By Bryan Douglass
November 14, 2009 8:32am CST

The Fanball Sports Network, currently the home to more than 100 sports blogs covering the MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL, features some of the internet's best and most thought-provoking team writers in the industry. This is a weekly series profiling the recent Fanball Sports Network NFL blog posts and news, as well as how this news and analysis impacts the games ahead.


DontMessWithTexans.com ~ The Great Running Back Debate

Mike Kerns has been rocking it out down in Texas and he's starting to enjoy the surge provided by the Texans. The crew in Houston is making noise in fantasy circles as folks ponder the present and future at running back, and Kerns was quick to review the landscape and offer thoughts.

A third round pick out of Louisiana Tech in 2005, Moats was stuck behind Philadelphia Eagles standout Brian Westbrook for most of his time there. He broke his ankle in the Eagles first preseason game in 2007 and missed the entire season. It would be the last time he played for them as he was released in the final round of cuts the next season. He stuck around on Arizona's practice squad for about three weeks before he was released again. Houston quickly snatched him up a week later to their practice squad. After cutting Darius Walker and multiple injuries to Ahman Green, Moats was promoted to the active roster and quickly rose to second on the depth chart behind Steve Slaton.

IMPACT: This story seems to be dragging as neither option is taking a significant lead over the other, but the potential to find reward by gambling fantasy dollars on Moats has more than a few fantasy owners reaching for information on the battle to take handoffs. Kerns will be tracking those backs as they take their turns fighting for opportunity, so tune in with regularity to keep up with the latest.


DesertFlock.com ~ It's Always Sunny in Phoenix-delphia Week 9

Hunter Ansley is one of our newest additions on the Network and he is quick to jump into the fire as his Cardinals are starting to show signs of life. For many, the ultimate late-season gift would be the rewards of a running back surging to finally realize his potential, and Ansley is hoping to see the same.

Rookie Chris Wells didn't appear to blow anyone away with 72 yards on the ground, but they were good enough for 11th overall this weekend. Over the last three games, Beanie's racked up 186 yards on 35 carries; good enough for 5.3 yards a clip. He's not there yet, but if he can stay healthy the rushing attack might finally take its hand off of the snooze button.

IMPACT: Many of us have been patiently waiting for Wells to make his move and seize the opportunity at hand, making the bits of hope he has offered of late all the more appealing. Ansley thinks he is just getting started and we tend to agree. As Wells goes Ansley will follow, and the same can be said for Fitzgerald, Boldin, Warner, and the rest. Stop in and check out the latest today.


ColtsChatter.com ~ Manning vs. Brady

Brooks Busch is blessed to be prepping the Fanball Sports Network for another chapter in one of the greatest rivalries the game has enjoyed. The powers of the NFL are set to do battle and the weapons of choice are likely to be exchanging blows from behind center, and as Busch notes, you couldn't find a more enticing tandem to lead the wages of war.
Over the past decade Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have been the standard of elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Whether you are a Colts fan or Patriots fan, it would be hard to deny the greatness of these two quarterbacks. Many are already placing Brady and Manning in the discussion of "who is the greatest quarterback of all-time," and both are in serious contention to add another ring to their collection this season. Going into Sunday's game, Brady has thrown for 2364 yards and 16 touchdowns, and has led his team to an impressive 6-2 record. As good as Brady has been this season, Manning has outdone him through the halfway point. Manning has thrown for 2545 yards with 16 touchdowns, and also has his team off to an impressive start at 8-0. Once again these quarterbacks have their teams off to fantastic starts, and both teams are in the mix for Super Bowl contention.

IMPACT: Fantasy owners are hoping to be blessed no matter their quarterback of choice from this game, and with hampered defensive backfields working on both sides of the football, you can bet Manning and Brady will aim to please. Brooks opens the doors to some of the most insightful analysis of this game you could hope to find, and you would be wise to include his offerings in your research for the week ahead. You'll find return visits are too tempting to ignore.


RamsHerd.com ~ Riding A Wave (of Mutilation)

Will Horton has done an amazing job in spite of the dreary scene in the Gateway City, providing the fans of St. Louis with some of the best coverage they could hope to find on the net for their beloved Rams. The surge of recent weeks has put a buzz in the city by the river and Horton is starting to see one consistent theme that runs through those triumphs.

What does this mean for the Rams? Likely another double-digit loss at home to an undefeated team (see Vikings, Minnesota and Colts, Indianapolis), but just as likely a huge day for Steven Jackson once again. Fantasy owners take heed. And listen not to the naysaying voice that says "the Rams are pathetic, all the Saints have to do is stack the box and they'll contain Jackson." Teams have tried it all season long, and Jackson has still gotten his yards. Consider this tidbit, courtesy of Khaled Elsayed at ProFootballFocus: in his monster game against the Lions, 119 of his 149 yards came after contact. And his chemistry with Mike Karney has been improving week after week.

IMPACT: Fantasy owners with a dent in the wallet spent on obtaining Jackson's services can appreciate his rise and more will find the analysis offered by Horton to be just as rewarding. The guy has his finger on the pulse of a team on the rise, and while there is no hope of a run to the postseason, there is plenty of hope for finding a positive second half of the '09 season that could make S-Jax just as valuable as any player in your fantasy league. For all of the latest and greatest on his efforts and much more, tune into the Herd today.


RaidersRadar.com ~ Strength in Numbers

Stu Rosenberg has been one of few gifts for the inhabitants of the Black Hole this season. The team may be in disarray but there are signs of potential improvement… earned simply by the move to full health.

The Raiders return from their bye week refreshed and as close to full strength as they've been all season. That's because running back Darren McFadden, wide receiver Chaz Schilens, left guard Robert Gallery and right tackle Cornell Green are back at practice this week and expected to play Sunday when the Raiders host the Kansas City Chiefs.

IMPACT: The Raiders may be facing one of the only opportunities left on the schedule that suggest a win could be in reach, thus the timing to find health couldn't be better. Rosenberg expounds on his thoughts for the game ahead and what may be laying in wait as the boys behind the charge return to action. Fantasy owners aren't giving this crew much attention today, but if they can use their returning tools to implement progress, that will change and the Radar will be the first to let you know.