If you drafted Antonio Gates this year, you know exactly what I mean. His stats thru three games have been pathetic- 7 recs, 65 yards, ZERO TD.

Additionally, he's being outclassed by older, less notable TE's as the top five in a PPR league will show you;

1) Tony G

2) Vernon Davis

3) Martellus Bennett

4) Heath Miller

5) Jimmy Graham

This week up for Gates and the Chargers, Kansas City.  He has accumulated 16 grabs for 267 yards and three touchdowns in the three games prior against the Chiefs.

It's now or never, A Gates.

Image source: Seattle Seahawks Facebook page

Pun intended.

I hate making NFL predictions. Mostly because the NFL is so hard to predict. It's also hard reading most of them, as many writers sound so sure of themselves when anyone with a brain should know that there are so many factors that will affect the outcome. Every pick involves weighing probabilities and risks.

It's particularly frustrating in the first couple of weeks in the season, when people who should know a lot about the NFL and football in generally get sucked in by the hype created by the media. Did you hear about Russell Wilson, and how all of a sudden everyone was picking this short, 3rd round pick to have one of the best rookie seasons?

By reading this week's Bill Simmons article, I learned that he picked the Seahawks as his sleeper Super Bowl pick. I love reading Simmons, but this is another example of how emotion and hype are thrown into the mix whenever he provides "analysis." He can really break down certain situations, but since he manages to write about practically everything, we often get excited observations that he pulls out of his ass.

Wilson might go on to have a good year for the Seahawks, but the fact remains that Pete Carroll has taken a huge gamble starting this rookie over Matt Flynn as I pointed when earlier in the preseason. The Seahawks do have a shot at the playoffs, but they pretty much gave away game 1 when Wilson completed only 18 of 34 passes for 153 yards and was sacked three times. The icing on the cake was watching Braylon "stone hands" Edwards drop the last pass. They're just not good enough to give away games.

Now, I'm not going to completely write off Russell Wilson after one game, just like I won't write off Brandon Weeden after his horrific debut performance. But at least Weeden has a big arm and is closer to 6' 4" as opposed to 5' 11". The odds are stacked against Wilson, and that's just a fact. He may overcome them, but the odds for Seattle this season were probably a little better with Matt Flynn running the offense.

Check out all the lines for this weeks games here.

After last season’s 96 rec, 1,681 yard, 16 TD performance, “Megatron” is easily the #1 ranked WR in fantasy football- but who do you draft #2?

Brandon Marshall- Even with five different QB’s during two years in MIA, Marshall averaged 83 rec, 1,100 yards and 5 TD a season. In 07-08 w/Cutler in DEN, averaged 103 rec, 1,295 and 6 TD. How bad have the Bears WR been historically? Check this link and Marshall is easily the best one EVER.

Jordy Nelson- Since the 2010 playoffs, no WR has been more productive than Nelson. After a 15 TD 2011, some owners are scared he can’t match that production. But with Aaron Rodgers t QB, why can’t he?

Larry Fitzgerald- Fitz is arguably the best WR in the NFL- but in fantasy he isn’t thanks to another year of his career foreseeably wasted (or at least compromised) by substandard QB play in the desert.

Wes Welker- There are sexier WR out there, but over the last 5 years no one as consistent. 110 rec, 1,221 yards, 6 TD per season over the last five.

After “Megatron” is gone, who do you take next? I'm going Marshall.

Yes, he's human. Andrew Luck threw a couple of picks tonight against the tough Steelers defense, but he also rebounded to throw some great passes throughout the ballgame. Like all of the rookies he'll go through some growing pains, but we can see many of the tools that have had scouts excited for years.

Meanwhile, Robert Griffin III had a tougher evening the other night as he took some sacks and coughed up a fumble. Naturally, everyone got overly excited by his performance in his first preseason game when he face little pressure, but the Bears weren't as accommodating, and Griffin seemed to rely too much on his feet as he felt pressure. Fans shouldn't overreact to these setbacks in preseason just like they shouldn't overreact to his first game, as the coaches will be hammering Griffin to make better decisions. He was able to rely on his feet in college from time to time, but he'll probably get banged up quickly if he tries to keep that up in the pros. Shanahan will push him to be very selective on when he decides to take off.

With fantasy football and 24-hour Twitter comments, fans can't help but hang on every preseason pass, but time is a critical component in the development of NFL quarterbacks, and the amount of time needed is usually hard to predict. Luck seems to be the most ready as everyone expected, but we'll have to see how it plays out. For some fantasy football owners, both Luck and RG3 will seem very tempting during the draft, but I'll probably focus on a proven quarterback instead.

Ryan Mathews aims to look tough in this Twitter photo as he flexes his bicep and flashes his arm tattoo, but he got injured again in the first preseason game for the San Diego Chargers, shaking things up in the top 5 in many drafts.

Fantasy guru Evan Silva addresses this in one of his ongoing drafts where Mathews was the overall #2 pick before news broke of his injury. Now you grab him later as a value pick as he should be back by week 2-4.

Another injury involves Trent Richardson, who went #17 in this draft. It's not clear whether this pick was made before or after his latest injury news. Richardson, however, is expected to be back in week one. He'll certainly slip a bit in many leagues, but he has looked great in camp and should get a ton of carries in the Browns offense this year.

The prevailing fantasy football draft wisdom that your grandpa used since he started playing has been "Get a #1 RB early or you will be screwed, Sonny." Obviously in 2012, we all know that is no longer the case. But do you know what's even more balls out? Using your 1st and 2nd round picks on a QB/WR combo from the same team, and hinging your future on the "Double Tud".

Be a man, Hogan- do it. If you draft at the end of the first round, you have the potential of grabbing Calvin Johnson, then getting Mathew Stafford when the snake draft comes back around your way. Last year you would've gotten almost 1,700 yards and 32 TD.

How about Tom Brady and Wes Welker? A meager 1,569 and nine TD.

You don't have to "do it" in rounds 1 or 2, but the adrenaline rush will certainly be intensified. There are several other latter round combos (B Marshall-J Cutler, S Smith-C Newton, D Jackson/J Maclin-M Vick) as well.

You can always invest in a RBBC later.

Paul Eide can be heard dispensing fantasy football advice every Friday AM during the NFL season on Jacksonville’s 930 AM “The Fox” at 8:00 EST. Email Paul at paul@pauleide.com

After all of the hype and attention from the draft and the offseason, most football fans can't wait to watch the heralded rookie quarterbacks play for the first time. It's only a preseason game, but I was anxious to see if Robert Griffin III passed the eyeball test. He did.

RG3 was able to lead the Redskins to a touchdown on their third drive, which should give Skins fans plenty to get excited about this week.

Moments later, there was Griffin, not just alive — but enraptured. Well before Pierre Garcon, on the receiving end of Griffin’s screen pass, somersaulted into the corner of the end zone, Griffin had his arms raised to the sky. He circled around toward midfield, grabbed a knee, crossed himself and pointed quickly to the sky. Then, he used his sprinter’s speed to chase down Garcon in the end zone, engaging his new favorite receiver in a running, leaping chest bump.

The third of Griffin’s three drives during his abbreviated appearance in the Redskins’ exhibition opener against the Buffalo Bills, a 7-6 Washington victory, transformed his night from a sobering exercise in reduced expectations to an unqualified success that will only enhance his standing with title-starved Redskins fans as the franchise’s new savior. Taking the ball from his 20-yard line, Griffin led the Redskins down the field in eight plays, three of them crisp completions to Garcon, the last of which, from Buffalo’s 20, resulted in the touchdown.

I only saw the highlights, but RG3 looked pretty comfortable in the pocket and he made some nice throws. Griffin definitely has a weapon in Garcon, but as Dave Sheinin pointed out in his column, the Redskins have some issues on the banged up offensive line. We'll all be watching closely to see how he progresses leading up to the season.

From a fantasy point of view, Griffin has those incredible wheels, so you know guys will be looking to grab him as a #2 quarterback as he should run for more than a few TDs this year.

In two years, Mathews has missed an average of three games per season, which is roughly a quarter of the NFL season. In an average 14 week fantasy season, these missed games are even more significant. Additionally, he’s been a top 10 running back each of the last two years and failed to produce- what is different this year?

Regardless of that, Mathews is being drafted on average as the fourth overall running back selected. By not re-signing Mike Tolbert, it clears the way for Mathews to be a workhorse running back- but, the signings of Ronnie Brown and Jackie Battle show you that even the Chargers brain trust isn’t convinced.

So as a fantasy player, why should you be? Especially when you can get MJD, Matt Forte or Steven Jackson instead- proven commodities who are being drafted after him.

Paul Eide can be heard dispensing fantasy football advice every Friday AM during the NFL season on Jacksonville’s 930 AM “The Fox” at 8:00 EST. Email Paul at paul@pauleide.com

You’ve got a pick at the end of the first round and want a #1 RB- Michael Turner or Marshawn Lynch?

Lots of talk surrounding Turner and that he may be “done”. There was a lull from week 11 to 15 when he had 1 TD and no game above 76 yards. But from weeks 1-10, and 17, he had 1,060 yards and 10 TD. He just turned 30, but only averaged 57 carries a year his 1st 4 years with the Chargers.

Remember a year ago Lynch was “done” too? The he went out and posted career highs in yards (1,204) and TD (12). Lynch is four years younger w/less wear and tear. But the recent DUI arrest may or may not warrant a suspension; we’ll know in August.

Turner or Lynch?

Paul Eide can be heard dispensing fantasy football advice every Friday AM during the NFL season on Jacksonville’s 930 AM “The Fox” at 8:00 EST. Email Paul at paul@pauleide.com

A year ago right now, Michael Vick was being considered as a top five overall fantasy football draft pick.

Now, he is not even being considered amongst the top five overall fantasy quarterbacks; his overall current ADP is just a remarkable 45^th overall.

2011 was a step back for the entire Eagles franchise, not just Vick.

Still, he set a career high in passing attempts (423), yards (3,303), and third highest passing TD total (18). Vick’s 76 carries were his lowest season total as a starter, yet his 7.8 ypc was his 2^nd highest.

589 yards from your QB on the ground? That’s 45 YPG, son, as good as many a RB #3.

Sure, w/Vick you’re always going to worry about him missing games. That’s why you grab a QB like Carson Palmer, Ryan Fitzpatrick or Josh Freeman to use in Vick’s week 7 bye or for general use, post-injury, should one occur.

Wake up- Don’t sleep on Mike Vick in 2012.

 

Paul Eide can be heard dispensing fantasy football advice every Friday AM during the NFL season on Jacksonville’s 930 AM “The Fox” at 8:00 EST. Listen live here. Email Paul at paul@pauleide.com

No one enters a fantasy football league with the hopes of losing. While it isn't a real sport, the sting of defeat can be just as painful, which is why many fantasy football league enthusiasts do everything in their power to win.

Image Courtesy of Flickr

If the smell of victory is too strong and you wish to do everything in your power to win, downloading a couple of mobile apps designed specifically with fantasy football in mind might help. The following is a look at some of the top mobile apps every fantasy football league player who has access to one of the many 4G phones should download.

ESPN Fantasy Football

One of the most frustrating things about fantasy football is that when you want to make a trade or change out a player you have to wait till you get home to do it. Those who regularly play in the ESPN Fantasy Football league don't have to worry about that. A single download gives league players access to their entire team roster in the palm of their hand. It's a great way to make those last minute trades without having to wait until you can access your team from a home computer or laptop.

RotoWire Fantasy News Center

The game may be called 'fantasy', but the entire concept of a fantasy football league revolves around how the actual players perform in games. This means fantasy football league enthusiasts need to stay up to date on the latest news and information. The RotoWire Fantasy News Center collects all the information fantasy football league enthusiasts need, and puts it in one place. All you need to do is scan it to see if there is anything that could impact your recent fantasy team roster.

ESPN ScoreCenter

Staying up-to-date on the scores of the game and what is happening in a specific sports event is important for fantasy football league enthusiasts. The ESPN ScoreCenter gives individuals complete access to minute-by-minute updates of hundreds of sports events and games. This mobile app is an invaluable tool to anyone who is managing multiple players from multiple teams and needs to stay up to date on what is happen. Just point and click, and you'll have the latest scores fed to you in no time.

Pro Football Weekly Fantasy Football Insider

Insider information and news is vital to fantasy football league enthusiasts who want to keep their finger on the pulse of the football world. The Pro Football Weekly Fantasy Football Insider app is the go-to source for the best insider information and news in the sports industry. Users of this app are fed straight-up information on everything in the fantasy world from potential trades, how players are doing during practice, and injury reports. Everything you need is right here in one place.

Don't let the thrill of victory in your fantasy football league pass you by this year. Download some of these great fantasy football mobile apps, and prepare to tackle the competitions and become the ultimate fantasy football enthusiast.

Regular TSR readers may have noticed that I haven't written much (any) fantasy football content here this season. That's because I've launched my own site (FantasyShrink.com) and have also joined 4for4.com as Contributing Editor.

I thought I'd put together a quick list of do's and don'ts that fantasy owners should keep in mind on draft day. These are meant for fantasy owners in 12-team drafts. If you're in a 10-team league, you can typically wait longer than the rounds I'll mention.

DO utilize the ol' RB/RB draft strategy in the first two rounds if your league requires two starting RBs (or has a RB and a flex position). The depth at RB is pretty thin this season and I'm not too confident in the guys that are available in the 3rd/4th rounds. Ahmad Bradshaw is an exception, as is Jahvid Best in PPR leagues. Meanwhile, the depth at WR is solid, so it makes sense to go RB/RB/WR/WR in the first four rounds.

If you're in a PPR league, DO consider LeSean McCoy amongst the top six RBs (the others are Arian Foster, Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, Jamaal Charles and Chris Johnson). In standard leagues, Rashard Mendenhall is a solid pick at 1.06. If you're outside the top 6 in PPR formats, DO draft Darren McFadden, who has the most upside of any RB in the second tier.

In the second round, DO consider Peyton Hillis and Matt Forte, especially in PPR formats.

In the late 2nd or early 3rd, DO consider Mike Wallace and Vincent Jackson. Both players are good bets to finish in the top 10 at WR.

In the 4th/5th rounds of PPR drafts, DO look to grab Felix Jones, who should make a fine RB2 for those owners who drafted a WR or QB early.

DON'T draft a QB early, not when you can get Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan or Josh Freeman in the 6th/7th rounds. Even if you miss out on those guys, Matthew Stafford, Eli Manning and Jay Cutler are good lead QBs in a Quarterback By Committee.

DO try to get Joe Flacco, Sam Bradford or Ryan Fitzpatrick as your QB2. Also, Colt McCoy is shooting up my rankings due to his fine preseason play. Kevin Kolb is another decent option due to his strong job security.

If you're in a PPR league, DO draft a stud TE in the 4th (Antonio Gates) or 5th (Jason Witten, Dallas Clark or Jermichael Finley). There is a lot of depth at TE this year, so if you miss out on these guys wait until the 8th or 9th and pick Rob Gronkowski, Marcedes Lewis or Kellen Winslow.

DO target Mario Manningham in the 5th/6th round. He should be a very solid WR2 in all formats with Steve Smith gone, and is one of my favorite middle-round value picks.

DON'T draft Marques Colston or Anquan Boldin before the 6th and 8th rounds, respectively. Colston is dealing with a knee injury while Boldin has lost a step.

DO target Mike Thomas, Santana Moss and Lance Moore in the middle rounds. In PPR leagues, DO look for Danny Amendola and Davone Bess as your WR4.

DO target Mike Tolbert or Tim Hightower if you need a RB3 in the 7th/8th rounds. Both players are likely to outperform their current ADP (Average Draft Position).

DO spend a 12th/13th rounder on Terrell Owens -- he'll land somewhere early in the season and get WR1/WR2 targets the rest of the way.

DON'T waste a pick on Randy Moss. He may very well come out of retirement, but he proved last season that he can't acclimate to new teams very well.

DO look to snag Greg Olsen, Jared Cook or Brent Celek as your TE2. DON'T draft Chris Cooley, who is dealing with a troublesome knee injury. DO think about his backup, Fred Davis, in the later rounds.

If you're in a league with many/unlimited transactions, DON'T draft a defense before the 13th round. Target the Patriots if the Packers, Eagles, Jets and Steelers are all gone. If you miss out on NE, DO utilize Defensive Team By Committee or Defensive Team By Waiver Wire (which will be a weekly feature at 4for4).

DON'T pick a kicker before the 15th round. Target guys who kick for teams with good offenses like Stephen Gostkowski, Alex Henery, Garrett Hartley and Adam Vinatieri. Josh Brown, Matt Bryant and Neil Rackers are good sleepers.

Finally, DO sign up at 4for4.com, where I'll be posting my waiver picks, DTBWW and more on a weekly basis. Readers who use this link to subscribe will have a better chance of getting their questions answered during the season. Click here for details.

If you're wondering how your fantasy team will be impacted by the NFL's fast and furious free agency period, I've been writing daily recaps over at 4for4.com:

Tuesday, July 26
Wednesday, July 27

I've also launched FantasyShrink.com, which will host my rankings this season, while my Waiver Wire Watch and Defensive Team By Waiver Wire (and more) will be going up on 4for4. Read more about my new position with 4for4.

The NFL and the players are heading towards a settlement now that the rookie wage scale has been agreed to.

You can start studying to get a leg up on your fantasy football draft, and you can book that trip to Vegas for a weekend in the sports book!

Are we going to have an NFL season? Things are looking up, so hopefully we'll be able to gear up and get ready for some football.

As part of Bullz-Eye.com's Get real Guide, TSR's John Paulsen has a help guide to how to draft a fantasy football team. Check it out and start get a head start!