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.

Jay Cutler: I’m Stronger Than Brett Favre

November 30th, 2008 | By InGameNow Posted in NFL

They come along all the time, these young guns eager to face the legendary Brett Favre. Matt Cassel. Trent Edwards. JaMarcus Russell. To them, it’s a “grandchildren” game, as in: One day, I can tell my grandchildren I played Brett Favre. In that respect, the Broncos’ Jay Cutler is no different. Leading up to Sunday, he showed the obligatory reverence toward the most prolific passer in NFL history. But, unlike the others, he actually threw himself into the Favre conversation, claiming he has a stronger arm than the Jets’ quarterback. “Yeah, I think so,” Cutler told the Denver media, laughing. “He’s 39, soon to be 40. I think he may have given me a run back in his 20s, but I think I got him now.” In Colorado, they call it necessary brashness. In New York, where Favre’s stature is approaching Namath-esque proportions, it’s known as Chutzpah.
– New York Daily News

With Brady Injured and Patriots Not Dominant, the 2008 NFL Season Seems Odd

October 25th, 2008 | By Ryan Hogan Posted in NFL

The 2008 NFL season is odd. There’s something missing. It lacks energy. Brett Favre is a New York Jet.

Don’t misconstrue my message. I’ve enjoyed Read more…

Romo’s pinkie points toward classless Favre

October 17th, 2008 | By Steuart Martens Posted in NFL

ESPN reported earlier this week that Brett Favre called Tony Romo offering support and advice regarding Romo’s injured pinkie finger.  Romo broke the finger last week in a loss to the Cardinals and it was initially reported that he could miss up to a month.  Favre called him and then told the world about the conversation.

Why does Favre feel the need to share a supposed private conversation?  Had he not met his quota for ESPN Bottomline stories for the week?  Was he fearful that everyone from Tony Kornheiser to John Madden had forgotten about him?  Does he like heaping more pressure on an already injured quarterback?  Or does he just enjoy coming off as an arrogant athlete who likes sticking it to his old team and teammates whenever possible?

Favre unsuccessfully tried to break Romo’s finger last year

If Favre wants to call Romo there is no issue.  He can call Romo as many times as his Packers issued cell phone allows.  However when Favre feels the need to tell the entire world about his conversation that is when he crosses the line.

Favre reportedly called his old ESPN friend Ed Werder to let him know that he had talked to Romo.  He not only told Werder about the call, but he goes on to say that he suggested that Romo put a splint on the finger and keep playing.  Really Brett?  You were calling to “check in on an old friend,” you tell him to suck it up and play, and then tell the whole world about it.  Don’t put any more pressure on your “friend.”

This entire story, like so many others during the entire Favre v. Packers saga this summer, was leaked from the Favre camp.  This was not brought up in a press conference nor a conference call, Romo has been silent about the entire situation.  This was Favre trying to show everyone what a quality person he is by showing genuine concern about a fellow player.

It was also Favre sending a very clear, albeit subtle, message to his old team.  Do you think Favre, being the concerned QB he is, ever called another fellow QB who also happens to be fighting through an injury?

Brett Favre’s replacement and current Packers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not heard a word from his old ‘mentor.’ Rodgers, who sprained his shoulder two weeks ago and has played effectively through the injury, was recently asked if he had heard from Favre, like Romo did.  According to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, Rodgers hasn’t heard a peep.

Remember when Favre at least acted like he enjoyed his Packers teammates?

It becomes clear that Favre’s conversation with Tony Romo and more importantly subsequent conversation with ESPN was all about putting himself on a pedestal, all while giving himself an avenue to subtly show his angst for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers organization.

Favre would never want to publicly criticize anyone for fear that he would lose the few Packers and Brett Favre supporters that are too blinded by love see what is really happening.  Instead he resorts to playing games in the media.

Although it would not be difficult for Favre to send Rodgers a simple message of encouragement, this is not the point.  He doesn’t have to send Rodgers any messages, Favre owes Rodgers nothing.  However, when Favre spouts off about offering advice to an injured quarterback, but stays silent about his old teammate it only reinforces the childish behavior that has encompassed the last 6 months of the Brett Favre saga.  It reveals that Favre was able to successfully con Packers fans into thinking he was a team first player for the last 16 years, when in reality he will jump at any opportunity he can find to subtly, yet strongly, stab his old teammates in the back.

Real classy Brett.

The Chicago Bears Kyle Orton is Better than New York Jets Brett Favre

October 7th, 2008 | By Jack Newhouse Posted in NFL

Chicago sports fans down in the dumps after your TWO baseball teams went 1-6 in the post season?  Well, your Chicago Bears Kyle Orton has a better win percentage than the New York Jets Brett Favre. Favre has a career record of 163-97, winning 62% of his games.  Orton has a career record of 15-8, winning 65% of his games.

Favre has had a notable vicodin addiction

Orton is not afraid of the bottle

Nobody will argue Orton is more accomplished than the future Hall of Fame QB.  What is interesting is that Orton has had a better career win percentage than Favre.  This could be the year of the Chicago Bears!

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.