Fantasy Football News - Vick, LJ, D-Jax and More!

The great thing about fantasy football is that there’s always some kind of news coming out that could affect your upcoming season. From players getting injured to dumb athletes getting arrested (or engaging in illegal dogfights), our goal is to keep you updated on all the various happenings in the world of the NFL. So without further delay, let’s dive right in.

FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Willie Parker to Split Carries?

Steelers running back Willie Parker has been quoted as saying, “I think the two-back system will work very well here in Pittsburgh.”

Uh oh. This sounds like it could be trouble, as yet another team looks to water down the fantasy football talent pool with a committee approach. It might not happen, but runner Najeh Davenport is said to be looking “explosive,” and the team also signed free-agent Kevin Barlow. “Fast” Willie has talent, but there have always been questions about his durability. Throwing the 247 pound Davenport into the mix would certainly save some wear and tear on his body.

If Davenport can stay healthy - which he’s had a problem doing in the past - he might be a valuable fantasy asset, especially in a touchdown-only league. Remember how Marion Barber III gobbled up all those red zone touchdowns last year for the Cowboys?

McCareins to Tennessee?

With a $2.9 million cap number hanging over his head, it appears that the New York Jets might release wide receiver Justin McCareins. If that happens, one of the teams reportedly interested in his services are the Tennessee Titans, a team desperate to give QB Vince Young some adequate targets.

This could be a nice fit. McCareins had his best year with the Titans in 2003 when he caught 47 balls for 813 yards and 7 touchdowns. Since moving to the Jets, he’s failed to live up to his potential, and a change of scenery (and a reunion with HC Jeff Fisher) could be just what he needs.

The Saga of Michael Vick Continues

The AP is now reporting that several informants have come forward to link Michael Vick with illegal dog fighting, but Vick has yet to be charged with anything. While I understand the need for diligence in the matter, Vick is innocent until proven guilty, and these delays are simply dragging his name through the mud and costing him money (AirTran Airways just decided not to renew their contract with him).

But regardless of what happens, I can’t see a scenario where Vick doesn’t get suspended by the league. Adjust your draft board accordingly.

Throw Him the Damn Ball!

According to Chiefs HC Herman Edwards, RB Larry Johnson will become more a receiving threat out of the backfield this year. “If he catches 60 passes…to me it’s like an extended run. It’s almost like a toss play,” Edwards said.

Of course, Johnson caught 41 passes last year, so it may not be a huge increase if he’s in the 60-catch range. Still, these can often lead to big gains, and every point is critical in fantasy football. The biggest question is, can a RB who racked up a record 416 carries last year keep from wearing down and getting injured during the following season? The track record for other guys in the same situation has not been good.

Ward Moves to the Slot

Steelers WR Hines Ward has been lining up as the slot receiver in some formations during the team’s organized activities. While it’s not a permanent shift, Ward believes that it might allow his to get more favorable matchups in certain situations. Believe me, I’m all for any situation that allows Ward to get back to the days when he torched defenses for 1329 yards and 12 TDs (2002) and 1163 and 10 TDs (2003).

Chad Johnson to Race a Horse

This won’t have an impact on your fantasy season, but it is just plain odd. Bengals WR Chad Johnson will be racing against a horse for charity on June 9th. Johnson will have to run 110 yards while the horse, Restore The Roar, will have to go 220 yards. No word yet on whether or not the horse has a crazy dance planned for the finish line.

Jackson Suffering from Turf Toe

The 49ers grabbed WR Darrell Jackson from the Seahawks for a 4th-round draft pick, but the star wideout is currently suffering from a lingering turf toe. While HC Mike Nolan has stated that the team expects him to be ready for training camp, turf toe is notorious for its lingering effects. Add Jackson’s knee problems to the mix, and you have to wonder if this trade was really so good after all. Still, if he’s only healthy for half the season, D-Jax is better than any other WR on the Niners roster.

Jamal Lewis Recovers from Bone Spurs

Browns RB Jamal Lewis had some bone spurs removed from his right ankle four months ago, and he now says that he’s nearly 100%. According to Lewis, “I’m making cuts I haven’t really made in the last two years.”

He’s now had two surgeries on his right ankle in the last two years. While the Browns would love to pound him against opponents, how long is that ankle going to hold up? This could translate into some extra work for 2nd-year RB Jerome Harrison.

Shiancoe to Break Out?

According to analyst Solomon Wilcox, Vikings TE Visanthe Shiancoe “will catch at least 50 balls this year.” TE Jermaine Wiggins is gone, so the job certainly belongs to Shiancoe (which would account for the $7.5 million the Vikings paid him up front). After several years of backing up TE Jeremy Shockey in New York, this could be the year that “V” finally gets to show what he’s made of.

Well, that’s all for today. Check back with us often as we endeavor to cover all the latest happenings in the world of gambling. If you can bet on it, chances are that you’ll be able to read about it at Dare to Gamble.

Fantasy Football News - Vick, LJ, D-Jax and More!