Tuesday, October 21, 2008

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (Fantasy News)

October 21st, 2008 8:30pm PST



FSH: David's Daily Digest
Fantasy News

NOISE-SHAKERS! PLAY-MAKERS! GAME-BREAKERS!


Winslow gets suspended by team...
....this was not a surprise move with the team's outspoken tight end being so vocal and not so private about his illness that had him laid up in the hospital for several days. Winslow has often been the center of attention, as well as controversy, and this latest incident disclosing details of his illness now has him in the team's doghouse and suspended for one game. With Winslow out, back up tight end Steve Heiden should be fine. He's not the big athletic type of playmaker Winslow is, but he's a serviceable option that should get a few catches this week against the Jags. Heiden is not a must start, but could be used as a flex or fill-in this week.

Harrison done for the year...
....the Patriots have lost their heart and soul of the secondary for the season. Safety Rodney Harrison re-injured his right thigh muscle, and it is being reported as season-ending. With the loss of Harrison the already banged up Patriots defense takes a huge hit. The hard-hitting safety has been one of the defenses most vocal leaders and his leadership by example will definitely hurt the teams' production. The Pat's safety Brandon Meriweather will likely step into the starting role, but doesn't figure to be as effective against the run. While Harrison will be missed, fantasy owner shouldn't consider the Patriots defense a weekly pass. They still have their "genius" head coach Bill Belichick, stalking the headlines and orchestrating the defense (currently ranked 13th overall).

LJ could be out this Sunday and longer...
....when it rains, it pours and when he drinks, he spits, is the apparent story of LJ's latest charades. The Chiefs high priced running back is looking more and more like a nickel man with a two cent head, about to find himself deep in turmoil of his own. Last season the Kansas City running back held out for more money and had one of his least productive seasons. This year hasn't been much better highlighted with inconsistency, off the field trouble and a career low 2 yards rushing in week 5. Word is LJ could either be suspended by the league or deactivated by the team, either way he is a good prospect not to play in week 8. Fantasy owners hoping for this mess to go away, it's time to move on, the light at the end of the tunnel is no where near.

Bucs pull the Caddy out of garage...
....word out of the Buc's camp, running back Carnell Williams will return to practice on Wednesday. Williams is currently on the PUP list and his participation in practice doesn't guarantee he'll be activated right away, although Gruden sounds very optimistic about his return, "I think this guy has a chance to be ready to go quickly." Even if Williams is activated, he may not be quite 100% and more than likely would be used in a very limited role. As for right now fantasy owners should note, Williams' return poses no threat to Graham or Dunn's playing time.

Could Broncos season already be in turmoil?...
....following the disappointing and embarrassing loss to the Patriots Monday night, it's not too hard to identify many of the issues facing the Broncos tumultuous season thus far. The offense is turning the ball over at a higher rate than it was scoring when they opened the season 3-0. The defense is not stopping the run, missing assignments, and not making any big plays. Injuries to both Baileys' will not help the defense get any better. Over the past four games, the Broncos have turned the ball over 13 times and have only 4 takeaways. This deficiency constantly puts the defense in a bad spot and makes the offense one dimensional. Even when you consider all of this, their biggest problem is lack of leadership. Until someone on either side of the ball steps up and holds the players accountable, you will continue to see an inconsistent offense and a defense that is every fantasy owners dream matchup come true.

Hasselbeck remains uncertain...
....during his weekly Monday press conference head coach Mike Holmgren said the status for quarterback Matt Hasselbeck for the team's Week 8 game with the forty-niners is uncertain. Hasselbeck continues to battle with back injuries this season and the prospects of his playing Sunday, does not sound very promising. Fantasy owners will have to continue to monitor this situation, but be advised to find other available options going forward with Hasselbeck's injury apparently not going away anytime soon.

Eagles getting healthy for Week 8....
....both receivers Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown participated in practice on Monday and look like good bets to play this Sunday. According to running back Brian Westbrook who told ESPN Radio, he's on track to play in week 8. Even with the extra time off with the bye, it is likely Westbrook's status won't be determined until later in the week. With the Eagles top skill players getting healthy and looking more like they will play, quarterback Donovan McNabb could be looking at a big Week against the Falcons this Sunday. For fantasy owners of McNabb, this would be the first week he'd have all of his best weapons available. He's a must-start and could have a huge Sunday!

Thigpen could start Sunday against Jets...
....more wonderful news for Chiefs fans. With quarterback Damon Huard uncertain for Sunday with a hand injury, Thigpen could get the call this week. With the continued rotation of average personnel at the quarterback position fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see much production on the offensive side of the ball this week, particularly in the running game. This Sunday the Chiefs draw the Jets and one of the leagues better run defenses. This would not be a good week to insert any of the Chiefs running backs or quarterbacks for that matter. Gonzo and Bowe remain the only steady plays although their performances can have a tendency to peak and valley at times.


Check back soon for more fantasy news...


By The Prodigy


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