Jack Cough-ear

Manager: Travis R.

Keepers: Jonathan Stewart, Tony Scheffler, Calvin Johnson & Drew Brees

Last year’s finish: 2nd Place

Present at draft: No & Yes

QBs: Drew Brees, Carson Palmer

Drew Brees is probably the one constant in New Orleans. He’s going to throw it and someone, somewhere is going to catch it. Occasionally they’ll rest the arm and have him hand it off. Then he’ll be back to throwing the ball somewhere and someone will catch it. The point is the Brees will put up points. He’ll have the occasional let down, but then he’ll make up for it the following week. He’s pretty good. Carson Palmer isn’t too bad of a QB himself, he’s been battling the injury bug the past couple seasons, but he’s feeling fine now and his receivers seem to be on a more positive track. That only spells a great situation at QB for Travis. Grade: A+

WRs: Calvin Johnson, *T.J. Houshmandzadeh,* Nate Burleson, Chris Henry, Robert Meachem

*T.J. Houshmandzadeh was placed on this team in a 3-way fix.* Matt Stafford will be starting in Detroit and even if he weren’t, Johnson would still be getting quite a bit of attention from the QBs because he is their top-flight receiver. He deserves all the attention he gets, but could benefit from a reliable #2. Burleson will get his shots in Seattle even if Branch remains healthy. He’ll have to make those opportunities count to make it fantasy worthwhile though. Chris Henry is making the most in the preseason of a second chance. While he’s not really a secret there, he could be a fine sleeper that pays off. While Meachem may dominate in Aug., he’s worth taking a late flier on and if he goes big, Trav. will look like a genius. Grade: A-

RBs: Jonathan Stewart, Darren Sproles, Rashard Mendenhall, Jerious Norwood

Oooh… It appears that Travis’ stable is made up of back ups or timeshare participants. It’s not all bad though as Stewart and Norwood will definitely get theirs in their respective situations. The questions are Mendenhall and Sproles. Sproles came on in relief of a hampered Tomlinson late last season and Mendenhall was out with an injury himself early in the season. He represents the unknown, but it’s said he could be the eventual starter in Pittsburgh. Grade: B

TEs: Tony Scheffler

Scheffler isn’t the only guy in Denver, but he is a heavy factor in the passing game with Graham (while capable) more in the blocking schemes. With Orton at the helm now, Scheffler may see an uptick as Orton goes through his reads and possibly plays the “better-safe-than-sorry” game. He won’t reach “elite” level at TE, but he should give Travis a steady production of points from that position. Grade: B+

All DEFs: Dallas

Dallas may have improved through subtraction. Tank Williams is gone. Adam Jones is gone. Roy Williams is gone. They’ve got Igor Olshansky now and he had his name called fairly often in San Diego. As long as the offense can keep them off the field, this defense should produce and they’ve been known to put in a few scores themselves. The IDPs help out here as well. Grade: A

Ceiling?: 3rd – 6th

Floor?: 8th – 11th

Immediate Roster Moves:

Keeper Progress Through Week 5:

Jonathon Stewart	*Tony Scheffler	Calvin Johnson	Drew Brees
2009 current total18.7	2009 current total12.14	2009 current total21.47	2009 current total85.79
2009 game average3.74	2009 game average2.43	2009 game average4.29	2009 game average17.16
Total (by average)63.58	Total (by average)41.28	Total (by average)73	Total (by average)291.69
2008 total127.08	2008 total41	2008 total125.92	2008 total382.19
2008 game average7.48	2008 game average2.41	2008 game average7.41	2008 game average22.48
+/--3.74	+/-+0.02	+/--3.11	+/--5.32

Current league standing: 7th

Firstly, Scheffler was given the boot just before Week 2 of the season. Not that it matters though considering he wasn’t exactly improving on his 2008 numbers. “Megatron” Calvin Johnson is down and will continue to be down this season due to an injury and a rookie QB (who is locked in on him). Detroit isn’t as bad offensively as say St. Louis, Oakland or Buffalo, so there’s hope for their fantasy parts. Brees is still setting the air on fire in New Orleans though it seems that the fire isn’t burning quite as hot. They might have a more balance scheme going but Brees shouldn’t be too far off with a couple big games. Jonathon Stewart is part of that Carolina offense that is struggling to find itself, but they should get it going down there soon enough. Travis has hope.

Keepers announced 12/2:

01. Jonathon Stewart (RB)

02. Joseph Addai (RB)

03. Wes Welker (WR)

04. Calvin Johnson (WR)

05. Drew Brees (QB)

Alternates:

Brian Westbrook (RB), Larry Johnson (RB) & Robert Meachem (WR)

In Week 13, one of Travis R.’s players, Robert Meachem earned this stat line in one play:

The Robert Meachem line

Click the pic to read more and see video.