Fantasy Sports Review

Wikipedia defines karma as “the effects of all deeds actively create past, present, and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one’s own life, and the pain and joy it brings to him/her and others.” John Lennon believed in the idea of “Instant Karma”, which refers to a more immediate concept of accountability for your actions. Basically, what comes around, goes around. Why does the Commish Report care about karma? Why does anybody in the wide world of fantasy sports care about karma?

Fantasy owners believe in karma, or as I like to call it “The Fantasy Gods”, because one bad “karma” player can bring down your whole fantasy team. Every year on draft day I stay away from certain players because I do not want to upset these so-called “Fantasy Gods”. The recent trade of Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers sparked an age-old debate on whether team chemistry does indeed bring championships. This question has been routinely answered in many circles in the affirmative. One can simply look back at the recent success of the Boston Celtics and the back-to-back college basketball titles of the University of Florida Gators to see how team chemistry does indeed bring home the hardware.

After hours of diligent research, the Commish Report is proud to bring you the First Annual Karma Squad. The Karma Squad consists of players (in the last ten years) that one should never add to their fantasy roster for fear of destroying your team chemistry. One bad apple does destroy the bunch. In no particular order, without further ado:

Barry Bonds: He may be the homerun king but he comes with more baggage than Delta.

Travis Henry: Putting his marijuana issues aside, the man has fathered at least nine children among nine women. Just think about that little fact. Nine children with nine different women. NINE children with NINE different women. He is also reportedly in fiancial trouble which may explain his lack of funds to afford a box of condoms.

Chris Henry: This former Cincinnati Bengal’s rap sheet includes drunk driving, drug possession, assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism. He has also been suspended more times than the combined number of fake knee injuries between Manny Ramirez and Paul Pierce.

Chad Johnson: His on the field antics will not sit well with your fantasy coach and for argument sake let’s just include the entire Cincinnati roster. You do not want Rudi Johnson on your team either. How can you trust anybody on your team that spells Rudi with an “i”?

The Portland Trailblazers of the late 90’s which was also known as the Jail-Blazers: See Cincinnati Bengals above.

Brett Favre: I do not want anybody on my fantasy team that cannot make up their mind about retiring. If somebody offers me 20 million dollars, to stay retired I would take the money faster than Terrell Owens took a bottle full Vicodin (don’t get me started on a player that tries to commit suicide on the middle of the season). Let’s include Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan, Michael Strahan and Tiki Barber on this list.

Steve Smith: Punching your fellow teammate in the nose is no way to make friends. Maybe he should try and stay healthy for an entire season before he makes any more friends.

Gary Coleman: Whatchu talkin’ ’bout Commish? Just check out the video of his first at bat for the Madison Mallards minor league team. He gets ejected for corking his bat ala Sammy Sosa.

Coaches for my All Karma Team include Mark Richt, head football coach of the University of Georgia for his fine display of sportsmanship against the University of Florida last October in Jacksonville, Florida. Ordering a full team celebration in the end zone is a fantastic way to celebrate a touchdown and mold the young minds of his student athletes; Ozzie Guillen, current manager of the Chicago White Sox, for ordering his pitchers to bean certain opposing batters; and Bobby Bowden for wearing a Indiana Jones fedora and headsets, even though he has not coached in two decades

I would also like to include Howard Schultz as the team owner. Not only did he ruin the once storied Seattle Sonic franschise but his little coffee shop franschise seems to be in a little financial trouble.

Please forward me any additional players (past or present) that failed to make my First Annual All Karma Team roster.

Before we talk a little start’em sit’em I want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the food, the football and everything else you are thankful for.

This week, along with some added content, I am putting down a few names in places that may surprise you. Check them out:

Start’em if you got’em
Vince Young QB (TEN) - I think Vince is going to continue is hot streak against Cinci this week. Over the past two weeks he has thrown for 257 and 305 yards against much stronger defenses than the Bengals 30th ranked unit. He also has been racking up yards on the ground; 52 against Jacksonville and 74 plus a touchdown against Denver. He will deal with the sore quad to put up over 275 yards and 2 td’s passing and 50 yards and a td rushing.

Final stats: 246 passing, 0 touchdowns and 6 yards rushing, 0 touchdowns.
Final thoughts: He killed me in three leagues. Five trips to the redzone and only 6 points. How do you not get any touchdowns against a bad defense?

Chris Henry WR (CIN) - All he has done since returning from his suspension is put up numbers. In two weeks he has 12 catches for 180 and a TD. Also, this week he may be the number two if Housh isn’t able to go. All that and the Titans defense has been slipping the past few weeks since Haynesworth went down. I can easily see another 7 catches for 100+ and a touchdown.

Final stats: 3 catches for 41 yards.
Final thoughts: Housh played and pretty much everything else went to Chad Johnson who was able to break out a long drought.

Sit’em if you’ve got em
Daunte Culpepper QB (OAK) - If you are one of those people who is all jacked up on Daunte because he posted 300 yards on the Vikes, don’t be. This week he will have a much more difficult time against the Kansas City defense who has only allowed nine touchdowns through the air. The last time he played them he was only good for 228 and a touchdown. Jared Allen will be in his mug all day which will keep him under 228 yards again, prevent him from scoring any touchdowns and cause him to turn the ball over at least twice.

Final stats: 170 yards passing and 0 touchdowns. Oh and no turnovers.
Final thoughts: Pretty efficient performance. This game was all about the running game on both sides of the ball.

Frank Gore RB (SF) - My how the mighty have fallen. He has to be one of the biggest bust of this year and it is time to start sitting him down before he does anymore damage. This week he takes on an Arizona defense that held him to 55 yards and a touchdown in their first meeting. The touchdown Frank scored was kind of fluky since it was the result of a turnover by the Cards in San Fran territory. He won’t be that lucky this time with the improved Cards defense playing tough at home. I’ll be generous and give him 50 yards and 0 touchdowns.

Final stats: 116 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns and 11 catches for 98 yards.
Final thoughts: Wow, the guy stunk ALL YEAR and bam. I’ve been debating for a few weeks whether or not to put him on the sit’em list. Sure enough, the second I do, he goes off. Also, his first touchdown was scored off of a Cardinal turnover deep in Niners territory, just like the first game.

**Bonus Thought** Donovan McNabb QB (PHI) - If he plays you might want to put him down anyway against the Patriots. I have a feeling that he will be getting sacked a lot which will make him more likely to leave the game anyway. Less than 150 yards and no touchdowns.

Final stats: Did not play.
Final thoughts: We’ll never know if he could’ve hung with the Pats.

Sleepers: don’t be surprised if…
…Peyton Manning QB (IND) has another less than Peyton performance against Atlanta. He has been struggling as of late in part because his line and receiving corp are banged up. Add to that the fact that it is a road game on a short week and the Colts will be looking to gut it out with the run game. I know it hurts but if you have the balls to do it, and you have a decent alternative, you should put him down. Less then 200 yards and maybe 1 touchdown.

Final stats: 272 yards, 3 touchdowns and a interception.
Final thoughts: My prediction was looking pretty good… for about a quarter and a half.

…Kolby Smith RB (KC) is able to produce a solid game against the arch rival Raiders this week. Not to take anything away from Chester Taylor and the Vikes but they were able to easily blow huge holes through the Oakland 29th rank rush defense last week. The Chiefs aren’t on the same level but they should have some success too. If you want to roll the dice, this is as safe a bet as any if you need a mid to low end RB2 or RB3. Put him down to get 80 yards and a touchdown.

Final stats: 150 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Final thoughts: Great game out of the rookie. Too bad they lost.

…the Jets play the Cowboys tough. This isn’t really fantasy but what the hell. I watched the replay of Jets game against Pittsburgh last week and they played well. It looks like they may have worked on some things during the bye week. If Jones can run the ball like he did last week and the defense can put pressure on the QB like they did last week, Dallas needs to look out. While watching, keep an eye on Chris Baker the tight end, he was getting lots of looks from Clemens last week and good do well down the stretch with a few soft defenses on the schedule. The Jets will keep it close, I say 27-21 Cowboys.

Final score: 34-3 Dallas
Final thoughts: Boy I was sure close wasn’t I? Like I said, if they can run the ball and put pressure on Romo they can keep it close. They couldn’t run the ball - probably because Clemens doesn’t scare anyone - and the defense started breaking down little by little as they wore down. I was drunk on Jets karma after watching their game against the Steelers. I will watch myself in the future replay and just try to stick to fantasy picks from now on.

Be sure to check out my Fantasy Football Waiver Wire post because you may be able to pick out a sleeper or two on your own.

As always, that is not all my friend. There are a few other stops you should make before finalizing your starting lineup.

First, make sure you stop by and see how the Fantasy Football Librarian can help you. Every week she posts all of the start’em sit’em articles, player ranking posts and waiver wire lists that she can find so that you don’t have to hunt for them yourself. Check her out and tell her the Goat says hi.

Second, you can get more in-depth NFL player projections throughout the week by checking out the Bruno Boys website over on MVN.com.

Third, be on the lookout for the weekly fantasy football start’em sit’em podcast I co-host with Marc Caviglia.

Here are some waiver wire and sleeper picks for you to check out. There are a ton of guys on my list because I play in some deeper leagues. I need to look a little deeper than most.

May be available now…
**UPDATE** D.J. Hackett WR (SEA) - This is the last time you will see him on the list. If you don’t have him and he is available, grab him now. Last night 8 catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. In his first two weeks back from the high ankle sprain he has two touchdowns.

**UPDATE** Chester Taylor/Mewelde Moore RB (MIN) - Per Brad Childress, by way of the NFL on sirius, Adrian Peterson may miss some action with a LCL tear. Chester would be the main beneficiary but Moore might see some action too. The Vikes are home against the Raiders this Sunday and the Raiders aren’t very good at stopping the run.

Chris Henry WR (CIN) - He’s back and he didn’t waste any time getting back in the action. 4 catches for 99 yards.

L.J. Smith TE (PHI) - 4 for 49 and a touchdown against Washington. He could be a forgotten man on your leagues waiver wire and could be solid down the stretch if the Eagles get it going. Miami next week.

Marc Bulger QB (STL) - Is it possible that someone gave up on him in your league and just dumped him? If so, you could have a late season steal on your hands.

Isaac Bruce/Drew Bennett WR (STL) - Solid performances against the Saints. These guys could be laying around and might be worth some spot starts in the second half of the season. With Jackson back the Rams look like they have some offense again.

Chris Brown/Chris Henry RB (TEN) - LenDale hurt his knee but it doesn’t seem serious at the time I am writing this. Either way, keep an eye on his status and grab Brown or Henry if you have some roster space. Brown has been banged up but is close to returning and would be the favorite to assume the starting spot. Henry has showed some talent and could have some value but may be suspended for using a banned substance.

Leonard Pope TE (ARI) - His two touchdowns against Detroit were his third and fourth for the year and his third in three games. He also brought in 5 catches for 52. Could be a solid tight end if they continue to look his way. The Arizona offense has a few easy match-ups coming up; they will face both Cincinnati and Cleveland within their next three games.

Mark Clayton WR (BAL) - Solid game for Clayton with 8 for 107. If this offense could get it going, a healthy Clayton would have some value. Cleveland defense next week.

Donald Lee TE (GB) - Ever since Bubba Franks went down Donald Lee has stepped up. Yesterday he 4 catches one of which was a touchdown. The Packers offense is tight end friendly so he will continue to get a decent amount of looks until Franks returns.

James Thrash WR (WAS) - His 5 for 85 with 2 touchdown performance came out of nowhere. Not sure if he will consistently do this week in and week out. Also, I’m not sure what his role will be with a healthy Santana Moss but he was the first Redskin receiver to catch a touchdown this year.

Randy McMichael TE (STL) - If the Rams are clicking again Randy could be a nice contributer. 4 for 41 and a touchdown against the Saints.

Justin Gage WR (TEN) - More of a mention than a suggestion with 7 catches for 90 yards and a TD.

Brodie Croyle QB (KC) - Brodie came in after Huard was benched went 17/30 for 162. Deep league consideration only.

Rex Grossman QB (CHI) - Griese suffered some sort of shoulder injury and then Grossman came in to win the game for the Bears. Could be worth something in two quarterback leagues.

Keep an eye on…
**UPDATE**T.J. Duckett/Tatum Bell RB (DET) - This may be old news at this point but just in case. Evidently Kevin Jones had to leave the game a few time due to soreness in his surgically repaired foot. Hard to tell who benefits more out of this since Bell was sort of in the doghouse for asking to be traded earlier this year and has been inactive for a few games since KJ has been back.

**UPDATE** Ricky Williams RB (MIA) - He has been reinstated and he is en route to Miami. Not sure what his valuie is at this point but watch and listen. He isn’t eligible to play for a few weeks but after that we’ll know more. One theory floating around on the NFL on Sirius is that perhaps they will want to showcase him a bit to boost his offseason trade value.

**UPDATE**Byron Leftwich QB (ATL) - He has started to practice and the head coach has been mum on Harrington.

**UPDATE** Dwayne Wright/Anthony Thomas RB (BUF) - Marshawn Lynch had some ankle issues this week but insist he’ll play. Just watch the situation and be ready to move on one of these two back-ups. Anthony Thomas is listed as the back-up on many of the depth charts I looked at but a few weeks back I remember seeing Wright getting most of the carries a few weeks back when Marshawn left the game. Wright also has the second most carries on the team.

John Beck QB (MIA) - There are rumors surfacing that it might be time to get him some action. Do ya think? It may not mean a whole lot unless you are in a deep league starting more than one QB but it is something to watch none-the-less.

Trent Edwards QB (BUF) - Just a hunch but Trent is getting healthier and Losman didn’t do a whole lot against a bad defense.

Kyle Boller QB (BAL) - McNair was finally benched. Not sure at this time if it will stay that way but it is something to keep an eye on. Boller seems like the better option and with a healthy corp of receivers maybe he could get some offense going. Cleveland defense next week.

A few other resources you should check out are Fantasy Football Librarians waiver wire report and the Bruno Boys week nine waiver wire report.

Here are some waiver wire and sleeper picks for you to check out. There are a ton of guys on my list because I play in some deeper leagues. I need to look a little deeper than most.

May be available now…
**UPDATE** Musa Smith RB (BAL) - Willis McGahee went down with a concussion last night late in the game. Those are ussually tricky so it is hard to say what his status might be for this week. You might want to grab Musa because if he does play, he should find lot of success against the Bungals D.

Detroit Defense - I should have said something about them last week but I almost didn’t believe it. They have been great the last two games; they have held two consecutive solid opponents to just 7 points, have forced 8 turnovers and recorded 7 sacks. Oh, and they play a struggling Arizona this week.

Maurice Morris RB (SEA) - Alexander wasn’t even on the field for most of the fourth quarter, instead Morris got the bulk of the work. Alexander just doesn’t look like he has anything when he runs the ball. Perhaps we are seeing a change of the guard. If you can, grab Morris and stash him on the bench.

D.J. Hackett WR (SEA) - Had a solid outing in his first game back. 6 catches 58 yards and a touchdown.

Priest Holmes RB (KC) - I can hardly believe I am saying this but the Priest is back. Johnson went down with a leg injury and if he misses any time the former fantasy stud will be back at the helm.

J. P. Losman QB (BUF) - Trent Edwards could miss more time and JP looked very good Sunday. This week he plays the Dolphins. If you need a QB this is your man.

Patrick Ramsey QB (DEN) - Not sure of Cutlers status at this time but if he misses any time Ramsey might be a decent roster addition. He threw for 262 and a TD in relief.

Quinn Gray QB (JAC) - Jaguars or not, when you throw for 354 and 2TD’s you belong on this list. If interceptions won’t kill you he could be an option unless Gerrard is all of the sudden feeling better.

Reggie Williams WR (JAC) - How consistent will he be? Not sure but he had a good day on Sunday. He posted 6 catches for 128 with a touchdown.

Warrick Dunn RB (ATL) - Just thought you’d like to know that he had 100 and a TD. Is it possible that he laying around on your wire? If he is make a note that this week he plays Carolina you is 20th against the run.

Vinnie Testeverde QB (CAR)/Matt Moore QB (CAR) - Nobody can stay healthy in Carolina. David Carr was injured and I’m not sure what his deal is but if you are desperate - and I mean desperate - keep tabs on one of these fella.

Vernon Davis TE (SF) - In case for some reason he is laying around on your waiver wire for some reason grab him. He’s had two solid weeks in a row and looks to be his teams only receiving threat.

Micheal Robinson RB (SF)/Maurice Hicks RB (SF) - Gore was inactivated right before the game. If he misses any more time you might see more of what you saw today out of these two. Robinson gets the carries and yards. Hicks gets the TD. If you are desperate or just want to keep them away from the Gore owner in your league grab one if you can.

Brooks Bollinger QB (MIN) - Tavaris Jackson is hurt again - shocker I know - and Brooks through a TD. Might be a bye week option in a deep leagues.

Keep an eye on…
Chris Henry WR (CIN) - If Chad Johnson misses any time I would think that Henry could hit the ground…receiving! He has been practicing and he is eligible to play this week after serving his suspension.

A few other resources you should check out are Fantasy Football Librarians waiver wire report and the Bruno Boys week nine waiver wire report.

Here are some waiver wire and sleeper picks for you to check out. There are a ton of guys on my list because I play in some deeper leagues. I need to look a little deeper than most.

May be available now…
**UPDATE** Ryan Grant RB (GB) - After his showing in Denver he should get at least one more start. Pick him up and be glad you did.

Adimchinobe Echemandu RB (HOU) - Not sure how you say`his name but he looked pretty decent against San Diego until the game got out of hand. 10 carries for 62 yards along with 2 catches for 11. Ahman Green was a last second mystery scratch and they cut Gado which gave AE had an opportunity to show something; he did. If you have a deep bench check him out because ya never know.

Lee Evans WR (BUF) - I doubt he would still be available but it is possible in some leagues someone may have given up on him with his slow start. If he’s not available, maybe he would come cheap in a trade. He is heating up a little more each week and traditionally seems to have strong second halves.

D.J. Hackett WR (SEA) - I mentioned him before but wanted to remind you again. He is healthy, has great upside and will be playing against the Brown defense this week. If there was ever a late season sleeper it would be this guy. He should be the first option until Branch returns from his injury.

Jacoby Jones WR (HOU) - He disappeared after that injury early in the season but he popped his head up this week with 5 catches for 51 yards.

Vernon Davis TE (SF) - He was a hot prospect coming into the season but lost some steam after getting injured. This week he had 6 catches for 72 on Sunday had their only TD. He seems to be the best option in the passing game. Maybe he is laying around on your wire.

Jeff King TE (CAR) - He had 10 catches for 82 yards. May be alright for some bye week spot duty.

Reggie Brown WR (PHI) - 8 catches for 105 yards. He did get hurt in the game so keep an eye on his status if you want to use him.

Tennessee Defense - It may not be to late to pick these guys up. They are solid and have a few games in a row against less than stellar offenses; Carolina and then Jacksonville.

Chris Henry RB (TEN) - As long as Chris Brown misses time Henry is worth some spot duty in deeper leagues. He had 4 rushes for 48 yards and a TD against the Raiders.

J.P. Losman QB (BUF) - He came in for an injured Trent Edwards and posted 113 yards with an 85 yard TD to Lee Evans to seal the win.

David Carr QB (CAR) - If you are in a deep league starting two QB’s or just like quarterbacks that wear gloves, you might want to secure his services. He will more than likely take over this week now that he appears healthy. He had 103 yards and didn’t get sacked in mop-up duty against the Colts. Keep you expectation low in the short run though, he plays Tennessee next week.

Brooks Bollinger QB (MIN) - Desperate for a QB in a deep league? This guy is a loooong shot if both Holcomb and Jackson miss any time.

Sage Rosenfels QB (HOU) - Matt Schaub was injured again with an unknown head injury that was worrisome enough that he went to the hospital. Rosenfels didn’t exactly light it up but could be usable in spot situations in deeper leagues.

Keep an eye on…
Josh McCown QB (OAK) - This is just an observation but to me Culpepper doesn’t seem to be as effective as McCown was before getting injured. You would think that Lane might start thinking about giving Josh another chance at some point.

Kellen Clemens QB (NYJ) - The saga continues. Pennington was benched late in the game with a chance to still win the game. Is this the week they make the switch? We shall see. For now if you are in a deeper league you may want keep an eye on the situation.

A few other resources you should check out are Fantasy Football Librarians waiver wire report and the Bruno Boys week nine waiver wire report.

Here are some waiver wire and sleeper picks that I didn’t see on the Bruno Boys week eight waiver wire report. I play in some deeper leagues so I need to look a little deeper than most.

Mostly it is just a list with a mix of slightly unknown guys who had big days and injury replacements. Some of these guys could help you out now or just provide you with some depth and/or upside on your bench. Check them out:

May be available now:
**UPDATE** Kelly Holcombe QB (MIN) - T-Jack has a broken finger, dwindling pride and may miss this week. Chances are Holcombe won’t win the week for you but if you are desperate for a bye week replacement in a deeper league keep an eye out.

**UPDATE** Maurice Hicks/Micheal Robinson RB (SF) - Frank Gore said he will play but the bottom line is he is day to day. Hicks is second on the depth charts but they weren’t afraid to use Robinson last year either. If Gore can’t go either one of these guys would make a solid bye week replacement with a great match-up at home against the Saints.

**UPDATE** Tony Scheffler TE (DEN) - 5 catches for 50 yards and a TD against Pittsburgh. Those are pretty decent number for a tight end. Bye week replacement?

Lee Evans WR (BUF) -Only here because it is possible that some really disgruntled owner may have given up on him. Looks like he is starting to come alive.

Eric Johnson TE (NO) - In six games he’s had five or more receptions in four of them. With the Saints slowly coming around he could be useful on a bye week.

Arnaz Battle WR (SF) - Solid outing on Sunday, 6 catches for 57 and a TD, with two good match-ups on the way New Orleans and Atlanta.

Jesse Chatman RB (MIA) - If Ronnie Brown misses any time you could have yourself a serviceable starting running back. 7 for 73 and a TD isn’t to shabby in relief.

Roydell Williams WR (TEN) - 5 for 124 isn’t to bad in an offense that doesn’t pass a whole lot.

Chris Henry RB (TEN) - If Chris Brown misses more time Henry could have a few more days like Sunday 11 carries 57 yards and a TD. Possible bye week replacement or deeper league add.

Sage Rosenfels QB (HOU) - Depending on Shaubs status Sage could be a decent add. He threw three picks but threw for 4 TD’s (all in the fourth quarter) and 290 yards. He showed a lot of heart and almost got the win.

Ike Hilliard WR (TB) - If the Buc’s need to move the ball through the air he get a ton of looks. 9 catches for 92 and a TD. I doubt he’s still out there but if he is, go get him.

Zack Miller TE (OAK) - Not a game breaker by any means but I have noticed that C-Pep seems to look to him often. Could be worth a bye week replacement with a good match-up.

Will Heller TE (SEA) - Worth mentioning because he had 2 TD catches.

Muhsin Muhammad WR (CHI) - A touchdown in each of his last two games. With the Chicago offense seemingly starting to heat up through the air he may be worth a bye week start against the Lions next week.

Brandon Stokley/Brandon Marshall WR (DEN) - Two Solid games against a good defense 5 for 70 with a TD for Stokley and 6 for 77 for Marshall. With Walker out for awhile they could be an asset.

Keep an eye on:
**UPDATE** Chris Perry RB (CIN) - The head coach is being a little coy about the whole thing but there is word that Chris could be activated this week. He may not be a game breaker per se’ but when he played he was a decent player in spot duty as a RB3 in a points per catch league over the last few years.

Koren Robinson WR (GB) - Favre mentioned him a few weeks ago and is anxious to get him back. It’s not a bad thing for Robinson to have the QB waiting for your return. Who knows what kind of an impact he’ll have with all the other receivers in the mix but he has the talent to make some big things happen.

D.J. Hackett WR (SEA) - Returned last week from his high ankle sprain. Wasn’t involved in Sundays game but he could begin earning some of that pre-season love he was getting after the bye week.

Chris Henry WR (CIN) - Should be coming back from his suspension after week 8. Could be a situational WR3 down the stretch.

Also, I mentioned it earlier but if you missed it check out the Bruno Boys week six waiver wire report because it lists some of the more obvious picks that I didn’t feel the need to list twice.