October 1st, 2008 8:39pm PST
FSH: David's Daily Digest
Fantasy News
NOISE-SHAKERS! PLAY-MAKERS! GAME-BREAKERS!
Bulger re-named starter for rest of season...
...such a confusing situation in St.Louis. One week he's the starter, next he's benched, then he won't play for the coach, now he's the starter again. So confusing, but I do believe the new Head Coach Jim Haslett will bring stability and order. Already as the new HC, Haslett has named Bulger his starter for the rest of the season. Sounds like a soap opera that could have a good storyline, and the move to bring Bulger back was a good move by the script writers. Even with Steven Jackson having his best game of the season, quarterback Trent Green looked average at best. Clearly the Rams still have concerns along the line that will be addressed, but Bulger is the better talent and will make this team more competitive. With "Action" Jackson coming to life and the defense starting to show some life (3 sacks last week), Bulger should be a more productive high QB2 to low QB1 as we move towards the mid-point of the season!
Boldin Status uncertain for week
...as more reports came back, the prognosis of the Boldin's soon return to the field look good. There's no question the hit he took on Sunday against the Jets was vicious and no one would expect any player to return any time soon after suffering such. According to sources with the team, Boldin was alert on the field and wanted to get up on his own, but team staff told him no. All tests performed following the injury came back negative and it appears the only serious injury is a sinus fracture. His status is uncertain and it is not clear if he'll play this Sunday. According to HC Ken Whisenhunt, the team will wait until Boldin is cleared medically before making any determination. If you own Boldin, time to hit the WW and find your replacement. Hint, hint, look no further than the Cardinals!
Kiffin out in Oakland...
...well it came as no surprise, rather more like a "finally." Probably the only surprise was the long-winded pres conference held by team owner Al Davis himself. It's hard to contest anything that Davis had to say, when offering his reason for Kiffin's release, but my question would have been, why did this take so long. If you've heard the excerpts from the press conference, you could only come away thinking, "what a dysfunctional situation." Davis called Kiffin, "the wrong guy." Did it really take this long, four weeks into the regular season to come to that conclusion. The sad part of this story is the 1-3 Raiders, who could easily be 3-1. It was probably a situation that could not continue, but if this team was on the verge of turning any corners, this drastic change could easily set them back. Fantasy owners should pay attention to how this team moves forward and play any Raider players with caution.
Steelers sign RB Najeh Davenport...
...with Willie Parker already expected to be sidelined in week 5, with rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall now on the injured reserves the Steelers have announced the signing of RB Najeh Davenport. While Davenport is very familiar with the system and could see immediate short-yardage and goal-line action in week 5, fantasy owners probably should eye this situation as an opportunity to grab an ideal ball-hawk (touchdown vulture). The Steelers will likely elevate RB Mewelde in the starting role and according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he would become the team's "feature back" for the short term. With the teams bye coming up in week 6, the word is Parker will be ready to return in week 7. For the short term and long term, Davenport has little value if any for fantasy owners.
Henry returns to Cincy...
...well isn't it ironic that the one guy this team cast aside during the off-season, could very well be the spark plug this aerial attack needs to get a soaring again. Chris Henry has often found himself in the midst of controversies surrounding his off-the-field actions, but when was the last time he was looked at as a possible savior? Okay, savior could be quite a stretch, okay a long stretch, but entering the 2008 season the Cincinnati Bengals boasted one of the leagues top 10 (in some circles, top 5) passers and two of its elite pass catchers. To see this team ranked any lower than a top 8 passing offense, was never conceived. Now four games into the season, the Bengal's QB Carson Palmer has struggled and both wide outs have made little impact in the fantasy world. Henry is currently on the reserve/suspended list and it won't be determined until later this week by HC Marvin Lewis is he will be activated. Henry was not Marvin's decision to rejoin the team, so he doesn't appear to be a fan, but at 0-4 desperate times call for desperate measure. Fantasy owners will have to wait and see, but I'd bet we see number 15 (don't know the Spanish lingo here) on the field Sunday against the Cowboys.
"Rudi's on duty" in Detroit now....
...According to the Detroit Free Press the Lions have made the announcement that Rudi Johnson will be their starter for week 5. Considering how Johnson played in week 3, this move came in as no surprise. Head Coach Rod Marinelli had stated following the game that he felt Johnson was running hard and getting it going. The puzzling thing is the rookie RB Kevin Smith had only 3 carries, but did have 14 yards (4.6 yds/carry), before Marinelli sent him to the bench in week 3. It looks like the team was just waiting for Johnson to get his legs back to football shape. Fantasy owners should note, while this announcement comes as a week 5 start, this move is likely more for the long haul of the season. Rookie Kevin Smith is certainly not dispensable, but if you're hoping for reliable weekly contributions from him, look elsewhere. Rudi should be a serviceable flex option only in the coming weeks with matchups against the Bears and Vikings.
Rams lose McMichael for 6 weeks...
...the Rams tight end went down twice in the team's week 4 game against the Bills before leaving finally leaving with a broken tibia or shin bone. The expected time missed for a broken tibia is six-weeks, but HC Jim Haslett indicated that McMichael has a couple of other things that could extend the time he could miss. Haslett said Tuesday the team is considering placing McMichael on the Injured Reserve. This is typical of McMichael for fantasy owners. While it is unfortunate that the tight end has suffered an injury, it comes as no surprise. Last season McMichael was a bust with only 39 receptions and three touchdowns for the season. The thought was heading into the 2008 season, that with the return of Al Saunders to the Rams, McMichael could be one of fantasy football's best sleepers. It looks like instead, he has put fantasy owners to sleep for another season!
McGahee uncertain for Sunday with rib injury...
...certainly the injury to RB Willis McGahee (ribs) has to be a concern to the Ravens coaching staff, but for fantasy owners who followed McGahee's story heading into the 2008 season this may not be. If you were on the McGahee watch as the season approached, you may have be eyeing the Ravens backfield and made a move for rookie RB Ray Rice and RB LeRon McClain (after week 1). If McGahee can not go this week, McClain would be the odds-on favorite to start against the Titans. While his matchup doesn't look appealing I would not count the 260 pounder from being an effective and reliable RB3 or flex option for week 5.
Check back soon for more fantasy news...
By David G. Ortega
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