Gutterball 2013 : The New York Jets

When I was a young kid growing up, my mother always told me to get my mind out of the gutter. Well, that was great parental advice that kind of fell flat as I got older. There is a kind of strange fascination of watching a slow moving train wreck occur…especially when it involves highly paid people and NFL Teams.

Each week during the rest of the pre-season and throughout the regular season, I will explore the dark underbelly of the league. The nether regions of football will be scrutinized with the fascination of watching a disaster flick. This week’s team featured in Gutterball 2013 is the New York Jets.

Using the 3SN Custom Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

For fantasy football owners, research tends to be the hardest part to start. Quite literally, I have found nearly 100% of fantasy owners I've talked to actually be able to talk fantasy football for hours and hours, but when they need to take that knowledge, back it up with some player statistics and construct player lists, power rankings and fantasy tiers, they just can't find an easy way about it.

Now, you can let the 360 Sports Network help, with our customizable fantasy football cheat sheet...and right now, this fantasy football guru is going to show you EXACTLY how to use it, to get started in your fantasy research, and more. We'll cover various league types, fantasy football scoring and player stats and adjusting them.

Top Five Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Sleepers

Welcome back to our look at fantasy football sleepers by position. Today, we are going to take a look at five of the top fantasy football sleepers around. A few are deeper thoughts on the subject, while two are about right and the last is gaining a lot of attention; by the time you draft, Hilton might not be around!

So what makes a wide receiver sleeper different from the rest? First, his potential could land him a Flex1 position from the very first game. Most running back sleepers and fantasy quarterback just don't have enough umph to do this at times. Next, fantasy wide receivers usually don't spike out their play when solid from the beginning of the NFL season...they either stay strong, progressively get better, or just fade away until the free agency wire is their team. The last item, years played. Everyone you see here is less than two years in the league, with one exception; so for any keeper league drafters, this list is for you!

Top 5 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet of Tips

Nothing is worse than showing up to a live fantasy football draft, or even an online one, only to realize, you are unprepared; no lists, no information, nothing. You sit down and as the draft starts, people snicker as you make selections, you not realizing your starting quarterback and second wide receiver are on injured reserve. Yes, it is sad.

But you can change that all at once! By preparing, practicing, printing, listening and being awesome, you are bound for fantasy football glory this year. So lets look at my 5 fantasy football cheat sheet of tips right now! Don't want to wait, but you want to get started on your fantasy football glory right now??? Download the 360 Sports Network's free customizable fantasy football cheat sheet now!

Fantasy Football Power Rankings Changes

Not too much to report concerning player moves so lets take a look at some power rankings. Whenever I cover power rankings, and fantasy football player movement, keep in mind, I use standard scoring, and that is...1 point for every 25 yards thrown, 1 point for each 10 yards rushing or receiving, along with 6 points per touchdown, whether thrown or otherwise.

Robert Griffin III (QB - Washington Redskins) is finally starting to come up on draft boards from his previous number 15 position into the tier 4, some even placing him into the tier 2. This, about the only good news for a fairly banged up passing corp for the Washington Redskins.

Matt Ryan (QB - Atlanta Falcons) is finally getting some more respect. Previous to this week, the average draft position for the Atlanta Falcon starting quarterback was somewhere in the tier 5 region. Currently he is ranked on average as the number 6 to number 9 fantasy football quarterback.

Eli Manning (QB - New York Giants) is still falling in value. The injury to Victor Cruz and problems with the backfield in New York might have helped this Giant fall. Right now, his projection is nearly a round 9 selection...that is completely undervalued.

Andrew Luck (QB - Indianapolis Colts) seems to finally be breaking the top ten for fantasy football quarterbacks, sleepers or not. The averaged draft position for Luck is now leaning towards QB9 through QB12, with him now considered a solid tier 3 quarterback.

Arian Foster (RB - Houston Texans) is on a free-fall in his fantasy football value. A sore back was the initial reasoning for him missing games and practices, but now it's public knowledge he is receiving injections for pain, soreness and stiffness into his legs too. WOW!

Jamaal Charles (RB - Kansas City Chiefs) hasn't seen a lot of movement in his fantasy football value after his injury last week...not much to cover.

Trent Richardson (RB - Cleveland Browns) is surging his placement this week. After missing some practices before last week's game against the Detroit Lions with a shin injury, he still rushed 6 times for 33 yards. Norv Turner has also stated that he is targeting more carries and more catches for the running back...all good music to my fantasy football ears!

CJ Spiller (RB - Buffalo Bills) is starting to fall, as the mist known as pre-season hope starts to fade away from the Buffalo Bills once again. A question at quarterback, along with lackluster depth at receiver, have turned the backfield into a Thunderdome of potential problems.

Brandon Marshall (WR - Chicago Bears) has found a groove with Jay Cutler (QB - Chicago Bears), and fantasy football owners are taking notice, as Brandon Marshall moves into a virtual tie with Demaryius Thomas (WR - Denver Broncos) for the number 2/3 position for wide receivers.

Larry Fitzgerald (WR - Arizona Cardinals) has fell hard in fantasy rankings. After starting the pre-season in the top ten, has is barely squeaking into the top 15 with an average draft position at round 7 through 10.

Dez Bryant (WR - Dallas Cowboys) and AJ Green (WR - Cincinnati Bengals) both continue to slide, each moving further and further until now, they are both tier two receivers.

That's it for me, as we look briefly at some rankings' changes in fantasy football. Check out Dotson and Dellav, live at the Crane Room Bar and Grille in New Castle PA tonight, starting at 6 o'clock...all of it live, on 360 Sports Network. Take it easy everybody...

Fantasy Football Toolkit for August 20th, 2013

Sooooo, fun tale. The Mad Scientist and I recorded an episode of the Fantasy Football Toolkit last night. We covered it all, and then some...including running back handcuffs, sleeper picks in fantasy football by position, even did full team coverage on who has the plethora of fantasy love by team. Then, a strange thing happened on the way to editing...the files were corrupt during editing! Ya, technical things happen, and the Fantasy Football Toolkit, as well as your ol' buddy, the Lostcause, are not immune.

The good news? Well, we have a hidden, destroyed, never-will-be-heard first episode this season out there, and gone...we're going to call it the Ryan Leaf's Talent episode. If you want to listen, just put out your ear and wait for Jacksonville fans to root for their team in the Superbowl...yes, you will hear the same silence as the lost episode.

Sorry all, including my co-captain, The Mad Scientist. Next week, though, my friends, next week, we shall be hitting all facets fantasy football on the Toolkit. Be there for all the help you need to make your fantasy football team THE team in your fantasy league this year. We'll have insights for each team, quarterback break-downs, running back handcuffs and wide receiver sleepers...all that and more, as I and the Mad Scientist help you on the Fantasy Football Toolkit.

Also, some programming news and a heads up, August 28th, 2013, live from the Crane Room Bar and Grille, the boys of 360 Sports Network, along with some friends, will be drafting on air, live on 3SN. Come out for the wings, beer and specials of the Crane Room, but stay for the sh*ts and giggles knows as the 3SN Live crew!

Take care and my apologies to all!

Top Five Fantasy Football Running Back Sleepers

Running backs are the staple to fantasy football, and on my fantasy roster, the running back position is just as important as paying my entrance fee each year. Everyone knows Adrian Peterson, Arian Foster and Doug Martin are some of the top fantasy football players in the backfield, but what about the forgotten few that can see some action at RB2 or Flex? Let's take a look at the top 5 fantasy football running back sleepers.

Top 5 Fantasy Football Quarterback Sleepers

Every year, we start off the season thinking about those big names, the guys in fantasy football and the NFL that can take our fantasy football team to the top, or be the biggest fantasy dud ever since believing Doogie Howser M.D. could be real (you know who you are!). Today, we are going to take a look at quarterbacks, specifically, those guys that are falling under the fantasy football radar, for better or worse, and how and when to get these gems of fantasy goodness on your fantasy football roster!

Injury news, fantasy football pre-draft info and more

Tom Brady (QB - New England Patriots) took snaps and threw in light practice drills on Thursday. This after a spill involving a defenseman falling into his surgically repaired knee, and is day to day, practice to practice.

The Pittsburgh Steelers backfield took a hit yesterday, as both Isaac Redman and rookie running back Le'Veon Bell found themselves laying on the field. Redman received a decent shot from Larry Foote resulting in a reported stinger (at first thought to be a concussion), and Bell with an "aggravated knee"; some believing to be much worse.

Michael Vick (QB - Philadelphia Eagles) and Nick Foles (QB - Philadelphia Eagles) are making it harder and harder as the preseason goes on for head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles Chip Kelly to make a decision on who is starting. Both looked sharp in last night's action; Vick finishing the game 9 for 10 for 105 and rushing 20 yards, Foles 6 for 8 for 53 yards, 13 rushing yards and a rushing TD.

C.J. Anderson (RB - Denver Broncos) and Knowshon Moreno (RB - Denver Broncos) are both dealing with injuries to their knees. Anderson was diagnosed with a sprained MCL Thursday and will miss four to six weeks, while Moreno continues to miss practices with a bruised knee.

Tom Brady's Knee, RG3 and more quarterback news!

Tom Brady (QB - New England Patriots) took a hit to his knee, causing most of the crowd in attendance at yesterday's Patriots' practice to gasp in disbelief. While the image of Brady laying on the ground, holding his knee, looked serious, initial reports are a slight sprain and he could return to the practice field today or tomorrow.

Robert Griffin III (QB - Washington Redskins) took his first snaps in 11-on-11 drills yesterday. The second year quarterback has had a sheltered pre-season thus far, as he recoups his injured knee; of which Head Coach Mike Shanahan will not be pushing. Shanahan is also taking all the RG3 relationship hype, and plans for RG3's knee, with some levity.

Kevin Kolb (QB - Buffalo Bills) will be the starting quarterback for the Bills Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Kolb, who is competing with EJ Manuel for the starting nod, missed Buffalo's first preseason game because of a left knee injury.

Nick Foles (QB - Philadelphia Eagles) will be under center to start versus the Carolina Panthers tonight. Both he, and Michael Vick are expected to play a full quarter tonight. Vick started last week's game against the New England Patriots, and is why, according to Head Coach Chip Kelly, Foles gets the nod tonight.

Jo-Lonn Dunbar (LB - St. Louis Rams), has been suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Dunbar will be able to take part in all practices, exhibitions and meetings prior to the first game of the season, when his actual suspension begins.

"I just want to say that I did not take a performance enhancing drug," Dunbar said. "I mistakenly took something that prompted a failed drug test."

Catch ya all tomorrow, for more NFL and fantasy football news!

Burress, Richardson and Floyd...oh my!

The Steelers have put Plaxico Burress (WR - Pittsburgh Steelers) on the IR. Burress had surgery Monday morning to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. Burress only played 3 games last season for the Steelers, and this move could mean no games this year.

Trent Richardson (RB - Cleveland Browns) will finally play a pre-season game as a Brown. The second year starting running back looks to better his rookie season for fantasy football players over last year's 267 rushes for 950 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground, along with one in the air.

Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone said in a recent interview with the NFL Network that he'll name a starting quarterback no later than 10 days before the season opener, if no clear pick emerges any sooner. First-round pick EJ Manuel is the current favorite after his strong outting on Sunday.

As a follow-up to some injury news, Malcolm Floyd (WR - San Diego Chargers) has a sprained knee and will be out until week one. This news could lead to other problems we eluded to as well, including the fact the expected starters at wide receiver are now injured for the Chargers.

7 Steps to a Better Draft

Draft day in fantasy football are looming for most of us. You can buy all the best magazines, steal the experts' charts for the top 200, top 500 or top players by position...heck, you can even pay someone to draft for you to get a leg up. But if you are like most fantasy football players and owners, you just want some simple, clear and concise information on getting a grip for your upcoming fantasy football draft. And, I'm here to help! In 7 easy steps you are going to turn that dud of a team you drafted last year, into the stud of the league this fantasy season.

Ronde Barber, Titus Young and OL trades

Ronde Barber (CB - Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is set to retire. The 16 year veteran accumulated 47 interceptions, with 8 returned for touchdowns. Barber is a 5-time Pro-Bowler, a three-time All-Pro and a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team. He is also the only player in NFL history with 40+ interceptions alongside 20+ career sacks. The Buccaneers were not sure of Ronde Barber's status coming into this season, as evident by their acquisition of Darrelle Revis, draft pick Johnthan Banks in the second round and free agent signee Dashon Gadson in the off-season.

Titus Young (WR - Free Agent) has an interesting distinction as well this year...being arrested twice in a 15 hour span. Just after midnight Sunday night, Titus was pulled over, charged with a DUI and arrested; leaving his car impounded. Later that day, a little after 2PM, a guard noticed someone jumping a fence over the impound lot; the man turned out to be Titus Young, trying to recover his car in the lot. Young was waived on February 4th by the Lions. He was disciplined multiple times last season, the last of which, for lining up, intentionally, incorrectly during a week 14 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The St. Louis Rams claimed him off of waivers, only to release him ten days later.

A.Q. Shipley (C - Baltimore Ravens) was traded to the Ravens by the Indianapolis Colts today, for a conditional 2014 draft pick. He is expected to compete with Gino Gradkowski for the starting center job; Matt Birk retired this off-season after starting every game at center for the Baltimore Ravens for the past four seasons.

Questions, comments or suggestions?...or just pissed I didn't post anything yesterday? Send over your everything at thefantasyfootballtoolkit@gmail.com!

Marcus Trufant, Darius Slay and fantasy football

Marcus Trufant (CB - (formerly)Seattle Seahawks) signed a deal today with the Jacksonville jaguars. Trufant played under Jaguars coach Gus Bradley for the last 3 seasons in Seattle and will replace Antuan Molden, who was released by the Jaguars.

Second round selection and 36th pick overall, Darius Slay (CB - Detroit Lions), underwent knee surgery for a torn meniscus Friday. Doctors believe this surgery will only sideline him for less than two weeks; which means he will miss the Lions' rookie mini-camp.

Quentin Jammer, Rob Gronkowski, Branden Albert, oh my!

Free agent Quentin Jammer (CB - Free Agent) will agree, the level of interest in him gaining a contract is significantly lower than he, and most experts, expected. With so many early round corners going in the draft, his status should have been more solid. However, with only a few teams showing interest so far, things still don't look good. Look for the Redskins to make an offer, and possibly the Cleveland Browns as well, for this aging corner.

Rob Gronkowski (TE - New England Patriots) still has not decided on whether a fourth surgery on his ailing forearm is necessary. Gronkowski has not seen any unexpected setbacks, and reports coming out of his camp are that surgery is 'very likely'. Because of this injury, and its clouded nature of repair, Gronkowski's fantasy value continues to slip slowly. Keep an eye on this solid tight end to see when his surgery is, and what the prognosis will be; even a good second half of the season is worth enough to draft him injured.

With Branden Albert's talks with the Miami Dolphins dead after their signing of Tyson Clabo, the left tackle began long-term discussions with the Kansas City Chiefs. Albert is looking for a contract at the level of six years for $53.4 million; like the extension signed by the Houston Texans' tackle Duane Brown last summer.

Questions, comments, suggestions, or something else? Send it over to thefantasyfootballtoolkit@gmail.com.

Miami Dolphins land a right tackle, and NFL and fantasy football follow-ups

The Miami Dolphins filled their OL woes on Sunday morning, signing former Atlanta Falcons right tackle Tyson Clabo to a one-year deal. The 31-year-old was released by the Falcons this off-season to help with salary cap numbers. He was one of four tackles to try out for the Dolphins last week; others include Bryant McKinnie, Eric Winston and Winston Justice. Clabo started all 101 games he played for the Falcons, including 16 games in each of the last five seasons at right tackle.
LeGarrette Blount (RB - New England Patriots) has agreed to a $1 million pay cut in his contract. Under his new deal, he is placed fourth behind Leon Washington, Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley on the Patriot's running back cap hit.
Daryl Washington (LB - Arizona Cardinals) has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, against his former girlfriend, the mother of his five-month-old daughter. The ex-girlfriend, in the police report, states that following an argument inside her apartment on Wednesday, Washington allegedly choked her. Police responding to the call noted marks on her throat. The report also said there is a current custody battle going on, and Washington has not been allowed to see his daughter.
Got any questions, comments, suggestions, tips, tricks or more concerning fantasy football and the NFL? Send them over to thefantasyfootballtoolkit@gmail.com. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Adrian Peterson on 2500, DeAngelo Williams on the block and Daryl Washington's arrest

Daryl Washington (LB - Arizona Cardinals), was arrested Friday after being accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, the mother of his daughter. Washington led the Cardinals in tackles with 134 (108 solo) as well as nine sacks last season. He recently signed a six-year contract extension with the team; but will miss the first four games of the 2013 NFL season due to violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Adrian Peterson (RB - Minnesota Vikings) has made some rather large claims over the course of this past week...that being 2500 yards on the ground in a single season is something he is close to, and he will likely hit this year. He would need to average 156 yards per game; Peterson found that mark and more 5 times last year. With the quarterbacks the way they are in Minnesota and no All-Pro receiver on the squad, injuries aside, he could do it.

DeAngelo Williams (RB - Carolina Panthers) is on the block. GM Dave Gettleman has publicly said, when asked about Williams and the running back situation, 'anything is possible'. By bringing in Tolbert, and drafting Kenjon Barner, who coaches have said is more of a weapon than a running back, it looks like DeAngelo Williams and his underwhelming career are over soon with the Carolina Panthers.

Have some hot tips from the NFL, or need some fantasy football advice? Send over all your questions, comments, suggestions and more to thefantasyfootballtoolkit@gmail.com....May the 4th be with you all....

Pigskin Blink - May 2nd 2013

Why did Geno Smith (QB - New York Jets) really fire his agents? Rumors have been swirling about a possible argument and incorrect handling which led Geno to fall into the second round; finally being scooped up by the New York Jets in the second round. Justin Blackmon (WR - Jacksonville Jaguars) has been suspended for the first four games of the upcoming 2013-2014 NFL Season because of violation to their substance abuse policy. The starting wide receiver is expected to lose almost $300,000 in salary, plus over $10 million in remaining bonus salary on his contract. And Al Harris (CB - Green Bay Packers) officially retired yesterday.

Pigskin Blink - May 1st 2013

The Tim Tebow experiment is over in New York, and Dwight Freeney values himself by half of what he did in February; now looking for 4 - 4.5 million dollars a year.

Top 3 Fantasy Football Running Backs from the 2013 NFL Draft

With the upcoming end to the 2012 NFL Playoffs with the Superbowl in two weeks between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers, fantasy football owners are looking at the lonely lawls of February and March. However, in April, fantasy football seasons will begin again. Its time to get a preview of the top 3 fantasy football running backs and where they will fall come the end of April.