The Fantasy Kickoff - Fantasy Football Tips

July 3rd, 2008

Are The Packers Better Without Brett Favre?

With the news recently regarding Brett Favre and his comeback possibility, some have begun to wonder aloud whether the Green Bay Packers should welcome him back with open arms. Common sense says that you should always open the door if one of the best players of all-time wants to return, but this scenario is a bit different.

For the first time, it appeared that the team and the city of Green Bay had moved on and were ready to tackle life without Favre quarterbacking the team. Although it was difficult for everyone to swallow it at first, the Packers finally seemed at peace with the idea of not having Favre.

Green Bay is also a very young team. Favre, even if he comes back, would only be back for a season or two. If the Packers don’t believe they can win a championship in that time frame, doesn’t it make more sense to start preparing for the next five to ten years instead?

Additionally, the Packers have a young quarterback in Aaron Rodgers who is anxiously waiting to show what he can do. The team has already started adjusting their offense to maximize Rodgers’ strengths.

Now seems like the perfect time for the Packers to celebrate Favre’s legacy and move on to the next chapter in their franchise’s history. However, if Favre potentially knocking on the door, it’ll be difficult for the team to turn him away.

Here is a video regarding what Green Bay Packers fans think of the situation:

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By Kori Ellis -- 0 comments

July 3rd, 2008

Chicago Bears Signs Matt Forte - Fantasy Impact

The Chicago Bears signed rookie running back Matt Forte to a four-year deal. Forte, who attended Tulane, is the leading candidate to be the starting running back for the Bears in 2008.

Coming into this offseason, the Bears were prepared to go with Cedric Benson as the team’s starter once again. But Benson got arrested twice, once in a boat and once in a car, and the Bears decided to release him. With Benson out of a job, the Bears now turn to a rookie.

While Chicago also has Adrian Peterson and Garrett Wolfe on the roster, Forte is considered the most likely to start. He’s a bruising back with deceptive speed. His powerful presence should make him a good fit in Chicago’s offense.

His fantasy football projections for 2008 are unclear. The Bears offense looks rather weak and he will likely have to share carries, at least to some degree. However, Forte looks like a player who could become a touchdown vulture and could produce enough on the ground to make him a fantasy football running back starter.

Will Matt Forte make Bears fans forget about Cedric Benson?

Photo: Newscom

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July 2nd, 2008

Brett Favre to Unretire? Green Bay Packers

As we have speculated numerous times here at TheFantasyKickoff, Brett Favre may not be done with the NFL just yet. Reports have surfaced that Favre may unretire and rejoin the Green Bay Packers.

Favre retired after the 2007 NFL season and most everyone closed the door on his football career. However, there have been rumblings virtually from the day he retired that Favre could come back.

Since Favre retired, the Packers have handed the starting quarterback job over to Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is a talented quarterback, however he has very little experience on the NFL level. If Favre returns to Green Bay, expect Rodgers to return to his backup role.

In terms of fantasy football, Favre returning would have a big impact. His fantasy worth is rather high, especially after a very good 2007 campaign. The wide receivers on Green Bay would be worth more with Favre throwing the passes. The Packers as a team would be considered championship contenders if Favre decides to return.

Photo: Newscom

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July 1st, 2008

NFL Power Rankings 2008 - July Edition

1. New England Patriots - The Patriots have the most talent once again.
2. Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys are explosive on both sides of the field.
3. Indianapolis Colts - Manning is arguably the best player in the game.
4. San Diego Chargers - Can the Chargers finally break through?
5. Pittsburgh Steelers - The Steelers should be very tough once again.
6. New York Giants - With Strahan retired, can the Giants regroup?
7. Jacksonville Jaguars - The Jags looks very good on paper.
8. Cleveland Browns - Their offense should put up plenty of points.
9. New Orleans Saints - The Saints should bounce back after a bad 2007.
10. Minnesota Vikings - If their offense is decent, they should win games.

Can the Giants be great without Strahan?

Photo: Newscom

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By Kori Ellis -- 1 comment

July 1st, 2008

2008 Fantasy Football Draft Rankings - By Position

Check out our first look at the 2008 fantasy football draft rankings. The rankings are seperated by position. While these are sure to change in the coming weeks and months, it’s great to get an early look and start planning your fantasy football strategy for 2008.

Top Fantasy Football Quarterbacks in 2008

Top Fantasy Football Running Backs in 2008

Top Fantasy Football Wide Receivers in 2008

Top Fantasy Football Tight Ends in 2008

Top Fantasy Football Kickers in 2008

Top Fantasy Football Defenses in 2008

Does Darren McFadden make the list?

Photo: Newscom

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June 30th, 2008

Earnest Graham Signs Extension - Fantasy Impact

Earnest Graham of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has signed a three-year contract extension that is reportedly worth almost $11 million. Graham, who entered last year deep on the depth charts, proved to the world that he could handle the starting duties as an NFL running back.

Graham played in 15 games and had 898 yards rushing, 324 yard receiving and ten touchdowns. In the fantasy football world, Graham was a golden waiver wire pickup early in the season.

In the 2008 campaign, Graham is expected to begin the year as the starter in Tampa Bay. Cadillac Williams is working his way back from a gruesome knee injury and isn’t expected to be ready at the beginning of the season. Warrick Dunn was signed this offseason but he’ll likely be a backup.

Although Graham doesn’t have great fantasy football potential, he’s valuable due to his receiving skills out of the backfield and his nose for the endzone. As a third running back on a fantasy team, Graham has a lot of value.

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June 30th, 2008

110 Yard Field Goal - Shaun Suisham - Video

Check out this video of Shaun Suisham kicking a 110 yard field goal. Obviously the video is most likely doctored. However, if you think it’s a legit video, Suisham should definitely be a kicker you target for your fantasy team. In fantasy football, a 110 yard field goal has to be worth a good amount of points.

Here is the Shaun Suisham video:

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June 29th, 2008

Terry Glenn Wants to Return to Cowboys

Terry Glenn recently spoke publicly about his wish to remain a player for the Dallas Cowboys. Glenn, who missed almost all of last season due to knee issues, has been barred from working out with the Cowboys due to injury concerns.

Glenn has a base salary of around $1.75M and the Cowboys want Glenn to accept a $500K buyout settlement if he re-injures his knee. Glenn hasn’t been able to pass a physical due to his knee and the Cowboys want to some protection in case he goes down again.

Even though he’s had multiple surgeries in the last year, Glenn reportedly will need microfracture surgery at some point to fix his knee. However, if he had microfracture surgery right now, he’d be forced to sit out the entire season.

The Cowboys want a wide receiver to put next to Terrell Owens. Patrick Crayton filled that role last year but Dallas wants Crayton to move to the third wide receiver position and have someone else be the second wide receiver. Glenn could fill that role if he returns and can remain healthy.

Will Terry Glenn Return to the Cowboys?

Photo: Newscom

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June 29th, 2008

Kevin Jones Workout for NFL teams - Video

Kevin Jones, the former starting running back of the Detroit Lions, is still trying to get another job in the NFL. Jones is recovering from an ACL injury and is out to prove he’s healthy. To do that, he’s been holding workouts for NFL teams to show that he’s back to 100%.

Jones is young enough and skilled enough that he should eventually land another job. While he won’t be a starter at first, if he can stay healthy there is no limit to what he can accomplish. It wasn’t too long ago that Jones was considered one of the best up-and-coming running backs in the NFL.

Here’s a Kevin Jones workout video that shows his mobility is still top notch:

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June 28th, 2008

Marshawn Lynch Fined and Loses License

Marshawn Lynch, the starting running back for the Buffalo Bills, was fined and lost his license for the traffic incident that occurred earlier in the month. In that incident, a pedestrian was hit by Lynch’s car and was left with a bruised hip and seven stitches.

Lynch denied knowing that he hit the pedestrian, however he made a plea bargain with Buffalo police. The fine is believed to be $100.

Since Lynch wasn’t charged with a crime, chances are he won’t be suspended by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. However, if he has anymore incidents in the coming year, this plea bargain could be used against him by the NFL to show a pattern of questionable behavior.

Here is a Marshawn Lynch video discussing the traffic infraction:

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