FFGuidebook.com in 2nd place in the Fantasy Football Players Championship-

FFGuidebook.com in 2nd place in the Fantasy Football Players Championship going into the last weekend.

Only 7 points out of first place going into the last Sunday!

Yes, that is right the Leaders Board has been shaken up by the upward climb of FFGuidebook.com at FFPC.

Behind Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark on Thursday night:

Peyton Manning 364 passing yards, 3 TDs = 30.3 Pts
Reggie Wayne 7-108-1 = 23.8 Pts
Dallas Clark 8-105-1 = 28.5 Pts

FFGuidebook.com starts the last weekend with 82 points and hopes to finish in the top five.

As far as my other 13 leagues:

League Status
Diehards Expert league Playoffs
WCOFF Satellite #51 Playoffs
NFL.com
Lakenheath Local League Playoffs
FFPC Satellite #17 Playoffs
NFFC Consolation Round Top 10
NBC Consolation Round Top 50
Fantasy Index Expert Auction 2nd
Draftbook 5th place

NFFC Satellite OUT
NBC Satellite OUT
Experts.com Expert League OUT
FFOC 1st and Goal bracket (943 of 2600)

FANTASY FOOTBALL GUIDEBOOK NAMED ONE OF TOP 4 FANTASY FOOTBALL BOOKS OF ALL TIME

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Trish Hendricks, Publicist
Tel. 434/ 361- 1282
Email: trish_hendricks@yahoo.com
or
info@ffguidebook.com


FANTASY FOOTBALL GUIDEBOOK NAMED ONE OF TOP 4 FANTASY FOOTBALL BOOKS OF ALL TIME
“Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football” Available Online
LYNCHBURG, VA. – December 11, 2008 – Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football, written by Sam Hendricks, was named one of the Top 4 fantasy football books of all time according to RotoNation.com. This great achievement comes on the heels of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News. USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced Fantasy Football Guidebook as a finalist in sports of THE NATIONAL “BEST BOOKS” 2008 AWARDS (NBBA) on October 20, 2008.

RotoNation is the leading fantasy sports industry site. Serious fantasy players and industry veterans know to check here often for the latest news, notes, games, tools, jobs, and more in the fantasy sports industry.

Fantasy Football Guidebook has received glowing reviews. Rob Zarzycki, top ranked WCOFF participant and author of Drafting to Win, said “By far the most comprehensive book I’ve seen on fantasy football to date.” Midwest Book Reviews recently reviewed the Guidebook and commented, “Fantasy Football Guidebook is an ideal gift for any fantasy football player.”
Sam’s rankings, projections and “expert” analysis appear in numerous fantasy football magazines this football season, including this year’s Fantasy Football Index, Fantasy Football Draftbook and Fantasy Football Diehards. Last year he finished in the playoffs in every “expert” league in which he competed. Sam is also an expert in Fantasy Index’s weekly online “Ask the Expert” column at www.fantasyindex.com
As an avid fantasy football player for the past 18 years, Hendricks has won numerous league championships and has participated in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and this year the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Guidebook, Sam’s first book, was #1 on Amazon.com’s ranked sales listing during the months of April and May 2008. Virtual Bookworm Publishing publishes both Fantasy Football Guidebook and Fantasy Football Almanac 2008. Hendricks wrote Fantasy Football Guidebook last year while on sabbatical from his job as an F-15 flight instructor for Boeing. Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football (ISBN 978-1-60264-020-7) and Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 (ISBN 978-1602641945) are available from Virtualbookworm.com, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble (bn.com). More information can be found at the official websites, www.fantasyfootballguidebook.com, www.ffalmanac.com and www.sam-hendricks.com.

Do you prefer leagues with head-to-head playoffs, or where champions are determined strictly by win-loss records or total points over a 16- or 17-week

I prefer a little of both. I like the excitement of head to head playoffs because nothing tops beating a live opponent in a head to head match up. But I like the idea of starting with your regular season average points. This way a team that has really excelled gets a little bit of a bonus due to their exceptional scoring. So if there are 4 teams in the playoffs-subtract the lowest scoring teams average from all the others and that is the team bonus for the entire playoffs. Kind of like a golf handicap based on your regular season scoring. For example, the lowest team has an average of 110 points and you have an average of 120 points; when you play them in the playoffs you get a 10 point head start. So it is H2H but with a little nod to what they did to get there. The seeding based on W/L record can be misleading due to luck of bye weeks, etc., but total points are a good indication of performance.

As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, an Award-Winning Finalist in the Sports category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News, available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com, at all major bookstores, and at www.amazon.com. He is an 18-year fantasy football veteran who has teams in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC), NBC Sports Fantasy Championship and the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Matt Jones suspension delay explained

Matt Jones suspension delay explained

I have finally figured out why Matt Jones has not served his three game drug suspension for an off-season cocaine arrest in July. He is owned by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in his fantasy football league. Rumor has it that the Executive League of 12 (yes that’s the league name) is a keeper league with a large roster of 25 but no free agent pickups during the season. It is a start 3 WR plus one flex position of RB/WR or TE. My sources tell me Goodell has been in a bind since he loaded up on QBs at the April draft at the expense of his WRs. Lacking depth at that position, injuries to Joey Galloway and Kevin Curtis forced him to postpone his star WRs suspension in week 6 for violating the leagues substance-abuse policy. This little maneuver raised a few eyebrows within the fantasy league including a well worded verbal protest from Fox News Channel anchor Jane Skinner who supposedly threatened a coup d’etat. This explains why Jones has been able to play ball for the past 7 weeks rather than serve his three game suspension. Granted he did appeal the sentence but the league never has revealed when he was to start serving it. My sources also tell me that Goodell was eliminated in his league playoffs this week, so look for Matt to start his suspension very soon. Unfortunately Adam Scheffler could not be contacted to confirm these allegations.

Which players will flop in the fantasy playoffs?

Marion Barber is my choice for dud for the next 3 weeks. Why? Well he is banged up with a dislocated toe injury that he will play on (expect him at less than 100%). He faces the #1 defense in the NFL at Pittsburgh this week before coming home to play the New York Giants and then Baltimore. His QB is back and connecting with T. Owens more and more and the Cowboys have a rookie in 4th round pick Tashard Choice that they may want to see more of based on his week 13 performance. It all spells less fantasy points for MB3.

I also see rookies like Forte and Slaton performing less than optimally due to the strain of a longer season then their college years. Weeks 14-17 are much harder for rookie RB's who have cared the load all season. I would not be surprised to see one rookie RB injured in the last week games.

As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, an Award-Winning Finalist in the Sports category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News, available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com, at all major bookstores, and at www.amazon.com. He is an 18-year fantasy football veteran who has teams in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC), NBC Sports Fantasy Championship and the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Which season-long underperformer do you believe will be a fantasy star the rest of the way?

Terrell Owens. So far he has 40 catches for 500+ yards and 6 TDs. About 120 FP’s in a PPR league. Not quite the TO numbers we have come to expect. But he had 3 games without T. Romo (four if you discount the Week 11 early return from injury for Tony). The Boys play 3 at home and two away to finish but face tough run defenses that may actually play into TO’s hand and get him the ball more. Look for him to finish the season with 1000 yards and 10 TDs. And it all starts Thanksgiving day versus Seattle.

As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, an Award-Winning Finalist in the Sports category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News, available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com, at all major bookstores, and at www.amazon.com. He is an 18-year fantasy football veteran who has teams in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC), NBC Sports Fantasy Championship and the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

FANTASY FOOTBALL GUIDEBOOK NAMED A FINALIST IN THE NATIONAL BEST BOOKS 2008 AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Trish Hendricks, Publicist
Tel. 434/ 361- 1282
Email: trish_hendricks@yahoo.com
or
info@ffguidebook.com


FANTASY FOOTBALL GUIDEBOOK NAMED A FINALIST IN THE NATIONAL BEST BOOKS 2008 AWARDS

“Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football” Available Online

LYNCHBURG, VA. – November 22, 2008 – Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football, written by Sam Hendricks, is a finalist in the Sports category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News. USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the finalists of THE NATIONAL “BEST BOOKS” 2008 AWARDS (NBBA) on October 20, 2008.

There are more than 500 finalists in over 140 categories covering print and audio books. Awards are presented for titles published in 2008 and late 2007. Jeff Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to more than 500 finalists. Finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, Tarcher/Penguin, HarperCollins, Hyperion, St. Martin’s Press, McGraw-Hill, and John Wiley & Sons. In addition, hundreds of independent titles contributed to this year’s outstanding NBBA competition.

Fantasy Football Guidebook has received glowing reviews. Rob Zarzycki, top ranked WCOFF participant and author of Drafting to Win, said “By far the most comprehensive book I’ve seen on fantasy football to date.” Midwest Book Reviews recently reviewed the Guidebook and commented, “Fantasy Football Guidebook is an ideal gift for any fantasy football player.”

Sam’s rankings, projections and “expert” analysis appear in numerous fantasy football magazines this football season, including this year’s Fantasy Football Index, Fantasy Football Draftbook and Fantasy Football Diehards. Last year he finished in the playoffs in every “expert” league in which he competed. Sam is also an expert in Fantasy Index’s weekly online “Ask the Expert” column at www.fantasyindex.com

As an avid fantasy football player for the past 18 years, Hendricks has won numerous league championships and has participated in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and this year the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Guidebook, Sam’s first book, was #1 on Amazon.com’s ranked sales listing during the months of April and May 2008. Virtual Bookworm Publishing publishes both Fantasy Football Guidebook and Fantasy Football Almanac 2008. Hendricks wrote Fantasy Football Guidebook last year while on sabbatical from his job as an F-15 flight instructor for Boeing.

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football (ISBN 978-1-60264-020-7) and Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 (ISBN 978-1602641945) are available from Virtualbookworm.com, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble (bn.com). More information can be found at the official websites, www.fantasyfootballguidebook.com, www.ffalmanac.com and www.sam-hendricks.com.

Fantasy Football Guidebook on sale for as low as $10.77

GREAT NEWS JUST IN TIME FOR THANKSGIVING!

BN.COM has a great promotion going on now until 30 November 2008.
For 5 days only!

If you buy Fantasy Football Guidebook from them at $19.95 (members only pay $17.95) and use your MasterCard with this code H4D4U8B you will get 40% off.

That is right. Forty percent off when you buy Fantasy Football Guidebook at BN.COM and use your Mastercard with code
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That means members can buy Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football for just $10.77 ($11.95 for everyone else)

A perfect opportunity to pick up the book that RotoNation.com calls " One of the Top Four Fantasy Football Books of ALL-TIME"

Which lightly regarded fill-in quarterback are you most interested in as a 2009 prospect?

Matt Cassel does not make the short list due to the imminent return of a certain Super-Model dating QB. Of course, if NE does not keep him, all bets are off. Thigpen gets the nod over Culpepper simply because of his weapons in the KC offense. Not only does he have Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez , but also a rejuvenated Mark Bradley (Larry Johnson and his presence in 2009 remains to be seen). Tyler has some legs like the Daunte of old and seems to have a good pocket presence as well. Daunte may surprise some with his new found team. Personally, I think he returned from his injury too early and that hurt his performance at Miami. So a come back player of the year award would not be a surprise. But dynasty wise, I would take the 24 year old Coastal Carolina QB first.

As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, an Award-Winning Finalist in the Sports category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News, available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com, at all major bookstores, and at www.amazon.com. He is an 18-year fantasy football veteran who has teams in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC), NBC Sports Fantasy Championship and the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Several teams (Denver, Baltimore) are very unpredictable with their running backs. At what point do you decide a certain situation isn't worth it?

I hate to say it, but it depends. It depends on who else is on your roster (read: How desperate are you due to injuries, RBBC and bye weeks). It depends on your competition (i.e. if you drop S. Young will an opponent pick him up and fill a bye week or injury gap of his own). Finally, it depends on who that “team” is playing (or will play in the future) because sometimes there are enough carries for everyone if they are playing someone like DET, KC, STL, OAK or any AFC team that starts with a C. So I never give up on a teams RB. I just sit them and wait for an opportunity (S. Young, Le’Ron McClain) or a need.



As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, an Award-Winning Finalist in the Sports category of the National Best Books 2008 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News, available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com, at all major bookstores, and at www.amazon.com. He is an 18-year fantasy football veteran who has teams in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC), NBC Sports Fantasy Championship and the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Which rookie running back would you most like to own in a dynasty league (assume PPR format)?

You certainly have a plethora of choices: Forte, Chris Johnson, Slaton, K. Smith, McFadden and Tim Hightower. McFadden and K. Smith get written off because of their teams. Neither team has too much of a future in the next few years. Slaton is in a slightly better position. Johnson has some RBBC issues. Thus I like Forte and Hightower. Their teams have good, improving defenses. Hightower has recently been named the starter at AZ and had a week 9 performance of 109 yards on 22 carries. Hightower is more of a Marion Barber type runner, while Forte seems quicker. Either will make good keepers. But Forte gets the slight edge in a PPR format, Hightower gets the QB edge. Advantage: Forte.

As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, a finalist in the USA books "Best Book" Awards, available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com, at all major bookstores, and at www.amazon.com. He is an 18-year fantasy football veteran who has teams in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC), NBC Sports Fantasy Championship and the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Smallish speedsters Ted Ginn and Donnie Avery had huge games Sunday; a year from now, will one of these guys be the next Steve Smith or Santana Moss?

Both Ted Ginn Jr. and Donnie Avery are rising stars, but the fact remains that they doubled their seasons stats with one big day in week 8. Defenses will need to give them more attention (read: double teams) but neither should be crowned the next Steve Smith until they prove themselves adept at catching balls when defenses attempt to shut them down. The season is a marathon not a sprint and one great game does not a season make; especially against a CB recovering from injury (Ginn’s case). Avery is the more promising candidate here. I expected more from Ginn all year but frankly he has disappointed in many areas.

As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, a finalist in the USA books "Best Book" Awards, available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com, at all major bookstores, and at www.amazon.com. He is an 18-year fantasy football veteran who has teams in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC), NBC Sports Fantasy Championship and the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Who is the most underrated wide receiver?

Bernard Berrian, WR Minnesota, is underrated but squeaks into the top 10 of WRs with 28 catches, 517 yards and 3 TDs through 7 games. I am willing to bet none had him as top 10 preseason. After a slow start, he has been money in the bank, with over 10 fantasy points each of the past 5 weeks. Look for that to continue with Gus Frerotte at QB. Vincent Jackson gets a nod as well, although I had him ranked pretty high preseason; his recent success has more to do with Chris Chambers’s injury though. Speaking of WRs given the spotlight due to teammate injuries, two rookies, DeSean Jackson and Eddie Royal, come to mind and impress. These two were definitely underrated. Not anymore.

As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, a finalist in the USA books "Best Book" Awards, available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com, at all major bookstores, and at www.amazon.com. He is an 18-year fantasy football veteran who has teams in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), Nationa Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC), NBC Sports Fantasy Championship and the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Leaving aside committee situations, which backup running back would you most like to own?

Tim Hightower has been consistently getting the goal-line carries and thus putting up a decent amount of fantasy points as a RB2. His 5 game, 11 point average is worth having for bye week fill-ins. But his real potential going forward will be as the heir apparent for E. James if he has an injury. Arizona appears to be operating on all cylinders and he stands to benefit. Michael Bush and Felix Jones also qualify but both suffer from inconsistent play calling of their number.



As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com/. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question being posted Thursday morning.



Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook and the recently released Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 which are both available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at www.amazon.com. He is an 18-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF) and will participate this year in the inaugural season of the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

If you were drafting today, who would be the top running back on your draft board?

Most will go with Marion Barber III as he looks to shoulder most of the burden of the Dallas offense with Romo out for 4 weeks and Felix Jones out for some time as well. But I am going to pick an older, more reliable work horse, Clinton Portis. A slightly better schedule and no sign of a RBBC earn him the No. 1 spot for me. He has strung together three 100-yard games recently.


As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at http://www.fantasyindex.com/. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question being posted Thursday morning.




Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook and the recently released Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 which are both available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at www.amazon.com. He is an 18-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF) and the National Fantasy Football Championhsip (NFFC) and will participate this year in the inaugural season of both the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC) and NBC Sports Fantasy Football Championship.

Which fantasy defense would you most like to own? (Assume a scoring system that gives credit for sacks, turnovers, and all defensive/special teams TDs

It is a tough call between TENN, PHIL or PITT. However, I have to choose TENN due to their easier schedule. The Titans face KC, DET, CLEV and HOU in the next 10 weeks. They have only allowed 46 points while amassing 15 sacks (second in the league). Their high fantasy score has not come from lucky turnovers run back for TDs. Instead, they earn their points with sacks, turnovers and holding their opponents' score down. PITT plays CINN and CLEV twice but the rest of their schedule is brutal. That means PHIL is my second choice as they play SF, ATL, CLEV and CINN. But the status of Westbrook may temper this pick as well.

As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at www.fantasyindex.com. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question being posted Thursday morning.

Which early season star would you try to trade away while his value is high?

Ronnie Brown is the flavor of the week after his 5 TD, 113 yard rushing performance. Sell him now at his highest. Miami is not as good as the poor NE defense made them out to be. Don’t forget Ricky Williams has about the same stats, but is just missing the 5 scores. Although not officially a fantasy star yet, Eddie Royal may be another to sell now while the price is still high. He came down to earth a little in week 3 and a spectacular Brandon Marshall may take some of the shine off Royal. Finally, Randy Moss may be on the decline from here on out. Sell if you cannot afford to wait it out.

As seen in ASK THE EXPERTS, Fantasy Football Index's Expert column found at www.fantasyindex.com. ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly with answers to a new question being posted Thursday morning.

Which fantasy dud through two weeks would you most like to buy low?

I’ll give you one at each position. First, Derek Anderson at QB; he has played two tough opponents in Dallas and Pittsburg. He should rebound in week 4 vs. CIN. Next, LT who is currently not even in the top 30 at RB. Injury worries have hindered him so far. While a toe injury is worrisome, I would bet he recovers and gets back to norm soon. Finally, Braylon Edwards at WR is a victim of his QB (D. Anderson) and the same tough schedule CLEV faced in weeks 1 and 2. Any of those three should be good value later this season.


As seen at Fantasy Index Magazines website www.fantasyindex.com in their Ask the Expert Column. Check Sam's and all the other Experts advice this week.

Is the Patriots' offense doomed without Tom Brady?

Coach Belichick will RUN, RUN, and RUN some more with an occasional pass to Randy Moss. Look for disappointing numbers from J. Gafney and less catches from Wes Welker as well. Moss will still get his touches, as Matt Cassel will go with “the man” more often than not. The RBBC (Maroney and Sammy Morris) will get a boost as the Pats try and run and take some of the pressure off their new starting QB. New England’s kicker Gostkowski may even be a better play now as more FG attempts should come vice the XPs he kicked last year.

As seen at Fantasy Index Magazines website www.fantasyindex.com in their Ask the Expert Column

Based on the preseason, which rookie do you feel you greatly over or underestimated in your initial evaluations?

Steve Slaton has jumped up the charts since my initial rankings in May. Some of that boost has come from a great preseason and some has come from the injury situation with Chris Brown and A. Green. Rumors out of Houston hint that Slaton may be the starter sooner rather then later. Eddie Royal is another underrated rookie who has caught my eye. He gets the start for Denver in week 1 with B. Marshall serving his suspension. If he can make his mark, it will be hard to take him off the field. Devin Thomas is another rookie WR, but he appears to have been overrated and may not see too much playing time early this season.

As seen at www.fantasyindex.com Fantasy Index Magazines "Ask the Expert" online column.

Which preseason issue has you most concerned?

With the regular season approaching, which preseason surgery (Manning, McGahee), suspension (Smith, Marshall), or contract squabble (Boldin, Jackson) involving a major player has MOST affected your rankings, and why?

Suspensions are easy, factor in how many games they miss and move on. Injuries are tougher because of the recovery time. Holdouts though, that is where I get nervous, because you have no idea when it will be resolved. I also think long preseason holdouts lead to injuries in the regular season. So up until last week I would have said Steven Jackson’s hold out. However, lately Peyton Manning’s swelling has me concerned. I have him clinging to QB#4 ranking by a thread and that will affect R. Wayne, M. Harrison, A. Gonzalez, D. Clark and Vinatieri. After seeing Jim Sorgi (Peyton’s backup) not play this past week, I suspect he was saved for opening day or worse. IND has a bye early in week 4. Anyone else see Peyton return to the field as late as Houston (Week 5)?

As seen at www.FantasyIndex.com and their Ask the Expert Column

Peyton Manning update and money FF Leagues I am in

Sorry this has been a little late getting out, but it is Fantasy Football draft season.
Oh yeah and we moved house too!

First, be afraid, be very afraid of Peyton Manning. I am getting a bad feeling that he will not be ready for Week 1. In addition, do not forget IND has their bye early in week 4, so it is conceivable that he rests until week 5. That is right folks he is a risk to miss five of your precious regular season FF games. Not saying it will happen, just that it might.

Pleased to announce that I am participating in three of the four top High Stakes Leagues this year. In order of their drafts:

National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) Classic Saturday 30 Aug 1 PM EST for $100,000 top prize, $8,750 in league prizes. Entry fee $1,300

NBC Primetime Saturday 30 Aug 7 PM EST for $100,000 top prize, $8,750 in league prizes. Entry fee $1,300

Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC) Friday 5 Sept 9 PM EST for $75,000 top prize, $7,500 in league prizes. Entry fee $1,375

I also am playing in a satellite or two for the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF) although I could not make the main event, which would have been my third year in a row appearing.

And many more $250-$500 satellites so you can see I put my money where my mouth is.
Last year I had a ROI of over 10%. Not too shabby!

Many have asked and YES, I have entered in the Fantasy Football Open Championship (FFOC), which is offering the top team 1 Million dollars. It is a long shot with so many entries and not all the drafts occurring at the same time, but what the heck.

I am preparing for my local, 16 Team, PPR, minimal keeper live Lakenheath draft today.
We even had an owner fly in from the U.S to draft here in England. That is dedication to a hobby! We have owners in the Middle East, Europe and North America.

Expert drafts, interviews and rankings

Look for my rankings and commentary in Fantasy Football Index magazine on pages 54-71.
In that same issue my Auction team from their Fantasy Football Index Mock Auction is discussed on pages 78-83. Of note is the “Which team is the team to beat?” where 4 of the other 11 Experts pick my team as one to beat. Others getting 4 votes were David Dodds from FootballGuys.com and Scott Pianowski from Yahoo sports.
I am also featured weekly on www.fantasy index.com in the “Ask the Experts” column.
Speaking of Experts, check out my fantasy football team at www.expertsdraft.com and track the success of that team against the other experts. You will find our recent draft, interviews about the thought process and much more.

TOP 4 RBs set?

Looks like the Top 4 RBs in the standard performance PPR league are pretty much set.

1) LT gets the #1 spot in most cases

2) Adrian Peterson

3) Steven Jackson

4) Brian Westbrook

You can shuffle the #2-#4 spots but all 4 end up in the Top 4 somewhere

Best Sleeper Pick and why?

Matt Forte (RB CHI). Many cheat sheets have him around 28th overall for RBs. Yes he is a rookie and you should not take too many chances on new meat in the NFL. However, rookie RBs are the most successful players and especially when they have the opportunity to excel. Forte has been given the starting role with the recent release of Cedric Benson. He has only Adrian Peterson pushing him. Forte showed real promise at Tulane and given the ball by Lovie Smith in Chicago, he could easily be a Top 15 RB (especially in NON PPR leagues).

Name one player who you would not draft and will never be on your team

First, this is a trick question. Every player available is on my draft list. Some are just much farther down my draft rankings then others. Ultimately, anyone can provide value and if I think a player can help me win, then I will draft him.
As an example, Travis Henry and Kevin Jones are both on my RB boards. Yes way down in the 50-60 range. Still if one of them was around in a late round, I would take a chance on one of them as a sleeper. If they did not pan out, I could drop them and add some other player mid season. Although I think neither will do well this season they are on my draft list. No player is eliminated because it just limits your choices.

Top 5 Kickers and Strategy for drafting Kickers

Contrary to the quirky, yet comical ESPN commercial, Kickers are not a rare commodity that must be drafted early and often. Wait on these guys until the very end of the draft. How late? Well as always it depends on the size of your league, the scoring rules and the roster limits of your team, but these guys are the least predictable from year to year. As a general Rule of Thumb (ROT) I pick Kickers with my last or next to last pick and never get more than 1 unless you do not have the ability to get another throughout the season (leagues with no waiver wire aka draft master leagues I get more than 1 for bye week and injury insurance). Otherwise get one kicker and ride him until his bye week or unless he stinks and you can add another from Free Agency. Trust me there will be tons of Kickers available in most cases. Unless your scoring rules really reward long FGs, they will be better off drafted later and fewer.

1. Steven Gostkowski NE- Anyone who kicks for NE is going to get lots of Fantasy Points. The only concern here is that NE scores more TDS than FGs.

2. Adam Vinatieri IND-Same logic as above. If you kick for Peyton Manning and company, chances are you will get locks of kicks.

3. Nick Folk DAL- My sleeper from last year really came through. Dallas has not changed much from last year. Look for more of the same.

4. Mason Crosby GB- I do not believe the Packers will be the same this year without Brett Favre. A. Rodgers means more FG attempts when they stall on the opponents side of the field.

5 Rob Bironas TEN-Here is a sleeper Kicker that you may be able to get in the next to last rounds. TEN should improve on last years scoring performance.

Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 is #1 at Amazon.com in June

Sam Hendricks, author of the highly successful Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football, placed another book on Amazons list of #1 books. Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 is currently #1 in the category of Books, Entertainment, Puzzles and Games, Fantasy Sports. Both books are currently offered at Amazon at 10% off their published price. Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football is available in Hardback for $26.95 or in Paperback for $17.96 after discount ($19.95)
Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 is currently available for $11.66 (versus $12.95)

TOP 5 TEs and why

1) Antonio Gates SD- A little banged up last year so do not let last years numbers fool you. The big thing is that he recovers from offseason surgery. He will. Pencil in 900 yards and 9 TDs.

2) Jason Witten DAL-Top ranked TE last year. That has to mean something. Yeah it means Gates was hurt. Jason gets his 7 TDs and almost 1000 yards but not as many catches.

3) Kellen Winslow CLE-Catches and yards are not the problem. It is TDs. KW gets 6 TDs and leads the league in catches/yards in 2008. That makes him TE#3.

4) Tony Gonzalez KC-Especially in a PPR league this guy is money. Lots of catches and yards, not so many TDs in recent years. He is getting a little old but has great conditioning and will be used by whoever gets the starting QB job.

5) Todd Heap BAL-Cam Cameron as OC. If (and that is the big IF) he stays healthy he could be #1 TE.

Both Fantasy Football Guidebook and Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 Top Amazon sales lists in June

Fantasy Football Guidebook currently sits at #1 on Amazon in terms of sales in the Fantasy Sports category. Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 (just released) currently sits at #3 on Amazon in terms of sales in the Fantasy Sports category. This places author Sam Hendricks as the only author to have two books simultaneously in the top 3 at Amazon in Fantasy Sports.
Fantasy Football Guidebook currently is on sale at Amazon for $17.96 (10% off). Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 retails for $12.95. Both are also available with free shipping at www.FFGuidebook.com.
Look for my rankings, projections and participation in Expert Drafts in the following magazines due out later this month: Fantasy Football Index, Fantasy Football Draftbook and Fantasy Football Diehards.

Press Release for Fantasy Football Almanac 2008

ANNOUNCING THE RELEASE OF FANTASY FOOTBALL ALMANAC 2008
“Fantasy Football Almanac 2008: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide” Available Online


LYNCHBURG, VA. – May 31, 2008 – Fantasy Football Almanac 2008: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide, written by Sam Hendricks, author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, is available today.
Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 is a handy, concise and informative source book. It is the updated version of last year’s highly successful book, Fantasy Football Almanac. Expertly organized and full of statistics, schedules, rankings and projections for 2008, it is simply the best book of its kind. This 2008 reference book is necessary for anyone involved in fantasy football and it is your single source for preparing for the FF season.

Sam’s rankings, projections and “expert” analysis appear in numerous fantasy football magazines including this year’s Fantasy Football Index, Fantasy Football Draftbook and Fantasy Football Diehards. Last year he finished in the playoffs in every “expert” league in which he competed.

As an avid fantasy football player for the past 17 years, Hendricks has won numerous league championships and has participated in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF). He will participate in this year’s National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) competition in Las Vegas, NV in August 2008. Hendricks has been the commissioner in leagues on three continents and continues to perform those duties today.

Fantasy Football Guidebook, Sam’s first book, was #1 on Amazon.com’s ranked sales listing during the months of April and May 2008. The book is on track to sell more than 1,000 copies in its first year of publication. Virtual Bookworm Publishing publishes both Fantasy Football Guidebook and Fantasy Football Almanac 2008. Hendricks wrote Fantasy Football Guidebook last year while on sabbatical from his job as an F-15 flight instructor for Boeing.

Fantasy Football Guidebook has received glowing reviews. Rob Zarzycki, top ranked WCOFF participant and author of Drafting to Win, said “By far the most comprehensive book I’ve seen on fantasy football to date.”


Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 (ISBN 978-1602641945) and Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football (ISBN 978-1-60264-020-7) are available from Virtualbookworm.com, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble (bn.com). More information can be found at the official websites, www.fantasyfootballguidebook.com, www.ffalmanac.com and www.sam-hendricks.com.

5 Best WRs and Why

1. Randy Moss NE- Do I really need to explain this? Sure T Brady probably will not reach 50 TDs again. Instead lets just set our sights on a more probable 35 now that the NE RBs are healthy again. That means Randy will only get 15 TDs in 2008. Poor Randy.

2. Terrell Owens DAL-12 TDs is the average for this guy the past 10 years. Barring injury or disputes, he is the #2 WR.


3. Reggie Wayne IND-With Marvin Harrision rapidly looking like his knees will ground him, RW becomes the main man in IND. Even with more double teams 10 TDs is still possible with Peyton throwing you the rock.

4. Braylon Edwards CLE-Less catches but plenty of TDs as he is the big play man in CLE.

5. Larry Fitzgerald AZ-Opposite of Edwards. LF has lots of catches and yards just fewer TDs as AZ tends to stumble around the red zone. Still a great WR#5.

Top 5 RBs and Why

1. LT-#1 RB the past two years and a top 3 RB the past 7 years.
2. AP-A close second based on potential but injury concerns (missed 2 games last year) and a good back up in Chester Taylor move AP to second fiddle
3. Steven Jackson-Explosiveness and a healthy Bulger could mean big things for SJ
4. Joseph Addai-D Rhodes back in IND may take a little something off of Addai’s numbers but the rest may help him stay healthy. He stays at the #4 spot.
5. Brian Westbrook-Only thing holding him back is the injury question. He gets dinged up quite a bit.

Press Release for Sales of Fantasy Football Guidebook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Trish Hendricks, Publicist
Tel. 434/ 361- 1282
Email: trish_hendricks@yahoo.com
or
info@fantasyfootballguidebook.com


SALES SKYROCKET FOR FANTASY FOOTBALL GUIDEBOOK
“Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football” Available Online


LYNCHBURG, VA. – April 20, 2008 – Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football, written by Sam Hendricks, sold more than 100 copies for the 30-day period of March 15 – April 15, 2008. Fantasy Football Guidebook was also #1 on Amazon.com’s ranked sales listing during the month of April 2008. The book is on track to sell more than 1,000 copies in its first year of publication. Virtual Bookworm Publishing published Fantasy Football Guidebook in June 2007. Hendricks wrote Fantasy Football Guidebook last year while on sabbatical from his job as an F-15 flight instructor for Boeing.

Fantasy Football Guidebook is a reference book that includes everything you ever wanted or needed to know about fantasy football. This 395+ page book is great for beginners and experts. The book includes information on Keeper and IDP leagues, as well as tips and strategies. Fantasy Football Guidebook is also the first book of its kind to have an entire chapter on the “Psychology of Fantasy Football”.

As an avid fantasy football player for the past 17 years, Hendricks has won numerous league championships and has also participated in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF). He will participate in this year’s National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) competition in New York, NY in August 2008. Hendricks has been the commissioner in leagues on three continents and continues to perform those duties today. His third book, Fantasy Football Almanac 2008, was released in May 2008.

Fantasy Football Guidebook has received glowing reviews. Rob Zarzycki, top ranked WCOFF participant and author of Drafting to Win, said “By far the most comprehensive book I’ve seen on fantasy football to date.”

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football covers everything from the history of fantasy football to advanced draft theories and rule variations. It also includes detailed information on scoring systems, types of drafts, ranking players, draft day tips, auction tips and strategies, roster management, commissioner information, injuries and much more.

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football is available in hardcover (ISBN 978-1-60264-022-1) and softcover (ISBN 978-1-60264-020-7) from Virtualbookworm.com, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble (bn.com). More information can be found at the official websites, www.fantasyfootballguidebook.com and www.sam-hendricks.com.

Top 5 QBs for 2008 and why

QUARTER BACKS
1) Tom Brady-He threw a bazillion TDs last year and that trend will continue. It does not take a rocket scientist to know that if you go 16-0 by having your QB score 52 TDs (50 passing, 2 Rushing) then nothing should change the following year. Sure, they lost Dante Stallworth and all 46 of his receptions (3 for TDs). Hmmm bet on 40 TDs or more.

2) Peyton Manning-The undisputed QB #2 this year. He has yet to throw for less than 26 TDs in a year and averages 4100+ yards and 30 TDs in his 10 year career. Boy, what a terrible QB #2.

3) Carson Palmer-4000 yds and 28 TDs. That is his average the past three years as a starter (#1, #4 and #9 final QB rankings). Ocho Stinko will play this year for CIN.

4) Tony Romo- Almost doubled his passing TDs from 2006 to 2007. The #2 ranked QB at the end of the season and the last 4 games he really stunk (2 TDs and 6 INTs). Plan on 30 TDs and hope Jessica Simpson does not attend too many games.

5) Drew Brees-Strong finish (8 TDs and only 3 INTs the last four games) makes me think big things are in store for Brees who has averaged over 4400 yards the past two seasons at NO.

I know I said Top 5 but what if one of these guys gets hit by a Bud truck in the next few months. Call the next guy my spare for the Top 5.

6) Donovan McNabb-He is anywhere from fifth to tenth in most rankings. He had 12 TDs (only 5 INTs) the last half of the season and one of those games was MIA where he sprained an ankle and left before half time with two picks. Project 24 TDs 10 INTs and 4000 yards

Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 goes to printer

Look for Fantasy Football Almanac 2008 at virtualbookworm.com, Amazon.com and BN.com in the next week!

Retails for $12.95

Perfect for the 2008 season with 2005-2008 draft information, NFL schedules, rankings and projections for over 250 players for the upcoming 2008 season.

Auction values, IDP rankings and 3 different type of league projections with Fantasy Points and tiers make this a must have edition for the 2008 season.

Brett Favre named as Madden 2009 cover person. This is the first time Madden NFL video game has a retired player on the cover.

Does Madden know something everyone else does not? I.e Brett Favre RETURNS?

Or could they not find any great player to adorn the cover due to the infamous Madden Curse? In which the player is cursed by a sub par season or injury or both after appearing on the cover of Madden NFL.

History of Madden Curse

2000 Dorsey Levens-released by GB
2001 Eddie George-toe injury
2002 D Culpepper-missed 5 games
2003 M Faulk -ankle injury
2004 M Vick-missed 11 games
2005 R Lewis-No INTs
2006 D Mcnabb-injured most of season but played
2007 S Alexander-missed 6 games
2008 V Young-TDs dropped, INT increased to 17


Enjoy the NFL draft today at 3 PM EST

Fantasy Football Guidebook does it again..#1 @ Amazon

Fantasy Football Guidebook sold over 100 copies last month and is on pace for over 1000 copies by our 1 year anniversary.
Thanks to popular demand Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football has rocketed to #1 at Amazon.com in the category of Fantasy Sports Books!!!!!!

Here are the other rankings:

Popular in these categories:

#1 in Books > Entertainment > Puzzles & Games > Fantasy Sports
#10 in Books > Sports > Coaching > Football (American)
#88 in Books > Sports > Football (American)

Be sure to look for my rankings/projections and mock draft participation in this years Fantasy Football Index magazine and Fantasy Football Draftbook magazine available (along with my books) at Barnes and Noble stores and online retailers such as Amazon.com and Borders.com



Let the Fantasy Football Season begin......

NFL Schedule to be released Tuesday 15 April at 2 PM

Anyone else find it weird that the NFL is releasing their 2008 Schedule on April 15th (tax day)?

Tune in to NFL Network at 2 PM for the "release" show. Sponsored by GMC I think.

Let the Strength of Schedule (SOS) debates begin.

Fantasy Football Guidebook on sale!

Barnes and Noble have both copies (hardback and paperback) on sale and Barnes and Noble (www.BN.com) included Fantasy Football Guidebook in their "Buy 2 get one free" promotion. This incredible Bargain Book Sale for those shoppers who like to save some serious money lasts through 18 April. Buy any two books in this promotion and get Fantasy Football Guidebook for free! Or purchase Fantasy Football Guidebook as one of your two books and get another book for free!

Hardback is $21.56 for members (versus $26.95) and the paperback is just $17.95 (versus regular price of $19.95)

This "Buy 2 get one free" offer is a special sale and you will enjoy huge savings on thousands of fiction and nonfiction titles including Fantasy Football Guidebook.

Don't forget to use the BN.com or Amazon.com buttons directly from my web site www.fantasyfootballguidebook.com so that I can get some additional revenue for each book sold thru my links!

Start of April sees Fantasy Football Guidebook as #1 Book in Fantasy Sports at Amazon.com

Great news. Sales have increased since the doldrums after the Super Bowl.
April started with Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football by Sam Hendricks at #1 in the Amazon.com category of Books/Entertainment/Puzzles & Games > Fantasy Sports.

And .............
#27 in Books > Sports > Coaching > Football (American).

Fantasy Football Almamac 2008 has recently been signed by VirtualBookWorm Publishing and should be available 1 May 2008.

Fantasy Football Guidebook on sale at Amazon for $17.95 --10% off

Great news! Amazon.com has "Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football" for just $17.95, a 10% reduction from the regular price of $19.95, for the paperback version. You save $2 now but I have no idea how long it will last. Take advantage of this great offer to get your copy, pick up the perfect Fathers day gift or just get a copy for a friend before the Fantasy Football season gets into gear for 2008.

Sorry the hardback is NOT on sale and remains at $26.95.

Both versions qualify for FREE SHIPPING at WWW.AMAZON.COM

PS ......Members of Barnes and Noble can get the same low price for the paperback of "Fantasy Football Guidebook" at WWW.BN.COM AND.......the hardback is only $21.95 at BN.COM

PSS Look for "Fantasy Football Almanac 2008" in May and be sure to check out my expert rankings and mock draft participation in Fantasy Football Index Magazine and Fantasy Football Draftbook Magazine this year.

Fantasy Football Mock Draft

Which draft spot do you want to pick from this year?
#1 with the gift of the #1 pick overall but then the boring wait until the end of round two?
On the other hand, do you want #3 and settle for one of the top 3 picks but then you can play the turn and work the corner on drafter 1 and 2 later.
Alternatively, do you covet a later pick say 8-10 for the same round-the-corner aspect but with two of the top 15 picks?

2008 Fantasy Football Top 10 picks/cheat sheet

2008 Fantasy Football Draft (assumes 12 team league, performance scoring)

1. LT- He has been in the top 3 for the past 3 years. Has had at least 1200 yards and 10 TD’s for each of past 7 years.
2. S Jackson-Questions in STL are the only stopping point for SJ.
3. A Peterson-MIN May be the #2 RB but injury concerns are still legit and C Taylor has not left the building yet. Off season issues with the OL do not help either.
4. J Addai-PPR baby! This guy proved me wrong in 2007. He is durable and dependable.
5. Brian Westbrook-always a little iffy injury wise but the catches out of the backfield make him money in the bank.
6. Larry Johnson-Came on strong in second half after recovering from injury. KC needs other weapons to help LJ but he is great value at #6.
7. Willie Parker-needs to get his TD numbers up before he can break into the Top 5.
8. F Gore-If SF can improve their passing game, pretty easy to improve on terrible, then Gore looks good
9. R Moss-if he stays with NE.
10. R Bush or C Portis or W McGhee or M Lynch, M Barber R Grant take your pick

Okay so it is NE vs NYG. Any vote on Fantasy Football stud of Super Bowl

Wes Welker NE WR if in a PPR league.
Tom Brady at QB of course.
B Jacons may have some sucess too.

Name the top 3 picks in Fantasy Football for 2008

1 La Tomlinson RB SD
2 A Peterson RB MIN
3 J Addai RB IND (unless a PPR league in which case B Westbrook RB Phi may be the one)

NFL Championship games

I think it will be NE vs GB in the Superbowl.

Brady, Welker and NE Def are must starts.

Favre, Grant and Jennings look good too.