Should Mike Martz be Fired?
Coaches are fired for many reasons in the NFL. Sometimes they are valid, and sometimes they are not. Butch Davis "resigned" today as coach of the Cleveland Browns. Now Butch was guilty of not getting the most out of his team - so he had to go.
Mike Martz, on the other hand, appears to be able to get his players to play hard - and to play smart. His problem is that he continually makes poor "strategy" decisions. I don't know if he simply out-smarts himself - or if he is paid to throw football games.
Martz's latest coaching folly was a fake field goal against Green Bay last night, when a 42-yarder by Jeff Wilkins would have made it a one-possession game. Instead, Wilkins was stuffed 12 yards shy of the first down on fourth-and-7.
Football is as much about momentum as it is about anything. Martz threw the game with that call - and the Rams got their butts kicked.
Fire Mike Martz now - and the Rams will win their division!
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Torry Holt's Fantasy Football Status
Despite being listed as questionable on the injury report with a sore knee, St. Louis Rams WR Torry Holt will play in Monday's game against the Green Bay Packers.
"I was a little sore in the beginning of the week," Holt told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Saturday. "But (Mike Martz) gave me some time off, let it heal up. I got some treatment, so I'm okay, I'm feeling pretty good."
Torry Holt has 53 receptions for 724 yards and six touchdowns this season.
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Jeff George signs with Bears
The Chicago Bears are expected to announce the signing of quarterback Jeff George on Monday. George, 36, has been out of the NFL since 2002, but has been working out and looking for a team to allow him the opportunity to come back. He was at Halas Hall for a physical on Saturday and ESPN.com is reporting he signed a one-year deal for the league minimum on Saturday night.
Injuries will continue to keep experienced QB's around the league for years to come - which is good news for people like Kurt Warner.
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Game Day Injuries
Week 12 has already taken a toll on offensive players:
Emmitt Smith was knocked out of Sunday's game against the New York Jets in the first quarter with a toe injury.
Jets quarterback Quincy Carter left the game on the third play with a head injury.
Bills' running back Travis Henry had to be helped off the field Sunday because of an injury to his right knee.
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NFL Fantasy Football - Week 12
The top 10 defenses in NFL Fantasy Football (default scoring system) as projected for Week 12 by StatLeader.com:
- Ravens - 22 pts.
- Steelers - 17 pts.
- Bears - 15 pts.
- Falcons - 15 pts.
- Bills - 14 pts.
- Patriots - 14 pts.
- Bucs - 14 pts.
- Bengals - 14 pts.
- Lions - 14 pts.
- Seahawks - 13 pts.
Would you like the projected points for all fantasy players for your league? Get the rest of the season for only $5.00 when you use the coupon code "bestbuy" during checkout. Join Now!
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Yahoo Fantasy Football - Week 12
Wide Receivers - Yahoo Fantasy Football Default Scoring System:
Top 10 for Week 12
- Terrell Owens - 13 pts. (+/- 7 range)
- Reggie Wayne - 10 pts. (+/- 6 range)
- Javon Walker - 9 pts. (+/- 7 range)
- Marvin Harrison - 9 pts. (+/- 5 range)
- Roy Williams - 9 pts. (+/- 8 range)
- Andre Johnson - 7 pts. (+/- 6 range)
- Derrick Mason - 7 pts. (+/- 3 range)
- Ashley Lelie - 7 pts. (+/- 3 range)
- Brandon Stokley 7 pts. (+/- 6 range)
- Nate Burleson - 7 pts. (+/- 4 range)
Good Luck and Happy Thanksgiving! Join StatLeader.com and get scoring projections for all positions and 13 different leagues! Use the coupon code "bestbuy" during signup and get the rest of the season for only $5.00
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Thanksgiving Wishes and Pigskin!
Happy Thanksgiving from StatLeader.com!
Even though it is a Holiday - if there is football, we are on it! A special "turkey-day" Final Countdown is underway for all of you with fantasy football players in today's games.
Tune in to get the latest player status news!
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Early Injuries - Week 12
Baltimore Ravens running back Jamal Lewis will miss Sunday's game against the New England Patriots with a sprained right ankle. The injury occurred last Sunday during Baltimore's 30-10 win over Dallas. Lewis left in the first quarter and did not return after gaining 5 yards on two carries.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler was put on injured reserve Tuesday with a herniated disc in his neck and will miss the rest of the season.
The latest offensive player added to an injury list that took Steeler's coach Bill Cowher more than five minutes to recite Tuesday: wide receiver Plaxico Burress. Burress will miss Sunday's home game against Washington.
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Jerry Rice Moves Up The Depth Chart
Seattle Seahawks receiver Koren Robinson was suspended without pay Monday for the next four games for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
Robinson will sit out home games against Buffalo and Dallas, as well as road trips to Minnesota and the New York Jets. He is eligible to return for a Dec. 26 home game against Arizona.
NFL career receiving leader Jerry Rice, who started and had three receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 24-17 win over Miami, will take over at Robinson's position.
"You just have to keep going," Rice said. "Koren is a great receiver. We wish we had him coming back this week. We've got to have all the guys fill in and somehow keep this ship afloat."
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Late Breaking Fantasy Football Player News!
Late Breaking Fantasy Football Player News
Week 11's Final Countdown is active! Get all of the late breaking player status updates with our all game-day news service.
Join Now to get Final Countdown for the rest of the season.
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AOL Fantasy Football - Week 11
Hey you go America OnLine Fantasy Football Fanatics! Here are your top running backs for Week 11 (AOL Draft and Play Fantasy Football Scoring System.)
- Tiki Barber - 27 pts
- Curtis Martin - 20 pts
- Michael Pittman - 20 pts
- Shaun Alexander - 20 pts
- LaDainian Tomlinson - 16 pts
- Domanick Davis - 16 pts
- Corey Dillon - 16 pts
- Jamal Lewis - 16 pts
- Edgerrin James - 15 pts
- Ahman Green - 14 pts
Find out more about StatLeader.com - take our audiovisual tour or JOIN NOW! (hint: use the coupon code "bestbuy" at checkout and pay only $5.00 for the rest of the season!)
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Yahoo Fantasy Football - Week 11
Who's hot for Yahoo Fantasy Football Week 11?
Daunte Culpepper, QB - 27 pts
Peyton Manning, QB - 26 pts
Brett Favre, QB - 19 pts
Jake Plummer, QB - 19 pts
Baltimore Ravens, Defense - 18 pts
Tiki Barber, RB - 17 pts
Drew Brees, QB - 17 pts
Shaun Alexander, RB - 13 pts
Curtis Martin, RB - 13 pts
Brian Griese, QB - 13 pts
Join StatLeader.com Now, use the coupon code "bestbuy," and pay only $5.00 for the rest of the season.
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ESPN Fantasy Football - Week 11
ESPN League Manager - Yardage
This weeks top 5 fantasy football QB's for the ESPN League Manager - Yardage scoring system.
- Daunte Culpepper - 17 pts
- David Carr - 14 pts
- Jake Plummer - 14 pts
- Peyton Manning - 13 pts
- Michael Vick - 13 pts.
Join StatLeader.com Now, use the coupon code "bestbuy," and pay only $5.00 for the rest of the season.
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Sporting News Fantasy Football - Week 11
Sporting News Fantasy Football League - Basic Salary Cap scoring system.
The following players are expected to score above their average fantasy points per game for Week 11:
Daunte Culpepper, QB - 568 pts
Tiki Barber, RB - 475 pts
Jake Plummer, QB - 418 pts
Michael Pittman, RB - 329 pts
The following players are expected to score below their average fantasy points per game for Week 11:
Marc Bulger, QB - 299 pts
Edgerrin James, RB - 282 pts
Trent Green, QB - 271 pts
Tom Brady, QB - 243 pts
Join StatLeader.com Now, use the coupon code "bestbuy," and pay only $5.00 for the rest of the season.
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NFL FREE Fantasy Football
Getting your butt kicked in your league this year? Were you in a coma at the start of the season and think you missed out on free NFL fantasy football?
Go to nfl.com and join their free fantasy football game " 4th quarter fantasy" and start fresh!
Join StatLeader.com to get all the 4th quarter fantasy player rankings, point projections and more for the remainder of the season for only $5.00! Enter the coupon code "bestbuy" during signup and save!
Our fantasy football stats are league-specific - no generic recommendations - our projections are specifically for the league you are in!
Hurry Friday November 19th is the cutoff date to get in 4th quarter fantasy and free NFL fantasy football!
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Eli Manning Replaces Kurt Warner
The AP is reporting that Eli Manning has replaced Kurt Warner as the New York Giants' starting quarterback.
Coach Tom Coughlin made the move Monday after Warner and the offense struggled for the second consecutive week in a 17-14 loss to the Cardinals in Arizona. The Giants (5-4) have lost three of the last four games after a 4-1 start.
Manning, the top pick in this year's draft and the brother of Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, will face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Giants Stadium.
"He is the future of the New York Giants, it just starts now," Coughlin said of Manning, who lost a close training camp competition with Warner for the starting job. "I really felt the last four games we haven't been playing well offensively. We just need to make a change."
Coughlin told both players on Monday.
``Kurt is a competitor, a fighter,'' Coughlin said. ``He is not happy, but he is a class guy.''
Manning obviously was thrilled.
``He is excited about the opportunity to compete and lead,'' Coughlin said
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ESPN Fantasy Football - Week 10
StatLeader.com recommendations for Week 10 - Wide Receivers top 10
Our projected point totals for ESPN Performance Fantasy Football default scoring system is as follows:
- Terrell Owens - 19 pts
- Javon Walker - 16 pts
- Andre Johnson - 15 pts
- Marvin Harrison - 15 pts
- Reggie Wayne - 15 pts
- Jimmy Smith - 12 pts
- Roy Williams - 12 pts
- Hines Ward - 11 pts
- Darrell Jackson - 11 pts
- Seven players at 10 pts - including: Johnnie Morton/Joe Horn/Eric Moulds/Torry Holt/Donald Driver/Brandon Stokley/Marcus Robinson
Join StatLeader.com Now, use the coupon code "bestbuy," and pay only $5.00 for the rest of the season.
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NFL Fantasy Football - Week 10
StatLeader.com Recommendations for Week 10 - Running Backs Top 10
Our projected point totals for NFL Fantasy Football default scoring system is as follows:
- Shaun Alexander - 25 pts
- Michael Pittman - 18 pts
- Ahman Green - 17 pts
- Clinton Portis - 16 pts
- Priest Holmes - 16 pts (missed Wednesday's practice - check Final Countdown!)
- Edgerrin James - 15 pts
- Curtis Martin - 14 pts
- Tiki Barber - 14 pts
- Kevan Barlow - 14 pts
- Jamal Lewis - 13 pts
Join StatLeader.com Now, use the coupon code "bestbuy," and pay only $5.00 for the rest of the season.
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Yahoo Fantasy Football - Week 10
StatLeader.com Recommendations for Week 10 - Defense Top 10
Our projected point totals for Yahoo Fantasy Football default scoring system is as follows:
- Bengals - 18 pts
- Bears - 17 pts
- Ravens - 17 pts
- Redskins - 16 pts
- Steelers - 13 pts
- Cardinals - 12 pts
- Patriots - 10 pts
- Chargers - 10 pts
- Seahawks - 10 pts
- Browns - 8 pts
Join StatLeader.com Now, use the coupon code "bestbuy," and pay only $5.00 for the rest of the season.
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No Moss for Minnesota
After making token appearances in the previous two games, Randy Moss sat out Monday night's loss at Indianapolis with a strained right hamstring - the first absence of his seven-year career.
Since he got hurt in the second quarter of Minnesota's win at New Orleans on Oct. 17, Moss has not caught a pass after recording at least one reception in each of his first 101 games.
That drought will continue on Sunday at Green Bay.
"Now that he's accepted the fact that he does have an injury, I think we'll better deal with it," coach Mike Tice said Wednesday. "He's in there rehabbing and training right now."
Moss has a high threshold for pain and a history of fast healing - and stubbornness. He finally consented last week to having an MRI exam, which confirmed the initial diagnosis.
"It was tough to get him to admit that he couldn't play with the injury," Tice said, "and when he finally did. It's where it should be. He should get it right."
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Pennington out 2-4 Weeks
The AP reports Chad Pennington, QB of the NY Jets, is out two to four weeks with a strained right rotator cuff, leaving former Cowboys starter Quincy Carter to handle the offense.
Pennington was hurt in the first quarter of a 22-17 loss to Buffalo on Sunday when he scrambled up the middle for a 12-yard gain. He kept playing, but his arm started to stiffen and he left the game in the fourth quarter after his last two drives ended with an interception and a 13-yard sack.
An MRI exam Monday revealed the strain. Pennington started rehabbing immediately to regain the strength in his arm.
"I'm positive and upbeat about it and I'm still excited for our team," Pennington said Monday. "I think we can be excited as a team because we're sitting here 6-2 and not 2-6 like we were last year. We still have an excellent opportunity with what we want to do when you look at the big picture."
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Final Countdown is Active
Week 9 Final Countdown is now active on the member site. Standby for player updates.
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Remember to Think "Fantasy" Football
When deciding who to start and who to sit, "strength of the opposing defense" will be a key consideration. Obviously, you want to start players with strengths pitted against defensive weakness. That formula should produce fantasy points. Knowing that "key to winning match-ups" isn't enough however.
Why? Because it is almost impossible to find out how defenses perform where it counts. If you are looking at NFL.com or ESPN.com, etc. - the sad fact is that you don't know which defense will be weakest against your player.
Let's go over the FACTS:
- If you are in a league that gives points to defensive teams or players, their performance is rated against the leagues scoring system. In order to know how a defense will score - you have to apply the defensive statistics to the league scoring system. Duh, right?
- The opposite is also true! If you want to know how your player will score AGAINST a defense, you will need to apply "what the defense gives-up" against the scoring system of your offensive player.
As usual - It Is All About League-Specific Scoring Systems! StatLeader.com uses defensive strengths and weakness in our statistical calculations for our individual player point projections over 13 different leagues, including Yahoo, ESPN, CBS, FOX, Sporting News, Sportsline, and even Best Buy Fantasy Football Challenge. Here are some examples: The top three defenses against the "rush" from NFL.COM: - San Diego
- Washington
- Pittsburgh
The top three defenses against the "rush" in Fantasy Football from StatLeader.com: Yahoo Default League: - Washington
- Carolina
- Baltimore
Surprise - Surprise. Do you realize that, if it weren't for the Bengals, Carolina is the "worst" defense against the rush according to NFL.COM? If you had your RB going against Carolina, you would be pretty happy - unless you knew the truth. Carolina is the second best defense in the NFL in keeping "Yahoo running backs" from scoring FANTASY POINTS. Remember the title of this article - Remember to think "fantasy" football. What that means is, if you want to know how your running back will score against a defense - you have to look at how, and how many, FANTASY POINTS that defense gives up against YOUR specific league's scoring system. We use this tool as an aid in projecting how players will SCORE on game-day. Where are you getting YOUR point projections this season?
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Moss Has MRI
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss had an MRI Thursday on his ailing right hamstring, his first such exam since he was injured last month.
Moss has a slight tear in the hamstring, which likely will keep him below full speed for three to four more weeks. He has appeared briefly in the last two games -- though he hasn't caught a pass.
Moss is listed as questionable for Monday night's game at Indianapolis, and coach Mike Tice said he won't announce his decision until right before kickoff.
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Duce Battles Old Team
This is no ordinary game for Duce Staley, and the Steelers' running back knows it. The team he plays for knows it. The team across the state he once played for knows it, too.
Any player would find it difficult to depart a team after seven seasons, especially after three consecutive losses in the NFC title game, without leaving some emotional baggage behind.
Any player would find it very difficult to line up against his former team in one of the biggest games all season without feeling an extra tug of incentive.
Staley is trying to downplay Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles (7-0), the NFL's only remaining unbeaten team and the one whose colors he wore from 1997 through last season. He's not totally convincing.
"Let me stop you right there before we go further: Nothing, "Staley said Wednesday after being asked if this is an emotional game for him. "Of course it's going to be a good game... good team, good defense. We're just trying to better our record."
Fantasy Football Analysis: With the Steeler's big rookie QB, the Eagles won't be able to just sit on the run. Duce may be able to eek out some measure of revenge - and some fantasy points too!
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Byron Leftwich Update
The Associated Press reports that Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich might not miss any action despite spraining his lateral collateral ligament in his left knee, coach Jack Del Rio said.
Sports orthopedist James Andrews of Birmingham, Ala., examined Leftwich on Tuesday and determined the quarterback will not need surgery. Leftwich has been told to rest the injury, suffered in Sunday's 20-6 loss to Houston.
Some players with the same injury have required four to six weeks of rest, but Del Rio said that rest during this week's bye might be enough. The Jaguars (5-3), in first place in the AFC South, host Detroit on Nov. 14.
"We'll re-evaluate Monday and have a better sense of when Byron will be able to join us. We have not ruled out the Detroit Lions here at home," Del Rio said Tuesday.
Fantasy Football Analysis: Leftwich coming through this injury without missing any time would be a big surprise. Have a back-up ready!
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Leftwich out 4-6 Weeks
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich will miss four to six weeks after suffering a partial tear in the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee, ESPN's Chris Mortensen is reporting.
Leftwich, who was injured in Sunday's 20-6 loss to Houston, went to Birmingham, Ala., on Tuesday to seek the opinion of sports orthopedist James Andrews after preliminary examinations on Monday showed possible ligament damage.
Andrews determined that the quarterback will not need surgery. He has been told to rest the injury, which was announced Tuesday as a sprain that would cause an indefinite absence.
Some players with the same injury have required four to six weeks of rest. Coach Jack Del Rio said the Jaguars would not offer a timetable for Leftwich's return until Monday.
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Carter, Rattay Expected Back
SF49ers.com reports that Defensive End Andre Carter and Quarterback Tim Rattay are expected to practice this week, with availability for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
"He (Rattay) had an MRI this morning. It was dramatic improvement according to the doctor this afternoon. We'll see how he is Wednesday. We'll see how he can practice. We'll monitor this stuff on Wednesday. We expect him to practice," Erickson said. "We'll monitor how much he throws. I don't know if he can go all the time in practice we just have to monitor where it's at and see where it's at. That's what we were told today and he feels a lot better so we expect him to play against Seattle."
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