Fantasy Analytics: Rookie QBs & TEs

With preseason activities gaining momentum, there is a definite need for quality rookie analysis as it pertains to the world of fantasy football. In an attempt to meet this need, Fantasy Football Analytics has partnered with No-Offseason.com on a 3-piece series, providing you the information you need to know before acquiring any of these rookies in dynasty leagues or deep keeper leagues. This first segment covers the quarterback and tight end positions and assigns each player discussed a letter grade for their dynasty league/deep keeper league value. Please be aware that these grades represent the long-term value of the players in question and not only the 2008 season. Read more

BAL: Flacco signs 5-year deal

Joe Flacco (QB) 7/18: Updating an earlier report, Joe Flacco signed a 5-year deal for $30 million as the Ravens quarterback of the future, according to Pro Football Talk. The deal contains $8.75 million in guaranteed dollars.

We Were Right About Smith & Jones

We know, we know - We Were Right About, We Were Wrong About about is reserved for the NFL season only, but when we report something and then several weeks later, guys like Adam Schefter from NFL Network report the same thing, it gives us a feeling of validation. In this case there are two reports this week that have surfaced. One is the development of Ravens QB Troy Smith and the increasing possibility that the Ravens have found a perfect fit and future starter in him. The other is that Mike Holmgren was totally bluffing when he said he’d use a running back committee with Julius Jones, Maurice Morris and T.J. Duckett. Read more

Will Rookie QBs Have Fantasy Value?

Many folks close to NFL teams, as well as several analysts have already come out and said that guys like Baltimore Ravens first round pick Joe Flacco, and Miami Dolphins second round pick Chad Henne, have a good chance at starting for their respective teams sometime in 2008. The question I want to clear up is - do any of this year’s rookie QBs have a shot at fantasy stardom? Read more

Titans Coaches Love Roydell Williams

Coming off a broken ankle, it may seem hard to believe, but our sources are adamant that fourth year man Roydell Williams will be a main contributor for the Tennessee Titans in 2008. The 6′0″, 187 pounder from Tulane caught a respectable 55 balls for 719 yards and four TDs in his third season - his first fully healthy one as a pro. Read more

Troy Smith Could Start Week 1…

Although Kyle Boller is technically the starter for the Baltimore Ravens currently, and first round pick Joe Flacco is the future starter, we’re hearing what we’ve said would be true all along - Troy Smith has a great chance to start for the Ravens this season. He’s looking great in off-season workouts, and finished off 2007 respectibly.

He won’t be a fantasy option, but he’s intriguing and worth watching.

Ravens Move Up To 18, Take Flacco…

The Baltimore Ravens traded up from the 26th pick to the 18th overall pick to take Delaware QB Joe Flacco, who we think could end up being the best fantasy QB out of this year’s draft class.

Flacco is almost 6′7″, has a HUGE arm, and enters an offense with some solid weapons and a good offensive line.

Interestingly enough, the Texans could’ve gone with Rashard Mendenhall with this pick, solidifying their RB position for years to come and giving fantasy owners a phenomenal dynasty option in a great offense. Oh well.

Ray Rice Is A Second Round Sleeper

Alright folks, now we’re really getting into the nitty gritty. We’ve finished the first round of our 2008 NFL Mock Draft, but we’re not done. It’s a fact that the second and third rounds produce just as many fantasy football studs as the first. Check out Ray Rice and other phenomenal fantasy sleepers coming out of round two. Read more

Joe Flacco Projected In Early Second Round…

Delaware 6′6″ QB Joe Flacco is apparently being projected as an early second round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, as he’s visited the Falcons, Ravens and Rams over the last several days.  All teams pick in the top 10 of the first round, which would likely be too high to draft Flacco, who many draft experts say has the top arm in the draft.

Eli Manning, Giants QB
No-Offseason.com
Manning, Michael Strahan, Jeremy Shockey and Plax Burress will likely miss Giants early off-season workouts.

Michael Pittman, Free Agent RB
No-Offseason.com
Big surprise here - Rod Marinelli is reportedly interested in bringing in yet another former Tampa Bay Buccaneer - Michael Pittman.  The problem is, the guy is 34 freaking years old and doesn’t solve the Lions RB problems.

Ryan Clark, Steelers FS
No-Offseason.com
Clark is currently atop the Steelers depth chart at free safety.  He is fully recovered from a spleen procedure last season and is reportedly 100 percent healty.

Chris Crocker, Dolphins SS
No-Offseason.com
Crocker signed a one year deal with Miami and will compete with Yeremiah Bell and Keith Davis at SS.

Mike Williams, Titans WR
No-Offseason.com
Titans WR Mike Williams reported to Tennessee’s offseason workouts at 254 pounds, which is 16 lbs lighter than he was last season.  Jeff Fisher is reportedly encouraged, but Williams remains a longshot to actually make the team in 2008, especially with Norm Chow gone.