Thursday, January 1, 2009

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (Fantasy News)

December 31st, 2008 10:50pm PST



David's Daily Digest
Fantasy Playoff News



Boldin to play Sunday against the Falcons.....
.....the Cardinal's receiver Anquan Boldin (shoulder) was limited Wednesday and could be questionable on the injury report, but it is highly unlikely that he will miss Saturday's playoff matchup with the Falcons. Boldin is one of the toughest receivers in the game today and is expected to start. Less than 100% he's still a worthy consideration as a WR2.

Smith limited in practice Wednesday.....
.....the Eagle's tight end L.J. Smith (shoulder, knee) was limited in practice Wednesday. His status is uncertain for Sunday's matchup with the Vikings. If Smith is unavailable, back up Brent Celek will get the start. Celek is a decent consideration this week coming off a three catch and touchdown performance.

LT held out of practice...
.....the Charger's running back LaDanian Tomlinson (groin) was held out of practice Wednesday likely to rest the injured groin. It would be hard to imagine LT missing Saturday's matchup, but with the injury he could be limited. With Tomlinson less than 100%, running back Darren Sproles has to be a consideration as a viable RB2 option especially against the Colts

Westbrook limited Wednesday...
....the Eagle's running back Brian Westbrook (ankle, knee) was limited in practice Wednesday. The Eagles are likely keeping it easy for the running back resting him up for Sunday's playoff matchup. Westbrook has been strong down the stretch of the regular season and should be good to go against the Vikings. He figures to be a must start in fantasy this week.

Jacobs does not practice...
....the Giant's running back Brandon Jacobs sat out of practice Wednesday. With an extra week to prepare the Giants are likely resting Jacobs up for the divisional playoffs.

Raven's Rice expects to play...
....the Raven's rookie running back Ray Rice (calf) has been sidelined for the past three weeks, but he's determined to be on the field Sunday against the Dolphins. The Ravens currently employ the RBBC program, so if Rice does play it's difficult to gauge what his role will be. McClain has been receiving the lion's share, fantasy owners should avoid Rice.

Clayton held out Wednesday...
....the Raven's receiver Mark Clayton (knee) was held out of practice Wednesday. The 4th year receiver has had moments of brilliance this season and has been the team's only legit deep threat. He's likely resting for Sunday's 1st round playoff matchup with Miami and is expected to start, but is a bit of a risky WR2 option.

Berrian limited Wednesday...
....the Viking's receiver Bernard Berrian (ankle) was limited Wednesday. He's not expected to practice a whole lot this week, but should be available to start. Berrian is the team's big-playmaking receiver, but against a good Eagle defense on Sunday, he's not necessarily a good option this week.

Gates does not practice Wednesday...
....the Charger's tight end Antonio Gates (ankle) was held out of practice Wednesday. Gates was likely held out to rest and is expected to start Saturday night against the Colts. He should be in fantasy lineups this week.

Mason does not practice Wednesday...
....the Raven's veteran receiver Derrick Mason (shoulder) was held out of practice Wednesday by the team to rest. Mason, the team's leading receiver with 80 receptions and 5 touchdowns is expected to start Sunday against the Dolphins. He's a safe WR2 option this week against the Phins 25th ranked pass defense.


IDP NEWS...


Vanden Bosch does not practice Wednesday.....
....the Titan's defensive tackle Kyle Vanden Bosch (hip) is still recovering from surgery. He's expected to be ready for the team's divisional matchup. When healthy Vanden Bosch is a decent IDP option.

Williams expecting to play Sunday....
....the Viking's defensive tackle Pat Williams (shoulder) is confident he will play this weekend. Williams has a fractured right shoulder blade, but he says he no longer has any pain. The defensive tackle is one of the team's run stuffing anchors and while he'll occupy a lot of space and tie up blockers, he has little value in IDP leagues.

Haynesworth misses practice...
.....the Titan's monster in the middle, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) missed practiced Wednesday. Haynesworth suffered a sprained MCL and is progressing slower than expected, but he is still expected to be available for the divisional playoffs. How close to 100% he will be, will remain to be seen.

Milloy expected to play Saturday....
.....the NFL Network confirmed that Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy (back) will play Saturday against the Cardinals. Milloy suffered the injury in Week 16 against the Vikings. He's been limited this week in practice, but is expected to start. Milloy is stronger against the run, but should still be a decent IDP start against the pass heavy Cards.

Sanders practices for second day....
.....the Colt's defensive back Bob Sanders (knee) practiced for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. He is expected to start Saturday night in a classic matchup against the Chargers. Sanders is the emotional and spiritual leader of the defense. He'll be key against the run and should be in starting line-ups for IDP leagues.


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

By David G. Ortega


No comments: