Rashard Mendenhall Makes His Mark

We took a “we’ll believe it when we see it” approach with Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall after a disappointing rookie season and beginning to his sophomore campaign. Well, he certainly made his presence felt in Week 4 against the Chargers. See who else’s stock is rising heading into Week 5. Read more

Next To Emerge?

In the rapidly evolving age of committee backfields, fantasy football owners are constantly searching for “the next playmaker.” While plenty of 2008 rookie RBs put their stamp on the fantasy football community, there were a handful that still left a few things to be desired. What will happen to the “best of the rest” in 2009? Read more

Sophomore Sleepers - Running Backs

The 2008 fantasy season was nearly dominated by rookies, especially first year ball carriers. 1,000 yard rushers like Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton and Matt Forte made dynasty owners drool and seasonal owners rethink who the top players in fantasy football really are. Detroit’s Kevin Smith even burst onto the scene late in the year, Carolina’s Jonathan Stewart scored 10 TDs in limited work, and Dallas’ Tashard Choice was a top fantasy performer during the season’s final three weeks. However, fantasy owners should still expect more from the 2008 rookie class. Read more

Rashard Texts Into Trouble…

Steelers rookie Rashard Mendenhall texted into some trouble prior to the team’s Week 4 game, sending a message to fellow rookie RB Ray Rice that he planned on having a monster game in his first NFL start against Rice’s Ravens.

Well, of course Rice showed the “He-Man” quote to his Ravens teammates Bart Scott and Ray Lewis to get them all fired up.

Mendenhall gets a two week audition as the team’s starter with Willie Parker out, and we think he’s a solid flex play in deep leagues. If Mendenhall takes advantage of his opportunity, his dynasty owners will be thrilled.

Believe It Or Not - Rashard Is Ready

Steelers rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall, who only has 10 carries in the first three games of his NFL career, has been thrust into a starting role for the next two weeks against Baltimore and on the road at Jacksonville. Critics may say he faces two tough defenses and can’t hang onto the football, but our sources believe he’s ready to shine in his two-game audition as Pittsburgh’s starting RB. Read more

Fantasy Week 4 - Who’s In? Who’s Out?

Just when fantasy owners thought things couldn’t get any crazier this season, Week 4 hit with full force. We’re not even halfway to game day, and there have already been several line-up changes. While all of them have an impact of some sort, perhaps the most intriguing change is that rookie Rashard Mendenhall will make his first career start in place of the injured Willie Parker (knee) on Monday night. Read more

What’s The Deal With Maroney?

For nearly three years now, fantasy owners have been baffled by the saga of Laurence Maroney. He has the skill set to easily be the featured back for the New England Patriots. When given the opportunity towards the end of last season, Maroney played extraordinarily, as he was the primary reason the Pats were able to move the ball in their last seven games. However, Maroney found himself in splittsville with veteran Sammy Morris in Week 1. What gives? Read more

Our Sources Speak: 2008 Predictions

Last season, we predicted that Jamal Lewis would be a huge sleeper RB candidate as the featured back for the Cleveland Browns, following three straight sub-par seasons in Baltimore. Now, heading into 2008, we’re not so high on Lewis. Our sources have spoken. Find out what crazy predictions we’re making for the 2008 season based on their words. Read more

Rashard Mendenhall Is A Beast

Our sources tell us that they saw what they hoped they’d see out of Steelers first round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall in his preseason NFL debut against the Philadelphia Eagles – the makings of the NFL’s next great featured back. It may seem hard to tell in only seven carries, but our sources are convinced that the 5’11”, 225 pound versatile power back will replace Willie Parker sooner rather than later in the Steelers’ offense. Read more

PIT: Top rookies expected for camp

Rashard Mendenhall (RB) 7/23: Top rookies Rashard Mendenhall and Limas Sweed are expected to be signed prior to the start of training camp Sunday, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Coach Mike Tomlin said, "We don't anticipate any of these guys having hold ups as far as participating." No-Offseason Take: See where Mendenhall and Sweed rank in our dynasty rookie rankings.

Fantasy Analytics Discusses Rookie RBs

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

Anthony Gonzalez Is A Difference Maker

As the analysis of our most recent expert mock continues, clear cut sleeper options continue to reveal themselves. Find out why it’s so important to keep your head in the game throughout the mid-rounds of your drafts. Read more