Tuesday, September 11, 2012

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE


Monday Edition
September 10th, 2012 







FSH Fantasy Five







Week 1 Quarterbacks

There were plenty of surprises and nice turn-ins by a few of the Fantasy regular, but these five were the performances I found most interesting on Sunday. I am not saying these were the best, but there’s no question their numbers had an impact in fantasy and on the field.

Mark Sanchez, NYJ (266 yards passing, 3 touchdowns)
The San-chise is back? Maybe it’s too early to be crowing anyone, but what a nice turn-around for the former Trojan after a dismal showing throughout the playoffs; or was that the plan?
My Fantasy Read: Sanchez had a break-out Sunday against the Bills, but it’s far too small a sample to weigh in that he’s come of age. This should be a make or break year for Sanchez and he’s off to a good start, but before you start selling his stock high we’ll need to see more return.

Robert Griffin III, WASH (320 yards passing, 2 touchdowns)
Does anyone want to give Mike Shanahan any credit for knowing what he is doing. Sure his tenure in Washington thus far has been tumultuous at best, but nice call with the selection of the kid with the dreads. RGIII looked nothing like a raw rookie dicing up the Saints defense on Sunday.
My Fantasy Read: The rookie sure didn’t play like one, taking his Redskins on the road and traveling to New Orleans to knock off last seasons’ NFC South Division winner. The feat and performance on Sunday was quite impressive, but it may be a little too early to coronate RGIII. Early as it may be, it’s not too early to say he’s worth starting in week two against the Rams.
  
Tom Brady, NE (236 yards passing, 2 touchdowns)
Tom Terrifc was every bit just that completing 23 of 31 passes as he and the Patriots sailed to an easy 34-13 road win over the Titans.
My Fantasy Read: Once he and his deep threat Brandon Lloyd get more in sync, expect Brady to start posting not just big, but huge numbers. Brady has plenty of weapons, but he’ll need the presence and effectiveness of Lloyd to retain his place near the top of the QB fantasy world.

Jay Cutler, CHI (333 yards passing, 2 touchdowns)
With his new toy in place, Cutler made wide receiver Brandon Marshall feel right at home hooking up with his former and re-united teammate nine times. Cutler also made mince meat of the Colts secondary connecting on 21 of 35 passes.
My Fantasy Read: Cutler was brilliant and quite deadly with his big arm. Now that he has a big time receiver and a couple of big targets he’s going to be a top 10 fantasy QB every week. In week two, he could have trouble facing the Packers pass rush, but when they don’t get there he’s going to make them pay. He’s a worthy start every week.

Peyton Manning, DEN (253 yards passing, 2 touchdowns)
How long was he out anyway? Peyton Manning sure didn’t show much rust Sunday night facing the Steelers defense, as a matter of fact he showed a lot of sharpness and poise. Manning was efficient and accurate as ever completing 19 of 26 passes (73% completion) and completely picking apart the Steelers secondary.
My Fantasy Read: Like any fantasy play it’s always good to consider the matchup, but Manning at this point looks like a safe solid play week in and week out. The Broncos O-line did a pretty good job of protection and with the next matchup in doors (at Atlanta), Manning should feel quite comfortable facing the Falcons secondary next Monday. 

One Final Thought

Not to slight any quarterbacks in week one, but one more that deserves a quick mention is Matt Ryan (ATL). Against the Chiefs Ryan shined with 299 yards passing and three touchdowns. A quick read, this was no fluke; with the weapons he now has in Atlanta, Ryan is poised to put up big numbers. 


By David Ortega



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