FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 9TH, 2011 Friday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

CRABTREE WILL BE AVAILABLE
The Niners have too many woes under center to consider any of their receivers this early in the fantasy season, add to it that wide receiver Michael Crabtree (foot) has seen little action this preseason and he becomes less of a consideration. Sit the former Red-Raider until we see more from the quarterback position and more from Crabtree himself.

CASSEL PRACTICES FULLY
The Chiefs quarterback is battling a rib injury, but after practicing in full on Friday, there’s no question that he will play on Sunday. This is a start owners will want to steer clear of, Cassel is not likely to drop back too many times; one, to protect the rib and two, because against the Bills (ranked last against the run in 2010) expect a heavy dose of Jamaal Charles.

ALL SIGNS POINTING TO FOSTER SITTING
The Texan’s running back Arian Foster (hamstring) has not been ruled for Sunday, but with his “questionable” listing and reports out of Houston suggesting he may not suit up, this looks like a situation owners may want to avoid. With those tricky hamstring injuries all bets are off, expect Foster to sit unless by some kind of grace his health improves dramatically.

MANNING OUT FOR “SOME-TIME”
Colts quarterback Peyton Manning underwent another procedure on his neck and now there are reports indicating he’s going to be out for a while (maybe the season). This is nothing new if you have been following the situation in Indianapolis, and if you took quarterback Kerry Collins as insurance it’s much too soon to try and cash that policy. This is one you’re going to have to sit on for a couple of weeks to see how Collins performs.

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY FANTASY WATCH

September 9TH, 2011, Friday

Friday’s Fantasy Watch

The 2011 NFL season got started off with more than a bang last night. The matchup between the Saints and Packers was more like an explosion with a 42-34 final. The contest was played more like a chess match with each team matching the other move for move.

Unfortunately for the Saints, their last move may not have been their best resulting in check-mate for the Pack. But still football fans and fantasy die-hards alike had to be pleased with what they saw. If last night was just a small preview of what is to come this NFL season, then everyone better hold on tight; this could be one wild ride!

Week one is under way and though we saw plenty of fireworks on Thursday night with over 700 yards passing and ten touchdowns scored, there is still a lot more to come on Sunday. With fantasy owners checking the injury reports and latest news-wires, there are some of us madly searching and keeping our eyes open for those hidden gems that could be the difference.

ON MY WATCH

TIM HIGHTOWER, RB (Redskins)
It’s probably a little too soon to start making too many bold predictions, but it’s never out of style to take a leap of faith, especially when you play a game called “fantasy” football. Maybe this is not a big leap, more like a hop, but one player on my watch for Sunday will be Redskins running back Tim Hightower. I saw enough of the kid during the preseason to make a believer of me; his 170 yards rushing and 6.8 rushing average were enough for me.

He’ll face a questionable Giants defense, ranked 8th last season against the run, but banged up and missing a few important cogs on Sunday. Umenyiora (knee) has been ruled out, Tuck (stinger) is uncertain, and team recently lost middle linebacker Jonathan Goff (torn ACL) for the season. This could be a very sweet matchup for Hightower.

MATT HASSELBECK, QB (Titans)
There was probably no one more excited about the signing of running back ChrisJohnson than quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The 12 year veteran endured some rough times in Seattle, but now in Tennessee with a better offensive line and strong running game with the return of CJ2K, Hasselbeck could suddenly find some of that 2007 form when he threw 28 touchdowns.

This Sunday the former Seahawk will square off against the Jacksonville Jaguars secondary and a pass rush (26 sacks last season) that ranked near the bottom a year ago. With CJ2K in the backfield, that should be able to keep the wolves at bay and allow Hasselbeck time to work the ball to some reliable receivers in (WR) Kenny Britt and (TE) Jared Cook. We wouldn’t look for big numbers on Sunday, but a pair of scores and two bills in the air could make any fantasy owner’s day.

These two may not be in your lineups on Sunday, but if you’re facing tough decisions and not sure where to look for help keep your eyes on these two. They both could provide the relief you might need down the road.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: PLAY OR PASS

September 8TH, 2011 Thurssday


PLAY OR PASS


Saints versus Packers

There’s not a whole lot of thinking required in tonight’s matchup for fantasy owners. When you have two of the league’s premier offenses taking the field; you have to start just about everyone don’t you?

That may be par for the course, but for the most part it is true. There’s not a whole lot of down side to starting any Packer or Saint in tonight’s marquee matchup. When you look at both offenses, they stock a lot of weapons and plenty of ammo.

Both quarterback Drew Brees and quarterback Aaron Rodgers are locks in fantasy lineups with expectations of big games for both. Their targets may differ slightly, but both will have plenty of options to choose from.

PLAY

It doesn’t take a genius to dissect the strong plays for tonight, so I will keep it simple.

For the Saints, rookie running back Mark Ingram should enjoy a productive night with the absence of defensive tackle Cullen Jenkins (now in Philly). Even Pierre Thomas could be effective catching a few balls out of the backfield, while taking a couple from inside the five. Wide receiver Marques Colston and tight end Jimmy Graham will see plenty of targets tonight and should post strong numbers for fantasy owners.

The Packers boast plenty of playmakers with wide receiver Greg Jennings and tight end Jermichael Finley leading the way. Rodgers will have no trouble spreading the ball around to his many weapons, so do not forget wide out Jordy Nelson who came up big last season in the playoffs.

PASS

Stay away from both defenses; both the Saints and Packers will rack up yardage and post big numbers on the scoreboard. Wide receiver Lance Moore is out, so make sure he’s on your bench. Packer’s wide receiver James Jones has been banged up and could be a little rusty, it also doesn’t help that he has slid behind Driver and Nelson on the depth chart.

The Saints don’t have a great run stopping defense, but then again the Packers are not known to run the ball very well (ranked 24th in 2010). Neither Ryan Grant nor James Starks appear to be a leading candidate, expect to see both receive an equal share of touches tonight. What that means for owners, low productivity and likely no rushing touchdowns.

Just my take.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 7TH, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Peyton Manning to miss opener
According to several news outlets and football sources, Peyton Manning (neck) is out for week one. What we are not hearing is for how long. As long as Manning is sidelined, the Colts receivers should be devalued; stay away from the Colts WRs in week one with the exception of Reggie Wayne. Going forward we’ll have to see how back-up quarterback Kerry Collins handles the reigns, before rolling with any of the Colts.

Lance Moore ruled out in week one
With one of Brees favorites on the sideline, step in Marques Colston. The Saints leading receiver should see a few more targets on Thursday with Lance Moore out; fantasy owners should start Colston with confidence.

Antonio Gates close to form?
The Chargers tight end practiced on Wednesday suggesting he is closer to being healthy and ready to return to his Pro Bowl form. Gates was slowed last season by injury, but his recovery has been going well and he is slowly working his way back to form. He should be a safe fantasy start on Sunday.

Arian Foster unsure for Sunday?
That’s a big red flag when the player tells you he doesn’t know if he will go on Sunday. Foster was likely drafted high in most fantasy formats, owners will likely have to wait until game-time before pulling the trigger. If he goes, he should in your lineups, but that is looking like a big “if.”

These are just my takes

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL NOTES

September 7TH, 2011 Wednesday

FANTASY FOOTBALL NOTES

We are less than one day away from the official start of the 2011 NFL season. Even though most fantasy drafts should be complete by this point, it’s still worth taking a look and quick peek into most backfields to see what ball carriers will rise, fall, and emerge this season. Here’s my run on this year’s running backs.

Let’s just put the argument to rest, when you start at the top, you have to start with Adrian Peterson. He seems to be the consensus number one is most every league I have seen. He’s a feature back, has no serious injury concerns heading into the season, and has scored 54 touchdowns in four seasons. AP will lead the pack, but running backs Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles, Arian Foster, and Ray Rice are not far behind.

From there you will get into the MJD’s, LeSean McCoy’s and Peyton Hillis’ who will round out the top 20 to 25. Once we get into the third and fourth tier of running backs , the talent pool will shallow out, and that’s when you have to start doing some digging.

DEEP IN THE BACKFIELD

It’s been what seems like a very short and very quick preseason, but in the four weeks of action one running back in a crowded backfield in Washington has really caught my eye; Tim Hightower. He’s certainly not the cream of the crop, but he has been impressive thus far and in a Shanahan “run-system” he could really fare well. Hightower averaged nearly seven yards per carry facing mostly first string defenses and his versatility as a pass catcher (63 receptions in 2009) could find him spending quite of bit of time on the field. He’s not going to be a feature back, but he looks like a good call to see the lion’s share of work; at least early in the season.

Another ball carrier that has turned my head is the Bronco’s third year running back Knowshon Moreno. Now most folks figure with the arrival of John Fox, the Bronco’s offense is going to become more of a ground attack, but the addition of Willis McGahee does not necessarily mean a time-share. In Carolina Fox had two relative young backs to feed the rock, but in Denver McGahee enters his 9th season and does not figure to step into an expanded role. Moreno has been impressive this preseason and has a well balanced skill-set in the run and pass game. He may lose a few short-yardage and goal line carries to McGahee, but he still figures to see plenty of work. If he can stay healthy, he’s easily a top 15 back this season.

The Packers have the luxury of healing in the offseason, but for running back Ryan Grant that may not be enough. Last season 2nd year back James Starks stepped up and played well for the Pack in the post season and could very well figure into the team’s plans this season. From what I have read, heard, and seen I would not be surprised to see Starks starting at some point this season and more likely sooner than later.

Along with these potential diamonds in the rough, a couple of kids I would watch heavily leading into week one, Bernard Scott of the Bengals and rookie Stevan Ridley of the Patriots. Both teams don’t have a clear cut dominant runner that they will lean on heavily and both these kids could just be hungry enough to work their way into the spotlight.

If Benson can’t keep his name out of the paper in non-related football news, Scott’s time could come much sooner than expected. The team sounds like they are very high on Ridley; the power back just needs to keep “doing the right things” and his time will come.

There aren’t too many names that I am necessarily down on this year, but as good as Saints running back Mark Ingram is, I am not buying all that cool-aid that is being sold. Ingram is going to be productive this season, but I am just not so sure that Pierre Thomas is done. As long as Thomas is healthy, he’ll remain an integral part of the offense as well. That’s just my thoughts on that subject and these are my takes in the backfield.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL NOTES

September 4TH, 2011 Sunday

FANTASY FOOTBALL NOTES

The 2011 Fantasy football season is set to start in less than a week and while I have not had an extensive amount of time to really take an in-depth look at all the positions, I have managed to catch quite a few preseason matchups make many notes. I am not going to offer my opinion as anything more than just that, but I will however add as an adamant fan of the NFL and the game of fantasy football, I pay attention.

As with most anything in life there is usually a beginning and when we start looking at fantasy football players, we need to start with the top; the Quarterback position.

QUICK TAKES

When you draft (if your draft has yet to take place) or when looking back at your just completed draft, it’s no surprise to see the familiar names like Brees, Brady, and Rivers at the top of the list; as they should be. When we take a moment to look a little deeper into this year’s fantasy drafts there are several quarterback names that should garnish some attention, and by mid-season they will.

Signal-callers

After having a chance to watch a considerable amount of preseason I was able to catch quick a bit of action between the Lions and Patriots. And while I was impressed with Detriot’s first string’s defensive effort in the 1st half, I have to say that the young Mr. Stafford caught my attention as well. The Lion’s third year quarterback has looked stellar this preseason and seems to be the subject of a lot of preseason hype.

Stafford wasn’t necessarily given a whole lot of love on most pre-draft fantasy rankings, but with his impressive play this preseason (154.7 passer rating) folks are taking notice and his stock is definitely on the rise. In limited action this preseason Stafford has completed 25 of 33 passes (75.8% completions) and thrown five touchdowns. He’s an injury risk, yes, but I like his upside which could be big this season.

I have been hearing a lot of chatter from fellow fantasy football drafters about the second year quarterback in St. Louis, Sam Bradford. Even though I believe the Rams are still a team in rebuilding mode, I happen to agree with a lot of the fanfare surrounding the kid. With a solid ground game led by Steven Jackson to support the young passer, Bradford appears to be a star on the rise and could be nice mid-level quarterback in fantasy drafts, he definitely appears to be a keeper for dynasty owners.

A couple of other interesting names worthy of watching on your fantasy draft boards and early in the 2011 season are quarterbacks Donovan McNabb, Kyle Orton, Matt Hasselbeck, and Josh Freeman.

Last season the Buccaneers young arm Josh Freeman rose to the crop finishing with the league’s sixth highest passer rating; his 25 touchdowns also ranked in the top 10. With a returning core group of reliable hands, Freeman looks poised to put up another strong campaign.

In Minnesota, with the help of an elite ground attack, McNabb could possible have a bounce back season; something worth keeping an eye on. He did lose the Vikings best pass-catcher from two seasons ago in Sidney Rice, but already in the preseason we have seen hints that the cast (Harvin, Jenkins, and Berrian) he will be working with may be capable.

The Broncos’ quarterback Kyle Orton may be in a similar situation in Denver, being able to benefit from head coach John Fox’s influence in the running game. Success on the ground can only mean success in the vertical game with both Brandon Lloyd and Eddie Royal on the outside, Orton’s outlook could be promising.

When you have one of the league’s best ball carriers in Chris Johnson and a much improved line from his days in Seattle, Matt Hasselbeck has every reason to believe 2011 could be a much better campaign. The former Seahawk (now with Tennessee) was beat up pretty good last season, being sacked 29 times in 14 games; if he can stay vertical in 2011, it can only mean good things for fantasy owners.

The start of the NFL season is fastly approaching, but there’s still plenty of time to talk fantasy football and take a look at those players we like in the upcoming fantasy season.


By David Ortega