Tag Archive | Cardinals

Take It To The Bank- NFL Week Four

The injury bug has taken its hit on fantasy football lineups everywhere. Here’s some guys to replace them, including a guy who you should probably look into trading for (if the person who owns him will even give him up). Here’s week four’s installment of Take it to the Bank:

Can’t Catch Karlos

With LeSean McCoy out, Rex Ryan turned to running back Karlos Williams, who led the Buffalo Bills with 110 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. He’ll be back there again this week at home against the New York Giants and is going to have another big game.

Karlos Williams has done a great job taking over for LeSean McCoy (Via Miami Herald)

Rueben’s Revival

Speaking of the Giants, week three saw the reemergence of wide receiver Ruben Randle. We all knew what he could do at his best, but it took a few weeks for Randle to get back to himself. He finished last week with seven catches, 116 yards and a touchdown. Don’t expect this kind of performance every week, but every now and then, Randle will go off.

Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard

Up to this point, the league’s top wide receiver has been Atlanta Falcons wideout Julio Jones. In three weeks, he’s had 34 catches for 440 yards and four touchdowns. Not bad, huh? This is the guy to break the bank on if you’re looking to make a blockbuster trade in your league. Fantasy owners, keep riding Julio, who has no intentions on having any ordinary appearances.

CJ2K15?

Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson came out and looked like the Chris Johnson of old. Not the guy we saw with the New York Jets. Nope. Johnson looked like he was back on the Tennessee Titans, carrying the ball 22 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson also had a 40-yard catch that almost went for a touchdown. While I’d only take Johnson in deeper leagues, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has said that Johnson will start this week no matter what the status of Andre Ellington is. It’s a situation worth monitoring over the next few weeks.

Brett Malamud is an English Rhetoric Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy

09/27/15

Take It To The Bank- NFL Week Three

By Brett Malamud

Another week is here and you know what that means! Here is week three’s installment of Take it to the Bank:

Take a Chance(llor)

After weeks of frustration in Seattle, strong safety Kam Chancellor ended his holdout and returned to practice this week. The Seattle Seahawks are 0-2 headed into their home opener on Sunday, and with Chancellor back in the mix, look for this defense to return to being one of the league’s best.

While we’re on the topic of the Seahawks, tight end Jimmy Graham made headlines this week when it came out that Graham was frustrated with his reduced role. Now as I pointed out a few weeks back, we knew that this would happen. With an elite running back like Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks are destined to run the ball. Graham is being utilized as a blocker right now, but don’t expect him to NOT make an impact. Graham has the second most red zone targets (four) out of all of the league’s tight ends (New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has the most with five). Expect Graham to catch some for touchdowns. Now is the time to buy low on Graham.

Now is the time to buy low on Jimmy Graham (Via USA Today)

Fitz and the Tantrums

I think we were all shocked by the three touchdown performance by Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Now, this was against a weak Chicago Bears defense, but the hype is real. I believe that Larry Fitzgerald proved that he is not done yet. Expect a healthy dose of Larry Fitz as he takes on a weak San Francisco 49ers defense.

Devin’s Day

With news that New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker is out this week, the number-two receiver slot is up for the taking. With Chris Owusu also out this week, timing couldn’t be better for second round pick Devin Smith to make his NFL debut. Smith was a long ball threat and speed receiver at Ohio State, and I’m expecting him to channel that with the Jets. You probably won’t see a big impact immediately, but with the possibility that Decker might miss multiple weeks, Smith could be a sneaky addition to your fantasy team in deeper leagues.

Matthews, Matthews, Matthews

With news of the Philadelphia Eagles setting DeMarco Murray inactive for week three, running back Ryan Matthews will get the start against the Jets. This is where I stay away, as the Jets have the fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Then we head to the other Matthews for the Eagles at wide receiver with Jordan Matthews. This is my “buyers beware” player of the week. Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis will likely be on Matthews for the entire game. This matchup would essentially take Matthews out of the game and out of your lineup.

12/26/14

Studs And Duds: NFL Week 16

By Brett Malamud

Two weeks left! This week has set up some pretty wild week 17 playoff scenarios. Here’s week 16’s edition of Studs and Duds:

Stud: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

It seems that Russell Wilson always brings his A-game when playing on national television. He did it again in week 16 against the Cardinals. Throwing for 339 yards and two touchdowns, Wilson was the definition of a stud. He also added 88 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

Russell Wilson stepped up against the Cardinals in week 16 (Via AP)

Dud: Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Luck was completely shut down by the Cowboys defense in week 16. Luck finished the game with 109 passing yards and two interceptions.

Stud: Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

Tannehill had a stellar week 16, and finished with 396 passing yards and four touchdowns.

Dud: Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Flacco had a sub-par game. He threw three interceptions, and the Ravens took a bad loss to the Texans. The Ravens face the Browns in a must-win week 17 matchup.

Stud: Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants

Beckham Jr. continued his dominance over NFL defenses. The rookie had eight catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns.

Dud: Arizona Cardinals defenders

The Cardinals didn’t stand a chance against the Seahawks. The night was highlighted by an incredible 79 yard touchdown run by Marshawn Lynch.

Stud: Eli Manning, New York Giants

Manning delivered a great week 16 performance, finishing the game with 391 yards and three touchdowns.

Stud: Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
The final spot on this list will have some debate, but Tony Romo deserves it. Romo led the Cowboys to a huge victory over the Colts. Romo’s 218 yards and four touchdowns has kept Dallas in the running for a first round bye in the playoffs.

Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy

05/08/14

2014 NFL DRAFT

The NFL Draft starts at 8:00 PM EST tonight. You can follow the draft coverage here

Pick	Team	Player	Position	College
1	Houston Texans	Jadeveon Clowney	DE	South Carolina
2	St. Louis Rams (From WSH)	Greg Robinson	OT	Auburn
3	Jacksonville Jaguars	Blake Bortles	QB	Central Florida
4	Buffalo Bills (From CLE)	Sammy Watkins	WR	Clemson
5	Oakland Raiders	Khalil Mack	OLB	Buffalo
6	Atlanta Falcons	Jake Matthews	OT	Texas A&M
7	Tampa Bay Buccanners	Mike Evans	WR	Texas A&M
8	Cleveland Browns (From MIN)	Justin Gilbert	CB	Oklahoma State
9	Minnesota Vikings (From CLE) (Via BUF)	Anthony Barr	OLB	UCLA
10	Detroit Lions	Eric Ebron	TE	UNC
11	Tennessee Titans	Taylor Lewan	OT	Michigan
12	New York Giants	Odell Beckham Jr.	WR	LSU
13	St. Louis Rams	Aaron Donald	DT	Pittsburgh
14	Chicago Bears	Kyle Fuller	CB	VA. Tech
15	Pittsburgh Steelers	Ryan Shazier	LB	Ohio State
16	Dallas Cowboys	Zack Martin	OT	Notre Dame
17	Baltimore Ravens	CJ Mosley	LB	Alabama
18	New York Jets	Calvin Pryor	S	Louisville
19	Miami Dolphins	Ja’wuan James	OT	Tennessee
20	New Orleans Saints (From ARI)	Brandin Cooks	WR	Oregon State
21	Green Bay Packers	Ha-Ha Clinton Dix	S	Alabama
22	Cleveland Browns (From PHI)	Johnny Manziel	QB	Texas A&M
23	Kansas City Chiefs	Dee Ford	DE	Auburn
24	Cincinnati Bengals	Darqueze Dennard	CB	Michigan State
25	San Diego Chargers	Jason Verrett	CB	TCU
26	Philadelphia Eagles (Via CLE) (From IND)	Marcus Smith	DE	Louisville
27	Arizona Cardinals (From NO)	Deone Bucannon	S	Washington St.
28	Carolina Panthers	Kelvin Benjamin	WR	FSU
29	New England Patriots	Dominique Easley	DT	Florida
30	San Francisco 49ers	Jimmie Ward	S	Northern Illinois
31	Denver Broncos	Brandon Roby	CB	Ohio State
32	Minnesota Vikings (Via SEA)	Teddy Bridgewater	QB	Louisville

Draft Day Trades:

Bills acquire No. 4 Pick (Sammy Watkins) from Browns for No. 9 pick (Anthony Barr), plus 2015 1st & 4th round picks
Browns acquire 8th pick (Justin Gilbert) from Minnesota for 9th pick (Anthony Barr)
The Cardinals traded No. 20 (Brandin Cooks) to New Orleans for No. 27 (Deone Bucannon) and their third-rounder, Pick No. 91.
The Browns traded Pick No. 26 (Marcus Smith), and their third-rounder, Pick No. 83, to move up to No. 22 (Johnny Manziel)
Vikings acquire the 32th pick (Teddy Bridgewater) for the 40th pick and 108th pick

Amid all of the hype for other players this season, expect Clowney’s name to be called first at the NFL Draft (Via Jeff Blake/US Presswire)

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Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy

03/31/14

MLB Staff Picks

The smell of peanuts and cracker jacks is in the air. After 152 days since the Red Sox walked off the field as champions, baseball is back. Our picks are in for this year’s fall classic. Here they are:

Writer	Pick
Brett Malamud	I’m taking the Yankees over the Dodgers. Both teams have proven this offseason that they want to win now. The Yankees unloaded after missing the playoffs by opening their checkbook and spending close to $500 million. The additions of Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran, Brian McCann, and Masahiro Tanaka immediately make the Yankees a legitimate threat. But don’t think they’re the only team spending the big bucks. The Dodgers passed the Yankees for the MLB’s highest payroll, ending the Yankees 15 year streak, by spending $235 million this season. All and all I’d say Derek Jeter better start spreading the news that his final season will end with a ticker tape parade down the Canyon of Heroes.
Sam Breiter	As an extremely optimistic Mets fan with nothing but the highest expectations, I’m always going to take my team. So along with my Mets, I’m taking the rival Yankees. The Mets have young talent in there rotation, and a growing lineup. They may make a huge move by the deadline, and Zach Wheeler will suprise people this year. Yankees, because they spent money this offseason and are clearly doing anything to win a year after missing the playoffs
Dan Lagnado	In the NL I’ll take the Dodgers and in the AL I’ll take Detroit. Dodgers win a six game series behind Kershaw and Greinke who each win two games
Josh Halilej	Tigers over Cardinals. Lots of solid pitching between the two of them. I think Justin Verlander comes back big this year and comes out as the Tigers’ #1 with Rick Porcello having an awesome year too finishing ahead of Max Scherzer in the pitching rotation. The Cards are going to need Yadier Molina to manage the pitching staff well, but they just don’t have the overall offensive firepower that Detroit does with the addition of Ian Kinsler. Watch out for the Rangers though if they can have someone aside from Yu Darvish step up in their rotation.
Seth Schuster	Red Sox over Dodgers. Only a little bit of bias plays into this one…Both are great teams with amazing young talent. With the recent resurgence of John Lackey, John Lester, a healthy Clay Buchholz, and a young and very talented Xander Bogaerts, the Red Sox will be the 2014 World Series Champions. With the leadership of David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, and Mike Napoli, look for the Sox to make a push for the repeat.
Ben Ozur	Rays vs Dodgers. There’s no explanation for why the Rays are good every year, but the undeniable fact is that they are. However nobody is on the Dodgers level in terms of overall talent. Despite multiple holes including infield depth and major league ready pitchers in the minors, their superstar talent everywhere else will cover that up.
Ryan Gillman	Dodgers over Tigers. The Dodgers are armed with a wealth of talent and the largest payroll in history. Anything less than a championship would be a disappointment.
Sam Iryami	Nationals vs Tigers. Nationals win. The Nationals have the best pitching rotation in baseball with the front four being Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann, and Doug Fister. Pitching wins games. Although the Tigers have a great all around team, the team is full of veterans. However, they are definitely a contender for the World Series because of their many stars such as Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, Ian Kinsler, and Max Scherzer. Both teams have unbelievable pitching and hitting, but I have the Nationals taking home the trophy in this one.
Zach Pokorny	Dodgers vs Angels, but I’d pick the Angels because Mike Trout is amazing

Derek Jeter has one last season in his hall of fame career and will make the most of it (Via Sabo News)

We hope everyone enjoys Opening Day and stays locked in to Dabuzzza here and on our twitter page this MLB season. We know we will.

03/21/14

in MLB Baseball
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2014 MLB Predictions

By Dan Lagnado

National League

East: Washington Nationals

Coming off a disappointing season in which the Nats were 10 games behind the first place Braves, I expect a bounce back season and 95+ wins from the Nationals. An improved starting rotation with the addition of Doug Fister and a lineup without a weakness, the Nats and first year manager Matt Williams can make a run in the playoffs.

Central: St. Louis Cardinals

Last year’s National League champions continue their regular season success led by a batch of young starters. The loss of Carlos Beltran is minimized by the arrival of Jhonny Peralta and the Cardinals have a good chance to defend their title.

West: Los Angeles Dodgers

The Dodgers simply have too much firepower to not win this division. They won the division by 11 games last season and there is no reason for them not to repeat unless the team is decimated by injury.

Clayton Kershaw hopes to lead the Dodgers deep into the playoffs this year (Via USA Today)

Wild Card 1: Cincinnati Reds

The NL Central is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball with three teams making the playoffs last year. I think the Reds jump up a spot from WC 2 to WC 1 in the upcoming season behind the strength of Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips. Another reason for the improvement is that Pittsburgh’s dream run last year does not have the same impact this time around and they drop off enough for the Reds to overtake them down the stretch.

Wild Card 2: San Francisco Giants

In a bounce back year the Giants will finish second in their division and take the second Wild Card position. The starting rotation will return to its former glory and the addition of Tim Hudson will add stability to a rotation that already contains Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner.

American League

East: Boston Red Sox

This was not an easy decision but in the end I have to stay with the defending champions. A solid pitching rotation returns intact and the playoff experience will help this team retain their division title.

Central: Detroit Tigers

Even with injuries to Jose Iglesias, the Tigers are still the team to beat in the AL Central. Miguel Cabrera is coming back healthy and new acquisition Ian Kinsler will provide a big boost at second base. Joe Nathan will provide a boost at the back of the bullpen and Justin Verlander should be back healthy.

West: Texas Rangers

The arrival of Prince Fielder and Alex Rios and the first full season of Jurikson Profar will key the Rangers to a division title. Yu Darvish looks to follow up a dominant year and cement himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball. In a competitive division that goes down the wire, the Rangers will edge out the division.

Wild Card 1: Oakland Athletics

The A’s continue their recent success by locking up another playoff birth, this time by Wild Card. Despite injuries to the starting rotation, Oakland does have enough young pitching to get them through the season effectively.

Wild Card 2: Los Angeles Angels

The Angels’ power bats finally get it together and make it into the postseason. Mike Trout once again will be one of the best in the league and Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols finally get it together in the American League to carry the Angels to success.

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Dan Lagnado is studying communications, law economics and government at American University. He’s a fan of both the Mets and Jets and has been writing about sports for four years. You can follow him on twitter at @dlag1995