YOUR FRIENDS' ACTIVITY

    Brad Evans

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    Brad "The Big Noise" Evans is Yahoo! Sports fantasy’s resident baseball, football and bracketology expert.

    • The 'Freaks' really do come out at night. (USP)

      Roughly four weeks ago, Alfred Morris wasn't even a glint in fantasy owner eyes. The sixth-round pick from Florida Atlantic was buried deep on Lucifer Shanahan's depth-chart. But several injuries, a standout preseason effort and a 20-plus fantasy point opener later, and the once obscured commodity is now basking in the spotlight.

      On this week's highly opinionated program, Brad Evans and Scott Pianowski decided whether 'The Butler' is believe or make believe material both this week and beyond. Our fearless forecasters also revealed their Option Plays, whether good or bad, for every game on the docket. Also, which perceived superstar — Chris Johnson, Wes Welker or Trent Richardson — coming off a porous Week 1, will bounce back the biggest? We'll unveiled the answer.

      Too busy walking the aisles of Costco for bulk toilet paper? No sweat. Listen to the replays (or download them here) below:

      LISTEN TO HOUR 1 HERE

      LISTEN TO HOUR 2 HERE

      Read More »from The Fantasy Freak Show Podcast: Broken WRs, busted Bears and CJ2LAME predictions
    • Over/Under: Should San Diego prepare for a Britt-ish invasion?

      After serving a one-game suspension, Britt is ready to storm San Diego. (USP)

      Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders for Week 2.

      Kenny Britt receiving yards at San Diego 69.5

      Brandon — UNDER. I'm sure Britt will draw extra attention from the Chargers in his first game since last September, and this looks like a strong San Diego defense. I see Britt falling a bit short.

      Brad — OVER. Provided he isn't incarcerated for the ninth time prior to kickoff, I like Britt's chances here. San Diego's defensive backfield is thin. Shareece Wright is out due to an ankle injury and, though he's expected to play, Quentin Jammer is dealing with a broken hand. His snap count will be limited to 25 or so, but I think he dusts coverage for a long TD.

      Andy — OVER. I expect the Titans to target him plenty, when he's on the field. I also think there's a great chance he'll exceed his snap count.

      Read More »from Over/Under: Should San Diego prepare for a Britt-ish invasion?
    • Lames: Place the blame on CJ2LAME in Week 2

      Owner feelings over Chris Johnson are all too familiar. (USP)

      Each week the Noise highlights 10 bold names who he believes are destined to torpedo your team leave egg on his face. For those playing the Lames home edition, each player must be started in at least 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues to qualify. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 2 Lames in the comments section below.

      Michael Vick, Phi, QB (70-percent started)
      Matchup: vs. Bal
      Badgered repeatedly last week against an average Browns defense, Vick was lucky he didn't leave C-Town folded up in a box. According to Pro Football Focus, 25 of his 61 dropbacks were under duress. Unsurprisingly, the added pressure caused him to make hasty throws, four of which connected with Cleveland defenders. Overall, he exhibited poor decision-making and Blaine Gabbert-like awareness. Vick, a little rusty after an extended layoff during the preseason, isn't completely to blame for his unsteady Week 1 performance. The Eagles offensive line couldn't protect the pocket from a group of handicapped sloths. Its dreadful execution better improve rapidly or the Philly pass game will again crumble. Baltimore absolutely declawed the Bengals Monday night, collapsing the pocket early and often. In total, Andy Dalton, blitzed 48.7 percent of the time, was a victim of four sacks. If the Eagles beef doesn't jell quickly it could be a long, frustrating afternoon for No. 7. In leagues where turnovers are heavily penalized, Vick is bench worthy in Week 2.

      Fearless Forecast: 20-35, 234 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 24 rushing yards, fumble lost, 19.1 fantasy points

      Read More »from Lames: Place the blame on CJ2LAME in Week 2
    • Flames: Spiller stampede ready to roll through KC

      With Jackson out of action, Spiller is ready to strut his stuff. (USP)

      Each week the Noise highlights 12-13 somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post the results, whether genius or moronic, the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 2 Flames in the comments section below.

      Andrew Luck, Ind, QB (11-percent started)
      Matchup: vs. Min
      The Peyton Manning comparisons to Luck are downright eery. Both are highly intelligent. Both exude leadership. Both were No. 1 picks. And both probably relish Papa John's pizza. Most remarkably, their NFL debuts were nearly identical (PM: 302-1-3, Luck: 309-1-3). Against Chicago, the rookie was, for the most part, uneven. At times, he exhibited superstar form, delivering passes crisply in the short-to-intermediate field. Other times, however, he pressed the issue, under-throwing balls that led to costly interceptions. But, as Reggie Wayne commented post-game, "Rome wasn't built in a day." Growing pains are par for the course for any inexperienced QB, even if his name is Robert Griffin III. In Luck's home debut, expect a more favorable outcome. Last week against Jacksonville, the Vikings made Blaine Gabbert look like vintage Mark Brunell, surrendering 260 yards and two touchdowns. Jared Allen could have a field day against an Indy frontline that yielded four sacks in Chicago, but when given time, look for Luck to dissect Minnesota's questionable Cover 2. Versus the Jags, Antoine Winfield allowed a catch rate of 66.7 percent. Meanwhile, fellow DB Chris Cook gave up a whopping 19.8 yards per catch — great news for Reggie Wayne and, if healthy, Austin Collie. Saddle up Luck in deeper leagues.

      Fearless Forecast: 22-35, 266 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 13 rushing yards, 21.6 fantasy points 

      Read More »from Flames: Spiller stampede ready to roll through KC
    • Fantasyland is already freaking out about a certain Dallas WR (USP)

      In the blink of an eye, any player is capable of going from waiver trash to treasure, especially when busting out on an enormous, nationally televised stage.

      Kevin Ogletree, added by the millions since Wednesday night, sparked a frenzy. His earth-shattering eight receptions for 114 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants transformed him into an overnight sensation, naturally drawing Laurent Robinson comparisons.

      On this week's amped up episode of the "Freaks," Brad Evans and Dalton Del Don decided if "The Money Tree" will continue to yield $100 bills moving forward. The tag-team will also break down each game revealing their sleepers and potential busts. Plus the very latest on Arian FosterMarshawn Lynch, Adrian Peterson, and Jonathan Stewart and what running back you should trust (if any) in Washington was revealed.

      Too busy fluffing your neon orange wig? No problem. Listen to the replays (or download them) below:

      LISTEN TO HOUR 1 HERE

      LISTEN TO HOUR 2 HERE

      Read More »from The Fantasy Freak Show Podcast: RB headaches, bad french accents and raging Rivers
    • Over/Under: How bright will Rashad Jennings shine in Week 1?

      Our fanalysts are not thrilled with Jennings' Week 1 prospects. (USP)

      Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball here's our view on 15 intriguing over/unders entering Week 1. Happy Football!

      Rashad Jennings rushing yards at Minnesota 89.5

      Scott — UNDER. I wasn't early on this bandwagon, and I'm not long for it. Minnesota's defense can still get after it.

      Brandon — UNDER. The Vikings allowed a RB to top this number at home only twice last season. If I were the Vikings, I'd certainly be stacking the deck against the run and forcing Blaine Gabbert to beat me through the air. I say Jennings comes under the number but saves his fantasy line with a TD.

      Dalton — UNDER. Minnesota allowed just 3.9 YPC last year, ranking as sixth-best in the NFL. They are at home and favored in this game, so while I don't think he's a bad start this week, with MJD also likely to get 8-10 touches, I expect Jennings to fall short of this rushing number.

      Fred Jackson total yards at the New York Jets 99.5

      Andy — OVER. If we get last year's version of F-Jax, this is no problem. The Jets won't can't score, so the ground game will always be in play for Buffalo.

      Brad — OVER. Come year's end the Jets defensive line should be ranked among the league's elites, but Jackson has looked like a man possessed. The Bill totaled 120 yards against this unit in his lone meeting a season ago. Bank on him eclipsing the century mark again.

      Scott — OVER. Buffalo quietly had a bad preseason but no one's too worried, I guess. I see Spiller presence as overblown.

      Read More »from Over/Under: How bright will Rashad Jennings shine in Week 1?
    • Lames: Mile High disappointment expected for Peyton

      Yes Peyton, your owners' Week 1 loss could be on you. (USP)

      Each week the Noise highlights 10 bold names who he believes are destined to torpedo your team leave egg on his face. For those playing the Lames home edition, each player must be started in at least 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues to qualify. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system shown below. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 1 Lames in the comments section below.

      Peyton Manning, Den, QB (65-percent started)
      Matchup: vs. Pit
      Deep down if you really believe Manning, nearly 20 months removed from taking his last regular season snap, will suddenly display vintage form against the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers defense, the Noise has a pallet of snake oil available for purchase. Full disclosure, I fully expect Manning to finish inside the QB top-12 this season, but early season expectations need to be tempered. As witnessed in preseason play (2:3 td:int split), he still needs to knock off the dust. Concerns over his lost arm strength have been greatly exaggerated, but don't be surprised if he relies on a dink-and-dunk style out of the gate, which plays perfectly into the hands of the Steelers. Pittsburgh may be aging in areas, but it's constrictive nature hasn't waned. It shouldn't be a surprise. Coordinator Dick LeBeau is a genius. And, when healthy, Troy Polamalu is seemingly omnipresent. Last year, despite injuries in key areas, Steely McBeam yielded a league low 5.6 yards per attempt and just 34 pass plays of 20-plus yards. Under the primetime lights, expect Manning to be mystified.

      Fearless Forecast: 23-36, 263 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 19.2 fantasy points

      Read More »from Lames: Mile High disappointment expected for Peyton
    • Flames: RG3 is about to drop bombs on the Bayou

      RGIII's matchup with New Orleans is jucier than Kim Kardashian's backside. (USP)

      Each week the Noise highlights 12-13 somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system shown below. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 1 Flames in the comments section below.

      Robert Griffin III, Wash, QB (30-percent started)
      Matchup: at NO
      In exhibition play, the anti-Akili Smith gave viewers a preview of greatness to come. With the exception of one rough series in Chicago, he displayed exceptional command, precision and pocket poise over three preseason games, finishing 20-for-31 (64.5 completion percentage) for 193 yards, two touchdowns and zero picks. Many would say counting on a rookie in his first professional start is akin to trusting Clint Eastwood to make a coherent speech on an enormous political stage, but RG3 is up to the task. The Saints, already a suspect unit pre-bounty fallout, are a very exploitable defense. Defensive end Will Smith and linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who were handed down multi-week vacations for their part in the scandal, won't be in attendance. Starting linebackers Curtis Lofton (ankle) and David Hawthorne (meniscus surgery) could also miss action. 'Nawlins, the 10th-most generous unit to QBs a season ago, will undoubtedly be one of the league's most matchup-friendly teams, especially early on. Add that to Drew Brees' indestructibility at home (328 ypg, 29:6 TD:INT in eight homes games last year), and it's likely a point-scoring bonanza occurs. A Cam Newton-esque debut is certainly within the realm of possibility. Eat fresh, gamers.

      Fearless Forecast: 26-40, 284 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 29 rushing yards, 28.1 fantasy points

      Read More »from Flames: RG3 is about to drop bombs on the Bayou
    • Instilling hatred for rival teams starts early for NFL fans. (USP)

      Most peoples' Labor Day is marked with pool parties, grilled meats and liquid salvation. However, for the restless citizens of Fantasyland, there's only one thing on the mind, emerging victorious in Week 1.

      With the Cowboys/Giants opener just hours away, it's time to once again weigh tough lineup decisions. On Monday's special edition of the "Freaks," Brad Evans, Scott Pianowski and Dalton Del Don discussed the impact of Maurice Jones-Drew's late-arrival to Jags camp, explain why Robert Griffin III could make a cannonball splash in his regular season debut, played a game of OVER/UNDER and reveal what players owners will pluck off waivers in droves come September 11.

      Too busy putting shrimp on the barbie? No problem. Listen (or download) the replays below:

      LISTEN TO HOUR 1

      LISTEN TO HOUR 2

      LISTEN TO HOUR 3


      Read More »from The Fantasy Freak Show Podcast: RGIII, Rashad and random grilling tips
    • Rapid React: Jones-Drew finally caves, owners who gambled weep

      Finally, Jones-Drew gave in. It's about friggin' time. (USP)

      Of all the stories to rock Fantasyland this summer none has driven owners to the brink of insanity more than Maurice Jones-Drew's ceaseless holdout. Fantastically mustachioed Jags owner Shad Khan, ever the firm businessman, stood his ground, refused to blink and ultimately won. Sunday morning, Adam Schefter reported the league's reigning rush king threw in the towel and finally returned to camp, 38 days late.

      His timing couldn't be more impeccable.

      With millions of drafts expected to commence over the next 24-72 hours, the news surely fostered some bitterness. MJD, a highly coveted first-round pick just a few short weeks ago, slipped well into Rounds 2 or 3 of most 12-team drafts (25.7 ADP, RB15), a well-deserved discount considering the situation. However, now that he's back in Jags black, the sales price is set to expire. Considering his track-record of success, Jacksonville's robust offensive line and upgrades in the pass game, he should, at a minimum, attract attention in the back-half of Round 1. To optimists, his sizable workload and favorable running environment makes him a slam-dunk RB1. Combine that with the numerous uncertainties at RB and the incredible depth at QB and WR this season and it's no wonder why a drafter would house a strong urge to reach for MoJo early on.

      Prospective buyers, however, might want to slow their collective roll.

      Read More »from Rapid React: Jones-Drew finally caves, owners who gambled weep

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