NFL top performers - Week 7

It’s that time to take a look at the top Fantasy QB, RB and WR from this past week of the National Football League.


Fantasy QB of the week
Ryan Fitzpatrick – Buffalo Bills

Since being given the Bills’ starting gig, Fitzpatrick has looked really good. He has faced some tough defenses and successfully moved the ball. Last week the Bills’ QB went 29-43 for 382 yards and four TDs. Will this trend continue? It could because the Bills actually have some talented wide receivers. Next week the Bills will face a Chiefs defense that does have some holes. Continue with the hot QB; he hasn’t given you a reason not to yet.

Last week’s opponent: Baltimore Ravens - 2009 passing defense rank - 8
Next week’s opponent: Kansas City Chiefs - 2009 passing defense rank - 22


Fantasy RB of the week
Darren McFadden – Oakland Raiders

Are the Raaaaaiiiiiidarssssss back or are they simply just the inconsistent Raiders that we have seen for the past few years? Either way, Darren McFadden must have hit a frat party last weekend because on Sunday he was playing like he was back in school. DMF went 16 carries for 165 yards and three touchdowns. Oh, and he also caught two passes for 31 yards and another TD. Yes, this performance was against the Broncos poor D, but why take him out of your lineup? Michael Bush will take some carries away from him, but he is still very valuable in your lineup.

Last week’s opponent: Denver Broncos - 2009 rushing defense rank - 26
Next week’s opponent: Seattle Seahawks - 2009 rushing defense rank - 15


Fantasy WR of the week
Kenny Britt – Tennessee Titans

If you had heard of Kenny Britt before October then congratulations, your son is playing very well right now (and thank you Ms. Britt for reading my blog). Britt posted monster numbers on a very good Steelers’ pass defense last week. He had seven receptions for a crazy 225 yards and three TDs. This was the fifth straight game that Britt caught a touchdown. If he is still available in your league, you have to pick him up and start him. Thanks again, Ms. B!

Last week’s opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers - 2009 passing defense rank - 16
Next week’s opponent: San Diego Chargers - 2009 passing defense rank - 11

The Blade: NHL news and notes

Now that we are a couple weeks into the 2010-11 season, we are starting to see some teams emerge as early contenders and others falling behind. When teams get off to poor starts, it becomes awfully difficult to make up points and rungs on the playoff ladder.


So who has the most points in the league so far? It has to be the Capitals, Penguins, Canucks…nope. The Nashville Predators are the only undefeated team in regulation left in the league. The Preds are 5-0-3 with 13 points so far. Interestingly enough, Nashville is only 2-0-3 at home, but 3-0-0 on the road. Steve Sullivan is leading the team in goals (4) and points (6). Pekka Rinne is again one of the top goalies in the league and has a very stingy 1.58 GAA.

The Tampa Bay Lightning top the Southeast Division with 11 points (5-2-1). This offseason Steve Yzerman left the Red Wings’ front office team to take over as the new Lightning GM. He has put players that he likes in place and the result is a great start to the new season. The Lightning are lead by young superstar Steven Stamkos, who leads the team with eight goals, six assists and 14 points. Mike Smith is manning the pipes and has a 4-0-1 record with a 3.11 GAA.

Who is a big surprise in the opposite end of the record spectrum? The New Jersey Devils might be spending too much time on GTL and not enough on hockey. The Devils are 2-6-1 with only five points so far this season. Things were so bad that Coach John MacLean benched Ilya Kovalchuck for one game for undisclosed reasons this week. Was it just a motivational tool to get the offense going? To add to the mess, even the most consistent goalie of a generation might be starting to show his age. Martin Brodeur can’t win games by himself anymore. Although his GAA is still pretty low at 2.78, it is his highest since his rookie season back in 1991-92. We have a situation here.

NHL: The second line - Week 2

It’s Second Line time! Here are three players that are available in most leagues that are off to a hot start.

Center

Matt Cullen – Minnesota Wild

Minnesota (3-3-1) is not a very good hockey team, but don’t let cloud your vision of their talented players. Cullen is loving the Wild power play recently. In the Wild’s last seven games, Culen has collected three goals and six assists. Of his nine points, seven are from the power play. So if your league distributes extra points for power play points, take a look at Matt Cullen.

Right Wing

P.A. Parenteau – New York Islanders

If you are looking for a hot RW, Parenteau is your guy. The Islanders winger has nine points in eights game and really helping the Isles to a nice start (4-2-2). We are talking about the New York Islanders so remember that if a player is streaking, get him quick before he sizzles out.

Right Wing

Milan Hejduk – Colorado Avalanche

Another RW that is off to a hot start is Hejduk. The vet provides experience to the otherwise younger Colorado squad. Heiduk has seven points in eight games, which includes five points in his last three games. The Aves give up a lot of goals so his +/- will not be positive at the end of the season, but he will have a nice amount of points.

For more Fantasy fun, visit my friends at Sports Lab Online Radio at http://blog.sportslabonlineradio.com/

NHL: The second line - Week 1

Each week Your Fantasy Sports Guy will take a look at players that are available in many leagues that you should take a look at. These are the players that are not the stars, but the players you need to pick up as free agents to build your championship team.

Center

Josh Bailey – New York Islanders

Good news Islanders fans: Your team isn’t knocked out of playoff contention yet and in fact, they are playing pretty well to start the season. The Isles are 3-1-2 so far and Bailey is a big part of the success. In six games, Bailey has three goals and three assists and is a +2. The downside is he did get injured on Monday but when he is back, take a look at Josh Bailey.

Left Wing

Tomas Kopecky – Chicago Blackhawks

Kopecky is taking advantage of being on a line with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. The LW has one goal and seven assists in seven games to start the season. Sure, the ‘Hawks lost a lot of offensive firepower this offseason, but they are still tied with Pittsburgh for most goals scored in the league.

Right Wing

Phil Kessel – Toronto Maple Leafs

We knew the Leafs would be better this year, but a 4-0-1 start to top the Northeast Division? Kessel is a scorer and we knew that. The issue is if the RW can stay healthy. It is not surprising that Kessel would be atop the RW list, but he deserves notice for being the main reason the Leafs are off to this hot start. Kessel is an obvious must-start in any league.

For more Fantasy fun, visit my friends at Sports Lab Online Radio at http://blog.sportslabonlineradio.com/

NFL watchers - Week 6

Let’s take a look at a few players that will help you in week six. We are going to focus on sleepers to definitely start in your league in case you are having second thoughts.

Zach Miller – TE- Oakland Raiders

Like Greg Olson, Zach Miller is the guy who reaps the benefits of being the QB’s top target. When Bruce Gradkowski went down last week, Jason Campbell stepped in and propelled the Raiders past the Chargers. His favorite target: Zach Miller.

Louis Murphy – WR – Oakland Raiders

Two Raiders on the same list that isn’t a felony sheet? Yep, and for good reason. If your league gives extra points for YAC, check Murphy out. Last week Campbell hit up with Murphy for two receptions for 61 yards. This week, the Raiders are jumping on the ship and sailing to the other side of the bay to take on the 49ers and their bad passing defense. Weither you like the Raiders for their history, colors, jerseys or past greatness, this weekend you should like them for getting you a victory by starting them.

Greg Olson – TE – Chicago Bears

Jay Cutler is expected to return as the Bears’ starting QB this week against the Seahawks. Olson has been one of Cutler’s favorite targets and the Seahawks’ defense isn’t that great. The Seahawks have been really bad on the road this year and why should this game be any different? Start Olson and rack up his points.

For more Fantasy fun, visit my friends at Sports Lab Online Radio at http://blog.sportslabonlineradio.com/