The Ravens hope newcomer Willis McGahee can bounce back after a subpar 2006 in which spent plenty of time hurling chunks.

After I examined the NFC East and AFC East and new Rotorob writer Derek Jones did the same for the NFC North, it’s time to continue on with the Best Series Ever…ahem, it’s time to look at how free agency treated the always thrilling (Read: Mind-Numbingly Boring) AFC North. Oh come on, what else are you going to do, watch this random video of a woman playing Kung Fu on the NES which, for some reason, was called ‘Spartan’ in Japan? Hey, come back here!

Baltimore Ravens

Key Signings - RB Willis McGahee (picked up in trade from Buffalo)

Key Departures - LB Adalius Thomas (New England), G Edwin Mulitalo (Detroit), OT Tony Pashos (Jacksonville)

The Skinny - Let’s get something out of the way immediately. McGahee is no LaDainian Tomlinson or Jim Brown. And I don’t say that to sound like an ass. McGahee is a fine runner when he has a competent offensive line. Sadly, the Ravens offensive line is not shaping up to fit that description. There are intangibles like…umm, the killer Baltimore nightlife and whatnot, but you’re swimming without a lifeguard if you are relying on McGahee as your top back next season.

The loss of Thomas, meanwhile, will hurt the fantasy production of the defense. It’s still a very talented group that will cause turnovers, get sacks, and get picked way too early in every fantasy draft. It’s just the way things work.

Cincinnati Bengals

Key Signings - Umm, none. But the commish decided to make an example of them. That’s something!

Key Departures - G Eric Steinbach (Cleveland), WR Kelley Washington (New England)

The Skinny - In one offseason, the Bengals went from having a legitimate top wide out, two quality number two guys, and a nice third option, to a wide out corps that is basically down to two guys, thanks to Chris Henry’s half-season suspension. Yes, that’s more than most teams have, but it’s less than the Bengals have had and it’s troubling for Carson Palmer. He’s still a top (if not, the top) fantasy quarterback, but more room for problems exist now.

Other than that, expect the same ol’, same ol’ from Cincy. Palmer, Ocho, and TJ will do their thing. Rudi Johnson will get 1,300 to 1,450 yards and 12 touchdowns assuming Steinbach’s loss can be adequately covered up. Wake me up when the playoffs start.

Cleveland Browns

Key Signings - G Eric Steinbach (Cincinnati), RB Jamal Lewis (Baltimore), C Seth McKinney (Miami)

Key Departures - RB Reuben Droughns (New York Giants)

The Skinny - Unlike the Bills, who upgraded at running back while letting the offensive line wither and wilt, the Browns are going with a washed up back and a revamped line. Well, you can’t always get what you want, I suppose. This strategy could actually work better than the Ravens’ ploy. Lewis will never be the back he once was, but this is a good situation for him. He’s moved up from ‘Not worth having on a team’ to ‘Decent back-up runner.’ Yay for progress!

As for the rest of the team, not much is different. Charlie Frye should get better protection and Kellen Winslow is recovering from another surgery. Braylon Edwards is entering that magical third season and the offense seems set to take off. But, well, it’s the Browns, so not much has really changed, right?

Pittsburgh Steelers

Key Signings - OL Sean Mahan (Tampa Bay)

Key Departures - LB Joey Porter (Miami)

The Skinny - The 2006 season was a flat out disaster for the Steelers. There’s no sugar coating that. Ben Roethlisberger almost died a couple times and Pittsburgh was never really alive. But that’s history now. Assuming Ben can keep his head on top of his shoulders, he should bounce back and be a weak fantasy starter or strong backup. Willie Parker remains a legitimate number one fantasy back and the receiving game will be hit and miss. Seriously, I think it’s time to reshuffle the divisions.

That does it for the AFC North. Here’s a new clip of Anquan Boldin. Yes, I do type ‘Anquan Boldin’ into youtube almost daily. No, I don’t think that’s sad. [Editor's note: no, RotoRob doesn't officially endorse Andy's man love for Anquan Boldin.]

April 21st, 2007
Categories: Andy Goldstein, FOOTBALL, Gridiron Goldstein . Author: Andy Goldstein . Comments: 3 Comments

Derrick Dockery is a key acquisition in the Bills’ attempt to remake their offensive line.

What? Football isn’t on your radar yet? What’s that about the Final Four? Baseball? The NBA? Bah, humbug. Football takes a back seat to no sport, even if it’s just some free agent signings! Alright, whatever. You know you want to read this. We already examined the NFC East last week, let’s move over to the AFC East now.

Buffalo Bills

Key Signings - G Derrick Dockery (Washington), T Langston Walker (Oakland), DT Darwin Walker (Philadelphia) and RB Anthony Thomas (Buffalo).

Key Departures - RB Willis McGahee (Baltimore), LB Takeo Spikes (Philadelphia) and CB Nate Clements (San Francisco).

The Skinny - At least you can’t accuse the Bills of having a boring offseason. Between free agency and trades, they have essentially replaced a quarter of their starting team. And, as is often the case, some of the moves are clearly positive, and other…not so much so. The additions to the offensive line will be under the microscope since stud (?) back McGahee skipped town. If the run game doesn’t work, it will put added pressure on J.P. Losman and the Bills aerial attack. Oh, and they need to keep that Losman guy’s jersey clean as well. Unfortunately, the loss of Clements will be hard to overcome. The Bills will probably address this position in the draft, but no one coming out of school will be as polished as the current 49er is.

The whole McGahee thing is probably being slightly overblown. Other than the second half of the 2004 season, the former Hurricane has looked like anything but a stud back. Some of that could be attributed to the porous offensive line, but quality runners make plays even with a sub par offensive line. Interestingly, McGahee’s value probably would have increased had he stayed in Buffalo. The offensive line improvements would have benefitted him immensely. Meanwhile, Baltimore’s once dominant offensive line is aging and clearly not what it used to be. The onus is squarely on McGahee’s shoulders.

Miami Dolphins

Key Signings - LB Joey Porter (Pittsburgh).

Key Departures - TE Randy McMichael (St. Louis), WR Wes Welker (New England) and Coach Nick Saban (Dealing with Devil).

The Skinny - The most disappointing NFL team from a fantasy perspective was easily the Dolphins. No one really emerged as a reliable player, despite the high hopes placed on Ronnie Brown and Chris Chambers. And what did the Miami brass decide to do to rectify the situation? Well, nothing really. Saban happened to weasel away, but the powers who are didn’t really make any moves other than bringing in Porter. All I can do is shrug and say ‘Maybe next year.’

New England Patriots

Key Signings - Well, just look for yourself here. There’s not enough e-space to list them all.

Key Departures - RB Corey Dillon and TE Daniel Graham (Denver).

The Skinny - Well, no one should worry about the Patriots getting complacent with three titles. They brought in a number of players and re-signed just as many. Most notable for fantasy purposes is Dont’ Stallworth, who proved last year in Philly that he can be a dangerous player even as a top option. He and Wes Welker (acquired from Miami in trade) will help Tom Brady move up some pre-season cheat sheets. Meanwhile, Adalius Thomas should be a focal point to a defense that could regain its past prominence as a fantasy force. As for the departures, only Graham will have much of a fantasy impact, and it’s not exactly a positive one. Denver tight end Tony Scheffler was a prime sleeper candidate, but Graham’s presence muddles the situation.

New York Jets

Key Signings - RB Thomas Jones (Chicago).

Key Departures - RB Kevan Barlow (I guess).

The Skinny - There’s really not too much to talk about with the Jets. On the one hand, they had a successful year and nearly made the playoffs, so I hesitate to come out and slam them. But, on the other hand, if the J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets think they are a marginal upgrade at running back away from contending for a Super Bowl title, they are probably mistaken. How about some defensive play makers? How about clearing a path for your only exciting offensive player (Leon Washington)? It was just a sadly disappointing free agency period for this team.

March 30th, 2007
Categories: Andy Goldstein, FOOTBALL, Gridiron Goldstein . Author: Andy Goldstein . Comments: 1 Comment

Leonard Davis may not have as big an impact on the Cowboys as they think.

While the NCAA tournament putters along (yes, I’m already eliminated in my pools, thank you very much, Texas), it’s time for me to turn my attention back to the footballers. The free agency period has died down recently, which means it’s a good time to figure out what fantasy impact all of these signings will have. Let’s start with the good ol’ NFC East.

Dallas Cowboys

Key Signings - OT Leonard Davis (Arizona) and K Martin Gramatica (Dallas)

Key Departures - QB Drew Bledsoe

The Skinny - As you can see, the Cowboys haven’t done too much this offseason so far. Davis was a huge signing according to the team, but as someone who actually watched the Cardinals a lot last season, I don’t exactly agree. Tony Romo is still the man at the helm, but if he can’t get solid pass protection, then all bets are off. Sadly, I don’t have much optimism from these signings. I just hope that Terrell Owens gets healthy and the protection holds up.

New York Giants

Key Signings - Via trade, RB Reuben Droughns (Cleveland) and C/G Shaun O’Hara (New York Giants)

Key Departures - LBs Lavar Arrington and Carlos Emmons, OTs Luke Petitgout (Tampa Bay) and Bob Whitfield

The Skinny - The losses certainly outweigh the gains here, and that’s not including the retirement of Tiki Barber. The Giants offensive line had an uneven season last year, but now it becomes an area of concern for draft day. Expect the G-Men to take at least one tackle pretty high. Despite the Droughns signing, Brandon Jacobs is the best ball carrier on the roster, so it will be interesting to see how that shakes out in the preseason. I’d talk about the linebackers, but I don’t think they made a tackle all season anyway.

Philadelphia Eagles

Key Signings - WR Kevin Curtis (St. Louis), DE Juqua Thomas (Philadelphia)

Key Departures - S Michael Lewis (San Francisco), WR Dont’ Stallworth (New England)

The Skinny - The most important thing to remember here is that everything that happens this offseason for the Eagles is moot unless a healthy Donovan McNabb returns to the lineup. Of course, it would be nice if this team had a legitimate number one wide out, but it seems content with throwing out a bunch of number two and three guys. Thomas is a nice signing as he came alive to the tune of six sacks in spot duty last year, but losing Lewis in the secondary hurts a lot. After a rocky start to the 2006 season, Lewis turned things around and became a weapon for Andy Reid. Unfortunately, by the time the Eagles figured out how to use Lewis, they had already decided to dump him at the end of the season.

Washington Redskins

Key Signings - LB London Fletcher (Buffalo) and CB Fred Smoot (Minnesota)

Key Departures - K John Hall

The Skinny - The Redskins, long known for their freewheelin’ free agent periods, decided to play things closer to the vest this year. They spent more time re-signing their own players, which explains the lack of a big name in the ‘Key Departure’ column. Unfortunately, due to ill-advised trades, the Redskins have, essentially, one worthwhile pick in the upcoming draft. Still, maybe Daniel Snyder has come to the conclusion that team chemistry is worth considering to some degree.

By the way, I’m no expert on basketball, and I think it’s cool that the NBA puts up game highlights on YouTube, but shouldn’t someone be proofreading the titles they put on these things? Jeez, Mr. Stern, children can read that.

- Andy Goldstein

March 22nd, 2007
Categories: Andy Goldstein, FOOTBALL, Gridiron Goldstein . Author: Andy Goldstein . Comments: 6 Comments

The Jets could take a look at Texas cornerback Aaron Ross with their first round pick.

Time to finish up my preview of the first round of the 2007 NFL draft, from a fantasy football perspective. Part I, Part II, and Part III can be found, um, there, there, and there. Ahem, anyway, on to the conclusion.

25. New York Jets

Expert’s Whispers - The Jets might have been a bit boring, but they got the job done to the tune of 10 wins. With an offense ranked 25th overall in the league, however, one would hope for an upgrade. Sadly, the experts don’t see this happening through the draft. Aaron Ross (CB, Texas) and Quentin Moses (DE, Georgia) are names being thrown around.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - Dwayne Jarret (WR, USC) or Robert Meachem (WR, Tennessee) could be available at this spot, and either would add a nice weapon to the Jets. If both are gone, Sidney Rice (WR, South Carolina) would be my next pick.

26. Philadelphia Eagles

Expert’s Whispers - While the Eagles may spend more picks on offense than defense in this draft, their first round selection will probably go to the latter category. Michael Lewis is gone, so Michael Griffin (S, Texas) could take over. Of course, the linebacking crew remained a weakness last season, which could mean Paul Posluszny (LB, Penn State) or Patrick Willis (LB, Ole Miss) become the Eagles first pick.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - The status of Dont’ Stallworth is still up in the air, so adding a wide out like Rice (WR, South Carolina) would ease Donovan McNabb’s return from injury.

27. New Orleans Saints

Expert’s Whispers - The Saints need exactly two things from this draft: A quality corner and a physical linebacker. Enter Daymeion Hughes (CB, California) or Posluszny (LB, Penn State).

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - With Joe Horn on the way out, having another quality receiver on board would be a boost for both Drew Brees and Marques Colston. Rice (WR, South Carolina) is a possibility. Greg Olsen (TE, Miami) has also moved up some draft boards lately.

28. New England Patriots

Expert’s Whispers - This is the Patriots second pick of the first round, and it would be a travesty if they didn’t take a wide out with at least one of them. Dwayne Bowe (WR, LSU) would fit well.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - Bowe works for me.

29. Baltimore Ravens

Expert’s Whispers - The Ravens certainly have already had some major player movement. Adailus Thomas and Jamal Lewis might both be gone. Anthony Spencer (LB, Purdue) is a hybrid type player and would fit well with Rex Ryan.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - Let’s face it, even if Lewis comes back, his career has been over for a while. Michael Bush (RB, Louisville) might be a bit of a reach, but the gamble could pay off for a team that needs to be able to run effectively. (And, you know, for fantasy owners who would love to have another clear cut starting back in the league.)

30. San Diego Chargers

Expert’s Whispers - The Chargers need some help catching passes and stopping other teams from catching passes. Griffin (S, Texas) probably wouldn’t get past the Chargers if he were available. If he isn’t, Rice (WR, South Carolina) and Bowe (WR, LSU) become the top picks.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - Normally, I’d opt for the wide receiver, but the Chargers offense already does plenty for fantasy owners. Go for defense, San Diego. We won’t mind.

31. Chicago Bears

Expert’s Whispers - There’s a consensus that Chicago will go with the best offensive lineman left on the board. Justin Blalock (G, Texas), Arron Sears (OT, Tennessee) and Ben Grubbs (G, Auburn) are the likely candidates.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - That will help both the deep passing game and the running game, so I won’t protest the Bears not taking a skill player.

32. Indianapolis Colts

Expert’s Whispers - Clearly, the Colts are going to address the defensive side of the ball. Justin Harrell (DT, Tennessee) or Jon Beason (LB, Miami) would both help with that not-so-great run defense.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - Yeah, I’m still not ready to talk about the Colts. Sorry.

And that concludes my fantasy look at the first round. Hopefully those offensive players will get put into good situations and we’ll get lots of fantasy points come September.

- Andy Goldstein

March 1st, 2007
Categories: Andy Goldstein, Draft report, FOOTBALL, Gridiron Goldstein . Author: Andy Goldstein . Comments: No Comments

Jacksonville would love to land OSU’s Ted Ginn Jr., but he’ll likely be gone by the time the Jags are on the board.

As the NFL draft gets closer and closer, I’ve been going over what each team will do with their first round selections. Part I is here, and Part II can be found…right…here.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

Expert’s Whispers - After a disappointing 2006 campaign, the Jags need to find a spark in this draft. Unfortunately, pick 17 doesn’t afford any guarantees in that department. Ted Ginn Jr. (WR, Ohio State) is on the radar, but he’ll probably be gone by this pick. Charles Johnson (DE, Georgia) could be a good pick to add depth to an already strong defensive line.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - Pardon my language, but hell if I know. I have given up on trying to figure out the Jaguars. They are easily the most maddening, inconsistent group in the league. Fantasy owners shouldn’t want a Ginn or Dwayne Jarrett (WR, USC) to go to Jacksonville because that passing game is already too crowded. They don’t need a running back, and no offensive lineman or quarterbacks are worth this pick. If I were the Jags, I’d look to trade up to snag Brady Quinn (QB, Notre Dame), or trade down to amass more defensive depth.

18. Cincinnati Bengals

Expert’s Whispers - Obviously, all the experts are projecting a defensive selection, which makes sense considering the Bengals have all the pieces in place with their offensive skill players and no offensive lineman (always a need for every team) that will be left are worth a first round pick. Anyway, Patrick Willis (LB, Ole Miss) and Darrelle Revis (CB, Pittsburgh) could be the selection.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - Oh well, I guess once you have the top fantasy quarterback for 2007 (set in stone), a top six running back, two top 15 wideouts and another wide receiver who could fill in for your fantasy roster, it’s okay to take a defensive player. Wait, what am I saying?! There’s always room for more! The Bengals do need a playmaking tight end after all. Greg Olsen (TE, Miami)!

19. Tennessee Titans

Expert’s Whispers - After a magical 2006 season, what could possibly go wrong for the feel-good Titans?! Vince Young was the man, and the defense improved with every game. Of course, there’s one little problem: Pacman Jones is insane, and now the Titans want to move him. If he does go, look for the Titans to take a cornerback in round one. Leon Hall (CB, Michigan) or Revis (CB, Pittsburgh) are possibilities.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - Young might ‘just win football games,’ but his passing statistics could use some work. Namely, the completion percentage of 52 must go up. What better way to help this than with a potential-laden Jarrett (WR, USC)? He and Young could grow into quite the tandem.

20. New York Giants

Expert’s Whispers - Tiki Barber’s retirement will have very little effect on the way the Giants draft. Not only did Brandon Jacobs prove he could be a feature back, the G-Men also are reportedly interested in trading for Willis McGahee. All of this being said, that’s no excuse for the experts to put up bland predictions like Revis (CB, Pittsburgh) or Aaron Ross (DB, Texas).

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - Having talented running backs is awesome. Having a dominating offensive line is awesome…er. Ben Grubbs (OG, Auburn) could work out; or, instead of having an annoying McGahee and Jacobs ‘running-back-by-committee,’ trade one, move up, and snag Levi Brown (OT, Penn State). See, this is all very easy.

21. Denver Broncos

Expert’s Whispers - Mostly defensive whispers for some reason. Jarvis Moss (DE, Florida) and Johnson (DE, Georgia) are on the radar.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - How about, you know, a dominating run game? Wasn’t that the catalyst for the Broncos Super Bowl victories? Do we really have to go through another ‘And watch out for this undrafted rookie because Mike Shanahan really likes him’ preseason? I say the Broncos trade up and snag Marshall Lynch (RB, California).

22. Dallas Cowboys

Expert’s Whispers - The Cowboys could really use some offensive line help. Grubbs (OG, Auburn) or Arron Sears (G, Tennessee) seem to be the prime targets.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - That works for me. Not only will it boost that annoying running game, but it would give Tony Romo some added protection. Of course, the Cowboys like to move the pocket, which takes the pressure off the offensive line anyway. So, maybe a wideout like Jarrett (WR, USC) or Dwayne Bowe (WR, LSU) would make even more sense.

23. Kansas City Chiefs

Expert’s Whispers - Wide receiver, wide receiver, wide receiver. Not only do the Chiefs have to take a wide out, they have to get the right one. One of Jarrett (WR, USC), Sidney Rice (WR, South Carolina), Bowe (WR, LSU), or Robert Meachem (WR, Tennessee) will be the pick according to the experts.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - With Tony Gonzalez’s career winding down, any receiving option would be a plus. Jarrett is probably the front runner, but it’ll just come down to the Chiefs scouts getting the right guy.

24. New England (from Seattle)

Expert’s Whispers - Talking about wide outs, the Patriots could use one as well. Jarrett (WR, USC) probably won’t be around, so the pickings will be slightly slimmer. New England has the advantage of possessing the 28th overall pick as well, which might mean it goes with defense at this pick and takes a wideout later.

Fantasy Owner’s Dream - The Seahawks gave away that first round pick for Deion Branch, so the Patriots have plenty of options. Personally, I’d like to see them go for two wideouts. Chad Jackson won’t be ready for opening day, which leaves the Pats with, umm, Troy Brown at wide receiver.

That’s all for now! The final part, and my struggle against talking about the Colts, comes to a head on Thursday, so stay tuned for that.

- Andy Goldstein

February 25th, 2007
Categories: Andy Goldstein, Draft report, FOOTBALL, Gridiron Goldstein . Author: Andy Goldstein . Comments: 1 Comment