Fantasy Preview: NFC West

Whether it’s a first-year player or a flat-out bust under center this season, the 49ers offense is going to be horrific and should not be counted on to perform. Michael Crabtree and Braylon Edwards, both of whom would normally be WR2s, are worth considering as WR4s, if that.

Though the receivers aren’t much to rave about, it’s worth noting that Vernon Davis is still a top-tier tight end. It has yet to be seen how Davis will fit in with Harbaugh’s offense, but over the past two seasons, he’s racked up 20 touchdowns and over 900 receiving yards per year. After finishing fifth among tight ends in receiving yardage in his breakout 2009 campaign, he finished second last season.

The other option to consider is, of course, Frank Gore. The talented but oft-injured running back is expected to have a dynamic 2011 season, though we’ll have to see if his contract dispute will weigh on him. He held out earlier this training camp.

The team added insurance during the draft, snaring Kendall Hunter as a possible third-down option, though Gore is currently penciled in to take those snaps still.

Gore is a threat not only on the ground but also out of the backfield. Since 2006, his breakout season, Gore has averaged about 250 rushing attempts and 50 catches per year, which equals out to about 1,600 total yards and nine scores per year. And in this style of offense Gore could see an even heavier load in the passing game.

The main problem, though, is health. Gore has played in just one full season this entering the league. Coming off a hip injury, Gore’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, declared him healthy. Owners must realize the possibility of Gore going down; Anthony Dixon is the sure handcuff.

Top 10 Gifts For Struggling NFL Teams

It is the holiday season, so of course I am in the utmost giving mood. Given that Week 16 has already began, we know who the playoff-caliber teams are and who will face the biggest questions heading into the off-season.


Here is my top 10 list of teams that are need of a meaningful, helpful Christmas gift this weekend, in descending order of course:




10. Dallas Cowboys: Jon Kitna


When the G-Men KO-ed Tony Romo in Week 7 of your already disappointing season, perhaps you got a clue that this guy is not the preeminent option at quarterback for your team. 


Consider this -- with Romo behind center for The Boys, the team started 0-2, then followed up with a 1-5 record before that loss to the Giants. Two of those losses include the Minnesota Vikings and the Tennessee Titans, teams with a combined 11-17 record.


After Kitna inherited the starting the job, the team has improved modestly to 5-3. Three of those wins include that same Giants team that embarrassed you earlier in the season and on the road at Indy, and if not for a bonehead fumble by Roy Williams they would have taken down the Super Bowl champions on Thanksgiving.


Maybe it is not exactly the 38-year-old Kitna who should lead the team in 2011, if there is a 2011 season. I'm just saying maybe it's time to let a more proven quarterback take the reigns of this talented offense, and let Romo just nod off with his new fiancée. 




9. Miami Dolphins: A Home Crowd


Ever since Chad Pennington was anointed starting quarterback and was lost for the season a snap later, this team was doomed. It's true.


But on a less personal note, I do think there is such thing as home-field advantage in the professional ranks, and Miami is certainly lacking that aspect.


The Dolphins are just .500 right now, which is certainly disappointing for their fans who had high expectations after flashes of potential by Chad Henne and the acquisition of Brandon Marshall.


The team is just 1-6 while playing at Sun Life Stadium, but have beaten playoff-caliber teams like the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers on the road. Interesting, eh?


What is wrong with the 'Fins faithful? Are you too busy following the Hurricanes falter in the mediocre Atlantic Coast Conference, or are you just too enamored with the Heat's big three to pay any attention to the NFL?


8. New York Jets: A New Public Relations Department


Nah, I am not going to get on Rex Ryan and his apparent foot fetish. That is just the latest in a series of mishaps for Gang Green over the past few seasons


Between HBO's Hard Knocks and former quarterback Brett Favre's sexting episode, the Jets have been in the spotlight for a lot of the wrong reasons. 


My solution: Rex, stop videotaping your naughty fantasies. And to the Jets organization, don't hire Jen Sterger, a former "Sports Babe", to act as a reporter after a career as Maxim and Playboy. Last time I checked, Hugh Hefner doesn't run the best college of journalism at The Mansion.


Please though, don't let Ryan's press conferences from this to this.


7. San Diego Chargers: Calendars


It may be knock on the Chargers over the past couple of seasons, but it is seriously a problem. Why does this team continue to start the season off horribly? 


This year, for instance, the Chargers began 2-5, including losses to the upstart Kansas City Chiefs, the R-R-Raiders, and the NFC West powerhouses that are the St. Louis Rams and Seattle Seahawks. 


But as history would state, the team lived up to expectations come wintertime, going 6-1 and still in the hunt for a playoff spot if the Chiefs are to sputter in the next two games.


So if we were to get these Chargers some calendars, maybe they would realize when the season actually starts. Clearly they are lost without 'em.


6. Seattle Seahawks: Disposable Coffee Cups


If you need a Costco Membership, they run a sweet holiday special.


Why? Well, you are not exactly the best road team. And that is even an understatement; you stink outside of Qwest Field. 


Of your total of five wins, four came in the comforts of the 12th man. On the road, however, you have just one win and six losses. Not just losses though -- blowouts, to the likes of the pathetic Broncos, as well as Oakland, San Fran and the Rams.


The city of Seattle is notorious for it's outstanding coffee. So let me help you out by providing with two options. One, consider this place called Starbucks -- they have locations all over the place, even outside of Seattle.


But if you're trying to save some dough in these tough economic times, hit up everybody's favorite warehouse. Costco is selling these delectable products that allow you to keep your coffee hot while you're travelling. 


If you were just .500 on the road, you could be atop of the NFC West...with a winning record, too!


5. Cleveland Browns: White Thunder


Peyton Hillis is the best thing for white football fans since we got a glimpse of Nick Goings in Carolina and when Mike Alstott was doing his thang for the Bucs.


But now we have Mr. Running Down Hillis, who has taken the league my storm. Dude looks like he can bench press a pick-up truck and squat the moon.




Behind Hillis' surprise season the Browns have beaten some top teams like New England, and have kept games competitive, much of a disparity between their last few seasons.


So if Hillis is the catalyst driving this turnaround, I see no other option but clone him or snare Toby Gerhart, A.K.A. White Thunder, away from the Vikings. The more white running backs you can collect the better off your franchise will be down the road.



4. Minnesota Vikings: Stevie Johnson


No, there is not a problem with the Vikings receiving core. Sidney Rice is perennial Pro Bowler when healthy and Percy Harvin is electric any time you can get the ball in his hands. So why the hell would Speedy Stevie Johnson fit so well in Minny?


Johnson has become infamous for his Twitter account. What kind of went under the radar was his most recent Tweet in which thought it was a good decision to take a photo of his private parts for all of his followers to see.





Apparently, this brainiac decision would make Speedy Stevie just another one of the fellas in the Vikings locker room. Just ask Mr. Favre (if he is not too busy texting) or Visanthe Shiancoe, who also has no problem with his junk in the open for a national audience.


And while you're at it, don't stop with Speedy Stevie. If Favre is supposedly going to retire at the season's end, a potential replacement could be Matt Leinart, a quarterback who knows how to get down the ladies as well.




3. Cincinnati Bengals: More Shows for T.O./Ochocinco


First, there was the T.O. Show. Then, Ochocinco: The Ultimate Catch. But when the two superpowers of the wide receiving world joined hands on both the Cincinnati Bengals and Versus, the world as we knew was doomed.


While it is any reporter's dream come true having their dynamic personalities on candid camera each week, it is obviously not the greatest formula for a successful football team. See record: 3-11.


And just when you thought Owens was over his complaining ways -- calling Jeff Garcia gay or Donovan McNabb was not the Eagles' best option at quarterback, or personally my favorite of getting his pump on in the comforts of his driveway -- T.O. lived up to his reputation. 



I think Cincy would trade in his 983 yards and nine touchdowns for a 10-win, division-best season as they had just a year ago.




2. Denver Broncos: Jimmy Clausen


You know, Denver has gotten a reputation of late for making some stupid trades. Some of the names that have highlighted their "to-go" list include Peyton Hillis, first-rounder Alfonso Smith, Brandon Marshall and Jay Cutler.


Instead, they opted for Laurence Maroney, Brady Quinn and everyone's favorite, Tim Tebow.


In continuing the recent tradition, why not go after Carolina Panthers quarterback Jimmy Clausen. The second-rounder out of Notre Dame has truly silenced his critics this season who thought he would not succeed in the professional level.


Look at it this way: Quinn and Clausen, and then you can pry Charlie Weiss away from the Kansas City Chiefs -- you can have The Fighting Irish NFL-style. Their combined career 3,278 passing yards and 12 touchdowns is sure to rival that of Cutler's 2010 season alone.


1.5* San Francisco 49ers: WINNERS


Could not help myself.





1. Washington Redskins: Elliptical Machines


We sometimes hold exceedingly high expectations for quarterbacks, especially the ones we trade for in the off-season and believe they will revive a dormant franchise to prominence once again.


Essentially, those were the precise circumstances surrounding Donovan McNabb is his move to the Washington Redskins.


But it was not his poor decision-making at times, or that he is not accumulating the same rushing yards as he used to, or even that he has turned the ball over far too often.


McNabb simply did not possess the cardiovascular endurance to run Mike Shanahan's offense, especially when the game is on the line. 


What we're missing here is that Daniel Snyder and the Skins' training facility is clearly lacking the exercise equipment for McNabb to be in shape. I mean, he practically looks like Flozell Adams out there.


Merry Christmas Mr. Synder and company. Please accept my gift of ellipticals, cycling machines and treadmills -- all of the cardio equipment necessary to get your quarterbacks in shape for 2011.






F8BJSUNG6NT7

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?