The Jim Leyland Hate.

Leyland has had only ONE losing season with the Tigers....I'm sick of the "collapse"" talk. I bet NOBODY knew that stat. He's been to 3 playoffs with the lowly Pirates at the time. He took a Florida team that never been to the World Series, and a Tigers team that was laughing stock for a decade. But nevertheless, HOW MANY TIMES has the team he coached, blown a September lead? ONCE?  If you asked any pessimistic Tigers fans, he does it EVERY YEAR.

Nevertheless, blowing leads in September is based on injuries and player fatigue, NOT the coach. How can you blame a coach for players sucking it up for the last 30 games of the season? They should be READY by then. They should be warmed up and IN THE ZONE.

Fatigue can be fix by RESTING players more, yet haters CONSISTENTLY rip on that too.  Have you ever thought to yourself....."Hey, Leyland is resting guys more to avoid PLAYER FATIGUE, which causes LATE SEASON COLLAPSE, which causes some of the Radio Show announcers and lazyboy coach-fans to call LEYLAND out during EVERY loss, because he had ONE late (September) season collapse. ONE.

The fact that anyone blames "collapse" on Leyland is moronic.  How come he never gets called a GREAT STARTER?  Or a great MID SEASON coach.  It doesn't matter WHEN you win the games.  Yes, the Tigers blew a 3 game lead with 4 to go in 2009, IT SUCKS.  It's not on the coach though.  Crap happens.  Was it Leyland's fault that Huff NOR Washburn couldn't put up their regular numbers?  Was it Leyland's fault that Miggy got shitfaced at the end of the season?  Winning over 80 games a season, almost each year is A LOT better than what we are used to are Tigers fans are used to.

Some of you are WAY too harsh on Leyland. Be Optimistic.  If the Tigers go to the playoffs, they'll have went twice since 2006.  How many teams can ACTUALLY say that?  How many coaches can they they've done that?

Fantasy Football Special

The Tutor has his OWN formula when he drafts.  The formula includes everything from ADPs from major sports sites (15 of them), Offensive line rankings, strength of schedule, playoff strength of schedule, talent surrounding them, and what option they are on the team.  It's pretty complex but it makes it easier on draft day.  The Tutor is already picking the moment it's his turn, while others wait 5-10 minutes because they are unsure.  Is it foolproof?  Nope.  Injuries happen, but not just to the player, but their "surrounding teammates."  Some guys don't live up to their hype and some guys just flat out lose their jobs.

This blog will contain the top ten or fifteen players at each position according to my rankings.  I'll also post guys I hate to draft, and late round sleepers.

Top 10 QBs
1. Vick
2. Brady
3. Rodgers
4. Brees
5. Rivers
6. Manning
7. Romo
8. Roethlisberger
9. Schaub
10. Ryan

Top 15 RBs (non PPR)
1. Foster (keep an eye out for his current injury)
2. Peterson
3. Johnson (contract situation is scary)
4. Charles
5. Rice
6. McCoy (bump a few for PPR league)
7. Jones-Drew
8. McFadden
9. Gore (if healthy, he's a top 5 RB)
10. Mendenhall
11. Turner
12. Jackson, S
13. Fotre (quietly a great fantasy producer)
14. Hillis (ended the year poorly)
15. Blount

Top 15 WRs
1. Johnson, A
2. Fitzgerald
3. Nicks
4. Johnson, C
5. White
6. Wallace
7. Jennings
8. Wayne
9. Jackson, D
10. Jackson, V
11. Austin
12. Williams, M (TB)
13. Bryant
14. Bowe
15. Marshall

Top 10 TEs
1. Gates
2. Clark
3. Witten
4. Finley
5. Davis
6. Daniels
7. Graham
8. Lewis
9. Winslow
10. Gronkowski

Guys I hate
Peyton Manning and Michael Vick scare me this year.  If you draft them, draft a back-up quickly like Bradford or brother Manning.  Peyton just isn't healthy and wearing down and Michael Vick is bound to miss a game or two.

I never touch Mike Shanahan running backs.  So I'm not touching Hightower, Helu, or Torain.  I just don't trust Mikey.

I don't like Peyton Hillis this year.  He ended last year poorly and now Hardesty, who would have been starter last year is back.  He'll steak some touchdowns, but he's not going to play like he played at the beginning last year.

Usually, I would like Ryan Grant, but with the emergence of Alex Green, no, not James Starks, I'm not touching him.

Hell, I'm not picking any Green Bay players at skilled positions.  Too many balls to go around to Jennings, Driver, James, Nelson, Finley, and those running backs.  I'm sure a few of them may have good seasons, but I am not taking the chance.

Steve Smith, either of them, will not be on ANY of my teams.  One is getting older and has a rookie quarterback and the other one is buried 4-5 deep on the most talented offensive team that I've ever seen.

Pierre Thomas, will not be on any of my teams either.  Saints like to throw and they drafted a stud running back.

Last season, no receiver hurt fantasy teams in the last month of the season than Anquan Boldin, yet people still overvalue him.  "But Lee Evans is in town."  So what.  Really?  Lee Evans?  This is a hard nose running football team that also lost Todd Heap, a guy, who help keep some pressure of Boldin.

There are 3 other guys like Thomas and Grant, that I'm not touching because their are talented guys right behind them in the depth chart.  Those guys are Ryan Matthews, Felix Jones, and Joseph Addai.

My TE list is limited to only Tony Gonzalez, Chris Cooley, and Shiancoe.  Tight End is a pretty deep position this year, so stay away from the OLD (T.G) and two guys (CC & VC) who have talent on their depth chart behind them as well questionable quarterbacks.


Sleeeeeeeepers!

Now, I'm not saying he's a top 10 quarterback, but Chad Henne will have a good fantasy season and squash any question about losing his job.  He will be a good bye-week filler and possible replacement for an injury.

Sam Bradford and Ryan Fitzpatrick will put up INSANE numbers this year and will make fantasy owners upset that they can't play them because they have their #1 QB already.

Fred Jackson, is being undervalued in the drafts.  Truth is, he's a top 10 back in the last three years of football and DOESN'T get hurt.  Don't let CJ Spiller scare you.

DeAngelo Williams has a lot of talent and the best offensive linemen yet continues to be undervalue.  This is a 2nd round running back at WORST and gets slapped in the face with 4-5th round selections.

Another guy being undervalued, Marshawn Lynch, will have a terrific year.  He's a solid #1 with nobody threaten to take his job.

PPR special goes to Reggie Bush.  He's going to get more looks with a rookie running back as his tandem.  He looks pretty good thusfar.

Running back, back-up young guy special  goes to Alex Green, Jacquizz Rodgers, DeMarcus Murray, and Delone Carter.  If you are in a keeper league, drafting them is a MUST.  Otherwise, grab them if you have the starter.  They all have lots of talent but need injuries or poor play to get their time.

Good-bye Steve Smith, hello Mario Manningham.  With Nicks taking serious covering, Manningham is gonna put up the best numbers of all the #2 receivers, and half the #1s.

I know most people might call me a homer, but Braylon Edwards is going to a better situation.  Crabtree is losing his spot as #1 and Edwards has something he wants to prove.  He's being drafted as WR3, but will play like WR2.

There are tons of young guys with talent, but my top picks for sleeper value is AJ Green, Arrelious Benn, and Andre Roberts.  These are guys being drafted 5 or more rounds past Julio Jones but will put up better numbers.

If opportunity presents, Kevin Oglretree has an opportunity to put up some good fantasy numbers.  Same goes for Vincent Brown.

Possession guys, who is primed for good years, especially in a PPR format are Torrey Smith, Nate Burelson, Eric Decker, Danny Amendola, and Davone Bess.

I only have THREE Tighe End sleepers.  Two of them in my mind will be top 10 tight ends, Jimmy Graham and Jared Cook.    The other, Kyle Rudolph has too much talent to be kept off the field.  He's a next year Jimmy Graham.  (Keep an eye on Travis Beckum also)


Tips
Make sure you get a back -up quarterback who has a very very favorable match up during your starters bye week. 


Other than QBs, don't even look at bye weeks.


If you are in a PPR league, the difference between a pass catching running back or possession receiver outweighs a guy who's just a long ball threat.  Guys like Austin Collie and Steve Johnson, two guys you can get with your 4th and 5th rounders score MORE points weekly, than guys like Mike Wallace, Miles Austin, and DeSean Jackson do.  Guys who are getting drafted in the SECOND round.  Don''t believe me.....check it out yourself.  That's what makes a guy like Amendola, Bess, and Harvin dangerous as well, since they are going even later than Collie and Johnson.


Don't freak out in week 2 and start trading your players (unless an injury occurs).  A two game losing streak at the start of the season is no different in the middle or end.  Everyone in your league will lose two in a row some point.


Lastly, don't worry about Kickers but do try to get a top 10 defense.  Nothing wrong with trying to get two of them and play match up each week.  It could be the difference of 10 points each week, if you typically a person who just nabs two defense in the final picks.

NFL TEAM by TEAM ANALYSIS and PREDICTIONS

No.  This isn't my fantasy predictions.  That will come soon enough.  Football season is BACK and the Tutor is ready to analyze each team and how they did thus far in the off season.

AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers
They haven't made a splash in the off season but resigned everyone they needed to in order to repeat as AFC champs.  It's gonna be a fist fight with the Ravens but it'll be enjoyable to watch every minute of it.

Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens got a lot younger in the off season without mortgaging any hopes of winning division.  It will be interesting in who steps up to be the #2 receiver with Heap and Mason gone.  That could be the difference in the division.

Cincinnati Bengals
These are the biggest losers in my book.  They needed to let Palmer go and get something good for him.  They also lost their best receiving threat and their best corner back.  They'll be contenders for the NFl's worst team especially if Palmer shows up with no heart.


Cleveland Browns
Some sites called Browns the biggest off season losers.  In terms of movement, I agree with them.  They did nothing spectacular.  Quite easily the worst team on paper and least fun team to watch.


AFC EAST
New England Patroits
The Patriots did what they do best.  They keep recycling players.  I love the OchoCinco signing.  He won't put up Moss numbers but I think he'll have one of his best seasons of his career.  If Haynesworth shows half of his talent, the Patriots will benefit from this signing.  One of the favorites to be playing far in the playoffs.

New York Jets
The team everyone either LOVES or HATES.  Had they signed Asomugha, I would have called them the favorites of the AFC.  But since they didn't and have an ugly offense, they are going to be right where they've been the last two years.  Close.....but no cigar.  It'll be fun to see what Burress has left in the tank though.

Miami Dolphins
I'm a Chad Henne believer and I think Miami needs to stick with him and stop screwing around with the wildcat.  Ricky Williams and Brown are gone.  Enter:  Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas.  They should flirt with the .500 record like last year.

Buffalo Bills
It's the Tutor's favorite team!  What did they do this off season?  Not much.  They replaced Pos with Barnett and drafted a few nice young defensive players.  They've been competitive each of the last two years but I don't forsee them doing much better than last year.

AFC WEST
Kansas City Chiefs
Personally, I believe that Chiefs had a little bit of a fluke season.  They didn't do much in free agent other than Steve Breaston.  I look for them to decline from last years 10-6 record but still flirt with wild card, due to a rather weak division.

San Diego Chargers
A full year of Vincent Jackson and the signing of Takeo Spikes will put the Chargers back in the top of the West.  It won't be enough to make it farther.

Oakland Raiders
The men in black lost Asomugha, Miller, and Gallery.    Is Jason Campbell going to show up?  Will McFadden stay healthy?  Last year's 8-8 record will seem like a great season after 2011 is all said and done.

Denver Broncos
While the organization fights over Orton and Tebow, they'll be losing more games then most of the other NFL teams.  Orton will help them win more, but also brings more value in terms of a trade.  I'd say trade Orton and roll with the punches.  Even though Gaffney was a productive player, the Broncos made a good trade and received nice value for him to improve their defense.   They also had a few nice defensive draft picks in Miller and Moore.  This team is a few years away from being competitive.


AFC SOUTH
Houston Texan
The only splash they made in the off-season was changing defensive personnel, which might be the best move they could have made.  Their offense is solid with Schaub, Foster, and Johnson.  They won't be making the playoff anytime soon but they'll be competitive in most games.

Indianapolis Colts
The leaders of the division look to continue to be the leaders for the foreseeable future.  They added some defensive help and resigned their most important asset.  If healthy, they should be able to contend for the Superbowl crown.

Jacksonville Jaquars
The teasers of the 2000s.  They always look like they are going to overtake Indianapolis but never do.  Their defense still looks pretty solid, especially at the linebacker spot with the signing of Posluszny.  The big question will be whether they mold Gabbert into the starter.   One thing for sure, they'll be teasing playoffs all season.

Tennessee Titans
 Hasselbeck or Locker is the main question.  There defense took a hit with losing Babin and Tulloch. Ayers was a good pick for the defense and they still have Chris Johnson.  Their biggest weakness is their receivers.  They'll be somewhat competitive and hugging the .500 mark all season.

NFC NORTH
Green Bay Packers
The Superbowl Champs, who weren't even healthy, now have everyone back.  Losing Barnett wasn't helpful from if anyone can overcome a loss, it's these guys.  Their offense and defense are still rock solid and will be hard to knock of the throne.

Chicago Bears
Harris, Kruetz, and Olsen are bigger losses than you think.  Barber should be better than Chester Taylor and Roy Williams should emerge as the #1.  If Cutler can keep his composure, Bears have a chance to make the wildcard.

Minnesota Vikiings
These guys are my picks to be the NFL's most surprising team.  Anytime you have Adrian Peterson, you have a chance to win.  Now add Donovan McNabb instead of the junk that they've been throwing out there and they are legitimate again.  They also added a blindside protection for McNabb as he looks to revive his career.  They won't be a easy team to beat.


Detroit Lions
I've been dogging the Lions and their off season ways for years.  It's a love-hate relationship.  Do I think they got it right this year?  Not really, but much better than years past.  Their biggest strength was their defensive line and that's what they addressed in the 1st round.  They also addressed a WR, another position that wasn't a need,  in the second.  However, I applaud them for Tulloch and Wright signings, even though they may not be all-world.  What irks me is that they have the SAME offensive line.  Will this be the year that everyone turns on Stafford or will he save his face?  They'll flirt with 7 wins, but the revival of McNabb will keep them from being 2nd in the conference.

NFC EAST 
Philadelphia Eagles
Do I really need to mention what they did this off season?  Anything less than a meeting with the Packers in the NFC championship would be a fail.  Trading Kolb was by far their best move.

Dallas Cowboys
Because they were in salary cap trouble, they couldn't sign any big names.  They resigned some key guys and now they just need to hope for good health.  If they want to win, they'll need to be a big time passing team.  Like the Bears, they could falter below .500 or tease the wildcard.

New York Giants
Whether or not they have Osi in their lineup come regular season will be the difference between winning and losing.  He's a sack machine.   Amukamara and Austin were good draft picks.  The offense should hold their own as they flirt with 9 wins.


Washington Redskins
Doing what they do best, signing anybody and everybody possible.  Either way, they are definitely younger and rebuilding.  Andrew Luck would be a great addition to this team next year and most likely will happen as long as Grossman is at the helm.


NFC SOUTH
Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Michael Turner, and now Julio Jones.   Offense is loaded and so is defense, with the signing of Ray Edwards and his 8 sacks last year. They'll be in competition with Eagles, Saints, and Packers for that NFC crown.

New Orleans Saints
 One of the most active teams in free agencies kept pace with Falcons and Eagles.   They replaced Bush with Sproles and signed a good linebacker in Clint Ingram.  They have a chip on their shoulders with that Seattle lost last year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last year, this team flirted with the playoffs, but failed miserably in the end.  Bucs did nothing in the off season and I don't expect them to flirt with a winning record this season.

Carolina Panthers
The Cam Newton ERA has begun and Carolina helped out by giving him Olsen and Shockey at the TE spot.  Their defense is quietly underrated and that's why they'll be competitive in many of their games.  It's very possible that they could be this years Rams/Bucs.

NFC WEST
Seattle Seahawks
Yep, last year's favorite underdogs.  They did everything right this off season, except for one thing.  They let their quarterback go, and replaced with..........Tavaris Jackson?  This isn't a particularly hard division so the addition of Rice and Miller might combat losing Hasselbeck.


San Francisco 49ers
With the West for the taking, I'm very surprised that the 49ers stood back and did nothing to improve their team.  Guess they want Andrew Luck, and they will probably get him.


St. Louis Rams
The addition of Mikeel and Sims Walker might very well just put St. Louis over in the West.  They were busy this off season and they added a couple of insurance policies for Steve Jackson (Norwood/Williams).  Winner of this division won't have more than 9 wins and it's gonna be a dogfight just like last year.  Rams have the edge because they have the best QB.


Arizona Cardinals
Patrick Peterson, Heap, and Kolb were two A+ additions to the Cardinals.  In a year or two, this division  could easily be theirs.  However, they need to address their offensive line woes and have patience with Peterson, since Cromartie is gone.  The West is out for anyone, and Kolb is just as talented as Bradford.



Predictions
AFC Division Winners - Chargers, Patriots, Steelers, Colts
AFC WILD Cards - Ravens & Jets
AFC Champion - Patriots
NFC Division Winners - Eagles, Packers, Falcons, Rams (unless Sea gets a QB)
NFC WILD Cards - Vikings & Saints
NFC Champion - Eagles
SUPER BOWL CHAMPS - Patriots













Player Predictions
Michael Vick & Tom Brady are MVPs
Daniel Thomas & Patrick Peterson ROY

Donovan McNabb will be top 15 Qb
Ocho Cinco makes pro bowl (10 tds) and Haynesworth has a solid season.
Plaxico Burress doesn't do much (3 TDs)
Reggie Bush has decent season and plays more than 12 games.







Matt Stafford does get injured but plays more than 8 games,, but only leads Lions to 7 wins.
My Buffalo Bills gets 5 wins.
Washington wins the Andrew Luck sweepstake, barely, over SF.


 ***Fantasy Predictions coming in 2 weeks**