Posts tagged ChadJohnson at FanHouse

Compared to what Lions fans are dealing with, folks in Kansas City and Cincinnati are rooting for a team that is on the right track. Of course, we all know that isn't true, as the Chiefs just capped off a 2-14 season, their worst in franchise history.

They did manage to win two games, but this truly was one of the worst teams in NFL history. Counting last year, they have lost 23 of 25 games. The Chiefs recorded just 10 sacks this season, breaking the record for least sacks in a season (the Colts had 11 in 1982).

What is amazing is that they were sharing the field with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have been one of the worst franchises in the NFL over the past 17 years and were 1-11-1 just three weeks ago. An upset win over the Redskins and wins over the listless Browns and Chiefs gave Cincy a nice three-game winning streak to end the season. It also gives an excuse for owner Mike Brown to stay the course and keep head coach Marvin Lewis.

Despite the feeling that he would get tagged, NFL.com's Adam Schefter is reporting that the Cincinnati Bengals will not use the franchise tag on receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

He cites a league source, so this could be real. However, everything would point to them placing the tag on Housh. He is a Pro Bowl receiver, he's been one of the best players on the team despite their recent swoon and they really have no one else they need to use the tag on.

Last offseason, they used the tag on offensive tackle Stacy Andrews. Just last Sunday, Andrews blew out his knee and is done for the season. It is highly doubtful that the Bengals would bother tagging him because his value has dropped this season. So the thought was that the franchise tag could be used on Houshmandzadeh.

The article says that the Bengals will instead attempt to sign Housh to a long term deal, something it hasn't been able to get done all year long. If they can't get anything done, the Bengals still could use the tag on him.

This news could also mean that Chad Johnson could still be in Cincinnati next year. No way does the team let T.J. walk out and then they deal Chad.

With attention spans dwindling, we forego full game-by-game previews to give you the essentials you need to know about every contest this glorious NFL weekend. Click here to go back in time.

The 1s

St. Louis (2-13) at Atlanta (10-5): If Atlanta takes care of business here, they could be facing the Arizona Cardinals at home in their first playoff game. Could a scenario get any better for a rookie quarterback? Hey Matt Ryan, I know it is the playoffs and all, but this is one of the worst sports franchises in the history of football. Also, they've won just one game since Veterans Day.

If this shakes out, Ryan might be the most blessed kid since the one Mary conceived.

Pick: Atlanta

So you know, the National Football League doesn't care what time of year it is. Okay? Got that? You do snow angels -- in the snow and on a football field of all places -- after a touchdown and you're going to get fined. Doesn't matter if Roger's supposed to be jolly for the season. And such is the case with Wes Welker, who just had to open up his purse for the NFL.

Welker said he wasn't sure if he would appeal, but he acknowledged his snow-angel-making days are over.

"It was a spur of the moment deal, and you can be sure that it won't happen again," Welker told Gasper.

Per NFL rules, players are not allowed to go to the ground for a touchdown celebration (unless it is a prayer). The official reason Welker was fined, the NFL confirmed today, was for "unsportsmanlike conduct for participation in an illegal demonstration by going to the ground."

Sadly, Welker's not insane "colorful" enough to do something stupid like change (or just create) to a religion that worships the Abominable Snowman and then try to appeal the suspension -- you best believe that Chad Javon would be all over that.

Of course, just because Welker complies wholeheartedly, well, that doesn't make the NFL fining people for doing snow angels or other colorful-yet-classy touchdown celebrations any less stupid.

It's playoff time! In what should be championship week, FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled in order to provide answers to your possible lineup dilemmas. If you need further assistance, please feel free to shoot us an email question.

Far too often we look at certain matchups and let it dictate how we implement our starting lineups. My theory has always been that great players make great plays. OK, I didn't really come up with that slogan, but what I do mean to suggest is that you always start your studs in fantasy football.

Case in point the Johnson boys; Calvin and Andre. Both faced difficult tests last week and both rose above and beyond the occasion. So, you might take notice as to where they sit in the ranks for this weekend. Yes, it's time to pay dues and respect to Johnson and Johnson. A couple of beasts on the field, yet mild-mannered off it, are going to help gift wrap a few fantasy titles this weekend.

Steve Smith is moving up this week, because he too is simply a marvel at times. Not much else to shake up in the Top 10, but keep an eye out for big, big games out of the Wes Welker-Randy Moss combo. My sleeper for the weekend is - gulp - Chad Johnson. Look, the matchup fits and he's due for one of those "where did that come from games." Of course, if you have better options...don't gamble.

And now let's tap into the rest of the field.

1. Calvin Johnson, NO
2. Andre Johnson, @ OAK
3. Steve Smith, @ NYG
4. Greg Jennings, @ CHI
5. Larry Fitzgerald, @ NE

Teen Wolf is, of course, an awesome movie. It has Michael J. Fox, a girl named "Boof" and, well, werewolves. Also, it has Styles, Fox's lovable sidekick-type friend that has huge sunglasses and sports crazy antics. Yeah, he's awesome.

Greg White, Tampa Bay defensive lineman, thinks the character is so awesome, actually, that he has officially changed his name in order to honor the guy.

Tampa Bay's second-year DE has officially changed his name. On Monday, a Hillsborough County Circuit Court granted White's request to change his name from Gregory Alphonso White Jr. to Stylez G, White.

Circuit Judge Steve Scott Stephens signed off on White's petition and as White walked through the Bucs locker room Monday, he gleefully distributed copies of the final judgment.

White said he picked his new name from a character in the 1985 movie "Teen Wolf,'' starring Michael J. Fox.

Like we always do just after Monday Night Football, it's time to recap the week that was in fantasy football. Hey, it's go time folks. That's right, it's playoff time. There's very little time to prepare as the games start coming at you four days a week. You've gotta be on your toes -- there's no more gambling, no more getting cute. You roll the dice with what you've got and hope for the best.

Another week of fantasy football is in the books. And chances are you fit into one of few camps right now -- you're either really depressed and your season is over, or you're ecstatic and live to fight another day. Either way, it's the beginning of the end on a great season of fantasy football. The long journey was well worth the ride, win or lose.

However, let's not close the book just yet. Oh no, this coming weekend marks the championship/money round for many folks. And as you ignore Christmas shopping, work and family to quietly prepare for this all-important week ... be sure to follow the trends of Week 15.

It's playoff time! FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled in order to provide answers to lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

Diving right into this week's all-too-important receiver rankings, the clear choice was to keep Larry Fitzgerald on top. Yup, he has a history of sealing fantasy titles in the crucial weeks of the season. And this week he gets to go against a subpar Vikings pass defense that can be exploited.

This is it for Reggie Wayne. His owners (like myself) are at wits end, but we'll all rest easy as he's in line for a huge day against the laughingstock of the NFL Lions. Patience will once again pay off for all those who stuck with the Colts' struggling offense in the early part of the season, as I fully expect Peyton Manning to also reward Wayne's buddies Marvin Harrison and Anthony Gonzalez.

Not much shakeup in the Top 10, but there is one thing to note before you dismiss Terrell Owens this weekend. Since joining the Cowboys, in five games against the Giants he has 430 receiving yards and six TDs. So, you get my drift ... he's a "must" start. Lastly, you'll notice the Jets receivers plummeting in these rankings. Well, there's a reason, and that it is they both have been terrible lately. Seriously, you should find other options.

And now with the rest of the ranks.

1. Larry Fitzgerald, MIN
2. Steve Smith, DEN
3. Reggie Wayne, DET
4. Anquan Boldin, MIN
5. Brandon Marshall, @ CAR

While there are twenty or so teams trying to get into the playoffs, there are also those bottom feeders who are looking at the offseason. The Cincinnati Bengals are one of them and soon they will have to make a decision they've avoided for two years.

Chad Johnson or T.J. Houshmandzadeh?

Housh contract is done when the season ends. He currently leads the Bengals in pretty much every receiving category and currently third in the NFL in receptions. Chad Johnson's numbers have dropped off significantly despite being one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.

Most people would think that the team would place the franchise tag on Houshmandzadeh and then release or trade Chad Johnson. It is almost inconceivable that the team could afford to keep both, even if some are saying Chad isn't going anywhere.

FanHouse fantasy positional rankings are compiled weekly by the staff in order to provide answers to possible lineup questions. These are assuming most leagues use Fleaflicker's standard scoring structure. If you need clarification, you need more players ranked, or have funky league rules, feel free to shoot us an email question.

Surprise, surprise. Look what favorite tandem is back on top. Well, let's be honest, the dynamic duo of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin has been on top all season and haven't disappointed. Moving forward they'll both continue to sit on the throne, as they get to carve up a soft, soft schedule for your playoff journey. Go ahead and take a deep sigh of relief if you own either guy, because you're sitting pretty.

As for the remainder of the top-10 receiver rankings, it's a bit of a slight shakeup this week. You may recall, I've often said you can put the best fantasy receiver names into a hat or shuffle them like a deck of cards to pick the order, but not this week. Creeping his way back into the mix would be Randy Moss. Often given the cold shoulder in this space, Moss is primed to shred the Seabird collapsing defense.

A usual mainstay and fantasy animal, Andre Johnson has been pushed just out of the top 10 for this week only, based on my timid fears of the Green Bay secondary. And yes, I know said secondary has been torched the past few weeks. Ahem.

If you're looking for the clever play of the week, I'm going with Marvin Harrison. Yup, he's done minimal damage this season, but something tells me the Bengals are in for Manning torture 101 this weekend. And despite the fact that you may see Reggie Wayne down a peg in a few "other" sites' ranks ... I'm just not feeling that at all. My prediction is big games all around for Harrison and Wayne just like it's circa 2004 all over again.

And now on with the rest of the ranks...

1. Larry Fitzgerald, STL
2. Anquan Boldin, STL
3. Greg Jennings, HOU
4. Reggie Wayne, CIN
5. Roddy White, @ NO