Michael Piff

1 Comment Posted on social media, sports

The #Twitter101: My Favorite Follows in 2015

I love Twitter.

I always need to be informed and Twitter is like information crack…always updating, always different, and always interesting.

The beauty of this social media entity, is that YOU can shape your experience by following the outlets and people YOU want to hear from. If you don’t like what they have to say, simply hit the unfollow button. It’s that easy.

I wouldn’t say I have given up on newspapers and magazines. I still love the feel of print in my hands and supporting my favorite media companies. However, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t getting most of my information scrolling through my Twitter timeline. 

Similar to how I manage my blog, I follow reporters, commentators, journalists, comedians, entertainers and publications that talk about sports, movies, music, TV, food…and more sports. 

Of the 1,200 accounts I follow, here are 101 I recommend you checkout. 

Note: THESE ARE NOT RANKINGS. JUST RECOMMENDATIONS

Sports

1. Richard Deitsch

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Nobody does a better job reporting and commenting on Sports Media. 

2. Matt Miller

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Excellent scouting of college football players for the NFL draft, and keeps an eye on their development in the NFL. 

3. Chris Kamka

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Incredible with Chicago and National sports statistics and history. 

4. Jimmy Traina

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Combo of Sports, Pop Culture, and Seinfeld…It’s fun. Like sports are supposed to be. 

5. Lana Berry

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“I like sports more than people” is really all you need. Excellent podcast too. 

6. Sports Illustrated Vault

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Managed by SI Hot Clicks and Swimsuit rockstar Andy Gray, it’s an excellent resource for sports photos. And SI has been tops in sports photography forever.

7. Ian Rapoport

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Many rely on ESPN’s Adam Schefter for breaking NFL news. I go to Ian Rapoport. Great info especially when you get your lineup set for Fantasy Football each Sunday morning.

8. Adrian Wojnarowski

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The BEST for NBA breaking news aka #WojBombs.

9. Zach Harper

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Come for the basketball talk…stay for everything else…and an awesome Rasheed Wallace background.

10. Andy Isaac

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Yes. Just. Yes. 

11. Amanda Kaschube

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Great photos with even better humor…and a killer Josh McCown Twitter impression. 

12. Eric Edholm

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All things football with reporting, commentary, and strong Fantasy advice as well. 

13. Scott Phillips

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He’s a pro covering prep and college buckets. A must follow for recruiting news too. 

14. Will Carroll

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Will’s handle says it all, which is CLUTCH for Fantasy season. 

15. Jessica Kleinschmidt

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Excellent coverage across multiple sports and even better sense of humor. Appreciation for Space Jam is also a huge plus. 

16. Josh Norris

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College football and NFL draft things you probably want to read. 

17. Dan Wetzel

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Dan Wetzel is one of the best sports columnists in the country, period. His work during the Penn State scandal was extraordinary.  

18. Laurence Holmes

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One of the hardest working people in sports media. Like his radio show, he implements much more than sports in his social media interaction and it makes for a fun experience. 

19. Timothy Burke

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Providing ALL of the screen grabs, videos and GIFs you need in your life. 

20. Mike Freeman

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Honest and smart NFL commentary. And way more Trekkie than you. 

21. Julie DiCaro

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Great blend of all Chicago and national sports with a dash of the other football. I’d also be lying if I said I didn’t look forward to her random Val Kilmer film ranking discussions. 

22. Ryan Sudol

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Speaking of the other football…Ryan hasn’t converted me yet but he fights the good fight for a sport many like him love, and does other cool stuff. 

23. Joel Qunneville’s Mustache

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Tweets as strong as Joel Quenneville’s crotch grab. 

24. Spencer Hall

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“Ever Day Should Be Saturday”, but seriously…might be the most unique account you ever follow. 

25. Chris Mannix

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The NBA and Boxing should never mix, but Chris seems to pull off covering both sports pretty well. 

26. Matt Bowen

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The best in the business when it comes to discussing X’s and O’s. You come away significantly smarter after hearing him talk football. 

27. Len Kasper

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Len is my favorite broadcaster in Chicago (and I’m a White Sox fan). Fun mix of baseball, hockey and music. 

28. Bob McKenzie

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Bob McKenzie to hockey is what Woj is to basketball…now we have to brainstorm a sweet hashtag whenever he breaks news.

29. Chris Long

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I don’t really follow many pro athletes because they tend to be…not interesting…Chris Long is a serious exception to that. 

30. Kyle Long

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Also an exception to the rule…and an avid Game of Thrones fan. 

31. Jason Concepcion

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He’s a weird cat…but very entertaining when discussing NBA, Video Games and whatever else he does for Grantland. 

32. Herb Lawrence

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The Realness…and #BruceWeber.

33. The Cauldron

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They should put on a clinic for producing great sports GIFs and Vines. I’m not even being sarcastic. 

34. Field Yates

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One of ESPN’s best NFL reporters with Fantasy Football advice that you can trust more than Matthew Berry’s. 

35. Joe Ostrowski

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Has you covered for point spreads, Fantasy Football, and really anything relevant in sports. 

36. Cee Angi

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The right amount of snark to go with quality baseball talk. 

37. Greg Wyshynski

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Despite what his Twitter bio leads to believe, he’s not that drunk…I don’t think. 

38. John Buccigross

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He’s rocking the suburbs…just like Quiet Riot did. 

39. JJ Watt

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I’m convinced he and The Rock are having a secret battle for most interesting guy on social media. 

40. Susannah Collins

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Fellow hater of Jim Belushi…which is a HUGE plus. 

41. Robert Flores

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RoFlo is very fun on SportsCenter…and WAY more fun on Twitter. Very appreciative of his WWE stuff too. 

42. Ben Rosen

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A victim of that jerk that steals people’s work to post on Instagram and shan’t be named…and deserves way more credit.

43. Paul Charchian

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If there was a Hunger Games for Fantasy Gurus, I think Paul would pick the best lineup of allies to help him survive till the end. 

44. AJ Francis

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AJ has been a favorite follow of mine since his college days at Maryland, and the dude does NOT slow down. It’s fantastic. 

45. Jeff Mangurten

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When the Chicago Bulls are on the floor, this is the best person to follow. Especially if you love stats. 

46. Michelle Beadle

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I’m sure she’s joking but I’d like for her to be right^…But she usually is about most stuff. 

47. Brandon McCarthy

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It’s tough to top this gem, but he’s still pretty good. 

48. Chris Kluwe

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Former NFL Punter, Gamer, Rocker, and unafraid to apparently refer to the NFL as a dumpster fire.

49. Ken Rosenthal

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Like Woj for the NBA and McKenzie for the NHL, this man in a bow tie is the one who knocks…for MLB.

50. Awful Announcing

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We begin the list of 50 sports accounts with a sports media journalist, and close it with another…a very necessary one for many of us, based on the name.

Music

51. Greg Kot

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Concert and album reviews, breaking news, and festival act recommendations that have all proven to be more than right.

52. Josh Terry

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I want to buy this guy a beer sometime and maybe talk about music with him.

53. Tom Mantzouranis

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The bio says it all and it’s never too anything for me. 

54. Riot Fest

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My favorite is the daily sassing the manager executes on unsuspecting followers, who may need better parenting…and the John Stamos obsession mixed with punk appreciation. 

55. Jason Thomas

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He is the modern rock DJ on the modernist rocking station in Chicago…And he’s got great taste.

56. Consequence of Sound

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My kind of music coverage. 

58. Josh Radnor

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This should come as no shock, but Ted Mosby promotes good music and recommends some excellent listening almost daily. 

59. Ernest Wilkins

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His pinned tweet is all you need.^

60. O.A.R.

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You didn’t think I’d leave my favorite band off my favorite follows list, did you? 

Movies

61. Erik Childress

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Amazing critic with a keen sense for calling others out on their bullshit. 

62. Brian Chimino

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The truth is that I try to keep pace watching new releases with this guy. Oscars season is coming. 

63. Empire Magazine

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Excellent resource out of the UK with a specialty in sci-fi and action. 

64. Hollywood Reporter

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While THR handles just about everything in entertainment, I go to them the most when it comes to film and casting news. 

65. Matt Pais

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He was dead on about my favorite movie of the year so far, “Me and Earl and The Dying Girl”…so I trust him. 

66. Michael Phillips

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One of the best in the biz…and one of the harsher, which I enjoy greatly. 

67. Aaron Couch

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He covers the important things in this world, like the Tweet above. 

68. Zimbio

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Awesome resource for Pop Culture news, and that includes movies too. 

69. AV Club

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Their cover photo is from “Theodore Rex”, so there’s that…

70. Death Star PR

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A necessary evil for Star Wars fans…Especially with the new episodes coming. 

TV

71. Jill Slattery

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One of my favorite people to talk TV with…and I have her to blame for my Stephen Amell “Guy Love“.

72. Patton Oswalt

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Besides taking down joke thieves, great social commentary, and comedy…he also shows up in all your favorite TV shows. I also know what’s going on in Downton Abbey without ever seeing after his live-tweet sessions. 

73. John Stamos

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Because “Whatever happened to predictability…?”

74. Stephen Colbert

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Week 1 of his rendition of “The Late Show” has been a hit. The extra stuff he shares from the share are also worth checking out. 

75. Ken Levine

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He’s got a neat blog too. 

76. This Guy, Manu…

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Unbelievably good “Game of Thrones” commentary, and open to a lot of fun TV/anything discussions.

77. The Simpsons

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This really goes for ANY account Simpsons related because it’s always the best. 

78. Fargo (FX)

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Good TV shows understand the power of Twitter and connecting with it’s audience. The Fargo account is particularly good at it, while also making you read their tweets like you’re from Minnesota or whatever. 

79. The Muppets

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If you don’t like The Muppets, then burn your television…and whatever device it is you’re reading this on. 

80. Kumail Nanjiani

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Much like Patton Oswalt before, you’re seeing Kumail on A LOT of your favorite TV shows these days…and he’s hilarious. 

Food

81. Epic Meal Time

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These folks take your wildest dreams, crank them to 11, and make them into reality. 

82. Chicagoist

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You really don’t have an excuse “not knowing” where to go to eat in Chicago when you can refer to this site for ideas. 

83. Food Truck Finder

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Great resource for an awesome dining experience.

84. Daily Meal

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Love their lists and recommendations. 

85. Dan Salmassian

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*Homer Simpson drooling noises*

86. DudeLetsEat

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87. Chicago Pizza Tours

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As a fellow pizza enthusiast, I endorse their work. 

88. Chicago’s Best

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If there was a food porn channel, this show would be in prime time.

89. Piece

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Mine and Dave Grohl’s favorite hangout in Chicago. 

90. RedEye Eat & Drink

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Again…you have no excuse for not having plans tonight. 

Best of the Rest

91. Elliott Serano

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King of Geeks…and also one of the coolest. 

92. Rex Hupke

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Rex Huppke wins way more than Donald Trump does. 

93. The Onion

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You know exactly why you should follow this account…Otherwise you’ll likely end up being pointed out as being one of those people take Onion headlines/articles seriously. 

94. Billy Eichner

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I read all of his tweets as if he’s yelling at me…and I like it. 

95. Michael Beschloss

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Incredible historical photos everyday.  

96. Pete Souza

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More outstanding photography. 

97. Saved You A Click

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My social media spirit animal. 

98. Cute Emergency

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Killing you with cuteness. 

99. Mayhem

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AllState isn’t paying me for this (they should), but Mayhem is the best TV spokesman today. 

100. Snoopy

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There’s a piece of all of us that just can’t get enough of Snoopy. 

101. Tig Notaro

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Tig Notaro doesn’t actually do any tweeting, but all her sorta famous friends do for her…and sometimes it’s magic. 

Have some of your own favorite Twitter accounts that I left out? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter. 

Mad that I left you out? Don’t take it personally…There’s always next year. 

Leave a comment Posted on Fantasy Football

NFL Week 1 Fantasy Mailbag

FOOOOOOTBALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!

I know that’s exactly how you woke up this morning.

Your drafts are in. You’ve either comfortably sat on your lineup or you’ve been toying with who is best for your flex position every minute of the day….The latter is much more likely.

Quick Hits

  • While the NFL season kicks off tonight, so does the #BradyRevengeTour. That hashtag is meant to be tongue in cheek, but Tom Brady has an excellent matchup this week against a Steelers defense in transition to a new system and the same bad personnel as last season. 9 of the 10 quarterbacks they faced last season threw for multiple touchdowns and they were lit up by the BILLS QBs in Week 3 (gross). 

Brady vs Steelers

  • Opposite Brady will be Ben Roethlisberger, who would benefit greatly from a shootout. No Le’Veon Bell means an iffy backfield, and more throws downfield to arguably the best offensive weapon in football…Antonio Brown. Roethlisberger averaged 2.6 touchdown passes last year and faces a Patriots defense that’s now without Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. 

Big Ben vs Patriots

  • Another game I’m incredibly interested in is the Broncos vs. Ravens, and not for Peyton Manning vs. Joe Flacco…Two of the league’s breakout running backs last season were CJ Anderson and Justin Forsett, and neither were starters in their opener a year ago. Forsett led all starting running backs with 5.4 yards per carry. Since taking over #1 duties week 9, Anderson averaged 132.1 yards from scrimmage per game. Now that Forsett’s OC a year ago is guiding Anderson, it will be fun to see how the two follow up their pro bowl seasons. 

CJ Anderson TD vs Forsett

  • Giants vs. Cowboys could be quite the show as well. Tony Romo OWNED the Giants last year throwing 7 touchdowns in both games against them. In their first meeting, Dez Bryant caught 9 passes for 151 yards and then 2 touchdowns in the second. It was against the Cowboys though where Odell Beckham Jr. really came onto the scene. Beckham scored 2 touchdowns in the first game, then 10 catches, 146 yards and 2 touchdowns the second time around. Similar to tonight’s NE vs PIT game, this matchup has barn burner potential. 

Odell vs the Cowboys

Mail Time! 

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I think the highest ceiling from this group will eventually be Ameer Abdullah, but Lions have a mirky RB situation with Joique Bell still listed as the starter and Theo Riddick #2 on the depth chart. My rule with Week 1 is to go with your proven players while watching how your bench guys develop. DeVante Parker has a great matchup against Washington, but there are only so many balls to go around with Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings. Wait and see on his usage…I lean toward Danny Woodhead over Charles Johnson. Woodhead is Philip Rivers’s guy on passing downs and will be relieving rookie Melvin Gordon plenty against the tough Lions run defense. I trust Woodhead getting more touches than Johnson, as the Vikings will be focused on riding Adrian Peterson against the Walking Dead 49ers.

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Start with Jeremy Maclin. I really liked how he and Alex Smith looked working together in the preseason, and he’s the undisputed #1 guy for an offense that needs to use it’s receivers more in the red zone…Both Brandon Marshall and Andre Johnson have tough secondary matchups this week. Johnson is in a crowded WR group going against the Bills and Marshall will draw Joe Haden. I like Marshall as a red zone option more than Johnson though. Obviously Johnson has the better QB throwing to him, but how much will he be thrown to?

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Appreciate ya, Matt…Despite my worry of Melvin Gordon going against Detroit, Alfred Blue may have an even tougher one against Kansas City. I also don’t get the impression that the Texans are all that in love with Blue, considering they were willing to try 3rd string cornerbacks at running back in the preseason. Let Gordon loose out there.

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Although he is getting the call with Martavis Bryant out, I don’t trust Markus Wheaton yet like I do two starting running backs. Washington is a dumpster fire, but you can feel better about their running game with Alfred Morris way more than their quarterbacks and wide receivers. And take advantage of having Jonathan Stewart while he’s healthy. The key in Week 1 is starting guys that you know will be getting touches, and plenty of them. Only 5 times did Wheaton catch 5 or more passes last season.

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Amari Cooper is going to be one of the best wide receivers in the league and he’ll show it sooner than later. Unfortunately, I don’t think that will be this weekend as his quarterback may be eaten alive by the Bengals front 7. Jordan Matthews should be strong play though as the new #1 WR in Philly and going against a Falcons pass defense that was putrid a year ago.

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I don’t love Brandon Marshall at all and I don’t think his quarterbacks will be helping him much or vice versa. However…the Washington offensive line could easily get Kirk Cousins killed this weekend against Ndamukong Suh, and D-Jax simply won’t get great opportunities to make plays for you. Your chances are better with Marshall. 

Have more lineup questions? Feel free to ask on both Facebook and Twitter! Also, don’t hesitate to post any questions for next week’s Mailbag. Good luck this weekend! 

2 Comments Posted on #TBT Year in Review

#TBT Year in Review: 2002

In the last palindrome year you’ll see until 2112…

  • The Winter Olympics were held in Salt Lake City, Utah
  • NASA discovered water ice deposits on the planet Mars. 
  • The Sims became the all-time best selling computer game.
  • Joe Strummer of the Clash passed away at the age of 50. 

And here’s what happened in Movies, Music and Sports…

Movies

Comedy

National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, Austin Powers: Goldmember, Punch Drunk Love, About a Boy, Mr. Deeds, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Friday After Next, Sweet Home Alabama, 40 Days and 40 Nights, The New Guy, Barbershop, Adaptation, Two Weeks Notice, Kung Pow! Enter the Fist, I Spy, Undercover Brother, Showtime, Bubba Ho-Tep, Slackers, AND…

Jackass: The Movie

Action/Thriller

Spider-Man, Minority Report, The Transporter, 007: Die Another Day, Panic Room, Red Dragon, Signs, Murder By Numbers, Blade II, The Sum of All Fears, Phone Booth, K-19 The Widowmaker, Equilibrium, Swimfan, Star Trek Nemesis, 28 Days Later, Insomnia, One Hour Photo, XXX, Resident Evil, Changing Lanes, Reign of Fire, The Ring, Enough, Bad Company, Collateral Damage, AND…

The Bourne Identity

Drama

Catch Me If You Can, Gangs of New York, 8 Mile, The Pianist, City of God, The Hours, 25th Hour, Secretary, About Schmidt, We Were Soldiers, Frida, Chicago, Antwone Fisher, Far From Heaven, The Magdalene Sisters, A Walk To Remember, Road to Perdition, Unfaithful, Amen, Bloody Sunday, The Count of Monte Cristo, AND…

John Q

The 75th Academy Awards

Best Actor

  • Nicolas Cage, Adaptation
  • Michael Caine, The Quiet American
  • Daniel Day-Lewis, Gangs of New York
  • Jack Nicholson, About Schmidt
  • Adrien Brody, The Pianist – Winner

(Adrien Brody won his only nomination, and kissed Halle Berry in the process) 

Best Supporting Actor

  • John C. Reilly, Gangs of New York
  • Christopher Walken, Catch Me If You Can
  • Ed Harris, The Hours
  • Paul Newman, Road to Perdition
  • Chris Cooper, Adaptation – Winner

(This was Chris Cooper’s only Oscar nomination)

Best Actress

  • Salma Hayek, Frida
  • Diane Lane, Unfaithful
  • Julianne Moore, Far From Heaven
  • Renee Zellweger, Chicago
  • Nicole Kidman, The Hours – Winner

(Nicole Kidman won once out of 3 Oscar nominations, also for Moulin Rouge and Rabbit Hole)

Best Supporting Actress

  • Kathy Bates, About Schmidt
  • Julianne Moore, The Hours
  • Queen Latifah, Chicago
  • Meryl Streep, Adaptation
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones, Chicago – Winner

(Like Brody and Cooper, this was Catherine Zeta-Jones’s only nomination and win)

Music

Rock Albums

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Hip Hop Albums

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Pop Albums

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Billboard Year-End Top 25 Songs

  1. “How You Remind Me” – Nickelback
  2. “Foolish” – Ashanti
  3. “Hot in Herre” – Nelly
  4. “Dilemma” – Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland
  5. “Wherever You Will Go” – The Calling
  6. “A Thousand Miles” – Vanessa Carlton
  7. “In the End” – Linkin Park
  8. “What’s Luv” – Fat Joe featuring Ashanti
  9. “U Got It Bad” – Usher
  10. “Blurry” – Puddle of Mudd
  11. “Complicated” – Avril Lavigne
  12. “Always on Time” – Ja Rule featuring Ashanti
  13. “Ain’t It Funny” – Jennifer Lopez featuring Ja Rule
  14. “The Middle” – Jimmy Eat World
  15. “I Need a Girl (Part One)” – P. Diddy featuring Usher and Loon
  16. “U Don’t Have to Call” –
  17. “Family Affair” – Mary J. Blige 
  18. “I Need A Girl (Part Two) – P. Diddy featuring Ginuwine and Loon
  19. “Gansta Lovin” – Eve featuring Alicia Keys
  20. “My Sacrifice” – Creed
  21. “Without Me” – Eminem
  22. “Hero” – Enrique Iglesias
  23. “All You Wanted” – Michelle Branch
  24. “Get the Party Started” – Pink
  25. “Hero” – Chad Kroeger featuring Josey Scott

Sports

Baseball

League Leaders

Offensive

Average: Barry Bonds (SF) – .370

Hits: Alfonso Soriano (NYY) – 209

Home Runs: Alex Rodriguez (TEX) – 57

RBI: Alex Rodriguez (TEX) – 142

OPS: Barry Bonds (SF) – 1.381

Stolen Bases: Luis Castillo (FLA) – 48

Pitching

Wins: Randy Johnson (AZ) – 24

ERA: Pedro Martinez (BOS) – 2.26

Strikeouts: Randy Johnson (AZ) – 334

Complete Games: Randy Johnson (AZ) & Bartolo Colon (CLE/MON)

Shutouts: AJ Burnett (FLA) – 5

Saves: John Smoltz (ATL) – 55

MVP

AL – Miguel Tejada (OAK)

NL – Barry Bonds (SF)

CY Young

AL – Barry Zito (OAK)

NL – Randy Johnson (AZ)

Rookie of the Year

AL – Eric Hinske (TOR)

NL – Jason Jennings (COL)

World Series

Anaheim Angels over San Francisco Giants (4-3)

Basketball

NCAA

Final Four

(1) Maryland, (1) Kansas, (2) Oklahoma, and (5) Indiana

National Championship

(1) Maryland over (5) Indiana 64-52

NBA

League Leaders

Points Per Game: Allen Iverson (PHI) – 31.4

Rebounds Per Game: Ben Wallace (DET) – 13.0

Assists Per Game: Andre Miller (CLE) – 10.9

All-NBA Team

Kobe Bryant (LAL)

Tim Duncan (SA)

Jason Kidd (NJ)

Tracy McGrady (ORL)

Shaquille O’Neal (LAL)

MVP – Tim Duncan (SA)

Rookie of the Year – Pau Gasol (MEM)

NBA Finals

Los Angeles Lakers sweep New Jersey Nets (4-0)

Football

NCAA

Heisman Trophy – Carson Palmer, USC

National Championship

(1) Ohio State over (2) Miami 31-24 in the Fiesta Bowl

NFL

League Leaders

Passing Yards: Rich Gannon (OAK) – 4,689

Passing Touchdowns: Tom Brady (NE) – 28

Passer Rating: Chad Pennington (NYJ) – 104.2

Rushing Yards: Ricky Williams (MIA) – 1,853

Rushing Touchdowns: Priest Holmes (KC) – 21

Receiving Yards: Marvin Harrison (IND) – 1,722

Receiving Touchdowns: Terrell Owens (SF) – 13

Receptions: Marvin Harrison (IND) – 143

AP MVP – Rich Gannon (OAK)

Super Bowl XXXVII

Tampa Bay Buccaneers over Oakland Raiders 48-21

Hockey

League Leaders

Goals: Jarome Iginla (CGY) – 52

Assists: Adam Oates (WSH/PHI) – 64

Points Jarome Iginla (CGY) – 96

Hart Memorial Trophy – Jose Theodore, MTL

Stanley Cup

Detroit Red Wings over Carolina Hurricanes (4-1)

Did I miss anything? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03 or on Facebook.

Also checkout past #TBT Years in Review.

2011

2010

2007

2006

2005

1999

1998

1992

1990

1989

1988

1987

Leave a comment Posted on TV

September 2015 TV Premieres and What To Watch

Ready your DVRs! 

Fall TV is coming. While you still have to wait another month for big premieres like Homeland, The Walking Dead, American Horror Story, and Fargo…

(“…very friendly people”)

…but September is no slouch for new Television. After this week, CBS will be leading off big for Late Night TV lovers and it only gets better from there. 

September 8th

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (CBS)

Stephen Colbert Late Show Premiere

10:35 PM CDT

The table is set for Stephen Colbert, who takes over for Davide Letterman at The Late Show. The Tuesday premiere schedule is pretty thin as is, and all eyes will be on Colbert to see how he transitions from his Comedy Central character and takes on the likes of Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel in that time slot.

For me, it’s a breath of fresh air after the disappointing showing so far from Colbert’s new CBS teammate, James Corden. I wasn’t expecting the spastic preteen pandering that Corden’s Late Late Show was going to bring. It’s a long “ughhhh” when you go from Craig Ferguson and his “Don’t give a shit” brand of comedy to…sing-a-longs with Justin Bieber. 

Here’s the slate of guests to look forward to with Colbert when the new Late Show kicks off. 

Tuesday: George Clooney, Jeb Bush and band leader Jon Baptiste with special musical guests

Wednesday: Scarlet Johansson, Elon Musk and Kendrick Lamar

Thursday: Uber CEO Travis Kalanick and Toby Keith

Friday: Amy Schumer, Stephen King and Troubled Waters

September 9th

The League (FXX)

League FXX

9:00 PM CDT

The 7th season of The League will be it’s last. It’s a show about a Fantasy Football league that only sorta talks about Fantasy Football, which is fine. Every few episodes have their NFL cameos that include Matt Forte, Darren Sproles, JJ Watt, Marshawn Lynch, Jay Cutler, and the “Cameron Jordan & Jordan Cameron” combo that never gets old.

I’ll be honest, I have only watched the show as a Netflix binge watch ever since their move to FXX. It’s a ridiculously quick watch that way. For the final season though, it’ll be worth the effort week-to-week. A lot of familiar faces will be reprising their roles like Rob Riggle, Will Forte, Zach Woods, Ike Barinholtz, Leslie Bibb…and Marshawn Lynch. And don’t forget all the near decade long running jokes between Mark Duplass, Nick Kroll, Jon Lajoie, Stephen Rannazzisi, Paul Sheer and Katie Aselton and their quest for THE SHIVA!

September 10th

Longmire (Netflix)

Longmire Netflix

Full Season Available at 12:01 AM

Originally on A&E, Longmire is an excellent fix for fans of both Justified and Hell On Wheels. It’s a modern serial western about a Wyoming county sheriff solving gruesome crimes in both his jurisdiction and the neighboring Cheyenne reservation. Robert Taylor didn’t have much notoriety before playing Walt Longmire, but it seems like the role he was meant to play. Along with Battlestar Galactica and 24 alum Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips takes viewers back to his Young Guns days as Walt’s badass Native American sidekick.

September 13th

Doll & Em

9:30 PM CDT

If you’re having Emily Mortimer withdrawal since The Newsroom went off the air, this may be your fix. This 6 episode sitcom follows the actress and her best friend/assistant Dolly Wells around during their adventures in Hollywood and Broadway. It’s cheeky…Did I use that correctly? 

September 15th

The Mindy Project (Hulu weekly)

Mindy Project Hulu

Best Time Ever w/ Neil Patrick Harris (NBC)

Best Time Ever NBC

9:00 PM CDT

The Bastard Executioner (FX)

9:00 PM CDT

Kurt Sutter’s followup to FX’s highest rated show, Sons of Anarchy, is medieval in every way possible. It’s Game of Thrones with more historical relevance, as it takes place during King Edward III’s reign. Lee Jones has some Chris Hemsworth/Thor to him playing the protagonist Wilkin Brattle. True Blood fans will enjoy Vampire Bill aka Stephen Moyer back in a period piece in a co-starring role. Longtime Sutter enthusiasts will recognize plenty of familiar faces from his SOA and  The Shield  runs, including Katey Sagal and Timothy V. Murphy. 

September 16th

South Park (Comedy Central)

9:00 PM CDT

THIS IS SEASON 19!!! Trey Parker and Matt Stone truly have it made, as they have been renewed through 25 seasons with Comedy Central. It’s fun to speculate which pop culture and political news, issues and events will be parodied in the upcoming season…I’ll throw down some bets for Donald Trump, Star Wars, and Deflategate (they love their football and their Denver Broncos). 

September 19th

Doctor Who (BBC America)

Picture shows: Peter Capaldi as The Doctor and Jenna Coleman as Clara

8:00 PM CDT

I have to confess…I’ve never seen an episode of Doctor Who (*ducks*). I guess it’s never too late to start, right? 

September 21st

The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

Big Bang Theory CBS

7:00 PM CDT

Minority Report (FOX)

Minority Report

8:00 PM CDT

Gotham: Rise of the Villains (FOX)

7:00 PM CDT

I’m not sure if anyone really loved Gotham’s Season 1. Whether it was the campiness of the show or the inconsistent schedule that made you forget it was still on-air…Regardless, all the Batman bad guys you saw in S1 are back for S2…and they are angry. 

September 22nd

NCIS (CBS)

NCIS

7:00 PM CDT

Scream Queens (FOX)

Scream Queens

7:00 PM CDT

The Muppets (ABC)

7:00 PM CDT

It’s the F***’n Muppets…what more do you need? 

September 23rd

The Goldbergs (ABC)

JEFF GARLIN, WENDI MCLENDON-COVEY, GEORGE SEGAL, TROY GENTILE, SEAN GIAMBRONE, HAYLEY ORRANTIA

7:30 PM CDT

Empire (FOX)

Empire

8:00 PM CDT

Modern Family (ABC)

Modern Family S6

8:00 PM CDT

Going into it’s sixth season, Modern Family still guarantees at least one solid belly laugh every episode. 

September 24th

Heroes Reborn (NBC)

7 PM CDT

I understand that Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, and How To Get Away With Murder  all return that evening, but Heroes is all that matters to me…and many. 

September 28th

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah (Comedy Central)

10:00 PM CDT

By the end of the month, we’ll be comfortable with the new Late Show hosted by Daily Show alum Stephen Colbert…and we’ll finally get to know Trevor Noah better as he heads the post-Jon Stewart era. 

What TV shows are you looking forward to most this Fall? Let me know on Facebook and Twitter. 

Leave a comment Posted on Food

Planning Ahead: National Food Days in September

September is my favorite month.

It’s the start of football season, sweater weather, and the midwest is absolutely gorgeous as the leaves start to change. What we can also look forward to is another full month of National Food Days.

We did the same in July and August and today happens to be #NationalBurgerDay. So plan accordingly.

Au Cheval

(Maybe stop by Au Cheval in Chicago, now that you’ve seen this photo.)

Usually people are caught off guard or feel like they may have   missed out because they didn’t know about the social media driven holidays. Here’s your chance to get ahead of the curve and get the calendar ready for some awesome food and drink experiences.

Without further ado… 

September 1st

National Gyros Day

Gyros Day

Whether you pronounce it “yee-roh” or go full on Bridgeport and say “Jye-roh”, I take my gyros very seriously. It’s one of my favorite combos of rotisserie meat and sauce and goes perfectly on pita.

Recommendation: You could take a fun trip to Greektown, but here’s a nice list of other Chicago favorites. If you can get it homemade though…*Homer Simpson drooling noises*

September 7th

National Beer Lovers Day

Beer Flights

Why yes, yes that is Labor Day. So you really don’t have an excuse to find a nice patio or crack a few on your back porch, and enjoy your favorite brews.

Recommendation: Find a nearby brewpub/brewery (like Revolution) or bar that specializes in beer options (like The Beer Market), and order an excellent beer flight to your liking. 

September 10th

National Hot Dog Day

Chicago Dog

Before you ask, there was already a #NationalHotDogDay back in July…but who’s complaining about having to eat hot dogs again? Personally, I’m a polish sausage guy but that IS my birthday. So I’m down.

Recommendation: Go to Gene and Jude’s, trust me. And bring your own ketchup to apply in the car…because you’ll be shunned if you ask about it. 

September 12th

National Chocolate Milkshake Day

Hard to find a good milkshake for less than $5 today, amirite…?

Recommendation: Oberweis. Go inside too and get one of those big fish bowl sized glasses too with a cookie straw. 

September 23rd

National Pancake Day

Screen Shot 2015-08-27 at 12.11.16 PM

The thinner the pancake, the better…in my world. I’m Swedish, so you can’t blame me.

Recommendation: Walker Bros Original Pancake House. If you also like thin pancakes, get the 49er flapjacks. The Apple Pancake is like the “deep dish pizza” of pancakes. 

Foodimentary.com has the full September schedule. Have some more recommendations for those wishing to partake in these holidays? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter. 

5 Comments Posted on Fantasy Football, sports

Fantasy Cheat Sheet 2015: Defenses and Kickers

The last two things on your mind in a Fantasy Football Draft are Defenses and Kickers, but they are still positions that will either put you over the top in a close game…or kill you. 

Aggressive Fantasy players rarely stick with the defenses and kickers that they drafted, always rotating for great matchups. If you grab a solid point producer though, that’s one less stress you need to deal with for your weekend.

Here are my Top 10 for both defenses and kickers. You know when you should be drafting them already, so I spared the recommendations this time. 

Defenses

1. Philadelphia

Eagles D

2014: 28 Takeaways, 49 sacks, 1,405 Return, 11 TDs

Eagles defense won games for people by themselves last year. Seattle will get overdrafted because they are talked about the most, but they don’t really score much. Philly gets pointage and they’ve improved in the off-season by adding Kiko Alonso. Philly is also insane in special teams situations blocking kicks and returning.

2. Buffalo

Bills D

2014: 30 Takeaways, 54 sacks, 1,124 Return, 4 TDs

The Bills upgraded their already excellent D by hiring Rex Ryan. They don’t score a lot of TDs, but they do get to the quarterback a lot which forces turnovers and scoring chances.

3. Seattle

Seahawks D

2014: 24 Takeaways, 37 sacks, 1,072 return, 3 TDs

The Seahawks give you the best opportunities for shutouts and control the game by running a lot. They can pack on the INT and Sack points as long as they get the opportunity to…Oh and #LegionOfBoom

4. St. Louis

Rams D

2014: 25 Takeaways, 40 sacks, 1,581 return, 5 TDs

The Rams D-Line could be the best in football and with an unreliable offense, they get plenty of opportunities to reek havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

5. Kansas City

Chiefs D

2014: 14 Takeaways, 46 sacks, 2,035 return, 3 TDs

The Chiefs didn’t generate many takeaways last year, but they have the best return game and pass rusher (Justin Houston) in football. They also get one of the best safeties in the league back in Eric Berry, 

6. Houston

Texans D

2014: 34 Takeaways, 38 sacks, 630 return, 6 TDs

Houston is the anti-KC. They take the ball away and they score. Plus, they have JJ Watt.

7. Arizona

Cardinals D

2014: 25 Takeaways, 35 sacks, 684 return yards, 5 TDs

The Cardinals were very vulnerable to the pass last year, which is surprising when they have Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu in their secondary. That may be the bright side because they DO have Peterson and Mathieu, two of the league’s best athletes…and an excellent pass rush.

8. New England

_ELA4486.JPG

2014: 25 Takeaways, 40 sacks, 1,124 return, 5 TDs

Patriots lost Revis but they always fill in their vacancies well. Very savvy pass rushers and special teams have a penchant for coming up big.

9. Baltimore

Ravens D

2014: 22 Takeaways, 49 sacks, 1,359 return, 3 TDs

The Baltimore D isn’t going to carry you like they used to, but they are very good for spot starts and getting sacks. Their divisional games are generally slugfests too that work in their favor.

10. Green Bay

Packers D

2014: 27 Takeaways, 41 sacks, 888 return, 6 TDs

The formula to GB’s success last season was getting out to a big lead early and then forcing opposing teams to throw and and be pressured into turnovers. I anticipate that to be a similar circumstance for them again this year, but they can give up a lot of points at times.

Kickers

1. Stephen Gostkowski, NE

Gostkowski

2014: 35/37 FG, 51 XP

What you generally want in your kicker is someone who doesn’t miss often, gets a lot of opportunities, and picks up plenty of XPs. The Patriots spend a lot of time in their opponents’ territory and that Gostkowski rarely misses.

2. Cody Parkey, PHI

Parkey

2014: 32/36 FG, 54 XP

Similar to the Patriots, the Eagles get into their opponents’ territory plenty for Parkey to get attempts. It also helps that they score TDs on both offense and defense for him to pick up XPs

3. Steven Hauschka, SEA

Seattle Seahawks vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Steven Hauschka

2014: 31/37 FG, 41 XP

Hauschka has some of the best range in the league, his longest FG last year being from 58 yards out. His leg definitely shortens the field for the Seahawks.

4. Randy Bullock, HOU

Bullock

2014: 30/35 FG, 40 XP

Bullock benefits from getting to play in a dome for most of his season without dealing with the elements. Not sure how many scoring chances the Texans will get with their quarterback and running back situations, but Bullock’s good.

5. Dan Carpenter, BUF

Carpenter

2014: 34/38 FG, 31 XP

Scuzzy Dan made the 2nd most FGs in the league last year, and will get a chance to kick plenty more if Buffalo commits to their run game. Scoring touchdowns may still be an issue without a viable quarterback in their system.

6. Matt Bryant, ATL

MBry

2014: 29/32 FG, 40 XP

Bryant is reliable. As long as the Falcons offense does their job this year, his attempts and extra points will certainly rise.

7. Adam Vinatieri, IND

Vinatieri

2014: 30/31 FG, 50 XP

Vinatieri is SO OLD but still SO ACCURATE. The Colts should be scoring in the bunches again this season, and having a better RB in Gore will make Vinatieri an excellent pick for your team.

8. Justin Tucker, BAL

Photo: Shawn Hubbard

2014: 29/35 FG, 42 XP

Tucker admittedly plays Fantasy Football as well and is well aware that you depend on him each Sunday….and he is very dependable.

9. Blair Walsh, MIN

Walsh

2014: 26/35 FG, 29 XP

So much of a kicker’s success is dependent on the offense putting him in a position to kick. Year 2 of Bridgewater and the return of Adrian Peterson should bode well for Blair Walsh getting more attempts.

10. Dan Bailey, DAL

Bailey

2014: 25/29 FG, 56 XP

At the very least, you want your kicker to kick a lot of PATs. Bailey led the league in XPs last season and I don’t expect his attempts to waver too much this year. Cowboys Stadium has never been too bad to him either.

Do your rankings look different? Let me know on Facebook and Twitter! 

Also…

Quarterbacks Cheat Sheet

Running Backs Cheat Sheet

Wide Receivers Cheat Sheet

Tight Ends Cheat Sheet

5 Comments Posted on Fantasy Football, sports

Fantasy Cheat Sheet 2015: Tight Ends

You have to love how the Tight End position has evolved over the years. Every since Tony Gonzalez hit the scene, former basketball players and big wide receivers have converted into heavy hitters in Fantasy Football. 

I wouldn’t take one in the first round, but here are my Top 20 and where you should look to take them.

1.Rob Gronkowski, NE

Gronk

2014: 1,124 rec yards, 82 catches, 12 TD

Regardless if it’s Brady throwing or if it’s Garoppolo, Gronk will smash. However, he’s not going to be 1st round worthy like he’s projected. Great player but he won’t carry your team enough to give up picking a high end point producing skilled player.

Pick 2nd Round

2. Jimmy Graham, SEA

Graham

2014: 889 rec yards, 85 catches, 10 TDs

Graham was a bit inconsistent last season, partially thanks to Drew Brees and being injured. He’s being downplayed in Seattle, but I think he’s a perfect fit with Russell Wilson. Could be a touchdown machine.

Pick 3rd Round

3. Martellus Bennett, CHI

Bears vs. Vikings

2014: 916 rec yards, 90 catches, 6 TDs

Martysaurus could do big things this season. “Denver-Julius Thomas” big things. He was spread out in the first preseason game like Thomas was in the Gase system, and that makes him dangerous around the end zone. He was targeted nearly as much as Gronk last season and that shouldn’t change.

Pick 4th or 5th Round

4. Greg Olsen, CAR

G-Reg

2014: 1008 rec yards, 84 catches, 6 TDs

Olsen and Benjamin are Cam’s best two offensive options again this year. Olsen seems to be more helpful in between the 20s and that helps for reception and yard points.

Pick 5th Round

5. Travis Kelce, KC

Kelce

2014: 862 rec yards, 67 catches, 5 TDs

Kelce is solid and seems more reliable for Alex Smith than his receivers are. The offense runs through Jamaal Charles but on 3rd down and in the red zone, Kelce is key.

Pick 5th or 6th Round

6. Jason Witten, DAL

Witten

2014: 704 rec yards, 64 catches, 5 TDs

The more unsure we get about the Cowboys running backs, the better I feel about Tony Romo throwing more to Bryant and Witten. Witten isn’t as athletic as he used to be, but he is gets the job done.

Pick 7th Round

7. Jordan Cameron, MIA

Cameron

2014: 424 rec yards, 24 catches, 2 TDs

Cameron dealt with a mess last year in Cleveland. I would expect him to bounce back pretty well with Tannehill at quarterback, who will benefit from having a bigger target in the red zone.

Pick 7th Round

8. Zach Ertz, PHI

Ertz

2014: 702 rec yards, 58 catches, 3 TDs

If the Eagles quarterbacks are going to be any good, they’re going to have to rely heavily on Ertz, who is the best pass catcher they have. He’ll also be valuable as a compliment to pounding the rock with Murray.

Pick 7th Round

9. Delanie Walker, TEN

Delanie

2014: 890 rec yards, 63 catches 4 TDs

A rookie quarterback’s best friend is his tight end, and Delanie Walker is a fast one. Walker missed the first preseason game because he was coming back from a thumb injury, but I expect him to help calm Mariota’s nerves in no time.

Pick 8th Round

10. Kyle Rudolph, MIN

Denver Broncos v Minnesota Vikings

2014: 231 rec yards, 24 catches, 2 TDs

I think Rudolph will be a steal in mid to late rounds because Vikings OC Norv Turner LOVES his tight ends. Rudolph was banged up a bit last season but should play well with a further developed Bridgewater at quarterback.

Has 8th Round Value but you’ll find him available 10th round

11. Julius Thomas, JAX

Julius

2014: 489 rec yards, 43 catches, 12 TDs

Thomas was successful because of Peyton Manning and the Adam Gase offense. Now he’s in Jacksonville where star players can’t stay healthy and longtime Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis is also there. Thomas won’t get as many looks but has a chance to prove that he’s better than just a system receiver.

Pick 8th Round

12. Dwayne Allen, IND

Dwayne

2014: 395 rec yards, 29 catches, 8 TDs

Coby Fleener is also in Indy, but Dwayne Allen is the better receiver in the end zone. Luck targeted Allen 50 times last season, and I expect that to go up with Gore established in the run game.

Pick 10th Round

13. Owen Daniels, DEN

Daniels

2014: 527 rec yards, 48 catches, 4 TDs

Broncos HC Gary Kubiak always brings his favorite TE along, “old reliable” Owen Daniels. Sometimes Daniels looked very good as a TD threat, and a lot of times he was nowhere to be found. Decent late round backup

Pick 11th Round

14. Larry Donnell, NYG

Donnell

2014: 623 rec yards, 64 catches, 6 TDs

Larry Donnell is dealing with tendonitis in his Achilles but the Giants don’t seem worried about him missing Week 1. He put together some of the best games for tight ends, and sometimes didn’t do much at all. Expect him to be much more consistent in year 2 of the new offensive system.

Pick 11th Round

15. Jordan Reed, WAS

Screen Shot 2015-08-25 at 8.06.06 PM

2014: 465 rec yards, 50 catches

With Niles Paul out for the season, Jordan Reed is the man for Washington. RG-III plays well with TEs, especially in the red zone, and Reed is an excellent weapon when healthy.

Pick 12th Round

16. Antonio Gates, SD

Screen Shot 2015-08-25 at 8.09.40 PM

2014: 821 rec yards, 69 catches, 12 TDs

Even though Gates is missing 4 games for suspension, you aren’t drafting to use him that early in the season anyway. Although Ladarius Green will be getting an audition to start the season, Gates is still one of the best ever at the position and will be an excellent weapon to have in your pocket

Pick Late Rounds

Tyler Eifert, CIN

Eifert

2014: 37 rec yards, 3 catches

Eifert didn’t do anything last year, literally. But now Jermaine Gresham is gone and Eifert is the #1 TE in Cincy, so you have to think production will only go up from here.

Pick Late Rounds

18. Ladarius Green, SD

Ladarius

2014: 226 rec yards, 19 catches

Green is getting a crack at showing he can take over when Antonio Gates is done or hurt (or suspended longer). If Philip Rivers can’t make him worth your while, nobody can.

Pick Late Rounds

19. Josh Hill, NO

Josh Hill

2014: 176 rec yards, 14 catches, 5 TDs

Jimmy Graham’s replacement caught a decent number of touchdowns last year, but is taking reps with the 2nd team so far this preseason. Decent fill in for a back up spot, or an easy drop when you want to add someone better.

Pick Late

20. Heath Miller, PIT

Green Bay Packers v Pittsburgh Steelers

2014: 761 rec yards, 66 catches, 3 TDs

Heath is usually a fill in guy when you need a spot start at TE or someone gets injured. Really it just helps to have him already because Roethlisberger will always have him as a security blanket when he needs one.

Pick Late

Do your rankings look different? Let me know on Facebook and Twitter! 

Also…

Quarterbacks Cheat Sheet

Running Backs Cheat Sheet

Wide Receivers Cheat Sheet

Defenses & Kickers Cheat Sheet

5 Comments Posted on Fantasy Football, sports

Fantasy Cheat Sheet 2015: Running Backs

Typically, the first handful of spots in your draft go to the running back position. This year is no exception…

As you prepare to make your picks, here are my Top 40 running backs and where I recommend you take them in your upcoming draft. 

1. Marshawn Lynch, SEA

Danny McCray, Marshawn Lynch

2014: 1,306 rush yards, 367 receiving, 37 receptions, 17 TDs

Marshawn is why the Seahawks offense works. He also just got paid some more, so he’s motivated to ball out.

Pick 1st Overall

2. Jamaal Charles, KC

Jamaal

2014: 1,033 rush yards, 291 receiving, 40 catches, 14 TDs

Probably the best when healthy, but that hasn’t been a consistent quality of his as of late. Worth the gamble if he’s available. Always finds the end zone.

Pick Early 1st round

3. Le’Veon Bell, PIT

LeVeon

2014: 1,361 rush yards, 854 receiving, 83 catches, 11 TDs

Best running back in the league but out for the first 2 games due to suspension. Worth picking if you can because he’ll be huge for down the stretch, both rushing and receiving.

Pick Early 1st Round

4. Matt Forte, CHI

Forte

2014: 1,038 rush yards, 808 receiving, 102 catches, 10 TDs

Won’t catch nearly as many passes, but the Bears are going to run the ball a lot this season and he is still one of the best. Cutler will use him in play-action and he’ll set up wide at times too.

Pick: Has Early 1st Round value but seems to be falling to late 1st, early 2nd

5. Adrian Peterson, MIN

Vikings running back Peterson celebrates touchdown during NFL football game against Packers in Minneapolis

2014: Spent most of it suspended

Another year older, AP’s still one of the best in the game and will be the focal point to the Vikings offense. Also fresh after not playing, but you don’t know if another legal issue will come up. Not likely, but the red flag is there now.

Pick Middle 1st Round

6. Eddie Lacy, GB

Lacy

2014: 1,139 rush yards, 427 receiving, 42 catches, 13 TDs

Lacy is solid, but started slow with the Packers offense last season. Packers also depend way more on passing which keeps the ball out of his hands more than you’d like. Might be relied upon more with Nelson.

Pick Middle-Late 1st Round  

7. DeMarco Murray, PHI

DeMarco

2014: 1,845 rush yards, 416 receiving, 57 catches, 13 TDs

Murray was the league’s leading rusher last year and should get a lot of touches with the Eagles because their quarterbacks are so bad.

Pick: Late 1st, early 2nd

8. Jeremy Hill, CIN

Jeremy Hill, Donte Whitner

2014: 1,124 rush yards, 215 receiving, 27 catches, 9 TDs

Hill will have a big increase in workload this season and has Giovani Bernard to complement him. Expecting more handoffs to him as the Bengals try to get Andy Dalton right again.

Pick: 2nd Round

9. LeSean McCoy, BUF

LeSean

2014: 1,319 rush yards, 155 receiving, 28 catches, 5 TDs

McCoy is expected to be ready for Week 1. He’ll get a lot of carries but is in a crowded backfield with Fred Jackson and Boobie Dixon. Health is also going to be an issue for him with so many carries in his career already.

Pick: 2nd round

10. Arian Foster, HOU

Foster

2014: 1,246 rush yards, 327 receiving, 38 catches, 13 touchdowns

As of now, there is no timetable for Foster’s return from groin injury. He is someone who should be available on waivers, but will definitely help you late in the season…best case scenario. 

Pick up on waivers and stash him on IR if need be.

11. CJ Anderson, DEN

Denver Broncos v Kansas City Chiefs

2014: 849 rush yards, 324 receiving, 34 catches, 10 TD (all second half of season)

Anderson is the lead candidate for Denver’s #1 running back spot and Manning loves him. New head coach Gary Kubiak’s zone-run scheme is why Foster and Forsett produced so well the last few seasons.

Pick Late 2nd Round

12. Justin Forsett, BAL

Forsett

2014: 1,266 rush yards, 263 receiving, 44 catches, 8 TDs

Forsett is the #1 guy in Baltimore and should benefit from a lack in WR depth for Flacco. His receiving numbers will get a boost too with Marc Trestman running the offense

Pick: 3rd Round

13. Frank Gore, IND

Gore

2014: 1,105 rush yards, 111 receiving, 11 catches, 5 TDs

Gore could be huge in the Colts high power offense. With defenses worrying more about Luck throwing deep on them, less attention will be paid to Gore and that means serious gashing.

Pick: 3rd Round

14. Alfred Morris, WAS

Screen Shot 2015-08-24 at 4.01.09 PM

2014: 1,074 rush yards, 155 receiving, 17 catches, 8 TD

Morris hardly ever catches the ball but he is important to the Washington offense as nobody has any faith in RG3. Solid health-wise as well.

Pick 3rd or 4th Round

15. Mark Ingram, NO

Ingram

2014: 964 rush yards, 145 receiving, 29 catches, 9 TD

Ingram is very good but he is usually getting injured. Should get a lot of red zone opportunities but also will split passing situations with CJ Spiller.

Pick: 4th Round

16. Melvin Gordon, SD

Gordon

2014: Hesiman Trophy Candidate

I don’t normally like drafting rookies high in Fantasy, but Gordon is the clear starter for the Chargers ahead of Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead. Starting RBs tend to do well in Mike McCoy’s offense.

Pick: 4th – 5th Round

17. Latavius Murray, OAK

Kansas City Chiefs v Oakland Raiders

2014: 424 rush yards, 143 receiving, 2 TD, 429 returning

Latavius showed he is fast and can score from anywhere on the field, but also hasn’t proven he can stay healthy yet.

Pick: 4th, 5th round

18. Andre Ellington, AZ

Ellington

2014: 660 rush yards, 395 receiving, 46 catches, 5 TDs

Ellington can score a lot of points but he can’t stay on the field. He has already had some hamstring troubles in camp.

Pick 5th Round

19. Lamar Miller, MIA

Lamar

2014: 1,099 rush yards, 275 receiving, 38 catches, 9 TDs

Lamar goes into the season as the #1 guy in Miami and proved how solid he can be with Tannehill running a read option offense. Stays healthy too.

Pick: 5th round

20. Jonathan Stewart, CAR

Stewart

2014: 809 rush yards, 181 receiving, 25 catches, 4 TDs

Stewart is a strong option when healthy. This the first time he won’t be splitting carries with DeAngelo Williams and doesn’t have anyone else to challenge him on the depth chart. Expect the workload to be heavier too with Benjamin out.

Pick: 5th round

21. LeGarrette Blount, NE

Blount

2014: 547 rush yards, 54 receiving, 10 catches, 5 TDs

It’s really tough to trust New England RBs because Belichick will just go with whoever he likes most that day. Blount turned out to be the hot hand after Patriots picked him up late last season but will miss Week 1 due to suspension. Could be solid 3rd RB.

Pick: 6th Round

22. Todd Gurley, STL

Gurley

Rookie

Gurley can be the best athlete in all of football but he was injured last season for Georgia and he’s likely going to miss all of the preseason because of an ACL injury. Hard to feel confident about drafting him, but the potential is too high to pass up.

Pick: 6th Round

23. TJ Yeldon, JAX

Yeldon

Rookie

Doesn’t have as high an upside as Gurley, but Yeldon has the best shot at being the feature back in Jacksonville. If converted QB/WR Denard Robinson could break out like he did last season, Yeldon should do well as a full-time back.

Pick 7th Round

24. Joseph Randle, DAL

NS_12CowboysSeahawks56.jpg

2014: 343 rush yards, 23 receiving, 4 catches, 3 TDs

Randle is first in line for feature back duties behind the best OL in football. He leads Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar who are also fighting for carries. Randle also has a shoplifting problem, but can be helpful as a backup on your roster with high upside.

Pick 7th Round

25. Carlos Hyde, SF

Hyde

2014: 333 rush yards, 68 receiving, 12 catches, 268 return yards, 4 TDs

San Francisco is an absolute mess and is probably the worst team in the NFL. They also don’t have a set depth chart yet and Hyde is splitting carries with Reggie Bush. He didn’t really do much last season to get anyone excited about this year but he’s one of the last possible #1 RBs left, while expected to get most of the workload. 

Pick 7th Round or later

26. CJ Spiller, NO

Spiller

2014: 300 rush yards, 125 receiving, 19 catches, 306, 2 TDs

Spiller is in a better place than Buffalo. He will be used on 3rd down and will be a better version of Pierre Thomas if Ingram gets hurt. Also gets return points but has his own health issues. He’s currently coming back from arthroscopic knee surgery.

Pick 8th Round

27. Rashad Jennings, NYG

Jennings

2014: 639 rush yards, 226 receiving, 30 catches, 4 TDs

Jennings and Shane Vereen are both playing with the first team. If healthy, Jennings is a solid RB2 or Flex player.

Pick 8th Round

28. Isaiah Cowell, CLE

Cowell

2014: 607 rush yards, 87 receiving, 9 catches, 8 TDs

Cowell is Cleveland’s best option at RB with Terrence West not far behind and Duke Johnson coming off a hamstring injury. With a choice between Johnny Manziel and Josh McCown at quarterback, Cleveland will want to run the ball a lot.

Pick 8th round

29. Ameer Abdullah, DET

Abdullah

Rookie

Abdullah is getting a lot of praise in camp, but is also in the mix with Joique Bell and Theo Riddick. He’s probably the most talented of the 3, but Stafford just called the Lions backfield a “running back by committee” situation. We’ll see who the hot hand is come Week 1.

Pick: 8th round

30. Chris Ivory, NYJ

Jets vs Patriots

2014: 821 rush yards, 123 receiving, 18 catches, 7 TDs

Ivory is a poor man’s Marshawn Lynch with his downhill running style and will be depended on for the bulk of the workload with Steven Ridley still rehabbing an ACL injury.

Pick 8th Round

31. Tevin Coleman, ATL

Coleman

Rookie

Coleman has been neck-and-neck with Devonta Freeman for feature back touches for the Falcons. Coleman is the more complete back though with pass catching and return capabilities. With the two sidelined and set to return from injury this week, I like Coleman’s chances better with them on even ground.

Pick 9th Round 

32. DeVonta Freeman, ATL

Freeman

2014: 248 rush yards, 225 receiving, 30 catches, 2 TDs

Freeman had the best shot at starting for the Falcons until he joined Tevin Coleman on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Has a year of experience under his belt, but Coleman is expected to be a full-package back when he catches up.

Pick 9th or 10th 

33. Joique Bell, DET

Joique

2014: 860 rush yards, 322 receiving, 34 catches, 8 TDs

Bell is coming off an injury in camp but is still the most accomplished in the Lions backfield.

Pick 9th Round

34. Giovani Bernard, CIN

Bernard

2014: 680 rush yards, 349 receiving, 7 TDs

Gio is expected to be part of a 1-2 punch with Hill. He’ll get 3rd down and passing play reps for sure. Depending on Hill’s durability as a full-time starter, Gio can get some of his workload back.

Pick 10th Round

35. Tre Mason, STL

Mason

2014: 765 rush yards, 148 receiving, 16 catches, 5 TDs

Depending on Gurley’s health, Mason could be a boom or bust with a late pick. He’s as talented as anyone when given a shot and good insurance if Gurley misses time.

Pick 10th round

36. Doug Martin, TB

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Oakland Raiders

2014: 494 rush yards, 64 receiving, 13 catches, 2 TD

I don’t trust Tampa RBs. They don’t stay healthy, they turn the ball over, and they always seem like regular waiver wire pickups (and drops). Martin is only ranked here because he’s slated as their lead back, but he’s only disappointed people since his rookie year.

Pick 11th Round 

37. Shane Vereen, NYG

Vereen

2014: 391 rush yards, 447 receiving, 52 catches, 5 TD

The Giants still aren’t very good on defense which forces their offense to pass more. Vereen is one of the better pass catching RBs and that’s exactly why they brought him in.

Pick 11th Round or higher

38. Darren McFadden, DAL

Darren McFadden

2014: 534 rush yards, 212 receiving, 36 catches, 2 TD

If he can get on the field and fully healthy, he could be a late sleeper behind the Dallas OL. McFadden’s getting toward the end of his career so you shouldn’t bank on that.

Pick 12th or higher

39. Fred Jackson, BUF

Washington Redskins v Buffalo Bills

2014: 524 rush yards, 501 receiving, 65 catches, 3 TD

F-Jax has been the Bills version of Dirty Harry for the last few seasons. At this current time, he is the only healthy back out of McCoy, Dixon, Bryce Brown, and Karlos Williams. Although McCoy is expected to be ready Week 1, Jackson would make a strong start in a run-heavy system.

Pick 12th Round or later

40. Reggie Bush, SF

Bush

2014: 297 rush yards, 253 receiving, 40 catches, 2 TD

As I mentioned before, SF is an absolute mess. On top of that, Reggie is now playing in one of the best defensive divisions in football. If they’re forced to play catch-up with that horrible defense, Reggie should get the ball more than Hyde.

Pick 12th Round or higher

Do your rankings look different? Let me know on Facebook and Twitter! Stay Tuned for Wide Receiver rankings tomorrow.

Also…

Quarterbacks Cheat Sheet

Wide Receivers Cheat Sheet

Tight Ends Cheat Sheet

Defenses & Kickers Cheat Sheet

5 Comments Posted on Fantasy Football, sports

Fantasy Cheat Sheet 2015: Quarterbacks

If you haven’t already, now would be a good time to start preparing for your upcoming Fantasy Football Draft. 

Whether you’re playing in Yahoo!, ESPN, CBS, or some other website, you don’t necessarily want to base your picks off of their pre-draft rankings. That’s why I write up a CHEAT SHEET with players I prefer, based on their production last season, their team’s recent acquisitions, schemes/sytems, and injuries. 

Here are my Top-20 quarterbacks and where I would prioritize drafting them round-by-round. 

1. Andrew Luck, IND

NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts

2014: 40 TD/ 16 INT, 4,761 yards

Throws the ball A LOT. Just added Andre Johnson and a legit running back in Frank Gore to keep defensive backs honest. 5 Good WRs, 2 decent TEs…Yeah. The Beard’s ceiling has been raised.

Pick: Late 1st, Early 2nd round

2. Aaron Rodgers, GB

Rodgers

2014: 38 TD / 5 INT, 4,381 yards

Doesn’t turn it over often and plays better down the stretch. Rodgers is missing his #1 receiver, but could make someone else into a star very quickly. Also scary in the red zone on the ground.

Pick: Late 1st, Early 2nd

3. Drew Brees, NO

Buffalo Bills v New Orleans Saints

2014: 33 TD / 17 INT, 4,952 yards

Brees can be great or he can kill you. If Brandin Cooks stays healthy, he’ll bounce back and tear it up. May not throw as many TDs but he’ll pick up plenty of yardage and completions. Led the league in both last year.

Pick: 3rd or 4th round

4. Tony Romo, DAL

Sports Day

2014: 34 TD / 9 INT, 3,705 yards

Expect Romo to throw it more with DeMarco Murray gone. Cowboys have the best offensive line in the league and give him plenty of time to find an open man, and has sure hands in Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.

Pick 4th Round

5. Peyton Manning, DEN

P Manning

2014: 39 TD / 15, 4,761 yards

I don’t believe Manning would have come back if he wasn’t healthy. He will still throw a ton. Plus Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are great after the catch.

Pick: 4th Round

6. Russell Wilson, SEA

NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers v Seattle Seahawks

2014: 20 TD/7 INT, 3,475 yards

Doesn’t get a ton of passing points but makes up for it with rushing yards and TDs on the ground. Also just added Jimmy Graham, so passing points should go up.

Pick 4th Round

7. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT

Roethlisberger

2014: 32 TD / 9 INT, 4,952 yards

Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell definitely help Ben get his points. He’ll throw 5 TDs one day, but none another. 

Pick 5th Round

8. Matt Ryan, ATL

Ryan

2014: 28 TD / 14 INT, 4,694 yards

New coach and OC, super young RBs, and healthy Julio Jones and Roddy White…Matty Ice is going to let it fly. 

Pick: 5th Round

9. Eli Manning, NYG

New York Giants

2014: 30 TD / 14 INT, 4,410 yards

Eli doesn’t have an excuse not to produce big time in year two of Odell Beckham Jr and having a healthy Victror Cruz back. Rashad Jennings provides solid relief in the run game when he isn’t sidelined, and Tom Brady could tell Manning how good Shane Vereen is on passing downs. 

Pick 6th Round

10. Tom Brady, NE

AP PATRIOTS RAVENS FOOTBALL S FBN USA MD

2014: 33 TD / 9 INT, 4,109 yards

This obviously can change if his suspension goes away, but Brady can be your first pick after most of the Top 10 go. Next couple QBs can bridge you to after he returns and he’ll be a boss when he does.

Pick 6th Round or a few after you pick your first QB

11. Phillip Rivers, SD

NFL: New York Giants at San Diego Chargers

2014: 31 TD / 18 INT, 4,286 yards

First half of last year, was Top 3 among QBS. Rivers just got paid too, which should motivate him to earn his keep. He also gets Danny Woodhead back to throw to and Keenan Allen should be better as well.

Pick 7th Round and beyond

12. Matthew Stafford, DET

Stafford

2014: 22 TD / 12 INT, 4,247 yards

This really depends on how healthy Calvin Johnson is. Megatron at his best is devastating and would make Stafford an awesome backup or even starter. Golden Tate proved to help him out too in Johnson’s absence. Theo Riddick and Joique Bell are proven to be solid pass catchers out of the backfield too.

Pick 7th Round

13. Jay Cutler, CHI

Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears

2014: 28 TD / 18 INT, 3,812 yards

Jay is poised for a bounce back year and not just because #CuttyDoesIt. Former Peyton Manning OC Adam Gase has emphasized utilizing Cutler’s strengths throwing on the run and play-action. He’ll be missing Kevin White for at least the first half of the season, but finally has a true slot receiver in Eddie Royal. Also expect Martellus Bennett to be big when spread out, like Julius Thomas in past years. 

Pick 8th Round and beyond

14. Ryan Tannehill, MIA

Ryan Tannehill

2014: 27 TD / 12 INT, 4,045 yards

Gets better every year. Added proven veteran receivers, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings, who can also play in uptempo offenses. Jarvis Landry will be Tannehill’s best weapon to stretch the field though.

Pick 8th Round and beyond

15. Cam Newton, CAR

Newton

2014: 18 TD / 12 INT, 3,127 yards

Newton is sliding in most drafts after losing Kelvin Benjamin for the season to injury. Rookie Devin Funchess isn’t as depended on as advertised with veterans like Jericho Cotchery and Ted Gin Jr. in the mix, but can put up Benjamin-like production. Ability to run for TDs makes up for lack of passing points too. 

Pick 8th Round

16. Joe Flacco, BAL

Flacco

2014: 27 TD / 12 INT, 3,986 yards

Lost Torrey Smith and his replacement, Breshad Perriman, is questionable. Flacco will be throwing a lot though with Marc Trestman as OC. Could be either really good or really meh.

Pick 9th round and beyond

17. Teddy Bridgewater, MIN

Bridgewater

2014: 14 TD / 12 INT 2,919 yards

The Vikings are a run heavy team, without question. Teddy has looked excellent in preseason though, and he has Mike Wallace and Charles Johnson to throw to. The training wheels are off in year two and you can expect Kyle Rudolph to provide a nice security blanket in the Norv Turner system

Pick 10th Round and beyond

18. Andy Dalton, CIN

Dalton

2014: 19 TD / 17 INT, 3,398 yards

Dalton’s last season was thrown off with AJ Green getting injured. The Bengals added Denarius Moore to go with Marvin Jones and Sanu. Don’t bank on him but he’s a nice backup with nice options.

Pick 11th Round and beyond

Colin Kaepernick, SF

Kaepernick

2014: 19 TD / 10 INT, 2,369 yards

The 49ers could potentially be the worst team in the NFL, but Kaepernick can still take over a game in desperate times. He still has Anquan Boldin, plus Torrey Smith and Reggie Bush who are both helpful in the passing. Kaepernick does run better than anyone on the team too. The defense will be awful so he’ll have to score plenty to stay in games.

Pick 11th Round and beyond

20. Derek Carr, OAK

Carr

2014: 21 TD / 12 INT, 3,270 yards

Carr showed flashes of the quarterback the Raiders need him to be last season. Drafting Amari Cooper helps along with a receiving group that also includes Michael Crabtree, Kenbrell Thompkins and Andre Holmes

Pick 12th Round and beyond

Do your rankings look different? Let me know on Facebook and Twitter! 

Also…

Running Backs Cheat Sheet

Wide Receivers Cheat Sheet 

Tight Ends Cheat Sheet

Defenses & Kickers Cheat Sheet

3 Comments Posted on #TBT Year in Review

#TBT Year in Review: 1990

In the year Jennifer Lawrence was born…

85th Annual Academy Awards - Show

  • The Ultimate Warrior defeated Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania for the WWF Title.
  • Microsoft released Windows 3.0.
  • The Berlin Wall was destroyed, East and West Germany reunify into single Germany.
  • The first ever Web Page was written.
  • Muppets creator Jim Henson passed away at the age of 53. 

Screen Shot 2015-08-18 at 10.59.49 AM

And here’s what happened in Movies, Music and Sports…

Movies

Comedy

Home Alone, Pretty Woman, Back to the Future Part III, My Blue Heaven, Air America, Gremlins 2, Another 48 Hours, Cry-Baby, The Freshman, Green Card, Cadillac Man, Bird on a Wire, Look Who’s Talking Too, Alice, Coupe de Ville, The Nasty Girl, Kindergarten Cop, Mermaids, Men at Work, Three Men and a Little Lady, AND…

House Party

Action/Thriller

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Total Recall, Die Hard 2, Darkman, Dick Tracy, Hard To Kill, Captain America, Predator 2, RoboCop 2, Marked For Death, Days of Thunder, Death Warrant, Rocky V, Quigley Down Under, Revenge, Peacemaker, Young Guns II, The Ambulance, The Rookie, It AND…

Tremors

Drama

Dances With Wolves, Edward Scissorhands, The Godfather Part III, Ghost, Miller’s Crossing, Awakenings, Misery, The Hunt For Red October, Presumed Innocent, The Krays, State of Grace, Lord of the Flies, Memphis Belle, King of New York, Avalon, Reversal of Fortunes, Welcome Home Roxy Carmichael, Life Is Sweet, Henry & June, Havana, AND…

Goodfellas

The 63rd Academy Awards

Best Actor

  • Kevin Costner, Dances with Wolves
  • Robert De Niro, Awakenings
  • Gerard DePardieu, Cyrano de Bergerac
  • Richard Harris, The Field
  • Jeremy Irons, Reversal of Fortune – Winner

(Reversal of Fortune was the only time Jeremy Irons was nominated for an Oscar)

Best Supporting Actor

  • Andy Garcia, The Godfather Part III
  • Graham Greene, Dances with Wolves
  • Al Pacino, Dick Tracy
  • Bruce Davison, Longtime Companion
  • Joe Pesci, Goodfellas – Winner

(Joe Pesci was nominated once more in 1980 for Raging Bull)

Best Actress

  • Anjelica Huston, The Grifters
  • Julia Roberts, Working Girl
  • Meryl Streep, Postcards From the Edge
  • Joanne Woodward, Mr. & Mrs. Bridge
  • Kathy Bates, Misery – Winner

(Kathy Bates was nominated twice more for Primary Colors and About Schmidt )

Best Supporting Actress

  • Annette Bening, The Grifters
  • Lorraine Bracco, Goodfellas
  • Diane Ladd, Wild at Heart
  • Mary McDonnell, Dances with Wolves
  • Whoopi Goldberg, Ghost – Winner

(Whoopi Goldberg was nominated once before in 1985 for The Color Purple)

Best Picture

  • Awakenings
  • Ghost
  • The Godfather Part III
  • Goodfellas
  • Dances with Wolves – Winner

(Dances with Wolves won 7 of the 12 Oscars it was nominated for)

Music

Rock Albums

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Hip Hop Albums

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Pop Albums

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Billboard Year-End Top 25 Songs

01. “Hold On” – Wilson Phillips

02. “It Must Have Been Love” – Roxette

03. “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor

04. “Poison” – Bell Biv DeVoe

05. “Vogue” – Madonna

06. “Vision of Love” – Mariah Carey

07. “Another Day in Paradise” – Phil Collins

08. “Hold On” – En Vogue

09. “Cradle of Love” – Billy Idol

10. “Blaze of Glory” – Jon Bon Jovi

11. “Do Me!” – Bell Biv DeVoe

12. “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” – Michael Bolton

13. “Pump Up the Jam” – Technotronic

14. “Opposites Attract” – Paula Abdul and The Wild Pair

15. “Escapade” – Janet Jackson

16. “All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You” – Heart

17. “Close to You” – Maxi Priest

18. “Black Velvet” – Alannah Myles

19. “Release Me” – Wilson Phillips 

20. “Don’t Know Much” – Linda Ronstadt

21. “All Around the World” – Lisa Stansfield

22. “I Wanna Be Rich” – Calloway

23. “Rub You the Right Way” – Johnny Gill

24. “She Ain’t Worth It” – Glenn Medeiros and Bobby Brown

25. “If Wishes Came True” – Sweet Sensation

Sports

Baseball 

League Leaders

Offensive

Average: Eddie Murray (LAD) – .330

Hits: Willie McGee (STL & OAK) – 199

Home Runs: Cecil Fielder (DET) – 51

RBI: Cecil Fielder (DET) – 132

OPS: Rickey Henderson (OAK) – 1.016

Stolen Bases: Vince Coleman (STL) – 77

Pitching

Wins: Bob Welch (OAK) – 27

ERA: Roger Clemens (BOS) – 1.93

Strikeouts: David Cone (NYM) – 233

Complete Games: Ramon Martinez (LAD) – 12

Shutouts: Mike Morgan (LAD), Bruce Hurst (SD), Dave Stewart (OAK) & Roger Clemens (BOS) – 4

Saves: Bobby Thigpen (CHW) – 57

MVP

AL – Rickey Henderson (OAK)

NL – Barry Bonds (PIT)

CY Young

AL – Bob Welch (OAK)

NL – Doug Drabek (PIT)

Rookie of the Year

AL – Sandy Alomar (CLE)

NL – David Justice (ATL)

World Series

Cincinnati Reds sweep Oakland Athletics (4-0)

Basketball

NCAA

Final Four

(1) UNLV, (4) Arkansas, (3) Duke and (4) Georgia Tech

National Championship

(1) UNLV over (3) Duke 103-73

NBA

League Leaders

Points Per Game: Michael Jordan (CHI) – 33.6

Rebounds Per Game: Hakeem Olajuwon (HOU) – 14.0

Assists Per Game: John Stockton (UTAH) – 14.5

All-NBA Team

Charles Barkley (PHI)

Patrick Ewing (NY)

Magic Johnson (LAL)

Michael Jordan (CHI)

Karl Malone (UTAH)

MVP – Magic Johnson (LAL)

Rookie of the Year – David Robinson (SA)

NBA Finals

Detroit Pistons over Portland Trailblazers (4-1)

Football

NCAA

Heisman Trophy – Ty Detmer, BYU

National Championship

(2) Georgia Tech was awarded the National Championship after defeating Nebraska in the Citrus Bowl 45-21

NFL

League Leaders

Passing Yards: Warren Moon (HOU) – 4,689

Passing Touchdowns: Warren Moon (HOU) – 33

Passer Rating: Jim Kelly (BUF) – 101.2

Rushing Yards: Barry Sanders (DET) – 1,304

Rushing Touchdowns: Derrick Fenner (SEA) & Cleveland Gary (LA) – 14

Receiving Yards: Jerry Rice (SF) – 1,502

Receiving Touchdowns: Jerry Rice (SF) – 13

Receptions: Jerry Rice (SF) – 100

AP MVP – Joe Montana (SF)

Super Bowl XXV

New York Giants over Buffalo Bills 20-19

Hockey

League Leaders

Goals: Brett Hull (STL) – 72

Assists: Wayne Gretzky (LA) – 102

Points: Wayne Gretzky (LA) – 142

Hart Memorial Trophy – Mark Messier (EDM)

Stanley Cup

HOCKEY

Edmonton Oilers over Boston Bruins 4-1

Did I miss anything? Let me know on Twitter @Mike_PiFF03 or on Facebook.

Also checkout past #TBT Years in Review.

2011

2010

2007

2006

2005

1999

1998

1992

1989

1988

1987