LestersLegends.com

.
Fantasy Loudmouth is sponsoring our fantasy football contest this week featuring two of the most talked about quarterbacks on the young season.
.
All you have to do is guess the combined passing yards for Tony Romo and Matthew Stafford in Week 4. Whoever comes the closest without going over takes home the prize.
.
As always, be original. If somebody guessed a total you want, you’ll have to come up with another one. Just leave a comment with your best guess and be sure to check out Fantasy Loudmouth.

.
Many number one receivers have been silenced by Darrelle Revis. That is not news to NFL and fantasy football fans. He can come in like a cold front and put your fantasy team in a serious hole. Will Miles Austin be his next victim?
.
You can’t be happy with the fact that Austin doesn’t come in at full strength. He has been dealing with a hamstring issue, which should not keep him out of today’s game, but should limit him. Not good news for someone on the Island.
.
The good news for Miles is his quarterback is back. With Tony Romo he started off the season on fire, picking up three 140+ yard, TD games in the first four weeks of the year.
.
Not that I expect him to drop anything close to that against the Jets, but clearly he is one of Romo’s preferred targets.
.
Problem is he has lots of company.
.
Jason Witten is one of the premiere tight ends in the league and another guy that has Romo’s trust. They have played together a long time and have formed a great rapport. Though last year he had more success when Romo wasn’t under center. Considering who the Jets have at cornerback though, Witten could be the best way to move the chains.
.
The Cowboys also have Felix Jones who is looking to finally reach his expectations. He will be very active in the passing game as well to keep the Cowboys’ pass rush honest.
.
Did I mention budding star Dez Bryant? He may not make the best decisions off-the-field, but he has a world of talent on it. Romo will not shy away from Dez.
.
That’s a lot of mouths to feed going up against a fierce defense, especially for a guy that’s banged up. I don’t have Miles in any leagues so I can’t say with certainty whether or not I’d have the guts to bench him, but if I had an attractive option, I would consider doing just that.
.
Your thoughts on Austin?
.
.

Also check out:

• Week 1 Fantasy QB Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy RB Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy WR Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy TE Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy K Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy DEF Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy IDP Rankings
• Start/Sit Week 1
• Week 1 Sleepers

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings – PPR
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football K Rankings

.
About the only stable running back scene in the NFC East belongs to the Philadelphia Eagles. LeSean McCoy ran for 1080 yards and seven touchdowns. He added to his totals with a ridiculous 78 catches for 592 yards and two more scores. Sure, he’ll lose some touchdowns to Michael Vick, but he doesn’t have much competition from other running backs. McCoy is a solid RB1.
.
Felix Jones is the lead back in Dallas, but the Cowboys fully expect to share the workload. Tashard Choice and rookie DeMarco Murray will be in the mix, but they probably won’t do enough for fantasy teams barring injury. Jones is best suited as an RB3 at this point. Marion Barber III is unlikely to return gone.
.
Ahmad Bradshaw is in limbo until the lockout is settled. If he become a restricted free agent he will likely remain with the Giants. If he is unrestricted he’ll go to the highest bidder. I like his prospects better if he stays with the G-Men, but I wouldn’t shy away from him if he bolts. Bradshaw is a solid RB2 regardless. Brandon Jacobs is also in limbo. The Giants could ask him to take a paycut. Whether or not he’ll be willing to do so will determine his fantasy worth. Like Bradshaw I like Jacobs better if he returns to the Giants. He’s a solid RB3 that would get a boost in value if Bradshaw leaves.
.
Then there’s Washington. Ryan Torain had some moments last year, but he can’t seem to stay healthy. He’s a big risk that should probably be no better than a RB4. Torain will have to share the load with rookie Roy Helu, who has a good chance of becoming the most productive of his class this year. Clinton Portis is unlikely to return.
.
.

Also check out:

• AFC East Running Back Situations
• AFC North Running Back Situations
• AFC South Running Back Situations
• AFC West Running Back Situations

.
The NFC East has three established quarterbacks and one messy situation.
.
Michael Vick is the number one fantasy quarterback in the division. He’s a bit of a risk in part because of injuries and in part because he’s never had a season like last year. He has the tools to succeed and the weapons around him to flourish, but we won’t know if he still has the drive to be a better quarterback. He’s easily a top tier QB1, but he has more risk than the likes of Rodgers, Brees, Brady, and Manning. Kevin Kolb is one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league. He could find himself traded, possibly to Arizona. He makes a decent QB2 if he’s a starter.
.
Tony Romo put up big numbers when he is healthy. Dez Bryant is immature, but he gives Romo another quality weapon. He’s averaged 2699.5 yards and 1.9 touchdown passes per game over the past four years (51 games). His lack of playoff success keeps him from the Brady, Peyton, and Brees discussions, but he is possibly the best value among fantasy quarterbacks because of it.
.
Eli Manning reached 4000 yards for the second straight season. Not bad for a team that historically likes to run the football. His career high of 31 touchdowns gives him an average of 29 over the past two years and 25 over the past six. He really formed a nice rapport with Hakeem Nicks and remains a solid QB1 if you want to address other needs or a high-end QB2.
.

Then there is Washington. Donovan McNabb is as good as gone, which marks the second straight season he’s been sent packing. I don’t know if he’s a starting caliber quarterback anymore. Even if he finds a new gig, his fantasy days are most likely behind him. Rex Grossman could be brought back, but it appears John Beck could get a chance to show what he can do. This is a situation to avoid. Not only are the QB options mediocre at best, but they are running thin in the playmaker department.
.
.

Also check out:

• AFC East Quarterback Situations
• AFC North Quarterback Situations
• AFC South Quarterback Situations
• AFC West Quarterback Situations

By Cy Holt
.
Michael Boley’s collarbone-breaking hit on Tony Romo might have been the best thing to happen to his fantasy owners this coming year.
.
Why do I say this?  Romo was lost for the year in week seven and underwent surgery to repair his shoulder. That could make fantasy owners look past him in their fantasy drafts. I mean why take a risk on a player who wasn’t healthy for more than half the year?  Why risk a pick on a quarterback whose shoulder could be damaged and could affect his throwing abilities this year?
.
Good. Let them think that…
.
Romo is an absolute steal in the fourth or fifth rounds of your draft. In the first  five games of 2010, the Cowboys quarterback threw for nearly 1600 yards and ten touchdowns. Romo averaged 18 fantasy points a game (ESPN standard scoring). Only one quarterback averaged more…the electrifying Michael Vick.
.
Dallas QB coach Wade Wilson assured that Tony’s throwing motion was “back to normal”. He added that “he’s throwing great”. Wilson also stated that “his accuracy and acceleration are really, really good.”
.
Also in Romo’s holster are three very talented wide receivers.  Miles Austin, Roy Williams, and sophomore Dez Bryant. Bryant is also coming off surgery, but he is expected to return for OTAs (assuming they have them). And did I mention one of the top tight ends in the game, Jason Witten.  Felix Jones, Marion Barber, and Tashard Choice form a three-headed monster at RB, which forces defenses to respect the run, opening up the passing game.
.
The fact is many people won’t be willing to take a risk on him. But I know I will. And hopefully it will pay off.

Fitz let a lot of owners down.
.
Championship Week continued as the Cardinals beat the Cowboys on Christmas in a game that likely didn’t pull too many people away from their Christmas parties.
.
Let’s take a look at how last night’s game will affect your roster decisions for today’s games.
.
Quarterbacks:  Jon Kitna (115 yards, TD, two INTs, seven rushing yards) had a stinker. Not only did he throw a pair of picks, he got knocked out of the game. If you started him, you’re in trouble. You may have to take some risks with your remaining roster. If you used John Skelton (183 passing yards, TD, 23 rushing yards) had a solid game for those who used him, likely in two-quarterback leagues.
.
Running Backs: Felix Jones (88 total yards) was good, not great. If you were banking on a big game from Felix, you’ll need to look elsewhere for a breakout game. Tim  Hightower (29 total yards) turned in a dud, and will likely yield carries to Beanie Wells (47 yards) in the finale. Neither are good plays next week. Marion Barber III (58 yards, TD) returned, effectively ending Tashard Choice‘s (32 total yards) fantasy run.
.
Wide Receivers:  Miles Austin (115 yards, TD) did his thing. Not quite enough to alter lineup plans, but he’ll make up for ground for those who didn’t meet their projections. Larry Fitzgerald (26 yards) had just one catch. He wasn’t even on Skelton’s radar as he had just three targets. Steve Breaston did not even catch a pass. Andre Roberts (110 yards, TD) stole the show, but was not in many lineups. Roy Williams was a non-factor.
.
Tight Ends: Jason Witten (45 yards, TD) did not have one of his monster weeks, but he was good enough, especially in PPR leagues..
.
Kickers:  David Buehler did not take the day off as he kicked two long field goals (42, 53) and twp PATs. Hopefully his missed PAT does not cost you. Jay Feely had three PATs through three quarters before delivering with two long field goals (49, 48) for the Cardinals and fantasy owners alike.
.
Defenses:  Arizona gave up 26 points, but returned both of Dallas’ interceptions to the house. Couple that with their fumble recovery and five sacks and you have a surprising strong performance. Dallas gave up 27 points, did not force a turnover, and had just one sack to disappoint once again.
.

Also check out:

• Week 16 Get ‘em or Don’t Sweat ‘em Waiver Wire Advice
• Week 16 Fantasy QB Rankings
• Week 16 Fantasy RB Rankings
• Week 16 Fantasy WR Rankings
• Week 16 Fantasy TE Rankings
• Week 16 Fantasy K Rankings
• Week 16 Fantasy DEF Rankings
• Week 16 Fantasy IDP Rankings
• Week 16 Start/Sit Advice
• Week 16 Fantasy Sleepers

Image courtesy of Icon SMI
.
That may seem like a silly question for a player that is tied for eight with 524 receiving yards, but after losing his starting QB, it’s something to consider. That, and the fact that he has just 50 yards in the past two games.
.
He really has been hit or miss this year+. When he’s good, like in Weeks 1, 2 and 5, he averages 151.3 yards per game. Unfortunately, when he’s bad, like in Weeks 3, 6, and 7, he averages 22.3 ypg. That’s some serious Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde stuff.
.
Besides losing Romo, Dez Bryant is coming on. He has three TDs in the past two weeks, which gives him one more TD on the year than Miles (not to mention the two punt returns he took to the house). Plus, Roy Williams didn’t go away quietly. He has five TDs on the year, though he didn’t catch a ball last week. Through in Jason Witten, who is averaging 77 yards per game over his past three with 2 TDs after a slow start. It’s almost like there are too many mouths to feed.
.
That’s before you even consider Felix Jones. The Cowboys desperately need to establish their ground game. Jones has been more active the past three weeks, a trend that will likely continue going forward.
.
Obviously he’s too talented to bench, even with Kitna at QB, but if you are deep at WR, or play in a 2 WR league, it may be worth considering it. At least until he proves he’s more like the boon receiver rather than the bust.
.
Also check out: