The season-ending injury of Brook Lopez put further pressure on the already struggling Brooklyn Nets.  Along with all the other injuries his team-mates are facing, Lopez has put his team in a deeper hole. Now, the team will have to find replacements and try to alter its system on both ends of the floor. Let’s explore some fantasy replacements for Brook Lopez at center for the Nets.

Kevin Garnett will certainly have to step up for the missing Lopez. Garnett is a player who can defend the center spot. He has proved that during his tenure with the Boston Celtics, where he played at center for the most part of the last few seasons. The Head Coach of the Brooklyn Nets, Jason Kidd could place Garnett at center, while placing either Andrei Kirilenko or Reggie Evans at the starting power forward spot. That would mean the Nets would use a smaller but more versatile lineup. At this stage Brooklyn might want to shake things up in order to find success.

The Nets could also put Reggie Evans at center. Nonetheless, Evans is a bit undersized plus he hasn’t been that effective up to now in the season. Of course, he is a solid defender but Brooklyn will have trouble finding scoring with Evans in the starting five. Evans is averaging 2.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG and also 35.5 FG% up to now in the season.

Another option for Jason Kidd would be Andray Blatche. Blatche may rank as the best replacement for the injured Brook Lopez if Kidd doesn’t put KG at center. Blatche is a player who has fluctuations in his performance but he is very good on offensive he deserves more playing time. Up to this point of the season, in 22.1 MPG he is putting up 11.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG and also 47.4 FG%. Andray Blatche has the size and the body to defend the best opposing centers.

Mason Plumlee could be another option for Brooklyn. He is a 6’11” rookie center who is currently averaging 6.1 PPG, 2.9 RPG and also 68.8 FG% this season. He is doing all that in 16.7 MPG. This might be a tricky option for the Nets, because the 23-year old Plumlee doesn’t have much experience. For sure, he has the size but it takes more than that to stand up firm against the best opposing centers in the NBA.

At last, Brooklyn could also throw Mirza Teletovic in the starting five. Nonetheless, it makes more sense if Teletovic was assigned with the power forward role instead of the center. That’s because he is undersized. He could be used alongside Kevin Garnett if KG takes on at center.

Thankfully, the Nets have many options. Eventhough they lost their starting center and leading scorer in Lopez, the Rotoguys believe they have the assets to find their way to a better course this season.

This hasn’t been an easy season to endure. Ask Julio Jones owners, who had a foot injury. Or maybe you can ask those who picked Arian Foster who had a nasty back injury, Doug Martin injured his shoulder, or maybe C.J.Spiller, Ray Rice and Trent Richardson in the first round. Winning your fantasy football leagues is more about surviving week to week than celebrating your drafting genius. We recap Week 16, the time of the season that most fantasy leagues decide their championships, with the top takeaways and an eye toward 2014, if not the remaining season finales.

This takeaway was going to announce rookie Eddie Lucy as a 100% sure fire first-round pick for 2014. Instead, he left the game with a worsened condition of his ankle injury, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein, leaving his Week 17 status in question. His absence for a winner take all match next week with the Chicago Bears will be disappointing. In any case, the Bears have the worst run defense in football hands down.

James Starks would get the start next week if Lacy can’t rejuvenate until then. Starks, available in over 50 percent of CBS Sports leagues, would be a must-start option in all leagues in that matchup. Kahlil Bell would be the backup, remember, since rookie Johnathan Franklin was placed on season-ending injured reserve with post-concussion syndrome.

Eagles’ McCoy Secures the No.2 Spot, so if Jamaal Charles clinched No. 1 spot for 2014 with his amazing Week 16 performance, LeSean McCoy claimed the No. 2 spot for his focused play on Sunday. McCoy led an unstoppable Philadelphia Eagles rushing attack with 18 carries for 133 yards and two touchdowns. He added 29 yards receiving on six receptions, as well.

Like Charles, McCoy is more of a  dynamic back in a favorable offense. As much as can be made of Nick Foles’ emergence under offensive guru Chip Kelly, it is the running game that makes the Eagles so good. Philadelphia Eagles have the No. 1 rushing offense in football right now, with 161.9 yards per game. Picking McCoy right behind Charles next year will force fantasy owners to skip over Adrian Peterson, but experienced running back player is turning 29 in March, and Charles will be the prime age of 26 next year, while McCoy will turn 26 in July.

Lost in yet another mediocre Dallas Cowboys season has been the health and consistency of DeMarco Murray. He went over 100 combined yards with two touchdowns, including a clutched one late against the Redskins. The third-year back has cracked the 1,000-yard mark with 10 combined touchdowns. It won’t be enough to put him in the Charles-McCoy-Peterson level among fantasy picks, but it does make him a first round pick. It is not the matter of is he producing or not with Murray. It is about his health. Murray is going to play a 14th game for the first time in his career. At 26 next year, he should be in for a career year in 2014.

Today we will look at some players who have seriously disappointed so far in the 2013-2014 NHL season.

Craig Anderson– Anderson was expected to be a minimum top 10 fantasy hockey goalie, he has been far from that. With a shocking 3.27 GAA, and a .901 SV% Anderson has been horribly bad this season, and I am sure that he has killed your fantasy team if you drafted him. If you want to still have a chance in your fantasy hockey league cut him now. I would have no confidence in a turn around, but he is owned in 85% of leagues still so it looks like some people do have that confidence so you might be able to trade him. As not even a top 50 goalie so far in the season the collapse has been monumental.

Jonathan Huberdeau– A very promising 2nd year player Huberdeau kicked in 31 points in 48 games last season, and in 2013 he’s only got 15 points in 36 games. Not a contributer with shots on goal (61) or PIM (12) I don’t really see a reason to hold a roster spot for him, unless you are really confident in a turn around.

Alexander Semin– A big name that most fantasy hockey players know of Semin has been injured much of the season. He struggled upon his return but now has 4 points in his last 5 games. I think Semin is a fantastic player to try to dangle in a trade he has high name value, and been scoring recently. I don’t believe that he will return to his old form so see what you can get.

Jason Chimera– This Washington Capital left-winger has disappointed significanty from a “fantasy” perspective. With only 19 points (7 goals, 12 assists) in 38 games league owners were all expecting more from him. When watching him on the ice, it’s almost like he is forcing himself to play or enduring an injury that he doesn’t want to worsen. Trade him if you can.

Nathan Mackinnon– This Colorado Center was drafted 1^st overall in the 1^st round by the Avalanche and were obviously expecting more results from him. With 21 points (8 goals, 13 assists) in 37 games. The real positive for Mackinnon is his age. The fact that he is 18 years old gives him the benefit of the doubt that with time he will gain experience and earn his respect as a top-tiered center in the league. But from a fantasy hockey perspective in 2013-2014 there is better value out there that can offer a more consistent performance.

Ryan Smyth– Although the Edmonton Oilers have been suffering as a whole we haven’t seen the 37 yr old left-winger pull his team out of their misery. He presently has a -10 in the +/- stats and 13 points in 30 games. Definitely nothing to flaunt for any fantasy hockey league. Many will claim that his age is reflecting his performance but on the other hand there are older players doing much better. Although he isn’t very popular in fantasy hockey leagues, if you do own him maybe you should consider trading him.

With almost three months into the 2013-2014 NBA season, we have already seen which teams and players deliver the best. In this article the Rotoguys will try to rank the best centers in the league – the ones that are most productive, the ones that can make any fantasy basketball team stand out of the rest.

No.1: Dwight Howard

Yes he might be a terrible free-throw shooter. And of course, he had a more dominant role in the Orland Magic. But Dwight Howard currently is and is projected to be the best center in the league. He is putting up 18.3 PPG, 13.2 RPG and 2.0 BLKPG. He is also shooting 58.8 percent from the field. Despite the presence of James Harden, Howard can deliver double-doubles every night.

No.2: Al Jefferson

The Charlotte Bobcats may be struggling this season, but Al Jefferson is not. He is very efficient, putting up 16.2 PPG and 9.6 RPG while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor. A terrific option for any fantasy team.

No.3: Marc Gasol

Yes Gasol is currently injured. But he will be back in about two weeks. He is definitely a Top 3 center in the NBA and one possibly the best center on defense behind Dwight Howard.

No.4: Al Horford

Al Horford doesn’t often make the headlines. He stays under the radar but delivers with consistency for the Atlanta Hawks. This season he is putting up very solid numbers, 18.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG and 56.2 FG%.

No.5: LaMarcus Aldridge

Is he a center? Maybe not, he is mostly a power forward. But he can easily defend the center position. No matter what spot he is assigned with, LaMarcus Aldridge is performing surprisingly well this season. He is recording a career-season with 23.1 PPG, 11.0 RPG and 47.3 FG%. He has certainly made lots of fantasy owners who drafted him smile this season.

No.6: DeMarcus Cousins

When will DeMarcus cousins show his true potential? When will he start establishing himself as one of the best big men in the league? He has certainly started to do so. Now, with Isaiah Thomas and Rudy Gay on his side, there might not be a better chance for him to take it to the next level.

No.7: Greg Monroe

The presence of the rising star Andre Drummond in the team has developed some rumble within the Detroit Pistons team. However, Monroe has managed to retain his composure and play great basketball every night. He is averaging 14.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG and 51.2 FG% up to now in the season.

No.8: Roy Hibbert

Roy Hibbert is performing better this season than he has for his career. But he didn’t explode as everyone expected, after a very strong finishing in the playoffs last season. Still, with 12.5 PPG, 8.5 RPG and 46.9 FG% he is a very valuable piece for any fantasy team at center.

No.9: Pau Gasol

Gasol is not the player he used to be. But he still is very productive. His numbers are below his career averages. But he still is a top-10 center in the NBA.

No.10: Andre Drummond

We can’t say enough for the 20-year old Andre Drummond. The future is simply bright for him. But he has already won his place in the Top 10 of centers in the league. He is averaging 13.2 PPG, 12.6 RPG and an astonishing 61.9 FG%.

Nobody needs to be told that starting with Aaron Rodgers, Adrian Peterson, or Calvin Johnson is a good idea. You can’t have studs at every position, unless you’re in the shallowest of leagues. This is where we come in. Need help deciding which quarterback? Looking for solutions at running back because Peterson is a game-time decision?

In a battle that pitted the Chargers’ current franchise QB vs. the franchise QB that famously spurned San Diego, Rivers got the best of Eli Manning on December 8th, outscoring the Giants’ struggling signal caller by a healthy 7.5 fantasy points in the Bolts’ blowout win. That moved Rivers into a tie with Cam Newton for fifth overall at the QB position (23.4 points/game). This may surprise you even more: Rivers is now on pace for a career high in fantasy points. Not hampering that effort will be a potentially prolific.

At for Chicago’s QB controversy, do the Bears possesses two legendary quarterbacks? Or rather, Marc Trestman is the envy of most NFL coaches these days because he possesses two super sized and super talented receivers who would make almost any triggerman look good. It doesn’t really matter who lines up under center in the Windy City, in other words, so long as he’s throwing to the devastating combo of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Those two have combined to average almost 14 receptions and 212 yards per game the last three weeks and each would command permanent double coverage if opponents could afford to put that many DBs on the field.

If you have been waiting all season for Manning to wake up, it’s too late. He has already cost you a playoff berth, most likely, and if he hasn’t, he’s about to cost you a championship. Despite facing San Diego’s below-average secondary last weekend in a game he should have been plenty motivated to win, the two-time Super Bowl MVP did the bare minimum. He managed only 259 passing yards and a score for a measly 17 fantasy points. Predictably, he got boat raced 37-14 and probably can’t wait for his disastrous 2013 campaign to end. There are a lot better teams to face when playing out the string than a ticked-off Seahawks squad that just got nipped in a divisional grudge match. Seattle is yielding 15.7 points/game to opposing QB’s, tops in the league, and should ensure Manning’s season is his worst since 2008 this Sunday.

As if on cue, the Raiders went back to Terrelle Pryor last Sunday and indicated they’ll use him again this weekend; a tandem is approaching that’s exceedingly rare at the college level and virtually unheard of in the NFL. Here’s what it means: “We don’t really know what we have as QB so we’re going to give both guys a chance and see what happens.” Pryor was the starter back in October and here’s what happened then: 18 for 34, 216 yards, a score, three picks, and 60 yards rushing. There’s really no reason to suspect McGloin can top that as he’s not a threat to run and the Chiefs are giving up only 17.2 points/game. If the past is any indication of the future, the Rotoguys have cleared the path with respect to your fantasy football drafts for the last few weeks of the NFL season.

With the ending of another exciting week of American football behind us , here we enlist the top 10 wide receivers in the 16^th week of the NFL season and their stats in the moment.

1. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson is averaging 111.5 yards and 0.9 touchdowns per game. He should dominate the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon. The New York Giants’ roster are allowing 229 yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game.

2. Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns

Josh Gordon is averaging 122.3 yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game. He’s been on the roll the past five games averaging 168.2 yards and 1.2 touchdowns. The New York Jets will try to contain him. The Jets are allowing 255.4 yards and 1.8 touchdowns per game.

3. A.J.Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green is averaging 90.6 yards and 0.6 touchdowns per game. Green with his play should tear apart through the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikes are allowing 290.6 yards and 2.3 touchdowns per game.

4. Brandon Marshall, WR, Chicago Bears
Brandon Marshall is averaging 84.6 yards and 0.7 touchdowns per game. The Eagles have allowed 291.6 yards and 1.6 touchdowns per game, so there is a chance for Marshall to bring the Chicago Bears’ offense to a next level.


5. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears 
Alshon Jeffery is averaging 97.9 total yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game. He along with Brandon Marshall should have a big day against the Eagles. Cutler tends to favor Marshall a little more, but there’s room for both to have big days.

6. Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Dez Bryant is averaging 75.8 yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game. With the amount of the yards and touchdowns Washington Redskins allow the opponents we don’t expect him to leave the field early. The Redskins allowed 251.9 yards and 1.9 touchdowns per game.

7. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Denver Broncos 
Demaryius Thomas is averaging 85.3 yards and 0.8 touchdowns. His last week was terrible with just 45 yards against the San Diego Chargers, but that’s completely normal and we expect him to comeback against the Houston Texans. Thomas had 100 yards and/or a touchdown in his previous seven games.The Texans have allowed 1.8 touchdown passes per game.

8. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans
Andre Johnson is averaging 92.5 yards and 0.4 touchdowns per game. He should have a very strong game against the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have allowed 266.1 yards and 1.9 touchdowns per game.

9. Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers
Keenan Allen is averaging 71.6 yards and 0.5 touchdowns per game. He has four touchdowns in his past two games and has averaged 79.5 yards and a touchdown in his past four. He  is facing the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders allowed 254.4 yards and two touchdowns per game.

10. Pierre Garcon, WR, Washington Redskins
Pierre Garcon is averaging 81.9 yards and 0.3 touchdowns per game. He had a nice connection with Kirk Cousins this week, that should continue against the Dallas Cowboys. The Dallas Cowboys allowed the highest amount yards, up to 297.4 per game and 2.1 touchdowns. With such bad team synergy among the Cowboys, this is the moment when Pierre Garcon needs to shine.

The Indiana Pacers are surging this season. They currently hold a league-best 20-3 winning record. All fans of the team as well as fantasy owners who have selected members of the team should feel excited. One more reason for all Indiana fans to feel excited is the upcoming return of superstar Danny Granger. The 30-year old forward is just about to return, possibly in the next game. But what does this really mean to Lance Stephenson, Paul George and the rest of the team? What should fantasy owners pay attention to?

Granger will return to action after missing the biggest chunk of the 2012-2013 campaign and also after playing just five games this season. Granger was one of the most anticipated stars returning from injury this season, together with Derrick Rose and Kobe Bryant. He was supposed to return to action and emerge as the leader of the Pacers. With 18.1 points per game for his career, Danny Granger certainly changes the dynamics and the setup of Frank Vogel’s team. But now, Paul George is rapidly emerging as a superstar-caliber and that means Granger will no longer be the leader of the team but rather the co-leader.

Paul George has exploded for 24.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG and also 3.5 APG and also 46.6 FG% and 41.6 3P% this season. He has emerged as one of the top 5 fantasy selections for fantasy leagues. Some owners even place him at the top 3, together with LeBron James and Kevin Durant.

Now, with Granger on his side, George’s performance will certainly be altered. He is a player that needs the ball in his hands. He will take many shots for the Pacers. In the end, we might see him combining perfectly with George. But George’s numbers will certainly be affected.

Danny Granger might reach a 15-point and 5-rebound average this season, if he manages to stay healthy. Of course, he might need a few weeks to adjust his body and find his touches.

Lance Stephenson will also be affected. Frank Vogel will most probably switch him to the secondary unit which will translate to a slight reduction in his minutes and numbers. His scoring, rebounding and assists will most probably be affected. Stephenson currently ranks fourth in scoring for the Pacers.

Roy Hibbert and David West will most probably see a slight change in their numbers, too. As Granger will take more responsibilities on offense, Hibbert and West will most probably see a few less shots.

The rest of the role players will also see difference in their minutes. Orlando Johnson and Chris Copeland will be affected, as Granger will dominate their minutes. Fantasy owners should pay attention to this one.

In overall, the Pacers will certainly see an upgrade in their firepower with Danny Granger onboard. Nonetheless, Frank Vogel will have to find a good balance between him and Paul George. The Pacers do have a great momentum and they should try to retain it, utilizing Granger the best way possible.

After many hours of research the Rotoguys have compiled a short list of NHL players that can surprisingly boost your stats in your Fantasy Leagues. Although some may seem like longshots, those may likely be the ones to make the difference for you. Don’t underestimate the following names.

Center-Nick Bonino

Nick Bonino has been a great surprise and fantasy gem in deeper leagues. He has 8 goals and 15 assist on the season. He has 11 points on the power play, and playing with Perry and Getzlaf is a huge boost on a loaded Ducks team.

Left Wing- Dustin Penner

Another Anaheim Ducks player. Penner is really benefiting from playing on Anaheim’s top line. He has a ridiculous +19 on the year with 23 points on the season and 9 on the power play. He is a top 30 fantasy player but available in 35% of leagues.

Right Wing- Ryan Johansen

The way to win your leagues is to get players when they are on streaks. Johansen is on a 7 game points steak and is Columbus best scoring threat ride him until he slows down it might take a while.

Goalie- Steve Mason

Mason has put up great numbers in Philly and has helped to bring the Flyers back to life. With a 2.14 GAA and .932 SVP he is a more then solid goaltender, and only owned in 65% of leagues.

Defenseman Mark Giordano

Giordano returned from a ankle injury recently and has 3 points in 5 games back. He was dropped after his injury before so now is a good time to pick him back up.

Left Wing- Chris Higgins

If you are looking for a sleeper Higgins might be it, he is a solid player all across the board and produces on nearly all fronts. If you need some consistent production he might be a good bet

Players On The Mend

Blue Jackets Marian Gaborik and Nathan Horton are both injured for the time being but are known to be superstar players. Gaborik should be back relatively soon so it is very much worth it look if he is on your wavier wire. Horton is owned less and almost certainly available in your league. He is likely out another month but if you have a opportunity to stash him away on your roster, it’s not a bad move.

Have you ever wondered who are the most overrated players and their counterparts? There are certain NFL players that absolutely drive you crazy because they get so much hype even though they don’t deserve it? And there are also players who deserve a pat on the back but their effort is vastly under appreciated. The Rotoguys want to share their insight on some of the players who have received too much credit (or even too little) in the NFL this season.

Quinton Coples, New York Jets, Defensive End, Status: Overrated

Quinton’s rookie season was a solid one. He averaged 5.5 sacks in part time duty and showed promise as a 3-4 defensive end. Although he did a decent job, the New York Jets see him as an elite player. Is Coples that great? Or the people need to “chill” a bit and see how he will perform on a regular basis.

Chris Ivory, New York Jets, Running-Back, Status: Underrated

This season there were some really questionable decisions. But one move that the Jet’s new general manager did was spot on. He took No.4 running back in New Orleans, Ivory. There he struggled to receive consistent carries, and when he was on the field he showed his running style and marathoner stamina.

Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos, Cornerback, Status: Overrated

Is Bailey a bad cornerback? Is he really the second best in the NFL? The answer to both questions would be “no”. There are a lot of players in the NFL who get paid so much but give back so little to the team. One example for that is Champ Bailey. He has been an amazing cornerback for a long time, but he lost his step over the past few seasons. He is being praised for his name although he doesn’t deserve it for his current level of play.

Rahim Moore, Denver Broncos, Free-safety, Status: Underrated

Yes, he did a bad play on National TV and now he is remembered as a player not worthy of his team. Although his bad play, he is a true difference maker at the safety position, he has a wide range with the deep spread. He also has some great instincts as he always seems to be in the right time for coverage.

Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints, Running-back, Status: Overrated

Ingram is solid between the tackles runner, but he is overshadowed by Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles. Although he never averaged more than 3.9 yards per carry in his career, he is highly thought of because of his father who played nine seasons in the NFL.

Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints, Running-back, Status: Underrated

Everything in the world has a counterpart. The Saint’s team isn’t an exception. While Mark Ingram has been overrated, Pierre Thomas is underrated. Every game Pierre Thomas played he played his maximum and lived up to the team’s expectations. His mix of power, vision and burst makes him a threat between the tackles and on the edge, with an added bonus of receiving ability in the flats.