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/

NFL top performers - Week 5

NFL top performers - Week 5

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

Tony Romo – Dallas Cowboys

Who would have thought that the Cowboys would be 1-3 through five weeks? The up-and-down ‘Boys have mainly been down this year but at times show glimpses of extraordinary talent and promise. Romo had a great week five going 31-46 for 406 yards and three TDs. Make a note that it was against the Tennessee Titans and they do have one of the worst pass defenses in the league. America’s team is going up against a better, but banged up Vikings D in week six. Romo should definitely be starting in your league.

Last week’s opponent: Tennessee Titans - 2009 passing defense rank - 31

Next week’s opponent: Minnesota Vikings - 2009 passing defense rank – 19

Fantasy RB of the week

Matt Forte – Chicago Bears

Mr. Inconsistent strikes again! Some weeks, Forte looks like L.T. in his prime with his hard running and excellent catching abilities. Other weeks, the only time you see Forte is on the sidelines with his hands on his head after a fumble. Last week, Forte rushed 22 times for 166 yards and two touchdowns on the Panthers. The Panthers certainly don’t have a great rushing defense, but 166 yards is still impressive. In week six, Forte will be going up against a better defense in Seattle but still nothing that should stop you from starting him.

Last week’s opponent: Carolina Panthers - 2009 rushing defense rank - 22

Next week’s opponent: Seattle Seahawks - 2009 rushing defense rank - 15

Fantasy WR of the week

Malcom Floyd – San Diego Chargers

Floyd had a fantasy stud of a game last week. The Super Chargers’ WR had eight receptions for 213 yards and one TD. That racked him up some serious YAC. At first glance, Floyd did this against the Raiders, but take a further look at the Raiders numbers from last year. They were actually in the top ten in passing defenses in the league! Yeah, THOSE Oakland Raiders! Next week the Chargers play the Rams who have a far worse passing D so be sure to start Floyd for that game.

Last week’s opponent: Oakland Raiders - 2009 passing defense rank - 7

Next week’s opponent: St. Louis Rams - 2009 passing defense rank - 25