Week 5 - Spotfire Spots Consistency

What have we learned now that we're five weeks into the 2008 NFL season?

* The main thing I've learned is to trust Spotfire. You are starting to see the same names appear week in and week out in the season leader stats. Spotfire spots this consistency, not only for the top players but through the entire range. Look over to the left of this blog, and take the Test Drive!

* It's good to see Aaron Rodgers hanging tough. I picked him a little higher than Brett Favre this year, and he managed to get back ahead of Brett this week, even though the Packers lost their game.

* Hey, break up the Falcons! And definitely break up the Dolphins!

* To get serious, let's look at the NFC East. This division was tough as nails as far back as I remember. This year it might be as tough as it's ever been. Fantasy players really need to start to look at these matchups, too. The Cowboys and Eagles already had one great game against each other, and now the Giants have shown they can have a monster game. Add a hugely improved Washington to the mix, and there will be some great games--with some great fantasy numbers--each time all these hated rivals play each other.

* It's been great to see Frank Gore stay up on the list. It looks like the 49ers are going to be an up-and-down team this year, but Mike Martz and JT O'Sullivan have brought some real offense to San Francisco for the first time in awhile. I've been mentoring Frank, telling him how to keep his body together through a long NFL season, and he has been flat-out consistent--and real good.

* And here's my best wishes to Anquan Boldin and all his teammates and loved ones. Receivers have always taken some big, big hits, and the one he took was more like a car accident than a football injury. This may sound funny coming from a 15-year NFL veteran, but life is more important than football. Head injuries are nothing to mess around with, so Anquan, take care of yourself and don't come back until you're truly ready.