Hi everyone,
Why are the Cowboys feeling lucky? How is Minnesota commemorating its 50th season? Find out in my latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post! Here’s the link: http://huff.to/go08oq
Enjoy!
The Sherpa
The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog
@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter
Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook
“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio
Hi everyone,
With the fantasy football league playoffs now in full swing you’re either in the mix and looking for every advantage possible, or you’re on the outside looking in (I trust if you’re a regular reader of this blog, then it’s the former). It seems that this week’s games fall into one of two categories: (1) games between two lousy teams, or (2) games with playoff implications. Here are my recommendations for Week 15 - all games are Sunday during the day unless otherwise noted:
San Francisco at San Diego (Thursday night) - Both teams need a win to stay in the playoff chase, but San Diego’s the more talented of the two teams, especially on defense. San Diego 31 San Francisco 17.
Buffalo at Miami (Sunday early) - Neither team will score much, and Miami quarterback Chad Henne is doing everything he can to convince head coach Tony Sparano that he’s not the Dolphins’ quarterback of the future. When all is said and done, Miami will still find a way to win this game. Miami 20 Buffalo 14.
Detroit at Tampa Bay - Is it wrong to say that the Lions are playing for pride? Tampa showed signs of life at the end of the 2009 season after a rough start, but you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who picked them as a playoff contender in 2010. The Bucs will keep hope alive with yet another come-from-behind victory Tampa Bay 21 Detroit 17.
Arizona at Carolina - This game features the two worst passing attacks in football. Jimmy Clausen has shown little in his rookie season, while fellow first-year quarterback John Skelton played decently in his debut as a starter in last week’s romp over Denver. Clausen will pull things together (relatively speaking) and lead the Panthers to their second win. Carolina 24 Arizona 21.
New Orleans at Baltimore - This clash features two likely Super Bowl contenders. The Saints will eke out the victory on the basis of their stronger passing game. New Orleans 24 Baltimore 17.
Jacksonville at Indianapolis - It’s hard to believe that Jacksonville would clinch the AFC South title with a victory over the Colts. That won’t happen, as Peyton Manning will continue his “rebound”. Indianapolis 31 Jacksonville 24.
Philadelphia at New York Giants - This battle could well decide the NFC East title. Philadelphia has been the better team lately, but the Giants’ resurgent defense matches up well with the Eagles and will lead New York to victory. New York 24 Philadelphia 21.
Cleveland at Cincinnati - The outcome of this interstate rivalry game will depend on the quarterback play of Carson Palmer and (probably) Colt McCoy. Palmer will be more useful than McCoy fantasy-wise, but McCoy will be the one receiving the congratulatory handshake at midfield when the game is over. Cleveland 21 Cincinnati 17.
Houston @ Tennessee - Before the season started both teams were considered strong contenders for a playoff spot, but both will be sitting at home in mid-January. Houston will rebound from its devastating loss to Baltimore Monday. Houston 27 Tennessee 24.
Washington @ Dallas - This game lacks the significance of many historical ‘Skins-’Boys matchups, but it should still be an entertaining game. Dallas will win the shootout on the strength of their passing attack. Dallas 34 Washington 27.
Kansas City at St. Louis - The battle for supremacy in the Show Me state won’t be high-scoring, but St. Louis will triumph in this battle of two teams with strong running games. St. Louis 24 Kansas City 21.
Atlanta at Seattle (Sunday late) - If Atlanta is truly a Super Bowl contender, then this is the kind of game they should win easily. They are, and they will. Atlanta 30 Seattle 21.
New York Jets at Pittsburgh - The Jets are reeling, and the Steelers are rolling. Both trends will continue, although this won’t be the one-sided affair some are expecting. Pittsburgh 17 New York Jets 14.
Denver at Oakland - Oakland kissed their playoff hopes goodbye when they lost a 38-31 shootout to Jacksonville last weekend. Denver kissed their playoff hopes goodbye when they wasted spent a first-round draft pick on Tim Tebow last April. Tebow may actually start this weekend, but even if he turns out to be the second coming of John Elway, it will be too little, too late to help save the Broncos’ season. Oakland 27 Denver 17.
Green Bay at New England (Sunday night) - Green Bay will have a hard time compensating for the loss of Aaron Rodgers, and Tom Brady is at the top of his game in spite of his “foot injury”. It all adds up to another loss for the Pack. New England 24 Green Bay 21.
Chicago at Minnesota (Monday night) - Having already been with the Saints, Jaguars, and Dolphins this season, new Vikings’ quarterback Patrick Ramsey is now with his fourth team this season alone. His first two teams are likely bound for the playoffs; his last two are not. Minnesota will play its second consecutive home game away from the Metrodome and its collapsed roof. Fittingly, the Vikings will celebrate their 50th season by playing outdoors - those fans who brave the elements and get seats will be glad they did. Minnesota 20 Chicago 17.
Good luck in your playoff matchups, and have a great weekend!
The Sherpa
The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog
@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter
Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook
“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio
Hi everyone,
The injury fates were relatively kind last weekend, but that’s of little consolation if you started Aaron Rodgers at quarterback for your playoff matchup. If that’s the case, then for your sake I hope it was a two-quarterback league.
Who are the players who are injured, and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?
Quarterback
Running Back
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kicker
Defense
Final Thoughts
Have a great week!
The Sherpa
The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog
@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter
Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook
“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio
Hi everyone,
What did Steve Smith think of Jimmy Clausen’s apology? Why was DeSean Jackson’s touchdown celebration so lame? Find out by reading our latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post! Here’s the link : http://huff.to/ifZcdt
Enjoy!
The Sherpa
The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog
@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter
Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook
“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio
Hi everyone,
How is Jenn Sterger tormenting Brett Favre? How is Pete Carroll confusing the Seahawks? Find out in my latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post! Here’s the link: http://huff.to/hWDXLY
Enjoy!
The Sherpa
The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog
@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter
Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook
“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio
Hi everyone,
With many fantasy football leagues’ playoffs beginning this week, it’s vital to check the matchups and injury status of your players before deciding on your lineup. Remember The Sherpa’s Golden Rule: the players that got you to the playoffs aren’t necessarily the same ones that will allow you to win in the playoffs - matchups matter!!! Here are my recommendations for Week 14 - all games are Sunday during the day unless otherwise noted:
Indianapolis at Tennessee (Thursday night) - It’s good to know that LeBron James has Peyton Manning’s back (at least when it comes to criticism from Trent Dilfer), but all the talk about Peyton’s “slump” will disappear after this matchup, provided he has enough healthy bodies to throw to. Indianapolis 31 Tennessee 21.
Cleveland at Buffalo (Sunday early) - The bad news is that these two teams have been perrenial cellar-dwellers for a number of years now. The good news is that one of them will win on Sunday (unless a Donovan McNabb-imagined scenario comes to pass (i.e. - a tie with no overtime) Both quarterbacks are “inconsistent” (to put it nicely), but Cleveland will pull this game out on the strength of Peyton Hillis’ legs. Cleveland 21 Buffalo 17.
Green Bay at Detroit - Detroit seems to be in every game they’re in at home, and this week will be no exception. In the end the Lions’ atrocious defense (especially against the run) will be exposed, and the Packers will escape with the victory. Green Bay 27 Detroit 21.
New York Giants at Minnesota - No juicy storylines for this game; Darius Reynaud’s “homecoming” doesn’t count. Brett Favre’s shoulder is in bad shape, but so is the Giants’ receiving corps. Regardless of whether Favre starts or not, the Giants have just enough offense and a resurgent defense. New York 24 Minnesota 17.
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh - It’s easy to assume that Pittsburgh, fresh off a stirring win over the Ravens Sunday night, will manhandle the Bengals, who will be dealing with the dual challenges of the Steelers’ defense and the foul weather. That’s not going to happen. Look for Pittsburgh to have a slight letdown, yet still be able to capture the victory. At this point the Bengals are playing for “pride” (and a high draft position). Pittsburgh 24 Cincinnati 21.
Oakland at Jacksonville - This “Battle of the Zach Millers” lost some of its luster several weeks ago when the Oakland tight end by that name injured his foot - he hasn’t been the same since. Coincidentally, the Jacksonville tight end with the same name may actually play more than usual Sunday due to starter Marcedes Lewis’ thumb injury. In other news Oakland will win the game against this unlikeliest of first place teams. Oakland 27 Jacksonville 24.
Atlanta at Carolina - The Falcons certainly haven’t been as dominant as you would expect a Super Bowl contender to be, and they’ve had several last-play victories. Still, the Panthers don’t figure to provide more than token opposition, even with Jonathan Stewart now healthy and running well. Atlanta 24 Carolina 14.
Tampa Bay at Washington - Tampa Bay is still a playoff contender; Washington already looks like it can’t wait for the season to be over. The Albert Haynesworth affair is just a smokescreen - the blame for the way the Redskins’ season has gone lies at the feet of head coach Mike Shanahan. Tampa Bay 28 Washington 17.
St. Louis at New Orleans (Sunday late) - The Rams’ resurgence with rookie quarterback Sam Bradford at the helm has been one of the best stories of the NFL season, but with the Saints finally starting to hit on all cylinders, the outcome shouldn’t be a surprise. St. Louis will keep the game close, but New Orleans will ultimately win. New Orleans 24 St. Louis 20.
Seattle at San Francisco - Alex Smith reclaims his starting spot from Troy Smith, so look for Michael Crabtree to once again be a productive receiver. Several of Seattle’s offensive weapons are hurt (Mike Williams, John Carlson, Ben Obomanu), and Marshawn Lynch won’t come anywhere close to duplicating his success last week. San Francisco 27 Seattle 17.
New England at Chicago - Tom Brady and the Patriots looked unstoppable in their Monday night massacre of the Jets. In spite of their 9-3 record the Bears are still flying largely under the radar screen, but that will change if they manage to win this game. The Bears will make this a closer game than most think, but the Patriots have too many offensive weapons for the Bears to overcome. New England 24 Chicago 21.
Miami at New York Jets - Rex Ryan may have literally buried a ball from last Monday night’s debacle, but that doesn’t answer the question of how the Jets will respond in the actual game. The team is too talented to collapse completely, but their injury-depleted secondary will allow Miami to win the game. Miami 21 New York Jets 17.
Denver at Arizona - People reading tea leaves in the wake of Josh McDaniels’ dismissal are speculating that the Broncos will try to employ an offense that’s more balanced (i.e. - not as many passes). The results from this week’s game will be inconclusive - the Broncos will be able to move the ball any way they choose against a lousy Cardinals’ defense. John Skelton gets the start for Arizona, and he’ll be a step up from Derek Anderson, but not enough of one to affect the outcome of this contest. Denver 31 Arizona 14.
Kansas City at San Diego - The Chiefs may have had a shot before quarterback Matt Cassel underwent an emergency appendectomy, but with Brodie Croyle in the saddle, the Chiefs’ offense will become more predictable. Wide receiver Malcom Floyd appears to be healthy again for the Chargers and should be effective as one of quarterback Philip Rivers’ few healthy targets. San Diego 24 Kansas City 17.
Philadelphia at Dallas (Sunday night) - Some of the luster of this division rivalry has been lost with the Cowboys’ abysmal play this year, but the Eagles will still find it a challenge to put Dallas away. Philadelphia 27 Dallas 21.
Baltimore at Houston (Monday night) - It would be natural to expect the Ravens to suffer a letdown after last week’s agonizing loss to the Steelers, but that won’t happen. Andre Johnson will gut it out with a high ankle sprain for yet another week, but his superhuman efforts won’t be enough for the Texans to pull the upset. Baltimore 24 Houston 21.
Good luck in your matchups, and have a great weekend!
The Sherpa
The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog
@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter
Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook
“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio
Hi everyone,
Nothing like a spate of injuries the week before most fantasy football leagues’ playoffs start. Week 12 was particularly unkind to WRs (e.g. - Dez Bryant) and TEs (e.g. - Tony Gonzalez). By this point in the season chances are your league’s waiver wire is pretty well picked over unless you have some owners in the league that mentally check out as soon as their team’s results head south. Still, all the injuries create openings and opportunities for some lesser-known players, so scour the lists below, paying particular attention to the matchups since we’re now in the “lose one and you’re done” part of the season.
Who are the players who are injured, and who may be on your league’s waiver wire with the potential to make a difference for your fantasy team?
Quarterback
Running Back
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Kicker
Defense
Final Thoughts
Have a great week!
The Sherpa
The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog
@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter
Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook
“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio
Hi everyone,
Why is Derek Jeter indebted to Albert Haynesworth? Which movie is the San Diego Chargers’ favorite? Find out by reading our latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post! Here’s the link : http://huff.to/f0S1Tt
Enjoy!
The Sherpa
The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog
@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter
Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook
“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio
Hi everyone,
Why is Greg Olsen confused? Why is Darren McFadden worried? Find out in my latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post! Here’s the link: http://huff.to/f3skf4
Enjoy!
The Sherpa
The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog
@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter
Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook
“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio
Hi everyone,
What career should Derek Anderson avoid at all costs? Which NFL player should have received a Thanksgiving turkey pardon from President Obama? Find out by reading our latest football blog entry on The Huffington Post! Here’s the link: http://huff.to/gd3L5Y
Enjoy!
The Sherpa
The Sherpa’s Fantasy Football Blog
@fantasy_sherpa on Twitter
Fantasy Football Sherpa’s fan page on Facebook
“4th & Inches with Jana and The Sherpa“, Wed. nights 9:30-10:30pm Eastern on Blog Talk Radio
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