YOUR FRIENDS' ACTIVITY

    Brad Evans

    • Like
    • Follow
    Author

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

    • The Falcons are one game away from powering their way to the Super Bowl. (USAT)

      Over the course of a long fantasy season, it's impossible not to get duped. No matter the sport, injuries, ineptitude, random coaching changes influence constant value fluctuations. In a game where man-crushes frequently spawn, suckers are born every minute second. Just ask certain imbeciles who fell head over heels for a girl named Ryan Mathews.

      On this week's genuine program, Brad Evans and Dalton Del Don reflected on this weekend's conference championship games, decided how high Colin Kaepernick's 2013 draft stock has risen, discussed Chip Kelly's impact on brand name Eagles, assess edwhether Jay Cutler will finally return to respectability under Marc Trestman and dissected the season that was and will be at the wide receiver position. We even revealed hot hoops pickups to help improve your standing.

      Too busy watching the Oprah Winfrey-Lance Armstrong-Road-To-Everlasting-Dickishness event? No sweat. Listen to the replay below.

      LISTEN TO HOUR 1 HERE (NFL)

      LISTEN TO HOUR 2 HERE (NFL w/NBA take)


      Read More »from The Fantasy Freak Show Podcast: Stumping for Kelly, playoff picks and the Jack attack
    • Pressing Questions: The Kansas City Royals

      The Royals, not exactly kings of the MLB jungle. (USAT)

      Controversial, lopsided trades are a staple in baseball. Over the years, numerous unbalanced swaps have occurred, leaving fanbases both perplexed and pissed. Pittsburgh’s shipping of Jose Bautista to Toronto for ‘iconic’ catcher Robinzon Diaz back in 2008 immediately comes to mind.

      Soon, Royals GM Dayton Moore’s December shipping of uber-prospect Wil Myers to Tampa, along with pitchers Mike Montgomery, Jake Odorizzi and Patrick Leonard, in exchange for James Shields and Wade Davis may be viewed with similar bewilderment.

      Myers, the organization’s 2012 Minor League Player of the Year, clubbed 37 homers over 522 at-bats between Double and Triple-A last year. A rare blend of raw power, patience and high-contact (.304 BA at Triple-A in '12), he has future All-Star written all over him. At 22, he’s on the precipice of becoming a middle-of-the-order producer for years to come. Tampa scored a stud.

      As Big League Stew commented back in December, the move is a bad one for a club that hasn’t finished with an above .500 record in nine years. Worst yet, it hasn’t punched a playoff ticket since the days of teased hair, parachute pants and whatever the hell this was (1985). The deal was just another example of how front offices overvalue starting pitching, choosing to give up untapped offensive talent for hurlers that, despite a solid track-record, are not true difference-makers.

      To help decipher the meaningful from the meaningless, here are five additional pressing questions about the Kansas City Royals entering 2013:

      Read More »from Pressing Questions: The Kansas City Royals
    • To Niners fans, Aaron Rodgers tastes like Chicken. (USAT)

      After a wildcard weekend in which the chalk paid handsomely, will the dogs have their day in the divisional round?

      On this week's enthusiastic program, Brad Evans and Scott Pianowski set ealistic expectations for RGIII in 2013, explained why Jacksonville is the most attractive available job in the league, touched on speculation surrounding the possible offseason dismissals of Michael Turner and Ahmad Bradshaw and dove deep into the season that was and the season that will be at the running back position.

      Too busy snooping around online for Katherine Webb pics? No problem. Listen to the replays below:

      LISTEN TO HOUR 1 HERE

      LISTEN TO HOUR 2 HERE

      Read More »from Freak Show Friday: Playoff predictions, RB review and old school beats
    • RGIII's 2013 draft stock has fallen, and it can't get up. (USAT)

      Overnight Tuesday while most of us were dreaming about trysts with Brent Musburger obsession Katherine Webb, nightmarish details leaked from Redskins HQ about the status of one of fantasy's most coveted players.

      First reported by ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, Robert Griffin III, who turned the fantasy world on its collective ear posting the fifth-best per game output among quarterbacks, was forced to undergo full knee reconstruction Wednesday morning, his second such procedure in four years. His recovery is expected to take 6-8 months, but sources close to Mortensen expressed confidence the Offensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner will be ready for game-action come September.

      In a far more sinister way, Lucifer Shanahan struck again.

      Whether the chewed up turf of FedEx Field, Shany’s shadiness or Griffin’s skewed sense of invincibility is to blame, it doesn’t matter. What’s done is done, an unfortunate turn of events that greatly complicates the rising star’s future effectiveness.

      For keeper league owners faced with critical offseason decisions, the news presents unwanted dilemmas and uneasiness. Those heavily invested in the prized passer sincerely hope Dr. James Andrews injected Adrian Peterson cells into Griffin during the procedure. A quick, smooth recovery is highly desired.

      Read More »from First Down: Cuts like a knife! Surgery clouds RGIII’s 2013 draft standing, keeper value
    • Pressing Questions: The Colorado Rockies

      Boy Todd Helton is really showing his age (USAT)

      Traditional concerns cropped up for the Rockies last season, issues which quickly turned the season sour. Despite finishing well inside the top-10 in several offensive categories, including team BA, slugging and runs scored, Colorado’s dreadful pitching staff restricted its ability to win. Frankly, it was a laughing stock, generously serving up hitters grapefruit-sized pitches on a silver platter. Purple-clad hurlers combined for an awful 5.22 ERA and 1.55 WHIP (5.97, 1.60 at home). Management could’ve injected Coors Field’s dampened balls with led and it wouldn’t have mattered.

      Largely devoid of pitching talent equipped to compete in such a harsh environment, the Rockies were doomed from the start. Jorge de la Rosa, the club’s best pitcher, was still recovering from Tommy John. Journeymen Jeremy Guthrie, the epitome of mediocrity, was its Opening Day starter. And Jamie Moyer, fresh off wrapping ‘Cocoon 3,’ proved to be a disaster. An early season setback to former All-Star Troy Tulowitzki and complications at third base only amplified the woe. When the final pitch was thrown in 2012, it was no surprise why Colorado finished 64-98, 30 games behind NL West champ San Francisco. To its loyal fanbase, Rocktober seemed eons ago.

      But a new year ushers in a fresh start. Offensively, the Rockies boast one of the league’s best scoring lineups. De la Rosa is slated to return. And the bullpen, which on the back end performed adequately last year (Rafael Betancourt: 31 SV, 2.81 ERA), should again be a strength. With Walt Weiss now calling the shots, a rapid turnaround is possible, though likely a long-shot.

      To help decipher the meaningful from the meaningless, here are five pressing questions about the Colorado Rockies entering 2013:

      Read More »from Pressing Questions: The Colorado Rockies
    • First Down: Reid, Kelly bring curiosity, fantasy value boosts

      With Kelly calling the shots, Gordon end-zone prances could be plentiful (USAT)

      Earlier this week, Black Monday was a dark day for many familiar faces. In total, seven head coaches received their walking papers, including franchise mainstays Andy Reid, Lovie Smith, Norv Turner and Ken Whisenhunt. Other less tenured coaches, like Pat Shurmur and Chan Gailey, also failed to avoid the axe.

      In an instant gratification society where it’s all about what you’ve done for me lately, sour seasons, especially over consecutive years, are intolerable in the NFL. With every overthrown pass, every botched snap, impatient fanbases grow increasingly hungry for Ws, desperate to watch their heros kiss the Lombardi Trophy.

      Fantasy owners, particularly those in keeper leagues, are wired similarly. If dismissals bring instant fame and fortune, they are unquestionably for it.

      Optimism, which would satisfy both fanbases, is already in the air.

      On Friday, Andy Reid agreed to terms with the Kansas City Chiefs. Several hours later, Chip Kelly, as first reported by Ian Rappaport of NFL.com, was close to filling the coaching vacancy in Cleveland.

      Both moves have fans of all shapes and sizes in KC and Cleveland overwhelmingly giddy. Still their employment leaves many in the fantasy community with questions. To help clear the air, here is my take on common misperceptions attached to each coach:

      Read More »from First Down: Reid, Kelly bring curiosity, fantasy value boosts
    • Temple piercings, soon to be all the rage (USAT)

      Just because your season ended prematurely doesn't mean you can't continue to fuel the fantasy addiction. This week, millions of owners fielded postseason franchises, hoping their fortunes will reverse in the new year.

      On this week's titillating program, Andy Behrens and Brad Evans provided their top tips for ensuring playoff league success and discuss their in-depth strategies from the Yahoo! 'Expert' Postseason Draft. Also on this week's show, we predicted where Mike Wallace will be catching passes next season, broke down the coaching bloodbath from Black Monday and recapped the season that was at QB.

      Too busy getting your wife-in-Brady-Quinn-jersey inked on your inner thigh? No sweat. Listen to the replays below:

      LISTEN TO HOUR 1 HERE

      LISTEN TO HOUR 2 HERE

      Read More »from The Fantasy Freak Show Podcast: Postseason strategy, Chip Kelly and questionable body art
    • Exit Interview: Gonzalez proof that age is nothing but a number

      Gonzalez, in his 15th-year, absolutely balled out in 2012. (USAT)

      For the first time in the fantasy era, a pair of tight ends were weighed by drafters at the Round 1 turn. In the eyes of millions, Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham, off historic 2012 campaigns, were position titans equal to or better than some of the virtual game's most established wide receivers. Unfortunately, injuries and inconsistency hindered the duo in the follow-up. Overall, after a year of unprecedented production, the position as a whole slipped. Though still deep, only four TEs finished the season with at least 120 total points in traditional formats, the lowest total since 2008. Below is our recap of this season's TE flames and lames with a quick look at what notable names could bring rags or riches in 2013. Ring out the old, ring in the new.

      Who is most deserving of MVP honors?

      Andy – JASON WITTEN. Yeah, I realize the touchdown total is a little light, but the man now owns the single-season tight end reception record, plus he showed up in the fantasy playoffs. Tony Gonzalez could have claimed this award, but he was nearly shut out in the most important week of the season (one catch, nine yards in Championship Week).

      Brad – TONY GONZALEZ. At an age (36) when most players are wielding Big Berthas, the position revolutionary continued to plug away. Though his near no show in Week 16 hurt many, he was a primary reason why supporters advanced to the second season. Gonzo's 9.1 per game average in standard formats was his highest output since leaving KC in 2008.

      Brandon – TONY GONZALEZ. I admit that I was among those that felt that Gonzo was headed for the "career cliff" this season. Instead of hitting the wall, Gonzo crashed through it with two middle fingers held high. If there was a question as to who the greatest tight end of all-time was coming into this year (and there really wasn't), there's not much of an argument anymore.

      Dalton – TONY GONZALEZ. He's the No. 1 fantasy tight end who was widely available in the middle rounds of drafts. Remarkable for a 36-year-old.

      Scott – I'm still giving it to ROB GRONKOWSKI, no matter that he played in just 10 games. His points-per-game count is far ahead of the pack, so Gronk + any fill in put you in a good place.

      Read More »from Exit Interview: Gonzalez proof that age is nothing but a number
    • Owners can't wait to smother Lombardi with smudges. (USAT)

      For the 2.6-percent of masochists in attendance who have championship games in Week 17, our final show of 2012 is dedicated to you.

      On this week's celebratory program, Brad Evans and Brandon Funston broke down what playoff clinched teams could rest its major players. We also unveiled our sleepers, busts and Shocker Specials from every Week 17 game, decided whether or not Adrian Peterson will make history versus Green Bay, explain what lessons we learned in 2012 and, of course, answered your pressing championship questions.

      Still busy slugging back the eggnog? No problem. Listen to the replays below:

      LISTEN TO HOUR 1 HERE

      LISTEN TO HOUR 2 HERE

      Read More »from The Fantasy Freak Show Podcast: Baltimore busts, lessons learned and St. Nick
    • Exit Interview: Watch out Megatron, A.J. Green is stalking you

      On some 2013 draftboards, Green will be No. 1.(USAT)

      Many offensive coordinators had their head in the clouds again this season, evident in the pass-first mentality most teams portrayed. As a result, pass catchers, unsurprisingly identical to quarterbacks, experienced unprecedented fantasy success. In total, 19 wide receivers averaged at least 10.0 points per game in standard formats, up one from last year and four more than five years ago. The usual suspects dotted the landscape, but several newcomers (e.g. Randall Cobb and Eric Decker) made their mark as well. Below is our recap of this season's WR flames and lames with a quick look at what notable names could bring rags or riches in 2013. Ring out the old, ring in the new.

      Who is most deserving of MVP honors?

      Andy – DEZ BRYANT. Megatron may have the record, but no one dominated like Dez when it mattered most. He delivered 34.4 fantasy points in Championship Week, which is just silly. Bryant has made 10 house calls over the past seven weeks.

      Brad – MEGATRON. The Madden Curse is

      Read More »from Exit Interview: Watch out Megatron, A.J. Green is stalking you

    Pagination

    (1,001 Stories)