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

Troy Smith To Start For Ravens…

We’ve reported this several times throughout the off-season, but now it appears other news outlets, such as Sports Illustrated and TheHuddle are confirming that Troy Smith is a near sure bet to open the 2008 season as the starting QB for the Baltimore Ravens.

No-Offseason Take: Folks, believe it or not, this absolutely puts Smith on the seasonal fantasy radar. Until he proves he can put up numbers, he’s not worthy of drafting, but keep an eye on him as an early waiver wire gem. If he picks up Cam Cameron’s offense, the former Heisman Trophy winner definitely could light up the stat column.

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

Michael Vick Preparing In Prison?

Apparently, former Falcons QB Michael Vick is currently fully prepared to comeback to the NFL in 2009, after a 23 month prison term. The soon-to-be 28 year old QB will likely be released from the slammer in the summer of 2009, but then he’ll have to be reinstated to the league by commissioner Roger Goodell. Our sources say there’s no way the Falcons will take him back, but Ravens QB coach Hue Jackson says he’ll come back strong somewhere. Read more

Julius Owners: Don’t Believe Holmgren

Our sources aren’t buying into Mike Holmgren’s recent coach-speak about using a running back committee. Even though Julius Jones wasn’t spectacular by any means last season in Dallas, he is head and shoulders above Maurice Morris and T.J. Duckett. Our sources believe that Holmgren is using the media to send a message to his running backs that in mid-May, nobody should take anything for granted. However, Jones will definitely be the starter, and see the rock 20-25 times a game, assuming he stays healthy. We also hear that Jones has worked extremely hard in pass protection, and improving his receiving skills this off-season. In other words, Maurice Morris is not a threat to his fantasy value. 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 To Use No-Huddle In 2008…

New Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and Cam Cameron have decided to install the no-huddle offense in 2008 despite the retirement of QB Steve McNair. We have a feeling this could mean good things for QB Troy Smith.

Smith actually played a lot better than Kyle Boller last season, and even if the Ravens draft BC QB Matt Ryan, Smith could be their starter to open the year.

We love this news for RB Willis McGahee’s value as well.

Second year LT Jared Gaither has played in place of Jonathan Ogden thus far in mini-camp. Gaither is 6′9″, 350 lbs.

Denver To Trade Javon To Dallas?

The Broncos are expected to deal Javon Walker to the Cowboys for a fifth round pick.Craig Davis, Chargers WR 
No-Offseason.com
The Chargers reportedly have a ton of confidence in second year WR Craig Davis and plan on using him a lot more in 2008.

Troy Smith, Ravens QB 
No-Offseason.com
Troy Smith is reportedly in the running to become Baltimore’s starting QB in 2008.

Justin Smith, Free Agent DE
No-Offseason.com
The Steelers and Browns will reportedly show a ton of interest in Free Agent DE Justin Smith.

Michael Strahan, Giants DE
No-Offseason.com
There is a strong possibility that Michael Strahan will return to play with the Giants again in 2008.

Alge Crumpler, Free Agent TE
No-Offseason.com
Reports are that Alge Crumpler could sign with the Tennessee Titans this week.

DeShaun Foster, Free Agent RB
No-Offseason.com
ESPN’s John Clayton says that Foster will sign with the San Francisco 49ers within the next couple of days.  He’d be somewhat of a threat to Frank Gore, especially with new OC Mike Martz in town.
Troy Williamson, Vikings WR
No-Offseason.com
Clayton also says that Jacksonville, Cleveland and Miami are rumored to have interest in trading for 24 year old WR Troy Williamson sometime in March.