Week 8: Fantasy Football In-Review - a podcast by Jonny and Donny

I would like to start this blog off by addressing all my fellow Colts fans: At least they didn't lose by 55 points this week. Boy, what a rough ride those Colts are giving me. Peyton cannot return any sooner. It really is unfortunate to see how far Reggie Wayne and his fantasy value has fallen. I think it is safe to say things would be much different for Reggie had Peyton be under center for the Colts but this drop off is beyond what I would have ever imagined. I honestly would not be surprised if you either did not see Reggie in a Colts uniform next year or at the least bit back with a much smaller contract than Wayne would normally be accustomed had not for the horrendous season he is currently in the middle of. #SuckforLuck

On a much more positive note, I am pretty sure even on a bye, Aaron Rodgers was able to top everyone in fantasy points scored. In the midst of another quiet fantasy week, certain teams find themselves either making a serious push into the post season, with the others the golf season. Speaking of Aaron Rodgers, The Green Bay Packers come into week 9 undefeated at 7-0 and look to continue their dominating ways against a shockingly inferior opponent in the San Diego Chargers. After the Chargers loss to the Kansas City Chiefs Monday night, I scrolled across a tweet of how bad Philip Rivers' quarterback rating is this year and took it upon myself to look more into this. Here are the names of a few quarterbacks that currently sport a better QB rating than Rivers this year to date: Andy Dalton, Donovan McNabb, Mark Sanchez, Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell, Cam Newton, Matt Hasselback, Tony Romo, Michael Vick, Alex Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Eli Manning. I name these select quarterbacks because at the beginning of the season, had a made the statement that halfway through the season all of these quarterbacks would have a better QB rating than Rivers, you would think I was crazy. I would think I was crazy! There is a lot of speculation that it may be an injury hindering Rivers performance but no one other than Rivers knows the real answer. It has been a tough year for all of Rivers owners (@ZacharyAllard), and I can only imagine how the Charger faithful are coping with how much of a letdown Rivers' season has been. Wait, I can relate to that, unfortunately.

A new section I would like to implement here is something I discussed weekly on Twitter and Facebook amongst all football fans over the last two years throughout the NFL season, and that is the leading canidates for the league MVP in-season. Often my decisions received a lot of criticism and questioning but hey, that is what I wanted intended for all along. It will be tough to argue my number one spot but like I said, all opinions are welcome. Let the talking begin!

1) Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers - Like I said, I find it hard to put anyone else at the top of this list. His performance on the field has been surgical for the Packers and the sole reason why they are currently undefeated. I do not see how Rodgers will not just keep on rolling towards his first ever league MVP leaving his competition in the dust.

2) Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers - What a story this kid has been for the Panthers and the NFL. Although the Panthers are 2-6 and last in the always competitive NFC South, Cam Newton is a legitimate MVP candidate. He has thrown for the 2nd most yards in the league behind only Drew Brees and has accounted for a total of 17 touchdowns. He has also helped inject new life into Steve Smith and without a doubt has the Carolina Panthers trending upwards. Good drafting Dan (@dannysuperstar).

3) Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions - Megatron has destroyed every DB he has faced so far this season scoring 11 league-leading touchdowns along the way, something only Randy Moss has done at this point in the season. Calvin is the toughest wideout to cover in the league and like I stated at the beginning of the season (See WR: http://thesportsrepstalk.blogspot.com/2011/06/sports-reps-fantasy-football-rankings.html), will be the best all-around wide receiver come seasons end.

4) Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans - I was very reluctant to place Drew Brees here. The first reason being because he is tied for second for the most interceptions thrown this season and the second being that aside from the matchup with the Colts, has not really been leading his team to domination as of late. They have already lost once to the Tampa Buccaneers, are coming off a tough loss to the now 1-6 St. Louis Rams and if they lose to the Buccaneers this week, it will be a dog fight for the top spot NFC South. On the other hand, Drew Brees is on pace to smash Dan Marino's passing yards in a season record, I cannot let that statistic go unnoticed.

5) Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants - Eli has his G-men winning. It is that simple. Manning is fortunate enough to be backed by a defense that leads the league in sacks and to his credit he is not turning the ball over like he was last year. Eli has the Giants sporting a 5-2 record and leading the NFC East. A division that at this point is the Giants to take and run away with if they can be consistent a football team for the remainder of the season.

Check back next week for an updated list of in-season MVP candidates. Now onto some fantasy talk.

I am really starting to like this ESPN fantasy because Jon and I just keep on rolling. This past week we picked up our fourth win in a row and are now 5-3 after starting the season 1-3. Ray Rice (7 REC, 99 TOTAL YDS, 3 TDs) lead the way scoring 27 fantasy points and punching in 3 touchdowns, helping us earn a promising 97-69 victory. It also has been a great surprise to have Eli Manning (31 COMP, 349 YDS, 2 TDs) playing the way he has been for us and we need it more than ever this week with Matthew Stafford on the bye. We also are looking for a HUGE game out of Mike Tolbert seeing as how it is looking like he will be the main guy this weekend with Ryan Mathews and Curtis Brinkley potentially both out with injuries.

In our Yahoo! league I was fortunate enough to move to 7-1 while still sitting in the 4th overall spot in our league standings. Although my decision to waste my waiver on Alfonso Smith (1 YD, 1 TKL) and start him over Beanie Wells (83 YDS, 1 TD) in a tough match-up against the Ravens, unaware of the amount of reps Wells was going to receive was a bad one, my other waiver pick-up of the Buffalo DST worked out much better than anticipated. Buffalo's DST picked up 29 fantasy points, a total that played a big part in my 134.42-120.86 victory over Flumpy. Yes, Flumpy. This week it looks like I will be without Darren McFadden (foot) for another week and that is extremely upsetting considering the amount of times in the last 2 years McFadden has torched Denver's defense. I was however able to snatch up Javon Ringer off waivers and really think that that move will pay dividends for me from here on out. Sorry Thomas (@Imtherealdougie), Chris Johnson (YEAR TOTALS: 43.1 RUSH YDS/GAME, 1 TD) is done. The other unfortunate part of this week is the fact that I really wanted Jared (@JPDClinton) to experience Darren McFadden and Calvin Johnson putting up a 30 spot on him this weekend in our match-up. Hey, maybe Plaxico Burress will catch 3 more touchdowns this week to make up for their absence. Here is some advice Jared, don't bet against the Jets again this week. Because if you do, the only comforting fall-back you will have will be that patch of fur above your top lip. That being said, no one and I mean NO ONE, grows a mustache quite like you buddy. (Chris Jericho shout-out anyone?)

Jon, I did my part for your playoff hopes last week, you didn't hold up your end of the virtual bargain. Although I was able to hand Jon's division leader a loss, Jon suffered another crucial loss at the hands of my divisional rival, Tyler (@OvieMyHomie). To Jon's defense, two of his players went down with an injury early in their respective games putting him at a disadvantage early. On the other hand, Tony Romo once again pretty much single-handily screwed him out of another victory. His awful play however is not something I personally would bring concern to. Reason being, that is what you would expect coming from an average quarterback. His trade for Reggie Wayne has also not worked out to well and it might almost be time to start thinking next year. Maybe Adrian Peterson's services will be complimented next year.Future divisional match-ups will be key for Jon's playoff chances.

It is now time for the Booms, Bums and Waiver Wire Pickups of Week 8...

BOOMS:
CAM NEWTON (CAR-QB): I am surprised I have not had Cammy Cam (22 COMP, 290 YDS, 3 TDs) on this list more often this year because he has been much more than deserving. Newton torched the Vikings defense for 3 touchdowns through the air in a 30-27 loss. He did however fumble the ball twice. Honestly though, the way this kid has played this season for a team that was dead last in the league last year, to be even considered an MVP candidate, is an accomplishment in itself. Keep it up Cam.

LESEAN MCCOY (PHI-RB): Boy can this guy run. And cut. And juke. And spin. And catch. And score. And, you get the idea. LeSean McCoy (2 REC, 200 TOTAL YDS, 2 TDs) can do it all and he was more than pleased to show the Cowboys what he is capable of on Sunday Night Football. It seems like McCoy does not get the attention he probably does deserve week-in and week-out. It is probably because he plays for the "Dream Team". *insert sarcastic Vince Young comment here* Nonetheless, you can find all the credit and attention McCoy deserves here because I am most certainly jealous I do not have him on my team. Even though this week he draws the often stingy Chicago Bears defense, I still believe he comes out a fantasy BOOM.

Honorable Mentions: Steven Jackson (STL-RB), Ray Rice (Bal-RB), Eli Manning (NYG-QB)

BUMS:
CHRIS JOHNSON (TEN-RB): Ha, when does it end? When is the embarrassment over? I said last week that if Chris Johnson (3 REC, 51 TOTAL YDS) cannot get the wheels turning against the Colts defense, it is over for him. And I truly believe that that is the case. It is only a matter of time before Javon Ringer takes over as the lead back in Tennessee this year, big contract or not. I have no comment for what will happen in the long term for Chris Johnson but as far as this year goes, halfway through the season there is no other man more worthy of the "Bust-of-the-Year" award than Chris Johnson is. Hey Thomas (@Imtherealdougie), could you imagine if you had kept LeSean McCoy instead of Johnson? Start Javon Ringer this week over Chris Johnson ladies and gentlemen.

WES WELKER (NE-WR): I can only hope that this is temporary and I do believe it is. But for now lets tell it like it is, Welker, as well as the Patriot offense, were dominated for the most part by the Pittsburgh defense. It was not so much Welker not performing, but Pittsburgh and Ike Taylor playing so tough. This week Welker and the Pats take on the NFC East leading New York "Football" Giants. Although this may be another tough match-ups for the Patriots, it is the rest of Patriots schedule that may has Welker owners licking their chops: Week 11 vs. Chiefs, Week 12 at Eagles, Week 13 vs. Colts, Week 14 at Redskins, Week 15 at Broncos, Week 16 vs. Dolphins, Week 17 vs. Bills. Yeah, get excited.

Honorable Mentions: Ryan Torain (Was-RB), Tony Romo (Dal-QB), Dez Bryant (Dal-WR) (This guy is hyped WAY too much)

WAIVER WIRE PICKUPS:
JAVON RINGER (TEN-RB): I may be the only one on this train but it is only starting to get rolling. It is clear as to why I believe Ringer is the guy to grab right now off of the waivers and it is only a matter of time before it begins to really pay off.

MICHAEL BUSH (OAK-RB): It looks as if Darren McFadden (foot) will be unavailable for the Raiders this weekend versus the Broncos. Enter Michael Bush. Where I do not believe you will get the yards and catches out of Bush that you would normally get from McFadden in this juicy Denver match-up, it would not surprise me at all to see 80+ yards and 2 TD's for the tough-running back. It also would not surprise me if Bush outperforms Tim Tebow.

Honorable Mentions: Matt Cassel vs. MIA (KC-QB), Oakland DST vs. DEN, Darrius Heyward-Bey vs. DEN (Oak-WR)

Now, although I have praised the Packers quite a bit this week and spent a significant amount of time pooping all over the San Diego Chragers, I cannot help but sniff an upset in San Diego. Crazier things have happened this year (Thank-you St. Louis Rams). If Beanie Wells can overcome the pain in his knee I like him to tear up that Rams defense. Oakland's DST should also have a big day with Tim Tebow "Tebowing" Denver's offense. My sleeper for this week is Doug Baldwin. I have no idea why I like this guy so much. And although he has had some great success as of late, Ben Roethlisberger is a guy I for sure am staying away from this week against the Baltimore Ravens.

It is only a matter of time before we see mustaches across the world in full grown and full-on greasy. I cannot figure out which one is worse, but I do know which one brings in the most ladies. Don't get any ideas Jared...

---> The Inspired<---

---> The Inspired's Hero<---

Goodluck in Week 9 everybody.

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