Sportsnet InGamer is a new fantasy game available at Sportsnet.ca/ingamer
It's easy, fast, fun and free to play!
All you have to do is pick some players in an individual game that you think will perform well.
You will score points based on how those players do. Then, if you want, you can change your lineup for each quarter/half. Sounds pretty cool, eh?
The Captain Morgan Playoff Challenge continues and below is Sunday's Super Bowl preview brought to you by InGamer co-Founder and fantasy sports expert Nic Sulsky.
Enjoy and come try the coolest new sports game around: Play InGamer here
New York @ New England
So here we are --the biggest game of the year. I'm not going to waste words hyping the matchup. If you're reading this, you are undoubtedly in the Super Bowl 'know', so to speak.
NOTE: There is a grand prize for this game AND a prize 'just' for your fourth quarter score. So, even if you're seemingly out of it by the third quarter, you still have a shot at a prize!!!
Here's some fun before i break into the preview.
Player(s) most likely to be the next:
Timmy Smith (SB XXII): Danny Woodhead
Harvey Martin / Randy White (SB XII): Jason Pierre-Paul & Osi Umenyiora
Larry Brown (SB XXX): Corey Webster
Rod Martin (SB XV): Brandon Spikes
Eli Manning (SB XLII): Eli Manning
OK, that last one doesn't really fit as a lesser known Super Bowl star (no disrespect to Randy White), but i couldn't resist subtly referencing my pick for Super Bowl winner and the MVP.
The best fourth-quarter quarterback in the NFL will come up big on Sunday. Eli Manning has been playing out of his mind, and he can owe a lot of that credit to his talented and explosive trio of wideouts. Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham have finally given Manning some downfield weapons to exploit.
The Patriots strength is their secondary, so the Giants couldl be in for a long day. Oh wait, reverse that thought. Forget about how the Giants will deal with the Pats big three, the Giants air attack is going to be the story of the game. But, I still wouldn't Captain Eli for your squad. My captain pick will come later, but Manning will force an early pass resulting in an interception.
I would hold off on playing Manning until the second quarter, and make sure he's on your team in the fourth when he leads the Giants for a game-winning score in the final minutes of the game.
The Giants will try and establish the run, but the Pats have been playing excellent run defence in the playoffs. With Brandon Spikes returning from injury, Jerod Mayo getting his legs under him and Vince Willfork establishing himself as perhaps the best nose tackle of all-time, the Pats run defence will not allow either Ahmad Bradshaw or Brandon Jacobs the room to run wild. Look for Bradshaw to catch some passes in the flat, but I wouldn't expect monster games from either of them.
All three Giants receivers have value, but it's Hakeem Nicks who I think will end up having the biggest day. His size will be way too much for the Patriots to handle and, up until last week's 10-catch performance; Victor Cruz has been having a relatively 'quiet' postseason. I actually think a fringe player like tight end Travis Beckum or fullback Harry Hynoski will find the endzone in this game. Good luck guessing the quarter that happens in.
On the defensive side of the ball, look for safety Patrick Chung to have a busy day. Pay attention to see who the Pats line up against Hakeem Nicks in the first quarter. It will most likely be Devin McCourty, so he will have the opportunity to come up with a big interception (which is an InGamer game-changer as well!). Brandon Spikes, Rob Ninkovich and Jerod Mayo will all show up with points, but I think Spikes is the guy who could make the big play or two.
For the Patriots offence, here's the InGamer take on the story dominating the Super Bowl: To Gronk or not to Gronk? I'll tell you one thing, I wouldn't captain him. I think he makes a decent start, but Brady throws to the open receiver, and no one knows whether Rob Gronkowski will be able to push off his ankle and get separation. In the red zone he will still be a viable target, but I think his tight end partner Aaron Hernandez is in for the bigger day.
Bill Belichick has been lining Hernandez up all over the field, figuring out ways to exploit his size and speed. Wes Welker will get a ton of looks and likely end up with six-plus catches, but I have a hunch (total hunch) that Danny Woodhead could end up as a very valuable offensive player. Yes, BenJarvus Green-Ellis hasn't fumbled in 100 years, but he is not that explosive.
With the Pats likely going no-huddle most of this game, it's Woodhead's versatility that makes him a more intriguing play for us InGamers. Oh, and there's this quarterback named Tom Brady that you'll need to think about starting. But you should think about it...he has been turning the ball over lately and the Giants do know how to beat him.
The Giants' front four is a force to be reckoned with, but the Patriots have the depth and experience to at least slow them down. That being said, this is the big stage that Jason Pierre-Paul will use to become a superstar. He is a must start in my books. Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck also have the potential to make some big plays, but it's Pierre-Paul that will shine for the Giants defence.
Michael Boley has the athleticism to cover one of the tight ends on New England (which one is the question) and he will make a bunch of tackles. Antrel Rolle is a playmaker and will be called on to make a bunch of them in this game. I think he and Corey Webster will play key roles on Sunday and are both very startable...especially if you're a gambler who wants to bet on gaining some valuable interception points.
As always kickers are the safe, but not sexy, InGamer picks and this game is no different. I think starting at least one kicker is a good strategy in this game, but you won't win the admiration of the community by playing it safe!
Nonetheless, remember that with player change potential, you can make strategic kicker decisions if a team ends a quarter in field goal range while facing a third or fourth down.
SNEAKY PLAY ALERT: Julian Edelman. He gets kick return yards, tackle points (he plays defensive back in Nickel/Dime packages) and may get some looks on offence.
My starting six:
Captain: Hakeem Nicks - WR, NYG
Lawrence Tynes - K, NYG
Wes Welker - WR, NE
Jason Pierre-Paul - DL, NYG
Aaron Hernandez - TE, NE
Michael Boley - LB, NYG
Keep an eye on: Tom Brady/Eli Manning (I know what you're thinking, but I'm nervous about the first quarter for both quarterbacks), Patrick Chung , Rob Gronkowski, Danny Woodhead
Good luck everyone and see you in the big game!!
