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« Reply #15 on: October 04, 2013, 12:10:57 pm »

I'm not sure I know what you just said, but my response is "yeah no ****"
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« Reply #16 on: October 04, 2013, 12:34:20 pm »

Matchup: Kansas City Chiefs at Tennessee Titans

Spread: Chiefs minus-3

Public consensus pick: 82 percent picked Chiefs



Public perception: This line was Titans minus-1 in the advance line at the LVH SuperBook before the Week 4 games were played. Jake Locker's hip injury swung the Chiefs to favorite status but I think the public would have been on them anyway due to their 4-0 start, as evidenced by the overloaded support even as the line has gone to Chiefs minus-3.

Wiseguys' view: Sharps were also happy to bet the Chiefs laying less than a field goal, but have backed off since. If this goes to 3.5, many will buy back on the Titans, who will also be a popular teaser play.

Tuley's Take: This is the first of six home underdogs, the same total as last week. I don't like the Titans enough to make them an official play as I think the Chiefs are the better team on both sides of the ball. Plus, we're not getting enough points here.

The pick: Pass (pool play: Titans)



Matchup: Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins

Spread: Dolphins minus-3

Public consensus pick: 65 percent picked Ravens



Public perception: This pretty much shows that as well as the Dolphins are playing so far this season, the public isn't ready to embrace them yet. And even though the Ravens let down the public last week against the Bills, the public is more willing to forgive them and back them again.

Wiseguys' view: Similar to the Chiefs-Titans game, the sharps are glad to back the Dolphins under a field goal as they can certainly forgive them for losing at New Orleans on Monday night. Tuley's Take: I'm not willing to write off the Ravens just yet. They were their own worst enemy against the Bills (Joe Flacco was intercepted five times), and if they don't take care of the ball against the Dolphins, they'll meet the same fate. But I think they will do enough to get the win here, or (hopefully) at worst get the push in a close game.

The pick: Ravens




Matchup: Jacksonville Jaguars at St. Louis Rams

Spread: Rams minus-11.5

Public consensus pick: 51 percent picked Rams



Public perception: The public is dying to fade the Jaguars as they're 0-4 both SU and ATS, and pretty much regarded as the worst team in the league this year (and maybe in many years). But they're also leery about laying this many points with the Rams, who are also 0-4 ATS. As a result, no one has had a good feeling from backing them yet this year, so that's why the action is pretty split at the current number.

Wiseguys' view: The wiseguys were quick to snap up the Jaguars at higher numbers. Double-digit underdogs are 5-2 ATS this year, so most sharps are in dog-or-pass mode.

Tuley's Take: Someone on Twitter said I bet the Jaguars blindly, but believe me that's not the case. I don't want to back them at all, but when I see a line inflated like this I can't resist. I mean, this is the Rams after all -- the team that looked lost against the 49ers a week ago and hasn't covered a spread -- yet they're expected to win this game by two touchdowns? I don't think so. Jacksonville also gets WR Justin Blackmon back from suspension and hopefully that opens up the offense a little for Blaine Gabbert and takes double-coverage away from Cecil Shorts.

The pick: Jaguars




Matchup: New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals

Spread: Bengals minus-1

Public consensus pick: 80 percent picked Patriots



Public perception: The Patriots' Sunday night win over the Falcons looks like it was enough to bring bettors back to their side after many had tried fading them in that game. The public also hasn't embraced the Bengals as an elite team, or certainly not on the level of the Pats.

Wiseguys' view: The sharps have been on the same side as the public here in pushing this to pick-em status, and it could very well lead to a change in the favorite.

Tuley's Take: I do like this Cincinnati team, but just like last week when I had New England against Atlanta, I can't resist taking the Patriots getting any sort of points. The Bengals only being able to get two field goals in their 16-7 loss to the Browns last week is a warning sign. Even if the Patriots can't hold them down that well, they should be able to outscore them.

The pick: Patriots




Matchup: Seattle Seahawks at Indianapolis Colts

Spread: Seahawks minus-2.5

Public consensus pick: 58 percent picked Seahawks



Public perception: The Seattle bandwagon keeps growing as the Seahawks are both 4-0 SU and ATS, and especially now as they've rallied to win (and cover) two road games that looked lost. The public likes the Colts, too, but not enough to keep the majority from laying this low number.

Wiseguys' view: Sharps grabbed the Colts when the line opened plus-3 (even money) and plus-3 (flat, meaning the standard minus-110), but are now staying away.

Tuley's Take: This is home dog No. 2 I'm going to pass on. The Seahawks are the complete package and it's hard to go against them with the dog getting so few points (as ended up being the case with the Texans last week).

The pick: Pass (pool play: Seahawks)




atchup: Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers

Spread: Packers minus-7

Public consensus pick: 57 percent picked Packers



Public perception: One of the trends you're most likely to hear this week is that Aaron Rodgers is 5-0 ATS off a bye since replacing Brett Favre. The public, which loves to back the Pack anyway, also loves to bet teams off a bye even though overall it's close to a 50-50 proposition.

Wiseguys' view: The sharps are more likely to use Green Bay as a teaser play, just asking them to win straight-up, especially with this line being so high for a key divisional battle as the Packers are 1.5 games behind the Lions and Bears in the NFC North.

Tuley's Take: I took a lot of flak two weeks ago when I wrote that the Lions have as many weapons as the Packers, but I'll stick with that assessment given Detroit's offensive attack featuring Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush, among others. This should be another shootout as predicted with the over/under of 54, and getting a touchdown head start with the Lions is enticing.

The pick: Lions




Matchup: New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears

Spread: Saints minus-1

Public consensus pick: 77 percent picked Saints



Public perception: This line was around pick-em and then Bears minus-1, but the public along with the wiseguys have pushed the Saints to favorite status. A 4-0 start (though 3-1 ATS) will do that.

Wiseguys' view: The sharps jumped on the Saints here as, in addition to their potent offense, their defense continues to improve (No. 3 in the NFC in yards allowed). But as this moves higher, the Bears will be tempting as a teaser play.

Tuley's Take: This is the first home dog I can support this week. The loss to the Lions is a concern as their offense resembles the Saints, but New Orleans doesn't always take its show on the road that well (especially outdoors on natural grass), as we saw in its non-covering 16-14 win at Tampa in Week 2. If the Bears' defense can limit the Saints like the Bucs did in that game, their offense can certainly score more than Tampa did.

The pick: Bears




Matchup: Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants

Spread: Giants minus-2.5

Public consensus pick: 59 percent picked Eagles



Public perception: The public is on the Eagle here, but we can safely assume that's because the Giants have looked so bad in starting the season both 0-4 SU and ATS.

Wiseguys' view: Both of these teams have looked eminently fadeable to wiseguys. The preferred play will likely be to tease the Eagles more than a field goal (though this is one of those cases in which teasing across zero is acceptable if you prefer the Giants plus-3.5).

Tuley's Take: One of the big surprises of the young season is the lack of offense from Eli Manning and the Giants' offense. However, for a veteran team that often starts slow and comes on late in the year and in the playoffs, the Giants have to be encouraged by the fact that if they win this game and the Cowboys lose to the Broncos, they'll be just one game out of first place in the NFC East. So while I think the Eagles are the right side, I have to pass here.

The pick: Pass (pool play: Eagles)




Matchup: Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals

Spread: Panthers minus-2

Public consensus pick: 76 percent picked Panthers



Public perception: Here's another case of the public jumping on the team coming off its bye (Panthers). Of course, the last thing they remember seeing from Carolina was its 38-0 blowout win over the Giants in Week 3.

Wiseguys' view: Resistance from the sharps is probably the only thing keeping this line from climbing to a field goal. This is another game ripe for teaser play to get the Cardinals as a home dog of more than a touchdown.

Tuley's Take: Here's home underdog No. 2 that I like. In their only home game so far this season, the Cardinals upset a better team in the Lions, 25-21. The already good defense (No. 6 in the NFC in yards allowed -- and note the Panthers are No. 4, so going under 42.5 points might be worth a look, too) also gets a boost from the return of underrated LB Darryl Washington from suspension.

The pick: Cardinals



Matchup: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders

Spread: Chargers minus-4.5

Public consensus pick: 83 percent picked Chargers



Public perception: The public is backing the Chargers like they know the final score. San Diego hasn't lost backers this year as its 3-0-1 ATS. RB Darren McFadden has also been downgraded to doubtful for the Raiders, diminishing support for them even with the return of QB Terrelle Pryor.

Wiseguys' view: The sharps are pretty split on this game so far, which is often the case when a line sits in the area between a field goal and a touchdown. With the kickoff moved back to 8:35 p.m. PT, this will mostly serve as background noise while wiseguys work on next week's games.

Tuley's Take: I'm passing on this home dog as I've been high on the Chargers all year (one of few teams I've been right about). Also, the Raiders haven't protected their home turf against their rival in recent years (see "Streak for the Cash" section below).

The pick: Pass (pool play: Chargers)




Matchup: Denver Broncos at Dallas Cowboys

Spread: Broncos minus-7.5

Public consensus pick: 86 percent picked Broncos



Public perception: There are reports from sports books all over that this is the highest-handle game of the week so far, and that 80-90 percent of the tickets have been on the Broncos. Even with it crossing the key number of 7, that hasn't stopped people from backing Peyton Manning and Co.

Wiseguys' view: The sharps jumped all over the opening number of Broncos minus-6, but those who missed that are staying away with it more than a touchdown. The bookmakers will probably be cheering hard for a Dallas outright win here as, in addition to the bets on the spread, this will probably be the game including on most teasers with the Broncos laying under a field goal.

Tuley's Take: This is home dog No. 3 that I like. I'm 0-3 trying to fade the Broncos and would probably stay away if this line was under a TD, but this inflated line is too much to pass up. I would feel better if the Cowboys weren't allowing more than 300 passing yards a game or if they would have been able to contain Philip Rivers and the Chargers last week, but the Broncos also allow more than 300 passing yards per game and this should be a back-and-forth shootout.

The pick: Cowboys




Matchup: Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers

Spread: 49ers minus-6.5

Public consensus pick: 53 percent picked 49ers



Public perception: Action is pretty split on this game so far at ESPN PickCenter and other bet-tracking sites. I guess the 49ers' rout of the Rams a week ago didn't wash out the taste of blowout losses to the Seahawks and Colts.

Wiseguys' view: Despite both teams being 2-2, they're still considered among the league's elite and wiseguys are split on this game as well with support on both sides.

Tuley's Take: This is definitely a "take" at plus-7 if I see it, but I like the Texans in this spot anyway. Yes, they blew the game against the Seahawks last week and barely escaped in non-covering wins over the Chargers in Week 1 and the Titans in Week 2, but they're talented enough that they were seemingly in control against Seattle and can do the same thing here. In fact, they might fare better on the road right now instead of in front of the boo-birds.

The pick: Texans




Matchup: New York Jets at Atlanta Falcons

Spread: Falcons minus-10

Public consensus pick: 82 percent picked Falcons



Public perception: It didn't take much for the public to turn on the Jets as they're loading up on the Falcons here and driving the line to double digits. Most people probably still remember how well Atlanta has done at home since Matt Ryan took over as quarterback, though the Falcons are down to 35-8 SU with the loss to the Patriots last week.

Wiseguys' view: Sharps generally love taking underdogs that have the better defense, so they're waiting for this line to peak before jumping on the Jets.

Tuley's Take: The higher the line gets, the more tempting it will become for yours truly. But while I took the Jaguars mainly because of not fearing that the Rams will put up a ton of points, I have no such confidence in the Jets being able to contain the Falcons.

The pick: Pass (pool play: Jets)




Streak for the Cash



When playing this contest, it's doesn't make sense to pick a lot of underdogs as you don't get any extra points for doing that. So my suggested games will usually be favorites where I haven't been able to make a strong case for the underdog.



Best bet: Chargers at Raiders. This is the game with the biggest spread on Sunday's "Streak for the Cash" menu with the Chargers minus-4.5. The Chargers have won eight of the last nine years in Oakland. And with this game moved to 11:35 p.m. ET, if you're reset to zero you can try to get back in the win column. Confidence meter: 88.9 percent

Seahawks at Colts: The Seahawks are doing everything right and I give them the edge on both sides of the ball. They can get in front early and coast to victory, or come from behind. Confidence meter: 65 percent

Bears versus Saints: This game occurs at the same time as Seahawks-Colts, but if you don't like that one, I'd suggest the Bears, even though the Saints are now the slight favorites. The Saints don't do as well outdoors -- as we saw in their only non-cover so far this season in Week 2 at Tampa. Confidence meter: 55 percent
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« Reply #17 on: October 04, 2013, 12:39:29 pm »

The dolts aren't winning Sunday...
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« Reply #18 on: October 04, 2013, 01:03:10 pm »

Jaws' QB Rankings

1. Peyton Manning
 Previous: 2



Manning's excellence has been so obvious this season that there's really nothing more to say. I was watching "CSI" the other night and it made me think of Peyton. The characters on that show see things no one else sees. They break out these special tools and lights and lenses to study a crime scene, and they always find the right answer to the puzzle, just like Peyton. I went over each play in the Denver-Philadelphia game 10 times trying to see through his eyes. I think I have a pretty well-trained eye at this point and I don't see this stuff. On the first set against the Eagles, Philadelphia blitzes from its nickel package and he audibles to a run right at the blitz, gaining 16 yards. He has always been good at this element of the game, and now he's at another level.

2. Aaron Rodgers
 Previous: 1

Rodgers drops from No. 1, but he hasn't really fallen off in his play; Peyton's just better right now. I'd like to see Rodgers protect the football a little better, but the Packers' franchise QB has everything you want from a signal-caller in the National Football League.


3. Drew Brees
 Previous: 6

Brees has been a big climber this year. What they're doing in New Orleans has been sensational, and Brees benefits from some amazing offensive weapons. We don't talk a lot about Darren Sproles, but he is the toughest matchup for an opposing defense and whenever Brees gets him in single coverage, he's getting the ball. Brees has been razor-sharp. The line play has not been that sharp, but Brees is getting the ball out quickly and accurately, and we can see the results.


4. Tom Brady
 Previous: 3

If I'm being honest and just look at production, Brady hasn't been Brady this year, though he played better last week. The Patriots have used more play-action passing this year than any other team, including when under center. His receivers need work in direct route running. Pass patterns have a lot of option routes, and play-action defines the options for the pass-catchers. Makes it tougher on Tom, but simplifies things for the WRs. They had a strong game in Week 4.


5. Matt Ryan
 Previous: 5

Some might look at the Falcons' record and be concerned about Ryan, but those problems are from other areas. The defense and offensive line have been inconsistent. Ryan's doing just fine.


6. Philip Rivers
 Previous: 17

I wrote about Rivers last week, and we saw more of the same strong play last week. He's been adding some "Manning" to his game -- diagnosing the defense and orchestrating plays from the line of scrimmage -- and that's never a bad thing. I couldn't be happier to see him improving because I love his personality as well as how he plays the game.


. Andrew Luck
 Previous: 10

Luck just gets better every week, and he's definitely exhibited improvement since last year. I've seen more offensive expansion in Indy and he's handled it well. He has great movement in the pocket, which is important since he's not working behind a terrific line. Luck throws with accuracy and velocity, and we don't talk enough about his ability to extend the play. He's underrated at making plays with his legs, too.


8. Joe Flacco
 Previous: 4

Flacco looks like he's plateaued this season, and he may have even gone backward. I don't think anything is wrong physically, but he's pressing a little bit and doesn't have an outstanding receiving corps. Last season, this team was really strong off play-action, but that's been all but eliminated to date in 2013. The Ravens had just two runs in the second half last week. Their biggest need is a productive TE. Dennis Pitta was Flacco's guy, and without him as a security blanket, it can be a lot tougher psychologically for the quarterback.



. Ben Roethlisberger
 Previous: 7

With Roethlisberger, I see a guy who is trying to do the same things he's done in the past, trying to be that big oak tree in the pocket, hang in there and make those throws. But his line is letting him down. The sack he took to end the game against the Vikings is inexcusable and that's on him, but if the Steelers don't get better protection around him he's facing a long season. And with the amount of punishment he's taking, he might not even finish it.


10. Russell Wilson
 Previous: 12

We had a lot of debate about Wilson here in the NFL Films offices. The consensus was that he wasn't playing great through four games. At opportune times he's made some good plays, but overall he's not playing as well as he should be. That said, he's been great in crunch time when plays need to be made. I'd really like to see him get the ball out of his hand faster. He's just been holding it too long. His snap-to-pass mark of 4.07 seconds is virtually identical to last season's (4.08) and can definitely improve.


11. Tony Romo
 Previous: 15

Say what you want about him, but Romo's playing well. Yes, we know he's got a little gunslinger and risk-taker in him. But he gets results. At one time I had him as a top-10 guy, and he has the talent to belong there, but we're not going to be able to define Romo's true standing until he gets into the big game and plays well in it. He just has a tendency to make too many mistakes with the football. You just can't do that if you want to be one of the elite QBs in the NFL.


12. Matthew Stafford
 Previous: 16

Stafford is playing at an incredible level right now, and Reggie Bush has been a great asset who has added a new element to this offense. Calvin Johnson is still making plays as usual, but now this offense is a quick-twitch-style passing game. Last year, this was more of a deep-dropback passing attack, with Stafford waiting as the receivers worked to uncover. Now I'm seeing more quick drops and fast throws. In terms of snap-to-release time, Stafford is the best in the NFL at 2.75 seconds, more than a half-second faster than 2012. That figure not only shows the change in play-calling, but Stafford's great understanding of his system and what the defense (and his offensive line) is giving him.


13. Jay Cutler
 Previous: 14

Cutler played three weeks of fantastic football, then he slipped in Week 4. Consistency has always been an issue with him, and it's cropped up again. I have no problem with his decision-making, but I saw some wildly inaccurate throws in Week 4. He displayed some poor mechanics on the deep interception, which shows me he needs to keep refining his physical game. I know he'll be drilled by Marc Trestman until he shows off perfect mechanics.


14. Eli Manning
 Previous: 8

Eli's been a really big dropper to this point. I'd like to say it's everyone else, and he has not been getting great protection from an offensive line that looks like a sieve, but Eli's decision-making has been suspect. In the past, he's usually been careful to throw the ball away, play smart and not take sacks. Now I'm seeing him throw balls right into double coverage. In years past, I could go games and games without seeing him make that mistake on the tape. He's forcing throws and trying to make every play. You can't do that and succeed at the NFL level.


15. Matt Schaub
 Previous: 9

Matt Schaub should be a top-10 QB, but he's made some poor decisions with the football, and last week it cost the Texans the game. As bad as that pick-six was, I lay some of the overall blame for Schaub's 2013 struggles on the Texans' play-calling. I heard Richard Sherman last week describing the interception. He'd seen that play before, and the Seahawks knew they could possibly force a bad decision if they reached Schaub with pressure. Safety Kam Chancellor comes in clean, Schaub doesn't get his eyes out to his target area and throws the live grenade. A little more variety in the Texans' offense could really help Schaub out to make him less predictable, but at the end of the day, he's gotta make the throws and that pick is on him. However, don't let one play override the rest of his performance through Week 4. For the most part, he's played really well. Despite the critical interception, he put up 355 passing yards against Seattle. That's no easy feat against that defense.



16. Colin Kaepernick
 Previous: 11

Kaepernick has dropped, but I think a lot of it has to do with the loss of the Niners' offensive weapons. With Kaepernick's arm, they like to get the ball going vertically, but with Vernon Davis hurt and Kyle Williams not getting deep effectively, they don't have the receiver who can take advantage and get separation down the field. Anquan Boldin's a possession guy, and almost every catch after Week 1 has been contested. What I don't like seeing from Kaepernick is him holding the ball and waiting for things to happen. I don't think his performance really dropped off, but until they get Michael Crabtree back, the Niners may not be the offensive threat they were last year.



17. Ryan Tannehill
 Previous: 24

As I mentioned in the preseason rankings, I saw some really good things from Tannehill last year. And with a better supporting cast around him, he's flourishing. Tannehill is a rock-solid pocket QB with some mobility. However, he needs to take better care of the football because he's turning it over too often (five interceptions). He's ascending, though, and I expect that will continue.



18. Andy Dalton
 Previous: 19

I'm really disappointed I haven't seen a quantum leap from Dalton with all of the offensive weapons he has around him in Cincinnati. I know he has limitations with deep-ball accuracy, but with A.J. Green on your roster, you've got to get the ball down the field. When they drafted Giovani Bernard, I thought they'd use him like a Reggie Bush or a Darren Sproles, but that hasn't really happened yet. Still, they're deep at tight end, deep at wide receiver and deep at running back. That's a lot of assets at Dalton's disposal, but he hasn't produced to match that talent level around him.


19. Cam Newton
 Previous: 18

Only three games so far for Cam, and there are lots of mixed feelings out there about his performance. When I see him on tape, I don't think he's seeing the field clearly. There have been too many instances where he just shouldn't be throwing the football. It doesn't appear that he sees the throw, and instead ends up firing blindly. He has a tendency to be wildly inaccurate despite good mechanics. He just may never become a precision passer.



20. Alex Smith
 Previous: 20

Smith is having a very solid season. He is a game manager to the core and he doesn't make mistakes, despite some bad INTs last week. Smith just plays to his defense, which is playing at a phenomenal level right now. To get to their peak, though, I think the Chiefs need to be a little more explosive with their downfield offense. And I'm not sure if Smith can really bring that element. It's because of that reason that I don't think he'll ever have a chance to crack the top 15 in this ranking. He's a good solid quarterback, but I think he'll stay in this range.



21. Michael Vick
 Previous: 25

Vick has performed well by and large, but needs to do a better job of processing and getting the ball out of his hand in this offense. Among current starters, he has the highest time in terms of snap-to-release (4.27 seconds). Vick needs to do better, if only for self-preservation. Already this season he's been knocked to the ground 50 times by my count and contacted 31 more times. You can't last in this league taking that volume of hits.



22. Robert Griffin III
 Previous: 13

I'd like to give him a pass due to his injury, but I can't. He's clearly not the same guy he was as a rookie. Not yet anyway. Realistically, we can't expect him to be. But those limitations due to his recovery have an impact on the Redskins' offense. He no longer strikes fear into opposing defenses, and you can see it by the fact that he's been blitzed more than any QB in the league this year. Last season, he thrived against the blitz. I also expected to see the Washington offense grow a little more, but that hasn't happened because of a lack of practice time with a healthy Griffin.



23. Carson Palmer
 Previous: 23

Mistakes have hurt Palmer, and it's the same sort of problems that plagued him in Oakland. Maybe he hasn't quite gotten comfortable in Arizona yet, but the fact of the matter is he hasn't been the big boost many thought he would be for the Cardinals. He's with a better team in Arizona; for him to get better, a little more game management and a little less risk would be advisable.



24. Jake Locker
 Previous: 31

I was very sorry to see Locker get hurt, because he might have been the most improved QB this season. On tape, I was really seeing him becoming a pocket passer and a runner at the same time. The Titans have been using his speed with some designed runs to exploit his athleticism. Those plays have been effective, but he's also been good playing from the pocket with a simplified game plan. I think he could have ranked higher than this if not for the injury.



25. Sam Bradford
 Previous: 22

I'm worried about Sam. A few years ago, he took a beating behind a bad line and I don't think he's really recovered. I look at him in the pocket and the awareness isn't there. When he came into the league, he had top-10 potential, but if you don't have pocket awareness, it's hard to be consistently successful. You can't be a statue in the pocket, and Bradford's looked a little too "statue-esque" thus far.



26. Brian Hoyer
 Previous: NR

I love Hoyer, and I was miffed he hadn't gotten better opportunities before now. Hopefully his MRI comes back with favorable results following his exit from Thursday night's game with a knee injury. There's potential here. At worst, I thought he could be a 10-year backup in the league. He's got the arm strength, he's got a little gunslinger in him and he's got a higher ceiling than No. 26. I just hope the knee injury doesn't derail his opportunity to showcase his talents this season.



27. EJ Manuel
 Previous: NR

I like the way Manuel is playing so far, but he's still got a long way to go. We've seen glimpses of the good stuff (game-winning drive against Carolina), but a lot of mistakes too (two INTs and a QBR of 9.8 versus Baltimore). Manuel is still trying to get a feel for when to stay in the pocket and when to run. I also see a lot of errant throws, which is typical of an upstart quarterback. More time is needed to properly evaluate his ceiling, so let's hope the knee injury he sustained Thursday night won't sideline him for long.


28. Christian Ponder
 Previous: 27

It's going to be interesting to see how this plays out with Matt Cassel. Ponder may have plateaued already, and it's just too early for him to do that. He's had opportunities to make clutch throws -- when he needs to stick a throw in there -- and too often he's not been able to do that. The best QBs make those plays, but with Ponder, I just haven't seen it.


29. Geno Smith
 Previous: NR

Smith has been very similar to Manuel. I see good things and I see bad things, but not enough of a sample size to make solid projections. We've seen the upside with some big throws deep downfield and we've seen some rookie mistakes (like the around-the-back fumble). There's not enough there yet to make a proper call.



30. Blaine Gabbert
 Previous: NR

"Puzzling" is the word here. Watch Gabbert throw one-on-one and he'll wow you. He has the physical talent, but for whatever reason the synapses don't seem to connect on game day. He just can't cut it loose on Sunday afternoon. I'm not around him enough to know what's going on in his head, but his physical tools haven't translated to the field.


31. Terrelle Pryor
 Previous: NR

It's still too early to really evaluate Pryor, but I do believe he's improved his accuracy from his time at Ohio State when he was a little erratic as a passer. He's one I'll be watching closely moving forward.



32. Mike Glennon
 Previous: NR

I was impressed with him in his Week 4 debut. He showed off his rocket arm, but the experience isn't there. You can see the upside, but now he needs to accept the coaching and display a solid work ethic to succeed. He's got the tools.
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« Reply #19 on: October 05, 2013, 10:40:56 am »

Jennings major contributor Sunday?

UPDATE: Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's late game against the San Diego Chargers because of a hamstring injury. The implication now, per coach Dennis Allen, is that RB Rashad Jennings is the first backfield option for the Raiders. With a clear path to production, how big of a game can Jennings have?

The Chargers allow 5.2 yards per rush (including QBs) which is third-worst in the NFL through four games. On zone reads, which the Terrelle Pryor-led Raiders employ at times, the Bolts allow a similarly high 5.3 yards per rush, according to Matthew Berry. Furthermore, the Raiders are 6th in the NFL in targeting running backs and Jennings is a receiving threat out of the backfield. He touched the ball 23 times in last week's game against the Washington Redskins.

Of course, Marcel Reece looks like he'll still be in the mix despite his knee injury and will be in a position to have a highly productive game, as well. Read more for why Rashad Jennings could be a noteworthy fantasy play this weekend.

---

Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden didn't practice today and talk is that his hamstring injury might be pesky enough to keep him out of Sunday night's absurdly late game against the San Diego Chargers. On the flipside, fullback Marcel Reece, originally thought to be out at least a couple weeks, practiced and could be ready for Sunday's tilt. At the moment, the only certain thing in the Raiders backfield is that backup Rashad Jennings is healthy and ready to go in case the other two aren't.

Jennings had a solid performance last week in support of McFadden, gaining 45 yards on 15 carries and catching eight passes for 71 yards. The YPC wasn't fantastic but the big workload is probably what was most impressive. Jennings can be trusted by the Raiders offensive decision-makers, even when McFadden and Reece are out of the ballgame.

Reece hasn't posted huge rushing numbers thus far this season but if he's able to play, his contributions could also rise without DMC in the fold. He, like Jennings, is a receiving threat out of the backfield so it won't be surprising if he has a good day in that area as well. The Chargers haven't allowed a running back to score a touchdown this year though they are 25th in terms of rushing yards allowed. Terrelle Pryor will start Sunday and that fact could mean interesting things for Jennings and/or Reece, as Pryor brings a more dynamic element to the offense.

Fantasy expert Christopher Harris has more on why Jennings is a strong add in Week 5 and possibly beyond.

Christopher Harris
Rashad Jennings worth picking up?
"For the second straight year, Jennings finds himself the target of desperate fantasy owners. Last season, Jennings seemed the logical inheritor once Maurice Jones-Drew got hurt, and indeed he started six games for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unfortunately, he played badly, including a 2.8 yards-per-carry mark and shoulder and concussion problems. Sunday, he ran acceptably well after Darren McFadden and Marcel Reece left the Raiders' game because of injury. As of this writing, it's unknown whether McFadden will return for Week 5, but given his injury history, it's easy to imagine he won't. Jennings is a big kid with some straight-ahead pop, and while he's nobody's long-term solution as a RB, he should probably be added in all leagues."





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« Reply #20 on: November 05, 2013, 03:49:23 pm »

Worst players on NFL's best teams


With over half the NFL regular season in the books, the wheat is being separated from the chaff. While some teams have surprised us, others are where we expected them to be all along. It has left us with eight teams with six wins or more, and all eight will be thinking what could be come Feb. 2, 2014, when New York/New Jersey hosts the Super Bowl.

But that's not all they will be thinking about. Because the journey to get there is still a long one and each team will have identified some key weaknesses that they'll need to improve on during the stretch run. So this week we're going to help them out and break down the weakest link in the starting lineup and explain why they're a problem for the weeks ahead. And as Kansas City shows us, even perfection has a potential big flaw.

Kansas City Chiefs: Alex Smith, QB (2013 PFF Grade: -6.6)

The Chiefs may be 9-0, but the arm of Smith has hardly been tested this season. Smith is a player who has just enough talent that he can get by with a special defense (and the Chiefs D is special, as they comfortably are our highest-ranked defense). As the poor results under Matt Cassel showed us, Smith's achievements are still notable, but it means when the schedule toughens up (as it will over the next month), Smith's flaws are likely to be exposed. Smith is our fifth lowest-ranked pure passer and it's easy to see why, with a style that is more reliant on dumping the ball off than making plays downfield. It's telling that his yards-in-the-air percentage of 44.9 is the lowest in the league, meaning the Chiefs have the highest percentage of yards after the catch of any team in the league. Eventually Smith will need to beat teams down the field if the Chiefs are trailing -- and that's not his game. He's throwing just 5.7 percent of his attempts further than 20 yards, the lowest rate in the league and an indication of how limited the passing attack is.

Seattle Seahawks: Paul McQuistan, LT/LG (-19.9)

The good news for Seattle fans is that McQuistan isn't likely to be left tackle all that much longer. Russell Okung is getting set to start practicing again and return to his usual spot. But the team is asking a lot of Okung to come back in and it remains to be seen how fit he'll be. That could mean McQuistan seeing more time at tackle, or moving back to guard. Neither is an ideal solution, as McQuistan is our third lowest-ranked tackle on the year and, by virtue of giving up 31 quarterback disruptions on 254 pass blocks at tackle, the owner of the third lowest pass blocking efficiency score. The concern is that the more he plays, the more vulnerable QB Russell Wilson is. Wilson already is leading the league by facing pressure on 48.3 percent of his dropbacks and that is a recipe for disaster.

Denver Broncos: Kevin Vickerson, DT (-11.3)

The Broncos knew they had a problem at defensive tackle when they spent their first-round pick on Sylvester Williams. The obvious hope was that Williams could contribute immediately, but after looking out of place in preseason, he has found his way onto the field for just 87 snaps and, outside of one quarterback hit, done very little. That has meant their base defense has chiefly featured Terrance Knighton and Vickerson, with one of them delivering and the other not. The problem isn't just that Vickerson grades negatively against the run (just eight defensive stops all year) or fails to generate much pressure (he's 36th out of 58 qualifying defensive tackles in our pass rushing productivity signature stat). The problem is he draws a lot of yellow flags -- seven of them this year. Those are the kinds of things that sustain drives and put a defense under more pressure than it needs to face.

New England Patriots: Chris Jones, DT (-13.5)

On the surface Jones hasn't done all that bad, combining on six sacks. Considering the guy who he replaced (Tommy Kelly) had three, that would suggest improvement, right? Not exactly. This is where sacks are a deceiving statistic because they're not an entirely reflective or predictive measurement of success getting to the quarterback. At the moment Jones has converted 60 percent of his pressures into sacks and converting pressures into sacks owes as much to the opposition as it does to the pass-rusher. Instead, his pass rushing productivity score has him ranked 42nd in the league with 10 quarterback disruptions on 201 pass rushes while he's a nonfactor in the run game. His 5.4 run stop percentage ranks 56th out of 73 defensive tackles. The Patriots already felt the need to go out and get Isaac Sopoaga, which just highlights the concern over the middle of their defensive line.

Indianapolis Colts: Mike McGlynn, RG (-15.9)

This is nothing new for Indianapolis, as McGlynn was our lowest-ranked guard through the entire 2012 season. So the Colts might take solace in the fact he's only eighth worst this year, though much of that owes to the likes of Lucas Nix, Colin Brown and Davin Joseph playing so extensively. McGlynn continues to struggle for a team that is asking too much of him. No team uses their guards to pull block as much as Indianapolis (62 percent of plays), and it's a task he's clearly not up to. What's more, he continues to have problems in pass protection. His 24 quarterback disruptions allowed are seventh most of all guards and if there's one thing quarterbacks hate, it's pressure up the middle.

New Orleans Saints: Curtis Lofton, LB (-5.2)

The Saints don't have any massive holes, especially once the team is healthy at all spots. But they'll still be hoping for better play from their starters. Lofton is certainly one of them and it starts with the fundamentals. Right now he has missed 14 tackles, which is tied for the most (with Mychal Kendricks and Mason Foster) of all inside linebackers, with 10 of those coming in the past three weeks. Given that the Saints lost two of those games, it's telling that the defense (and its leader) needs to get back to basics. When a linebacker misses a tackle it often ends up with the running back or receiver moving the chains -- or worse.

San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Williams, WR (-4.9)

49ers fans will be quick to point out that with Mario Manningham and Michael Crabtree due to return soon that Williams -- already a bit-part player on a team that favors "22" personnel (using two running backs and two tight ends on 30.1 percent of offensive plays, their most-used offensive package) -- will be needed even less. But that's putting a lot of faith in two players coming back from significant injuries and coming back at full speed. Williams has run only 43 fewer routes than Anquan Boldin yet he's averaging a staggering 1.91 yards per route run less than Boldin. That kind of production isn't helping the team and it's important that they have a receiver they can count on to be the third option behind Boldin and Vernon Davis. Against strong defensive units such as the Seahawks, who can slow down the Niners' rushing attack and Colin Kaepernick, how else are they to overcome? Williams has the second-lowest yards per route run of any wide receiver, with only the Titans' Kenny Britt lower.

Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Gresham, TE (-17.4)

At times I feel sorry for Gresham. The team clearly thinks highly of him and it shows by how they use him going one-on-one with defensive ends in the run game. Unfortunately, despite his pedigree as a former first-round pick, he's just not up to it and is our lowest-ranked tight end on the year. Despite their offensive line being among the NFL's best, the Bengals are being weighed down by Gresham, who has been flagged for eight penalties (including one that took back a touchdown), been beaten for 13 tackles for short gains or worse in the run game and has the eighth-worst pass blocking efficiency score of all tight ends. He's fun to watch with the ball in hand, as evidenced by forcing six missed tackles, but as a primary blocking tight end, he's a mistake waiting to happen.
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« Reply #21 on: November 13, 2013, 12:39:31 pm »

Best fantasy playoff RB matchups


With 10 weeks in the books for the 2013 fantasy football season, many owners are reaching the point where they can transition their roster moves toward selections that will give them the best chance of winning in the fantasy football playoffs.

The most difficult of these decisions will come at running back. This position has been painfully thin all season (only 11 running backs are averaging 10 or more points per game) and got even thinner last week with the announcement that Arian Foster will be having season-ending back surgery.

The lack of quality running back depth means owners will be looking to stockpile as many running backs with favorable playoff matchups before the Nov. 20 trade deadline.

This week's Fantasy Foresight article aims to offer assistance with this process via a fantasy playoff matchup primer. I color-graded each team's set of fantasy playoff matchups (defined as contests in Weeks 14 through 16) according to a variety of metric and scouting factors. A red grade indicates a very difficult matchup for the running back, a yellow grade signifies an average matchup and a green grade connotes a highly favorable matchup.

These grades are then assigned a point total, with a red rating giving zero points, a yellow rating one point and a green rating two points, thus making a higher point total more favorable for a running back.

The point totals then have been broken down into categories ranging from the most favorable (those with five matchup points) to the least favorable (the one team that ended up with zero matchup points).

Now that we have the preliminaries out of the way, let's take a look at the best fantasy playoff matchups for teams.




Matchup point level: Target (five matchup points)



Teams: Green Bay, Miami


The combination of Eddie Lacy's eight points in Week 10 and the Packers' offense now being piloted by a third-string quarterback (Scott Tolzien) may have some Lacy fantasy owners thinking of throwing in the towel. That would be a huge mistake, as Green Bay will face Atlanta and Dallas (which just allowed a team record for yards in a single game) in Weeks 14 and 15 and Pittsburgh (which recently allowed the most single game yards in team history) in Week 16. Add to that the Packers' strong run-blocking, Lacy's production level on such plays and Aaron Rodgers' likely return to the lineup by that point, and it equals fantasy playoff gold for what could be a buy-low price.

Lamar Miller also likely will be available for next to nothing, after the Dolphins posted a team-record low of 2 rushing yards in the Monday night game against Tampa Bay. Miller may not offer starter-caliber upside, but there is almost certainly flex start potential, given the matchups.




Matchup point level: Favorable (four matchup points)



Teams: Arizona, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Kansas City, Tampa Bay, Washington

The most intriguing candidates in this group could be the Buffalo running backs. If Week 10 is any indication, Fred Jackson (12 carries, four targets) and C.J. Spiller (eight carries, three targets) are going to operate a platoon setup from here on out. That split-carry situation may cause some fantasy owners to undervalue them, a move that would be a mistake considering they have extremely favorable matchups in Week 15 (Jacksonville) and Week 16 (Miami). The only caveat here is the Bills do face a very strong Tampa Bay run defense in Week 14, so be sure to have a workaround plan if utilizing Buffalo backs for the fantasy playoffs.

Houston is another interesting personnel situation, as Ben Tate is currently the starter but is battling four **** ribs. If he is able to gut his way through the injury, Tate will be a potential RB1 start in Week 14 (Jacksonville) and Week 15 (Indianapolis). For owners planning on leaning on Tate, be sure to pick up backup running back Dennis Johnson (owned in 1.1 percent of ESPN leagues) as a low-cost handcuff. Outside of the injury concern, the main worry in leaning on the Texans' running backs is Week 16 looks to offer a much tougher contest (Denver).

This level also offers a number of additional potential waiver wire pickups, including Andre Ellington (45.6 percent owned in ESPN leagues), Willis McGahee (17.8 percent) and Bobby Rainey (0.4 percent).




Matchup point level: Neutral (three matchup points)



Teams: Baltimore, Chicago, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, San Francisco

These teams all end up with the same matchup points total, but they take different routes to get there.

In Jacksonville's case, they have yellow-rated matchups in all of the fantasy football playoff weeks. This could mean Maurice Jones-Drew will be a solid starter for those games but it could also mean there is an upside cap that makes MJD a sell-high candidate, because he has posted three double-digit fantasy point games in the past four weeks.

In San Francisco's case, this total is reached via one red matchup (Tampa Bay in Week 15), one yellow-rated matchup (Seattle in Week 14) and one green-rated matchup (Atlanta in Week 16). Frank Gore has been about as consistent a point producer as one could want (double-digit points in all but one start) but that kind of up-and-down playoff matchup slate may make him a bit too risky for the championship tournament weeks if one of the other elite running backs can be acquired in a one-for-one trade.




Matchup point level: Caution (two matchup points)



Teams: Atlanta, Carolina, Dallas, Denver, New England, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Tennessee

If ever there was a textbook case of selling high, it would be this week for those fantasy owners with New Orleans running backs on their roster. The Saints' running-back-by-committee (RBBC) approach has been positively nerve-wracking this season, but this past Sunday saw three New Orleans ball carriers tally 18 or more fantasy points. That isn't likely to continue in general because Sean Payton is still going to use the RBBC system, but it is even less likely to recur in Weeks 14 and 16 matchups against a very tough Carolina run defense. This means sell high on Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles.

Selling high might not be an option in the near future for Stevan Ridley owners, because he faces a red-rated matchup in Week 11 (Carolina) but his owners should consider moving him because he also has red-rated matchups in Week 14 (Cleveland) and Week 16 (Baltimore).

The situation looks even worse for Le'Veon Bell owners, as he has red-rated matchups in every game for the rest of the season aside from a Week 14 matchup against Miami. Fantasy owners should get as much as they can out of whatever trade interest his 14-point total against Buffalo generates this week.




Matchup point level: Avoid (one matchup point)



Teams: Detroit, Indianapolis, Minnesota, NY Giants, NY Jets, San Diego, Seattle, St. Louis

Each of these teams has two red-rated and one yellow-rated matchup during the fantasy playoffs, so the fantasy championship odds are not in their favor.

In the case of running backs on the New York clubs, fantasy owners should keep them only if they need a big game against a green-rated defense prior to the fantasy postseason. In the Giants' case, that is Week 12 against Dallas. In the Jets' case, that is Week 13 against Miami.

For San Diego, the situation is even more daunting leading up the playoff weeks, as the Chargers have red-rated defenses on the schedule in Weeks 12 through 15. Their only respite is a Week 11 matchup against Miami, so consider selling high if Ryan Mathews or Danny Woodhead racks up quality point totals this week.




Matchup point level: Sell (zero matchup points)



Team: Oakland

Darren McFadden and Rashad Jennings haven't exactly been dominant point producers this season, and both will be hard-pressed to help fantasy teams during the playoffs because they face red-rated run defenses in all three weeks (Jets in Week 14, Kansas City in Week 15, San Diego in Week 16). The potential saving grace here is that the Raiders' schedule between now and the playoffs contains two yellow-rated matchups (Houston in Week 11, Tennessee in Week 12) and one green-rated matchup (Dallas in Week 13), so they could be somewhat helpful for owners needing flex-level production to clinch a spot in the playoffs.
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« Reply #22 on: December 31, 2013, 11:20:15 pm »

AFC champion




Ron Jaworski: Denver Broncos
 I know I'm on a fairly sturdy limb, but give me the team with the best quarterback in the NFL -- the Denver Broncos. To watch Peyton Manning put together this kind of a season after his neck surgeries is just amazing. I think he'll carry the Broncos to New York and can overcome any shortcomings we've seen from Denver this season.





Bill Polian: Cincinnati Bengals
 So much of the playoffs depends on injuries, and my best guess at who'll emerge from the playoffs would hinge on who is healthy for each team from week to week. That said, here's how I rank the rosters in the AFC based on who's healthy right now: Cincinnati, Denver, New England, Kansas City, Indianapolis and San Diego. There is no perfect roster in the AFC, but the Bengals are the most complete and I like their defense, which gives them the edge over the Broncos.




Herm Edwards: Denver Broncos
 Denver simply has too much firepower for any team in the AFC to match. I think Peyton Manning is playing quarterback at an MVP level and will put up enough points to carry this team to the Super Bowl in East Rutherford, even if the defense does miss the pass rush Von Miller brings.




Louis Riddick: Cincinnati Bengals
 I picked them to be the AFC representative back in August and will stick with them now. It comes down to the efficiency of Andy Dalton. If he can play at a level where his completion percentage, yards per attempt and touchdown-to-interception ratio are at a winning level (which he is clearly capable of), this team has the offensive firepower on the perimeter and resourcefulness/versatility along the O-line to put up points with the best of them. Defensively, they are big, are physical, play excellent situational football, are very well coached, and play a style of football that will travel well in New England and in Denver if necessary.




Mel Kiper: Denver Broncos
 I've got the Broncos beating the Bengals to get to the Super Bowl. The Broncos should have made it the Super Bowl a season ago, and, although I think they've shown they're susceptible -- what San Diego did in Denver a few weeks ago certainly caught my attention -- they have an experienced group, will take advantage of the bye in a way a younger team might not, and, most importantly, have the ability to score on any defense in the AFC. Cincinnati has the chance to upset anyone, though, because it has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and has done a good job of bottling up some good offenses this season.




Mike Sando: Denver Broncos
 Denver, somewhat reluctantly. I had the Broncos as my highest-rated AFC team in the preseason power rankings, then got cute by picking Houston to reach the Super Bowl. Nice work there, Mike. Let's play the percentages this time.


NFC champion




Ron Jaworski: Seattle Seahawks
 I guess I'm just a front-runner. And I know this is pretty unlikely since the No. 1 seeds seldom both make it to the Super Bowl. But looking at the big picture, the Seahawks are the most complete team in the playoffs. I love what Russell Wilson has shown me in just two short seasons in the National Football League. They'll face some tough tests in the NFC, but I think they'll prevail.




Bill Polian: Seattle Seahawks
 My NFC playoff rankings look like this: Seattle, San Francisco, Carolina, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Green Bay. The Seahawks are the most complete team in the NFL. As I noted earlier, injuries play a key role, but the Seahawks have some depth to compensate better than most for a non-QB injury.




Herm Edwards: Seattle Seahawks
 With the 12th man out in force, the Seahawks' defense is good enough to carry this team to the Super Bowl. I like the way Wilson is taking care of the football, and the rushing attack behind Marshawn Lynch, along with that defense, should be enough to get this team to New Jersey.




Louis Riddick: Seattle Seahawks
 Easily the deepest roster in the NFL, as I said at the start of training camp. This team has to deactivate players who would be starting on other teams in the league. There's great chemistry between front office and coaching staff, between coaching staff and players, and among the players. The Seahawks play suffocating defense and possess a multiple offense that could be getting a big weapon back (Percy Harvin). Throw in that they have home-field throughout, and I see them being able to find a way to win two games to get to the big game, no matter what.




Mel Kiper: Seattle Seahawks
 I know I'll get in trouble for picking chalk -- that hasn't been too successful the past few seasons -- but I'm going to stick with the Seahawks. This is the best defense in the NFL because it's solid at every level. Although the offense has been inconsistent, I think the added prep time of a bye week will be enough to help Seattle iron some things out, and the possible return of Harvin could be worth something, even as a decoy. I also like the fact that Wilson has a gift for eliminating negative plays, which can swing games. He frustrates defenses, and frustrated defenses make mistakes. Finally, the best home-field edge in football plays enough of a role. The 49ers can beat Seattle, but I'd like their chances better at Candlestick.




Mike Sando: Seattle Seahawks
 The Seahawks haven't played as well recently, but the bye week and home-field advantage should help them tremendously. They're still the team to beat, and, if Harvin returns, the recent offensive struggles will vanish.


Super Bowl champion




Ron Jaworski: Denver Broncos
 Peyton Manning is just on a mission. He's obsessed with winning, and I see him capping off his sensational 2013 by hoisting the Lombardi trophy at the Meadowlands.




Bill Polian: Seattle Seahawks
 If Geno Atkins were healthy, I might have leaned toward the Bengals. The Seahawks' depth is their greatest strength, and playing their games at home will give them another huge advantage. Come the Super Bowl in New York, they won't be affected by bad weather. Heading into the playoffs, the Seahawks are the strongest team.




Herm Edwards: Seattle Seahawks
 Seattle's defense is strong and should be able to slow down Manning enough to pull out the victory. I believe this Seattle rushing attack can control the clock against Manning and keep Denver's offense off the field. If the Seahawks can finish drives with touchdowns in the red zone instead of field goals, they should be able to come out on top.




Louis Riddick: Seattle Seahawks
 Mentally the toughest, most resilient team with the deepest roster. I saw it ending this way before the season began and will stick with my original prediction.




Mel Kiper: Seattle Seahawks
 This isn't a case where the Seahawks have the perfect defense to shut down Manning. No, I think it's more about how Denver will have a tough time stopping Seattle and the offensive wrinkles the Seahawks can create around Wilson with that prep time. The Seahawks force a couple of mistakes, and that's enough to get a narrow win.




Mike Sando: Seattle Seahawks
 Seattle was my preseason choice, and I'll stick with it based on the Seahawks' overall strength and the sheer likelihood that home-field advantage will deliver them to the big game in the first place.
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« Reply #23 on: January 21, 2014, 10:34:54 pm »

Super Bowl XLVIII player rankings


1. QB Peyton Manning -- Broncos
 Completing 32 of 43 passes for 400 yards and two touchdowns in the AFC Championship Game only affirmed what we've seen from Manning all season. He had arguably the best season of any quarterback ever. He has to be No. 1 on the list. Now, will he still be the best player on the field when the wind picks up at MetLife Stadium? We'll find out.

2. CB Richard Sherman -- Seahawks
 With all due respect to Darrelle Revis and Patrick Peterson, Sherman has established himself as the most effective cornerback in the league. The 49ers rarely threw at him during the NFC Championship Game, and when they did, Sherman made them pay. Say what you wish about Sherman's bravado, but he is a building-block player -- smart, prepared and perfect for the scheme.

3. FS Earl Thomas -- Seahawks
 There isn't another defensive player on either team who is more important to his coach's preferred scheme. Thomas' range allows Seattle to play all that press-man coverage on the outside. He is the new Ed Reed, but more physical. Manning has gotten away with throwing some ducks against replacement-level defenders for San Diego and New England. Some of those won't fly against Seattle, and Thomas is a big reason why.

4. RB Marshawn Lynch -- Seahawks
 There isn't a more punishing runner in the game, but Lynch is also extremely elusive. Lynch looks better every time we see him. Lynch owns four of the six 100-yard rushing games against San Francisco over the past three seasons, counting playoffs. He delivers body blow after body blow and eventually takes over games. He did it against the Saints in the divisional round and changed the game with his 40-yard touchdown run against the 49ers. We could argue that Demaryius Thomas is a better player, but Lynch is so important to Seattle. He also affects the game more frequently through the number of touches he gets. Seattle might be lost without him.



5. WR Demaryius Thomas -- Broncos
 Thomas was a project coming out of Georgia Tech, where they didn't really throw the ball. Tim Tebow was waiting for him when Thomas got to the Broncos. That made the transition more difficult, but Thomas has hit his stride. Manning has helped him tremendously, but we cannot say Thomas is just a product of his quarterback. He is a top-10 receiver and maybe top-five. He would be good for any team.

6. WR Percy Harvin -- Seahawks
 Despite a season where he's essentially been inactive, Harvin ranks this high because he's a unique weapon and a game-changer whenever he steps onto the field. The assumption here is that Harvin will play against the Broncos after missing the NFC Championship Game with a concussion. Harvin is physical, tough and explosive when he's healthy enough to play. He could factor in the return game if you figure the Broncos' kickoffs won't be traveling as far as they would in Denver. We saw Harvin's value against New Orleans in the divisional round when his presence helped create the opening Lynch ran through for a touchdown.

7. DL Michael Bennett -- Seahawks
 It's a little tough to figure why Bennett lasted so long in free agency last offseason. He was one of the best free-agent signings of the year. Bennett is strong against the run and probably the Seahawks' best pass-rusher, too. We could argue that Wilson is better than him, but Bennett has been more consistent, particularly of late.

8. QB Russell Wilson -- Seahawks
 Wilson makes plays when he needs to even though he hasn't looked great consistently over the past six games or so. Seattle has played some high-end defenses and that explains some of Wilson's issues, particularly as injuries have wiped out some of his top receiving targets at various times. Wilson remains way ahead of the curve for a young quarterback. San Francisco was able to neutralize Wilson's athleticism in ways the Broncos simply cannot replicate given their talent level on defense. Their defenders cannot close as quickly as an Aldon Smith.

9. DT Brandon Mebane -- Seahawks
 Mebane is the unsung hero of the Seahawks defense, an interior presence who commands a double-team and handles them well. Mebane can bust through and make plays in the backfield. He is solid against the run while still providing interior pass rush. Mebane would be more of a household name if he were on a "name" defense.

10. SS Kam Chancellor -- Seahawks
 It's tough to be an enforcer under the current rules, but Chancellor manages to fill that role, and he does it better than anyone in the league. We saw that Sunday when Chancellor delivered a few big hits. The 49ers' Michael Crabtree short-armed one pass when he saw Chancellor coming. He's not the only one to make "smart decisions" when Chancellor is in the area. Chancellor also moves well enough to hold up in coverage, a big plus for a box safety.

11. WR Wes Welker -- Broncos
 We're 11 players into this list and Welker is only the third Denver player we've considered so far. That is telling as we compare these rosters. Welker hasn't skipped a beat moving from Tom Brady to Manning. Seattle is stacked at corner, but if you're going to attack one area, you might start with slot corners Jeremy Lane and Walter Thurmond. Welker could have quickness advantages there.

12. MLB Bobby Wagner -- Seahawks
 Wagner does everything so well at such a young age. He should have a long, prosperous career. He came in from Utah State and almost instantly looked as if he'd been in the league forever, running the defense. Wagner sometimes goes out of his way to avoid blocks. That can compromise the run defense at times, but he is still a very good player overall.

13. TE Julius Thomas -- Broncos
 Thomas was always a remarkable athlete. That's why he got a chance as a basketball player from Portland State. He is more than that now. Thomas is a problem for everybody the Broncos face. He is not much of a blocker, but Thomas has become an outstanding receiver, particularly around the end zone. He offers value after the catch as well.

14. DT Terrance Knighton -- Broncos
 Knighton has been a great story on the Broncos defensive line. He was a player coordinator Jack Del Rio targeted from their days together in Jacksonville. Knighton has prototypical size for a nose tackle, but he also has the quickness to give interior offensive linemen trouble. Knighton has been one of the only constants for the Denver defense this season.

15. LT Russell Okung -- Seahawks
 There aren't many prototypical left tackles in the league. Okung is one of them in terms of overall ability, but he has been less consistent and is not really an elite tackle right now. Durability is always a concern with him, but he is an anchor player on a weak line. Okung and center Max Unger are the only starting offensive linemen for Seattle who would start for just about anyone else.

16. G Louis Vasquez -- Broncos
 A free-agent signing from San Diego, Vasquez has been the Broncos' best offensive lineman since the team lost Ryan Clady to a season-ending injury. Vasquez is effective as a run-blocker and in pass protection. His signing was a good one from the beginning and an even better one in retrospect after injuries hit the line.

17. DE Cliff Avril -- Seahawks
 Seattle was able to add Avril and Bennett relatively late in free agency. Such are the advantages for a team with so many lower-priced players still on their rookie contracts. Avril is better as a pass-rusher than against the run, but he is not a liability in any area. A depressed market for pass-rushers allowed the Seahawks to sign him at a reasonable price.

18. WR Eric Decker -- Broncos
 Decker has been a very good player for the Broncos. He is probably reliant on the players around him to a greater degree than some of the team's other weapons, and to that end he might warrant a "buyer beware" tag in free agency as a player not really cut out to be a true No. 1 threat. That said, Decker is still big, strong and capable, but Welker and the Thomases, Julius and Demaryius, are the better players. Seattle's corners appear well-positioned to match up with Decker.

19. CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie -- Broncos
 Corners come in different shapes and sizes. Rodgers-Cromartie is long and lean. He's strictly an outside-the-numbers corner, but he can lock down outside receivers. Seattle's receivers don't really fit that profile, so it'll be interesting to see how Rodgers-Cromartie fares in this matchup.

20. DE Red Bryant -- Seahawks
 Like Mebane, Bryant is about as underrated as a highly paid player can be. Bryant brings a two-gapping size and style to a one-gap defense. He is a power player and tough to run against when healthy and at his best. Bryant has tremendous value for what the Seahawks want to do. He could easily become a 3-4 defensive end and excel in the role.

21. SLB K.J. Wright -- Seahawks
 Seattle has quite a few players with specialty traits. Wright is one of them. He is 6-foot-4, rangy and very fluid for his height. He looks like a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he's a prototypical 4-3 strongside guy. Wright is very good in coverage and didn't give up much to Jimmy Graham during the regular season. The Seahawks defense is designed so well that almost every type of defensive player can fit in one way or another.

22. C Max Unger -- Seahawks
 This has not been Unger's best season. Injuries could have played a role there. Also, Unger would benefit if Seattle would finally upgrade its guard spots. Still, Unger has established himself as one of the better centers in the league. Though a bit tall for a center (6-5), Unger moves well in the Seahawks' zone scheme and is the second-best lineman on the team.

23. RT Orlando Franklin -- Broncos
 Franklin has had a very good year at right tackle on a line that has had injury issues at other positions. Manning is a lineman's best friend, of course. He gets the ball out on time, a big help for a right tackle as massive as Franklin (6-7, 320). Still, Franklin looks like a very solid right tackle on the rise.

24. WR Golden Tate -- Seahawks
 Seattle's do-it-all receiver is a factor in the return game as well. He is not a No. 1 receiver, but injuries have forced him into that role. This offseason someone might pay the impending free agent as a low-end No. 1 or a high-end No. 2, but a lot of teams will think they can find a similar player without paying big. Tate's improvisational ability is ideally suited to maximize Wilson's ability to buy time. Tate projects as a Hines Ward-type, in part because he can be a dangerous blocker as well.

25. WR Doug Baldwin -- Seahawks
 Baldwin has a knack for making plays. He had over 100 yards in the NFC Championship Game and added a critical return. There's a temptation to rank him lower based on what you think he should be, but Baldwin is better than that. You can't assume he's a nobody just because he was undrafted out of Stanford. He produces most weeks and does so when they need it the most. Baldwin is a typical chip-on-his-shoulder Seahawk who came from nowhere and beat outside expectations.

26. DE Chris Clemons -- Seahawks
 A year ago, the Seahawks weren't the same when they lost Clemons to injury. Now, they've got so much depth that Clemons' decline isn't really hurting them. Clemons remains ideally suited for the "Leo" role in Carroll's defense. It's fair to wonder if the Super Bowl will be his final game with Seattle. There are worse ways to go out.

27. C Manny Ramirez -- Broncos
 The Broncos' third starting center of the season has been a charm -- better than anyone Denver has had in the recent past. Ramirez is a converted guard and has made the transition to center very ably.

28. DT Tony McDaniel -- Seahawks
 It's easy to forget about a player such as McDaniel simply because Seattle has so much depth along its line. McDaniel seems to play well whenever he's out there. He's a big, long guy who plays with good leverage, uses his hands well and can spell Bryant or even serve as an interior rusher on passing downs. He has real value to Seattle.

29. LB Bruce Irvin -- Seahawks
 Irvin began his career as a nickel rusher and has become a forgotten man as an early-down linebacker. He could still emerge as Clemons' replacement in the "Leo" role, but for now he's sort of caught in the middle. He has made some flash plays. He has ability. He's not really suffering through a sophomore slump, but as the 15th player chosen in his draft class, we should expect more than what he is providing right now. Seattle just has so many other guys that it isn't a big deal at the moment.

30. RB Knowshon Moreno -- Broncos
 Unlikely as it once seemed, Moreno seems to be the heart and soul of the Broncos. Moreno came into the league as an early pick and, by all accounts, did not work hard enough. He wasn't good at the little things. But he reinvented himself. He realized his career could be slipping away. Moreno is by far the most trusted halfback on the roster. He picks up the blitz like a stud and runs every handoff as hard as he can. Manning likes him. He plays with heart, and could be a mentor for Montee Ball.

31. DL Robert Ayers -- Broncos
 That first-round pedigree hangs over Ayers a little bit. You feel as though he never really lived up to expectations. Ayers is a complementary player now, but he does a lot of things pretty well. He is a base 4-3 end who can create some mismatches on throwing downs when you move him inside. Ayers complemented Elvis Dumervil previously and then moved inside for Von Miller. He makes plays here and there, but overall, he's an average NFL starter.

32. LB Wesley Woodyard -- Broncos
 A small and light linebacker with speed, Woodyard needs protection from bigger guys up front. He was highly productive in college and made a mark with Denver as an undrafted prospect. Yet, despite his speed, Woodyard is very average in coverage. This Denver team has sometimes struggled in coverage against tight ends and running backs. Guys like Woodyard help explain why.

33. CB Champ Bailey -- Broncos
 It's tough to imagine a future Hall of Famer such as Bailey ranking so low on any list, but age and injuries have caught up to him. That said, Bailey played very well in the AFC Championship Game against New England. He might provide heightened value in a one-game situation with a bye week to rest. Bailey isn't going to match up effectively against someone as shifty and explosive as Harvin, but he can still be effective. This is an all-time great player on the decline at age 35.

34. TE Zach Miller -- Seahawks
 The Seahawks really need Miller because they don't have another tight end with his versatility, but it's possible Miller has become "just a guy" after being much more than that previously in his career. Miller could be a player to watch in the Super Bowl because the Broncos have holes in coverage. Miller did factor in a big way during the playoffs last season.

35. CB Byron Maxwell -- Seahawks
 Maxwell is more athletic than the man he replaced at right cornerback, the suspended Brandon Browner. He is another plug-and-play, you-have-to-be-this-big-to-ride-the-rides cornerback for Seattle. He doesn't look out of place at all. Give Maxwell credit. It also makes you think Carroll and the defensive coaches are doing an exceptional job developing so many corners.

36. RB Montee Ball -- Broncos
 This might be too low for Ball given what he has contributed recently. Ball could be a better player than Moreno, but he will not get the touches, most likely. He is not as trusted, but he has fresh legs. Ball is getting some opportunities in protection and he could be the No. 1 back in Denver next season. He's a player on the rise.

37. LB Shaun Phillips -- Broncos
 Phillips is Denver's best pass-rusher right now even though he's up in age and disappears for stretches. Phillips was a late, under-the-radar pickup who has helped them. They would be in real trouble without him. He could be a few spots higher, depending on the play.

38. RT Breno Giacomini -- Seahawks
 This is probably where things start to get a little tough. Giacomini is fine. He is a pure right tackle with some nastiness and can move a little in their zone scheme, but he is never going to a Pro Bowl. It wouldn't shock me if they drafted a big right tackle-slash-guard type guy to push him and/or the guards.

39. LT Chris Clark -- Broncos
 Clark is a relative unknown but has been around. He has stepped in for Clady and played really well. Again, Manning helps that a lot, but he has exceeded expectations. People aren't talking about Clady's loss every other play. No one is talking about a gaping hole at left tackle.

40. LB Malcolm Smith -- Seahawks
 Smith filled in well for Wright even though he is not a real similar player. Smith is more of a run-and-hit speed guy. But he is a valuable fourth linebacker for them now and previously Carroll had him at USC. Smith is a special-teamer, young and a good fit for Seattle. The Seahawks can play with him and win, but they would rather have Wright. Still, Smith has proved a very good backup with a role in every game.

41. CB Walter Thurmond -- Seahawks
 Thurmond moves well, has good size and is a great depth corner with special-teams value. Getting him back from suspension has restored depth to the secondary. Seattle now has two slot corners it is comfortable with, a big upgrade from at this point last season.

42. RB Christine Michael -- Seahawks
 Michael is in the No. 3 role behind Lynch and Robert Turbin, but he projects as a future starting back in the NFL (that might not be the case for Turbin). Michael hasn't played much, but he looked great in preseason and is an explosive, violent runner with size. He has a chance to be a star.

43. DE Jeremy Mincey -- Broncos
 Mincey was pretty good in Jacksonville a couple of years ago, but he didn't really fit the Seattle-style scheme Gus Bradley brought to the Jaguars. Mincey is a pure 4-3 defensive end, a strongside guy who might be a poor man's Michael Bennett. He got paid in Jacksonville and didn't produce. He played well against San Diego this season and does have a pedigree.

44. G Zane Beadles -- Broncos
 Beadles is a below-average starting left guard who is good enough to start on a very good line with a quarterback who makes up for a lot of problems. Beadles was a second-round pick who never quite lived up to expectations. Perhaps the Broncos replace him or at least challenge him with competition at the spot next season.

45. DT Clinton McDonald -- Seahawks
 Just when you think you've covered all the Seahawks' defensive linemen, you realize there are more. McDonald finished the season with 5.5 sacks and an interception.

46. DE Malik Jackson -- Broncos
 Jackson is an ascending player as an oversized defensive end (293 pounds) who is young and strong against the run. Rushing the passer from the inside is Jackson's most valuable contribution. He's been effective in that role and his best is yet to come.

47. G J.R. Sweezy -- Seahawks
 Line coach Tom Cable converted Sweezy from defensive tackle to guard. He appears determined to see the experiment through even though Sweezy hasn't been consistent. Seattle has been pretty steadfast in downplaying needs along the line, but this team could clearly stand to address the position in the draft after whiffing on James Carpenter and John Moffitt.

48. LB Danny Trevathan -- Broncos
 Trevathan is another run-and-hit linebacker in the Woodyard mold. He has good speed and some big-play ability, but he can be a liability in coverage despite those traits.

49. SS Duke Ihenacho -- Broncos
 Ihenacho took the Broncos by storm for a while, but his coverage liabilities have shown up the longer he has been on the field. The team has nothing invested in Ihenacho, so he still qualifies as quite a find. He has an impressive highlight reel.

50. TE Jacob Tamme -- Broncos
 Tamme is an undersized "move" tight end who doesn't move well enough and is just an average blocker. Manning trusts him, so there is value there, but it didn't take long for Julius Thomas to pass him.

51. S Mike Adams -- Broncos
 Adams would be ideally suited as a third safety. He is average in all regards and past his prime, but he has endured. The Broncos need him because Rahim Moore is on injured reserve. Denver should be looking to upgrade here in the offseason. Adams is a quality special-teamer.

52. K Matt Prater -- Broncos
 Prater made 25 of 26 field goal tries during the regular season, including all but one of his attempts from 50-plus yards. He made all three of his attempts outdoors on the road, but none of those were of the 50-plus variety. His touchback percentage was 83.1 percent at home and 56 percent everywhere else (he did not kick indoors this season). Kicking in Denver has its perks.

53. WR Jermaine Kearse -- Seahawks
 The Seahawks tapped into their depth at receiver and generally got positive results. Kearse made the big touchdown catch in the NFC Championship Game even though the ball bounced off his chest before he controlled it. Kearse is a bigger-bodied receiver than most of the other wideouts on the roster. He has value, particularly with Sidney Rice sidelined.

54. CB Jeremy Lane -- Seahawks
 Seattle has great depth at corner and Lane has filled in admirably when called upon. He gives Seattle a second slot corner if needed. That could be a factor against the Broncos, who like to spread the field with Welker & Co. Lane has starting experience as well.

55. K Steven Hauschka -- Seahawks
 Hauschka made 33 of his 35 attempts during the regular season, including all three from 50-plus yards. He has experience kicking in poor weather, which could come into play at the Super Bowl. He made all three of his tries during the Seahawks' 23-0 victory over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium in Week 15.

56. FB Michael Robinson -- Seahawks
 Robinson is not quite the factor he was in previous seasons, one reason the team released him coming out of training camp. He is an underrated receiver and still one of the better fullbacks, at his best. Robinson is more than just a hammer -- he contributes on special teams and serves as a confidante for Lynch.

57. RB Robert Turbin -- Seahawks
 Turbin is a solid No. 2 back with size and he's a good receiver. He projects as a backup and should not beat out Michael in the race to replace Lynch, however.

58. QB Tarvaris Jackson -- Seahawks Jackson might be one of the two or three best backup quarterbacks in the league; Seattle went 7-7 when he started back in 2011. The way the Seahawks' team is set up, it could probably win games with Jackson in the lineup, at least for the short term.

59. P Jon Ryan -- Seahawks
 Ryan was one of the main reasons Seattle's opponents averaged 3.9 yards per punt return, second best in the league behind the St. Louis Rams (2.6).

60. G Paul McQuistan -- Seahawks
 McQuistan came to Seattle as a player with experience in Cable's scheme from their days together in Oakland. The team has won games with him starting at tackle and guard, but McQuistan is best suited as a versatile backup, not as a starter. The Seahawks have recognized this recently.

61. WR Andre Caldwell -- Broncos
 Denver's fourth receiver caught 16 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season. He wasn't a bad player with Cincinnati previously. Caldwell returned kicks over a two-game stretch in the regular season, averaging 27.3 yards per return in one of those games.

62. P Britton Colquitt -- Broncos
 Grading punters can be difficult. One stat that jumps out: Denver allowed 9.8 yards per punt return.

63. TE Virgil Green -- Broncos
 Denver drafted Green and Julius Thomas the same year. Both were considered high-upside players, but Thomas has taken off while Green has been left with blocking duties. He does have some receiving ability, but he rarely flashes in that area.

64. LB Nate Irving -- Broncos
 The Broncos wanted a two-down banger at middle linebacker and Irving seemed to fit the mold, but now Denver's philosophy appears to have changed. They want smaller, faster guys to run behind big, space-eating linemen. That isn't Irving. He's still on his first contract and projects as a depth player.

65. WR Trindon Holliday -- Broncos
 Holliday has one touchdown on a kickoff return and another on a punt return, but they have Decker returning punts in the playoffs because they do not trust Holliday's ball security. That makes Holliday even more of a specialty player. He is dynamic in space and a threat on returns, but nowhere else.

66. TE Luke Willson -- Seahawks
 Willson is tall, runs well and moves better than Zach Miller at this point. He could be a rising player. The Broncos' coverage could have trouble with Wilson if Seattle decides to feature him.

67. LB O'Brien Schofield -- Seahawks
 Seattle scooped him up off waivers when Clemons and Irvin were sidelined early in the season. Schofield has flashed ability and could have a future, health permitting. He's lost in the shuffle because Seattle has so much depth up front.

68. T Michael Bowie -- Seahawks
 Bowie and teammate Alvin Bailey have flashed ability as rookie draft choices. Bowie started eight games when injuries struck the line during the regular season. Bowie has good size and moves well. You can tell he had too much talent to play at Northeastern State. There's a reason he was recruited to Oklahoma State, where he was with Okung briefly.

69. QB Brock Osweiler -- Broncos
 Osweiler has all kinds of tools, but we haven't seen him play enough. Being around Manning and seeing his preparation should only help.

70. DT Sylvester Williams -- Broncos
 The Broncos' 2013 first-round pick became a starter in Week 14 and projects as more of a run-stuffer than a pass-rusher. He's known for his toughness and work ethic, a good combination for a player with first-round talent.

71. LB Paris Lenon -- Broncos
 Lenon has carved out a very good career, but he has no range at this stage. How long as Lenon been around? He played in the XFL.

72. WR Ricardo Lockette -- Seahawks
 Lockette has been a sporadic big-play threat at receiver and delivered a memorable hit on special teams recently, but he hasn't earned playing time consistently. That appears unlikely to change after both the Seahawks and 49ers tried to develop him.

73. S David Bruton -- Broncos
 Bruton is a big, in-the-box safety with value mostly on special teams.

74. CB Tony Carter -- Broncos
 Carter struggled early in the season and lost playing time as a result, but the Broncos need him now that Chris Harris is on injured reserve. Carter was feared to have suffered a concussion in the AFC Championship Game, but he apparently came out OK.

75. CB Quentin Jammer -- Broncos
 Jammer is 34 years old and a liability whenever he gets on the field. San Diego took advantage of him. Might this be Jammer's final NFL game after 183 regular-season games?

76. S Michael Huff -- Broncos
 There was some debate over whether Huff would be a safety or corner coming out of Texas, and in a way he has never really become either. He had a decent year or two playing safety for the Raiders, but now he is mostly a depth player in a shaky secondary.

77. LB Heath Farwell -- Seahawks
 Farwell had six tackles and a forced fumble on defense, making an impact when Seattle used him in a goal-line situation at St. Louis. He is mostly a special-teams player, however.

78. FB Derrick Coleman -- Seahawks
 Coleman has been a terrific special-teams player for Seattle even though he's best known for a hearing deficiency.

79. G Alvin Bailey -- Seahawks
 Bailey showed promise as a rookie and got playing time against the 49ers in heavier personnel groupings. He appears to have a future with the team, perhaps as a starter.

80. G James Carpenter -- Seahawks
 Carpenter has been in and out of the lineup thanks to injuries and poor performance. He was not consistently good before or after suffering a serious knee injury during his rookie season and simply hasn't been what Seattle hoped for when it took him in Round 1.

81. DT Jordan Hill -- Seahawks
 Hill finished his rookie season with 1.5 sacks in four games, but he hasn't played since collecting one sack on 17 snaps against the Giants. His future could be bright, but Seattle doesn't need him now.

82. CB Kayvon Webster -- Broncos
 Webster had one interception and a forced fumble as a rookie third-round draft choice. He doesn't change direction very well and can struggle against quickness, at least at this early stage in his career.

83. RB C.J. Anderson -- Broncos
 Anderson had only seven carries for 38 yards during the regular season, but the Broncos have high hopes for him. Perhaps Anderson will work his way into a role if Moreno moves on as a free agent.

84. T Winston Justice -- Broncos
 Justice has been around since 2006 in part because he's versatile enough to play either tackle spot in a pinch. He played limited snaps against Tennessee and Oakland late in the season.

85. RB Ronnie Hillman -- Broncos
 Hillman was in contention for the starting job and possibly could have replaced Willis McGahee, but he hasn't been consistent in any area. Hillman has wasted his opportunities so far, with ball control an issue.

86. DT Mitch Unrein -- Broncos
 Unrein is a high-effort space-eater on the interior. He lacks pass-rush ability and mostly provides depth as a 4-3 tackle.

87. C Lemuel Jeanpierre -- Seahawks
 Jeanpierre has subbed for Unger at times, but he doesn't project as a future starter.

88. TE Joel Dreessen -- Broncos
 Dreessen joined Tamme in helping Denver make the initial transition to Manning, as all three played together with Indianapolis. Dreessen has produced in the past, but he's no longer a factor.

89. S Chris Maragos -- Seahawks
 Maragos plays on all the Seahawks' special-teams units.

90. TE Kellen Davis -- Seahawks
 Davis played tight end and defensive end at Michigan State. That shows when he tries to catch the ball. Davis does have some ability, as he looks the part and is a pretty good blocker. He started for the Chicago Bears at one point, but he disappoints as a pass-catcher.

91. DE Benson Mayowa -- Seahawks
 Seattle has kept Mayowa on the roster at the expense of contributors, a strong indication the team loves what it saw from him in preseason. Mayowa could project as a future "Leo" in the Clemons mold.

92. C Steve Vallos -- Broncos
 Vallos lacks power and isn't particularly versatile, but he's hung around the league ever since Seattle drafted him with a seventh-round pick in 2007.

93. G Chris Kuper -- Broncos
 Kuper has survived in Denver through a transition away from the zone blocking scheme that suited him better during his prime years. He started the Week 7 game against Indianapolis.

94. QB Zac Dysert -- Broncos
 Dysert has a decent arm, very good size and inconsistent accuracy. He could project as Osweiler's backup at some point down the line.

95. DT Sione Fua -- Broncos
 Fua was a 2011 third-round pick in Carolina and was with the Panthers through Week 10 without making an impact. Fua has played very sparingly and not since Week 15.

96. LS Clint Gresham -- Seahawks
 Gresham has been consistently good for years.

97. LS Aaron Brewer -- Broncos
 Brewer snapped for Prater's record 64-yard field goal.

98. SS DeShawn Shead -- Seahawks
 Shead has bounced between corner and safety. The team has paid him above the practice-squad minimum when he was in that capacity and values him for the future.

99. LB Mike Morgan -- Seahawks
 Morgan makes a few plays on special teams, but not as many as others.

100. WR Bryan Walters -- Seahawks
 Walters ran 19 routes this season, including two in the NFC Championship Game. He has not caught a pass since 2011, when he was with San Diego.

101. SS Omar Bolden -- Broncos
 Bolden played extensively on defense over the final month of the regular season. He picked up two penalties on special teams, as well.

102. LB Steven Johnson -- Broncos
 Johnson played nine snaps on defense.

103. LB Brandon Marshall -- Broncos
 Marshall, a fifth-round pick in 2012, played 15 snaps against Oakland in Week 17.

104. T Caylin Hauptmann -- Seahawks
 Hauptmann has not played a snap for Seattle this season.

105. T Vinston Painter -- Broncos
 Painter has not played a snap for Denver this season.

106. CB Marquice Cole -- Broncos
 Don't brand Cole as the "worst" player on either team. Truth be told, different players have different values based on what their teams need at the time. Cole was a very recent addition in Denver and could factor more than some of the players listed above him.
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« Reply #24 on: January 22, 2014, 09:40:05 pm »

I wish Terrelle Pryor was a Seahawk.
« Last Edit: January 23, 2014, 12:15:10 am by Autumn » Report Spam   Logged
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« Reply #25 on: January 23, 2014, 09:36:40 am »

Cute Autumn.
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« Reply #26 on: January 23, 2014, 09:39:13 am »

 Roll Eyes
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