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2012 Early Fantasy Football Team DEF Rankings

21 May 2012

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Here’s a first look at the LestersLegends 2012 team defense rankings.
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1. San Francisco 49ers
They Niners had the number two scoring defense (14.3 ppg) and the number four total defense (308.2 ypg). Harbaugh has them playing tough nose football and they have the benefit of playing in a week division.
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2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Year in and year out the Steelers are among the NFL’s top defenses. They were number one in scoring (14.2 ppg) and total defense (271.8 ypg) last year. They play in a tougher division so I’ll give the Niners the nod, but it’s close.
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3. Baltimore Ravens
Yes, they lost Terrell Suggs, but I think he’ll be able to play at some point. They also reloaded by adding Courtney Upshaw in the draft. Ed Reed is on the fence about playing, but I see at least another year from him. The Ravens ranked third in scoring defense (16.6 ppg) and total defense (288.9 ypg).
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4. New York Jets
The Jets had a drop in scoring defense, ranking 20th at 22.7 ppg. They still ranked fifth in total defense at 312.1 ypg. They have made some decent additions and I expect a return to form.
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5. Philadelphia Eagles
The Birds were tenth in scoring (20.5 ppg) and eight in total defense (324.9 ypg). Their first three picks were on the defensive side of the ball and DeMeco Ryans will help plug up the middle.
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6. Houston Texans
They lost Mario Williams, but they did just fine without him last year finishing fourth in scoring (17.4 ppg) and second in total defense (285.7).
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7. Cincinnati Bengals
The Benglas finished ninth in scoring (20.2 ppg) and seventh in total defense (332.2 ypg). They added two promising rookies in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft (Kirkpatrick, Still).
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8. New England Patriots
They were 15th in scoring (21.4 ppg) despite ranking 31st in total defense (411.1 ypg). They added two first round defense players (Jones, Hightower) and four in the first three rounds.
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9. Green Bay Packers
The Pack ranked dead last in total defense (411.6 ypg) but like the Pats were much better in scoring defense (19th @22.4 ppg). They also went defense-heavy in the draft with five defensive players in the first four rounds.
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10. New York Giants
The Super Bowl came on at the right time, like their previous Super Bowl run. They ranked 25th in scoring (25.0 ppg) and 237th in total defense (376.4 ypg), but they dealt with a lot of injuries. They put a lot of pressure on the QB.
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2012 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Quarterbacks

16 May 2012

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Now that the NFL Draft is behind us it is time for fantasy football nuts to start breaking down the rookies. Here’s the LestersLegends’ look at the 2012 NFL rookie quarterback class.
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1. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
RG3 and Andrew Luck are basically a coin flip in terms of fantasy value. I prefer RG3 slightly because of his rushing ability. Both have big time arms and are capable of making the throws. RG3 ran for 33 scores in college. That could translate into big fantasy points.
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2. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
Luck figures to be a heckuva consolation prize (or RG3 if Luck goes first) in dynasty leagues. RG3 has borderline QB1 potential in re-draft leagues while I would put Luck at a QB2. There is a wide chasm following these two.
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3. Brandon Weeden, Cleveland Browns
Weeden will likely be the third rookie QB to start. He figures to do a lot of handing off to Trent Richardson though. He is seasoned though so he could have some decent spot starts at times. I wouldn’t draft him initially.
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4. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
Tannehill won’t likely start for the Dolphins out of the gate, but could easily see a few starts along the way. He should only be drafted in dynasty leagues.
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5. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins
Cousins would need an injury to RG3 to surface as a fantasy option. He would have had a better chance if he went elsewhere, but those are the breaks.
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| Posted by LestersLegends | Categories: Fantasy Football, fantasy football qb rankings, fantasy football rankings, NBA | Tagged: 2012 NFL Draft, 2012 rookie Quarterbacks, Fantasy Football, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Rookies, QBs, Quarterbacks, Rookie QBs, Rookie Quarterbacks |

2012 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Tight Ends

14 May 2012

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Now that the NFL Draft is behind us it is time for fantasy football nuts to start breaking down the rookies. Here’s the LestersLegends’ look at the 2012 NFL rookie tight end class.
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1. Coby Fleener, Indianapolis Colts
He has to learn how to play tight end at the next level, but at least he’s familiar with his quarterback. He caught 17 touchdown passes from Andrew Luck the past two years and he provides a big target (6’6″, 250) in the red zone.
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2. Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts were serious about giving Luck some big targets, taking a page out of Bill Belichick’s playbook by taking Fleener with the 34th pick and Allen with the 64th. He caught 50 passes for Clemson last year for 598 yards and eight scores.
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3. Michael Egnew, Miami Dolphins
Egnew was the Dolphin’s fourth selection, but he was still the 78th overall pick. He was much more productive as a Junior (90 catches, 762 yards vs. 50 and 523), but he doesn’t have much competition.
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4. Orson Charles, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have Jermaine Gresham, but two solid tight ends is chic. Charles caught 45 passes at Georgia for 574 yards and five TDs. He should be a nice piece in an up-and-coming offense.
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5. Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers
Green has the luxury from learning from one of the best (Antonio Gates) with a premier QB (Philip Rivers). He caught 15 touchdown passes over the past two years at Louisiana-Lafayette. He needs to add some weight, which could slow his ascent.
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| Posted by LestersLegends | Categories: Fantasy Football, fantasy football rankings, fantasy football te rankings, NFL | Tagged: 2012 NFL Draft, 2012 rookie tight ends, Fantasy Football, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Rookies, Rookie TEs, Rookie Tight Ends, TEs, Tight Ends |

2012 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Wide Receivers

10 May 2012

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Now that the NFL Draft is behind us it is time for fantasy football nuts to start breaking down the rookies. Here’s the LestersLegends’ look at the 2012 NFL rookie wide receiver class.
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1. Michael Floyd, Arizona Cardinals
While it is debatable whether Floyd or Justin Blackmon is more talented, Floyd easily finds himself in a better position. Not only does Blackmon have to Blaine Gabbert throwing to him, he doesn’t have much help outside of MJD. Meanwhile, Floyd gets to learn from Larry Fitzgerald.
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2. Justin Blackmon, Jacksonville Jaguars
There was basically one landing place for Blackmon that would prevent him from being the top choice here. Unfortunately for Blackmon, that place is Jacksonville. Poor QB play and no WRs to take pressure off of him. Still, he should have solid games. Consistency will be an issue.
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3. Kendall Wright, Tennessee Titans
Wright lands in a pretty solid spot. He should get decent QB play whether it’s from Hasselbeck or Locker and teams won’t be able to key in on him thanks to Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt.
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4. Mohamed Sanu, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have been pretty spot on with their draft picks of late and Sanu has a chance to step in and play opposite of A.J. Green in an up and coming offense.
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5. Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears
He should earn a starting gig with a solid WR to play opposite of in Brandon Marshall and a solid QB in Jay Cutler. It could take him some time to get acclimated to the NFL, but he should be a nice option as the season rolls on.
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| Posted by LestersLegends | Categories: Fantasy Football, fantasy football rankings, fantasy football wr rankings, NFL, NFL Draft | Tagged: 2012 NFL Draft, 2012 rookie wide receivers, Fantasy Football, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Rookies, Rookie Wide Receivers, Rookie WRs, Wide Receivers, WRs |

2012 Early Fantasy Football WR Rankings

2 May 2012

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Here’s an early look at 2012 LestersLegends fantasy football tight end rankings.
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1. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions
Megatron was an absolute beast last year with 96 catches for 1681 yards and 16 scores. He’s number one and it’s not really close.
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2. Wes Welker, New England Patriots
What knee injury? All Welker did last year was catch 122 passes for 1569 yards and nine TDs. With Gronk and Aaron Hernandez it is hard to key in on Welker. Not to mention the addition of Brandon Lloyd.
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3. Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants
Victor Cruz put up better numbers last year, but Nicks was a force as well with 1192 yards and seven TDs.
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4. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Michael Floyd should relieve some of the attention on Fitz, who had his fourth 1400-yard season.
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5. Victor Cruz, New York Giants
After 1536 yards and nine TDs there should be plenty more salsa dancing in 2012.
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6. Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers
He’ll be 33, but he still has plenty of speed and an emerging quarterback.
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7. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
Recorded his fourth 1200-yard season and has 29 scores over the past three years.
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8. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
At times he was even better than Roddy. He should really emerge in his second season.
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9. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
He has sneaky quickness and a great rapport with the best QB in the game. Scored 15 times last year.
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10. Andre Johnson, Houston Texans
He makes me nervous because he couldn’t get healthy last year. He finished strong though and should be a great value this year.
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11. Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears
Assuming he stays out of trouble he should build on the 1214 yard, six TD season as he’s reunited with Jay Cutler.
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12. Mike Wallace, Pittsburgh Steelers
For now I consider him likely to return to the Steelers. He has elite speed and is coming off his second big year. Look for more of the same.
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13. Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers
Was limited to 13 games last year, but still caught nine TDs with 949 yards.
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14. Marques Colston, New Orleans Saints
Continues to produce 1000-yard seasons. He’s averaging 1040 yards and eight TDs per year in his six seasons.
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15. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
Had a great rookie year (1057 yards, seven TDs). Look for even more.
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16. Brandon Lloyd, New England Patriots
Played with a ridiculous bad cast of QBs in his time with Denver and St. Louis last year. Brady should help him improve on the 966 yards and five scores.
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17. Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikes will have to figure out a better way to use Percy and Adrian Peterson at the same time. He was dominant at times, and should continue to be productive both running and catching the football.
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18. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
928 yards and nine TDs last year with plenty of room to grow. Will have to stay healthy to join the elite.
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19. Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts
Wayne will take on the role of Andrew Luck’s security blanket. The Colts still figure to be behind most of the time and forced to throw a bunch.
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20. Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys
I think Dez has surpassed him, but there is still plenty there.
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21. DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles
Coming off a disappointing season (961 yards, four TDs). He’ll be hit or miss, but he should be much better in 2012.
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22. Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He isn’t in as fantasy-friendly a situation, and you’ll have to worry that he won’t be as motivated after getting paid. Still, he’s got a great speed-size combo and should remain a difficult cover.
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| Posted by LestersLegends | Categories: Fantasy Football, fantasy football rankings, fantasy football wr rankings, NFL | Tagged: 2012 fantasy football rankings, 2012 fantasy football WR rankings, 2012 NFL rankings, 2012 Wide Receiver Rankings, 2012 WR rankings, fantasy football rankings, fantasy football WR rankings, NFL, NFL rankings, Wide Receiver Rankings, WR rankings |

2012 Top Five Rookie Fantasy Football Running Backs

30 April 2012

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Now that the NFL Draft is behind us it is time for fantasy football nuts to start breaking down the rookies. Here’s the LestersLegends’ look at the 2012 NFL rookie running back class.
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1. Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns
It is pretty much Richardson and then the rest of the class. He will step in as the feature back right away and run behind a solid offensive line. Be prepared, you will have to pay top dollar to get him, but he has the potential to be a top ten fantasy running back right out of the gate.
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2. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He will split carries with LeGarrette Blount and could lose some touches at the stripe, but Martin is in good position. Blount had a disappointing season and has inadequacies in the blocking and receiving aspect of the position. Martin could see a lot of carries as the more complete back.
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3. David Wilson, New York Giants
The Giants did not opt to replace Brandon Jacobs with another big back. Instead they went with the shifty, athletic type. He will provide insurance for Ahmad Bradshaw, who has an injury history. He will likely be the eventual successor.
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4. Isaiah Pead, St. Louis Rams
Steven Jackson isn’t ready to hand over the reigns just yet, but Pead will be waiting in the wings. Jackson will turn 29 later this summer and he has carried a significant load. Look for the Rams to ease it with Pead while groove his eventual replacement.
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5. Bernard Pierce, Baltimore Ravens
Pierce will be the primary handcuff for Ray Rice. While he still has a lot of football left, the Ravens tend to utilize their second back better than most. They have gone with veterans Willis McGahee and Ricky Williams in recent years, so Pierce will be a nice change.
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| Posted by LestersLegends | Categories: Fantasy Football, fantasy football rankings, fantasy football rb rankings, NFL, NFL Draft | Tagged: 2012 NFL Draft, 2012 rookie running backs, Fantasy Football, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Rookies, Rookie Running Backs, Running Backs |

2012 Early Fantasy Football TE Rankings

19 April 2012

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1. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots: 1327 yards and 17 TDs (plus a rushing score). Gronk is ridiculous.
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2. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints: Hard to argue with 1310 yards and 11 TDs.
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3. Vernon Davis, San Francisco 49ers: Really blossomed during the NFL Playoffs. He’s too big for defensive backs and too fast for linebackers.
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4. Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots: 910 yards and seven scores. Versatile and an amazing compliment to Gronk.
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5. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys: Ho hum. Another 900+ yard season for Witten.
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6. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons: He just keeps on churning.
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7. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers: Given his age in comparison to Gonzo I never thought he’d be a riskier option. That just isn’t the case. If he can stay healthy, he can produce. That just seems to be too big of a challenge though.
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8. Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers: The potential remains, but it’s put up or shut up time if he wants to be considered elite. Staying healthy would be a start.
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9. Brandon Pettigrew, Detroit Lions: Made big strides last year catching 83 balls for 777 yards and five scores.
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10. Fred Davis, Washington Redskins: Emerged last year before his suspension. Should be a security blanket for RG3.
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