FSH: DAVID'S FOOTBALL DIARY

November 8th, 2008 9:50pm PST




[Saturday Night Edition]
David's Football Diary

Dear Diary...
Another year of fantasy football and another season of biting my nails. I've been playing fantasy for how many years, I think it's 12 now, well since I was, haha, we won't go there. I made a decision when I signed up to play this season, I was going to win all three of my money leagues. It's not that I don't usually play to win, but pretty much I enjoy the camaraderie and really just go through the motions. Look, I like to win more than the next guy, but I also enjoy other things too and it's the buddy system here, hanging out, drinkin beers, talkin smack, watchin football. Does it get any better? Sure as hell does, shutting up these guys in my leagues that think they know football!

I made a pack, I was going to win and I am right on track in two of my leagues. Sitting at 7-2 (1st place) in one and 6-3 (1st place) in the other, I have a strong hold on my divisions and I'm a shoe-in to the playoffs. It's the third league that has me worried. I am 5-4 and playing in the toughest division (the other two teams are 6-3 & 5-4) and I don't own any tie-breakers. Needless to say every week is critical and this week I am matched up with our division leader. I know, it's just a game, but dam it, I do want to kick this guys ass this week. I am missing my biggest weapon (Jason Witten) and Reggie Bush is still out (it's a PPR league), darn!

Dear Dairy, I need a win here like an Eskimo needs a heater, like a cat needs a nap, and a dog needs a bone...I could use one of those too. I'm hungry. Focus here people, mind out of the gutter, we're talkin football,....that comes later at the celebration. No question I will be glued to the sets on Sunday watching my guys, Roddy White, Matt Jones, Jamaal Charles, Jake Delhomme, and Brian Westbrook. Besides continually clicking the remote all day long trying to keep up with this fantasy team here's what else I will be watching...

What am I watching....

My Week:
Well sports fans, it was pretty much a tumultuous week for me in fantasy. In one of my leagues my team is built around my receivers. I have Roddy White, Brandon Marshall, Anquan Boldin, and Donnie Avery. Thought I would slip that one in, but I am no genius. I picked up Avery off the waiver wire in Week 7, just in time to start him the following week and snatch a victory from the hands of defeat.

Last Sunday was a different story all together. I have Steven Jackson and like the many other fantasy owners across FF nation, I was crazy enough to insert him last minute. It did not pay-off and neither did having Brandon Marshall in my line-up, but thank goodness I was smart enough to roll the dice and grab Arizona's quarterback Kurt Warner in the middle rounds of my fantasy draft. He saved my butt in Week 9. Which is interesting when I think of why I drafted Kurt and when I took him in our leagues fantasy draft.

I am watching Kurt Warner...
This season has been a bit of highs and low, which I am sure many fantasy owners can relate to. I play in a very competitive high-scoring fantasy leagues, it's points galore. We get 1 point per any yard; pass, rush, receive. We used to start two quarterbacks in this league, but because of the high rate of injuries and the lack of depth beyond the top 15, it hardly made sense to start two. The quarterback is the highest scoring position in this league, but when you look at number 10, 11, 12 and so on, as compared to the top 3 or 4 passers the drop is significant. Starting that second QB, in some cases felt the same as starting a kicker or something like that. The importance of that 2nd QB position lost it's meaning. When you are drafting, if you missed out on the top 8-10, you were better off drafting all over the field and picking up your 2nd QB much later in the draft, because the other 22 quarterbacks were a dime a dozen. With the one starter, your back-up would be a significant grab and the strategy would be, when to take him. Which is why I now reflect on my decision making.

I was never sold on Leinart in Arizona, although I believe he could be their quarterback in the future, if he stays. When I contemplated strategy, I knew I would have a shot at Drew Brees with the third pick (last season was filled with many devastating injuries and I missed the playoffs-it happens). With Brees to anchor my offense, I carefully pieced my line-up together knowing that this league believed Leinart would be the starter and he would go ahead of Warner. I also banked on Marshall's suspension reduction and took him a few rounds earlier than some may have figured. The way this all came together, I had completed my starting line-up, 1-QB, 2-RBs, 3-WRs, and a TE, when I then eyed my back up quarterback.

I really felt after Warner's second half of the season last year and finishing with 27 touchdowns in 14 games, he was the quarterback that gave Arizona the best chance to win. I also believed he would ultimately win the job. From a fantasy perspective, I also knew he would be the best backup to have on my squad and once the bye weeks were cleared, he would have substantial trade value. So far this move has worked out, and now it's time to make a deal to help put my team over the top.

I am watching Jamaal Charles....
My current record is 6-3 and my big boys for Week 9 are Brees (QB), Boldin (WR), White (WR), or Avery (WR), with Daniels (TE). I already started Marshall and one running back, so I will have some decisions to make. My running backs are in trouble. I just lost Torain and now Jackson is a no-go for Week 10. I started Torain and he gave me a decent game, so I will start the Chiefs rookie Jamaal Charles. I picked up Charles in Week 3 as insurance behind Larry Johnson (who I am hoping will come back in Week 11).

So far I have a slight lead in my Week 10 matchup and with my big guns still due this weekend, I am rather confident I will take down my opponent. When Sunday rolls around I will be watching the Saints-Falcons and Chiefs-Chargers games and anxiously awaiting the Monday night tilt between the Niners & Cardinals (I have Q going against the Niners).

What I have learned-
Always start Anquan (Q), he's da'man! and...

Don't listen to what players say, Jackson clearly was not ready to play last week.

How I did last week.....

My Weekly Scorecard (Highlights):
Week 9 was filled with ups and downs, as many fantasy owners have become too familiar with. It seems that sometimes we can spend too much time thinking about our choices, when in fact if we just go with our gut instinct, more than likely our deep analysis and research will bring about the same conclusion.

So where did I go wrong? Let's take a look at my bad calls for Week 9.....

The Broncos running back Ryan Torain did not make much of a debut in Week 9 with just three carries. The Cowboys offense was a complete debacle last Sunday and tight end Martellus Bennett was not productive with just 36 receiving yards. The Raiders offense was even worse and running back Justin Fargas was limited to just 6 carries. The Rams receiver Donnie Avery came back to earth with just 3 catches for 26 yards last Sunday. In Cincinnati, Bengal's running back Cedric Benson was much better than expected rushing for over 100 yards and the Raven's big bruising running back LeRon McClain chipped in with 30 yards and a score last week. Then of course there was running back Steven Jackson who gave it a go, but could not finish.

Too close to call...

The Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham did not find the end-zone, but did total 91 yards last Sunday against the Chiefs. The Eagles receiver Kevin Curtis put up decent numbers last week with 6 catches for 83 yards. Tennessee's running back LenDale White did break off any 80 yard runs, but did have 77 yards rushing on only 8 carries. The Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones was not spectacular, as he was in Week 8 but he did snag 7 passes for 69 yards. The Colts tight end Dallas Clark did not live up to the hype, but he still produced with 4 grabs for 63 yards.

My "it's too easy" to call big hits....

This was a no-brainer for Week 9, the Falcons running back Michael Turner against the Raiders defense. I also had Seahawks receiver Bobby Engram riding the pine for owners last Sunday with his 3 catches for 20 yards. The Patriots running back Kevin Faulk was again productive with 98 total yards in Week 9. The Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian was a solid play with 104 receiving yards and a score. The Bears receiver Rashied Davis was a solid pick in Week 9 with 64 receiving yards and a score. The Lions running back Kevin Smith was not huge last Sunday, but did total 53 yards of offense with another touchdown. I also had the Cardinal's quarterback Kurt Warner (342 yards passing) and the Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (8 catches for 94 yards, 1 touchdown). As I had anticipated running backs Edgerrin James, Rudi Johnson, and Darren McFadden were good no-plays for Week 9, as was the Cowboys quarterback Brad Johnson (2-Ints).

A bit of mix, but that's fantasy football!

Big League Updates.....

How I am doing:
I currently play in five leagues and my records are as follows; in the UFFL I am 6-3, in the RMFFL I am 7-2, and in the GFFL I am 5-4. I also play in two NFL.com leagues and I am 5-3 in one and 3-4-1 in the other. The first three leagues are cash-money baby, while the NFL.com leagues just keep me on my toes. Since they are not for the almighty green, I seldom use the waiver wire and usually just do my pick-ups on Friday or Saturday. It's a big handicap, but makes for a great challenge.

I am in first place in two of the money leagues (UFFL & RMFFL) and look very strong. I have the highest scoring teams and with players like Brandon Marshall, Roddy White, and Steven Jackson (when he gets healthy) in both the playoffs and future are looking good. While in the GFFL at 5-4 I have a little bit of a hill to climb, but that is what makes Fantasy Football the great game it is; taking on its challenges, facing the adversities, and of course celebrating in its' triumphs!

There are many intriguing matchups on Sunday that will have my interest, another reason why fantasy football is so popular. When the games kick off on Sunday, who will you be watching?

By David G. Ortega

FSH: (WEEK10) FRIDAY'S FIVE BY FIVE

November 8th, 2008 5:20pm PST



[The Saturday Night Edition]
Friday's Five by Five (5x5)

5 players to start in Week 10....

1. The Saints WR Marques Colston has now been back with the team healthy and practicing for several weeks. Two weeks ago he showed some flashes with a big play reception. This week facing the Falcons 15th ranked pass defense in the Georgia Dome could be Colston's 2008 breakout game.
2. With the Rams traveling into New York without one of their biggest guns (Steven Jackson), the team will be hard-pressed to run and likely forced to put the ball in the air often. The Jets have their troubles in the secondary (ranked 24th against pass) and Rams WR Donnie Avery could see another big Sunday taking advantage.
3. The Chiefs have had struggles on offense this season, with injuries and suspensions in the backfield, as well as inconsistency at the quarterback position. With the dust finally settling at the QB position, the rookie RB Jamaal Charles has emerged as a viable fantasy option and facing the Chargers 16th ranked run defense, he should be a solid play on Sunday.
4. With Fast Willie Parker out for Week 10, the Steelers RB MeWelde Moore will get the start. Moore is a dependable play and facing the Colts 25th ranked run defense, he should be a top 10 running back for this week.
5. Injury note, it appears the rookie Jonathan Stewart may not be available for Sunday against the Raiders. The Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams has been running well the past few weeks and facing the Raiders run defense (ranked 30th) this Sunday without Stewart in the mix, he should do very well.

5 players to bench in Week 10...

1. The Detroit signing of QB Daunte Culpepper has definitely raised interest in the Lions' matchup this Sunday, but this is no time to be selling the farm. Owners will need to see something from Culpepper before taking any risks
2. With the Bears 6th ranked run defense on the schedule next, don't expect a lot from the Titan's "smash" runner LenDale White. This Bears defense will do a good job to keep White contained, much the same as the Ravens did in Week 5.
3. An injury that was thought to be "not much" earlier in the week, seemingly got worse as the week progressed and left Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart in a walking boot and doubtful for Sunday.
4. The Raiders rookie RB Darren McFadden is still fighting his injuries, but having missed practiced this week, he's a long shot to see action this Sunday.
5. The Colts RB Joseph Addai struggled in Week 9 against the Patriots. This week he will draw the Steelers, another tough matchup and one that owners should try to avoid.

5 sleepers for Week 10...

1. With the Falcons quarterback getting better each week, expect the coaches to open up the playbook. WR Michael Jenkins is turning into the team's deep play threat and with a favorable matchup this Sunday with the Saints, the team could call his number often.
2. The Vikings WR Sidney Rice made it back to the field in Week 9 and found the end zone. He did have only 1 catch, but as he gets healthy he could figure in the mix, especially with coverage sliding towards Berrian.
3. The Rams 1st year WR Derek Stanley came out of nowhere last week with a ridiculous 80 yard catch and run for a touchdown. With Holt slowly fading into the sunset these days, keep your eye on Stanley to appear as the Rams second high-flyer this season.
4. On Monday night the Niners rookie WR Josh Morgan will get his shot once again. With Shaun Hill under center, a quarterback that likes to get rid of the ball quickly, fantasy owners may finally get to see what Morgan is capable of.
5. Finishing off our five sleepers for Week 10, the Ravens WR Mark Clayton made his first real fantasy appearance last week with 87 yards and a score. This Sunday he has a great matchup against the Texans, and Flacco has the strong arm that Clayton has been missing. Keep your eye on Clayton this week.

5 players to Drop for Week 10...

1. With Hightower taking over duties as the starter, RB Edgerrin James has fallen down the depth chart to the third spot. It's time to cut your losses and send James to the free agent market.
2. It's time for owners to let go of the pipe dream. The Bengal's QB Carson Palmer may not need surgery, but it's highly unlikely fantasy owners will see him play again this season. Time to cut him loose.
3. The Jaguars RB Fred Taylor may have seen his best days behind him now. His productivity and touches per game have decreased dramatically. Playing behind MJD, Taylor offers little value even as a flex. It's time to show the former Gator to the fantasy exit door.
4. The Saints WR David Patten has become a forgotten option in New Orleans. With Colston and Shockey healthy, too many other options ahead of Patten. It's time to release him.
5. With the Quinn Era fully underway, and following his strong Week 10 showing, it could be time to say good-bye to QB Derek Anderson. Unless you own Quinn, Anderson offers little value, if any.
   

5 players to watch for Week 10...

1. The Steelers quarterbacks will face a fierce pass rush this Sunday with Mathis and Freeney, but if given time, they could look downfield for WR Nate Washington who has blossomed into a legitimate deep threat for the offense.
2. Over the past couple of weeks the Chiefs QB Tyler Thigpen has appeared to have found his quarterback legs. The Chargers don't apply the same kind of pass pressure as a year ago, and if given time Thigpen could have another good passing day.
3. The Eagles are completely healed on offense and have a big matchup this week against the Giants. The defense will likely key on starters Curtis and Jackson leaving WR Reggie Brown with single coverage. Keep an eye on Brown who scored in Week 9.
4. While the Bears will have a tough matchup this week against the Titan's running the ball, I expect to see Grossman getting rid of the ball quickly and looking for WR Rashied Davis. The two hooked up last week for a score and with Brandon Lloyd returning, Davis could get more opportunities to find paydirt again.
5. The Colts will be throwing the ball a lot this week against the Steelers that don't give up many yards on the ground. Keep your eye on WR Anthony Gonzales this week, he caught two touchdown passes last week. Harrison is fading and it could be time for Gonzales to play a more prominent role in the passing game once again.

The Fantasy Double-Double...

Here are the not-so obvious plays for Week 10 at the Quarterback position.

Two Quarterbacks to start...

• The Jaguars QB David Garrard is a fantasy favorite for Week 10 against the Lions. In the Lions last five games, the opposing quarterback has been the leading passer for the game in four of those contests averaging 306 yards passing. Only last week did the Lions pass for more yards and Orton's injury last week played into that. Garrard should have a filed day, he's a must play.
• The Falcon's rookie QB Matt Ryan has a nice matchup this week at home facing the Saints and their 25th ranked pass defense. The Saints don't get a lot of pressure on the quarterback and the defense will be missing DE Charles Grant. Matt Ryan has been playing well for several weeks now, averaging 266 yards per game and throwing 5 touchdowns in his last three starts.

Two Quarterbacks to sit...

• The Raiders QB Jamarcus Russell has played poorly and now he is banged up, suffering from tendonitis in his knee. He is unlikely to play, but even if he gives it a go, owners should not expect any different results.
• The Giants are on the road this week and will face a very tough Eagles defense. It seems the defending champs have had great resiliency this season dodging bullets every week, but this could be the week their luck runs out and owners should consider sitting QB Eli Manning.

The Weekly Trader News...

Stocks on the Rise

RB-Jamaal Charles (KC)
The Chiefs rookie running back had his 2008 breakout game a week ago against the Buccaneers, when he ran for over 100 yards. With the backfield empty and LJ's status in limbo, Charles emerges as an appealing fantasy option at the running back position. Currently the starter in K.C., Charles will see his stock value spike this week, but analysts will have to wait and see the fate of the team's other running back, before endorsing Charles for the remainder of the season.

WR-Marques Colston (NO)
The Saints wide receiver has tremendous upside coming off a big season last year. Now that he's healthy coming back off the bye, he is set to have a big second half. Colston is a valuable component of the Saints passing game and with Brees on a roll this season his stock is on the rise. Many fantasy football prognosticators expect to see big numbers from the former University of Hofstra Pride wideout going forward.

RB-Tim Hightower (ARI)
The Cardinal's rookie running back was solid in Week 9 and will remain the team's starter the rest of the season. With 4 games left against NFC West foes, he has to be a fantasy favorite in the second half. Hightower's value is on the rise and if owners have a chance to deal for the rookie, now is the time to buy, his stock is at the lowest it will be in the second half of the season.

Stocks that are falling

WR-Calvin Johnson (DET)
With such a dramatic change at quarterback and so much unknown with Culpepper coming in, traders on the fantasy market will panic and Johnson's value is going to fall in the next week or two until we see what Culpepper can do. There is great speculation, this stock could rebound big and in a hurry, but looking back at Culpepper's track record it would seem a stretch.

RB-Steven Jackson (STL)
With the nagging injury and poor performance in Week 9, Jackson's value has taken a slight ding, but with his status doubtful (and likely OUT) for Week 10, it will continue to fall. There's also a chance Jackson could sit in Week 11, so expect to see his value continue to slide. With him sitting, he could quickly become a bargain stock definitely worth shopping for.


The Trading Floor

QB-Kurt Warner (ARI)
It is almost certain that most fantasy owners that have Kurt Warner did not draft him as their number one quarterback. Warner has been playing as well as any quarterback in the league and should be your number one, leaving the quarterback you did draft ahead of Warner available for trade. Unless you drafted Brady or Brees ahead of Warner, chances are you have room to maneuver and should make the move now setting up your playoff run. If you did draft Brees, it's a tough call, but move Warner (higher injury risk) and get all you can for him.

RB-Cedric Benson (CIN)
The Bengal's running back has emerged as a decent fantasy play with a strong outing in Week 9 against the Jaguars. Benson rushed for over 100 yards last week and looks like a nice commodity for fantasy owners to hold. However, this stock's value is fleeting and now is the time to sell. With the team on bye, owners should unload Benson as a sell high, because with games against the Eagles, Steelers, and Ravens up next, his value will take huge hits.

RB-Selvin Young (DEN)
The Bronco's backfield is decimated by injuries and Young is the only appealing option available in Denver. Right now the running back is hobbled and likely won't see time for a couple of weeks. If you have the room, he could be a bargain pick up that once he gets back on the gridiron, he could pay huge dividends in the high powered Bronco's offense.


Check back every week for more of the "Friday Five by Five!"

www.tailgate365.com

FSH: WEEK 10 NFL INJURY UPDATES

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FSH: NFL WEEKLY ROUND-UP (WK 10)

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FSH: FANTASY FOOTBALL FIRE & ICE

November 7th, 2008 12:55pm PST



WEEK 10 FANTASY FOOTBALL
"THE FIRE & ICE REPORT"
[By the Numbers]


Your weekly players on Fire...

With 9 full weeks cooked, it's time to start sorting thru your fantasy squads and find ya playas, and sit ya wanna-bees. Every week it seems you have those one night stands or flavors of the week, that can be deceiving with one week of greatness followed by the greatest disappearing act since the "invisible man." Check out this week's Fire & Ice breakdown, as we help you sort through this fantasy mess and let you know who's "En fuego" and who's stuck in a "Deep Freeze."

MUCHOS EN FUEGO

....some of the hottest fantasy players through week 9...

The Quarterbacks
.....when the dust settled in Week 9, leading this group of strong arms was not a veteran quarterback with 8 years of experience, but a rookie with a mere 8 games of playing time in the NFL. The Falcons rookie QB Matt Ryan turned in another solid Sunday against the Raiders. Ryan completed 17 of 22 passes for 220 yards and threw 2 more touchdowns, raising his season total to 9. Over his last three starts Ryan has also thrown for 798 yards and tossed five touchdowns, making his one of the hottest hands in the league.

Not to be out done by his fellow rookie in Atlanta, the Ravens QB Joe Flacco has also been lighting up the boards these days. In Week 9 against the Browns, Flacco was solid throwing for 248 yards on 17 of 29 passing. Flacco also added two touchdowns throws in the team's win, giving him 5 touchdowns (4 pass, 1 rush) in his last three games.

More hot arms in the league these days, include the Cardinal's QB Kurt Warner, who continues to play like he is 27, not 37. In Kurt's last two starts he has passed for over 340 yards in each contest and has thrown at least two touchdowns in 7 straight games. The Eagles QB Donovan McNabb has been flying a bit low beneath the radar these past few weeks, but has quietly bit heating up the fantasy score boards. In his last three games he's averaged 294 yards passing, has thrown 4 touchdowns, and added one rushing score. Look mom, Eagles do fly!

The Running Backs
.....it comes as no surprise to see the Vikings RB Adrian Peterson leading the way for the crazy legs in league this season. The explosive back rushed for another 139 yards in Week 9 and scored his sixth touchdown this season. Peterson has rushed for over 100 yards in his last three starts and has 3 touchdowns in his past two games.

The Bears rookie RB Matt Forte has been on a roll over the past several Sundays. Last week's 126 yard rushing effort was just another day at the office for the Bears elusive runner. Over the team's past four games, Forte has just rushed for 294 yards, caught 12 passes for 81 yards, and scored 4 touchdowns. In standard scoring leagues he's a solid fantasy option and in PPR leagues he's a weekly must play.

Without question, the Titans' RB Chris Johnson has been one of the more impressive rookies this season. In Johnson's last three games, he has totaled 429 yards of offense and scored in all three contests. For the year the Titan's rookie has 879 yards with 6 total touchdowns to lead this season's class of rookies.

More crazy legs running wild this season, in New York, if RB Thomas Jones is not chewing yards, he is scoring touchdowns. The Jets tailback has suddenly become a scoring machine of late, having crossed the goal line 5 times in his last four starts. He's not seen a lot of time just yet, but it should be noted that the Raven's rookie RB Ray Rice has totaled over 100 yards in his last two games, including 154 yards rushing in Week 9.

The Receivers
.....it's no secret in Detroit why they call this kid "Megatron." In the face of continual double teams the Lions WR Calvin Johnson can't seem to be stopped. The 6'5" wideout has scored a touchdown in each of his last four games and is now being heavily targeted as the team's go to receiver. Johnson was the highest targeted receiver in week 9 with 18, so it doesn't appear he'll be cooling off any time soon.

Over in Minnesota, their passing game is getting quite a lift from WR Bernard Berrian. The team's high flyer has been everything they had hoped he would be when they signed the former Bear in the off-season. Berrian leads the team with 621 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns this season. In his last four games Berrian has scored a touchdown in each, and has totaled 19 catches for 426 yards.

Now that he is healthy and back on the field, Arizona's WR Anquan Boldin has just picked up where he left off. In Boldin's two games since returning from injury in Week 4, he has caught 15 passes for 148 yards, has 38 rushing yards, and 3 touchdown receptions. This season the Cardinal's receiver has scored in his last five straight games and now has 8 total touchdowns this year.

More of the good hands people lighting fires this season, in Houston WR Andre Johnson just keeps torching opposing defenses. Johnson has scored in double digit fantasy points in his last five games and leads the NFL with 834 yards receiving and has 60 receptions (2nd in NFL) this season. The Broncos rookie WR Eddie Royal has been a bit of a flickering flame the past couple of weeks, especially in PPR leagues with 16 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown in his last two. Royal will continue to play a big role in the Bronco's passing game looking ahead.

Flying near the Sun...

Here are more of this seasons' fantasy studs that are close to becoming your weekly must-starts, your fantasy team difference makers, or simply just players that are heating up and winning games for you.

The Cardinal's WR Larry Fitzgerald continues to be a steady play averaging 90 yards receiving and 6 catches per game in his last three starts. Fitz leads the Cards with 742 yards receiving this season. In Washington, the Redskins TE Chris Cooley has been consistent in his last two plays, averaging 7 receptions and 76 yards, while in Green Bay the Packers QB Aaron Rodgers continues to be a playmaker throwing for over 300 yards in Week 9 with a touchdown. He has now thrown 7 touchdowns and only 2 picks in his last four starts and for the season he now has 13 touchdowns with 1,980 yards passing.

Over in New England, the Patriots continue to struggle with injuries and rotate runners in the backfield. Rookie RB BenJarvous Green-Ellis warmed up in recent weeks and has now scored in three straight games. Melting the ice on the frozen tundra, RB Ryan Grant has been a steady play as of late. The Packer's runner has rushed for over 80 yards in his last four starts while averaging over 25 carries per contest.

Warmin in the Oven...

Last week reminded fantasy owners that old dogs can still do tricks and that these players could just be warmin up to make more big noise in the second half of the season. Here are more "players to watch" and this weeks' Fire-men!

• Jeff Garcia (TB)....the Buccaneer's quarterback was solid this past Sunday in his team's overtime victory, passing for 339 yards with a score.
• Peyton Manning (IND)....the Colts quarterback had a solid day throwing against the Patriots. In Week 9 Manning passed for 254 yards and tossed 2 touchdowns.
• Tim Hightower (ARI)....the Cardinals rookie running back looks set to be a fantasy impact player with his first 100 yard rushing effort in Week 9.
• Jamaal Charles (KC)....finally given the opportunity to run, the Chiefs rookie running back turned in solid performance with 18 carries for 106 yards rushing in Week 9.
• Cedric Benson (CIN).....making his first appearance this season on the warm side, the Bengal's running back was solid in Week 9 with 104 yards rushing and a touchdown.
• Greg Camarillo (MIA).....the team Dolphin's leading receiver, caught fire last Sunday against the Broncos catching 11 passes for 111 yards.
• Mark Clayton (BAL)....the Raven's 4th year receiver was a surprise last week pulling in 4 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown.
• Donald Driver (GB)....the Packer's wideout stepped up his play in Week 9, hauling in 7 passes for 136 yards receiving with a score.
• Derek Mason (BAL)....the Raven's veteran wideout continued to be a PPR phenom with 9 catches this past Sunday. Mason finished the afternoon with 136 yards receiving and a touchdown.

These are just of the this seasons' players leaning toward the warm side of fantasy. Now let's take a look at those players whose temperature is now in season.

IN A DEEP FREEZE

The Icemen cometh...

With the leaves starting to fall from the trees and a light cool breeze in the air, we are quickly reminded that if our fantasy players are not warmin in the oven, they could be chilling in the cooler. No matter how hard we try, week after week, fantasy owners must face the facts, just as the sun will rise and rain will fall, the Icemen will come.

Here are the week 9 players that bring a cold chill....

• Hank Baskett WR....the Eagles wideout has been hot and cold this season, but mostly cold. In his last two games, he has just two catches for 33 yards.
  
• Bobby Engram WR....the Seahawks receiver continues to struggle along with the offense. Engram has just 7 receptions for 68 yards in his last four starts.
  
• Ben Watson TE....the Patriots tight end has only 67 yards receiving in his last three games and only 10 catches with zero touchdowns receptions for the year.
  
• Joey Galloway WR....the Buccaneers has spent most of the season on the sideline and since his return, he has just 4 catches for 60 yards in his two games back.
  
• Julius Jones RB....the Seahawks running back has only totaled more than 40 yards of offense once in his last three starts. In Week 9 he ran for 41 yards and had a 4 yard reception.

• Fred Taylor RB....the Jaguars running back has had no more than 10 carries in his last five starts. Over that stretch Taylor has averaged just 25 yards of offense per game.
  
• Darren McFadden RB....the Raiders runner just can't get healthy. He's missed the team's last two games, and has not rushed for more than 42 yards in a game since Week 2.

M.I.A (Missing in Action)....

These guys disappear easier than closing your eyes. Here's the Week 9 list of Firemen whose flames have lost their flicker!

• Chansi Stuckey-NYJ....the Jets early season touchdown maker did not have a catch in Week 9.
• Rudi Johnson-DET....the Lions runner gained just 19 yards on the ground with 13 yards receiving last week.
• Reggie Williams-JAX....the Jaguars receiver caught just two passes for 12 yards in Week 9.
• Donnie Avery-STL.....following his breakout game a week ago, the Rams receiver had just 26 yards receiving in Week 9.
• Patrick Cobbs-MIA....after a couple of weeks of spectacular play, the Dolphins runner was silenced with just one catch last week.
• Justin Fargas OAK....the Raiders running game stalled and Fargas gained just 23 yards in Week 9.
• DeSean Jackson-PHI.....the Eagles rookie was essentially a fantasy non-factor in Week 9 with just 2 catches for 20 yards.
• Dominic Rhodes-IND.....with Addai back, Rhodes production dipped with only 22 yards of offense this past Sunday.
• Santana Moss-WAS.....the Redskins receiver was a quiet participant Monday night with just 2 receptions for 14 yards.

Check back again every week for more from the "Fantasy Football Fire & Ice Report."

www.tailgate365.com

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (Fantasy News)

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FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (FANTASY NEWS)

November 5th, 2008 10:30pm PST




David's Daily Digest
Fantasy News

EARTH-SHAKERS! PLAY-MAKERS! GAME-BREAKERS!


Orton could return much sooner...
....the latest on Orton, he was seen walking on Wednesday without a limp. Certainly this does not mean he could play Sunday, but Orton is not ruling this out. The Bears quarterback did not practice Wednesday, so the likelihood of his playing is remote, but fantasy owners will want to avoid Grossman as a week 10 fill-in going up against the Titans.

Raiders cutting their losses...
....the Raiders have released defensive back DeAngelo Hall and rumors are flying that wide receiver Javon Walker will be next. Neither player has made any kind of fantasy impact this season and their release is just an indication of their lack of production. Both players now offer zero value to fantasy owners in any kind of format, including keeper leagues.

Romo optimistic about return after bye...
.....the Cowboy's quarterback sounds optimistic about being ready in Week 11. He threw and took snaps on Wednesday and is practicing with a smaller cast on his hand. He's not 100% and likely won't be when he returns, but he'll still be a better option than either Bollinger or Johnson. Fantasy owners should expect to see Romo back in the line up in Week 11 unless he suffers a setback.

Vikings could lose Allen for Week 10...
.....the defensive lineman suffered a severe shoulder sprain in Week 9 and did not practice Wednesday. IDP owners will want to consider other options in Week 10, with it very much sounding like the Vikings lineman will not be available.

Reggie Bush could return in Week 11...
.....the Saints running back has been making great progress. Bush has already started running this week and although he will likely miss this Sunday at Atlanta, it is promising for him to return the following Sunday at Kansas City. If fantasy owners had paid attention all along, the initial projections had Bush missing around 4 weeks, and his return in Week 11 looks to be on schedule.

Cowboys hopeful for Jones' return...
.....the Cowboys rookie did not practice this Wednesday as the team was hoping. Jones has been out for several games, but will need to return to practice soon, if he's going to be available in Week 11. Fantasy owners will have to follow his progress in practice this week and next to learn his status.

Lloyd's returns to full practice...
.....the Bears receiver finally returned to full practice on Wednesday and looks like he could finally return to action this Sunday against the Titans. If Lloyd does return, he will give the Bears passing game a big boost, but with Grossman at QB and playing the Titans, he's hardly an appealing option this week.

Branch likely out again...
.....the reports are Branch did not practice Wednesday and it sounds like he will be out once again. Early reports today indicated that Hasselbeck could return in Week 11. If Branch can get back on the field, he could become an appealing option to consider down the stretch of the fantasy season.

Vanden Bosch likely to miss Bears game...
.......the Titans lineman left last Sunday's game early with a groin injury. The word is he will likely miss this Sunday against the Bears, although Vanden Bosch sounds optimistic like he could play. Either way, in or out, there will be plenty of Titans left on defense to make it a long day for the Bears offense.


Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...

By David G. Ortega

http://www.fantasyfootballdirectory.com/