Donte Stallworth's Contract Status

I received though e-mail today the following:

Stallworth signed a six-year, $8.9 million contract in July 2002 with the Saints that voids to five years if he reaches minimum playing time benchmarks. Stallworth has reached those minimum benchmarks and therefore will be an unrestricted free agent in 2007.

The "benchmarks" are basically undisclosed. I will keep everyone updated on Stallworth, so keep checking back here at the Flog.

Willis McGahee Update

Willis McGahee owns the New York Jets, just ask him. McGahee told the media in Buffalo that he owns Jonathan Vilma, and that Vilma makes "little tackles" and "runs his mouth." Vilma fired back saying "Tell Willis that's cute, that's really cute. And tell him when he gets Defensive Rookie of the Year and he gets to the Pro Bowl and he gets to the playoffs, then we can talk." If you ask me, these two former teammates are starting to make this an interesting match-up Sunday.

As for McGahee's status, he did practice Friday, and as I told you yesterday, if he practiced Friday, he should be good to go. I did receive a three word confirmation from a source today as well. Pertaining to Willis McGahee, he said that he was "good to go." Speculation concerning McGahee on the web is just that, speculation. You can not bench McGahee. Even the coaches say he should be good to go, despite being a game time decision in a late game Sunday.

As you seen with the week 14 edition of the Game Day Wonders, I am expecting a great game out of McGahee. I stand by those statements. Expect to see 126 rushing yards and 1 touchdown from McGahee this weekend. Don't listen to the naysayers, there are not many running backs I would start over McGahee this weekend.

Remember, McGahee was supposed to miss four weeks earlier this year after suffering from a rib injury, he returned ahead of schedule, after only missing two weeks, and scored twice on the monstrous Jacksonville front seven while collecting 71 yards on only 13 plays.

If you want an update on the weather for East Rutherford come Sunday, it is expected to be a great day for football, with highs in the mid-50's, and light winds from the west, not exceeding 15 mph. Those are great conditions for another edition of McGahee Mayhem in the Meadowlands.

The Flog: Living in Infamy

Who'd a thunk? A year ago I was wrapping it up at a semi-successful fantasy football web site, now I am at another, rapidly growing enterprise known simply by its acronym... FFLW. I might have left the 'Chairman's Editorial' back there, but I am now reintroducing it as 'The Flog.' If you have not been nurtured by the Editorial, you will now get a brief history lesson into its origins.

Three years ago, 'Chairman's Editorial' started out as a weekly rant on the current events of the NFL. Marshall Faulk, Stephen Davis, and Deuce McAllister were some of the hot topics. It slowly evolved into an e-mail friendly column, similar to a 'mailbag,' where I discussed some of the readers questions. Back then, it was only getting around 200 hits a day. Fast forward to 2005, the Chairman's Editorial was receiving around 1,500 hits a day on average, thanks to advertisements, backlinks, and what not.

Now I am here, the Kobayashi of Fantasy Football, the Moose Knuckle of columns, the unperturbed of the perturbed fantasy geek rufflers. Now, without further adieu...

Let me reintroduce the Chairman's Editorial as The Flog.

Sound the trumpets. As we enter the 14th week of the season tonight, who would have thought that the Oakland Raiders would actually lead the league in something positive? The Raiders are leading the whole league in pass defense! On the flip side, Cincinnati is dead last in pass defense. Minnesota still is rocking the league as the top run defense in football, while Indianapolis is still wading at the bottom in run defense.

Now, I did say that I would give props in my Game Day Wonders week 14 edition, to anyone, anybody, that started Aaron Brooks against Houston week 13. Well, I only received one e-mail where someone stepped forward. Beni Guiterrez, from Houston, Texas, I salute you, but I haven't heard back from you since last Saturday, and after Brooks' performance, I hope you are live and well. Sorry I didn't put you in the Game Day Wonders, but you did make The Flog.

Now for more serious business, Chester Taylor failed to practice again today. His ribs have left his status in ruins, and he is officially listed as doubtful. Reports out of Minnesota claim that Ciatrick Fason and Artose Pinner have been handling the rock in the absence of Taylor. Can I refute this for one moment? What about Mewelde Moore? He did lead the Vikings in rushing last season, and has been a decent, third-down back, especially in the case of pressure on QB Johnson, where Moore has the most dependable hands on this Vikings roster. Yeah, Fason looked impressive last week in an expanded role against the overrated Bears defense. If anything, it should be a Fason and Moore show. Pinner has showed glimpses of hope in Detroit, but come on, this guy has only 9 carries on the season compared to Moore's significant role playing ability. Don't believe the Pinner report, it will be all about Fason and Moore, you can count on it.

Willis McGahee is another splendid play this week, but he has a "Q" annotated next to him on the injury report. He was walking around in a protective boot yesterday, but is optimistic about playing on Sunday as it was removed for rehab at practice today. Face it, this guy is like the miracle worker, he can overcome any injury and I do not expect an ankle injury will keep him out of a game versus the Jets, the same Jets that McGahee has owned since his rookie season. If he doesn't play, I do not expect Anthony Thomas to have the numbers McGahee would have. It is an enigmatic situation. If this is any reservation, USAToday thinks McGahee will be playing Sunday as well.

I already discussed Steve Smith and Chris Weinke in the Game Day Wonders. My point is loud and clear. It is not like Jake Delhomme was lighting up defenses or anything.

There is a major question mark concerning Donte Stallworth's contract status. If you didn't know, the NFL and the NFLPA does not put out player's contract and numbers out into the public, you would have to fight through the Freedom of Information Act to get the numbers. If you didn't know, Stallworth will be an unrestricted free agent, not bound to any team, come March 2007. He does not have one more year under contract, and he is supposedly not concerned about Reggie Brown's extension either. I repeat, other websites are misleading everyone, he does not have one more year left on his contract, this will be his last season unless the Eagles' extend him before March or sign him after March. Do not let me forget to tell you, Drew Rosenhaus is his agent.

Let me also suggest starting Willie Parker tonight. He is "money in the bank" when he rushes at home, but away from Heinz Field, he is like a bad car wreck, not going anywhere. At home, he averages 117 yards rushing per game. While traveling, he is only racking up 46 yards per game. Cleveland is allowing over 130 rushing yards a game.

Speaking of Cleveland, didn't Derek Anderson's performance look similar to Ryan Fitzpatrick's from 2005? Remember Fitzpatrick, the kid from Harvard, led St. Louis to a come from behind win last year. Don't get too acquainted with Derek Anderson, he isn't anything more than a back-up. Last week's comeback was a fluke against a horrible Kansas City defense. It is starting to look like Charlie Frye will not play tonight. Expect the Steelers' defense to eat Anderson alive. Will Ken Dorsey get to show face tonight? Maybe.

I really like Maurice Stovall this week (Silent but Deadly call). Besides him, you might wonder who else I may like this week, especially those flying under the radar. I think D.J. Hackett (Seattle) could surprise many. He has play making ability and the decent secondary from Arizona will have to focus in on Darrell Jackson and Deion Branch. Brandon Jones (Tennessee) should also reach the end zone this week. He is showing no real ill-effects from his injury last year and has scored in each game the last two weeks. Finally, Ronald Curry (Oakland) could do some damage this week. Cincinnati's defense is just awful, almost as awful as Oakland's offense. Of course, I challenge anyone to start any of my "Deep in Slumber" sleepers this week. If you do, e-mail me at pete_dymeck04@yahoo.com and you will get honored in the Flog next week.

Before I wrap this up, I want to remind everyone that today is a day that once lived in infamy. Today is the 65th anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor where 2,390 Americans died in an apparent surprise attack from the imperial Japanese forces. We must honor anyone that has ever donned the uniform of this country.

Game Day Wonders: Week 14

Well, well, well, here we go again. The fantasy playoffs are among us. I know not all of you have the loaded, star-studded roster that Tony Kornheiser may have, (rolls eyes), but if you do need help, I will guide you through some intriguing prospects for this week's action. I like consistency and history, not upside in the first round of fantasy playoffs. Stay away from the New York Giants defense, Cedric Houston, and L.J. Smith. Fourteen weeks later, you have not been disappointed, here are your Game Day Wonders!

The Hot List

• Houston, we have a problem. His name is Vince Young. Young will be leading his Tennessee Titans into Houston, his hometown, for a showdown of the ages where Young will make the Texans regret for passing over him in last April's draft. Young has scored 6 total touchdowns in the last three games. In the last two, he has rushed for 69 yards and 78 yards, respectfully. Houston is horrible against the pass and run. They are ranked 25^th in total defense. Houston has allowed 17 passing touchdowns compared to just 9 interceptions. They are also wading towards the bottom of the pool in opposing quarterback's completion percentage. Earlier this year at home, Young had 131 total yards, 2 touchdowns and no turnovers against this Texans' defense. Look for those numbers to double this week as he continues in a good groove. I am projecting Vince Young to have 189 passing yards, 74 rushing yards, and 2 touchdowns, with no turnovers this week when he returns to he place that made him, Houston.
• Guess who is questionable this week, but is a great start if he plays? Willis McGahee. If any running back has owned the New York Jets, it is McGahee. Even though he missed practice Wednesday, as he walked around in a protective boot for precautionary measures, I do expect McGahee to play this weekend. In 5 games versus the Jets, McGahee is averaging 116 rushing yards per outing. Out of those five match-ups, in the last four, McGahee is averaging 134.5 rushing yards per game. I think his ankle injury is just a measure of rest for a bruised running back. He has been dinged up a lot this season and should play this week. A key indicator of his playing status will be if he practices Friday, so stay tuned to ffLiveWireand the Flogfor a McGahee update tomorrow. I am expecting a 126 yard performance to go along with 1 score for the former Hurricane this week.
• His name translates into a no-brainer, but I am going to give a shot of confidence to all of the Steve Smith owners this week. With what looks like a thumb injury for Jake Delhomme, veteran Chris Weinke will get the nod for the Carolina Panthers this week. With Weinke starting, Smith owners are starting to scurry in panic mode. Steve Smith was just a rookie when Chris Weinke was also a rookie, starting behind center in Charlotte. So if you want to do some research, you will not find anything to give you confidence. The only facts for you to ride on are that other great wide receivers have had success with a career second stringer starting at quarterback. Darrell Jackson has put up remarkable numbers with Seneca Wallace. Anquan Boldin still put up great numbers with the quarterback carousel in Arizona. Shoot, Lee Evans put up good numbers with Kelly Holcomb last season. I know you are not considering benching Smith, but are sweating the match-up this week against the Giants. Don't worry. Steve Smith will still catch 8 passes for 133 yards and 1, if not 2 touchdowns. He will give the ridiculously bad Giants' secondary the blues this weekend. Have no fear. Oh yeah, the Giants' defense/special teams is not a slick play this week, stay away from them.

The Cold List

• Are the Philadelphia Eagles starting to get hot? All they needed was a complimenting run defense that can limit opposing running backs from getting a first down on first downs. With that said, stay away from LaDell Betts this week. Sure, DeAngelo Williams totaled 175 yards last week, but 101 yards were receiving on 7 catches on the Eagles. They limited Williams to just 4.3 yards per carry, when they were giving up over five yards per carry the 2 weeks before. Betts is almost averaging 130 yards over the past two weeks, but he will run into a shifty, turned around Eagles defense this week. Pressure from the book ends will force Jason Campbell to beat the Eagles secondary. Betts is good at hitting his stride up the middle, but the move to Gaither proved to be just enough to tow the line in run defense. I am expecting Betts to rush for 68 yards on 21 carries and not score this week.
• Even though he has been a great steal for most people, Kevin Jones if a must bench if you can afford it. Minnesota's run defense is still tops in the league, allowing only 2.8 yards per carry and only 5 touchdowns in 12 games! In his last two meetings with Minnesota, Jones is only averaging 11.5 yards a game! If any one defense has owned Kevin Jones, it is the Vikings. Back-ups like Dominic Rhodes, Mike Bell, and Ron Dayne (eek) are better plays than Jones this week. I am expecting him to get 15 carries, but only 29 yards and no scores.
• Which prominent tight end is only averaging 19 yards a game since week 8? L.J. Smith. Smith's numbers began to decline at the week 8 mark last season as well. Smith has struggled against Washington himself, averaging only 25 yards a game for his career. He has also only scored once in that time. Don't expect much from L.J. Smith this week as he will haul in 3 receptions for 17 yards and no touchdowns. Steer clear, start the likes of Bo Scaife and George Wrightster over him this week.

Silent but Deadly

• With fantasy bust Michael Clayton being placed on injured reserve, keep a watchful eye on rookie Maurice Stovall in Tampa Bay. Ike Hilliard will now be starting opposite of Joey Galloway, but Stovall showed a confident display of dependability in preseason. Stovall is entering this week with only 1 catch of 11 yards on the season (week 13). This Philadelphia native will have the opportunity to put up numbers on a horrible Atlanta defense this weekend. Stovall could leave a stink you may never forget, is he the next fantasy playoff hero, a la Drew Bennett? I don't know, but the apples don't fall far from the tree. His upside projection is at 5 catches, 71 yards, and 1 touchdown.

Are you having a problem deciding how to set your lineup for this week's playoff match-ups? If so, take a deep breath before you have an anxiety attack. Everything is written, I checked the book. Do not put your playoffs in the hands of inconsistency if you do not have too. Go with the more consistent players this week. Let the other bonehead make the mistake.

Need more Info about anything Fantasy Football related? Get over to http://www.fflivewire.com/and you will find everything that you need! Register on the forums and get to know a very knowledgeable and friendly community.

[Charles P. Dymeck is a fantasy sports writer for ffLiveWire.com and is also a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers of America. You can contact him at pete_dymeck04@yahoo.com]

Build or Destroy: WR Adarius Bowman

Adarius Bowman (WR; Oklahoma State, 6-4, 215 lbs.)

Since his controversial departure from North Carolina, I have had my careful eye on Adarius Bowman. He is a multi-sport star that was able to not only play football, but walk on to the Oklahoma State Cowboys basketball team. He has the size and athleticism to excel on the next level. Bowman reminds me of a sure-handed Troy Williamson. He was ranked as the #1 wide receiver coming out of Tennessee (Notre Dame H.S., Chattanooga).

His stock is rising quicker than any other wide receiver prospect. He has gained national attention for his Walter Camp Foundation recognition. He is a junior that is among the elite wide receivers in college in yards per game. Bowman has the hands and ability to learn that scouts are drooling over. He is still undecided on whether or not he will declare, but if he does, his stock will continue to soar through the NFL combine.

Bowman is also multi-dimensional. Last year, he played the part of Vince Young in practice for the Cowboys' scout team. He also has breakaway speed. He has three catches and runs of 54 yards or more in 2006. Keep a close eye on this kid. He is getting little recognition right now. He will not fall into the depths like Marques Colston did, but he should fall into a third round dynasty rookie draft pick next year.

Adarius Bowman will help build a winning dynasty squad before he would help destroy it. You heard his name here first, don't forget it.

Build or Destroy: Zach Miller

Zach Miller (TE; Arizona State, 6-5, 259 lbs.)

Zach Miller is a man among boys when he runs out of the tunnel in Sun Devil Stadium. He is only one of the few draft eligible prospects that has seen significant playing time since his freshman season at Arizona State. He is averaging 503 receiving yards and almost 5 touchdowns a year in a less-than friendly tight end system. His average of 47.6 receptions since his freshman year is among the elite of all tight ends to ever come out of college. Sure, he is only a junior, but all signs indicate that he will be entering the NFL Draft this April. If he does return for his senior season, he will have to acquaint himself with a new quarterback, and possibly a new offensive system.

He has a strong, punishing will when needed to block, and his athleticism for his position is greater than any other tight end in college football. Besides setting receiving records at Arizona State, Miller is also a very smart football player. Did I mention he is tied in touchdowns scored with Todd Heap? Zach Miller may be the second coming of Todd Heap. Clark Harris' inconsistent struggles this year may eventually boil over and force me to rate Zach Miller as the top tight end in the NFL class of 2007.

Dynasty owners can't forget this kid's name. Tight Ends are usually 2nd round or later material in dynasty drafts, but don't sit on Miller too long. I am expecting him to come out this season as I consider the circumstances at Arizona State University. I can envision Miller having an immediate impact in the NFL. His tenacity when blocking can not be overlooked and his brains will not allow him to not learn any NFL offense quickly.

As of now, I am giving Miller a second round draft grade. I expect him to perform well at the combine in Indianapolis, and his performance there could propel him into the middle of the first round. Zach Miller will help you build a winning dynasty squad, not detroy it.

Monday Night Quarterback

Welcome to the first Monday Night Quarterback. This will present you with a quick rundown of what to expect on Monday night.

First and foremost, DeShaun Foster is inactive, as reported by ffLiveWire, earlier than ESPN. This will give DeAngelo Williams an even larger impact in this game. In this week's edition of Game Day Wonders, I wrote:

"Get ready for 121 rushing yards, 33 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns for Williams this Monday night."

That projection was before we knew Foster was to be inactive. Expect Williams to run away with the job from Foster tonight, and not look back.

As for his counterpart, Brian Westbrook, I expect him to touch the ball at least 32 times tonight. He is too talented to not gain at least 100 total yards and 1 score, but if the Eagles want to win, Westbrook will need to score at least twice.

Jake Delhomme will struggle tonight against the fourth ranked pass defense in the NFL. Jeff Garcia will be given the chance to show he can succeed in more of an open playbook tonight.

LJ Smith will have a limited impact. I expect the Eagles wide receivers to put up marginal numbers. Steve Smith will get 100 or more yards, but may not score tonight, unless it is on an end-around or trick play. Keyshawn Johnson is not a solid play tonight.

I expect the Eagles defense to rack up 3 or 4 sacks tonight, and possibly grab a pick from Delhomme. The Panthers defense may not produce the numbers in turnovers, but may limit Philadelphia in scoring.

Watch out for Greg Lewis tonight, he could possibly come out with a big night.