brian Daboll who called plays on the sixth-most rushing attempted team of the season last year in Miami. At an ADP of 112, Hillis is a freaking steal at that spot of the draft! Hillis’ talent just didn’t go away in one season. Hillis will be back and he could be a phenomenal asset had for a bargain basement price in your fantasy draft.

Carson Palmer, Oakland Raiders – I just recently had a heated exchange on Twitter with another fantasy player over the prospects of Palmer having a great season. After laying out my statistical evidence, the truth came out and this Palmer naysayer was just an old anti-USC fan. Palmer was a top-10 QB in passing attempts last season when he played and he was number one in pass plays over 25 yards. Anyone remember that Oakland-Detroit game? Palmer only got better as the season progressed and now has a full offseason under his belt in Oakland and will be playing with some of the most dynamic offensive weapons in football. I have taken him very late in two drafts, passing up on “sexy” sleeper options like Robert Griffin III and Ryan Fitzpatrick. This former early round pick has an ADP of 134.3 which means you can take your starters and several backups before you even need to worry about targeting him. For a guy that has the potential to wind up as a top-five (Yes I said top-five) fantasy QB this season, that is pretty damned good!

Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – I’ll be honest, I am not nearly as bullish on Williams as I am most of this list. I also don’t even know if he necessarily meets the criteria to be here because nobody was taking Williams in the first-round last season, although he was taken in the second or third rounds. I don’t think Josh Freeman is that bad and that makes all of the difference in the world. Additionally, the team has added Vincent Jackson and Dallas Clark. Instead of defenses keying in on Williams as the number-one offensive threat, teams will be scheming for Jackson, Clark, and the running backs. That should give Williams some fantastic opportunities in the red zone. With an ADP of 139.5, he is an absolute must grab at that spot in your draft.

Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers – I play in one league where Gates was not only a first-round pick for several years, he was a keeper! Not anymore. Everyone is talking about Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski while Gates is just quietly coming back to form this preseason in San Diego. Gates is thinner, healthier, and with Vincent Brown out, one of the few options left for Philip Rivers this season. Gates has already scored in the preseason and I think he does plenty more in the regular season. For me, I’d rather wait and grab Gates later than waste a first round pick on Graham or Gronk. At an ADP of 47.1 he is a bargain as compared to recent years. He probably shouldn’t be on this list because his ADP is still relatively high, but it is much lower than in recent years. Owen Daniels at 130.1 is another tight end sleeper to look out for if you miss out on Gates.

Cedric Benson, Green Bay Packers – Okay I am reaching here but I had to find a running back and Benson looks best to me to make a comeback. Benson has gone from boom to bust to boom to bust several times in his career and is coming off a nice, but relatively disappointing season in Cincinnati. I know that everyone is in love with James Starks but the Packers signed Benson for a reason. If the Packers were that enamored with Starks, Benson would be playing somewhere else. What most analysts are missing here is that the Packers offensive coordinator is gone, and chances are good that they will try and establish a running game. In December when you need a guy you can count on and the Packers are playing a cold, windy game at Lambeau Field, Benson could be the man that clinches your playoff spot. At an ADP of 107 and bigger question marks behind him, he is certainly worth the roll of the dice. I could easily see a situation where Benson winds up as a top-10 RB in touchdowns, used primarily as a goal-line back. I kind of think he’ll get a lot of opportunities for that with Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball.

Fantasy Football Almanac 2012: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide

Madden 13 video game on all consoles

NFL Jerseys on Amazon.com

Fantasy Football for Smart People: How to Dominate Your Draft

Wow! That is all I can say after the last week plus in the NFL. The moves, shake-ups, suspensions, trades, and non-trades are making for one of the craziest off-seasons in quite some time. If you don’t lock yourself onto ESPN or NFL Network every second of the day you are sure to miss a lot.

As you all know, all these moves will somehow affect Fantasy Football drafts, good or bad, and you will have to start now to be able to get a grip on it. I’m here to try and catch you up on who is where and what impact it will have come time for the new season to begin. I have for you the NFL Fantasy Stock Market where I will break down new faces in their new places and if it means they will rise or fall.

Get your notebooks ready class as we have a lot to cover here!

Peyton Manning, QB, to the Broncos: It is being called the biggest free agent signing in NFL history, as Manning, one of the best QBs of all time has moved on to the Broncos. We still need to see how well he can play after recovering from neck surgery and missing the entire season last year. Manning is always a good bet when healthy. He spreads the ball around and is always cool in the pocket. Now he needs to get some more weapons, perhaps former Colt TE Dallas Clark? Either way as long as he is in the NFL, Manning is a guy you have to go to.

Stock: Rising

Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, WRs, Broncos: Both are young and talented and both did pretty good, despite what many said about Tim Tebow’s passing skill, or lack of. Both have showed the ability to get scores deep and each possesses nice hands. The key will be for them to learn the timing of Manning, and be able to work within his perfectionist style. There is little doubt that if Manning comes in healthy that these guys go from 14th or 15th rounders up to 7th or 8th at the latest. Of course seeing some practice and pre-season action will help greatly.

Stock: Rising

Tim Tebow, QB, Jets: Traded to the Jets, only to have that trade catch a snag, “Tebow-mania” has had quite a fall out from last season. We all know he has the heart and soul of a true competitor, and can run like any back in the league. However Tebow wants to be a QB, and there just does not seem to be any team ready to make him the starter. He may have to find himself as a gadget player and will have to wait for a possible injury to get a full-time gig under Center again. Until we know where he lands, this is really tough to tell.

Stock: Plummeting

Drew Brees, QB, Saints: How can you go wrong with a guy with numbers like Brees? Well I’ll tell you. Last season when head coach Sean Payton broke his leg and was forced to coach from the booth, the offense wasn’t quite the same, and Brees admitted it affected him. So now Brees will have to go all year without his coach after he was served a 1 year suspension by the NFL for his part in the Bounty Case. He also lost Guard Carl Nicks and WR Robert Meacham this off-season, and has a little thing like a Franchise Tag hanging over his head. It seems like Drew is having a bad off-season, so I urge you to beware.

Stock: Falling

Brandon Lloyd, WR, Patriots: You want a potential fantasy jackpot? Suddenly you have to love Brandon Lloyd, a WR with great speed, excellent hands and is ready to be the leader of a very good crop of TE’s and WR’s. Lloyd has spent his pro years on some very poor teams, but has always managed to deliver highlight reel catches and big numbers. He is also reuniting with Josh McDaniels who is now the offensive coordinator for the Pats and was his head coach in Denver when Lloyd posted 77 catches for over 1,100 yards. Oh and did I mention a QB named Tom Brady?

Stock: Rising

BenJarvis Green-Ellis, RB, Bengals: A new look for both Green-Ellis and the Bengals here, but this one has me concerned. Bernard Scott is still here waiting for his chance to be the lead back, and Green-Ellis lacked big numbers last year. Cedric Benson did decent in this system last year, but the Bengals with QB Andy Dalton have become a passing team again. Not a great sign for Green-Ellis who is not known for his hands and skills in the passing game. This is one that we will have to see to judge, but I won’t be too excited yet.

Stock: Slipping

Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers: Sometimes all a player needs is a change of scenery. Jackson in the past has shown that he has the skills to be a great WR, but also has shown the ability to quit when unhappy. In Tampa he has a QB in Josh Freeman who has shown us Jekyll and Hyde so far in his career. If we get the guy from 2010, Jackson will be insane, if not he may be sorry for this move, well despite all the money. Tampa has been busy this off-season let’s see if it pays off.

Stock: Soaring

Mike Tolbert, RB, Panthers: Huh? Did he not just leave San Diego for a chance to see more carries? This makes very little sense to me. Not only do they have DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, but from 1 or 2 yards out they also have Cam Newton at QB who likes to run them in too. He may get some action in the passing game, where they lacked as a team in the backfield, but he is not taking over anyone else’s job yet.

Stock: Falling

Robert Griffin the Third, QB, Rookie: After an excellent combine and a good pro day, it is obvious that RG3 will go early in the draft, and has the skills to be the next Cam Newton. Sure it is hard to trust rookie QBs, but if he goes to the Redskins as expected he will be met with new signings Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. Griffin is looking like a safe bet, if not this year, in the near future. Keeper league alert!

Stock: Sky-rocketing

Alex Smith, QB, 49ers: Turned out to be a pretty good move for Smith to go back to San Francisco as he got a nice big contract and has improving weapons and a good head coach. Smith showed last season that he can run the ball, and guys like TE Vernon Davis, and WR Michael Crabtree got better as the season rolled along. Now he gets to add a veteran star WR in Randy Moss. Has Smith’s career been revived? We will soon find out.

Stock: Rising

Matt Flynn, QB, Seahawks: Possibly the Seahawks believe in deja vous? Last time they went out and got a former Green Bay back up it turned out to be Matt Hasselbeck who had a decent career in Seattle. Now it is Matt Flynns turn, a guy who has started 2 games, but has thrown 9 TDs and just 2 INTs in those starts. Yes he has the advantage of learning behind a great QB like Aaron Rodgers, and the Seahawks have a good run game working and lots of young quick receivers, but is Flynn worth the deal he signed? Heck will he even beat out Tavaris Jackson? We will need a lot of video here.

Stock: Tip Toes Up

Texans Defense: A few key losses here have some wondering. Mario Williams is now in Buffalo, and DeMeco Ryans has been dealt to the Eagles. Yes, they have some nice pieces, but have lost 2 big leaders.

Stock: Free Falling

Arian Foster, RB, Texans: I ask you all to watch closely here. Houston has watched half of last years steady offensive line go elsewhere in free agency, and QB Matt Schaub is coming off of an injury. Foster has all the tools, but he could suffer from losing key pieces. Also we have to mention how good Ben Tate looked last year when given a chance. Now that Foster has his money, will he remain huge?

Stock: Even

Laurent Robinson, WR, Jaguars: Why would any WR make a move from a pass-happy offense like Dallas to go to a place like Jacksonville where WRs career go to die? Well money and a chance to be a number 1 for sure. Robinson after traveling around the league and never really finding a home, had a nice season last year after stepping in for an injured Miles Austin. He may have used that to land a nice pay day, but I’m not too sure that he is the guy the Jags think he is. Also QB Blaine Gabbard has a lot to learn about playing QB in the NFL. This is a head-scratcher.

Stock: Slipping

Peyton Hillis, RB, Chiefs: Another surprising spot for a free agent to land. Sure we need to see how Jamaal Charles’ knee will be this season, but Hillis needs to find his game again after struggling with injuries in 2011. He is still a big, bruising back, but K.C. loves to spread the ball around and he may find himself unhappy all over again.

Stock: Slipping

Donald Brown, RB, Colts: Joseph Addai and Peyton Manning are gone and so in comes a rookie QB, so is this Browns chance to be the leader? They did bring in Delonne Carter last year who showed flashes, but Brown picked it up late in the season, and might be quick enough and good enough in the passing game to have a nice season. If the Colts stay still at RB in the draft, you may have to consider Brown in the middle rounds.

Stock: Climbing

Trent Richardson, RB, Rookie: We don’t know for certain where he is going to end up, but if he does end up in Cleveland with the Browns you have to like his chances of seeing loads of playing time. The Browns rid themselves of Peyton Hillis so are looking for a new lead back. If they land Richardson, we can be looking at a rookie of the year candidate.

Stock: Rising

Justin Blackmon, WR, Rookie: Once again his landing spot is not known, but a good chance says he ends up in St. Louis, and if that is the case it will be huge for him. Young QB Sam Bradford needs a good target, and many believe Blackmon will be the best rookie WR since Calvin Johnson. He is big and strong and plenty fast with good hands and work ethic. If he does not go to the Rams and ends up with the Browns you may have to think twice.

Stock: Rising

Robert Meacham, WR, Chargers: Philip Rivers is a QB that loves tall, quick WRs and Meacham comes in here with a chance to steal the number 1 spot. Over the last few years this former first-round pick was lost in the shuffle in New Orleans, but here he gets his chance to get more looks and I think he can capitalize. Some out there have little faith in Meacham and believe he has been around long enough to develop bad habits, but I say he is worth a mid-round pick to see what he has.

Stock: Even

DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles: He got his big contract and his team got that disaster of a season out of the way. The Eagles still have a good core, and Jackson can go back to try and be that deep threat he has become famous for. The hype of “Dream Team” is well behind them, role players are being worked in rather than superstars, and many of the team’s top assets have been locked in long term. As long as QB Michael Vick can stay healthy, Jackson should be back, and worthy of our trust.

Stock: Rising

Brandon Marshall, WR, Bears: This could be the best move of the off-season, as long as Marshall faces no suspension time. When he was with Jay Cutler the last time in Denver, he was a constant 100 catch, 1,000 yard and double-digit TD guy, so it should come easy for these 2 being together again. Marshall truly is gifted, but this is his third team in his career, so the time is now for him to focus and succeed.

Stock: ( barring a suspension ) Booming!

David Garrard, QB, Dolphins: Yikes! I for one have always liked Garrard. I think he plays smart, with fire and has shown he can be a winner. However, Miami has seen many run out of here, traded Brandon Marshall, could not land Peyton Manning, and have very little in the pass game. Garrard missed all of last season, and his reward is a team in trouble. He is not a guy that gets drafted that’s for sure, but even as far as a free agent fantasy guy, we would have to see a tremendous turn around.

Stock: Bottomless Pit

Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts: All he needed to do was wait it out and he could have been on his way to Denver. Instead Wayne dropped his name on a contract back in Indy, and now will try to fit in with a new rookie QB. Wayne over the years has been one of the very few WR who could be a possesions guy, 3rd down guy, and deep threat, but now it will be hard to know what he can do. He has the skill for sure, but he is aged, and will have a whole new system to learn. Could it be a long year for Reggie?

Stock: Falling

So here are some players to keep an eye on, and we still have plenty more free agents to sign up and make a difference. Next I will take a look at some of the top draft prospects at the skill positions. Who do you want for your team? Comments here are always appreciated!

Peyon Manning jerseys on Amazon.com

100 Yards of Glory: The Greatest Moments in NFL History

NFL Jerseys on Amazon.com

NFL America’s Game Super Bowl I-XL on DVD

Well, it seems like only a day or so ago that the New York Giants finished their miracle run and won the Super Bowl over the New England Patriots. The NFL off-season moves really fast though, and it is time for owners and GMs to get ready for Free Agency in a few short days, and the NFL Draft in late April.

After last season’s delay with the lockout, some teams failed to lock up some of their big time players, which makes this a pretty good bunch of talent that can be had this season. Yes free agency is filled with tons of names, and today I will be showing you some of the top names and what fate may await them on the market.

Let’s face it, from 32-1 every team in the league could use better talent at certain spots, or lock up a key role player that may have eluded them this past season. Teams can even change their entire look with the types of players available at QB, RB and on defense.

So let’s get down to it and take a look at the 2012 NFL Free Agents!

Quarterback:

Drew Brees, Saints: The last time Brees was a free agent it came down to the Saints and the Dolphins. Miami had decided that they were not pleased with the results of his physical, and the rest is history. Brees brought life to a dying franchise, won a Super Bowl, broke NFL passing records and has become the face of the city of New Orleans. Yes, he will get paid heavily somewhere, but it would be hard to imagine him leaving the Saints. They have lots of signing to do with other free agents, but Brees should be top priority. If not New Orleans, there will be plenty of teams knocking at his door.

Alex Smith, 49ers: A former overall number 1 pick who seemed to be at the end of his line, Smith was the leader of a 49er team that made it to the conference championship last year. Yes, they did use a second-round pick last season on QB Colin Kaepernick, but after Smith’s season and playoff performances, we would think that head coach Jim Harbaugh would want him back, and given his past he may not be looking to break the bank.

Matt Flynn, Packers: Can one game really make a star? Flynn played in the season finale for the Packers last year and well, threw only 6 TDs! We have seen similar success stories in the past with guys like Matt Hasselbeck and Matt Schaub (hmm, more guys named Matt), so it is very possible. If you want to get even more technical, Brett Favre was once a back-up QB in Atlanta. Flynn does have some skill, and a team like Washington could look to pin their hopes on him. The question is just how much does anyone trust him, and what can he be worth financially? Watching and learning behind Aaron Rodgers, much like Rodgers did with Favre can’t hurt either.

Kyle Orton, Chiefs: He went from a mere back-up in Chicago that nobody trusted to the starter, then off to Denver where he had a few decent seasons, then off to Kansas City. Orton may not be a Super Bowl QB, and his arm strength always raises questions, but he has shown the ability to be a good leader, and when healthy, can throw a ton every week. A team like Miami may look for his veteran leadership, and it would reunite him with WR Brandon Marshall.

David Garrard, Free Agent: Garrard passed on a chance to play in 2011 after being released from Jacksonville to have surgery and heal. Now in 2012 he finds himself in a busy market, and looking for another chance at a starting job. In the past he has shown great poise, leadership, and a nice touch on his passes in leading a Jaguar team limited in WR talent. Now he can look around and try to find a good home filled with more talent. It will be interesting to see what he has left, but outside of Brees and potentially Peyton Manning, Garrard may be the best choice on the free agent market if proven healthy.

Jason Campbell, Raiders: Washington was not the answer and apparently Oakland was not the answer either. So what is in store for Jason Campbell? It’s hard to imagine a team that is banking on Campbell to be the answer and from here on his career may be that of a good back-up instead of a starter. As we saw last year, a proven QB is big on a roster, and teams like Kansas City and Chicago certainly would have had a better chance with a QB like Campbell on their roster. How much he can get paid, and what role remains to be seen, but Campbell should realize he is clearly landing somewhere as a back-up.

Chad Henne, Dolphins: Miami as a whole was going nowhere fast last year until Henne went down with an injury and QB Mat Moore took over. Henne will make a good back up somewhere in the league, but his days as a starter could be gone. He is not a big arm, or a savvy scrambler, but he will get a job and be useful for sure.

Dan Orlovsky, Colts: It’s not saying much, but he was the best healthy QB on the Colts roster last year. After going winless behind Kerry Collins and Curtis Painter, Orlovsky made the most of his chance and got the Colts a win. He has always been trapped behind starters in which the team had a lot invested, so he rarely got a chance, but shows when he plays he can be a decent passer. He will once again be getting a back-up gig, but more teams should be looking his way.

Shaun Hill, Lions: Hard to think that the Lions will lose both of their back-ups this off-season given the injury history of Matthew Stafford. Hill has shown that he can air it out and deliver numbers similar to Stafford in this offense, and had some decent showings back when he was with the 49ers. He is loose with the ball however which had always prevented him from being a full time starter. Hill should be on many teams wish list though as he can fill in easily.

Other names: Donovan McNabb, Drew Stanton, Trent Edwards

Running Back:

Ray Rice, Ravens: If Rice signs elsewhere, it will easily be considered the best signing of the off-season. A back with great speed, strength, hands, and elusive moves, Rice is one of the very best backs in the NFL. He has shown that not only can he go over 1,000 yards, but also haul serious reception numbers and turn even a tiny screen pass into a huge play. Rice has expressed interest in returning to Baltimore, even if he has to sign a franchise tag contract, but many will come make offers, and those offers will be filled with big dollars. With QB Joe Flacco also looking for a huge deal, it will be interesting to see what the Ravens do with Rice.

Matt Forte, Bears: It was the talk of the off-season last year about Forte and the Bears working on a new deal. He had expressed his interest in getting a long-term contract and the Bears held off and waited. In the beginning it looked as if it was a mistake that would cost the Bears millions upon millions of dollars as Forte was the putting up career numbers. Late in the season it looked a bit smarter after he suffered a season-ending injury. Now it becomes an interesting story of wills and who will give in here. Forte has tremendous hands and route running skills for a RB, and also a strong bruising type style. He will be chased after by many teams, but it’s the Bears that need him the most.

Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks: He had a good rookie year in Buffalo, than some mistakes and injuries made way for others to take his job. However, to the surprise of many, Lynch found his way back to the top in Seattle. In the second half of 2011 Lynch was looking like the best back in the NFL. He was carrying defenders all over the filled, showing explosive burst of speed, and scoring at will. The Seahawks came to life behind Lynch and they should be the front-runner to sign him again. Lynch is young enough to merit a longer term deal, so Seattle will have their work cut out for them.

Peyton Hillis, Browns: In 2010 Hillis seemed unstoppable, and was the center of an improving Browns offense. In 2011 talks of a new contract, injuries, speaking badly about his team and the suspected “Madden Curse” led to a dreadful season for Hillis. So who is he? Is he the beast that ran for over 1,000 yards in Denver and Cleveland, or is he a complainer who will shy away from playing over small injuries and look out for number 1? You have to think the Browns would be happy to pony up the loot if they knew they would get the 2010 Hillis, as would many teams, but his work ethic will have to improve.

Mike Tolbert, Chargers: Tolbert started 2011 with a bang as he scored 3 TDs and was banging through defenders and catching passes. However in San Diego no offensive player is ever safe week to week, and the team went back to relying heavily on RB Ryan Mathews. Tolbert is built like a FB but runs like a RB, and is real good in the passing game. A leave from San Diego can prove to do similar things that it did for former teammate Darren Sproles who left for New Orleans. Tolbert deserves more playing time, and will find it. The only question is, where?

Michael Bush, Raiders: This may be Bush’s big break, finally. In his final year of college a leg injury kept him out all season and hurt his draft status. Then he was stuck behind the very talented Darren McFadden in Oakland. He showed this past season, after filling in for an injured McFadden, that he can be a lead back, catch passes and even be tough near the goal line. Bush should push hard to be a starter where ever he goes, and seems worth it. His story reminds me very much of Michael Turner, who has been an excellent back with the Atlanta Falcons after escaping San Diego.

Arian Foster, Texans: The only reason why less fuss is being made about Foster is because he is a restricted free agent who would cost a team at least a first-round pick should he sign elsewhere. However, there is a big situation in Houston where star DE Mario Williams is also up for free agency as is C Chris Myers. Foster may be the all around most talented back in the league and has been an essential part of this offense, but they do have youngster Ben Tate there and worked in Derrick Ward last year. No, I’m not saying Foster is expendable, but anything is possible. He is more than young enough to land a 6 or 7 year deal and is also good enough to earn big dollars. I doubt he is leaving, but it could be a huge signing if he does.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots: The man of many names had an excellent 2010, but fell off a bit in 2011. The Pats drafted 2 backs last year and still have the speedy Danny Woodhead on the roster as well, so many believe Green-Ellis could be on his way out. Is he a product of the system, or can Green-Ellis be a true lead back somewhere else? We will have to wait and see, but the Pats are well known for plugging in and staying successful.

Ryan Grant, Packers: He does get hurt often, but Grant is still a quality runner when healthy. He lost his lead role to James Starks who is much cheaper and they also have a youngster in the wings waiting for carries. Grant isn’t expected to come cheap enough for share-time, so the Packers may not look to resign him. He is not much for the passing game, but is a hard runner with good speed, and would be a good addition anywhere.

Wide Receiver:

Vincent Jackson, Chargers: It seems unlikely that Jackson will sign another franchise tag contract and the Chargers have been grooming players to fill his role. Yes he is tall and strong and can run fast enough to be a quality number 1 receiver in this league. His problem has become his lack of commitment, and he tends to disappear at times. Although his time in San Diego seems over, he will get looks, especially from a team like New England, who did wonders for Randy Moss’ career resurgence, and are badly in need of a deep threat. Jackson will have to prove to any team that he is ready to be the guy from a few years back and not the contract squabbling man of the last 2 seasons.

Wes Welker, Patriots: We need to forget about that tough non-catch in the Super Bowl and remember that we are talking about the guy with more receptions than anyone in the league over the last few seasons. Welker is the ultimate slot receiver, has great speed, and rarely misses time despite his lack of physical size. I can’t even imagine him in another uniform, and the Pats will certainly make the right offer, but keep in mind, this is a business, and at times some contracts can be too many dollars for any owner. Shall he move on they have his clone ready in Julian Edelman, but no one really is Welker.

Reggie Wayne, Colts: This is a real toughie! Should the Colts look to keep Wayne and have him help the probable new QB Andrew Luck? Will they keep him around in case they stick with Peyton Manning? All of this really comes down to Wayne. He still has the big play potential and is an excellent all-around receiver who can catch for possession, long balls, or in near the goal line for TDs. His age will keep him from multiple years, but he can certainly grab big cash if he decides to leave. Also keep in mind that the Colts also have youth at WR in Pierre Garcon also up for free agency. Indy will have a busy off-season, and Wayne may not benefit from it, well at least not in staying with Indy.

DeSean Jackson, Eagles: Explosive is a great way to describe Jackson for sure, but in 2011 it was more of an explosive personality than skills. After proving to be one of the most exciting players in the league the last few seasons, Jackson began a campaign for his new deal which included hiring mega-agent Drew Rosenhaus, showing uo late to team meetings which led to a suspension, and wandering alone on the sidelines to avoid talking to any teammates. Jackson seems best fit for the Eagles offense, but they don’t seem up for playing hardball with him after a 2011 season in which they missed the playoffs. Jackson can be mouthy and overly flashy, but when he’s on, he can be spectacular.

Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs: A bit of an enigma, but packed with skills, Bowe could use a change of scenery. Former Chiefs coach Todd Haley tried to bury him early on during his stint in KC, but Bowe got down and dirty, worked hard and showed he is a formidable WR in the league. He needs to be on a winner now, and the Chiefs don’t seem to have those pieces in place yet. Last years rookie James Baldwin may make Bowe expendable, and many teams will come calling.

Marques Colston, Saints: When healthy he is one of the best, but that’s when. Colston was a 7th round pick turned overnight success turned injury-prone question mark, but is a great weapon to have. Now the Saints will have to get crafty as they have plenty of players up for free agency, and Colston may not get maximum dollars if he stays, however it has been kind to him, and he will benefit best staying.

Stevie Johnson, Bills: As an unknown in 2010 Johnson burst onto the scene, caught 80+ passes and became a well thought of up and comer. Fast forward to 2011, and he became a mouthy, poorly imitating loud mouth WR, the diva type that many in the NFL can’t stand. Now is the time for him to grow up and use his playmaking ability to trump his mouth. Johnson can get as high as a 7 year deal due to his youth and play, but teams will want to know more about his personality. Buffalo could certainly use a more mature Johnson, but will suffer badly from the immature Johnson. Will he be T.O. or will he prove to be more of an Andre Johnson?

Mario Manningham, Giants: His game saving Super Bowl catch could keep him in New York, but the Giants have a lot to do. Victor Cruz is in the last year of his deal, Hakeem Nicks’ contract is taking up plenty of space and they have guys on defense to sure up. Manningham is a good WR, but suffered through injuries and just flat out getting lost in the shuffle last year. Hard to imagine one catch being enough to earn long term deals, but somewhere out there, CB Larry Allen continues to chuckle.

Brandon Lloyd, Rams: Never playing for a winner, Lloyd’s name has never been thought of as elite, but he has great playmaking skills and has made many highlight reel catches in his career. His trade to St. Louis last year seemed to breathe life into him, and he has showed plenty of interest in returning. He also had said that former coach Josh McDaniels had made him better, so perhaps a campaign to be the big gun in New England? We shall see.

Mike Wallace, Steelers: Much like Arian Foster, Wallace is a restricted free agent, but also a guy who may be worth the pick. Wallace is arguably the fastest player in the NFL and is an excellent long ball threat. He has stepped up and gotten better each season so many teams can benefit from having him aboard. Want an interesting twist here? The Patriots, who have been bucking for a true deep threat, have multiple first-round picks, and no one they can grab in this draft can possibly compare to what they would get from Wallace, and playing with Tom Brady could have many calling him the leagues best WR. Just a thought, but interesting at least!

Offensive Line:

Carl Nicks, Saints: Last year the Saints dished out 56 million dollars for guard Jahri Evans, and will have to come up close this season with Nicks. Combined they are possibly the best 1-2 punch at Guard in the league, and the Saints have had excellent success due to the protection they provide. Nicks will be sought after for sure, but it is well believed that he will give the Saints every chance to keep him around.

Ben Grubbs, Ravens: The busy off-season for the Ravens continues with Grubbs, an excellent run-blocking Guard who pulls out nicely and brings great strength to a talented offensive line. A guy with Pro-Bowl caliper skills, Grubbs is essential to keep here as the team may be shelling out big bucks at RB with Ray Rice and QB with Joe Flacco.

Scott Wells, Packers: Not the flashy name and big time position player we are used to talking about in Green Bay, but he has been a steady performer and a Pro Bowl Center with the Packers. He is a solid run blocker and pass blocker as well and had become a quiet leader on this team loaded with talent. Center is always a tough position in this league, and the less your name is heard, the better it is believed you are, and Wells is a guy that could land a big deal, even if he stays in Green Bay.

Chris Myers, Texans: Head Coach Gary Kubiack and his zone-scheme running attack needs a great center in the middle of it all, and Myers is certainly one of the better ones in the league. The Texans problem is they have to lock up both Mario Williams and Arian Foster, so it is hard to know how much money they will be able to throw at Myers. If they can’t retain him, he will have no problems getting a job anywhere in the league.

Jared Gaither, Chargers: Once seen as a promising star, Gaither found himself oft-injured and out of work after being released by Kansas City. In a stroke of luck many injuries to the Tackles in San Diego got him another chance, and he was excellent, and very steady in protecting Philip Rivers. In fact Rivers numbers got much better after the signing of Gaither, and he had more time to look downfield. After spending a ton for Marcus McNeil, they now have to make a choice, keep Gaither at a discount and dump McNeil, or let Gaither walk. A tough choice either way, but Gaither will get a nice deal somewhere.

Jeff Backus, Lions: Forget all the big flashy names they are getting, and look at Backus. Here is a steady, hard-working, Tackle who lets his play do the talking rather than his mouth. He has seen the worst of times here and now is poised and deserving of the best of times. The Lions will not win many fans if they let this veteran walk away, and despite the needs and players they need to sign, they need to make Backus first. He is a great name to be free, and can create a buzz if left to go.

Defensive End:

Mario Williams, Texans: “Super” Mario was moved to outside linebacker in the teams new 3-4 scheme last year, and was playing real well until an injury cut his season short. Williams is an excellent pass rusher, and has done plenty to make the fans forget about the Texans choosing him over both Reggie Bush and Vince Young. Now the question burns: Do they franchise him or Arian Foster, and who gets the big deal? Williams has told ESPN he would like to stay in Houston and it is not about a huge contract, but he wants to get a good deal. Yes, the Texans played well without him after his injury, but he is still very hard to replace in the long run. Losing him may hurt this team and this city more than one may think.

Robert Mathis, Colts: For years well known as the guy on the other side of Dwight Freeney, this may finally be the time for Mathis to move on and also cash in at the same time. The Colts have lots of players to work on this off-season, and Mathis may be very expendable. It will be a real tough loss, but most likely a move they will have to make, so we can expect Mathis to be changing uniforms in 2012.

Calais Campbell, Cardinals: You just don’t find a guy like this every day. 6 foot, 7 inches and over 300 pounds, but still an excellent skilled pass rusher and can also play the run well. Campbell has improved every year, and the Cards defense is getting better as well, so it may be essential for these 2 to stay together. He is a guy that can line up anywhere up front and is a rising star.

Cliff Avril, Lions: One of the bigger talkers so far leading up to free agency has been Avril. He told the Lions he will not sign a franchise tag, as is looking for a long term deal. He had an excellent 2011 season, but the Lions have some holes to fill, and that may be too much for them to also lock in Avril long term. He is a bit smaller than your typical defensive lineman but he has a hard working motor, and proved to have a knack for the ball. The Lions are in a tight spot here, and Avril can benefit from an active market.

John Abraham, Falcons: It seems like decades since he left the Jets for the Falcons and big free agent dollars. He has been a good pass rusher for years, but the Falcons have younger guys to sign, and it may be a new team for Abraham. He is aging so may not get a lot of years, but the time may be here for him to look for a new destination. The Falcons however may try and get him back on the cheap, if he chooses to go that way.

Jovan Haye, Bucs: This way the guy that was being labeled as the “Next Freak” in Tennessee a few years back, then he became an injury-plagued forgotten guy. Haye may still have a little something left and could be a steal to a team in need of a rotation guy on the defensive line. Yes, he may very well be a once was, but he is worth a chance on the cheap. His size at 6 foot 2 inches and 277 pounds is nice for a pass rushing end, so maybe a rebirth? We shall see.

Defensive Tackle:

Sione Pouha, Jets: In a position rarely filled with big names or lusty free agents, this guy is the best of the bunch. A good run stuffer in a 3-4 scheme, he can wreck havoc to opponents running attack. The Jets looked very human late last year against the run, so this hole-plugger is a must sign for them. The 3-4 is becoming a popular scheme again, so his talents will be gobbled up if he is not kept in New York.

Shaun Rogers, Saints: The big man is still around, and still one of the more agile big men in the league. He may not be the superstar that he was expected to be, but he is still a good front-line stuff for the run and a decent pass rusher too. Not sure how much a team will be willing to shell out, but the Saints have so much signing to do, he is most likely to slip through the cracks, yes even Rogers can slip through this kind of crack.

Amobi Okoye, Bears: One of the youngest guys to ever enter the league, he is still young enough to make a comeback. A former first-round pick of the Texans, Okoye never hit that star level, but in a league starving for big men up the middle, he may be worth a decent look and a half decent deal.

Jason Jones, Titans: Albert Haynesworth, “The Freak”, and Jovan Haye are all long gone, but Jones has been a steady front line guy before his injury last season. The Titans decided to move him to end, which seemed to hurt his game, and it is expected that if he stays, or chooses to sign elsewhere, it’ll be back at D-tackle, where his skills are best used.

Linebacker:

Curtis Lofton, Falcons: A tough hitter, and a good guy in pursuit of the ball, Lofton started to step up and be a big leader on this Falcons defense. In 2011 he was one of the top tacklers in the league by the numbers, but may fall victim of a team strapped in having to sign too many players this off-season. Lofton can play the middle in a 4-3 defense, so he is worth a good contract, and in the right defense can only improve.

Stephen Tulloch, Lions: Yet another Lion on the fence here. Tulloch left the Titans and found instant success in Detroit, where he became a leader on a much improved defense. At just 5’11″ he is short, but it makes for him to decoy and hide himself nicely behind a big line and sneak up on QBs and RBs. Tulloch may not take huge dollars to keep, but he will be looking for long terms.

London Fletcher, Redskins: One of the very best, and unsung heroes of the NFL over the years, Fletcher, even at 37 years old, is worth a look. He is an excellent leader, a big tackle guy and makes the big plays in the clutch. He is also very valuable if he finds himself going to a team with a younger bunch that can learn plenty from him. He may not be near as fast as he once was, but he is a solid asset worth signing for 2 years.

E.J. Henderson, Vikings: The Vikings once excellent defense is getting old, and was not all that spectacular last year, so it may be time to move on with some names. Henderson has suffered some tough injuries, but he is a great ball player in pursuit and is a good tackler. He may not be an every down guy, but a guy that is an excellent compliment on any team. Remains to be seen what he can gather on the open market.

Brady Poppinga, Rams: Poppinga has improved, and is a solid linebacker in the league. He won’t get huge dollars, but in this market which is light on LBs he will be looked at by a few teams.

Cornerback:

Carlos Rogers, 49ers: After being a high draft pick of the Redskins, Rogers found himself being very mediocre, until a move to the 49ers proved profitable and Rogers became a Pro Bowl caliper player in 2011. As it seems to be with many corners, a change of scene usually does them good, but Rogers has expressed how much he’d love to stay in San Fran. He can get a big contract somewhere for sure, as corners are always in demand, but San Fran will try hard to keep him.

Brent Grimes, Falcons: Grimes had a good season in 2011, but the problem is the fact that Atlanta just got done last year shelling out huge dollars for then free agent Dunta Robinson. Grimes will be 29 so he has some game left in him, but the Falcons have lots of guys to try and lock up this off-season. Grimes will get a good deal in 2012, that is for sure and plenty of teams would love his services.

Cortland Finnegan, Titans: A hard-nosed, and often seen as a dirty player, Finnegan certainly does bring it every week. Not too many players will go punch for punch with Andre Johnson and chase him around and call him out all game long, but Finnegan has done such. He is a good cover corner, but also has the pop of a safety. Her plays the run well for a corner, which is a big plus to many defensive coordinators. Finnegan could probably benefit from a change of scene and the hunt for him will involve quite a few teams.

Brandon Carr, Chiefs: Carr, still just 25 years old, can very well be this year’s James Joseph. Joseph walked away from a good secondary with the Bengals and landed a big deal with the Texans, and had an excellent season. Carr, much like Joseph, was teamed with a good partner in Brandon Flowers, but lacked a bit this past season. A new team could do Carr some good, and use his good speed and cover skills better. The Chiefs have built a good defense, and need to keep as many keep key pieces as possible.

Rashean Mathis, Jaguars: One of the better cover corners over the last few years, he was struck by injury last year. He may be a step slower, but if he is brought in as a number 2 corner he can still be a great asset. The Jags have said they would like to see how he can move and pivot etc. before locking him into a new deal, but in today’s game you rarely get that chance before someone else swoops in.

Terrell Thomas, Giants: An injury forced him to miss most of the 2011 season, and the Giants found talent around them that could make him expendable. Thomas brings great pop to the corner position and is becoming a better cover corner. It remains to be seen how well he comes back from his injury, but he is a young talent, and could be a solid number 2 corner in most schemes. The Giants have plenty to do this off-season, so unless Thomas comes very cheap, he will move on.

Safety:

Dashon Goldson, 49ers: It will come down to whether he or Carlos Rogers most likely for the 49ers and who they will resign. Goldson had a Pro Bowl type season, and is an excellent hitter as well as cover guy for a safety. He became one of the unsung leaders of an excellent 49ers defense, and is expected to only get better. San Francisco will most likely sign him, and do it quickly.

LaRon Landry, Redskins: A top 10 pick a few years ago, Landry was moving along nicely until suffering an injury last season. The Redskins have had some tough luck with safeties over the last few years, but should still make the effort to sign him and see how he can progress. Landry, much like Goldson can hit and also cover, and has good coverage speed downfield. A well rounded player that can get many offers if Washington does not bring him back.

Michael Griffin, Titans: An enigma who at times looks lost, and at others looks excellent, Griffin is one of many Titans secondary players who are free in 2012. He runs well, and covers despite not being a huge hitter, and once again, could use the change of scene. Griffin is tall, and can cover ground, and is a guy who can be locked up for 5 years.

Chris Hope, Titans: Another Titan that could be on the move, Hope had been a tackling machine in years past. A good safety and a decent leader, he can be a good plug in guy in many schemes. The Titans may choose to clean house, so throwing heavy dollars at a guy like Hope would make very little sense for them.

Jim Leonhard, Jets: A punt returner and a guy who can hit with big force, Leonhard is a bit of an under-rated talent that the Jets may not be able to afford to part with. He does not have great covering speed, but plays the position well, and is a nice asset in the running game for the Jets defense. An injury to him last year was a big hit to the Jets, but Rex Ryan’s defense seems to be a nice fit for him.

So here is some names worth looking at. No, I didn’t bring up a Randy Moss, or a T.O. but these are the guys that will be movers and shakers this off-season. A lot of excitement is yet to come, so stay tuned NFL fans! As always, thanks for reading!

If you’d like to hear anything else from me on topics or ideas I can be reached at [email protected]

New York Giants 4x 4 Time Super Bowl Champions Champs Roster Tee T Shirt Reebok

NFL Men’s New York Giants Super Bowl XLVI Champion Choice IV Deep Royal Short Sleeve Basic Tee

NFL Men’s New York Giants Super Bowl XLVI Champions Locker Room Tee

100 Yards of Glory: The Greatest Moments in NFL History

NFL Jerseys on Amazon.com

Madden 12 video game

NFL America’s Game Super Bowl I-XL on DVD

With Super Bowl XLVI in the books and not much on the NFL plate otherwise, I wanted to take time out to look into some potential things we could see in the 2012 NFL season. On this list you obviously won’t see Tom Brady or Eli Manning, but there could be some other interesting names moving, retiring, or just taking on a different role in 2012.

Now obviously this is an opinion-based story, but also some knowledge of the NFL goes into it. Some of these moves make great sense, some of it well just pure wishful thinking. In other words, don’t sweat it out fans if you see the name of one of your favorite players here. Also if you have anything to add, please feel free to comment at the end of this article. As always, thanks for reading!

Peyton Manning, QB, Colts: He missed the entire 2011 season with a neck injury, but the work ethic of Manning, and pure desire to play will have him back in 2012. Now the burning question is, where? With the Colts owning the number 1 pick in this year’s draft, it is believed they will choose the coveted QB Andrew Luck out of Stanford. The buzz is that the Colts would consider releasing Manning before having to pay him huge dollars and also have Luck sit the bench. So with that being said, if Manning is released, the list of teams after him can be a big one.

So far he has been linked to the Jets, Dolphins, Cardinals and the Redskins. It would make good sense to think that Manning would look to stay in a better climate, and possibly even a dome. Despite the name not coming up as of yet, my firm belief is the Dallas Cowboys.

Owner Jerry Jones would love the draw of a big time QB, and he has a great arsenal of weapons in Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Laurent Robinson and Jason Witten. What about Tony Romo you may ask? Well let’s face it, he isn’t getting to the playoffs let alone winning division titles or making it to any Super Bowls. The move makes sense on many levels. As for other suitors, the Dolphins would seem the next logical choice, and maybe the Cardinals. The Jets and Redskins are most likely out.

David Garrard, QB, Free Agent: With the shock of his release right before the 2011 season behind him, and his rehab work from surgery going well, Garrard will also be back in 2012, and is the second best option at QB besides Manning. Opting to have surgery this season did cost him some potential good jobs, but it also opens the door for him to be healthier and a starter in 2012. With the list of teams looking, the Dolphins seem a nice fit. They have an improved running game and a big time WR in Brandon Marshall. However, Garrard does not have the same clout as Manning as far as being too picky, so teams like the Redskins are very much in the mix.

Terrell Owens, WR, Free Agent: Another player that missed all of 2011, and at times totally forgotten, yet Owens swears he will be back in the NFL in 2012. Still very much the physical specimen, Owens can fill in nicely with a pass-happy offense. The question is, does he still have enough speed to go up against young corners? Also, can he be a good teammate and keep his mouth quiet? There are certainly teams that could use his service, and he will at least get a look this off-season.

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Jets: There was some talk of L.T. retiring after this season, but nothing has been set in stone yet. However, after his sound off on Showtime Networks “Inside The NFL”, Tomlinson could be looking for a new home. Calling QB Mark Sanchez “pampered” and saying that head coach Rex Ryan spoke to much about opponents each week isn’t going to have him back welcomed with open arms. He can still be serviceable as a 3rd down back with good hands and some power running. A team like Bengals could use a guy like him to catch some passes out of the backfield. Tomlinson would probably want to consider a team with a chance of winning it all, so knowing where he could go is tough at this time.

Chad Ochocinco, WR, Patriots: Here is one guy who probably wishes he missed all of 2011. Not being able to catch passes with Tom Brady at QB is not the best career move, and many teams may be pretty sour on him at this point. His attitude has never been a key asset either, so would any team really want a loud mouth WR with diminished skills? Possibly not, but in pro sports, where many athletes get third and fourth chances, Ochocinco could show up somewhere again next season. In my opinion I’d rather see Chad Johnson return, the name change seems to have ruined his career.

Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens: He instantly squashed rumors of retiring the day after his teams loss in the AFC Championship game, and so far kicker Billy Cundiff lives on. Lewis is the type of player that may have to be carted off the field with a gruesome injury before he ever openly decides to retire. In reality with all his heart, and ability, are we really ready for life in the NFL without Ray Lewis? He will be in yet another Pro Bowl this season and most surely on the field in 2012, with the Ravens.

Randy Moss, WR, Free Agent: When the 2011 season started, and no team showing any interest in Moss, he decided to retire. After missing an entire season, and most likely not working out, it may be safe to say Moss will stay retired. He did revive his career with some good seasons in New England, and he can hang his hat on that at least.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Free Agent: The skills are pretty much gone as he showed during a rough half-season in Minnesota in 2011. After being released by the Vikings, teams like the Texans and the Bears who were desperate for a veteran QB, did not go after McNabb, which shows how little interest there is in him. Unless the plan for him is to be a back-up and carry a clipboard, we may not see McNabb in 2012.

DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles: After not getting his new contract last season, and also being benched by his team at points during the season many feel his time in Philly is over. Jackson is still an explosive play-maker and has great speed and good hands. The problem lies within his small frame, and he his not the ultimate possession receiver. Jackson is full out homerun hitting or not much at all, and that does not get a lot of teams excited about paying him 10+ million dollars per year. His skills and style is best set for Philly, but it remains to be seen what they will do about a deal.

Stevie Johnson, WR, Bills: Over the course of 1 season he went from being an up-and-coming big game WR, to a trouble-making, bad taste celebrating cancer to a struggling Bills team. Costing his team penalties for tasteless impressions of Jets WR’s Santonio Holes and Plaxico Burress, then showing up late for team meetings, and mouthing off have easily made him a target. The Bills are a team that needs to move forward, and Johnson’s mouth is quickly out-playing his skill, but he does have enough talent to draw some trade interest.

Shawne Merriman, LB, Bills: After leaving San Diego, and fearing for his career about to be over, Merriman caught on with the Bills, only to suffer another season-ending injury. In his time he was truly a force at LB, but now with these injuries continuing to slow him down, he seems more of a shell of himself. If the Bills do not bring him back, it will be difficult for him to find a team who will take a chance for any kind of real money or serious playing time.

Drew Brees, QB, Saints: We are all very confident that he will get the contract he is searching for, in fact the Saints should already be drawing it up.He has become the face of a team and a city, and has become one of the true elite QBs in the NFL. He also brought a Super Bowl to New Orleans, and that will earn him plenty of love for years to come. The chance of him being elsewhere in 2012 is about the same as me being the next QB in New Orleans.

Jon Gruden, Analyst, ESPN: With every off-season comes the name of the popular Gruden. The former Super Bowl winning coach has spent the last few seasons as a color analyst for ESPN’s Monday Night Football, and just signed a long-term, big-money deal to stay with the network. Here is the one point that has many curious though: He can opt out of the ESPN deal, and there is a very lusty job open in Indianapolis with the Colts. The chance to coach the young QB Andrew Luck, veteran WR Reggie Wayne, and that beautiful dome can be attractive to many, no matter how much Gruden seems to like the booth. If this job is not for Gruden, than we can expect to hear the Bill Cowher chants next.

Carlos Rogers, CB, 49ers: After a great 2011 season all around for the 49ers, it is expected that they will try hard to keep Rogers. He finally showed the form that had him as a high draft choice, and will be in the Pro Bowl this season. He has showed interest in returning to San Fran, but just how much will he cost?

Vince Young, QB, Eagles: Sure his pre-season hype of calling the Eagles the “Dream Team” made them a true target and they came up short this past season, but Young can still play in this league. His ability to run and manage a game could be serviceable to a team looking for a jump-start at QB. The Redskins and Dolphins both seem like good chances for him to play, unless they go with the other options available.

Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: One of the games very best can still produce, but is he ready for a change of scene? Fitz went over 1,000 yards again this season, but his catches have dropped, and during the season expressed frustration with the Cardinals situation at QB. If they were to somehow get Peyton Manning, we would have to say 100 percent that he would stay, but outside of that, we can’t be too sure. The Cardinals would make it really tough for a team to grab him, and he would not come cheap, but crazier things have happen. Hey, Carson Palmer retired himself into a new gig, and Fitz could always do the same.

The City Of Los Angeles: Well we know for sure they will not have a team in 2012, but when will they? Does the passing of Al Davis spark a possible move of the Raiders back out of Oakland? Not likely. Los Angeles is a media Mecca, and to think of them being out of the NFL sounds crazy, but so far we have all survived just fine. As of now we are not hearing about anymore NFL expansion, so only a team relocating can bring LA back, if anyone at all is interested.

Earl Bennett’s orange cleats: The hoopla he tried to create with wearing these awful things were nothing more than a fine-fest for him. Yes, his work with QB Jay Cutler is breathing some life into his play, but there is no need for crazy colored shoes to try and make a statement. Let’s win some games and make noise in the playoffs before we try fashion statements shall we Bears?

Well here are just some of the stories we can look forward to in 2012. For now let’s get ready for the Pro Bowl and of course the Super Bowl. We can save all this other speculation for the off-season.

If you’d like to hear anything else from me on topics or ideas I can be reached at [email protected]

100 Yards of Glory: The Greatest Moments in NFL History

NFL Jerseys on Amazon.com

Madden 12 video game

NFL America’s Game Super Bowl I-XL on DVD

Another great season has come and gone Fantasy Football fans, and with it ends all the glory and possible heart-ache that we all suffered week in and week out. The hopes of a perfect draft in mid-August, and the dreams of the big trophy have all played out, so what was it like for you? Are you the bragger, and a hero? Are you the guy already working on the drawing boards for next year? Well whoever you may be, I hope we all had a great season and look forward to 2012!

It is with great pleasure that I bring you all my version of an “Awards Show” for Fantasy Football, with the 3rd annual “Sharky Awards”. For you who may be new to it, my nickname is “The Shark” and well, hence the very simple name of the award. I look back at the great players and some of the duds in which we choose to forget. No, these rankings are in no way official, so if you see something you may not like, feel free to comment at the end and share your thoughts!

As always, thank you to everyone who read, and followed us along this season at CamelClutchBlog.com, and hopefully the help I offered brought you some glory! Here is to a great season past, and wishing many great seasons to come. So sit back, read and relax and enjoy the 2011 Sharky Awards!

2011 Sharky for Most Valuable Player:

Nominees: Drew Brees, QB, Saints, Ray Rice, RB, Ravens, Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers

The Winner: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

With no disrespect to the record breaking year Brees had, or the huge season Rice had, Rodgers was truly the best every week. With 48 TDs he had more than any other player in football and also had 4,643 passing yards and 257 rush yards. He helped lead the Packers to a 15-1 record, and put up all these great stats without even playing the last game. If all this is not enough for you, consider Rodgers threw just 6 INTs and completed a whopping 69 percent of his passes. Not too shabby!

Best Quarterback:

Nominees: Tom Brady, Patriots, Aaron Rodgers, Packers, Drew Brees, Saints

The Winner: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

I know what you may think “how can the MVP be a QB but not the best QB?” Well in the realm of Fantasy, how many of you lost your championship when Rodgers was forced to sit out the last game? Brees did play all 16 games, and the fact that his team played more close games made his numbers come up big. He gets the nod for setting an NFL record for most passing yards in a season, and also dropped a total of 47 TDs, second only to Rodgers.

Best Running Back:

Nominees: Ray Rice, Ravens, LeSean McCoy, Eagles, Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars

The Winner: Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens

For all of us who may have had him last year, and were a bit let down, Rice came out this year and played excellent football and helped the Ravens to a division championship. On a Fantasy level, Rice was huge with 76 receptions, and over 2,000 total yards from scrimmage and 15 total TDs. His 1,364 rushing yards were second to only Maurice Jones-Drew, and 76 catches second to only Darren Sproles as far as RBs were concerned. Rice had an amazing bounce back season, and owners thrived from it.

Best Wide Receiver:

Nominees: Wes Welker, Patriots, Calvin Johnson, Lions, Percy Harvin, Vikings

The Winner: Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions

The man they call “Mega-Tron” sure was huge this past season, and the Detroit Lions have found their way back to the NFL Playoffs. While Welker had more catches, with 122, Johnson still hauled in 96 passes, and 16 of them went for TDs. Only TE Rob Gronkowski of the Pats had more TDs, and Johnson was easily the most reliable player at WR this season. Hard to cover, you bet! Hard to not take in the first-round next year, you bet!

Best Tight End:

Nominees: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots, Jimmy Graham, Saints, Tony Gonzalez, Falcons

The Winner: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

Possibly the most dangerous all-around weapon on offense this year, Gronkowski, along with Jimmy Graham, re-invented the TE position. 90 catches, 1,327 yards and 17 TDs are no fluke, and at most points this season, he was by far QB Tom Brady’s favorite target. Coming from a long line of NFL family brothers, Rob is by far the best of the bunch, and the new leader of the TE pack in the NFL.

Best Defense/ Special Teams:

Nominees: 49ers, Bears, Ravens

The Winner: Chicago Bears

Yet again, the Bears defense managed to make the most of all its chances. 9 total TDs along with 33 sacks, 20 INTs, and 11 fumble recoveries made for a huge season for the Bears. Sadly some injuries on offense had left to a disappointing end, but this defense was stronger than ever.

Best Kicker:

Nominees: Sebasitan Janikowski, Raiders, Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots, David Akers, 49ers

The Winner: David Akers, San Francisco 49ers

Let go after a long run in Philadelphia, Akers did nothing to disappoint 49ers fans as well as fantasy owners this season. 44 FGs and 34 extra points, oh and also a TD pass in the final game of the season! (How many championships were decided by that nugget?) Akers was a guy who was easily doing double-digits each week, and a force in helping the 49ers get the number 2 seed in the NFC for this year’s playoffs.

Best Sleeper Pick:

Nominees: Darren Sproles, RB, Saints, Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers, Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals

The Winner: Darren Sproles, New Orleans Saints

At the end of the year, anyone who had Sproles on their roster and claimed they knew it all along, was clearly lying! In the 4 leagues I was in this season, Sproles was either not drafted at all, or taken near the end. He had one of the best seasons of any player in Fantasy for 2011 with 603 rush yards, 86 receptions for 710 yards, 1383 total return yards and 10 TDs. Yes, nobody expected the big things they got from Brown or Dalton, but Sproles quickly turned into an every week must start!

Rookie Of The Year:

Nominees: Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals, A. J. Green, WR, Bengals, Cam Newton, QB, Panthers

The Winner: Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

It was a good year for many rookies in the NFL, but none quite as good as Newton. 35 total TDs, and over 4700 total yards from scrimmage is a rookie season for the record books. Newton had his doubters coming into this season, and was compared to many QBs that fell flat when they made the big time. However, mid-way through the season, the waiver wire was exploding with Newton pick ups, and he finished in the top 5 in total Fantasy points for QBs in many leagues. If you want him next year, it may cost you a first-round pick.

Biggest Draft Day Bust:

Nominees: Peyton Hillis, RB, Browns, Chris Johnson, RB, Titans, DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles

The Winner (I guess?): Chris Johnson, Titans

If you judge by the position in the draft Johnson would go, this one is easy. Hillis may have struggled, and had injuries, but Johnson was clearly slowed by a hold-out and lack of motivation early this season. Johnson finished with just 1,047 rush yards and only 4 TDs, which crushed many of you who thought taking him at the end of the first-round was quite a steal. Many question what he could have left, and the big contract may have gone right to his head, but I feel he comes back nicely next year. This season however, he will enjoy only a Sharky Award.

Best One Week Pick Up:

The Winner: Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions

No nominees were needed here. Week 11 was some kind of “out of nowhere” performance by Smith. Although many may not have made the move, some had and for it they got 140 rush yards, 4 catches for 61 yards and 3 TDs. From that point he was hampered by injury and never had a week quite like that. Smith was sitting at home and not even on the roster a few weeks prior to this performance, which goes to show you that you always need to stay in shape as an athlete, and always keep your eyes peeled as a Fantasy owner.

The Sharky Award All First Team Second Team

QB: Aaron Rodgers QB: Drew Brees

RB: Ray Rice RB: Darren Sproles

RB: LeSean McCoy RB: Arian Foster

WR: Calvin Johnson WR: Percy Harvin

WR: Wes Welker WR: Roddy White

TE: Rob Gronkowski TE: Jimmy Graham

Flex: Maurice Jones-Drew Flex: Marshawn Lynch

Defense: Chicago Bears Defense: San Francisco 49ers

Kicker: David Akers Kicker: Sebastian Janikowski

The Sharky Award All Waiver Wire Team

QB: Cam Newton

RB: Darren Sproles

RB: DeMarco Murray

WR: Victor Cruz

WR: Jordy Nelson

TE: Brent Celek

Flex: Roy Helu

Defense: Detroit Lions

Kicker: Dan Bailey

Comeback Player Of The Year:

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers

Just when we thought Smith and his great Fantasy years were about to go away, he became a weekly starter again thanks to a new QB, a new scheme on offense and a new found desire to play. He ended 2011 with 79 catches for 1,394 yards and 7 TDs, and found his way back to the hearts of owners, and possibly into the first 5 rounds next year.

And finally the Sharky Awards 2011 Flashbacks of the Worst Moments:

Injuries to big names like Peyton Manning, Jamaal Charles, Andre Johnson, Matt Forte and Darren McFadden

Stevie Johnson and his horrible TD celebration

The Tyler Palko Experiment

Albert Haynesworth being Albert Haynesworth

Jason Garret icing his own kicker

Matt Leinart’s one half comeback

And some fond Fantasy farewells to former big time performers:

Donovan McNabb, Randy Moss, Terrell Owens, Clinton Portis

Thank you again everyone for an excellent 2011 season, and thanks for following along and reading and your support. Hope to see you all again in 2012!

If you’d like to hear anything else from me on topics or ideas I can be reached at [email protected]

Fantasy Football Almanac 2011: The Essential Fantasy Football Refererence Guide

NFL Jerseys on Amazon.com

Madden 12 video game

NFL America’s Game Super Bowl I-XL on DVD