FSH: TRIBUTE TO SLIM

December 19th, 2009 - 1:45pm PST

Remembering "Slim"

RIP Chris Henry 1983-2009

....you will always be missed!

Henry played all five of his NFL seasons with the Bengals. In his short career, he caught a total of 119 passes for 1,826 yards (15.3 average) and scored 21 touchdowns. Although this season was not off to the best start for Henry, he was doing all the right things and the team was winning.

All of his numbers did not show his improvement, but his 19.7 yards per catch were among the best in the league. Henry averaged one touchdown every 5.5 touches. If the kid had been a starter collecting the same number of touches as some of the other predominat elite receivers in the league that would equate to 18 touchdowns with every 100 receptions.

The 6'4" kid from Belle Chasse High School in Louisiana was clearly a huge talent in the league when he played. He had tremendous gifts and a potential that had no limitations. His loss is truly tragic, because of "what could have been" despite his early career speed bumps along the way.

It's funny how the game can sometimes parallel life. Henry had been working hard and all signs

were there early in the season to indicate that the kid had turned the corner and the future was bright. But just like Henry's 2009 campaign was cut short due to a broken forearm; his life too was cut short just when it appeared he had everything heading in the right direction (just announced his engagement).

From the recent comments made by his teammates and the recent press clippings it is very easy to see that Henry was greatly loved by his team and was a favorite among all that really knew him.

I was not fortunate enough to know Mr. Henry myself, but I can see from what I have read and listened to from the many interviews he was a good man. I also know that man is not perfect, he is not without error. Henry is one man I would have liked to have known.

This is my tribute to him and the people that loved him so!

many of the images used are by the AP/Getty Images/SI and Ochocinco...

~Tribute by David Ortega

FSH: FOOTBALL DIARY

December 19th, 2009 1:45pm PST

Football Diary

[Saturday Edition]

Dear Diary

The Pursuit of Excellence

One down and one more to go! Earlier this week on Thursday night the Colts continued their pursuit of excellence remaining undefeated. It took a late 4th quarter drive by Peyton Manning the Colts to hold off the upstart Jaguars, but that has been characteristic of this team all season long. Now tonight we'll get to see act two with the Saints and the Cowboys.

Like the Colts the New Orleans Saints have been making it fashionable to pull out late game comebacks and rallys, and for fantasy owners it has truly been a committee responsible for the work. Drew Brees (3,832-yards, 32 touchdowns) is the only constant in the Saints offensive attack and has proven to be one of the best fantasy players the past couple of seasons. This season in the team's run for perfection, Brees has used a committee of receivers to get the job done that include' Marques Colston (9 touchdowns), Robert Meachem (8 touchdowns), Devery Henderson (43 receptions), Jeremy Shockey (48 receptions), Dave Thomas (22 receptions), and Reggie Bush (39 receptions).

The committee does not stop there with both running backs Mike Bell (598 yards rushing) and Pierre Thomas (713 yards rushing) being significant contributors on the ground this season. Not only is it difficult for fantasy owners to know which Saints dice to roll, but tonight for the Dallas Cowboys their defense will face a monumental task in trying to stop this Saints offense.

Brees has been spectacular that past couple of weeks, passing for 296-yards, 419-yards, and 371-yards, while throwing a total of 10 touchdowns. The Cowboys secondary had fits trying to cover the Charger's receivers last week and they won't catch any kind of a break this week. This one could get ugly fast.

Fantasy Notes:

The Broncos super-stud receiver Brandon Marshall has gone from the doghouse to the outhouse and has now arrived in the penthouse. In his last three starts he has 34 receptions for 380 yards and three touchdowns and will have a good matchup on Sunday against the Raiders. In the first meeting Marshall caught five balls for 67 yards and a score.

The Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has been running the ball well over the past month. In his last five games Charles is averaging 91 yards rushing and over five yards a carry. He has also scored a touchdown in his last three starts and has five totaled in his last five starts. He has a favorable matchup this week against the Browns 29th ranked run defense.

10 Things on

My Sunday Watch-List

1. The only chance the Bills will have Sunday, they have to get the ball into the hands of Terrell Owens, can they?

2. Last week against the Steelers Josh Cribbs and Chris Jennings combined for 160 yards on the ground; how will they do against the Chiefs?

3. The Jets running back Thomas Jones has been solid in 2009 and will undoubtedly be featured on Sunday against the Falcons; will he top 100-yards for the sixth time this season?

4. Last week an injured Matt Schaub stepped up and tossed for 365 yards. Can the Texans quarterback do it again?

5. The Titans running back Chris Johnson has been on a tear with Vince Young under center. Young will play Sunday and I will be watching Mr. Johnson.

6. On Monday night Kurt Warner and the Cardinals passing game could not get off the ground. I expect to see great redemption on Sunday against the Lions 32nd (last) ranked pass defense.

7. The Broncos rookie running back Knowshon Moreno has yet to top 100-yards this season; he should get plenty of carries to do just that on Sunday against the Raiders.

8. With Westbrook and Maclin, can McNabb and Jackson light up the Niners secondary just as they did the Giants last week?

9. Last week the Steelers dropped their five game in a row, can Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense make it a six-Pack!

10. And like all of the NFL nation I too will be watching Ochocinco and the Bengals on Sunday as we all remember Slim!!

Check back every week for more “Football Diary”

FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

December 18th, 2009 - 11:17pm PST

Week 15 Fantasy Football

Infirmary Report

Week 15 Injury Updates

(Some recent player injury news; updated Saturday Dec. 18th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Matt Ryan-QB (Falcons)

The Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (toe) was able to participate in parts of Friday's practice. He is officially listed as questionable and is expected to be a game-time decision. Ryan has missed the last two games and is very questionable to play Sunday; check his status on Sunday.

Mark Sanchez-QB (Jets)

The Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez (knee) will start Sunday against the Falcons. Sanchez missed one game, but was able to practice in full on Friday and looks ready to return to the field. The Jets will more than likely lean heavily on the ground attack, so owners shouldn't expect to get much from Sanchez.

Vince Young-QB (Titans)

The Titans quarterback Vince Young (hamstring) was a full participant in Friday's practice and according to the Tennessean he is expected to start Sunday against the Dolphins. Young may be more apt to throw instead of scramble this week and against Dolphins 22nd ranked pass defense he has a favorable matchup.

Correll Buckhalter-RB (Broncos)

The Bronco's running back Correll Buckhalter (ankle) did not practice all week and is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday against the Raiders. If Buckhalter is unavailable, it could mean a big day for rookie running back Knowshon Moreno.

Michael Turner-RB (Falcons)

The Falcons running back Michael Turner (ankle) was limited in Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Jets. Even if Turner was healthy this would not be a good matchup against Rex Ryan's Jets, but at less than 100 percent he is a huge risk.

Brian Westbrook-RB (Eagles)

As expected, even though Eagles running back Brian Westbrook was able to practice all week on a limited basis he has been ruled out for Sunday against the Niners. Westbrook has yet to be medically cleared to play.

Steven Jackson-RB (Rams)

The Rams running back Steven Jackson again missed practice on Friday which has become routine over the past several weeks, but it was reported this was due to flu-like symptoms. It was also reported a number of other players were diagnosed with the H1N1 virus. It's not known if Jackson has been diagnosed, so his status for Sunday is likely questionable. Fantasy owners should wait until more is known.

Jeremy Maclin-WR (Eagles)

The Eagles rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday. Maclin tore his plantar fascia last Sunday against the Giants. Maclin could return in Week 16 against the Broncos. Wide receiver Reggie Brown is expected to start, but with Maclin out this one will be all about DeSean Jackson.

Devin Hester-WR (Bears)

The Bears leading receiver Devin Hester (calf) has not practiced all week and is unlikely to play on Sunday. He is listed as doubtful. With Hester out is would appear that wide receiver Devin Aromashodu would be the preferred play for fantasy owners.

Percy Harvin-WR (Vikings)

The Vikings rookie receiver Percy Harvin (migraines) returned to practice this week and says he expects to play on Sunday. Harvin has been medically cleared to play and was in good spirits on Firday, so it's pretty evident that owners can expect to see in there Sunday. Harvin is enjoying a nice rookie season and is worth starting in deeper leagues.

Larry Fitzgerald-WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald suffered a nastly looking knee sprain on Monday night against the Niners. While he has progressed each day this week he is still listed as questionable. The Cards playmaking receiver was limited to only two catches last week, if he plays he's likely to be less than 100 percent and could be a risk. Owners will need to check his status Sunday, but if he plays it would be tough to sit him against the Lions.

Defensive Player Injuries

Aaron Curry-LB (Seahawks)

The Seahawks rookie linebacker Aaron Curry has practiced in full the past two days and is officially listed as probable for Sunday. Last week the rookie suffered a hip pointer, but on Friday Curry was noted as saying "Today felt great." The rookie has yet to live up to the billing with just two sacks this season, he's probably not a great play this week against the Bucs.

Ryan Pickett-NT (Packers)

The Packers nose tackle Ryan Pickett is the anchor of the leagues number two defense against the run. Pickett missed last Sunday with a hamstring injury and is questionable for Sunday against the Steelers. The Packers will need him healthy if they hope to keep their streak of no 100-yard rushers (currently at 10 games) alive.

Aaron Ross-CB (Giants)

The Giants cornerback Aaron Ross reinjured his hamstring during Thursday's practice this week and did not participate Friday. He is listed as questionable, although it does not look good for him to play. If Ross sits, veteran corner Kevin Dockery could get the start; not a good prognosis for the G-men.

DeMarcus Ware-LB (Cowboys)

Last Sunday against the Chargers linebacker DeMarcus Ware was injured on a scary play, when he suffered a neck sprain in a headfirst collision. He was limited on during practice this week and is officially listed as questionable for Saturday night's matchup against the Saints.

Don't forget to check every Sunday morning for "Game-time" updates....

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH)

December 17th, 2009

The Fantasy Sports Zone

"Diamonds in the Rough"

(fantasy sleepers)

Players that you may want in your lineup this week!

It's Fantasy playoffs time everywhere you look. After 14 weeks of NFL action most every head to head fantasy league should now be full swing into the post season. With most traditional formats following the one game elimination process, fantasy owners have no room for error and if Week 15 finds you searching for help, here are some gems for this weekend...

This Week's Gems....

In Denver....

The Bronco's rookie running back Knowshon Moreno is closing in on 1,000 yards rushing for the season. Through 13 games he has compiled 837 yards on the ground and five touchdowns. Over his last three starts the rookie running back has averaged 21 carries and with the Raiders up next, he figures to get at least that many chances. The Raiders are ranked 30th against the run and allow over four and a half yards per carry. In their first meeting Moreno logged 21 carries for 90 yards and a score; don't expect anything less this time around.

In New Orleans....

The Saints are an interesting play week in and week out for fantasy owners. Every week we know that Brees and the passing game are going to take off, but the question always remains; who will catch the rock. It's been pretty much a guessing game all season long, but on Saturday against the Cowboys they'll be no second guessing. Last week against the Chargers the Cowboys secondary struggled mightily with the deep ball, so you can bet the Saints will do what they do best and attack deep. While it's been a merry-go-round with Brees and his recievers, clearly the Marques Colston (nine touchdowns) and Robert Meachem (8 touchdowns) have been his best deep threats this season. Expect Drew to go vertical quite a bit and both to be the beneficiaries of a couple of deep tosses. This week both should be safe plays with each finding the endzone.

In Arizona...

The Cards should have very little trouble on Sunday against the 2-11 Detroit Lions. One of the keys for the offense will not only be the arm of quarterback Kurt Warner, but the legs of rookie running back Beanie Wells. This should be a game where the offense has little trouble, so depsite Well's recent woes with holding onto the ball the Cards should be able to stay committed to the run. When Wells wasn't losing the ball last Monday night against a tough Niner's run defense he carried the ball 15 times for 79 yards and a score. The Lions ranked 24th against the run and allow well over four yards a carry; you do the math.

Worth Noting for this week....

While Josh Cribbs was stealing all the headlines in the Browns upset win over the defending Super Bowl Champion Steelers, running back Chris Jennings was quietly turning in a solid performance of his own. Cribb's effort may have overshadowed Jennings 20 carries for 73 yards and a score, but nonetheless the rookie running back was impressive. He's more than likely still floating on the open market and with a matchup against the Chiefs 28th ranked defense looks like he could be a great sleeper pick for Week 15.

Check back every week for more "Diamonds in the Rough"

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 16th, 2009 11:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Forte and ground game won't catch a break...

The Bears ground has been quite nothing to speak of lately. Bears running back Matt Forte has found it difficult all season to get out of the backfield. In 13 games this season Forte has rushed for more than 100 yards one time this season and carried the ball more than 25 times just once. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see a whole lot of work on the ground this Sunday against the Ravens.

Gonzo could play huge role Sunday....

The Falcons will be traveling north-ward to play the Jets this Sunday and with shutdown corner Darrelle Revis likely to be fixated on Roddy White, this could be a good week for Tony Gonzalez owners. The Pro Bowl tight end has enoyed some recent success with Chris Redmen under center. With White locked down, look for Redman to target his big tight end frequently.

Thomas should keep the chains moving....

Who says life after 30 has to be all down hill. Quarterback Brett Favre is the epitome of just the opposite, while Jets running back Thomas Jones has also become living proof. In his post 30-Era the Jets ball carrier has 11 100-yard rushing games and scored 26 touchdowns; not bad for an old man. This week against the Falcosn weak run defense he'll only add to those impressive numbers.

IDP Notes....

Woodson is Packers defensive MVP….

What does the Packers cover corner not do for this defense. Charles Woodson has only been a special kind of player this season leading the defense with eight interceptions, including two returns for six. Woodson has also totaled 61 tackles, four forced fumbles, two quarterback sacks, and one imposing presence on the island. He's not only a must start every week, he's a keeper in almost all formats.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

December 16th, 2009 - 11:05pm PST

Watercooler Chat

No Wire for Hire

For most owners they have managed to get this far into the season on the weight of the team they drafted, but injuries can add up and take their tolls. Even without the waiver wire fantasy owners can still find a few gems floating about the free agent market, you just have to know where to look. If pickups are still available here are a couple of names that can still offer value to those in pursuit of fantasy greatness...

Wayne says...

With the Redskins normal starter Clinton Portis all but ready to shut it down for the season the team has found it's replacement for the moment, running back Quinton Ganther. In his first start last Sunday the Redskins back was hugely productive totaling 93 yards from scrimmage and scoring two touchdowns on the ground. Ganther is averaging 4.2 yards per carry this season with 33 carries and on Sunday he'll face the New York Giants defense. While the Giants defense is ranked 9th against the run, they have shown a few leaks in previous weeks.

The Raiders have been banged up in the backfield all season long, but they finally have their prized running Darren McFadden back in the lineup. The explosive runner will have a bit of a tough matchup this week against the Broncos, but in the past several weeks their defense has not been as formidable as the first matchup between these two teams. The Broncos are ranked 15th against the run this season and allow nearly four yards per carry. In their first meeting McFadden was held to 45 yards on the ground, but last week the second year back needed only 11 touches to total 105 yards.

Waynes Weekly "Friendly Word for the wise"...

The Browns offensive attack has been lacking quite a bit this season, but last week they found something that clicked well against a pretty good Steeler's defense' Josh Cribbs. Cribbs is a special teamer that plays a lot of slot, but most recently has been running the Brown's version of the "Wildcat" offense. Last week Cribbs totaled 96 yards of offense with 87 of those coming on the ground. With the upstart Browns traveling to Kansas City (ranked 28th against the run) we'd expect nothing less than to see a lot more the "Brown-cat" and a lot of Josh Cribbs in the open field.

Player Watch for Week 15

Once again here a few players of note that fantasy owners should consider riding or hiding for the coming weekend of games. Keep these players on your watchlist, you just may want to give them a hard look come Sunday;

(Start) Jamaal Charles

The Chiefs new running back of the future seems to be hanging onto the wheel with both hands making to most of his opportunity. Charles has rushed for more than 600 yards this season, including two 100-yard efforts in his last five starts. Against the Browns 29th ranked run defense this Sunday, he's a good bet to make it three.

(Start) Cedric Benson

Last Sunday trailing most of the game, the Cowboys still managed nearly 100 yards on the ground against the Chargers defense. The Bengals starting running back Cedric Benson has already proven he can run against anyone, so owner should not make the mistake of second guessing this one.

(Sit) Roddy White

There's no question White is a tough sit and unless you have better options you will be inclined to start, but on Sunday he will undoubtedly be matched against the Jets cover corner Darelle Revis. That's not good. Tony G. is more than likely going to be a huge start this week.

(Start) Knowshon Moreno

The rookie running back has emerged as the teams primary ball carrier, dominating the number of touches over recent weeks. With backup Correll Buckhalter likely sidelined this week he'll have even more opportunity to damage against the Raiders 30th ranked run defense.

Check back every week for more “Watercooler chat”

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

December 15th, 2009 7:45pm PST

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In these hands we trust

We're not over the hump yet, with Week 15 next on the slate all fantasy leagues have now moved into post season mode. It's most important to note that in the post season, it's one and done; no time to be guessing.

After watching the Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall set the NFL record for 21 receptions last Sunday, it's easy to see that he's turned his 2009 campaign completely around. His is clearly on his way to a career year with catches and scores and if fantasy owners were wondering he has had no fewer than nine targets since Week 8. With 56 targets over his last four games, his stock value is sky rocketing and there's no question he's going to help some fantasy owners move on in the post season.

Despite the bumps in the road the Patriots have encounterd over the past couple of weeks, wide receiver Wes Welker just keeps on ticking. The small package of dynamite has been a huge fantasy stud this season and his 136 targets this season (missed one game) rank 2nd only to Andre Johnson. In Welker's past four games he has caught 41 passes for nearly 500 yards and the secret to his success; Welker has 54 targets over the stretch.

As you can see, persistence pays with these fantasy studs and as history shows us it pays for others too;

(last four games)

Brandon Marshall (Broncos)-56 targets/37 receptions.

Wes Welker (Patriots)-54 targets/41 receptions.

Andre Johnson (Texans)-53 targets/27 receptions.

Calvin Johnson (Lions)-48 targets/19 receptions.*

Steve E. Smith (Giants)-42 targets/24 receptions.

Sidney Rice (Vikings)-43 targets/23 receptions.

Santonio Holmes (Steelers)-42 targets/27 receptions.

Roddy White (Falcons)-52 targets/20 receptions.

*Lions passing game ranks at the bottom of the sea.

So when you start looking for that winning combination for Sunday, pay attention to the numbers; numbers don't lie.

What have you done for me lately

Over the past four Weeks...

(unoffical numbers)

A few names you'll want to remember!

Brandon Marshall (Den).......56 targets

Sidney Rice (Min)...............43 targets

Derrick Mason (Bal)............42 targets

Steve E. Smith (NYG).........42 targets

Santonio Holmes (Pit).........42 targets

Austin Miles (Dal)..............38 targets

Michael Crabtree (SF).........37 targets

Pierre Garcon (Ind)............36 targets

Donnie Avery (Stl).............35 targets

Anquan Boldin (Ari)...........35 targets

Terrell Owens (Buf)...........33 targets

Season Target leaders Top 10

1. Andre Johnson (Hou)............145 targets

2.Wes Welker (NE).................136 targets

3. Roddy White (Atl)...............133 targets

4. Brandon Marshall (Den).......132 targets

5. Steve E. Smith (NYG)...........131 targets

6. Larry Fitzgerald (Ari)...........130 targets

7. Reggie Wayne (Ind)..............128 targets

8. Randy Moss (NE).................119 targets

9. Tony Gonzalez (Atl).............116 targets

10. Santonio Holmes (Pit)...........116 targets

Check back every week for more from the “Fantasy Sports Zone”