24 Jan 11 Wisconsin Football: Weak Out-Of-Conference Games Hurting Badgers?

When the Badgers run out onto the field Saturday to face Michigan State, will they be ready?Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesFor years now, the Wisconsin Badgers have been scheduling weak out-of-conference games to powder puff their way into Big Ten conference play. Some would argue this hasn't been beneficial. The other day, I was listening to a Bill Simmons "B.S. Report" podcast, and one of his guests picked their Super Bowl teams, suggesting that one of them would be 9-7 or 10-6 on the NFL season, and sneak in as a lower seed and blow everyone away. Now, why was it he reckoned New England Patriots jersey
that the low seeded team would blow everyone away? He predicts that the teams who would normally go about 11-5 or so, that face a tough schedule, will lose a few games due to the grind of their year. He also suggests that the team will be better prepared for the later season games and the playoffs, if they have a tougher schedule, provided that they get through their schedule and into the playoffs. Simple enough argument, right? It's not hard to see where Simmons' guest is coming from, either. Just a few years ago, the New York Giants ran through the playoffs and beat the "Best Team in the NFL", the 18-0 (including playoffs) New England Patriots in the Super Bowl which was one of the biggest upsets of all time. Why is it that the 10-6 Giants, who started the 2007 season 6-2, and stumbled into the playoffs going 4-4 the remainder of the year, were so able to perform against the Patriots, while other teams failed?Strength of schedule, which is beaten to death in college football discussion shows, will illustrate this nicely. The Giants' opponent record that season? Tied for the eight hardest in the NFL, at .514 percent winning percentage by the season opponents. Simmons' guest believes that the Giants played better teams, and lost games they would have won against weaker teams, and were better off for it. In the college football world, there are two schools of thought. Either schedule the Weak Kneed Nuns of Holy Father Seminary Catholic School, and win by 80, or you could spend these early games in the season playing legitimate teams who could challenge and push players to earn every yard, score, or tackle. I'm not in any position to pass judgment on others here, but that's exactly what I'm about to do. The University of Wisconsin Athletic Department and Barry Alvarez need to start scheduling real tests for the Badgers in out of conference play. If the Badgers Want To Return To The Rose Bowl AsThe Did Under Former Coach And Current Athletic Director Barry Alvarez, They Need To Schedule Better OpponentsThe Badgers proved very little in beating Austin PeayNew Orleans Saints jersey
70-3, the largest win in school history. What did the team learn, besides the fact that you could put up numbers found only playing the video game NCAA Football 11?Nothing, because the team was on autopilot from the first snap. Look, I'm not saying for Wisconsin to schedule Alabama, Texas, Boise State as your out-of-conference tune up games. More accurately, I'm suggesting the staff in the Athletic Department at UW should consider better opponents. Maybe schedule a team like Connecticut, a team who is for the most part turning their team around. Or schedule LSU or another SEC team to get some early respect in the polls. LSU, because they aren't exactly title contenders like a few years back, but they are still a respectable team in the tough SEC. The Badgers played four teams this out of conference season, totaling a combined record of 6-10 this season. Yeah, that's going to impress a whole bunch of people. Quarterback Scott Tolzien Will Look To Lance Kendricks As Nick Toon Will Return To Action and Likely isn't 100% Yet For The BadgersEspecially when you tell them that not a single team you've played so far has a winning record, and that you've nearly lost twice. I understand the need to beat up on smaller schools. Fine. How about actually doing it though? The Badgers should have been winning by 20-plus points in all of their out-of-conference games, but struggled to get in rhythm at times, and the running game hasn't been as dominant as expected coming into the season.Sure, John Clay and Co. are doing well with running the ball, but I'd have expected bigger numbers against such soft competition. This should be a cautionary tale, as the Badgers enter Big Ten play against Michigan State on Saturday. It'll be their first real test of the season, and I'm assuming the coaching staff doesn't want to have unpreparedness rear its ugly head in the first important game. To be fair, the Badgers have had some significant injuries this season, with Chris Borland, a stud linebacker out for the rest of the season and quarterback Scott Tolzien not having two of his better passing options in Nick Toon and David Gilreath, the latter being out again for this week. However, that means other players need to step up and make their presence felt in the absence of these players. The lack of a player stepping into their shoes and making an impact should be a concern for the Badgers. Back to the main point though. If the Badgers want to do well in conference and bowl week play, they better start scheduling (and playing better against) tougher opponents. For coach New York Giants jersey
Bret Bielema and the Wisconsin Badgers, the 2010 season is really starting this Saturday. If the team has any hopes of going far this year and ascending the ranks of the elite teams in the BCS standings, they better start playing like BCS contenders, or they'll do as they've always done; start the season hot, and limp to the finish line.

22 Jan 11 LSU Defense Stifles The Bulldogs With 5 Interceptions

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesIn their home opener, the Fighting Tigers of LSU displayed, once again, the stellar defensive play that will determine the fate of the Tiger's season. In the 29-7 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the Tiger defense intercepted the Bulldog quarterbacks, Chris Relf and Tyler Russell, 5 times thanks to the athletic play-making abilities of Patrick Peterson (2), Mo Claiborne (2), and Drake Nevis (1).The Tiger defense, led by All-SEC linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, has now allowed a total of 10 points in SEC play, and has shown the Cincinnati Bengals jersey
ability to punish and confuse opposing quarterbacks with constant quarterback hurries and sacks. Rarely, has an opposing quarterback been able to throw comfortably as Defensive Coordinator John Chavis' athletic front seven flies to the ball.The Mississippi State Bulldogs were able to exploit the Tiger defense's aggressiveness at times. Bulldog quarterback Chris Relf, was often able to break free before a punishing hit at the end of the first half sent him to the sideline. Relf rushed for a total of 52 yards on 7 tries for a 6.6 yard per carry average. This is certainly something John Chavis will need to address as athletic quarterbacks Cam Newton and Jerimiah Massoli await on the horizon.Offensively, the Tigers still have not found a rhythm. While Quarterback Jordan Jefferson was efficient, this was far from a break out game. Jefferson's 10-16 for 97 yard passing performance obviously will not strike fear into defensive coordinators. Jefferson did find the end zone with 5:16 left in the third quarter with a beautiful 16 yard run.Jefferson finished the day with 10 carries for 40 yards. The Tigers' leading rusher, once again, was Stevan Ridley who finished the day with 19 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown.The offense on a whole runs as if it's trying not to make mistakes, rather than score. Against Mississippi State, the offense relied on specialist Josh Jasper's LSU school record 5 field goals. While an excellent day for Jasper, the Tiger offense cannot function in this way even with a defense as good as LSU's. The offense has to find a way to find the end zone, as the Cleveland Browns jersey
stronger opponents are still to come.In the LIne of FireGary Crowton, Offensive CoordinatorHow does an offensive coordinator nicknamed "The Wizard" direct such a painfully obvious offense. Yes, Russell Sheppard is an extremely talented athlete, but how many times in one game can you possibly call an end around? Crowton seems to call this play at least 3-4 times a game. It's becoming obnoxious. If the fans know it's coming, the you can bet, opposing defensive coordinators know it's coming too. I do not understand why the offense never opens up. Yes 4 yard passes move the ball, and yes the wide outs are extremely athletic, but you honestly have to throw the ball deep occasionally.Tweet of the Night"I wonder if John Chavis looks down at Gary Crowton and thinks....if only you could do what I can do, they'd be touting us a BCS championship contenders." Fletcher MackelAmazing Play of the NightToss up: Patrick Peterson's interception in which he tipped it to himself, or Drake Nevis' interception. Nevis is a big man that can move and he is quickly working his way into the First Round of next year's NFL draft.The "You're So Money and You Don't Even Know It" Player of the GameLSU Kicker Josh JasperJasper kicked a school record 5 field goals including 4 in the first half. Jasper hit on field goals of 44, 32, 51, 37, and 21. Jasper is a real weapon in close games and looks comfortable on 50 yards plus.Way to Early ObservationThe 2010 Tigers are beginning to look like a team that can be a national championship team in the way that the 2002 Ohio State Dallas Cowboys jersey
Buckeyes were. Great defense that overshadows a mediocre offense.Next Up For the TigersThe #21 ranked West Virginia Mountaineers come to Death Valley bringing an offense that features talented running back Noel Devine. Devine comes into the game having rushed 73 times for 354 yards with a 4.8 yard per attempt average and 2 touchdowns.

18 Jan 11 Alabama-Arkansas: Can the Razorbacks Pull the Upset Over the Tide?

Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesAfter winning the national championship last year and starting the season with three impressive blowouts wins, the college football odds for the Alabama at Arkansas game this weekend show the Crimson Tide -7 over the Razorbacks.Both teams are playing well in the early going, with Arkansas also opening Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
the year 3-0.These teams last met on September 26th of last season, with Alabama winning that contest 35-7.The Crimson Tide opened the season with a 48-3 victory over San Jose State, beat then-No. 18 Penn State 24-3 the following week, and last Saturday Alabama crushed Duke 62-13. This team has wasted no time letting everyone know that they are trying to repeat as national champions, and they are letting nobody stand in their way.Their stiffest test yet will come this Saturday at Arkansas, and if they post another dominant performance, it would be hard to see any team knocking off Alabama this year.Alabama put up 28 points in the first quarter against Duke, and their 62-point total is what you would likely see from a Crimson Tide basketball team.Heisman Trophy-winning running back Mark Ingram was awesome in his return from injury, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. His backfield mate, Trend Richardson, rushed for 61 yards on seven carries with a touchdown. Richardson also returned a kickoff 91 yards for a score.It was great to have Mark back, Alabama coach Nick Saban said. He certainly gives us another weapon and he did a fantastic job in the time that he played. Saban went on to say, But I think the offense deserves a lot of credit. Greg did a good job. Trent played well today. Julio played well. The latter is Julio Jones, who caught five balls for 106 yards in the win.McElroy did throw his first interception of the season, but he has been mistake-free for the most part all year. Kansas City Chiefs jersey
With so many weapons offensively, all he has to do is take care of the football and Alabama will be a very tough team to beat. But with three ranked opponents coming up, including Arkansas, Florida, and South Carolina, the Crimson Tide will be tested.The Razorbacks made a big statement last week, going into Georgia and winning 31-24. Arkansas is now 3-0 after taking care of Tennessee Tech 44-3 in Week 1 and Louisiana-Monroe 31-7 in Week 2.Heisman Trophy candidate Ryan Mallett had another big day last Saturday, proving himself as a clutch performer by hitting Greg Childs for a 40-yard game-winning touchdown with 14 seconds left to beat the Bulldogs. His numbers have always been there, but many have questioned whether he could make the big play in a big game. He finished 21-of-33 for 380 yards and three touchdowns against Georgia.Arkansas is now 3-0 for the first time since 2003, and the Razorbacks are now the No. 10 team in the nation. A win Saturday would cement them as legitimate national title contenders. They already took a big step in that direction last week with their first win in Athens since 1993.This Razorbacks offense has been extremely efficient in the red zone this season, scoring on all 10 of their trips inside the opponent's 20-yard line. That could be huge Miami Dolphins jersey
against Alabama, because scoring touchdowns instead of field goals is the only way theyll have a chance to pull off the upset.Jack Jones will have several college football picks for Week 4 starting Thursday as he continues his 76-54 (58 percent) football run. He will also have several more game previews available on the top contests this week.

15 Jan 11 Detroit Lions Rod Marinelli "Madden" Commentary

All right, everybody knows that the vantage point of a journalist or couch jockey quarterback is an easy one from which to make off-hand judgment calls. The actual duties involved in NFL coaching are surely unimaginably myriad and the job is insanely difficult. Fair enough, but at 1-6 and in the midst of that four-decade rebuilding program known as the Detroit Lions, you'd think Rod Marinelli would be willing to take advice from all corners.Now this is not to suggest that some RealFootballer such as myself should be imparting wisdom to the man (although Os Davis did enter the 2006 season having run up as many games in the head coach position as Marinelli had). Instead Marinelli should spend some quality time during the bye week constructively, dedicating a few dozen hours to a guy who's been there, Seattle Seahawks jersey
who has that ring: John Madden.It's a bye week. Are you ready, coach Marinelli, for some Madden? Heck, the old marine could even play "coach mode," and thus really gain some tips for his team other than "hit the X button, then A, then juke the stick in rapid progression."Right now, this PC is in the throes of a Lions simulation, in fact. Though still using the 2006 version of the game, the silver-and-Honolulu blue's core is essentially the same. Since Jeff Garcia retires after 2005, we've got a Jon Kitna clone at QB. We're even using the Cover 2 defense as a default. Just trying to help you guys in Detroit. And check out what you can learn:First, please, run with Kevin Jones. The game against the Minnesota Vikings was a classic chicken-and-egg situation: Did Jones run for under one yard per carry, because he wasn't getting the ball enough, or was Kitna not giving him the ball because he was continually being hit for a loss? Madden says it doesn't matter. If the offensive line is adequate (and let's generously say the real-life 2006 Lions' is), you've gotta make that back find the holes! As Madden's buddy Al Michaels says, "They're gonna continue with the running game, no matter how ineffective it is." And it may be this simple: When Jones runs, you win. Jones goes for 127 yards against Buffalo, you win. When Jones gets 93 yards against St. Louis, you ... well, you should have won. In Madden, you give him carries like real-life Edgerrin James and he amasses 1,600 yards-plus for the season.Um, about that passing on third down ... The greatest cliché in all of Madden is "Now, that's the kind of play that just drives me crazy. Does the receiver not know where he needs to go to get the first down?" Well, does he not? A couple of microcosms of "Lions Football" re: third-down success. Against the Seattle Seahawks in St. Louis Rams jersey
Week 1, Detroit was 5-of-14 on third-down conversions. In 11 of these situations, a pass was called. Just twice was first down gained by air. You score six points, you lose. Last week against the New York Jets, the Lions gained a pulse (not to mention some proper route running). When playing desperate, the Lions went 3-of-5 with one TD on third down and 2-of-2 on fourth down. "Just let your receivers go out and fling it in there."Maybe Madden - like real-life football - shouldn't be played so conservatively, but kick the field goal, man! The real-life Lions mostly sit Jason Hanson. Dude's got a 92 ranking in my version of Madden. Twice for the Lions he's nailed kicks of 57 yards and once for 58; his kick even made that satisfying "plunk" sound off the bottom of the crossbar to bounce in. Sorry, what's that? So he's one out of three from 50-plus ... when the special teams play is as lacking as Detroit's, you might want Hanson teeing off from 63 yards every game.Seriously, now, let's talk about that defense. In the 1990s against Elway and long bombers, great defense. Today, in the day of "Bradyball," not so good. Perhaps it's time to admit that the Tampa 2 may simply just not work. A "bend but don't break" philosophy is fine, but without a serious all-pro secondary, it's going to break. And aside from exploiting the potential of above-average quick and below-average size like Ernie Sims, the Tampa 2 allows short-yardage and hurry-up game plans way too much liberty for today's style of play. Tampa 2 adherents in the Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 18th and 27th in total defense. Mike Tomlin's schemes for the Minnesota Vikings are succeeding this year to the tune of No. 7 'D' in the league. Marinelli et al might want to try a different offense with a bigger Madden playbook or see if there Tennessee Titans jersey
are any 85s hanging around in the free agent pool.Finally, ditch the uniforms. The fewer ties to the present, the better. Don the throwback blues with the white helmet. Or check out the sweet, seldom-used black versions of the Lions' uni. Why are they not used more often? When my Madden Lions are in the Honolulu blue, we're 1-3. Too bad you can't hit RESET in real-life, eh? Happy Maddening!(PS: If you play the Lions on Madden, you don't even have to fire Millen. Though you probably should pretend to, anyway.)RealFootball365.com: Where we cover virtual and actual Detroit Lions. (3)

14 Jan 11 Seattle Seahawks Shaun Alexander Steve Hutchinson

In the course of two regular-season games to start the 2006 campaign, Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander has gone from uncontainable league MVP to just another stoppable ball carrier. Though Seattle's currently 2-0, the offense hasn't looked anything like itself from last year, when the unit finished tops in the NFL, helping lead the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl bid. Well, Alexander was at the forefront of the offensive output last year, and now he's standing out again, but not in a good way.After a pair of contests against mediocre-at-best defenses, the 29-year-old Alexander has gained just 140 ground yards on 45 carries, good enough for an awful 3.1 per-carry average. His one total touchdown? Enough to make those who spent high first-round picks on him in fantasy leagues Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
vomit. Last season the former first-round pick from Alabama set an all-time league record, with 28 total touchdowns. It was expected to be much of the same this year, but not so far. So, why is Alexander having such difficulty? The reason for his struggles are twofold. One of those excuses sounds quite ridiculous, but it's actually becoming a proven fact. The second is, indeed, very obvious.First off, there's the dreaded "Madden curse." Yep, that's right. There really is one, so stop laughing. Of course, said curse refers to Alexander being among a list of unfortunate names to take the bait and appear on the cover of the Madden video game franchise. The last few Pro Bowlers on the box - Eddie George, Daunte Culpepper, Marshall Faulk, Michael Vick, Ray Lewis and Donovan McNabb - have Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
all experienced misfortune in their respective cover years, whether by uncharacteristically poor play or injury. So far, Alexander's clearly suffering from the former. Every year the wide-eyed Madden star insists there's no curse. And every year they're proven dead wrong. It can't be coincidence, can it? Doubt it.If you aren't one to believe in what's perceived as a silly superstition, then take a look at the suddenly vulnerable line in front of Alexander. The unit used to be dominant in terms of run blocking, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Seattle had to part ways with arguably the best left guard in football, Steve Hutchinson, during the offseason, and it's clearly hurt the formerly tremendous O-line. No longer is the group dominant, and now Hutchinson's replacement, Floyd "Pork Chop" Womack, is sidelined up to six weeks with a knee ailment. Taking his place will be green second-year man Chris Spencer, a 2005 first-round pick. Perhaps he, like Hutchinson, can quickly become a first-round star. At least, that's what those in the Pacific Northwest are hoping.It doesn't matter which excuse you use. The bottom line is, the 5-foot-11, 225-pound Alexander hasn't been himself this September. Maybe it's all an aberration, but struggling against the less-than-mighty run defenses ofReebok Minnesota Vikings #69 Jared Allen Realtree camo Jersey
the Detroit Lions (19 carries, 51 yards) and the Arizona Cardinals (26, 89) is certainly quite alarming. If Alexander had difficulty against those two units, he might have an even tougher time this weekend against the New York Giants' defense, even though it's far from dominant.The Seahawks' offense obviously wants to regain its marvelous form, but the wheels won't begin turning until Alexander becomes himself again. This Sunday, it's high time he steps up for the first time since last January.--Got feedback? Connor J. Byrne responds to readers' comments and questions each day: cbyrneGet more on the Seattle Seahawks .

13 Jan 11 Boston-Atlanta: Celtics Coaches Lack Trust in Bench, Lose to Hawks

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesIt would be easy to blame the referees for what was essentially another collapse by the Celtics. The Atlanta Hawks came into the Garden and swept the season series.Tom Thibodeau was put in charge of leading the troops after a flagrant foul was called on Glen Davis and Doc Rivers was ejected for protesting the call.Brian Scalabrine, the consummate role player, was having the best offensive and defensive game in a Celtic uniform. The refs robbed him of a great play on an attempted layup by Josh Smith. His ensuing fourth foul forced the Celtics to insert Davis.Thibodeau rode the starters in the fourth quarter with Davis.The only offensive threats were Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. Rondo was exhausted, team injuries had forced him to think score. The game screamed for Buffalo Bills jersey
Thibodeau to put Scalabrine back in the game. It would have balanced the floor and opened up driving lanes for Pierce and Rondo.None of this was done.The coaching staff had collective gridlock as the cameras continually scanned the bench for any signs of life. The usually animated Celtic bench simply sat there and watched the team's collapse. Eddie House, Tony Allen, andScalabrine were all fourth-quarter DNPs.Not once did Thibodeau so much as looktheir way. He sacrificed "ubuntu" because he assessed his best chance was to ride the starters. The team failed miserably without them.

12 Jan 11 Agent No-No: Gilbert Arenas' Actions Hurt Recuperating NBA Image

Brendan Smialowski/Getty ImagesWhen a sports fan thinks of the most out-of-control, least manageable, and arguably the most dangerous sports league in North America, the National Basketball Association comes to mind.Whether it revolved around Dennis Rodman, the Portland Jail Blazers, or an Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
astonishing brawl between athletes and fans at the Palace, the NBA has, for better or worse, been viewed as a league of delinquency and misbehavior.While the NBA has been plagued with unfortunate incidents the past couple decades, there is no denying the league attempt to clean its image and make it more marketable to outside developers and fans who pay to help maintain credibility.And after all the work that has been done, from stricter guidelines like proper dress attire before and after games, one incident could derail any effort and make outsiders say I told you so.Such is the case with Gilbert Arenas.The Washington Wizards $111 million-dollar man brought a gun into the locker room, and then proceeded to threaten a teammate with it. There are just so many things wrong with this scenario.First off, Arenas is making over a $100 million over a six-year time frame. Whether he deserved such a large contract in the first place is debatable, especially when one considers his injury history and lack of success in the postseason. Players like LeBron or Kobe warrant such huge contracts, but Arenas should not be mentioned in the same breath as those guys.Then you have the issue of actually bringing a firearm into a building and, jokingly or not, threatening another person with itlet alone your own teammate. Didn it once cross Arenas mind that this was, in essence, a bad idea? Apparently not.And for a player as widely known as Arenas, this was and continues to be a PR nightmare for Washington and the NBA as a whole. His suspension for the remainder of the season hurts his team (as does that of Javaris Crittenton), not to mention makes upper management really take a step back and begin having second thoughts on that monster contract.Maybe changing the franchise name from the Bullets to the Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
Wizards was a bit premature.This may end up being the sword in Arenas NBA coffin, but the NBA will get over it over time. The league achieved success despite drug use, brawls, and the Tim Donaghey saga. Sure, it will not be the easiest distraction to overcome, but time does heal all woundseven in professional sports.Although in many cases, athletes aren so lucky.

10 Jan 11 Oklahoma City Thunder Stand Pat

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesThe trade deadline has come and gone. Oklahoma City remains unchanged.While many will be wondering why General Manager Sam Presti didn't take a shot at a big name that can "help the Thunder in the playoffs," or "make that final push," he didn't need to.Think back to the beginning of the season, Oklahoma City was projected to be a middle of the pack team in the West. Most "experts" said that a 30 win season would be a win, and everything else is gravy. Guess what? Oklahoma City is currently sitting on win number 31 and fans are already Baltimore Ravens jersey
excited about the playoffs.So, wouldn't that mean that the Thunder would want to make a trade to solidify that playoff bid? In a word, no.The main reason for the dramatic improvement over last season is the growth of the Thunder's younger players and the defense of coach Scott Brook's system.If the Thunder grabbed Amar'e Stoudemire or Brendan Haywood, how would Serge Ibaka grow? The emergence of Ibaka has been one of the pleasant surprises this season. Many believed that Ibaka would spend a year in Tulsa, OKC's NBA D-League affiliate, and hopefully contribute next year. Well, he is already impacting this team. He battles on defense, and is quickly becoming the team's enforcer.What about an upgrade at power forward? Yes, everyone and their dog has been critical of Jeff Green (myself included). Green is playing out of position, and we all know it. However, he is proving himself to be capable of defending so-called "big named fours." If you had the pleasure of watching Oklahoma City's win over Dallas on Feb. 16, you saw Green stifle one of the best Buffalo Bills jersey
fours in the league, Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki has dominated Green in the past, but Green is finally starting to figure out what being a power forward entails.Oklahoma City needs to sit on what they have, because what they have is working. There are players who might improve OKC now, but Presti isn't building a team for this season. The Thunder are a team built for the future, and the future is coming a little faster than we all thought it would.

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It that time of year again. With just a quarter of the NBA regular season remaining, the MVP race and debates are set to heat up.This season, the race seems to be between Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, with the King currently leading the way.LeBron James is the leader of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team with the top record in the league (46-14). Meanwhile, the Magic are fourth in the league (39-20), and the Thunder are 10th (34-23).In the past 10 years, six of the MVP came from the best team in the league, two from the second, Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
and the other two from the third. That said, the chances of Durant winning the MVP are slim to none.Putting personal statistics in consideration, LeBron is the clear winner.LeBron James leads the league in scoring, averaging 30 PPG, and is among the league leaders in minutes played as well. Moreover, LeBron is one of the smartest players in the league, as he is sixth in personal fouls committed, and leads all frontcourt players in assists-turnover ratio.All around, LeBron posts the best statistics in the league, as he is the only player to nearly average a triple double every game. If that not impressive enough, LeBron is doing so on a lackluster team. James game has made the mediocre players around him much better. Mo Williams was a backup PG for the Bucks, but he helped transform him into an All-Star.Moreover, James ability to get to the basket at will and dish out passes has given opportunities for the team several sharp shooters to shine. Finally, think about what being the league most valuable player means. In my mind, part of being the MVP is being the "poster boy" for the league. LeBron James is one of the most famous athletes in the world. Furthermore, his unbelievable athleticism and creative plays makes him one of the most entertaining players in the league.James, alone, has put Cleveland on the map, Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
and he is setting the standard for how the game should be played. Meanwhile, neither Howard nor Durant have the magnitude of impact on the sport that King James does.Don get me wrong. I love Kevin Durant and Dwight Howard. They are among the top players in the league, and have very bright futures. However, as for the MVP award, this season, LeBron is the clear front-runner to repeat, and may be so for, who knows, possibly the next decade.

8 Jan 11 Week 21 Fantasy Basketball Risers and Fallers/Waiver Wire Watch

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesMaking that final push toward the playoffs in your fantasy league?Eager to find some sleeper-type guys that could help you in some critical areas?This week, we've combined the risers and fallers with the waiver wire watch.The risers consist of five guys available in most leagues that you can expect a jump in production from.The fallers, as usual, are five guys you should be wary to depend upon as the season nears its end.RisersJrue Holiday, PG, Philadelphia 76ers (2 percent owned in Yahoo! leagues)Holiday's Reebok Dallas Cowboys #9 Tony Romo Realtree camo Jersey
production has been on the rise since Allen Iverson left, and is averaging 14 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds in the last five games.His numbers are solid across the board, and he can also provide a boost in the three-point and free throw shooting departments.If you're in desperate need of some guard help, Holiday may be worth a look.Courtney Lee, SG, New Jersey Nets (18 percent)The Nets are horrible, but Lee has been anything but that recently.After going through a disappointing season for the most part, he's averaging 19 points in his last five, but has also been a bit inconsistent.Snag him if you need scoring help, but do so with caution.Quentin Richardson, SG/SF, Miami Heat (4 percent)Richardson, like Lee, has been fairly inconsistent with his scoring, but when he's on, he's on.He's 18-43 from deep in his last five games, a stellar percentage that could prove to be a valuable asset down the stretch if you need help in that area.He's typically good for at least a pair of threes per game.Drew Gooden, PF, Los Angeles Clippers (24 percent)Gooden occupied this space a couple of weeks ago, but he's still widely available in most leagues.He's averaging 14 points and eight rebounds per game in March, and can be a solid boost to any frontline lacking in rebounding, especially.His Clippers may be losing, but Reebok Denver Broncos #15 Tim Tebow Realtree camo Jersey
he can help you win.JaVale McGee, C, Washington Wizards (4 percent)McGee's numbers for the season aren't great, but he's stepped up his rebounding and shot blocking since the trade deadline.He's near the top of the league in blocks since then, and could be a nice pickup if you're really scrapping for help.FallersC.J. Watson, PG, Golden State WarriorsWatson thrived in the absence of Monta Ellis, but his numbers have taken an expected hit since Ellis has returned.He may be worth keeping on your roster in case Ellis goes down again, but don't put him in your lineup unless that happens.Randy Foye, G, Washington WizardsShaun Livingston's recent solid play has cut into Randy Foye's minutes in the past few games.His shooting has dropped completely off-the-radar, and he doesn't have much impact on the game if his confidence shooting the ball is shaken.As long as Livingston continues to play better, don't expect much from Foye.Hedo Turkoglu, F, Toronto RaptorsThe Raptors have been struggling mightily since a couple of their key players have suffered injuries, and Turkoglu is one of them.He tweaked his ankle a couple of weeks ago against the Rockets, and hasn't been himself since.Typically a fairly dependable player all across the board, he's averaging just over seven points on 11-28 shooting in his last five games.Channing Frye, F, Phoenix SunsFrye has lost minutes to Robin Lopez as the season has progressed, and his red-hot shooting start this season seems like a distant memory.Since a 23-point (7-10 3p) outburst against the Clippers on Reebok Green Bay Packers #12 Aaron Rodgers Realtree camo Jersey
March 3, Frye has scored just 13 points total in three games.Taj Gibson, F, Chicago BullsGibson is hampered by plantar fasciitis in both of his feet, and his effectiveness has been limited recently.Normally a solid scorer and rebounder, the fact that Gibson is having trouble exploding off of his feet makes him a major red flag for now.For NBA news, fantasy advice, and NBA Draft analysis, head over to NBA Soup.