LestersLegends.com

I’ve been invited to participate in Fantasy Trader’s fantasy football roundtable.

This week’s topic:
If one were to prorate Jamaal Charles’ final eight games of 2009 to a full season, he’d handily outscore Adrian Peterson and betters all RB’s not named Chris Johnson in PPR formats. What are your expectations for Charles in 2010?

Click here for the full article.

My response:
I began calling him Chris Johnson Lite at the end of the year because of his ability to rip off a long run or two seemingly every game. He posted a phenomenal 5.9 yards per carry, and had 1131 total yards with 8 TDs in the last eight weeks. That’s 141.4 yards and a score per game for half a year.

His beastly numbers impressed me enough to have him as my 11th rated RB heading into next year. While I can’t dismiss his numbers, I do get that Steve Slaton type vibe from Charles. I just don’t know if there’s an encore.

Kansas City has just about nothing going for them on offense outside of Charles. My guess is he’ll face a lot more eight and nine man fronts. Teams will dare the Chiefs to beat them with the run. I just don’t know that he can stand up to that sort of defensive pressure.

Jamaal Charles is the type of player that I will most likely not own in 2010. I can’t imagine a league with an owner that doesn’t hold him in higher regard than I do, and I’m OK with that.

Super Bowl XLIV Results:  0-1
My Son’s Results:  0-1

Regular Season Lock Picks:  31-3 (.912)
Regular Season Total:  177-79 (.691)
Playoff Picks:  4-7
Pro Bowl Pick:  1-0
Overall Total:  182-86 (.679)

My son’s Playoff Picks:  5-2
My son’s Pro Bowl Pick:  1-0
My son’s Overall Total:  6-2

These are heads-up picks. The Yahoo ATS challenge wrapped up. I finished tied for third at 134-119-3 (.529). If you want to take part in the challenge next year, leave me a message in the comment with your e-mail or send one to me at contact@lesterslegends.com.

Time for the final results of Fantasy Football Out on a Limb.

Scoring

6 points for rushing or receiving TD
4 points for a passing TD
0.1 points per yard for rushing or receiving
0.05 points per passing yard.

Last Week
Peyton Manning over Drew Brees +2:  Loser Manning 20.65, Brees 24.3 (22.3 actual +2)
Donald Brown over Reggie Bush:  Loser Brown 2.9, Bush 6.3
Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon over Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey, and David Thomas
Winner
Indy Triplets:  23.8
Colston, Henerson, Meachem, Shockey, Thomas: 23.4
Super Bowl Picks:  1-2

Season Record
Regular Picks: 41-40-1
Super Stretch Picks:  8-12
Playoffs Picks:  7-7
Pro Bowl Picks:  0-3
Overall: 56-62-1

1.  St. Louis Rams:  Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
I know they need help on offense, but you to properly build a team you need quality play on both lines of scrimmage. They addressed the offensive line last year with Jason Smith, bypassing Mark Sanchez. They’ll make another sound decision when they grab Suh, the best defensive player in the country.

2.  Detroit Lions:  Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
They drafted their franchise QB last year so now it’s time to protect their investment.

3.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Tampa Bay needs some serious help on defense, and adding a top defensive tackle is a good start.

4.  Washington Redskins:  Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Mike Shanahan won’t likely stick with Jason Campbell as his QB of the future. Campbell could have one year left in him as Clausen develops.

5.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Kansas City needs help on both sides of the ball. They could try to trade down to avoid a big rookie contract. If they stay put they go with the best available, and that’s Berry.

6.  Seattle Seahawks:  Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
I know Pete Carroll said Matt Hasselbeck is his guy, but he’s more the present than the future. Bradford could learn from Hasselbeck for a year or two before taking over the reins.

7.  Cleveland Browns:  Joe Haden, CB, Florida
As much as the Browns need a WR, they’re better served adding a premium cornerback.

8.  Oakland Raiders:  Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Al won’t grab the fastest WR in the draft, at least not with this pick. He’ll take this giant (6′7″) to bolster his offensive line.

9.  Buffalo Bills:  Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
He won’t make up for passing on Michael Oher last year, but it’s a start. Offensive-minded Chan Gailey knows you need strong line play before an offense can hum.

10.  Jacksonville Jaguars, Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
Playing in the same division with the league’s best QB (Peyton Manning), RB (Chris Johnson), and WR (Andre Johnson), the Jags need to go defense here. McLain is the top inside linebacker in the draft.

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I was invited to do a 2010 fantasy football mock draft. Here’s the draft order.

1 Rotowire
2 ProFSA.com
3 FantasyFootballWhiz
4 RotoPicks
5 Lesters Legends
6 Bruno Boys
7 Fantasy Football Maniaxs
8 Junkyard Jake
9 FantasyFootballTrader
10 Fanatic Fantasy Football
11 FantasyMojo.com
12 FantasyFootballStarter

Thirteenth Round Pick
I was debating grabbing Pittsburgh Defense last round or a backup TE. I opted for the D, and two of the backup TE’s I was considering (Carlson, Keller) went off the board. Fortunately the position is deep and I still have the Millers to decide between.

Drafted Team 
QB1:  Matt Schaub (3)
QB2:  Matt Ryan (8)
RB1:  Michael Turner (1)
RB2:  Rashard Mendenhall (2)
RB3:  Felix Jones (5)
RB4:  LenDale White (11)
WR1:  Santonio Holmes (4)
WR2:  Michael Crabtree (6)
WR3:  Percy Harvin (7)
WR4:  Julian Edelman (10)
TE1:  Visanthe Shiancoe (9)
TE2:  Heath Miller (13)
DEF1:  Pittsburgh (12)

I was invited to do a 2010 fantasy football mock draft. Here’s the draft order.

1 Rotowire
2 ProFSA.com
3 FantasyFootballWhiz
4 RotoPicks
5 Lesters Legends
6 Bruno Boys
7 Fantasy Football Maniaxs
8 Junkyard Jake
9 FantasyFootballTrader
10 Fanatic Fantasy Football
11 FantasyMojo.com
12 FantasyFootballStarter

Twelfth Round Pick
Assuming Troy Polamalu returns healthy, the Steelers Defense will be one of the strongest units in football next year. They get to the quarterback and force a lot of turnovers. They generally don’t allow a lot of scoring either. All recipes for success when choosing a fantasy defense.

Drafted Team
QB1:  Matt Schaub (3)
QB2:  Matt Ryan (8)
RB1:  Michael Turner (1)
RB2:  Rashard Mendenhall (2)
RB3:  Felix Jones (5)
RB4:  LenDale White (11)
WR1:  Santonio Holmes (4)
WR2:  Michael Crabtree (6)
WR3:  Percy Harvin (7)
WR4:  Julian Edelman (10)
TE1:  Visanthe Shiancoe (9)
DEF1:  Pittsburgh (12)

Time for another edition of Fantasy Football Out on a Limb.  I scour the rosters to select a player who I feel will outperform a higher profile player in that given week.  I base my decisions on match-ups, how the players are trending, and the ever-important hunch.  To mix things up I’ll occasionally do some two on one match-ups or even pit RB or WR duos against each other.  Sometimes I’ll spot a player some points.

For the Super Bowl I will pick one matchup for Quarterback, Running Back, and Wide Receiver.

Scoring
6 points for rushing or receiving TD
4 points for a passing TD
0.1 points per yard for rushing or receiving
0.05 points per passing yard.

Last Week
Vince Young over Donovan McNabb:  Loser VY2.55, McNabb 10.5
Frank Gore over Adrian Peterson:  Loser Gore 1.5, AP 2.2
Steve Smith over Vincent Jackson:  Loser Smith 10.8, V-Jax 18.2
Pro Bowl Picks:  0-3

Season Record
Regular Picks: 41-40-1
Super Stretch Picks:  8-12
Playoffs Picks:  6-5
Pro Bowl Picks:  0-3
Overall: 55-60-1

Super Bowl XLIV Picks

Peyton Manning over Drew Brees +2
There isn’t much separating these two franchise QBs. I’m choosing the Colts to win the game, and I think Manning will be the Super Bowl MVP. Brees should have a solid game as well, but even with two spotted points, I think Manning comes out victorious.

Donald Brown over Reggie Bush
Both are secondary options in the running game, but I believe Brown will be more productive. I expect him to get plenty of touches towards the end of the game as Indianapolis wraps up another Super Bowl victory.

Reggie Wayne, Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon over Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey, and David Thomas
I’m mixing it up by taking the Colts’ WR triplets over the Saints triplets and their top two tight ends. The Saints WRs combined for 2705 yards and 21 TDs during the regular season while the Saints quintet combined for 3525 yards and 24 TDs. Even without putting Dallas Clark into the equation, I’m banking on the Colts’ wides.

Monster.com and NFL to Announce the Next “Director of Fandemonium” Live on Super Bowl XLIV Pregame Show

National contest finalists descend on South Florida to earn “dream job”

FLORIDA – February 3, 2010 – After a season-long search to fill the “dream job” for an NFL fan,Monster.com®, the leading global online career and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:  MWW), together with the National Football League (NFL) will announce the next “Director of the NFL Department of Fandemonium” live on the CBS Super Bowl XLIV Pregame Show from Sun Life Stadium on February 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET.  The final two candidates have separated themselves from an initial group of more than 200,000 applicants and voting for them will continue at nfl.monster.com until midnight on February 5.

Based on fan voting, either Amanda Cameron of San Diego, CA (representing San Diego) or Ralph Lanier, Jr. of Fort Lauderdale, FL (representing Miami) will be crowned the next Director.  As part of the season-long role, the Director will take home a $100,000 “signing bonus”, as well as take part in the behind-the-scenes action at several marquee NFL events during the 2010 season.  The runner-up will take home $10,000.

“We launched this program with this moment in mind – the chance to grant this extraordinary opportunity to one lucky fan,” said Ted Gilvar, executive vice president and chief global marketing officer, Monster Worldwide, Inc.  “Our finalists have been role models for how anyone can use their talent and enthusiasm to land a dream job through Monster.”

The final tests came this past weekend in South Florida where Cameron and Lanier, Jr. arrived before the 2010 Pro Bowl and completed a series of on-field experiences under the watchful eye of NFL Films.  The two finalists first designed a play had their offensive coordinator skills evaluated by a Pro Bowl coach.  Later this week, the winner of the Pro-Bowl Finalist task will complete broadcaster and field-preparations duties with NFL crews to assure everything is in order for Super Bowl XLIV.  Videos of the finalist’s adventures in South Florida can be viewed at nfl.monster.com.

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It’s never too early to look at next year. Here’s a look at early 2010 fantasy football Tight End rankings.

1.  Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts
Clark’s speed, size, and route-running make him a complete mismatch every game.

2.  Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
He keeps putting up monster numbers year in and year out.

3.  Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers
Finally reached his potential.

4.  Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys
He’ll need to get in the end zone more to remain a top TE.

5.  Brent Celek, Philadelphia Eagles
You knew he was good, but showed his toughness playing through a thumb injury.

6.  Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers
Speed and size that makes him tough to handle.

7.  Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons
Not the Gonzo of old, but still pretty darn good.

8.  Owen Daniels, Houston Texans
Assuming he’s recovered from his knee injury, Daniels should have another fine season. He was leading all TE’s in fantasy points before the injury.

9. Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings
He’s a tough cover in the red zone with their assortment of weapons..

10. Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
Maybe the most complete Tight End in the league.

11. Kellen Winslow, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rebounded nicely in Tampa.

12. Greg Olsen, Chicago Bears
Still one of the Bears best options on offense. Look for more in 2010

13. John Carlson, Seattle Seahawks
Another fine season for Carlson.

14. Zach Miller, Oakland Raiders
Assuming the JaMarcus Russell fiasco has ended, Miller is a nice option going forward.

15.  Dustin Keller, New York Jets
Keller really gelled with Sanchez during the playoffs.

Also check out:

Early 2010 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
Early 2010 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
Early 2010 Fantasy Football WR Rankings

Not ready for fantasy football, check out my fantasy baseball rankings.

Images courtesy of Icon SMI

Here’s a breakdown of playoff fantasy rankings for Super Bowl XLIV.

Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning
2. Drew Brees

Running Backs
1. Pierre Thomas
2. Joseph Addai
3. Donald Brown
4. Reggie Bush

Wide Receivers
1. Reggie Wayne
2. Marques Colston
3. Austin Collie
4. Pierre Garcon
5. Devery Henderson
6. Robert Meachem

Tight Ends
1. Dallas Clark
2. Jeremy Shockey
3. David Thomas

Kickers
1. Matt Stover
2. Garrett Hartley

Defenses
1. Indianapolis Colts
2. New Orleans Saints

I was invited to do a 2010 fantasy football mock draft. Here’s the draft order.

1 Rotowire
2 ProFSA.com
3 FantasyFootballWhiz
4 RotoPicks
5 Lesters Legends
6 Bruno Boys
7 Fantasy Football Maniaxs
8 Junkyard Jake
9 FantasyFootballTrader
10 Fanatic Fantasy Football
11 FantasyMojo.com
12 FantasyFootballStarter

Eleventh Round Pick
LenDale White will likely have a new home in 2010. Perhaps he will reunite with Pete Carroll in Seattle. Justin Forsett is a solid back, but I’m not sure he can handle the full load. White could be used in a 50-50 split with Forsett and serve as the goal line back. This is a low-risk pick at this point in the draft, but could turn into a great value depending on where he lands.  Even if he stays in Tennessee, you would hope they would utilize LenDale more simply to avoid overuse of Chris Johnson.

Drafted Team
QB1:  Matt Schaub (3)
QB2:  Matt Ryan (8)
RB1:  Michael Turner (1)
RB2:  Rashard Mendenhall (2)
RB3:  Felix Jones (5)
RB4:  LenDale White (11)
WR1:  Santonio Holmes (4)
WR2:  Michael Crabtree (6)
WR3:  Percy Harvin (7)
WR4:  Julian Edelman (10)
TE1:  Visanthe Shiancoe (9)