Looking at alternatives for RG3

Man, the timing for the Robert Griffin III news couldn't have come at worse time.

Well, I guess it could, since there's still time to make alternate plans.

But still, RG3 carried teams this year.

Now, owners are left scrambling for a starter at quarterback.

Hopefully, you backed up RG3 with someone you can plug in this week.

If not, you're probably looking at some players you never thought would be starting in the playoffs.

Here's how I would rank some left out there:

• Brandon Weeden: Could hook up with Josh Gordon for a long TD.
• Carson Palmer: Garbage time works for him.
• Chad Henne: Faces former team. Has both Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon.
• Sam Bradford: Chris Givens is emerging, plus Danny Amendola should play.
• Jake Locker: Has some weapons on offense. 
• Kirk Cousins: Not sure what to expect from him.
• Ryan Tannehill: He's struggled, but he faces the Jags.
• Christian Ponder: Do you get points for handing off to Adrian Peterson?
• Mark Sanchez: Don't trust him, but he's better than the next two.
• Brady Quinn: Nah.
• Ryan Lindley: Maybe you're better off taking a zero?!

Good luck.

Can't decide on a lineup question? Here's what I do

It's the playoffs and you need a win. I get it.

But what if you still have a lingering lineup choice?

Here's what I look at:

First, check the over/under for the game involving the players in question. I go with the one with the highest over/under.

Second, I ask myself, "Who could I stand losing with?"

Silly, I know. But let's say I'm deciding between Josh Freeman and Matt Ryan at QB this week.

I'd rather make the wrong choice with Ryan than try to be a genius and start Freeman and lose because of it.

Good luck this week.

Could Dez be a decoy?

Yep, Dez Bryant is supposed to line up at wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A healthy Dez would be a juicy matchup against a depleted Steelers' secondary.

Unfortunately, Bryant is risking further injury by playing with a broken finger.

Bryant said he wouldn't play if the playoffs weren't on the line, so hats off to him for putting it on the line.

I'm just wondering one thing: What if Dez is a decoy against the Steelers? I haven't heard that angle.

His legs are healthy. He can run all over the field while Miles Austin and Jason Witten get all the love from Tony Romo.

I'd sit Bryant this week. The downside is too great.

Who do you trust? Fantasy football playoff edition

I still can't put my finger on this fantasy football season. I guess that means it's been one crazy ride.

Hopefully, you've made your way through the landmines and injuries of the season and found the playoffs.

Looking back, I really lucked out this season in getting Robert Griffin III in all three of my leagues. It wasn't by design, it's just how it happened. And, he was drafted as my backup in all three leagues as well.

With RG3 leading the way, it should be no surprise that I made the playoffs in all three leagues.

Here's where I stand:

14-team straight redraft: Third place overall, second overall in scoring. I had Michael Vick as my starting QB but switched to RG3 after two weeks and didn't look back. I cut Vick last week and picked up Brandon Weeden as my backup. I've been putting up the points despite having Darren McFadden and DeMarco Murray on my bench with injuries for the second half of the season. Eric Decker has worn out his welcome; I just can't trust the guy at this point. I've had Jason Witten since the start of the season, and he currently ranks third at TE in our PPR format.

12-team, one keeper: Second place overall, first overall in scoring. I secured a bye Monday when the person I was battling with lost by three points. It helped that he had Santana Moss. Of course, the week before, I lost by 1.5 points with James Jones getting me zero targets. It's a PPR, so that really hurt. As for my roster, I entered the season with Calvin Johnson as my keeper. I then drafted A.J. Green and Rob Gronkowski with my first two picks. Not bad -- until Gronk got hurt. I picked up Philip Rivers and RG3 back-to-back during the draft, and I started Rivers in Week 1. After that, it's been RG3, baby.

8-team, five keepers: Second place overall, first in scoring. I was heavy on running backs, so I took Tony Romo with my first pick (drafted sixth, so Trent Richardson and Doug Martin were gone). I snagged RG3 soon after. I traded for Matthew Stafford midseason, so I've been going with him and RG3 as my two starters at QB. Otherwise it's been a heavy dose of Arian Foster and LeSean McCoy (Bryce Brown, too).

As I set my roster in one league and scan waivers in the other two since I have byes, I have my eyes on T.Y. Hilton, Danario Alexander, Knowshon Moreno, Vick Ballard and Jonathan Dwyer.

I'm forgetting about the likes of Decker, Denarius Moore, Jermichael Finley, Steve Smith, Jacquizz Rodgers (at least at home, check out his splits) and Shonn Greene.

Good luck this week.

Got a question? Follow me on Twitter @ green_rick.

Vick Ballard? Thursday night was defining moment

I bought into the Vick Ballard hype Thursday.

I used a waiver claim, picked him up and inserted him into my lineup for Thursday night's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Right up until 8:15 p.m.

A few minutes earlier I saw the Indianapolis Colts had running back Donald Brown was active.

Uh-oh.

I couldn't risk it. I benched Ballard at the last minute because of the uncertainty of his role for the game.

We'll see if it was a good move, but judging from Ballard's game and the Colts' usage of him, I'm done with Ballard.

He looks like he could be the guy, if the Colts would just let him. He's more of a back that needs volume, plus it doesn't help if Andrew Luck is getting the goal-line carries.

So two things to remember from Thursday's game: check the inactives and watch for a player's role. It could be big.

And I guess there's a third, too. I just can't trust Ballard.

Eight weeks in, it's been a crazy season

It's been a crazy fantasy football season.

So far, we've learned that the Madden curse continues (yes, I'm a Calvin Johnson owner in one league), Alfred Morris is a legit running back, rookie QBs aren't so bad (if you're Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III or Brandon Weeden) and everything that we've learned can turn upside down.

Is this a great sport or what?

I drafted RG3 in three of my four leagues as a backup, but I've been rolling with him since Week 1. I guess that's not too hard to do with Philip Rivers and Michael Vick as your other two quarterbacks.

It's safe to say that Rivers is pretty much done with me. I'm waiting for an impatient owner to cut someone like Josh Freeman to help out during the bye-week blues. I might even roll with Weeden as my backup as soon as this week. I've just lost all patience with the Chargers and Norv Turner. I guess Ryan Mathews is OK at RB, but nothing else there excites me.

I guess I shouldn't base everything on last week, as the Chargers should get a free pass for playing in those weather conditions in Cleveland. But I'm done with Rivers.

As for Vick, I'll hold him, but I don't see myself starting him. This week's matchup against the Saints looks promising, but I'll not go that route.

As we get closer to crunch time, and hopefully the playoffs, I'll post more.

I'm back from dormancy, but CJ isn't

Is there anyone more disappointing so far this season than Chris Johnson?

There are contenders for the throne, but C.J. has let many, many owners down.

Thankfully, I haven't been burned by him.

Let's review what the first-round pick has done in two games:

• Sept. 9 vs. the Patriots: 11 carries, 4 yards; 6 receptions, 47 yards
• Sept. 16 vs. the Chargers: 8 carries, 17 yards, 2 receptions, 11 yards

Ugh.

And to think, he went No. 4 overall in some drafts.

If you own C.J., you need to cut bait.

The offense looks bad. Jake Locker looks bad.

If I could get Doug Martin, Frank Gore, Law Firm or DeAngelo Williams, I'd do it.

Heck, I'd consider Kevin Smith at this point.

Yeah, you could hold onto C.J. and wait for a big game. But when will that happen with games coming up against the Lions, Texans, Vikings and Steelers?

I'm not excited about Michael Vick

Two injuries.

That's two too many for my liking.

Yes, Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick isn't seriously injured, but it's a not-so-subtle reminder that Vick, while explosive, is a high-risk, high-reward player.

That's why I spent a second-round pick on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in my 10-team, five-keeper league. My protection list was submitted before Vick's rib injury was disclosed, so I might have even protected New England Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd over Vick.

Seven quarterbacks were protected, and I then used a high pick to back up Vick.

Well, I might start Ryan over Vick.

I'm that nervous about him.

I'd rank quarterbacks like this:

• Aaron Rodgers
• Tom Brady
• Cam Newton
• Drew Brees
• Matt Stafford
• Matt Ryan
• Eli Manning
• Peyton Manning
• Mike Vick

Ryan Mathews Support Group meets here

There's a lot of upset Ryan Mathews owners out there.

I know. I am one.

Welcome to the club.

In order to help everyone get over their feelings of being burned by the San Diego Chargers running back, I'm asking anyone who feels upset to post away in the comments below.

Seeing what other Mathews owners are going through can help you get over your anxiety.

Right now, I'm keeping Mathews in my 10-team league. We keep five, so I have a larger margin for error than those that keep fewer or those who spent an early pick on him already.

I've had Mathews for two seasons, so I'm well aware of the frustrations of owning him.

Here's why I'm not giving up on him yet:

• He might only miss one game. 
• The injury is not as bad as the Chargers originally thought.
• San Diego has not signed any running backs yet.

For now, I'm staying the course. I have more than a week to change my mind, and I'll let you know if I do.

Ryan Mathews: injured, out and falling on draft boards

I couldn't believe it Thursday night.

I opened up my Twitter feed and it was going crazy. Tweet after tweet kept popping up. Finally, I saw it: Ryan Mathews injured.

Ouch.

On the first carry, no less.

Instead of proving he's worthy of a first-round pick and able to be the main running back for the San Diego Chargers, Mathews confirms his fragile reputation by breaking his clavicle.

Initial diagnosis: out four to six weeks.

How does that change things with Mathews?

If you draft him in the third round, you're probably reaching. He might be a safer pick toward the end of the fourth round, but you're probably better waiting until the fifth.

Plus, you need to handcuff him. The problem there, however, no one has emerged as the handcuff. It could be Ronnie Brown, but Curtis Brinkley could be the guy, too.

In my dynasty league, Mathews was a player I was planning on keeping. We keep five in a 10-team league, and now I feel stuck.

I have 10 days to decide, so after this initial buzzkill, I'll be able to look at it more objectively.

However, if I was drafting Saturday, I would be looking at other options.

Keep in mind, if Mathews returns in four weeks, we're looking at the start of the season. It might not be as bad as we're dreading right now.

However, this doesn't bode well for a season where he was supposed to emerge as a feature back.

Trent Richardson news presents buying opportunity

The Cleveland Browns have no luck.

But, you could turn that bad luck into some fantasy football luck.

With the news that No. 1 pick Trent Richardson could have surgery today on his knee, fantasy football owners have to be taking that into consideration before they draft.

Before the news, Richardson likely was a first-round pick. Now? Who knows?

The procedure, if it takes place, would sideline Richardson for two or three weeks. The team seems to think he'll be ready for the season opener.

If you draft this weekend, I wouldn't lower him based on this news alone.

Yes, it's a little disheartening to hear. But the Browns were depending on Richardson this year.

I would still take him at the end of the first round.

The information I've seen so far hasn't convinced me to knock him down on my board or avoid him.

Pre-draft trading strategy: Getting anything for a non-keeper a good idea?

In my dynasty league, owners usually try to sell off the players they won't keep at a reduced rate.

Usually there's a big rush of emails before the keepers are due hoping someone will take them up on an offer.

I've had mixed feelings about doing this, at least in a sell-off mode.

First, if you're an owner without a strong number of keepers, this is one way to get a decent player at a lower cost.

For example, Franchise Owner A might try to sell Player A for an eighth-round draft pick. If Player A is an upgrade, this would be a good idea.

I'm looking at it from a different angle and want to get your opinion.

If I'm an owner, why would I want to help out another owner improve his team at a discounted rate?

Let me throw a player out there to help make a little more sense.

I'm not keeping Brandon Lloyd. My dynasty league keepers (five) are shaping up as Ryan Mathews, DeMarco Murray, Jimmy Graham, Matt Forte and Mike Vick.

Lloyd is going somewhere in the 50s in drafts, so he could be going in the fifth round. If I trade Lloyd for an eighth-round pick, the other owner is making out. I won't be drafting a player in the eighth round of comparable talent or upside. And remember, since we keep five, this would be like a 13th-round pick.

But, some will say, you are at least getting something for Lloyd, who you weren't going to keep.

Agreed.

But now I can't draft Lloyd again. Plus, I made the other team stronger.

Do you see any other points for or against this? I'd love to hear them.

I'm backing off Big Ben

There seems to be some thought that if you pass on the first tier of quarterbacks in your fantasy football league, that you still can get some quality.

I agree with that thought.

Some might have thought the Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger could have been a good value, especially with Rashard Mendenhall on the mend.

I could see it, perhaps. But after seeing news of Roethlisberger's little torn rotator cuff, I have to drop him down on my board.

Roethlisberger's injury history, and word of this one from Novemeber, scares me.

I'll draft Big Ben only as a backup.

Ryan Mathews injury watch begins again?

Ryan Mathews' stock was rising going into training camp.

Earlier this week, however, I had flashbacks to his first two seasons.

Mathews was slightly injured in a car accident.

Mathews called the accident a "freak thing."

This likely won't bother him this camp, but it was a reminder that Mathews and injuries seemed to go hand-in-hand.

Things were looking good for him with Mike Tolbert leaving. And Mathews is going in the first round of most drafts.

As a Mathews owner in a dynasty league, I'm nervous about him.

If I'm drafting in a regular league, it might be tempting to take Trent Richardson or Maurice Jones-Drew before Mathews, although both of those players have their risks as well.

Doug Martin looks strong for Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Doug Martin has been on my radar since he was drafted.

In my 10-team dynasty league, we keep five players. When the draft starts, most of the top 50 players are protected and the first round is usually dominated by rookie running backs.

So I've been keeping a close eye on him since I have the second overall pick.

Martin has been the one I wanted to select, assuming Trent Richardson is gone.

An article I read in the Tampa Bay Times reinforced that.

Granted, it's still early, but coaches and players already have noticed his talent.

Martin has the makings of an every-down back. His stock should continue to climb.

Antonio Brown just got paid

Just hours after I post that Mike Wallace is making a big mistake and Antonio Brown is better, the Pittsburgh Steelers take my advice and sign Brown to an extension.

Great call by the Steelers.

It's also quite a message to send to Wallace.

I don't see him in a Steelers uniform in 2013.

Brown is still a guy to target in fantasy football drafts.

I'd go as early as the fourth round on him.

I just don't trust those Redskins RBs

Don't stake your fantasy football season on the Washington Redskins' running game.

Mike Shanahan will ruin your team if you're looking for a solid No. 2 or 3 back.

What some proof? Evan Royster took the bulk of first-team snaps.

While Roy Helu might be my favorite and Tim Hightower is in the mix, I won't take any in my drafts unless it's to fill out my roster for RB depth.

Let someone else take the risk.

Mike Wallace making big mistake

Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace must be getting terrible advice.

Players don't win contract standoffs with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Especially one-trick ponies who have been surpassed on the roster by another wideout.

If I'm drafting, I'm taking Antonio Brown before Wallace.

Brown emerged at the end of last season while Wallace struggled.

Wallace is missing valuable time learning Todd Haley's new system. Wallace also is missing time with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Wallace can stay away as long as he wants. Emmanuel Sanders is ready to take his place.

Don't overpay for Wallace this year. You'll get better value from Brown.

Welcome to the second season of Who Do I Start

Just wanted to briefly acknowledge that one year ago today I started this little endeavor to help the fantasy sports player.

As always, thanks for taking the time to visit the site.

Good luck in the future in fantasy sports.

Is MJD still a first-rounder?

What's not to like about Maurice Jones-Drew?

He's the main cog in the Jacksonville Jaguars' offense. He had 1,606 yards rushing and eight touchdowns.

Heck, he even has his own fantasy football radio show.

But I heard someone question whether or not MJD was reaching the end.

What if you throw a contract distraction on top of things?

I'm still not worried.

While MJD is not a top-five pick, he certainly deserves a selection towards the middle or end of the first round.

It's July, that means fantasy football season is upon us

I can't believe it's time to get ready for fantasy football season already.

It seems like yesterday there was labor strife in football, but it's been more than a year.

Just wanted to let you know we'll be posting more football opinion and analysis soon.

Here are some of the questions I've been pondering -- and hopefully answering in the not-to-distant future:

• Why is Ryan Mathews' stock rising?
• Is Trent Richardson a safe first-round pick?
• Will Michael Vick bounce back this year?

So, enjoy the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and come back soon.

NBA playoffs: Let's not worry about the Spurs just yet

When the San Antonio Spurs won both games at home against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their Western Conference finals, many thought the Spurs were on their way to the NBA Finals.

Well, the Thunder have changed that perception.

The series is tied 2-2 after Saturday night's 109-103 win by the Thunder.

Now, the Thunder look like they're on their way.

Or, are they?

I've always been a firm believer in the theory that a series never really starts -- or gets interesting -- until the home team loses.

Until that happens, the Spurs have the edge.

Game 5 will be the game that matters.

If the Spurs win, they'll have two shots to close out the Thunder. If Oklahoma City wins, they'll have the road win.

Let's see what happens.

Looking back on Mr. Irrelevant

Here are some interesting players once drafted as Mr. Irrelevant.

Jaguars, Gabbert squash Blackmon's value

Going into last month's NFL Draft, there was one player I was watching on the first day -- Justin Blackmon.

I have the second pick in my dynasty league draft and Blackmon was my target. I figured Trent Richardson would be gone, so I wanted an impact receiver.

The Jacksonville Jaguars changed my mind.

I think Blackmon still can be that guy, but not immediately on the Jaguars.

The main reason for that is Blaine Gabbert.

I'm not sold on him as a starting quarterback, which means Blackmon's stock falls dramatically, in my book.

I look at Blackmon as a WR3 right now, with long-term upside.  If Blackmon had gone to the Rams, for instance, I think he could be a WR2.

Now, instead of drafting Blackmon, I think I'd rather have Doug Martin.

Michael Bush to the Bears? Oh, no

Michael Bush is with the Chicago Bears.

One, that doesn't help Matt Forte's value.

Two, it doesn't help Bush's value either.

Forte, someone I traded for late last season in one of my dynasty leagues, took a hit. He was a late first round or early second round pick.

Bush will steal carries and likely touches around the goal.

At this stage, I'd take Forte in the third or fourth round and grab Bush as a handcuff.

And for dynasty leagues, I'd expect Bush to be the main man in Chicago in 2013.

Tebow's droppable in fantasy formats

Tim Tebow's value just dropped.

While I think he's raw as a quarterback, he did have value as a fantasy quarterback last year with the Denver Broncos.

Now that he's a Jet, he's droppable. Don't even think of keeping him.

I don't understand the Jets' extension of Mark Sanchez. And, today, I don't understand trading for Tebow.

McGahee's value drops with Manning

Willis McGahee had a great season in 2011 with the Denver Broncos.

He rushed for 1,199 yards and had four touchdowns.

With Peyton Manning under center, I'd expect McGahee's numbers to drop.

The Broncos turned their offense into a run-first, run-second and run-third style.

That won't be the same.

With Manning, I'd expect McGahee, who'll turn 31 in October, to get four TDs again, but I think he'll miss out on 1,000 yards.

If Peyton's new place is Denver, where does Tebowmania land?

Just asking: If Peyton Manning signs with the Broncos, where does Tim Tebow end up?

Going to the Jaguars would make sense.

RG3 to Redskins?

It looks like the Redskins will get Robert Griffin III in the NFL Draft, if news reported Friday night is correct.

The Redskins traded with the Rams to get the second overall pick in April's draft, presumably to get Griffin.

It's a bold move by the Redskins to get Griffin, the Heisman Trophy winner. And I wouldn't be too concerned about a lack of draft picks, either. Washington has plenty of bucks left under the salary cap to fill needs through free agency.

The Redskins swap No. 1 picks with the Rams, and throw in two future No. 1s and a second-rounder, according to a FoxSports.com report.

The Rams make out quite well, too, to fill their needs.

I'm really intrigued with Roy Helu there with Griffin.

Super Bowl: Manning just better than Brady

Eli Manning deserved his MVP award for leading the New York Giants past the New England Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI Sunday night.

And when the stakes are the highest, Manning is better than Tom Brady.

Brady had the two big miscues in Sunday's game. His intentional grounding call put the Patriots in a hole, and his ill-advised pass attempt was picked off by the Giants and snuffed a drive.

I'm still stunned that a Tom Brady-led team and a Bill Belichick-coached team couldn't put away the Giants. The Patriots led 17-9 early in the third quarter and didn't score again.

The Patriots needed a knockout punch and Brady couldn't deliver.

But don't take this criticism of Brady and taking credit from the Giants.

They deserved to win.

Manning's pass to Mario Manningham was picture perfect.

Compare that to Brady's pass to Wes Welker than was off by enough to have Welker drop it.

Manning's perfect in Super Bowls while Brady now has two losses.

That's not worthy of being mentioned with Joe Montana in Super Bowl lore.

But watch out for Eli. He still can add to his legacy.

Was Flacco the better quarterback in the AFC title game?

Much of Joe Flacco's play was scrutinized leading up to Sunday's AFC championship game between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots.

Some, like myself, see the Ravens quarterback as a strong-armed version of Trent Dilfer, who led the Ravens to their only Super Bowl title.

Not many would have thought that Flacco would have had a better game than the universally praised Tom Brady.

But Flacco did.

Check out the numbers:

• Flacco: 22-of-36, 306 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 95.4 rating
• Brady: 22-of-36, 239 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions, 57.5 rating

I'll give you Brady had to face a much better defense, but he had better weapons.

And, frankly, if Lee Evans had held on to that touchdown pass, I'm not convinced Brady would have led the Patriots back.

Please don't confuse this as saying Flacco is a better overall quarterback than Brady. I'm saying Flacco outplayed Brady in the AFC title game.

That's something no one thought possible.

Fantasy hockey: Count on Couturier

Here are some players I'm looking at picking up or already have picked up this week in fantasy hockey:

(As a side note, my scoring period is longer this week because of the all-star break, so check your leagues. My games played are based on a two-week scoring period.)

• Matt Read, Flyers, forward
• Jay Harrison, Hurricanes, defenseman
• Francois Beauchemin, Ducks, defenseman
• Dave Bolland, Blackhawks, forward
• Justin Williams, Kings, forward
• Sean Couturier, Flyers, forward

I have Couturier in my lineup this week. I almost picked up Read, but I didn't want to go too heavy on one team in my lineup. Williams has nine points in his last seven games and Bolland has nine in his last eight. Beauchemin is plus-9 in his last eight games and has racked up 21 penalty minutes.

Fantasy basketball: Prince is the king of pickups this week

Here are some players I'm either picking up or putting on my watch list for this week in fantasy basketball leagues:

• Tayshaun Prince, Pistons
• Dorrell Wright, Warriors
• Trevor Ariza, Hornets
• Luke Ridnour, Timberwolves
• Mike Miller, Heat
• Evan Turner, 76ers
• C.J. Watson, Bulls

I'd look hard at Watson if I owned Derrick Rose. Prince is a nice add in just about any format right now. Wright has just three starts this week, so that would be something not in his favor. I'd look at Ridnour if I wanted some depth on my team.

Fantasy hockey: Don't Staal on picking up Rangers defenseman

Players I'm looking at or have already picked up this week in fantasy hockey:

• Marc Staal, Rangers, D
• Trevor Daley, Stars, D
• Michael Ryder, Stars, F
• Justin Williams, Kings, F
• David Clarkson, Devils, F
• Scott Clemmensen, Panthers, G

Staal is back after a concussion, Daley has 3 goals and 8 assists in his last 13 games, Ryder has 8 goals and 5 assists in his last 13, Williams is a four-start player, Clarkson has 5 points in his last 7, and Clemmensen is the starter for the Panthers while Jose Theodore is out.

Fantasy basketball: Iman's the man for the Knicks

Here are some players I'm eyeing or already have picked up as free agents this week in fantasy basketball:

• Iman Shumpert, Knicks
• D.J White, Bobcats
• Mario Chalmers, Heat
• Richard Jefferson, Spurs
• Paul George, Pacers

Shumpert's ownership has soared, White is under the radar but has five games this week (Monday-Sunday), Chalmers has stepped up in the absence of Dwyane Wade and/or LeBron James, Jefferson has seen a rise in ownership with Manu Ginolbi out and George is a good option on a surprising Pacers team.

Steelers burned by Broncos

Do you believe in Tim Tebow magic?

You just have to after Sunday's amazing win by the Denver Broncos against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

No one gave the Broncos much of a chance to win.

And after the first quarter when the Steelers defense stuffed the Broncos and led 6-0, no one really had any inkling to change their mind.

Then Tebow magic took over.

Tebow burned the Steelers defense throughout the rest of the game, totaling 316 yards.

The clincher was an 80-yard bomb to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime. The pass was about 10 yards and Thomas ran it the other 70.

Stunning.

Simply stunning.

Are you buying into the Tebow magic?

Fantasy football: WR rankings for the playoffs

Here's a look at the wide receivers for the playoffs:

1. Wes Welker
2. Jordy Nelson
3. Greg Jennings
4. Marques Colston
5. Antonio Brown
6. Anquan Boldin
7. Hakeem Nicks
8. James Jones
9. Victor Cruz
10. Calvin Johnson
11. Julio Jones
12. Mike Wallace
13. Andre Johnson
14. Robert Meachem
15. Torrey Smith
16. Devery Henderson
17. Donald Driver
18. Lee Evans
19. A.J. Green
20. Lance Moore
21. Lee Evans
22. Michael Crabtree
23. Deion Branch
24. Mario Manningham
25. Demaryius Thomas
26. Eric Decker
27. Nate Burleson
28. Jerome Simpson
29. Ted Ginn
30. Kevin Walter
31. Emmanuel Sanders
32. Titus Young
33. Randall Cobb
34. Jacoby Jones
35. Hines Ward
36. Eric Decker

Fantasy football: Kicker rankings for the playoffs

Here are the kickers to target:

1. John Kasay
2. Mason Crosby
3. Stephen Gostowski
4. Billy Cundiff
5. Neil Rackers
6. Lawrence Tynes
7. Matt Bryant
8. Shaun Suisham
9. Mike Nugent
10. Jason Hanson
11. David Akers
12. Matt Prater

Fantasy football: TE rankings for the NFL playoffs

The top tight ends for your playoff drafts:

1. Jimmy Graham
2. Rob Gronkowski
3. Aaron Hernandez
4. Tony Gonzalez
5. Ed Dickson
6. Jermichael Finley
7. Owen Daniels
8. Vernon Davis
9. Jake Ballard
10. Heath Miller
11. Brandon Pettigrew
12. Jermaine Gresham

Fantasy football: RB rankings for playoff leagues

Here are the top backs to get in your playoff leagues:

1. Ray Rice
2. Arian Foster
3. Chris Ivory
4. Darren Sproles
5. Law Firm
6. Pierre Thomas
7. Ahmad Bradshaw
8. Isaac Redman
9. Michael Turner
10. James Starks
11. Brandon Jacobs
12. Stevan Ridley
13. Ben Tate
14. Ryan Grant
15. Frank Gore
16. Danny Woodhead
17. Cedric Benson
18. Willis McGahee
19. Kevin Faulk
20. Kevin Smith
21. John Kuhn
22. Ricky Williams
23. John Clay
24. Derrick Ward
25. Maurice Morris
26. Lance Ball
27. D.J. Ware
28. Kendall Hunter
29. Anthony Dixon
30. Bernard Scott

Ranking the QBs for the NFL playoffs

Those involved in fantasy leagues for the NFL playoffs, here's my list of QBs:

1. Aaron Rodgers
2. Tom Brady
3. Drew Brees
4. Ben Roethlisberger
5. Eli Manning
6. Matt Ryan
7. Matt Stafford
8. Joe Flacco
9. Tim Tebow
10. Alex Smith
11. Andy Dalton
12. T.J. Yates

Let's talk hockey, hoops, too

I had so much fun during football season that we're going to expand to fantasy hockey and fantasy basketball.

I'm in just one hockey league and one basketball league, but I've won each for the past three seasons.

That's six-for-six.

Lucky? Probably.

But I've got a good idea what I'm doing, and I'd like to pass that information along.

Each league is a redraft league, so I'm not carrying over superstars on loaded teams.

Anyway, check back for updates.

Santonio Holmes: Quitter

Santonio Holmes quit on the Jets.

And it wasn't just during Sunday's season-ending loss to the Dolphins.

According to reports, Holmes quit other games, too.

"It's happened for the past two to three weeks. It's happened all season," an unnamed player told the Star-Ledger.

No wonder the Jets finished the season 8-8 and didn't come close to meeting Rex Ryan's expectations of a Super Bowl championship.

It's also hard to believe Holmes was named one of the team's captains.