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| Associated Press |
| Is one of these gals the most famous reality TV show alumnus? |
Who the hell is Jesse Holley? Moments before his 77-yard reception helped save the Cowboys season, Holley was anonymous to all except for the very ardent reality TV fans -- and Elliot Harrison.
Holley was the gentleman that won Michael Irvin's reality TV show that gave him a chance to make the Cowboys roster last season. Since that time he has managed to make himself a valuable member of the Cowboys, at least for one week. And that begs the question -- should I pick him up on my fantasy team?
Sure.
The real question is this; Is Holley the most successful reality TV show personality ever?
Wow, that is a tough call. Here are my unofficial rankings.
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| Kevork Djansezian/AP |
| She may not be Elisabeth Filarski or The Miz, but Stacy Keibler has done alright for herself after reality television. |
6. Jaime Edmondson (Amazing Race, sports blogger for Playboy)
5. Jacinda Barrett (Real World, actress)
5. Stacy Keibler (WWE, Dancing with the Stars, actress)
3. Jamie Chung (Real World, The Hangover 2)
2. Elisabeth Filarski (Survivor, The View)
1. The Miz (Real World, former WWE champion)
The Miz was at the top of his game earlier this year, but his recent firing (along with R-Truth) could hurt him a little bit. But overall, he has to be the most popular, even though he does portray a heel. Although some would argue that Elisabeth plays the heel on The View, too.
There may have been some other people who could have made the list. Colleen Haskell from the original Survivor was in that terrible Rob Schneider movie, The Animal, but did nothing after that. That being said, that is my unofficial rankings of post-reality TV stars.
If you have an additional thoughts, bring them to me via Twitter @adamrank and we can publish a definitive list later.
My likes and dislikes are highlighted below (with the bolded names, to avoid confusion). That's right, Facebook will not give you a "dislike button," button but I certainly will.
And without further ado ...
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I am really starting to get onboard with Bengals WR A.J. Green, who had a team-high 14 targets in Week 2. And speaking of 'high,' it looks like the Bengals receiving corps could be thinning out in the coming weeks if the NFL punishes Jerome Simpson without his due process. Green is a currently ranked No. 10 in my weekly fantasy rankings, but we will monitor a toe injury that turned up on the injury report. But we will keep you in the loop.
If there is ever a week for Ryan Mathews to get off the fantasy schneid, it is this week. Mathews was ninth last week with 18.6 fantasy points in Week 2 (as always, using NFL.com standard scoring), and his touches are just a few behind Mike Tolbert. But Mathews has had 100+ scrimmage yards in three consecutive games going back to 2010 and he is a great start this week. Mathews is an RB2 this week, ahead of guys such as Peyton Hillis and Tim Hightower.
Alright, everybody is morose over the breakup for R.E.M. And there is much celebration over the anniversary of Pearl Jam's TEN and Nirvana's Nevermind. But let's not overlook that the Red Hot Chili Pepper's Blood Sugar Sex Magik was released on Sept. 24, 1991. (I worked at Music Plus when this album came out and a I took about three crates of publicity posters and decorated my house with it.) Our some-time producer on the Dave Dameshek Football Program David "Neck Tie-Dye" Benhaim believes that Blood Sugar Sex Magik is the greatest album every released. Ever. Talk about it.
I went to Roma Cucina in Sunset Beach, Calif. on Tuesday night, and the hostess wanted to talk about Eric Decker who has scored more fantasy points than Greg Jennings, Larry Fitzgerald and Reggie Wayne this season. I like Decker more than Brandon Lloyd this week, because the latter is nursing a groin injury. Lloyd seems like the obvious start here, but trust me, it is going to be Decker.
Pundits of the National Football League (you can't say NFL Mark Schlereth?) are quick to point out that the Bills face a tough challenge this week against the Patriots. And I guess that is the case from a pure football perspective. But this is a great fantasy matchup for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who ranks fifth among quarterbacks -- putting up more points than Aaron Rodgers, Michael Vick and Philip Rivers. The Patriots are viewed as the best team in the NFL, but that defense gave up a ton of fantasy points to Chad Henne. Fitzpatrick has a huge day. I have him ranked ahead of Cam Newton, Matt Schaub and Rex Grossman.
My pal Dr. Doug drafted Ben Tate in my Corona Fantasy League (the one I care the most about) and was crowing about how great of a pick that was going to be. And Dr. Doug was the guy who snaked Arian Foster from me last year. I have known Dr. Doug since third grade, but he is really starting to push his luck. But Tate is a great start this week and will be for quite some time. Tate is going to Bledsoe that job from Foster.
Yes, that is right, it is time to retire the Wally Pipp reference for stealing a guy's sports job. I like Wally Pipp and I like smart references to historical players, but can we get a more football-centric reference? Tom Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe and never looked back. Mike Vick did the same thing to Kevin Kolb. But you know, considering the obscure references that I often throw out there, maybe we should keep Pipp. If you have been watching the Bill Belichick football life deal, he asked Wes Welker if he knew who Pipp was and Welker had no idea showing that Wes is kind of a dope. You know, I just talked myself out of that whole thing. Let's keep Wally Pipp.
I hate to admit this, but Hugh Jackman was money on RAW this week.
I knew it was a matter of time before Danny Thomas became the runner in Miami. Thomas drew unfair criticism because of Mathews' struggles in 2010, but Danny had 117 scrimmage yards and 19 touches last week. I have him ranked ahead of Cedric Benson, BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Felix Jones. I just moved him ahead of Shonn Greene, too, in this week's re-Ranks.
That hamstring injury to Beanie Wells should mean more pass attempts from Kevin Kolb, who is outdueling the likes of Jay Cutler, Matt Ryan, Matt Schaub and Kyle Orton so far. I would start Kolb over Cutler, Ryan and Orton this week.
I was really worried for Joe Gibbs' health a few years ago when Santana Moss caught those two touchdown bombs in the final minutes against the Cowboys in a wild Monday Night Football win a few years back. And I heard somebody say that Moss owns the Cowboys. Well, Moss has not had a touchdown in five of his last six games against the Cowboys. And Dallas has surrendered a low number of fantasy points to receivers this year, but it just played San Francisco, so it's not like that team has receivers. Consider Moss a good start this week.
Same goes for Fred Davis who continues to be the top tight end for the Redskins.
The song Sweet Home Alabama when it comes up on Pandora Radio.
Break up the Detroit Lions! Matthew Stafford is third among fantasy quarterbacks, Jahvid Best is third among running backs, Calvin Johnson ranks 14th and the defense is first in fantasy points. We had Jonah Keri on the Dave Dameshek Football Podcast on Thursday, and he thinks the Lions are paper champs - so far. I like this team, and keep starting these guys. Stafford has 13 touchdowns and three interceptions in his last four starts.
Are we down with Fred "Action" Jackson this week? Jackson is fifth among fantasy running backs and the Patriots have given up the tenth most points to fantasy running backs this year.
Is it time to start calling Rob Gronkowski the machine for the famed line that Rocky says about Ivan Drago in Rocky IV? And if Gronkowski can get the Bills fans to cheer for him, that would be awesome. Although, that analogy was stupid because it was Rocky who got the Russians to cheer for him and not the other way around. And talk about front-runners, those Russian fans were sure quick to switch sides once their guy lost. That disgrace kept Drago from getting a rematch. But the fight I would have loved to have seen, Clubber Lang vs. Drago. How does that fight never get made? Talk about it.
BTW, the Bills have given up the fourth fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. But even so, you are not sitting Gronkowski.
I am a week behind on Archer, but it is freaking hilarious. 'Oh, I did not know that pirates were still real.' And I am going to work the word 'ruse' into NFL Fantasy Live on Sunday. Tune in for that.
Maurice Jones-Drew has had at least 95 rushing yards in seven of his last nine games. The Panthers are around the middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to running backs, but you are starting MJD.
I am not starting C.J. Spiller, but I am really excited to see what Chan Gailey has him doing from the slot this week. Something to monitor going forward.
How is Rex Grossman still available in NFL.com leagues? He is owned in only 12.2 percent of leagues. Although, just saying Rex Grossman answers my own question. Grossman is still a good start against the Cowboys, after throwing for 322 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions against the 'Boys last year.
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| Cary Edmondson/US Presswire |
| NFL Fantasy LIVE examines whether Tony Romo's litany of injuries make him a risk for Monday night. (Click on image for further analysis.) |
I hope that I have earned enough trust from you to know that I will call out my employer when warranted. I am not a shill at all. But a lot of people were overacting to that Jamaal Charles ad, and need to chill out.
Have you picked up Bernard Scott yet in anticipation for Cedric Benson's suspension? BTW, I had some tough words for the NFL here. But adding Scott should be high on your priority list. If you do not get Scott, you will end up burning. Ironically, I was able to add Scott at 4:20 yesterday afternoon.
The Raiders have allowed the 11th most fantasy points to receivers in the NFL this year, meaning that Santonio Holmes is a good play out in Oakland.
How has the '80s version of Flash Gordon not been remade? I mean, so many movies are getting remade, this one was dying for a reboot. My favorite scene in the '80s version is when Flash meets Ming the Merciless and introduces himself as, "Flash Gordon, quarterback, New York Jets." Do we need to be that formal? A great way to remake this movie would be to base it on Brett Favre's time with the Jets and he wavers on whether he wants to come out of retirement to save the Earth or not. And even give the FSU Cowgirl a role in this picture, too.
BTW, Dameshek has more thoughts on Flash Gordon that we need to talk about a further on the podcast. There is much more to talk about.
My man, Greg Salas was awful against the Giants on Monday night. So everybody released him. But watch him against Raven this week. Raven has allowed 29.65 fantasy points to receivers this year (eighth most in the NFL), but I sill ain't starting him.
Raheem Morris has to have seen the light, right? I really like LeGarrette Blount against the Falcons, who have given up the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs this year. Atlanta is headed for a letdown game this week, too, considering the huge rally over the Eagles last week. Pencil in Blount for 100 yards and a pair of touchdowns. You know what, put that in ink.
Start one of the Cleveland tight ends this weekend. The Dolphins have allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Ben Watson or Evan Moore would be great. Don't make me choose between them, though. Alright, Moore just moved ahead of Watson in the re-Ranks.
Sons of Anarchy is the best show on television now that The Shield is off the air. Creator Kurt Sutter is the man. This third season is shaping up to be the best. BTW, Tara does not survive the season, right?
Liking the Bills receivers like Stevie Johnson who practiced without a limp on Friday. But the breakout will be David Nelson, who seems poised for a huge game against the Patriots. Find a reason to play him.
Mike Thomas, I like as a WR3. I get that Blaine Gabbert is the quarterback, but the matchup is really good.
Do not spoil The Office or Whitney for me, I have them on tape. I had a great night on Thursday performing in Long Beach. There is nothing better to watch than other comics eating (expletive) and then going up and bombing yourself. Hilarious.
And another nod to Bill "Sudsy" Sudell for gathering these great factoids.
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Many of you have added Tom Jones to replace Jamaal Charles, but do not get your hopes up. Jones has had 109 scrimmage yards in his last four games combined, and no touchdowns in nine of his last 11 games. We were all hurt by Charles.
Floyd Mayweather.
I have officially pushed the panic button on Matt Schaub who ranks 24th among fantasy quarterbacks this season, well behind Grossman, Andy Dalton, Jason Campbell, Colt McCoy and Alex Smith. I am playing Fitzpatrick where applicable. I do not blame Schaub for this, rather it is Wade Phillips' fault for building a credible defense. I would not drop Schaub, there are going to be some good games coming up.
I will not turn my back on Chad Henne, but he has better matchups looming. Week 3 against Cleveland is not one of them. That's right, advising a sit against the Browns, I love that.
Man, who wanted to start Beanie Wells this week against the Seahawks? Dang, that hamstring injury is not something that I like. That is why I had Kolb upgraded, and Wells is a big downgrade. You still start him in most formats, but if you have some better options (Best, Blount, and Mathews) use them.
A fantasy enthusiast asked if it was time to drop DeAngelo Williams but do not do anything that drastic just yet. I mean, running backs are in such short supply. But look at Williams numbers, he has had one touchdown in his last 13 games, 11 consecutive games with less than 100 rushing yards. Plus the Jags have allowed the fifth fewest fantasy points to running backs this year.
Dallas Clark is another guy who is really disappointing. I figured (incorrectly) that Kerry Collins would lean on Clark, but that has just not been the case. Depending on the size of your league, dropping Clark might be an option. For larger leagues, I would hold on to him.
Brandon Lloyd is still nursing a groin injury. Anybody who starts him is going to be as sullen as the hipster in the R.E.M. T-shirt and fedora once they see Lloyd laying on the field after his first reception for the game. Remember this, the Titans have allowed the fewest points to fantasy receivers this year. Plus Decker is the jump-ball guy, and will get the red zone targets.
I am not high on Cedric Benson this week. The 49ers have been tough on fantasy running backs this year, allowing the fewest points. And his head might be someplace else this week. Turn over a new leaf for other options.
Stay away from Richard Grieco All-Star, Shonn Greene this week. The biggest stumbling block will be the loss of center Nick Mangold. If Greene has struggled in the past, there is no reason to believe that he can rebound this week.
Speaking of Richard Grieco All-Stars, Felix Jones is another terrible play this week against the Redskins.
What is the name of the receiver who plays for Kansas City? Oh yeah, Dwayne Bowe. That guy, don't play him unless you have to. I would rather play Dexter McCluster.
Would you ever sit Adrian Peterson? No, but just be ready to be disappointed.
Good quarterback I don't like this week -- Jay Cutler. Oh wait, I said good quarterback. Nevermind.
Mario Manningham does not look like he is going to start. Tough break for the Giants. And another reason to not like Eli Manning, the guy who is out to ruin a number of my fantasy teams. But when the Giants go on the injury report, are we really supposed to believe them? Are we?
Did the studios not realize that when Charlie's Angels flopped as a movie, that it would flop as a television series, too? Poor Minka Kelly, you deserve better than this. Especially after dumping Derek Jeter.
Speaking of which, America has to root for the Yankees against the Red Sox this weekend? Ugh. The Sox choking the wild card would easily be the best thing to happen to this country in the last 20 years, but the Angels and Rays have fallen off the pace. The Sox sneak in and probably get hot, and win the World Series. I hate sports.
I was looking forward to using Darren Sproles this week as a replacement for Charles. This was going to give me the perfect excuse. But the Texans have been surprisingly tough on the running backs this year. Is that because of the opponents or Phillips? That will all shake out later this year, but for right now, I would slot in Danny Thomas ahead of him. But as always, be sure to check the re-Ranks.
Mike Tolbert missed Wednesday and Thursday's practice, and while his toe injury is troubling, fumbling is another reason to not like him this week. He looked terrible against the Patriots last week, and it is time for Mathews to shine.
Did we talk about John Cena winning the WWE title? (Deity) damn that was awful. Cena is a big enough star that he no longer needs the belt, because kids are buying his T-shirts and wristbands regardless. Having the strap on Albert Del Rio was enjoyable. RAW seems so outdated because Cena is champion, while Mark Henry has the world title and it is a breath of fresh air. And see, Randy Orton jobbed cleanly to Henry. Was that so hard? And having HHH win was kind of terrible, too.
BTW, kudos to With Leather for pointing out that the Miz is a terrible hype man for R-Truth. I thought I was the only one who got that. Nice, job replacement guy.
Is anybody playing Donovan McNabb? No, he is starting in only 2 percent of NFL.com leagues. But he is owned in 36 percent of leagues, ahead of guys such as Matt Hasselbeck and Grossman. I would rather have Dalton than this guy. Come on people, sometimes you need to break up with the familiar names. There is zero value in having McNabb on your roster. Do not do this to yourselves. In fact, next week is going to be the official "Drop Donovan McNabb from your roster week".
Nobody playing Jason Campbell? Good. How about Denarius Moore? HE looked pretty good against the Bills last week, there is no doubt. I just cannot advise starting the Raiders against the Jets this week, in what looks to be an ugly game. I am still bummed that Dameshek made me take the DeLorean up to Oakland this weekend.
Not looking good for Kyle Orton this week. Same reason I do not like Lloyd this week, the Titans are tough on the quarterbacks.
I don't like Jonah Hill as a skinny person. This is going to ruin his career. Think of all of the movies he was great in, Superbad, Get Him to the Greek … they were funny because Hill was a little tubby. The new-look Hill is rather creepy. And I don't get one thing about Moneyball. This is a look at the A's who had this philosophy that made them competitive, but ultimately did not yield a championship. Apparently the big climax in this movie is the A's 20-game win streak in 2002. Which is awesome. I sure hope they mention that the Angels kept pace and ended up going on a 10-game winning streak and then won 16 of 17 from August 19 to September 15 to claim the wild card and eventually win the World Series. But I guess they are not going to make a movie about that.
For the record, you can submit your fantasy questions to NFL.com Fantasy Live, Michael Fabiano or me on Twitter. But realize, NFL.com Fantasy has 24,000 followers, Fabiano has 32,000, me, I only have 2,000. So your odds are better that I will answer a question, just based on the numbers. So hit me up on both via Twitter or via Facebook. Be sure to catch the latest on the Dave Dameshek Football Program.