DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 21st, 2010 11:37pm 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...

League lowers the Hammer on Big Ben....
The League handed down it's punishment of Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suspending him for six games. The move was expected, but maybe not as harsh although Big Ben will have a chance to have his punishment reduced to four games if he complies with certain league conditions. As a result of the suspension Roethlisberger has become the heavy subject of trade rumors and his fantasy stock is tumbling by the second.

Owens the latest subject in DC...
There is nothing imminent going on in DC, in fact there's not a lot of activity at the moment, but with quarterback Donovan McNabb endorsing the acquisition of wide receiver Terrell Owens it could be a matter of time before we see some action. Head Coach Mike Shanahan has no interest in signing the outspoken Owens, but with the draft less than 24 hours away a lot could change. Owens opposite Santana Moss just sounds like a good move, but we'll have to wait and see.

Holt joins the Pats....
The former Pro Bowl receiver Torry Holt signed a one year deal with the New England Patriots adding some depth and veteran experience to motley cast of receivers. Holt won't be reborn in Foxboro playing behind Moss and Welker, but he'll fit in nicely and add another reliable set of hands. Expect Holt to have limited value seeing limited snaps behind the Pats top twosome of Moss and Welker. With Edelman playing well last season in the absence of Welker, Holt will have to compete for the number three spot.

IDP Notes

Vikings add some help to secondary...
The Vikings undoubtedly are trying to improve one of its weak links from a year ago. There's no question when Antoine Winfield went down last season the Vikings secondary struggled mightily. With the signing of former Eagles (and Jets last season) cornerback Lito Sheppard (19 career interceptions), the team is hopeful that it has addressed some of those issues. The former Pro Bowler gives the defense added depth and adds another playmaker in the secondary.

Taylor crosses the line, turns gang-green...
Despite all of the things he has said in the past about the fans in New York, linebacker Jason Taylor has signed with the Jets. Taylor has agreed to a two-year deal and will join a very aggressive Rex Ryan defensive scheme. Expect Taylor's value in IDP leagues to rise come draft time.

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

April 19th, 2010 9:57pm PST

[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Movement, Movement, Movement

Again with the recent headlines (last week) circulating from the world of football there has been more changes that will have a big impact on the coming fantasy season. This past week the wide receiver position has been the pick of the litter and with that, there could be more to come.

Recent Moves...
The last couple of weeks there have been some big moves made in the NFL, some surprising and others not so much, but either way these moves are going to have a big impact on fantasy going forward.

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers needing some damage control unloaded their former Super Bowl MVP wide receiver Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets. Holmes was dealt for only a 5th round pick, undoubtedly it was a business decision to move forward without the risky proposition (Holmes) who will face a four game suspension at the start of the 2010 season. A new home, a new quarterback, and a suspension will no doubt hurt Holmes fantasy value greatly at fantasy drafts, but owners mustn’t forget his 79 catches and 1,200 yards in 2009. Lining up with Edwards and Cotchery, Santonio could be a huge second half play this coming season.

In Denver the Broncos finally say good-bye to their two time Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall (three straight seasons with at least 100 receptions). While the move could be heavily criticized, it appeared to be the best for all concerned; Marshall wanted out and the Broncos wanted to move on. Denver dealt the outspoken receiver to the Dolphins for a pair of second round picks (one this season, one in 2011) and could be looking to make a run at one of the top WR draft prospects in this year's draft. With Marshall moving south to the sunshine state (Florida) his stock may take a slight hit, but quarterback Chad Henne could see a rise in his value. Henne comes off a season where he threw 12 touchdowns. Last season Marshall had 10 alone. It would be safe to expect to see Henne improve his numbers this coming season.

Players to watch...

With the draft now just days away, don't expect activity in the NFL to slow down. Just Monday the Broncos continued to stay busy trading tight end Tony Scheffler away to the Lions as part of a three team deal that included the Eagles. The Broncos received a 5th round pick (from the Eagles), while the Lions sent Ernie Sims to Philly in exchange for the acquisition of Scheffler.

This was just some early movement for draft week, but a couple of names to keep on your radar with the draft coming up quickly would include; Jets running Leon Washington (signed tender), Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell (rumored to be on trade block), Bear's tight end Greg Olsen (not happy in windy city), and surprise, surprise (according to ESPN's Adam Schefter) the Dolphin's running back Ronnie Brown. This of course is all speculation, but as the draft approaches, we could see conversations heat up and rumors fly. Stay tuned for the NFL draft 2010.

by David Ortega

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