NFL Draft

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VIDEO OF THE WEEK: The NFL draft is over, but here are some pearls from Mel Kiper Jr. that you might have missed…

Posted by fantasyfurnace on April 30, 2013
Posted in: NFL, VIDEO OF THE WEEK. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 4 Comments

(VIDEO) In our Video of the Week, we’ve taken a look at some of the things ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. had to say during one of the broadcasts that you might have missed when it aired live. He spoke about everything from draft picks to coffee! Yep, coffee; one drink that you can bet Kiper drinks regularly! Here he is with fellow analyst Todd McShay! 

Of course that’s the amazing impressionist Frank Caliendo with the Kiper make-up on. He needs to lighten up just a little on the java and in the future insist on only decaf, right Todd? Todd! Todd! Todd! Todd! Todd! Todd!

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LAST WEEKEND TO DRAFT…

Posted by fantasyfurnace on September 4, 2011
Posted in: NFL. Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a comment

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT-

It’s Sunday….the last Sunday and the final weekend of drafting before the regular season begins on Thursday, Sept. 8th. Slots in most fantasy venues; Yahoo!, Fox Sports, ESPN,etc., are filling up faster than a gas tank on the Friday before a holiday weekend! Studying, reviewing, making last minute changes to cheat sheets, and just a general excitement has taken over the fantasy community. More fantasy players will play in Football leagues than in any other sport; by a country mile!!

On Tuesday, when everyone goes back to work, that’s all fantasy fanatics will talk about. ” How was your weekend Mike?” “Not bad James. I got the first pick in my annual draft on Sunday.” “Yeah? Who’d you take?” “Peterson of course.” You?” “Oh, I got stuck with the 8th pick, just like last year. Went with Felix Jones-you know how much of a Cowboy fan I am..” And so it goes.

Over the next several days following your draft, last minute roster changes, wavier pick ups and drops, and the first trade proposals will fill football leagues everywhere. There’s a special kind of ‘anxiety’ in your veins to go along with the shorter days and the crisper air. Last year’s Packer’s Jersey or Giant’s Tee shirt come out of your bedroom closet in preparation for that first game. And the only thing on your mind is Fantasy Football! And those first points you get in that first game. And then reality sets in…your season has begun!

We think there’s one thing to keep in mind as the new season starts, and this year, more than any other in memory, the key word of the first week is “Upsets”. Yesterday, as each team needed to cut their roster size down to 53 players, it dawned on us that the practices & preparations for this season have been really more condensed than anything. Remember the lock out took away a lot of time from the players & coaches to properly prepare for week one, which means there was a lack in overall conditioning….which will, we think, result in more upsets than usual this opening week. So keep that in mind as you peruse your rosters and pick your starters.

Best of luck to all of you and remember never to Drink and Draft. It will make for a longer draft and a much longer season!

5 POTENTIAL NFL FANTASY BUSTS

Posted by fantasyfurnace on September 3, 2011
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DRAFT…BUT TEMPER EXPECTATIONS

MAURICE JONES-DREW-RB-JAGUARS- The Jags clearly do not have a very potent group of receivers, unless you consider Mike Thomas, Jason Hill, and Jarett Dillard ‘potent’… This should leave opposing teams to stack the box with regularity. Also, remember that MJD had a knee issue last year which forced him to have a procedure performed. As a result, he hasn’t had much preseason action. The danger signs are flashing on this back.

 

MICHAEL TURNER-RB-FALCONS- With a more pass heavy attack to a receiving corps which includes Roddy White, highly touted Julio Jones, and veteran Tony Gonzalez, not to mention the QB stud Matt Ryan, Turner’s production should , if you’ll pardon the expression, ‘take a hit’. His numbers dipped last year because of a groin injury which required post season surgery, and at age 29, we think Turner’s probable lighter load will make him ‘bust worthy’.

 

BRANDON LLOYD-W/R-BRONCOS- For starters, Lloyd has experienced swelling in his knee for a good part of the preseason. We don’t believe it will prove to be more than a red flag for now, but if you’ll recall Lloyd did have a severe PCL sprain back in 2008. What will have more of an impact on his numbers is coach John Fox, who has already stated that he wants more plays for Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGahee.

REGGIE WAYNE-W/R-COLTS- If you follow ‘The furnace’, you would have seen Wayne’s name listed in our August 20th post, “Players To Avoid Drafting”. Nothing has happened during the preseason to change our minds. All of the receivers are back AND healthy; Pierre Garcon, Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzalez, and Austin Collie. Wayne did have 6 receptions for 105 yards in the Colts’ 3rd preseason game, but not all of the starters saw action and half of those yards came on an ugly blown coverage by the Packers.

MICHAEL VICK-QB-EAGLES- Vick missed 25% of the games last season due to injuries and when you take into consideration the way he plays, he certainly is vulnerable to injury at any time; any play. Additionally, the teams that Vick will play this year have had around seven months to screen miles of film and thus be more prepared to make adjustments. We would consider it a stretch for Vick to turn in a repeat performance this season. A ‘good one’, yes for sure. However, you’ll need to temper your expectations.