FSH: FOOTBALL DIARY

December 12th, 2009 11:45pm PST

Football Diary

[Saturday Edition]

Dear Diary

Fantasy Playoffs start now

With the Thursday night game in the books the fantasy playoffs for many leagues are already underway. The key to any successful fantasy lineup is matchups and that's what I will be watching this weekend.

Fantasy owners looking to dip into the free agent pool for help this week may not find a lot talent available, but might have to take a deeper look at their own bench. Players like a Jamaal Charles, Robert Meachem, and Percy Harvin (check Sunday status) might be the more attractive plays this week, while favorites like Matt Schaub, Marion Barber, and Matt Forte could be risky plays.

Such is the life of a fantasy owner, having to make those tough decisions, but with the playoffs underway now is not the time to get tripped up. Follow my motto; avoid those committee situations, check injury status on players that are questionable, and don't get caught leaving points on your bench (start your starters).

These are words for fantasy owners to live by if they hope to survive!

Fantasy Notes:

With the Cowboys locked in a tight race in the NFC East, one of the biggest reasons for their success this season has been the play of quarterback Tony Romo. The Cowboys starter has thrown 16 touchdowns and only three picks in his last eight starts (team is 6-2 in that stretch).

The Lions running back Kevin Smith has been a solid number two fantasy running back over the past several weeks. In his last three starts Smith is averaging 114 yards from scrimmage with two touchdowns.

The Broncos rookie running back Knowshon Moreno continues to get better with each week. In his last four starts he has racked up 351 yards on the ground (89 yds/game) averaging more than five yards a tote and has scored three rushing touchdowns in that stretch.

10 Things on

Sunday's Watch-List

1. Steven Jackson has been dealing with a back issue and missing a ton of practice, but can he rebound with his third consecutive 100-yard rushing effort.

2. The Raven's quarterback Joe Flacco has been sub-par the past couple of weeks, can he rebound this Sunday against the Lions 32nd ranked pass defense.

3. Drew Brees has been "En Fuego" the past couple of weeks, will he continue and who will be his receiver of choice on Sunday; Meachem, Colston, or Henderson.

4. The Packers have been rolling riding the arm of Aaron Rodgers, can he conitnue his hot hand on Sunday against the Bears 9th ranked pass defense.

5. Peyton Manning and the Colts have managed to dodge a few bullets the past couple of weeks, but how will the Colts quarterback perform against the leagues 2nd ranked pass defense (Broncos).

6. Will the Vikings quarterback Brett Favre bounce back from his two interception performance last Sunday when he faces the Bengals 4th overall ranked defense this week.

7. How much will the leauges leading rusher Chris Johnson scamper for on Sunday against the Rams 28th ranked defense that allows over 140 yards per game.

8. The Eagles defense does not get enough credit, this season they rank 7th overall and are among the league leaders with 33 sacks, I'll be watching to see if they can shut down the Giants offense.

9. With Sanchez out and Clemens in, I'm expecting the Jets to run the ball all day with running back Thomas Jones, who should have a big day.

10. With DeAngelo Williams set to go; I will be looking for a big day from the Panthers ground attack against the Patriots.

Check back every week for more “Football Diary”