InGameNow

NFL’s Fantasy Football Awards

December 2nd, 2008 | By Jack Newhouse Posted in NFL

Here are InGameNow’s Fantasy Football Awards

Week 13 marks the end of the regular season for most Fantasy Football leagues. What better time to pass out this season’s Fantasy Football awards. We will hand out ROY, Sleeper of the Year, Bust of the Year, the best player at each position, and finally MVP.

Rookie Of the Year

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears. Fantasy Football fans knew Forte was for real week 1, when he busted onto the NFL scene with 123 rushing yards and 1 td. Forte rushed for 1,012 yards in the first 13 weeks of the NFL season. Just as important, Forte has all ready seen the end zone 10 times. Chicago fans, and Fantasy Football GM’s involved in a keeper league, couldn’t be happier and this rookie’s performance.

Sleeper of the Year

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers. InGameNow would like to publicly apologize for calling Aaron “Erin” this preseason, our minds were made up that he would fail in trying to replace Hall of Famer Brett Favre. We couldn’t have been more bearish on Rodgers, and he has proven to be the 3rd best QB in the league this season. In fact, Aaron’s 212 fantasy points are only 14 behind Drew Brees, the top scorer in all of Fantasy Football. What helps IGN rest peacefully at night, Rodgers was the 25th QB drafted this season in Yahoo leagues. Rodgers was taken behind players such as Carson Palmer, Brodie Croyle, Tarvaris Jackson, and JaMarcus Russell. While Green Bay fans can’t be satisfied with the Packers poor performance, (and Brett Favre winning with the New York Jets), Fantasy Football GM’s are giddy with there late round pick up.

Bust of the Year

Chad Johnson Ocho Cinco, WR, Cincinnati Bengals. First of all, I am not including injured players in this category. The New England PatriotsTom Brady would obviously be the worst case example, but players who missed significant playing time, such as Joseph Addai, Marques Colston, and Laurence Maroney would be included in the hunt. I want a player who flat out sucked, and Ocho Cinco is the perfect example. Maybe I am bitter that Johnson is on my team (I did drink the “he changed his name, he is going to have a HUGE SEASON” Cool Aid) but this guy was horrible this year. Johnson was the 13th WR drafted this season, putting him as the 33rd player taken over all. He scored 61 fantasy points, ranking him 48th in scoring. Both Roddy White and Calvin Johnson have more than doubled Ocho Cinco’s output. For the year, Johnson has 428 yards and 4 td’s. Last year, Johnson had 442 yards and 3 td’s after THREE WEEKS. This guy needs to spend less time at Best Buy buying his coach Christmas presents, and more time in the gym.

Positional Awards:

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints. Brees is on pace to break Dan Marino’s record of 5,084 yards in a season. With a game left against the very porous Detroit Lions, Brees just might do it. This year, Brees has four 3 td games and one 4 td game. Considering he has done this with Marques Colston and Reggie Bush missing extended playing time, Brees is a lock to win this award. It should be pointed out that IGN recognizes the QB position is watered down this year, with Tom Brady being on IR, and Peyton Manning having a bad wheel.

Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons. In week 1, when Michael Turner rushed for 220 yards and 2 td’s, the only people more frustrated than San Diego Chargers fans, were Fantasy Football GM’s who passed on drafting Turner. Taken as the 17th running back, and 47th overall pick, Turner has truly come out of LaDanian Tomlinson’s shadow. With 1208 yards, 13 td’s, and 6 100 yard plus games, Turner has helped the Atlanta Falcons forget about Michael Vick.

Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona Cardinals. Anquan Boldin edges out Larry Fitzgerald, Greg Jennings, Calvin Johnson, and Roddy White in a very tight race to be the top WR in the NFL. Boldin gets the nod for havnig the most points as a WR, despite the fact that he missed games due to a severe head injury suffered week 4. This season, Boldin has 942 receiving yards and 11 td’s in just 11 games. If Anquan had been healthy all season, he would have a realistic shot at being league MVP.

Tony Gonzalez, TE, Kansas City Chiefs. In what might be this season’s least sexy category, Gonzalez proves he is not over the hill at 32. Playing for a very weak Kansas City Chiefs team, Gonzalez has 73 receptions for 806 yards and 6 td’s.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Defense. Playing in the high scoring NFC South, Tampa Bay has scored the most points this fantasy season. What makes this impressive, is that the Bucs have the Carolina Panthers (9-3 this season) Michael Turner’s Atlanta Falcons (8-4 record) and Drew Brees’s New Orleans Saints (4th most points scored in the NFL this year).

Kicker- InGameNow does not see a difference between the top 8 kickers. They have scored between 116 and 110 points. In fact, the 14th best kicker has scored 100 points. This position is not important enough to earn an award!

Most Valuable Player

Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals. Kurt Warner has lead the Arizona Cardinals to be the 2nd highest scoring offense in the NFL. Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are the two best WR’s in the game. Warner is having an MVP caliber season, with 3741 yards, 24 td’s, and only 11 ints. Being drafted the 20th QB, and 113th player overall, Warner has beaten all expectations. Arizona’s only losses this season have been against powerhouses: the Washington Redskins, the New York Jets, the Carolina Panthers, the New York Giants, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Expect Warner to lead his team into to a playoff win this season, something that does not happen for the Arizona Cardinals.

The Best “F You”s in Sports from 2008

October 6th, 2008 | By Sean Finerty Posted in Boxing, Golf, MLB, MMA, NBA, NFL, Olympics, Uncategorized

We’ve all seen it. The New England Patriots epitomized it for 17 games in the 2007/2008 season. All the greats - Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, Walter Payton - thrived on it. It’s the “F You” mentality. Athletes that come to the field with it often find themselves transcending the sport and creating moments that we’re talking about days, months, and sometimes even years later. In 2008, We had plenty “F You” moments in sports, but here’s a list of the best. If you don’t like our list, then F You.

Jon Lester says “F You” to Cancer and the Royals

On May 19th, Jon Lester threw a no hitter in Fenway Park against the Kansas City Royals just 20 months after being diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Last October he clinched game 4 of the World Series in Colorado and then threw no hit the Royals with 9 strike outs and just two walks over 9 innings:

“It’s something that I’ll remember forever, a lot of excitement. I think I had more adrenaline going in the ninth inning than I did in the first inning, which I guess is normal for that situation. It was great. The fans were great; they’re on their feet yelling and screaming. It was probably one of the loudest times I’ve heard Fenway when I’ve been out there pitching.”

Rafael Nadal beats Federer in the Wimbledon Final

For years, Rafael Nadal was considered the best tennis player in the world not named Roger Federer. Federer was ranked #1, and Nadal #2 for 160 straight weeks. Federer owned Wimbledon, winning it FIVE consecutive times. Nadal flipped the tennis world upside down when he beat his arch rival 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-7(8), 9-7, in what many consider the greatest tennis match of all time. To put an exclamation point on his FU, Nadal became the #1 ranked player in the world on August 18th!

The Red Sox say “F You” to Manny Ramirez and Scott Boras

Thanks for the memories Manny… now get the hell out of town and take your ego, money-driven agent with you. The Red Sox were so strong in this sentiment that they paid to have him move to Los Angeles, included prospects and took pennies on the dollar… but they were so fed up with Manny’s antics and selfish behavior, that they brought in the hard-working Jason Bay to replace ManRam in left field. In his first game for the Red Sox, Bay got a standing ovation (before even swinging) and scored the winning run in extra innings. Good riddance.

Woods takes out Rocco at the US Open

Tiger was catching a lot of heat for is apparent knee injury during this years US Open. Typical Tiger, he was non-comental on the situation. The media flat out questioned if he was faking his injury. After 71 holes, Tiger trailed Rocco by one shot. Rocco, one of the most loved players on tour, was even more popular than Tiger that week. Tiger made a birdie on the 72nd hole of the US Open to tie Rocco. According to US Open rules, 18 holes would be played the next day. Tiger played on Monday under apparent pain.
After 17 playoff holes, Tiger was 1 back against Rocco. He made the stoke up on the 90th hole, to force sudden death. Tiger won on the 91st hole of the tourny. Two days later, Tiger announced that he would have season ending knee surgery to have his ACL fixed. For the ultimate FU to the PGA tour, it was also announced that Tiger had played the previous ten months with a torn ligiment in his left knee, as well as a double stress fracture in his left leg. Tiger dominated the PGA tour with only one leg.

Favre Scores 6 TD’s. Meanwhile, Rodgers Writhes in Pain.

When Michael Jordan came out of retirement (the first time), there was no question that the Chicago Bulls would find room for him. I’m half-convinced that if Dan Marino wanted to come out of retirement, the Miami Dolphins would welcome him back with open arms.

So how come the Green Bay Packers weren’t so receptive to Brett Favre’s return to the gridiron, especially when he never really left? Because they had Aaron Rodgers, of course! So while Aaron Rodgers struggled before getting knocked out in the the Packers’ 21-30 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Favre was tossing a career-high 6 touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals.

Elton Brand Signs with the 76ers

This “F You” is a little different from the rest. This one involves telling your current team that you’re opting out of your contract for the purpose of providing payroll flexibility, telling your team you have every intention of re-signing. This one involves your team relying on this assurance when blowing their salary cap load on an All-Star point guard who will be your perfect comlement on the court. Finally, this one involves you going back on your word and telling your team to “F off.” Don’t worry, Elton, the city of Los Angeles is saying the same thing to you as you head off to Philadelphia.

Joe Torre Takes the Dodgers to the National League Championship Series. Steinbrenners and Yankees are Watching from Home.

By the way Joe Torre was treated near the end of his run in New York, you’d think he was no more successful than Isiah Thomas. Fed up with Steinbrenner ownership, Torre jumped to the left coast to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers. Many thought Torre’s chances of reaching the postseason greatly diminished with this move, as he took on a roster that in no way resembled the experience (and payroll) of the Yankees. So what does Torre do? He says “F You” to the Steinbrenners and all his critics, pushing his Dodgers into the playoffs where they swept the heavily favored Chicago Cubs to reach the NLCS. As for the Yankees and their $210 million payroll? I think we all know the answer to that one.

Rashad Evans Knocks UFC posterboy Chuck Liddell the F*&K Out!

Chuck Liddell is the golden boy of UFC. Scratch that. Liddell WAS the golden boy of the UFC - we’re still waiting to hear if the Iceman has thawed out after being knocked out cold by Rashad Evans at UFC 88. Liddell came into the match as the strong favorite - he was ranked as one of the best fighters in the world at his weight class, and he was determined to build himself back up after suffering back-to-back losses to Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Keith Jardine. There was no way Chuck would allow this one to slip away. Evans was just a speed bump in Liddell’s road back to a title shot. Ummm…just watch the video.

Michael Phelps & Co. tell French, “Thanks for the statue…Now get the F*&K out of our pool!”

The 400 medley was supposed to be in France’s backpocket. They knew it, too, predicting that they would “smash” the Americans. And it looked like they would - until Jason Lezak hit the water for a record-setting swim, coming from a full body length behind before pulling ahead for the gold at the last second. Truly a performance that can only be described as an “F You” to the arrogant French.

New York Giants Say “F You” to Vegas Oddsmakers and Take Down the Undefeated New England Patriots in the Super Bowl

Was there ANYBODY who thought the New York Giants could beat the New England Patriots and stand in the way of the NFL’s first 19-0 season? I mean, really, it was like a high school team taking the field against a roster of Pro Bowlers. The fact that the New York Giants even bothered to show up to the stadium was cute.

The Patriots came into this one as something like a 1,400 point favorite. 99 times out of 100, Tom Brady and the Patriots wrap this one up. But as anyone who has watched way too many sports movies will tell you, all it takes is that one time. And, of course, a little “F You” attitude.

Lil Wayne, the Blogger, Tattoo’d ESPN on Himself

October 2nd, 2008 | By InGameNow Posted in Uncategorized

Lil Wayne has started ‘blogging’ for ESPN… and by blogging, I mean spewing some of the strangest, most rambling, hysterical stuff ever. We’ve tried to distill the very best from a Moby-Dick-like piece. These range from Lil Wayne’s ESPN tattoo (really?) to his medical acumen:

First of all, wow. I am overwhelmed by the response to my first blog entry. I think I read the first 402 comments. A lot of them were crazy. A thousand comments in the first day? That makes me happy. I’ve been telling people, “Man I got a blog on ESPN,” and they go, “Yeah, boy, but you’re latest song is crazy!” and I’m like, “I know, but did you see my blog?” I am so excited to have this opportunity. You don’t understand. I got ESPN tattooed on my arm. I’ve had it for at least three months now, so that should show you how seriously I’m gonna take this. I know some people out there don’t think it’s really me, but you have to prove a lot of things when you’re an entertainer, so I’m used to it.

Other Lil Wayne gems:

Now on to Brett Favre. He must know God’s phone number, ’cause he is superhuman. Like, Brett Farve? Come on. He’s like 3900 years old and he threw for six touchdowns? He’s never even done that in his whole career.

Lil Wayne the doctor:

It’s a tricky thing. They say shoulder, and when they say that, that means he could be seriously injured. It’s like me telling you, “I’m sick,” but not telling you what’s sick about me. I’m skeptical about it because when you say something like he has a sprained shoulder, come on, who sprains their shoulder? I’ve never sprained my shoulder. And when I sprain my ankle or my wrist, it takes a few weeks for me to feel better. I’m not an athlete, but that’s just how it goes.

Manny Ramirez is an American Idol:

He’s running out grounders faster than anybody’s ever seen, stealing bases and everything. Being a Red Sox fan, it was always like we can accept his antics off the field because of what he does on it. Now he doesn’t have any more antics, he’s doing everything he’s supposed to do, and oh my God, we’ve got an American Idol.

What We Learned From NFL Week 2

September 16th, 2008 | By Ryan Hogan Posted in NFL

Green Bay 48 Detroit 25
Aaron Rodgers can play.
Before his Monday Night game against the Minnesota Vikings, Aaron Rodgers was the bust-in-waiting, the quarterback that was going to sink the playoff-ready Green Bay Packers into obscurity.  After two games, he’s the NFC’s second highest rated QB and his team is 2-0, both wins coming at the expense of division foes.

Denver 39 San Diego 38
Go for two.
Mike Shanahan was not about to let a coin toss decide his team’s fate in overtime (like it decided Seattle’s fate in their overtime loss to San Francisco).  With the Chargers sans timeout, back on their heels (thanks to Ed Hochuli’s bad call) and with only 24 seconds left in the game, Denver Broncos went for two.  They converted and won the game.  Not only did Shanahan teach us a two-point conversion gives a team the same chance to win as overtime, he also taught us he’s got some very big… Broncos.

Tampa Bay 24 Atlanta 9
Michael Turner’s HOF ceremony should be postponed.
Atlanta Falcons’ running back Michael Turner turned on the burners in week one and rushed for 220 yards in 22 attempts.  In week 2, he came back down to Earth and rushed for 42 yards in 14 attempts.  Of course he was rushing against a team other than the Detroit Lions.

Tennessee 24 Cincinnati 7
Aliens abducted Carson Palmer and replaced him with Alki Smith.
How else do you explain Palmer’s 2008 quarterback rating of 37.1 (his lifetime rating is 88.8).  This is a player many pundits said was a top five NFL quarterback.  Against the Tennessee Titans, Palmer went 16 for 27 with only 134 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.  Sadly, it was an improvement over his week one performance.  Palmer has yet to throw a touchdown in the `08 campaign and he’s not even completing 50% of his passes.

San Francisco 33 Seattle 30
Seattle Seahawks’ receiving core is stuck in a bad Stephen King novel.
Receivers Bobby Engram and Deion Branch are sidelined with injuries until October.  Wide outs Nate Burleson (knee) and Ben Obomanu (clavicle) are done for the season.  During warm-ups for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49’ers, backup quarterback Seneca Wallace, who practiced at wide receiver all week, pulled a muscle and couldn’t play.  Then, in the 1st quarter, wide receiver Logan Payne blew out a knee and is done for the season.  For Seattle fans this year’s injury horrors are worse than anything in the Shining, Pet Semetary or It.

Adrian Peterson Pulls A Tractor Trailer Truck

September 9th, 2008 | By InGameNow Posted in NFL

It didn’t help Purple Jesus beat Aaron Rodgers tonight (but he was damn good)… but it does define Beast Mode for Adrian Peterson. This video shows AP pulling a big rig tractor trailer. The only thing cooler would be if he was doing this on Ice Truckers:

Favre Who?

September 9th, 2008 | By InGameNow Posted in Uncategorized

Green Bay Packers versus the Minnesota Vikings game had an odd feel.  For the first time since 1992, someone other than Brett Favre started at quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.  How did the Post-Favre era start? Okay.

Aaron Rodgers finished the game 18-22 for 178 yards, 1 touchdown and one rushing touchdown.  More importantly, his team won 24-19.

While his numbers are nice (and compare favorably with Favre’s performance yesterday), Rodgers’ poise and game management really impressed.  There were some low-lights; the Packers offensive couldn’t get out of its way committing penalty after penalty.  One illegal-man-down-field penalty brought back a Rodgers’ touchdown pass to Donald Driver.  Still, Rodgers played like a veteran.  He didn’t play like a quarterback making his first NFL start.

Meanwhile, fantasy superstar Adrian Peterson started strong (amassed 61 yards in the 1st quarter) but finished with only 103 yards and a touchdown.  Vikings’ quarterback Tarvaris Jackson was awful in the first half—Aaron Rodgers rushed for more yards than Jackson passed for— but rallied in the second half, leading the Vikings to three scores.  Jackson finished 16 for 34, 178 yards,  a touchdown and a game ending interception.  He also rushed for 65 yards.

New purple-people eater, DE Jared Allen was a non factor–he didn’t even record a tackle.  The Packers’ defense was solid, but did allow the Vikings to convert  7 for 16 on 3rd down and 2 for 2 on 4th down.

Rodgers’ performance didn’t make anyone forget Brett Favre, but the former Cal quarterback did prove he can play.  More importantly, he got the win.