The tournament the pros want to win is here—the 2008 US Open. While they are not crazy about the qualifying requirements, it is still the top tournament every year in golf. As a result, fantasy players need to take a look at who is a fraud for the tournament, who’s hot, and who could surprise the field this week. Todd Lokken from Strategic Fantasy Sports takes a look at the frauds, best picks, and a surprise or two below. Let’s begin with the hot picks, here are some players who can win or at least make the top 5:
Tiger Woods—Has some physical issues, hasn’t played in over a month, yet has more skill than any two players combined. So, how do you really bet against him?
Phil Mickelson—Should be a factor, and is playing reasonably well (despite the putter not completely cooperating).
Adam Scott—Torrey Pines is long and wide, which fits his game immensely.
Stewart Cink—He’s had a nice run for the last 5-6 tournaments he’s played.
Boo Weekley—Hasn’t done much in majors, but is having a decent year. A dark horse.
And the not-so-hot picks (the popular Todd Lokken Fraud list):
Trevor Immelman—Seems like Trevor decided the year ended with the Masters. He’s been less than average since his surprise win, and things won’t get better this week.
Jim Furyk—The tour is putting Furyk out of action with these long course nightmares. Furyk is having an ok year, but just doesn’t have enough club for Torrey Pines.
Luke Donald—Hard to put him on the fraud list, but like Furyk, just doesn’t have the length.
And, the surprise pick for the week:
Ben Crane—He could wind up in the top 5 or even on the fraud list. But, he is among the scoring leaders for the year, so it would not be a total surprise to see him do well.
This year, it looks like all the signs are pointing to Mickelson. Tiger is ailing, it’s his hometown, he knows the course, but you just never know. The best bet is to take Lefty, and have a backup ready to go, because you never know when Phil is going to start thinking too much.
About Todd Lokken:
Todd Lokken publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about fantasy sports and at http://www.toddlokken.com or http://toddlokkenblog.blogspot.com/.
This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright 2008 Strategic Fantasy Sports.
Showing posts with label todd lokken hot picks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label todd lokken hot picks. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
Todd Lokken NFL Mock Draft from Strategic Fantasy SportsTodd Lokken NFL Mock Draft from Strategic Fantasy Sports
Even though there will be many changes between now and the beginning of the draft, Todd Lokken, President of Strategic Fantasy Sports takes a look at the top ten picks in this year’s draft.
“Since my first mock draft a couple of weeks ago, Miami went and signed Jake Long, thereby making me look like the fraud,” says Todd Lokken. “I thought no way Bill Parcells makes an offensive lineman the top pick, but I guess you never know”. So, here we are with the draft mock up for this year. Here is a look at the top 10 picks:
1) Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT—Michigan. Signed, sealed, delivered. Done.
2) St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE—Virginia. “The front office wants Chris Long, the coach wants Glenn Dorsey,” says Lokken. The front office wins.
3) Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT—LSU. “A few weeks ago this looked like Atlanta might trade out, but with Dorsey there, they will take him,” comments Lokken. Atlanta may have considered trading this pick, but they need Dorsey, and the rumors had Matt Ryan going here. However, they have too much need on defense.
4) Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB—Arkansas. “While it would be strange for McFadden to fall to number 4, imagine the Raiders with Jamarcus Russell (assuming he gets his act together) and McFadden in the backfield,” says Lokken. The Raiders get the top talent in the draft.
5) Baltimore Ravens (trade with Kansas City): Matt Ryan, QB—Boston College. “Steve McNair retired, and the defense isn’t strong enough anymore win alone. Everyone remembers how even Trent Dilfer, one of the biggest fantasy frauds ever, won a Super Bowl. They need a franchise QB, and Ryan is it,“ says Lokken.
6) New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE—Ohio State. Lokken analysis: “The Jets may also try to trade up to get Ryan, as there QB situation is not very good”. They also may try to move up to get McFadden, as they should realize by now what a fraud Thomas Jones is at starting RB. If they can’t trade up, then the Jets will probably take Gholston.
7) New England Patriots: Branden Albert, OT—Virginia. Lokken says, “the Pats don’t need much, but they will be happy to get a young offensive lineman to protect Tom Brady for the next 7 years. Albert fits the bill.”
8) Kansas City Chiefs (trade with Baltimore): Aqib Talib, CB—Kansas. Lokken looks at the Chiefs this way: “The Chiefs need receivers, offensive linemen, and help at the corners. With the Dolphins signing Jake Long, they will be happy to move down”.
9) Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harvey, DE—Florida. Lokken analysis: “Cincinnati needs defensive help, especially on the line. Harvey will bring stability to that spot.”
10) New Orleans Saints: Sedrick Ellis, DT—USC. Lokken analysis: “Another team that needs defensive help. The defense let the Saints down in 2007, and to get back to the playoffs, they need to beef up the D. However, one rookie will not make the difference—they do need other players/changes.”
“There is just one day left, and there are two big questions—what will the St. Louis Rams do (as this affects everything else), and where does Matt Ryan wind up”. The expectation is Ryan goes no further than number eight, as there are three teams (New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens) who could use a QB. As always, expect many surprises on draft day.
Strategic Fantasy Sports provides fantasy sports analysis and strategy for players of fantasy sports. For more information, contact Todd Lokken at 847.985.8566.
About Todd Lokken:
Todd Lokken publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about fantasy sports and at http://www.toddlokken.com or http://toddlokkenblog.blogspot.com/.
This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright 2008 Strategic Fantasy Sports.
“Since my first mock draft a couple of weeks ago, Miami went and signed Jake Long, thereby making me look like the fraud,” says Todd Lokken. “I thought no way Bill Parcells makes an offensive lineman the top pick, but I guess you never know”. So, here we are with the draft mock up for this year. Here is a look at the top 10 picks:
1) Miami Dolphins: Jake Long, OT—Michigan. Signed, sealed, delivered. Done.
2) St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE—Virginia. “The front office wants Chris Long, the coach wants Glenn Dorsey,” says Lokken. The front office wins.
3) Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT—LSU. “A few weeks ago this looked like Atlanta might trade out, but with Dorsey there, they will take him,” comments Lokken. Atlanta may have considered trading this pick, but they need Dorsey, and the rumors had Matt Ryan going here. However, they have too much need on defense.
4) Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB—Arkansas. “While it would be strange for McFadden to fall to number 4, imagine the Raiders with Jamarcus Russell (assuming he gets his act together) and McFadden in the backfield,” says Lokken. The Raiders get the top talent in the draft.
5) Baltimore Ravens (trade with Kansas City): Matt Ryan, QB—Boston College. “Steve McNair retired, and the defense isn’t strong enough anymore win alone. Everyone remembers how even Trent Dilfer, one of the biggest fantasy frauds ever, won a Super Bowl. They need a franchise QB, and Ryan is it,“ says Lokken.
6) New York Jets: Vernon Gholston, DE—Ohio State. Lokken analysis: “The Jets may also try to trade up to get Ryan, as there QB situation is not very good”. They also may try to move up to get McFadden, as they should realize by now what a fraud Thomas Jones is at starting RB. If they can’t trade up, then the Jets will probably take Gholston.
7) New England Patriots: Branden Albert, OT—Virginia. Lokken says, “the Pats don’t need much, but they will be happy to get a young offensive lineman to protect Tom Brady for the next 7 years. Albert fits the bill.”
8) Kansas City Chiefs (trade with Baltimore): Aqib Talib, CB—Kansas. Lokken looks at the Chiefs this way: “The Chiefs need receivers, offensive linemen, and help at the corners. With the Dolphins signing Jake Long, they will be happy to move down”.
9) Cincinnati Bengals: Derrick Harvey, DE—Florida. Lokken analysis: “Cincinnati needs defensive help, especially on the line. Harvey will bring stability to that spot.”
10) New Orleans Saints: Sedrick Ellis, DT—USC. Lokken analysis: “Another team that needs defensive help. The defense let the Saints down in 2007, and to get back to the playoffs, they need to beef up the D. However, one rookie will not make the difference—they do need other players/changes.”
“There is just one day left, and there are two big questions—what will the St. Louis Rams do (as this affects everything else), and where does Matt Ryan wind up”. The expectation is Ryan goes no further than number eight, as there are three teams (New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens) who could use a QB. As always, expect many surprises on draft day.
Strategic Fantasy Sports provides fantasy sports analysis and strategy for players of fantasy sports. For more information, contact Todd Lokken at 847.985.8566.
About Todd Lokken:
Todd Lokken publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about fantasy sports and at http://www.toddlokken.com or http://toddlokkenblog.blogspot.com/.
This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright 2008 Strategic Fantasy Sports.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Todd Lokken’s Weekly Fantasy Baseball Hot Picks and Fraud Lists
Todd Lokken’s Weekly Fantasy Baseball Hot Picks and Fraud Lists
Pitchers are suddenly a hot commodity for fantasy teams, as owners try to find the best rotations.
This week’s Lokken’s Hot Picks list is dominated by pitchers, as the following are among the most popular roster pick-ups this week:
1) Kyle Lohse—Oakland A’s SP (2-0 with a 1.48 ERA)
2) Nelson Figueroa—New York Mets SP (1-0, 14 K’s, 3 straight solid starts)
3) Bobby Crosby—Oakland A’s SS (.313 average, 15 RBI’s)
Similarly, Lokken’s Fraud List is pitcher-heavy:
1) Justin Germano—San Diego Padres SP (0-2, 5.01 ERA)
2) Edwin Jackson—Tampa Bay Rays SP (2-2, 4.63 ERA)
3) Corey Patterson—Cincinnati Reds OF (.183 average, 9 RBI’s)
“Pitchers are so hard to judge from year to year”, says Lokken. “Someone who was a disaster last year may turn around and go from fraud to hot pick very quickly”. At the same time, we see players who had decent years doing the opposite. One player of note on the fraud list is Corey Patterson, who has been fantasy bust year after year after year. “It’s amazing that anyone even tries using this guy”, remarks Lokken.
Next week, don’t be surprised to see Frank Thomas on the fraud list, as he has yet to join a team after his release from the Blue Jays. Also, some players (namely Ted Lilly) have suddenly had some success, so we may see some surprising player moves.
Todd Lokken publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about fantasy sports and at http://www.toddlokken.com or http://toddlokkenblog.blogspot.com/.
Pitchers are suddenly a hot commodity for fantasy teams, as owners try to find the best rotations.
This week’s Lokken’s Hot Picks list is dominated by pitchers, as the following are among the most popular roster pick-ups this week:
1) Kyle Lohse—Oakland A’s SP (2-0 with a 1.48 ERA)
2) Nelson Figueroa—New York Mets SP (1-0, 14 K’s, 3 straight solid starts)
3) Bobby Crosby—Oakland A’s SS (.313 average, 15 RBI’s)
Similarly, Lokken’s Fraud List is pitcher-heavy:
1) Justin Germano—San Diego Padres SP (0-2, 5.01 ERA)
2) Edwin Jackson—Tampa Bay Rays SP (2-2, 4.63 ERA)
3) Corey Patterson—Cincinnati Reds OF (.183 average, 9 RBI’s)
“Pitchers are so hard to judge from year to year”, says Lokken. “Someone who was a disaster last year may turn around and go from fraud to hot pick very quickly”. At the same time, we see players who had decent years doing the opposite. One player of note on the fraud list is Corey Patterson, who has been fantasy bust year after year after year. “It’s amazing that anyone even tries using this guy”, remarks Lokken.
Next week, don’t be surprised to see Frank Thomas on the fraud list, as he has yet to join a team after his release from the Blue Jays. Also, some players (namely Ted Lilly) have suddenly had some success, so we may see some surprising player moves.
Todd Lokken publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about fantasy sports and at http://www.toddlokken.com or http://toddlokkenblog.blogspot.com/.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Looking at my Masters Hot Picks and Top Fraud
Ok...so I'm going to look back and see how I did on the Masters--my predictions, my team's performance, etc.
So, I said that the hot picks were Tiger (of course), Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Steve Stricker, and Ian Poulter. Here's how we did:
Tiger--2nd place.
Mickelson--Tied for 5th.
Singh--Tied for 14th.
Stricker--Missed cut.
Poulter--Tied for 25th.
So, I picked 3 in the top 15--not bad at all. I probably would have had 4 if Poulter hadn't gone into a nosedive on the back 9, so he was my pick for the final round fraud. And Stricker...not making the cut? Picking him and then him getting an MC (missed cut) kinda makes me a fraud also. Bad pick.
On the fraud side, we had Rory Sabbatini, Jim Furyk, and Ernie Els. Here we did a little better:
Furyk--Tied 33rd.
Sabbatini--Missed cut.
Els--Missed cut.
So...we were 3 for 3 on the fraud side. Not bad. Hope I helped someone.
And, just for kicks, here was my fantasy team for the tournament:
Mickelson
Poulter
Boo Weekley
Nick Watney
Justin Leonard
So, all 5 of my guys made the cut. Not a bad week at all.
www.toddlokken.com
So, I said that the hot picks were Tiger (of course), Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Steve Stricker, and Ian Poulter. Here's how we did:
Tiger--2nd place.
Mickelson--Tied for 5th.
Singh--Tied for 14th.
Stricker--Missed cut.
Poulter--Tied for 25th.
So, I picked 3 in the top 15--not bad at all. I probably would have had 4 if Poulter hadn't gone into a nosedive on the back 9, so he was my pick for the final round fraud. And Stricker...not making the cut? Picking him and then him getting an MC (missed cut) kinda makes me a fraud also. Bad pick.
On the fraud side, we had Rory Sabbatini, Jim Furyk, and Ernie Els. Here we did a little better:
Furyk--Tied 33rd.
Sabbatini--Missed cut.
Els--Missed cut.
So...we were 3 for 3 on the fraud side. Not bad. Hope I helped someone.
And, just for kicks, here was my fantasy team for the tournament:
Mickelson
Poulter
Boo Weekley
Nick Watney
Justin Leonard
So, all 5 of my guys made the cut. Not a bad week at all.
www.toddlokken.com
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Masters Hot Pick(s) & Fraud(s)
The hottest ticket of the year is here--the 2008 Masters. Fantasy players should be thinking about who is hot, who isn't, and who is just a fantasy fraud for this tournament. So, starting out with the hot picks, here are some thoughts on who could win and who could be in the top 5:
Tiger Woods--No comment necessary
Phil Mickelson--Again, not much comment necessary (as long as he keeps his head in the game).
Vijay Singh--Is his game coming back?
Steve Stricker--He's been playing well under the radar.
Ian Poulter--Seems to do well in majors.
And the not-so-hot picks (the fantasy fraud list):
Rory Sabbatini--Great golfer, is playing well, but just needs to beat Tiger (so he can quit hearing about his comments). However, he did win the par 3 tournament, so tradition is against him. He putted well in the par 3, so no one can accuse him of scamming out a win.
Jim Furyk--Probably this week's biggest fraud. Furyk is a great golfer, but he is accused of not having the long game for Augusta.
Ernie Els--Getting better, and the family issues are getting better as well. But, the guess here is that he isn't ready to take Augusta.
Obviously, luck plays into the tournament, (except for Tiger). There is no reason to pick against him, but there are players who can challenge and perhaps beat him this year. However, that seems to rely more on Tiger falling apart than someone else stepping up.
Tiger Woods--No comment necessary
Phil Mickelson--Again, not much comment necessary (as long as he keeps his head in the game).
Vijay Singh--Is his game coming back?
Steve Stricker--He's been playing well under the radar.
Ian Poulter--Seems to do well in majors.
And the not-so-hot picks (the fantasy fraud list):
Rory Sabbatini--Great golfer, is playing well, but just needs to beat Tiger (so he can quit hearing about his comments). However, he did win the par 3 tournament, so tradition is against him. He putted well in the par 3, so no one can accuse him of scamming out a win.
Jim Furyk--Probably this week's biggest fraud. Furyk is a great golfer, but he is accused of not having the long game for Augusta.
Ernie Els--Getting better, and the family issues are getting better as well. But, the guess here is that he isn't ready to take Augusta.
Obviously, luck plays into the tournament, (except for Tiger). There is no reason to pick against him, but there are players who can challenge and perhaps beat him this year. However, that seems to rely more on Tiger falling apart than someone else stepping up.
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