THE GLORIOUS RETURN OF FANTASY SPORTS DAILY!!!

Greetings,

Our apologies for leaving you hanging for the entire fantasy football season. Hopefully most of you are battling it out in your fantasy Super Bowls this weekend, best of luck to everyone. Fantasy Sports Daily will be teaming up with a new insider partner that will bring you all the latest info in regards to Fantasy Sports that you crave on a daily basis.

We will be giving a review of the NFL season and providing some early insight into next years top draft picks. Fantasy Basketball is in full swing right now so we will be giving you the daily/weekly updates on all the free-agents, trades, benchings etc. that you need to know about to guide your team to the championship and achieve total fantasy sports domination.

Really that is our goal here, we're not going to give you fluff to fill up space, we'll leave that to the other guys. You come here for one reason only, insider fantasy news that keeps you ahead of the curve and it is our job to deliver. As always if there are things you want to see, questions you want to ask or just general comments about the site and ways that we can improve, leave us a comment or send us an e-mail and we will definitely take it into consideration since your satisfaction is our #1 priority. Aside from kicking ass in fantasy sports of course.

So put the women and children to bed, its fantasy sports daily time and we are back with a vengeance.

- Fantasy Sports Daily Team

BOOOOOOSH!!!!

What a Week 1

Well what can you say about week #1 in the NFL?? I can say this much... The Bengals, Lions, 49er's, Raiders and Rams all STINK!!!! I mean what can you say about these teams? They all looked awful, their Defense was nowhere to be found and they looked like they made absolutely 0 improvements from last year. Its going to be a long season for these teams but it doesn't necessarily mean your going to have a long miserable fantasy season if you have some players on these teams.

Don't forget to drop me a line if you have a specific topic you want me to discuss. I'll make sure I get to it first.

But let's get to the injuries first. As everyone knows by now Tom Brady is done for the year. Tough break for all of you who reached for him in the first round, I must admit that I was tempted in 1 league but I held back and went with either a RB or WR. I saw Brady, Manning, Brees and Romo all go off fantasy draft boards very early this year and I'm not really sure why? I understand the upside that a lot of these guys had but did you honestly think Brady was going to repeat last years stats? Definitely not. As for the rest of those guys, I wouldn't waste even a 2nd round pick on a Quarterback unless we're talking about a 6 point passing touchdown league or a 2 QB league. Other then that, I waited in every draft I had.

I ended up with McNabb in two of my leagues which, after week 1 at least, doesn't look like such a bad pick to me. I got Big Ben in the other league I am in and the jury is still out after that amazing week 1 performance from Fast Willie Parker.

But in regards to the actual injury to Brady well obviously Cassell gets a boost up, I wouldn't recommend picking him up until we see what he can do in week 2 playing a full game. There are mixed reviews on this guy so hold off for another week if you can. But if your a Brady owner, I suggest you make a trade now or at least throw a few offers out there to see if someone is willing to trade you one of their decent back ups. I think this injury gives a huge boost to the NE running game, they are going to have to get the lead and hold it with their running game and defense. So this bumps up Maroney and Sammie Morris. As much as I stay away from talking about kickers, this might actually give Gostkowski a boost as well. As we may see some vintage Patriots football... a la Adam Vinatieri days. Don't trade for him or anything but if you got him, good for you.


Next on the injury train is Nate Burleson. Also done for the year... yikes. I had him as a bit of a sleeper in 1 of my leagues and he caught a TD last week so things were looking up. Expect some of the lesser known guys like Courtney Taylor to step up in his absence.

Up next we have Marques Colston: this one hurt me too. I'm sure it hurt a lot of you as well as he was probably your #1 WR on a few teams. He's out 4 to 6 weeks which is certainly not peanuts but hey, at least he's not out for the season. This gives a huge boost to Jeremy Shockey, David Patten and Robert Meachem. If Patten and/or Meachem are out there on the waiver wire in your league, PICK EM UP! Trust me you won't regret it, one of them will stick.

Marion Barber has sore ribs but is expect to play this Sunday, just keep an eye on him as the week goes on to see what his status is on the injury report. If he's good to go then start him in all formats. Keep an eye on Felix Jones though, I know he got a lot of garbage time in week 1 but he looked good and believe me, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys noticed what he did, expect a slight bump in his work load I think. Tony Romo got some stitches on his chin but he'll be fine. Tough match-up against the Eagles D in week 2 but man that cowboy offense looked like a machine in week 1.

It should not have been a surprise to you that Willis Mcgahee was going to sit week 1, all the major sites had this one pegged well ahead of time so you should have done your homework there if you owned him. So if you started him, shame on you. Ray Rice looked good and will be a solid player to own going forward especially for Mcgahee owners.

Vince Young looked awful, official word is that he has a sprained ego.... and an MCL. I give up on Vince Young and you should too. If you want to keep him on your bench because you love him too much to drop him that's fine, but I told you so. He looked absolutely awful, his team won, but that's mostly because of former East Carolina superstar in the making Chris Johnson. He looks AWSOME WITH A CAPITAL A BABY! Keeper league darling Chris Johnson had 15 carries for 93 yards and 3 catches for 34 yards and a TD, NICE!!

I'll be back tomorrow with another update and some potential break out candidates in week 2.

2008 Power Rankings: Week 1
1 (1)
Patriots - 16-0-0
The Patriots had better hope Tom Brady stays healthy. They've looked lost without him. Injuries on the offensive line and question marks in the secondary will make their games more competitive this year. (TG)
2 (3)
Chargers - 11-5-0
The Chargers are tired of knocking on the door. This team is ready to make a Super Bowl push, and it could be a successful push if they stay healthy. (BW)
3 (4)
Cowboys - 13-3-0
The Cowboys' delegation already has set up a branch office in Tampa. The only thing standing in the Cowboys' way is winning their first playoff game since 1996. (MM)
4 (2)
Colts - 13-3-0
All those early injury concerns got solved, and now they're going to have to figure out life without key cog C Jeff Saturday. With all that missed practice, can the stars keep up superb Sept. play? (PK)
5 (5)
Jaguars - 11-5-0
A lot to like, but OL play is a concern, particularly with LT Khalif Barnes underachieving. Those backs need holes and David Garrard needs time. Derrick Harvey's initial contribution won't be big. (PK)
6 (7)
Steelers - 10-6-0
Nearly all of the pieces are in place for the Steelers to make a run. The one exception is a shaky OL, which could be the difference in being a good team or an elite team. (JW)
7 (12)
Saints - 7-9-0
Offense is loaded at the skill positions. Defensive overhaul must take hold for this team to contend. (PY)
8 (6)
Giants - 10-6-0
I had to do it. You drop at least four spots when you lose the best defensive player on the team. (MM)
9 (9)
Seahawks - 10-6-0
The Seahawks might have more depth than they've had at any time during the salary-cap era. Even backup QB Seneca Wallace looks like he could win games if needed. (MS)
10 (8)
Packers
13-3-0 - Aaron Rodgers had a solid preseason, but the backup QB situation is a bit worrisome. (KS)
11 (11)
Vikings
8-8-0 - QB Tarvaris Jackson looked sharp in the preseason -- when he was on the field. (KS)
12 (13)
Eagles
8-8-0 - If Donovan McNabb stays healthy and the Eagles knock off the Cowboys early, this team could challenge for a division title. (MM)
13 (10)
Browns - 10-6-0
Are the Browns good enough to turn it on after a sluggish preseason? We will find out with two tough games against Dallas and Pittsburgh to start the season. (JW)
14 (14)
Titans - 10-6-0
Behind Jags now, but I have a feeling they'll wind up at least even in the long run. When they open the playbook, you'll see a pass offense that's better than it seemed in the preseason. Even with a struggling VY, the run game and defense can win. (PK)
15 (15)
Buccaneers - 9-7-0
Defense looked strong in the preseason. But QB Jeff Garcia and WR Joey Galloway missed lots of practice time with injuries and might not be sharp right away. (PY)
16 (23)
Jets - 4-12-0
The O-line appears fantastic, and their defensive additions have made a noticeable difference. If Brett Favre can cope with the big change, look out. (TG)
17 (20)
Panthers - 7-9-0
QB Jake Delhomme's arm seemed fine in the preseason and DE Julius Peppers appears motivated for a big year. Rookie RB Jonathan Stewart will give the team the power running game it has lacked. (PY)
18 (18)
Bills - 7-9-0
Brett Favre's arrival in AFC East and Pro Bowl OT Jason Peters' holdout will make it more difficult for the Bills to make the playoffs. Defense should be markedly improved with DT Marcus Stroud. (TG)
19 (16)
Redskins - 9-7-0
I want to believe in the Age of Zorn, but the last couple of performances scare me. At some point, this team probably needs one of its second-round receivers to show up. (MM)
20 (19)
Texans - 8-8-0
I see progress, but how will they climb up a rung in this division? The defensive stars need others to play better around them. The run game and secondary still rank as legitimate concerns and that first five-game stretch is a crucible. (PK)
21 (17)
Cardinals - 8-8-0
The Cardinals have better depth in their defensive front seven and enough weapons at receiver to produce without WR Bryant Johnson. Lack of depth on the offensive line could hold them back. (MS)
22 (22)
Broncos - 7-9-0
The Broncos have had a lot of transition in recent years and there still are a lot of questions about their defense. But don't worry about the offense. Jay Cutler has this unit in good shape. (BW)
23 (24)
Bengals - 7-9-0
The Bengals looked awful on both sides of the football this preseason. Receiver Chad Johnson's shoulder injury will be something to watch all season. (JW)
24 (21)
Ravens - 5-11-0
Quarterback issues could plague this team all year. The defense will have to play lights out for Baltimore to have a chance to win most games. (JW)
25 (25)
Bears - 7-9-0
On top of the QB situation, the Bears' defense had a horrible preseason. Not a good combination. (KS)
26 (29)
Lions - 7-9-0
The Lions finished the preseason 4-0 for the first time since 1990. Nothing to get too excited about, but they are moving in the right direction. (KS)
27 (27)
Raiders - 4-12-0
The Raiders' offense will be much better and much more exciting. However, there are still a lot of holes on this team. (BW)
28 (26)
Rams - 3-13-0
The Rams have a chance as long as RB Steven Jackson is healthy, but this team appears shockingly low on depth at multiple positions, including linebacker. The TEs could be a strength. (MS)
29 (28)
49ers - 5-11-0
The 49ers' offense figures to be hit and miss (as opposed to miss and miss in 2007). This team could surprise if QB J.T. O'Sullivan exceeds expectations. The defense appears solid. (MS)
30 (31)
Dolphins - 1-15-0
QB Chad Pennington's acquisition gives leadership and direction to Bill Parcells' latest rebuilding effort. Young defense has been dynamic in the preseason. (TG)
31 (30)
Chiefs
4-12-0 - This team has gone green. The Chiefs are all about the youth movement. The present might be bleak but the future is bright. (BW)
32 (32)
Falcons - 4-12-0
The Falcons are throwing rookie QB Matt Ryan into the fire. He'll need a lot of help from the defense. (PY)

Bengals QB Palmer treated for broken nose

CINCINNATI -- Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer broke his nose during Saturday night's preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, but coach Marvin Lewis said he should be ready for the regular-season opener.  This guy just can't catch a break... oh wait, yes he can.

Alright that was terrible sorry but seriously I just feel bad for Carson Palmer at this point.  The guy plays for a team that provides him with zero help on the defensive side of the ball so they can't even hold down the lead if he gets them there, TJ Housh and Ocho Cinco were both banged up for this game (I'm assuming they'll be fine for the regular season opener) so he was throwing to 2nd and 3rd string guys and clearly he needs offensive line help because although he went 11-16 he was knocked down 5 times and sacked 3 out of those 5 times, including the last one that broke his nose.

To put a fantasy spin on this whole team I'll say use EXTREME CAUTION!!  Now I'm not saying that none of the Bengals offensive players won't be valuable this season, because they will, but I urge you to use caution when selecting them.  Evaluate their schedule, look at who else is out there and choose wisely.  I say this partly because I was a burn victim of Carson Palmer last year in 
my keeper league and I've been bitter about it every since.  Palmer threw for 26 TD's last year but had a horrific 20 INT's.  So every week I was counting on big numbers from him because I drafted him expecting it and it just never came.  

Chad Johson, same thing, different league.  Chad Johnson came out to a roaring start last year only to hit the E-break and come to a screeching halt when fantasy teams needed him the most.  Maybe it was that stupid "Future HOF 20--" jacket?  I don't know but I still don't trust him this year, he says he's going to play 100% and he should so he can get a trade out of Cincy and get a decent contract next year but he's never a sure thing.  Last year Chad had 1400 yards and 8 TD's, very nice from a fantasy perspective but if you take out week 2 game against Cleveland where Chad had 200 yards receiving and 2 TD's it brings his numbers down to earth quite a bit.  Also what you may not notice about Chad is that he had a 2 TD game as I mentioned and a 3 TD game later in the season.  That's over half his TD's in 2 games!!!!!  So you can see why I say to use extreme caution with this guy.  He scores in bunches and that's what I look to stay away from in Fantasy football.

Warner named starter for the Cardinals

Source: Cardinals set to name QB Warner as starter.

In a not so surprising move the Arizona Cardinals named Kurt Warner their starting QB to open the 2008 season. This announcement came after Matt Leinart's poor performance Saturday night against the Oakland Raiders which probably sealed the decision.

Leinart had three interceptions in the first half and completed just 4 of 12 passes for 24 yards. His passer rating was 2.8. The Cardinals won the game 24-0.

This move doesn't surprise me one bit and I actually drafted Warner late in one of my fantasy drafts for this exact reason. Warner caught fire late last season for the Cards and became one of the best fantasy QB's down the stretch when most fantasy owners are looking for points any way they can find them.

When all was said and done Warner was actually the 10th best QB in regards to total fantasy points scored for QB's last season so clearly the guy still has it.

This situation could be tricky though as the Cards are not afraid of going with a QBBC like they did last year so this definitely hurts both guys overall fantasy value. Neither of these guys should be drafted as anything other then a fantasy backup or a late season fill in when most starters only play half the game.
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In more upsetting news to Giants fans, Osi Umenyiora is out for the season with a knee injury.

An MRI on Sunday showed that Umenyiora tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee in a preseason game against the archrival Jets on Saturday night.

Not good news for the defending Super Bowl champions who really looked like they were going to be a force on the defensive side of the ball this season. Now with Strahan retired and Osi out for the season lets see how the Giants jump this hurdle before game 1. My thoughts are that they will move Kiwi to defensive end and shift someone else over to LB to take Kiwi's spot. Something I'm sure they didn't want to do but its hard to replace a guy like Osi.

From a fantasy perspective you might want to drop the Giants D down a spot or two on your cheat sheet because of the injury, I still think the Giants D will be a decent defense to own this season but they certainly are not a top 5 unit anymore with this crushing blow.