Fantasy Preview: AFC West

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The Wild Wild West saw its share of fantasy surprises in 2010, as well as some ultimate busts. The Kansas City Chiefs turned out to be an offensive juggernaut, while Mike Tolbert turned out to be the better back than Ryan Mathews. What should we make of the AFC West this year?

Denver Broncos

Kyle Orton won the quarterback competition over Tim Tebow, if you haven’t heard. But with Orton, the Broncos are getting a sure thing behind center. So with Tebow supposedly battling to be the third- or fourth-string quarterback now, Orton is the one to target.

He’s not going to wow you with his heroism like Tom Brady or his record-breaking performances like Peyton Manning, but Orton is solid producer and a valid starter in a 12-team league. Last season, his career year was cut short because then-head coach Josh McDaniels benched him due to injury in an effort to get Tebow on the field.

Orton had 1,733 yards and eight touchdowns through five weeks last year. After a two-game slump, he picked up where he left off and tossed another 1,229 yards and five touchdowns. Keep in mind that he was operating in McDaniels’ pass-first scheme, and with John Fox on the sidelines there will be a greater emphasis on the running game.

Consider Orton a high-upside QB2 and a solid back-up option. He has potential, despite the lack of weapons around him and the little faith his coaches have put into him.

The less pass attempts also diminish the value of wideout Brandon Lloyd. Currently the 18^th receiver drafted, he’s being considered a better investment than Santonio Holmes, Marques Colston, Anquan Boldin and Jeremy Maclin.

Lloyd may have had a career season in 2010, but there’s no way that he can replicate those results given the new offensive system he’s in and the fact that there may be a new quarterback throwing him passes mid-season.

Broncos' Knowshon Moreno could be in store for a breakout season under new head coach John Fox and a revamped running game.

If we’re talking running game in Denver, we’re talking about third-year running back Knownshon Moreno, who is entering a critical make-or-break year in his career. Moreno has yet to surpass 1,000 yards in a season, though his statics reveal some potential to be used in aDeAngelo Williams-like way.

Moreno has impressedduring training camp, showing up in the best physical shape of any player. All the tealeaves spell that Moreno is in store for a breakout season, but to be safe consider him a RB2 or flex option before we see results on the field.

Moreno owners should also keep an eye on Willis MacGahee, who signed with the Broncos as a goal-line back. In touchdown-heavy leagues, MacGahee is a great gamble in the later rounds, especially if you went after Moreno.

Kansas City Chiefs

The year 2011 should be heralded as The Year of Jamaal Charles. His 2010 breakout campaign had fantasy owners intrigued and frustrated – sure he managed almost 2,000 yards from scrimmage and eight scores, but why does Todd Haley insist of feeding Thomas Jones with carries?

Charles rushed the ball 230 times in an effort to remain healthy and effective throughout the season, and Haley believes this is the right formula for the Chiefs to win. However, though he won’t just come out and say he wants Charles to have an even bigger workload, he’s surely implied it.

Charles was suddenly thrust into the elite four running backs for 2011, along with Adrian Peterson, Arian Fosterand Chris Johnson. Though I would not hesitate to snare Charles in a snake draft, I’m not paying huge money for him in an auction. Unlike the aforementioned backs, Charles is still splitting carries, and there’s a chance he loses goal-line carries to Jones. He’s obviously a RB1 because of his talents, though I’d be wary of ranking him along the likes of AP or CJ.

The other Chief who enjoyed a breakout season under Haley’s direction was Dwayne Bowe, who, when paired with Matt Cassell, had almost 1,200 yards and a league-high 15 touchdowns.

There are plenty of naysayers, though, that believe Bowe’s 2010 season was merely an aberration and that there’s not a chance he can produce those same numbers this year. I don’t think Bowe can catch 15 touchdowns again, but I do expect him to post WR1 numbers.

The Chiefs bolstered their wide receiver corps by adding Steve Breaston in the slot and drafting Jonathon Baldwin out of Pittsburgh. Jerheme Urban, who spent all of last season on injured reserve with a torn flexor tendon in his right hand, is taking snaps as the flanker opposite of Bowe. That’s a pretty electric top four wideouts, if Urban can prove to be a capable No. 2 receiver. Baldwin, recovering from a thumb injury, could eventually replace Urban during the season.

Quick Hit: If you’re looking for a sleeper tight end, consider Tony Moeaki. In his first season, Moeaki caught three touchdowns, all within the opponents’ 20-yard line. Another year in the league, another season in Haley’s system, Moeaki could double those touchdown numbers and be drafted as your back-up.

San Diego Chargers

You know who led the National Football League in passing last year? Not Manning, or Brady, or Drew Brees; it was Philip Rivers.

Still, with Michael Vick and Aaron Rodgers better threats to post more touchdowns with their athleticism, Rivers is arguable the best pure passer and should be the third quarterback off the board in all leagues.

Rivers tossed 4,710 yards and 30 touchdowns last season. His leading receiver: Antonio Gates, who played in just 10 games. Second: Malcolm Floyd, who played in 11 games. Third: Vincent Jackson, who played in five.

What Rivers did was make the most out of an awful situation in San Diego. Receivers riddled by injury, a running game that did not exist, and Rivers threw 30 touchdowns to the likes of Seyi Ajirotuto and Patrick Crayton andKelley Washington. Now imagine what he can do with a healthy Gates and a full 16 games with Jackson.

Now keep in mind Jackson held out last season in hopes of being rewarded with a new contract. He’s taken the opposite approach this year, playing for that big-money deal. Tell me what’s more intriguing that a 6-5 wideout paired up with Rivers in a contract year?

The Chargers’ passing attack is going to be dynamic, no question about it. The running game, though, is suspect. It’s Ryan Mathews’ sophomore year, after a rookie campaign where he did finish with 675 yards and seven rushing scores in just a dozen games.

But Mathews’ value is hurt by the grounder, the pounder that is Mike Tolbert, who’s expected to be the goal-line and short-yardage back in the team’s two-back system. Tolbert finished fifth among backs with 11 touchdowns last season, tied with Chris Johnson and Peyton Hillis.

Mathews is being drafted 22^nd among running backs, ahead of Mark Ingram, Ryan Grant and Fred Jackson.Meanwhile, Tolbert is being drafted nine slots later, and will be the far superior fantasy producer in 2011.

Oakland Raiders

Here’s a sleeper for ya, Terrelle Pryor. Nah, but I would stay tuned to see if Hue Jackson finds an innovative way to use the former Ohio State quarterback in the offense, somehow, someway.

Perhaps the safest – if you want to deem it that – fantasy commodity on the R-R-R-aiders is Darren McFadden, a season removed from his breakout campaign. McFadden finished fifth in yards from scrimmage last season, with almost 1,200 rushing yards and over 500 receiving yards and 10 total touchdowns.

In 2011, under Jackson’s tutelage, the Raiders offense was constructed around Run DMC’s talents…whatever that means. The Raiders’ offensive line ranked 26^th in the league last season, and their best wideout would normally be a third or fourth receiver on a championship-caliber team.

As the centerpiece of the offense, barring injury, McFadden should be in store for another top-10-like season. He’s being drafted ninth among running backs, though he should outproduce a player like LeSean McCoybecause of the fewer talented players around him.

Among the wideouts, Jacoby Ford is the Raiders’ No. 1 option right now, as Louis Murphy, the team’s leader in touchdown receptions in 2009, is injured. In his rookie season, Ford finished fourth on the team in receiving yardage behind the team’s leading pass-catcher, Zach Miller, who has since left for Seattle.

Ford has been a coach’s favorite this offseason, and has added value as a kickoff returner. Last season Ford returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, tied among the best in the league along with Leon Washington.

Ford is being drafted as the 42^nd receiver, and he’s definitely worth it with the kickoff return points. Draft Murphy, too, as a late-round flier towards the end of your draft.

Quick Hit: Replacing Miller as the Raiders’ tight end is Kevin Boss, who was signed away from the New York Giants, and could actually upgrade the position.

Harbaugh to Dolphins, Still Plans to Draft Luck

Did you think Jim Harbaugh would take his talents to the National Football League without his partner in crime Andrew Luck? Odds are you're wrong.


The highly tauted Harbaugh accepted the head coaching position with the Miami Dolphins today knowingly that this team puts him in the best position to select his former quarterback in the 2012 N.F.L. Draft. He noted all the weapons the team had in place was the right formula to completely fail in his first season in South Beach.


"What we have in [quarterback] Chad Henne -- I think we're going in the right direction," Harbaugh said in during his introductory press conference. "Between [Henne], all of our running backs planning to flee in free agency and the most under-performing wide receiving core in the league -- you can't pass that up. I'd be shocked if we scored seven points all year."


The 'Fins already set an impressive precedent with the 30th best scoring offense, better than all but two teams. When informed of the statistic, Harbaugh simply replied "Damn," adding, "That'll be tough to top."


Rumors swirled that both the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos also had interest in Harbaugh joining their respective staffs. 


In the Bay Area, the prospect of coaching a bruising back in Frank Gore and talented receivers in Michael Crabtree, Josh Morgan and Vernon Davis proved to be too dangerous, according to those close to Harbaugh. Perhaps the offensive potential would solidify a mid-range draft pick, and even a playoff berth given the division. 


Despite Tim Tebow's presence in the Mile High city, the Broncos also were too risky of a team for Harbaugh to take a chance on. The roster featured the N.F.L.'s leading wide receiver, the always reliable Brandon Lloyd, and third-year bust Knowshon Moreno, who is living up to his first-round potential. Combine that with two young, talented wideouts in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, who took Denver by storm with breakout rookie campaigns.


"That was something I considered, but I swear that's better than [Brian] Hartline," Harbaugh said.


Harbaugh opted for Miami after Luck announced his decision to remain at Stanford in order to finish out collegiate career and earn his degree in architecture. N.F.L. draft experts already have declared Luck the consensus No. 1 pick in next year's draft.


There is speculation, however, that the N.F.L. and the Dolphins have another challenger for compete Luck's talents in 2012. No, I am not talking about the Carolina Panthers who will be forced to ultimately start Jimmy Clausen in the coming season, or even Tennessee who has faith that Rusty Smith gives them the best option to win. In fact, neither of these teams who will rival the Dolphins 2011 aim for a winless season are the threat.


"The Home Depot is proud to announce that we will be involved in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes next spring when the talented builder gradates from Stanford," according to the press release the company made public late last evening."


"We are in the business of looking for the best builders in the nation. Luck has demonstrated he is a hard worker and has obviously shown he is passionate about the profession by electing to stay in school for another year. Luck brings exactly what we are looking for in our employees -- strength, delivery and strong vision to find customers in need."


The report also stated Luck's versatility on the field could easily translate into an employee in the aisles and at the register.


Harbaugh and co. cannot do much about the juggernaut The Depot vying for Luck's services, but has assured he will sure his Miami Dolphins will play to their unyielding potential. To this point, he has already anointed Henne a starter, letting everyone in South Beach he is all about business.






This article is satire. All quotes, sources and content are not real.

Evaluating The Top 10 Destinations for Randy Moss

With Randy Moss being ousted from Minnesota, the radar of contending teams throughout the National Football League with wide receiver vacancies suddenly skyrocketed.

While Moss is always a threat to "play when he wants to," there is no doubt in my mind that having been traded out of New England and now cut by his original team after just four games, Moss will want to prove to the rest of the league that both teams made a mistake. Moss is still a threat in the vertical passing game and could help a range of teams vying for playoff berths.

Here is an analysis of the top 10 fits for Moss after he claims waivers.

                                                                                                                                                         Source: zimbio.com

1. San Diego Chargers                              

Could you imagine pairing the high-flying Moss with the NFL's leading passer? Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in on a reckless pass to surpass the single-season passing yard record. He's done all his work without his top wideout Vincent Jackson, and his leading receiver in 2010 Malcolm Floyd.

Rivers makes stars out no-names, so if you pair him with Moss, you could bet the Chargers could still make a play for the the AFC West title. Moss can provide a compliment to Antonio Gates in the passing attack, which should also open up things for Darren Sproles and Ryan Mathews in the running game.

Now picture a Philip Rivers-led offense come December when Jackson returns from suspension, Floyd is finally healthy and Moss has developed chemistry with his new quarterback. I think general manager A.J. Smith needs to pull the plug to save his job (see: LaDainian Tomlinson to the Jets)





2. St. Louis Rams
If Randy is going to be Manny, then I would never suggest pairing him with a rookie quarterback. And because St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo stems from the Bill Parcells-Tom Coughlin coaching tree, I don't think he wants to add a potential eruption in the volcano that is Randy Moss to a team that is coming off a one-win season.

But Sam Bradford is thriving with the likes of Danny Amendola and Lorenzo Alexander at wide receiver; what kind of success could he have with a player of Moss's caliber? 

Source: midwestsportsfan.com

3. Oakland Raiders

Don't call it a comeback, please. What  a nightmare it would be to reunite Moss with his former team and owner Al Davis. I can see it now -- Davis slowly walking up to the podium in his fashionable black and silver jogging suit to announce to signing of Moss -- just another example of the commitment to excellence.


But the lack of quarterbacking in Oakland would only present more problems for Moss (Please, do not try to convince anybody that Bruce Gradkowski or Jason Campbell are sufficient enough options to please Moss). However, I don't think his presence would ultimately hurt the development or either quarterback, not to mention open up things for the Raiders' young collection of wideouts and their dynamic tight end. Oh yeah, and don't think Run DMC wouldn't break loose with Moss taking another defender out of the box. Oh, Al -- don't say you haven't considered it.


4. New England Patriots
Like The Hoodie would get away with trading his record-breaking wide receiver for a third-round draft pick and then resign him just a month later. Sounds like classic Belichick to me.

While Moss renounced his apparent man love for the Patriots when he faced them as a Viking, I am not sure the NFL could even allow the Patriots to reattain Moss's talents. But whoever says the Pats could not benefit from Moss Source: 365sportsnews.net                                returning to their offense is a straight up liar. I pity the fool.

The offensive juggernaut that was the Patriots offense has cooled off considerably since Moss departed for purpler pastures. In fact, they are more reminiscent of their early 2000s teams where they were actually winning Super Bowls on the reg. But anyone who believes the Pats' passing game is better off without Moss opposite of Wes Welker is delusional. Trust me -- go ask Welker's fantasy owners.

5. Kansas City Chiefs                                                             

  Source: arrowheadpride.com

Perhaps the biggest surprise team on the NFL season has been the resurgence of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, or New England West if you may, is led by former Patriot Matt Cassel and general manager Scott Pioli, both of whom have worked with Moss.

In 2008, when Cassel took over for an injured Tom Brady, the duo combined for over 1,000 yards and 11 scores.

With the Chiefs off to a hot start, one might suggest the addition to Moss alongside Dwayne Bowe would add another element to their passing game and another piece to their arsenal of weapons. This is one of the better fits for Moss.




6. Denver Broncos

Source: bostonherald.com


Yet another Belichick decipher, Josh McDaniels, was the man behind the 2007 Patriots' record-setting offense. Now, the Broncos head coach is on a Mile High hot seat. Would a move to snatch Moss be a step in the right direction?

Kyle Orton has shocked us all with his powerful right arm, as he ranks among the best in passing yardage this season. Orton's top receiver is Brandon Lloyd -- yes, the same Lloyd that once was traded for two draft picks and received a $10M contract with the Skins before producing a 25-catch season with not a single trip to the end-zone. Now Lloyd is tops in the league, so what kind of damage could Orton do with a player of Moss's caliber?

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Source: fantasyknuckleheads.com

Josh Freeman has performed beyond anyone's wildest expectations in 2010, becoming notorious for come-from-behind game-winning drives. At this point, his offensive weapons include rookie wideout Mike Williams and tight end Kellen Winslow, both of whom have had questionable pasts with their former teams.

Coming out of Syracuse, Williams's character was questioned because of his sudden departure for the Orange football program, despite leading the Big East in receiving and becoming a viable candidate for the Biletnikoff Award.

While Winslow was a Cleveland Brown, there was no doubt regarding his immense abilities and skill set at the tight end position. However, off-the-field issues plagued Winslow, which led to the Browns shipping off their stud receiver to the Bucs.

However, the Bucs regime under second-year head coach  Raheem Morris seems to be handling this character issues well. Williams, Winslow and even the problematic rookie out of Oregon, LaGarrette Blount are all becoming exceptional team players under Morris's coaching, so why not Moss?

8. Seattle Seahawks


Source: nfltouchdown.com

Pete Carroll likes big, athletic wide receivers; can you blame him? The Seahawks head coach has already made an attempt to acquire disgruntled Chargers wideout Vincent Jackson, and was in the hunt for Brandon Marshall during the offseason.

With Deon Branch gone and traded to New England, Carroll has a wide receiver core consisting of Deon Butler, rookie Golden Tate and his former USC star Mike Williams. Tell me Randy Moss couldn't help out this team.

And in the wide open NFC West, Moss could be the difference between making and not making the postseason.

9. Carolina Panthers

Source: zimbio.com

You do not have to tell me the Carolina Panthers have only one win on the season; I know they are not going to make the playoffs. But there is a plethora of talent on this team -- DeAngelo Williams, Jonathon Steward, Steve Smith -- the biggest question mark forever on this team is who can play opposite of Smith to improve this air attack?

Matt Moore may not be the answer at quarterback; and neither may Jimmy Clausen for that matter. But whichever one of these signal-callers takes  control of this offense could benefit from Moss's presence. 

Right now, rookie Brandon LaFell and some dude named  David Gettis are playing opposite of Smith -- yeah, the double-teams are not leaving the sight of number 89 anytime soon. It may not be the move to turn around the Panthers this season, but it is definitely a step in the right direction for 2011.

10. Tennessee Titans
Source: sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Wouldn't you love to see the Tennessee Titans with an elite wide receiver? I know Kenny Britt is an emerging star, but I don't think we can pull his talents in the Hall of Fame just yet.

Vince Young or Kerry Collins could really benefit from having Moss lining up in their offense; as would Chris Johnson, who would see another defender out of the box.

The problem is Jeff Fisher is a strong-minded, discipline-preaching head coach. He would not tolerant Moss's antics, and would not want to take a chance disrupting his team's chemistry by adding a possible cancer to his locker room.

It also works the other way, though, as maybe the presence someone like Fisher could keep Moss under control. Never say never, Titans fans.




Honorable Mentions: 

• 49ers: Moss and Michael Crabtree -- maybe there is some hope in San Fran, Jed York.
• Bears: Remember when Jay Cutler wasn't turning the ball over every other possession? Maybe the presence of Brandon Marshall had something to do with it. I think Moss could be a big target, too?
• Packers: Aaron Rodgers can make any wide receiver look good; imagine what he could do with Moss?