Fantasy Football: Defenses are important, but don't break the bank

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Defenses, you want an elite one and might be in a tough situation all season if you don't have at least a decent one.

But just when you think a team defense is going to pay off big time, that can't-miss unit gets decimated by injuries and then you're left getting a couple points per week. 

It happens more than you think, too.

So while top-notch scoring defenses -- and they don't have to equate to real life top defenses based on statistics-- are extremely valuable, they are like kickers in fantasy football. 

There are going to be values across the board, and you don't always have the jump and pay good money or draft too high to land the top squads based on projections.

But don't for one second think defenses aren't important. Remember, there are a lot of points to be had with sacks, interceptions, safeties, touchdowns, blocked kicks, special teams TDs. A high scoring output from time to time can make up for some iffy weeks by your stud players who produced like duds.

THE TOP 20

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

The defending Super Bowl champs, backed by James Harrison and Troy Polamalu, know how to rack up the points. The Steelers attacked the QB with 51 sacks, 20 INTs and 22 fumble recoveries. They even scored three touchdowns. The are solid all around and the pressure they put on opposing QBs always gives you solid points week to week.

2. Baltimore Ravens

The triple threat of Ed Reed, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs are a scary bunch, and this a team that thrives on turnovers. While the Ravens only had 34 sacks, they did register 26 INTs, 23 fumbles and scored six touchdowns (5 INTs for TDs). They'll continue to produce and don't be afraid the land a top scoring unit.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

Pressure, pressure and more pressure. That's the philosophy of the Eagles. They sack the QB (48 last year) and get turnovers (15 INTs, 15 fumbles), and know how to score (7 combined, including special teams). DeSean Jackson also makes the Eagles dangerous on special teams.

4. Minnesota Vikings

You don't think the Vikings are very good on defense based on their mediocre record, but they can produce in fantasy. Last year the Vikings had 12 INTs and 25 fumbles, while scoring twice on fumbles, and nailing the QB 45 times. With rookie Percy Harvin in the mix, expect the special teams points to also help out. Considering how well the Vikings play the run, it's not surprising that teams have to throw and that's when mistakes are made and fantasy points are awarded.

5. San Diego Chargers

Without Shawne Merriman, the Chargers were trash last season (28 sacks), but with him back and playmaker Darren Sproles creating problems on kickoff an punt returns, expect the Chargers to be back among the best in the league. Don't sleep on this unit because they've got playmakers all over the field.

6. New York Giants

There's always a sack party going on in New York. The Giants front is unstoppable at times and it's a reason why they got 42 sacks in 2008, along with the defense getting 17 INTs and 18 fumbles. Remember, end Osi Umenyiora returns from injury and that defense gets that much better. 

7. New York Jets

As much as I hate to say it, the Jets defense is pretty solid, and gets a major boost with defensive wizard, Coach Ryan, now on board. The Jets had 43 takeaways last year and 41 sacks. They also had six total scores. Oh, ya, don't forget electrifying specials teams man Leon Washington on kickoffs and punts. he makes this group that much better.

8. Tennessee Titans

Albert Haynesworth might be gone, but coach Jeff Fisher always has his defense jacked up and ready to play. Plus, they work as a team and the numbers don't lie. The Titans had 44 sacks and 20 INTs and 19 fumbles last season, including 3 touchdowns from INTs. They may not be as dominant up front with the loss of stud Haynesworth, but they are deep and talented enough to be happy you landed them on draft.

9. Dallas Cowboys

Can you believe the Cowboys had 59 sacks last year and were considered a bust? While they had 27 fumbles, they only got 8 picks and two total TDs. If they can get more consistent in the secondary and get turnovers, then watch out. Because of special teams, Felix Jones is an explosive young player that can give you a quick six points with a kickoff return. They've got enough talent to not be a bust this year.

10. Chicago Bears

Chicago knows how to score on defense and special teams (1 kickoff return, 3 fumble return TDs, 1 INT TD), but they can't get to the quarterback (only 28 sacks). Devin Hester is money on special teams, and Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs spearhead the defense. But if the Bears can get more sacks this year, they could get back to elite status.

11. Green Bay Packers

12. Carolina Panthers

13. New England Patriots

14. Washington Redskins

15. Indianapolis Colts

16. Miami Dolphins

17. Arizona Cardinals

18. Seattle Seahawks

19. Jacksonville Jaguars

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

WATCH OUT FOR

Seattle Seahawks

Atlanta Falcons

BE WARY OF

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jacksonville Jaguars

TAKE A FLYER

New Orleans Saints

Oakland Raiders

Gostkowski a foot ahead of the competition at Kicker

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Come on, let's be honest. Do you really care about the rankings for kickers in fantasy football? You should certainly not spend a lot of money on a kicker, but depending on the league you play in they can be very, very valuable. Personally, I like to wait until the end of my draft and get the best available.

The Top 20:

1. Stephen Gostkowski - Patriots

He's one of the most reliable kickers in the game now and plays for the most explosive offense in the NFL. All of that adds up to points, points, and more points. He had a great season two years ago when Brady and Moss went off and will do the same this season.

2. David Akers - Eagles

Akers had a resurgence last season as he was the 2nd highest fantasy kicker behind Gostkowski. He also plays on a team with a very good offense. Look for him to continue putting up numbers for the Eagles.

3. Ryan Longwell - Vikings

I always feel better when a kicker plays half of his games in a dome, and that's exactly what Longwell does. He had a very good season in 08', hitting 6 field goals of 50+ yards, and 6 from 40-49. Right there that's a lot of points. The Vikings should be better on offense this year, but can still stall out to allow a lot of long range trys.

4. Mason Crosby - Packers

I don't know why, but I'm a big fan of Crosby. Maybe it has something to do with him being a good kicker in a tough climate like Green Bay. I guess I feel the same way about Robbie Gould. Either way, I think Aaron Rodgers is going to go off this season, so Crosby will be putting up more points as well.

5. Jason Elam - Falcons

Remember what I said about kickers in a dome. Elam's leg is not as strong as it used to be, but the move inside has certainly helped. He had a career high 93.5 field goal percentage last year. He only tried two kicks from beyond 50 yards, but was 10-10 on kicks from 40-49. He also had 42 pats.

6. Rob Bironas - Titans

Bironas had 15 field goals from 40-49 yards last season. That's amazing, and creates a lot of points. Despite a very good running game, the Titans still don't move the ball well enough through the air. What does that mean? Lots and lots of field goal attempts.

7. Nate Kaeding - Chargers

I have never been a fan of Kaeding. Maybe it has something to do with my hatred for all things San Diego Chargers. Regardless of what I think, Nate is a solid NFL kicker. He struggled last year with a 84.7%, but had 127 points, which were his 2nd highest in his career. I look for him to bounce back this season.

8. Neil Rackers - Cardinals

With the exception of one season (2005-2006) he's never been the most accurate kicker, which drives down his fantasy value. He did have a solid season hitting 89.6% last year and I look for him to continue that as well as scoring points for the Cardinals.

9. Nick Folk - Cowboys

How good will the offense be without TO? Who knows, and who really cares. If the offense can't move the ball as well, than bring in the kicker. I doubt he'll match his 132 points from his rookie season, but could come close. He struggled a bit last year and still scored 112.

10. Robbie Gould - Bears

Robbie Gould was one of the biggest pickups for me back in 2006-07 when he scored 143 points for the Bears and burst onto the scene. It's not easy kicking in the Windy City, and Gould has done a fantastic job. He will not hit you a 50 yard field goal, or even attempt one, but is solid throughout the rest of his game.

11. John Kasey - Panthers

12. Garrett Hartley - Saints

13. Shayne Graham - Bengals

14. Kris Brown - Texans

15. Matt Prater - Broncos

16. Joe Nedney - 49ers

17. Josh Brown - Rams

18. Lawrence Tynes - Giants

19. Rian Lindell - Bills

20. Josh Scobee - Jaguars

Watch Out For:

Garret Hartley

Jason Hanson

Phil Dawson

Be Wary Of:

Adam Vinatieri

Jay Feely

Jeff Reed

Take a Flyer On:

Dan Carpenter

Graham Gano

Sebastian Janikowski

(Stay tuned for Defense rankings tomorrow by Chad Garner)

A-Bomb by A-Rod ends it in the 15th

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Ho hum, it was just another marathon (5:33) game between the Yankees and Red Sox. Not really, at least for the Sox. Did you stay up and watch the entire game? This one was a big loss for the Red Sox for several reasons. The Sox are now 4.5 games behind the Yankees and 4 in the loss column. The Sox desperately needed to win this game and not waste a very nice pitching performance by Josh Beckett. a 15 inning game was the last thing a tired Boston bullpen needed with two more games to play in this pivotal series.

By no means is the season over for the Boston Red Sox, but they are in a serious slide right now. Their timely hitting has been so god awful, especially over the past two games in the Bronx. I now AJ Burnett was dealing last night, but he also walked 6 batters. You'd think a team would be able to play a little small ball and try to manufacture a run, but that's just not what the Red Sox do. The positive from this game is how well the bullpen did pitch, with the exception of Junichi Tazawa's big league debut. I will not blame him though because it can't be easy to make your debut in an extra inning game, in the biggest rivalry in baseball, in Yankee Stadium. I will wit hold judgement until I see him pitch again.

After losing the first two games of the season, the Red Sox now must take the remaining two games of the series.

Fantasy Football: Strong picks for top 4 TE's

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

The tight end position has been oftentimes overlooked, but not here. If you can land one of the top tight end targets in the draft -- but don't reach in straight drafts -- it's just like having another top-of-the-line wide receiver, production-wise, on your club. These top pick tight ends can even win you a week if they blow up for multiple scores and over 100 yards receiving. 

While the tight end class if pretty deep, it does feature four outstanding players that head the class and guys that are can't miss pass-catchers.

If you get one of the top four, your championship chances go up that much more. Take a look at the Fan Fanatic Sports top 20 at the tight end position.

TOP 20

1. Tony Gonzalez -- Falcons

Eventual Hall of Famer Gonzalez finally got his wish to play for a contender when he was traded to Atlanta from Kansas City. Gonzalez is an absolute beast in the passing game, averaging 89 catches, 1,043 yards and 7 touchdowns in the last three years. Last year, he was the lone bright spot for the Chiefs with 1,058 yards, 96 receptions and 10 TDs. Gonzalez might not catch as many passes this season with the Falcons because of how many weapons they have, but there's not questioning that second-year QB Matt Ryan will now another go-to target in Gonzalez. He might be 33 and that might scare owners away, thinking he's going to decline, but Touchdown Tony just keeps getting better. He's the safest TE pick you can make.

2. Jason Witten -- Cowboys

Dallas QB just loves throwing the ball to Witten, even forcing it in when there's no room to fit a quarter. But that connection has shown chemistry and in fantasy football, that equals production and confidence. Witten had a down year with 81 catches for 952 yards and 4 TDs -- still a highly-productive year in my book. Remember Romo missed time last year and Witten was bruised and battered, so with better health expect the numbers to rise. But without Terrell Owens on the outside to take pressure off of Witten being double-covered, could Witten be a marked man this season? He's so talented, but I'm a little concerned that Dallas' wideouts won't be good enough to keep the heat off of Witten. I'd still draft him high, however.

3. Antonio Gates -- Chargers

Gates is sooooo good, but his numbers dipped last year (60 receptions, 704 yards, 8 TDs), and that should be a minor concern. Notice I said, minor, because even if Gates puts up those numbers again, you can't be upset at all. Gates, who scored nine touchdowns in 2006 and 07, is still a can't-miss TE on draft day. Plus the Chargers just love slinging the ball with Phillip Rivers, and we know he's got mojo with Gates. Fantasy bonus!!!

4. Dallas Clark -- Colts

Speaking of another TE that's got chemistry with his QB, that's Clark. The 6-foot-3, 252-pounder former first-round pick had a monster year in 2008 with 77 catches for 848 yards and 6 TDs. He found the end zone 11 times in 207. Besides WR Reggie Wayne, Clark is a constant threat to score, especially in the red zone. And with Marvin Harrison now gone, expect Clark to get even more looks, considering Peyton Manning has the utmost confidence in his tight end. Clark is the fourth and final top-tier TE to get on draft day.

5. Kellen Winslow -- Buccaneers

Winslow is a soldier, well, that's what he says. He's show flashes of brilliance (1,106 yards, 5 TDs in 2007 with the Browns), but Winslow just needs to shut his pie hole and play ball because he gushes with untapped potential. My question is: Why did the Browns trade him away if he's so good? Anyway, Winslow gets a new address and new start with Tampa Bay. The Bucs have issues as QB, but Winslow is a great check-down guy, and he could haul in over 80 passes if those QBs just get him the darn ball. Winslow has the talent, but the Bucs do not. He might just have to get his numbers during garbage time. Fantasy owners don't care, either, they only care about the points.

6. Greg Olsen -- Bears

Olsen has to be thankful that he's now got a quarterback that he knows will fire around the rock like a high schooler toying with middle school players. Jay Cutler is not at the helm and he's as reckless with the ball as Brett Favre, but we all know Cutler loves to throw the fastball and often. Olsen could be in for a gigantic year, considering he had a decent season in 2008(574 yards, 5 TDs) with Kyle Orton playing don't-make-a-mistake-football. Olsen should be on your rader, he could be a nice pick that produces big time in his third year in the NFL.

7. Chris Cooley -- Redskins

Cooly had a great year with 83 catches and 849 yards, but it was also lousy considering he only caught one TD pass. What? Yes, one TD. That's just not acceptable. Isn't this the same Cooley that had 8 TDs in 2007 and 6 in 2006? Yup, same guy. Don't think Cooley is in store for another one-TD season, he's just too talented not to score at least 5 times. But what should bother everyone is the QB in Jason Campbell. If he shows improvement, the Washington offense shouldn't have a problem with scoring points, and that means more fantasy production across the board.

8. Owen Daniels -- Texans

Isn't it amazing that some owners still don't know who Daniels is? I know he plays for the Texans and there's not too much to write home away with them, but this guy is good. While he's not flashy, he's still worthy of a starting spot on a roster, he's no fantasy backup in my book. Daniels had 70 catches for 862 yards and 2 TDs last year. We'd like to see the TDs rise (he had 5 in 2006), but he's still a guy that people will sleep on on draft day. Don't be that guy!

9. John Carlson -- Seahawks

It was a down season for Seattle, but don't blame Carlson for it. The rookie had 55 catches for 627 yards and 5 TDs, pretty impressive for the Notre Dame product. Carlson prospered since Seattle's WR corp was banged up, so temper expectations slightly with improved health for the weapons on the outside. 

10. Jeremy Shockey -- Saints

J-Shock missed four games with various leg injuries, but he still managed to haul in 50 passes for 483 yards, but he didn't score. In New Orleans' offense, the balls do fly around but everyone enjoys a piece of the piece. In fantasy world, that means no one really has unbelievable stats. Shockey, when healthy, is still a threat, but he's not option No. 1 or even No. 2 in the Saints offense. But if he can rise up in the red zone, Shockey can make owners smile with 5-plus TDs. He'll come cheap on draft day, and the payout might be well worth it.

11. Visanthe Shiancoe -- Vikings

12. Zach Miller -- Raiders

13. Dustin Keller -- Jets

14. Heath Miller -- Steelers

15. Tony Scheffler -- Broncos

16. Bo Scaife -- Titans

17. Vernon Davis -- 49ers

18. Kevin Boss -- Giants

19. Brent Celek -- Eagles

20. Todd Heap -- Ravens

WATCH OUT FOR

Greg Olsen -- Bears

Chris Cooley -- Redskins

Owen Daniels -- Texans

Vernon Davis -- 49ers

BE WARY OF

Anthony Fassano -- Dolphins

Randy McMichael -- Rams

Benjamin Watson -- Patriots

Brent Celek -- Eagles

WORTH A FLYER

Todd Heap -- Ravens

Brandon Pittigrew -- Lions

Martellus Bennett -- Cowboys

Chase Coffman -- Bengals

(Coming tomorrow: Kicker rankings by Jim Ingram)

Pats bolster D with Burgess

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Hello Derrick Burgess, and welcome to your best shot for a Super Bowl Ring. The Pats got exactly what they need yesterday when they traded "undisclosed draft picks" for DE Derrick Burgess of the Oakland Raiders. Will he play defensive end? No, he most likely will not. He will, however, be a good pass rusher from the outside linebacker position and add depth to the front 7.

While he doesn't add youth to the defense, he does add the experience and versatility that Bill Belichick loves from any player on his roster. It should also help that he's going to be heavily motivated and rejuvenated playing for a winning organization and the Super Bowl favorite New England Patriots. Burgess has spent the past four seasons in futility out in Oakland and returns to a winning franchise for the first time since leaving the Eagles in 2005.

Now don't get me wrong. He's not going to be amazing, but he is a better option at this point than both Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable or Tully Banta-Cain. I like Woods, but he's not a starter in my mind. I am intrigued by Crable, but needs to stay healthy and really doesn't have any experience. Tully Banta-Cain should be worried about being cut at this point with the addition of Burgess. Burgess does add proven pass rushing ability to a position they sorely need it from. Adalius Thomas is still a very good player as long as he's healthy.

This move does make me feel better about the defense though. The defensive secondary doesn't bother me so much because I think the front 7 will be very good and allow the secondary to mask some of their weaknesses. I guess we'll start to see next week when they Pats open up the preseason.

Pedroia's plunking could be just the spark

By Jorge Bannister
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Unknot those panties about at least one thing, Red Sox Nation. Dustin Pedroia getting hit on the shoulder in the eighth inning by Mark Melancon was not intentional. Trust me.

The New York Yankees were already up, 13-4. It doesn’t matter that Pedroia had hit a home run earlier in the game. The Yankees were up, 13-4. It doesn’t matter that Melancon threw a pitch over Pedroia’s head. The Yankees were up, 13-4. Note that Melancon struggled after Pedroia, too, throwing a 57 foot fastball to Victor Martinez. And, please, don’t forget, the Yankees were up, 13-4.

I can understand Pedroia’s reaction to the whole situation. He hit a homer earlier in the game and a pitch earlier in the at-bat flew high over his head. He then got plunked high on his left bicep.

I give major credit to Jorge Posada for walking Pedroia down the first-base line to keep him in check. The view inside the Red Sox dugout didn’t look too friendly when NESN scanned — especially the sour look on Kevin Youkilis’ face. (Or, maybe he was just upset he was pulled for a defensive replacement late in the game. He was, after all, playing left field.)

Let’s remember one thing, though. Say it with me, now, “The Yankees were up, 13-4.”

I was surrounded by Red Sox fans when the incident happened, and someone said, “It’ll be interesting to see who the Sox hit.”

Really? Because, home-plate umpire Derryl Cousins had warned both dugouts immediately after the hit by pitch.

No way was anyone going to get tossed in a 13-4 game and risk Terry Francona getting tossed and, subsequently, fined by Major League Baseball.

Obviously, Josh Beckett is going to handle things tonight. The only question is, who is he going to hit?

Derek Jeter seems logical. He’s the same spark-plug for that team that Pedroia is for the Red Sox. However, even with warnings handed out, A.J. Burnett would certainly hit someone in return. No way would he let someone hit the captain without retaliating, right?

This is when things will get interesting.

The Red Sox need a spark — badly.

Question is, can Chad Fairchild — tonight's home-plate umpire — justify throwing out Beckett after the inevitable hit by pitch? If so, Tito would certainly get tossed, too.

That would certainly be just the spark the Red Sox need.

Tough Titan: Training Camping in Tennessee

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Ryan Durand is smacking helmets with the defense, studying his playbook inside and out and trying to do what is expected of him with the Tennessee Titans.

Yes, that's Training Camp at its finest, especially for a rookie 7th-round draft pick.

Durand, who played at Syracuse University, is right in the heat of the battle with the rest of the Titans in a long and grueling camp.

But the No. 1 goal is to stick with the big club.

That's Durand's only focus right now.

"My mindset is to go and practice as hard as I can," said Durand in a telephone interview late Wednesday night. "With the opportunities I get, I've got to show the coaches I have what it takes."

It's quite a long day -- every day -- when Training Camp starts. According to Durand, he wakes up around 7 a.m., he's in the weight room by 8 and it's all football for the rest of the day with various meetings, practices -- and lunch and dinner breaks in between -- and then the day ends around 9:30 p.m. or 10 p.m. 

"It's a lot of stuff, but it hasn't been that bad," said Durand, who is practicing at both left and right guard. "We do have four weeks left so they're not trying to dump the entire playbook on us right now."

Durand and rest of the Titans who have under four years of service in the league are mandated to stay in the team hotel in Nashville, which is two miles from the complex, for the entire camp. 

So what does he do during his down time?

"I look at my playbook a little bit and I try to relax," Durand said. "I talk to family members, friends and my girlfriend."

Durand will get his first taste of the National Football League when the Titans play their first preseason game this Sunday at 8 p.m. on NBC against the Buffalo Bills in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

"It's going to be very neat," Durand said. "It'll probably  be a breath of fresh air considering how intense our practices are."

Durand and the rest of the Titans will also visit the Hall of Fame, which will be inducting the 2009 class of Bob Hayes, Rod Woodson, Randall McDaniel, Bruce Smith, Derrick Thomas and Ralph Wilson on Saturday.

"I'm going to try to take it all in," said Durand about his visit inside the HOF. "I realize how special it is; It'll give me motivation, I guess."

Not that Durand needs any added motivation.