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Warden Report Parity makes gives fans hope despite crazy times
By Ryan E. Houston, Special to CNNSI.com Back to feeling better so here we go ... I have been playing this game for well over eight years now and this has to be one of the weirdest seasons I have ever been involved in. At this point in the season who would have ever thought that teams like Chicago, Cleveland and Pittsburgh would be so good. Is this a case of them just improving week to week or are the other "stronger" teams in the NFL actually weaker? Case in point: Minnesota. They come out and rip the Packers apart two weeks ago and then come out and can't get a first down until the middle of the third quarter against an average Bucs squad. What is going on here? Which leads me to my next point ... As bad as some of us complain about parity in the NFL, isn't it nice to feel your team has a shot to win it every year? Look no further than the World Series that is currently going on. As a Mets fan I can't even fathom of the idea of watching another Yankee victory. I was physically ill after watching Tino Martinez hit his homer in game 4. This has to be the most ridiculously slanted sport in our nation, and I even root for a team in New York. With the Yankees you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. If you beat them this year, they simply go out and spend tons of money on the players that will help them win it next year. If you lose to them they STILL go out and refine the squad and make it better.
That is what makes football so much more enjoyable. Each week a team as horrific as the Washington Redskins can beat the NFC East champions of a year ago. Everyone starts out with an opportunity. Each team has a certain amount of money they can spend. What a novel idea. I enjoy the fact that there are no "Yankees" in football and I appreciate the opportunity to have the hope that my team will win a Super Bowl each year. That is what makes this game so enjoyable and for those that choose to complain about it -- Go watch baseball!
Williams not deliveringI know in yardage-based leagues that Ricky Williams is a decent start, but what happen to the stud runner of a year ago? I don't know about you, but I expected much more than what he has delivered thus far. This weekend should be a great matchup for him when the Saints take on the Jets, who have one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. This should equate to a Williams' field day.
Doug Flutie vs. Rob JohnsonIs it just me or are you also tired of hearing about this spat. I watched the game last week, hoping that Rob Johnson would lead the Bills to victory. Simply because I knew that alone would shut up the media. Unfortunately a shanked FG (which is common in Buffalo) overshadowed a great game by Rob Johnson. The media circus will continue from now until the end of the season and Flutie will still be a Charger at year's end. Get over it, he's not coming back. The Bills had to keep Johnson and the rationale was simple: money and age. Sorry if you don't understand that, disgruntled Bills fans, but the shanks must go on. (Sorry I meant show).
Are you kidding me?What does Mike Alstott get for burying the Packers and obliterating the Vikings: a demotion. Word out of Tampa is Warrick Dunn will start at tailback. No wonder the Tuna rumors continue to swirl.
To trade or not to tradeThis week I have been inundated with LaDanian Tomlinson e-mail. Some are concerned about his "injury," durability and stamina. All I know is it would be very difficult for me to trade this guy simply based on a questionable injury, if any. I didn't get the feel from reports in San Diego that his hip injury is very serious and the Chargers coaching staff was quoted as saying, "He wants the ball more and more every week." 'Nuff said.
Roses are Red...Bucs talk Smack,Drew Bledsoe is Toast, I drafted Anthony Thomas, So now I can boast!
Surprises and disappointmentsEric Moulds continues to see double and triple coverage and has been nearly nonexistent this year. That trend could change this week as the Bills face a horrible Colts secondary. I see a Bills victory this week and Moulds will be involved one way or another. Todd Pinkston has basically disappeared the past two weeks. A game against the Cardinals might be the perfect wake up dose he needs! Anyone convinced Terrell Davis is going to play this weekend? Better yet, would you take a chance and put him in your starting lineup? Don't you hate it when a guy has a massive offensive line, solid skills and yet can't do much with any of it. Welcome to the world of James Stewart. To make things worse, he sits last week after reports indicated he would play. Thanks James!
Ryan Houston is the co-owner of FantasyAsylum.com. His column "The Warden Report" can be found there along with other great tools to help increase your Fantasy Football knowledge. Follow The Warden and James Quintong of CNNSI.com as they do battle in INSANEX -- The Insane Experts League, only on FantasyAsylum.com. The Fantasy Football Institute for Insane Fans! Get Committed...To Winning!
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