Shonn a Greene Machine

Posted on 01. Mar, 2010 by Jesse in Articles

Shonn Greene is about to be the man. The ferocious rookie took the NFL by storm in the postseason, and in the process, showed the Jets brass that he has what it takes to carry the load. Greene is the perfect fit for this smashmouth offense, and will now only be sharing with a yet-to-be healthy Leon Washington. Yes, this is a striking development.

Not striking because Greene doesn’t deserve such an opportunity, but surprising given the success of Thomas Jones for the past two seasons. Jones was solid again in ‘09, posting a career-high 1402 rushing yards, but he’ll be 32 at the start of next season, he was expendable given his bloated salary. I should note again, I think Jones has a lot left in the tank. Look out if he lands in San Diego, but that is another discussion; another debate.

I’m here right now to gush about Greene, and pontificate about his prowess. I had a feeling that the decision to trade up for him was calculated, and that plan is now unfolding. I’m penciling Greene in for around 325 carries (Jones had 331 last year), and 15 TD’s. After all, Leon Washington will do more 3rd down duty and special teams stuff as he returns to form from a devastating leg injury. The team has sacrificed Jones to pay Leon for his loyalty, but the workload will be shouldered by the kid from Iowa. Just a few weeks away from St. Patties day, this year I’m pullin’ out my new (second) favorite color… Cha-ching, let the Greene Machine ring!

Small ball has arrived

Posted on 21. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in Articles

I’m sure you’ve noticed that the landscape is changing. A shift is underway in today’s NFL, and it’s modifying the way fantasy football players view their traditional cornerstones. The days of the big back are ending (just ask Larry Johnson), and a smaller/shiftier/quicker brand of RB is emerging as part home-run hitter, part multi-purpose threat, and weekly starter in fantasy leagues everywhere.

Chris Johnson of the Titans is the picture perfect example of this trend. Johnson, a pint-sized powerhouse at just 198 pounds, had a monster day on Sunday. Johnson posted a gaudy 284 yards from scrimmage against Houston, and crossed the stripe three times on plays of 57, 69, and 91 yards. That will rack up the fantasy points in a major way.

Big play ability and long TD’s are precisely why the smaller backs are getting more love of late.

Darren Sproles’ fantasy owners know this (that 81-yard catch was beautiful, wasn’t it?), but so does the front office of the Chargers. The fact that SD made Sproles, who stands 5′-6″ and weighs in at just 185 pounds, their franchise player is all you need to know.

DeAngelo Williams proved last year that despite a size defeciency, these explosive players can excel when used in the correct scheme. Williams himself has gotten off to a decent start despite Carolina’s 0-2 record, but rest assured, his best games are yet to come. The same should be said about Steve Slaton of the Texans, although I’ve been thinking for a while that his numbers would decrease in ‘09.

Other small guys that should have some monster games this season are: Leon Washington, Ray Rice, Ahmad Bradshaw, Tashard Choice and LeSean McCoy.

Players like these are so enticing because they offer a special hope: the big play. One long TD can swing the momentum towards a team (real NFL, or fantasy) tremendously. So, until defenses figure out a way to limit the big plays, watch for more gaudy numbers from the small guys while the large guys continue to look slow and tired.

Small ball has arrived gentlemen, so plan accordingly.

Get a winner, GoHuddleUP!

Posted on 04. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in Articles

I play in a lot of fantasy football leagues. In fact, everyone who knows me basically identifies me as the “fantasy guy” around this time of year. Now I don’t really mind, because I do love football, but I must admit it can get overwhelming through the last two weeks of August and the first week of September. During this run, I’m busy trying to draft my own teams, help guys I know get their league management tools set up properly (even if I’m not even in the leagues), write on this website, and even help people I know draft winning teams. Now my boys (nine and seven) are in a league too, and of course they want dad to help them win. Yes, fantasy draft season often overwhelms my very existence.

Just last night I was on a conference call with my uncle, a fantasy rookie, and I coached him step by step through his first draft. His team ended up being a monster, as many of the other guys in his online draft were also relatively inexperienced. But Uncle Dave had an ace up the sleeve… and it won’t just end here.

As we wrapped up our post-draft conversation, I went through his team with him sharing some parting thoughts. In a twelve-teamer, we nabbed him a starting lineup of AP, Westy, Randy, Colston, Ochocinco, McNabb, and J Carlson. Then we cuffed him up by landing both Chester Taylor and LeSean McCoy, which I thought was a masterful stroke for preventing disaster with a newbie. Then, we added value picks in Derrick Ward, Leon Washington, Rashard Mendenhall and Hakeem Nicks to round out his bench. Finally, after snagging a top echelon defense like Minnesota and a solid kicker in Adam Vinatieri, I was able to smile. See, Dave plays in this league against a bunch of his upper-management work buddies. Yeah, money is on the line, but so is manhood. Needless to say, I think Dave is thrilled. Dude might watch three football games annually, but his team makes him look like a grizzled pro.

I share this nugget with you for one reason, and it’s not to stoke my own ego. I’m just a normal guy like you, but I’ve been doing this for a very long time. I don’t get paid at all for this website, but that doesn’t matter. I honestly enjoy helping people win. I want to help you win too.

So with that said, I emplore you to do just like my Uncle Dave did. Use me as your secret weapon this season. Not that I’m always right, because as my wife will tell you, I’m not. But, I’m more than willing to help you make lineup decisions on a weekly basis, shop for trades in your league, or just give you my takes. I’d also like to hear your takes, because I’ve found interacting with people in this manner only helps me keep a better track on current sentiment and player values. I’m always interested to hear in how my readers are doing in their respective leagues, so don’t be bashful.

GoHuddleUp.com hasn’t been around for very long, but we’re growing. As we do, I want to build the site on interactivity with people. A LIVE weekly fantasy chat is in the works, as is a “hotline” so I can get your audio takes posted in the mix on the podcasts. In the meantime, you should drop me a line at Jesse@GoHuddleUp.com (or follow me on Twitter.com/GoHuddleUp) and just let me know you’re out there.

NFL Newslinks – 08/12/09

Posted on 12. Aug, 2009 by Jesse in NFL Newslinks

• It’s August now, and that means we’re off to the races. Training camps have already begun, and GoHuddleUp has you covered. Our Newslinks will keep you abreast of the latest developments, so come back often.
• Steve Smith gave the Panthers brass a real scare with a shoulder injury, but coach John Fox still believes Smith will be ready for week one.
• Trent Edwards is looking pretty comfortable in Buffalo’s no-huddle offense. In fact, the team has primarily practiced with the no huddle during the entire preseason, and Edwards is improving.
• The Michael Crabtree holdout situation continues to be an utter standoff. Crabtree may not report at all during the preseason, and could wait to sign until right before the season opener.
• Even though he just reported to camp after signing his new deal, Falcons WR Roddy White should play in the preseason opener this weekend.
• Terrell Owens caught two balls during his preseason Buffalo debut on Sunday night, but he’s now injured. Owens is limping around camp with an injured toe.
• While he’s still behind Ray Rice on the RB depth chart, Willis McGahee may finally be endearing himself to coaches once again.

Willis appears to be working hard once again.

• In an effort to satisfy Leon Washington’s contract demands, the Jets have upped their offer.
• Derrick Mason should be fine after a dislocated finger.