Ask the Expert from FantasyIndex.com: What will happen in Super Bowl XLV, and why?

What will happen in Super Bowl XLV, and why?

GB 27 PIT 24
Rodgers has a big day for GB along with Greg Jennings.
Mendenhall for PIT runs well to keep it close.
GB wins it on a Crosby FG when PIT cannot score with the last possession of the game.



ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).


Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Ask the Expert: Which no-name will come off the bench to help fantasy coaches with title games in Week 17?

Which no-name will come off the bench to help fantasy coaches with title games in Week 17?

In a standard PPR league, I have Tim Tebow ranked 5th, Stephen McGee at 13th and Charlie Whitehurst at 20th …take your pick. Other honorable mentions:

WR: Jerome Simpson 25th, Andre Roberts and Brian Robiskie 45h
TE: Jared Cook TEN 4th


ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).


Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Fantasy Index Magazine Ask the Expert: What lesser player is a strong candidate to put up above-average numbers in the fantasy playoffs?

What lesser player is a strong candidate to put up above-average numbers in the fantasy playoffs?

At WR I expect Deion Branch, Davone Bess and Earl Bennett to be surprises for the fantasy playoffs. Each has come on recently in games where the opponent is not a top defense. They should produce better than expected points the next 2 weeks. On the RB side, BenJarvus Green-Ellis continues to excel with NE, but getting the right starter in SF between Brian Westbrook or Anthony Dixon could also prove beneficial.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).


Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners: The Ultimate "How-to" Guide ($10.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428693

Ask the Expert Question (from Fantasy Index Magazine):Would you prefer an 18-game schedule with 2 preseason games, or the current 16-4 split?

Fantasy Football Index Magazine "Ask the Expert" Question for the Week: Would you prefer an 18-game schedule with 2 preseason games, or the current 16-4 split?

Let’s be clear up front. This is all about greed. A longer regular season means more money for everyone. And from a fantasy football perspective I am just as greedy as the next person. I want 2 more real games. Sure it leads to more injuries which mean the best team may be the healthiest team not necessarily the best team. This could also lead to more players taking the last few games off. Some will say what about the records? 2,000 yards rushing -- no problem. 5,000 yards passing -- broken. But we said the same thing with the change from 14 to 16 games (in 1977) and the NFL changes rules so often the “halo” of the records is a little brittle anyway. A better question is what will the 18-game seasons mean to FF? More 16-team leagues with 15-game regular seasons or 14-team leagues with 13-game regular seasons and an increase to the semifinal and Super Bowl from 1 to 2 games each. Labor Day as the kickoff weekend; call me greedy and Vegas here I come.

ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips, Fantasy Football Basics and Fantasy Football Almanac 2010, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 20-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th and 16th overall (out of 228 top players) in the 2008 and 2009 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($10.95 on sale 10% off for $9.85) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Basics: The Ultimate "How to" Guide for Beginners available ($10.95, now just $9.85 10% off) at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428634

Fantasy Football Guidebook (2nd Edition): Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95) http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428650

Fantasy Football Almanac 2010: Your Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide.Order at amazon.com ($10.95 but now 20% off at $8.76) (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0982428618) for 20% off at

Fantasy Baseball for Beginners ($10.95 Pre Order at 32% off for $7.38 only at BN http://tinyurl.com/32ogh9t)

"Ask the Expert" Question: Who will be this years Fantasy Football playoffs sleeper?

Fantasy Football Index Magazine "Ask the Expert" Question for the week: Name your sleeper for the fantasy playoffs -- a player who has been average to below-average this season, but will help carry teams to fantasy titles the rest of the way.

One obvious answer is Fred Jackson. He should get more carries now that new BUF coach, Perry Fewell, has decided to give Jackson the main RB duties for the Bills. A real sleeper is Larry Johnson CIN. He has a favorable schedule and has shown some flash for the Bengals filling in during Cedric Bensons' absence. He will not top 100 yards as he did Sunday but he could do some damage with 10 carries a game and DET, SD and KC all ahead. If Benson misses more time, Johnson could see his value soar. As for a WR pick, Jason Avant PHI is making his move and DeSean Jackson missing this week helps him.


ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at http://www.fantasyindex.com/ with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

This year he is 4th overall in the Fantasy Football Players Championship (out of 228 players) going into Week 13.

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669


Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

"Ask the Expert" Question: What one player should fantasy owners be most thankful for this season, and why?

Fantasy Football Index Magazine "Ask the Expert" Question for the week: What one player should fantasy owners be most thankful for this season, and why?

Hands down Brett Favre is my candidate. He has the Minnesota Vikings at 9-1 with a three game lead in the NFC North. The Vikes QB is No. 1 in the NFL in passer rating (112.1), No. 1 in fewest interceptions thrown (three), No. 2 in completion percentage (69.7) and No. 2 in touchdown passes (21). He is averaging 20 points per game in most leagues (7th best QB); not bad for someone going in the 11th round in many drafts.


ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at www.fantasyindex.com with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

"Ask the Expert" Question: How concerned should fantasy owners be about players from those teams with big leads being rested as early as week 16?

Fantasy Football Index Magazine "Ask the Expert" Question for the week: Several teams have 3-game leads in their divisions. How concerned should fantasy owners be about players from those teams being rested as early as week 16?

Be afraid. Be very afraid. Just look back to 2005 when both Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning pretty much sat out the last 2 games of the season giving their owners minimal points. But quite frankly it is way too soon to worry about it now. Of the three teams with 3 game leads, IND has a tough schedule ahead and a ton of injuries; I do not see them securing home field advantage early enough. Minnesota with four of the next five games at home could be in a position after week 14 and NO may be the same. But then again they both may be fighting each other for that #1 seed. So don’t sweat it yet.




ASK THE EXPERTS appears weekly at www.fantasyindex.com with answers to a new question posted Thursday morning.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

Do you believe it's OK to bench your studs, or are you against it? Fantasy Index Magazine "Ask the Expert Question of the Week"

Do you believe it's OK to bench your studs, or are you against it?

The answer is it DEPENDS.

In 99 out of 100 cases, NO never bench your studs because they are going to perform for you. Whether it is this week or next week, eventually they will produce and you do not want them on your bench when they go off for 30+ fantasy points.

A better question is what defines your “stud”?
Generally any player drafted in the first two or three rounds in my book. They were drafted high because you knew you could count on them.

So when are the rare instances when you do not start the stud player?
1) Injury issues would be one scenario. If he is questionable or doubtful with a significant injury (and not practicing on Friday is a good sign it is significant) then I would think about benching him. Even if he plays he may be limited.

2) Another case is when something beyond his control will affect him-like weather or a week 17 game where he may be rested for the playoffs. Last year Kurt Warner went to play at NE in week 16 during a snow storm. Swirling winds are not good for a passer He should have been benched even though all the predictions were for a big day.


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.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/, at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95) www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669
Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

Fantasy Index "Ask the Expert" Question: Which player who you were high on at the start of the preseason have you now given up on?

Never say never. I have not given up on anyone this year (except Plaxico Buress), but I have lowered my expectations on some players. In the May release of Fantasy Football Almanac 2009 I suggested that Cedric Peerman, RB might be “worth a late round chance”. Saturday BAL cut him, but another team may pick him up. Nevertheless, Brandon Marshall is the player that dropped the most. In May, I had him as high as fourth best WR. Now he will be lucky to make the Top 30 at WR. Neither Peerman nor Marshall are avoid players, they just have moved considerably down the rankings.

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.Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95, www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669)

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

Fantasy Football Almanac 2009: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide ($12.95, http://www.amazon.com/1602643989)

Fantasy Index "Ask the Expert": Who will be this years breakout fantasy star?

Fantasy Index "Ask the Expert" Question: Who will be 2009's breakout fantasy star?
Breakout player of 2009 will be Chris Henry WR CIN. Carson Palmers return should help all the Bengal WRs and Henry seems to have straightened out his off-the-field issues. His past two years have been failures, but 2009 could be the year he breaks out and surpasses his 2006 performance. Through 3 games this preseason, he has all (3) of the CIN TD receptions. Look for 60 catches/750 yards and 6 TDs and a Top 25 WR finish.



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.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Tips: 201 Ways to Win through Player Rankings, Cheat Sheets and Better Drafting ($9.95, www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669)

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

Fantasy Football Almanac 2009: The Essential Fantasy Football Reference Guide ($12.95, http://www.amazon.com/1602643989)

It's the last round of a draft, and you've already taken your kicker. What no-name player, any position, might you draft here, and why?

It all depends on my depth at other positions. Normally I look at my team and the big three positions: QB, RB and WR. Which of those three positions am I weakest? That will be the position I need to bump up with an additional sleeper that I can hopefully hit on. Having said that, if all else is equal, I will go with a WR since they are more likely to breakout and be the difference maker. By the last round, there are not too many RBs or QBs who can make a difference.
This year I would snag Pierre Garcon or Austin Collie. Both have a chance at being the WR3 at IND and that has to mean some looks from Peyton Manning. If they do not hit, then you can drop them mid season if you need to free up room.


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.

Sam Hendricks is the author of Fantasy Football Guidebook, Fantasy Football Tips and Fantasy Football Almanac 2009, all available at his website, http://www.ffguidebook.com/ , at all major bookstores, and at http://www.amazon.com/. He is a 19-year fantasy football veteran who regularly participates in the World Championship of Fantasy Football (WCOFF), National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) and finished 7th overall in the 2008 Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC).

Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203

Fantasy Football Tips ($9.95, www.amazon.com/dp/0982428669)

Fantasy Football Index Expert Auction Draft

Now that the Fantasy Football magazines have hit the bookstore shelves, I can discuss some of my expert teams. Today I am analyzing my Fantasy Football Index Mock Auction team. You can find the entire draft along with my rankings in Fantasy Football Index 2009 Draft Guide on the following pages;

Fantasy Expert Player Rankings page 44-61 (Including a Question and Answer Interview on Tight Ends on page 61
Expert Mock Auction pages 68-73

11 Experts (Including Chris Harris-ESPN, Dave Gerczak-BFD FF, David Dodds-FFGuys and Scott Pianowksi-Yahoo!) and 1 Fantasy Index reader particapated on May 17 in this auction. Each team starts with a $200 auction budget and must pick 22 players for a starting roster of 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 K and 1 DEF.

Last year I finished a close second to Ian Allen after leading for much of the final stretch. A hurt MB3 wrecked any chance of holding on to first place.

It is a DraftMasters (or DraftExperts) format. This means it is a best ball format where there are no free agent pickups during the season. So it is a “draft and forget” league where the computer will automatically start the player with the best performance for the week for you. My team is below with the bid cost.

Fantasy Football Guidebook
QB Donovan McNabb 16
Carson Palmer 11

RB Chris Johnson 48
Brandon Jacobs 36
Larry Johnson 15
Ahmad Bradshaw 5
LaMont Jordan 1
Michael Pittman 1

WR Anquan Boldin 19
Antonio Bryant 11
Lance Moore 8
Kevin Curtis 5
Derrick Mason 4
Devery Henderson 3
Patrick Crayton 2
Austin Collie 1

TE Owen Daniels 6
Brandon Pettigrew 2

K Nick Folk 1
Shayne Graham 1

DEF Chicago Bears 2
Baltimore Ravens 2

Overall I think it is fairly strong at every position except WR. I am hoping that Boldin and Bryant can be good enough WR1 and WR2 and the others can come up with a WR3 every week I have two NO WRs in Lance Moore and D Henderson so I am hoping for a good year again for Drew Brees. Kevin Curtis could surprise if the rookie J Maclin is slow to produce for Phil.

In the magazine, they ask me to discuss my outlook for Larry Johnson.
“I am cautiously optimsitic about LJ as he and KC seem to have kissed and made up. He had a good rushing avg in 2008 (4.5 yards per carry) and with Matt Cassel at QB should not see as many eight-man fronts. He is Kansas City’s starter and I see a healthy LJ with 1,250 yards and 8 TDs.”

Best picks: Either QB and Owen Daniels for $6 I think he could be a Top 5 TE this year.

Regrets: Pulling the trigger on Chris Johnson for $48. I wish I had waited and gotten two lesser RBs for $40 and saved some of those dollars for later in the draft. $1 later in the draft is worth a ton more than $1 early on when bidding is crazy!

Read more in Fantasy Index Magazine in stores now!

Sam Hendricks, author
Fantasy Football Tips ($9.95) http://www.amazon.com/0982428669
Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comprehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football ($19.95 on sale for $17.95) http://www.amazon.com/1602640203