FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (Fantasy News)

October 7th, 2008 9:30pm PST


FSH: David's Daily Digest
Fantasy News

NOISE-SHAKERS! PLAY-MAKERS! GAME-BREAKERS!


Maroney and Ocho, leading wrong pack...
...one thing in common about Patriots RB Laurence Maroney, WR Chad Johnson, QB Carson Palmer, WR Braylen Edwards, and QB Derek Anderson, they all are in the running for this year's "Fantasy Bust of the Year." Yes, there are a few more names that could be added, but these will do for now. While both Ocho and Edwards will only go as far as their quarterbacks do, many of us fantasy owners are hoping their luck will change and fast. Now in New England, its hard to pin a finger on it, but Maroney's production is down this season and there's no explaination. He's yet to total 100 yards on the ground and has not seen the end-zone. With a full backfield in Foxboro and no Brady, it could be soon that Maroney gets lost in the shuffle and becomes non-relevant in fantasy leagues.

Brian Westbrook suffer broken ribs...
...is this really any shock to anyone. Players will get hurt and at the running back spot, injuries are common, but with Mr.Westbrook it's always going to be game-time. Westbrooks latest prognosis, he has broken ribs and will likely sit this week in practice and depending on how he feels on Friday (whether he practices or not) he will once again be llisted as a game-time decision. Check your "waiver wires" and "Search the scrap heaps!"

Is there a controversy in Tampa...
...last Sunday an ineffective quarterback Brian Griese left the field with an elbow injury and was replaced with QB Jeff Garcia. The interesting point here, this is how Griese took over the reigns as the starter when an injured Garcia was replaced. So will this be a repeat? Will Garcia now replace and injured Griese? As of Monday, Head Coach Jon Gruden would not committ to either quarterback starting, but remember Griese has struggled with ineffectiveness and 6 turnovers the last several weeks. Healthy or not, it would not be a surprise to see Garcia named the starter in week 6!

Boldin not likely to play before bye...
...With the team's bye scheduled for week 7, there does not appear any reason to rush Boldin back on the field, especially with WR STeve Breaston playing well in his absence. According to the Arizona Republic, it is not believed that the Cardinals will rush Boldin back and he could miss week 6 against the Cowboys.

Monsters of the Midway return...
...solid quarterback play (not great, but solid), a good running game (ranked 9th) and a formidable defense marks the return of the "Monsters of teh Midway." The Chicago Bears may not be playing exactly like the 85' team, but this year's team is getting it done making the signature plays that the Bears are know for! This season the Bears are getting lots pressure on the opposing quarterbacks with 12 sacks (ranked 9th) this season. The Bears are also doing a great job making opposing offenses one dimensional with their 4th ranked run defense. This season the Bears are allowing the fewest run attempts per game at 19.8. While they are not the 85' Bears, they seem to be good enough to be in first in the NFC North!

Cassell to Moss, something to remember....
...just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water or drop back deep in coverage, surprise, surprise, Moss is back. Okay, it may be a little to early to start leading the ticker tape parade, but if you are a Patriots fan or a fantasy owner that did not sell Moss last week you are happy today! It may be too early to get too excited, but certainly Moss' 5 catches for 111 yards and his 66 yard catch and run for a score are a good sign that the Patriots homerun threat could be coming to life!

Seahawks' Branch suffers heel injury...
...the Seahawks starting receiver Deion Branch suffered an injury to his heel on Sunday and his status for week 6 is uncertain. Branch suffered the injury in the first quarter and he didn't play in the second half. The injury is being called a bruised heel, which is a good sign. It sounds like the injury is more of a pain issue for Branch, so he could play, but I would expect to see him sitting in week 6 and resting the heel. Branch relies on his speed and quickness, playing can only aggravate and prolong the injury. Check the unjury reports on Friday, if he's able to practice pain free, then he could play otherwise I wouldn't count on it.

Rams lose tight end for the season...
...the Rams tight end Randy McMichael was expected to miss at least six weeks when his injury was announced, the move to place him on the IR really came as no surprise. For fantasy owners, McMichael has now been a bust in leagues the last two season (39 receptions in 07, 11 receptions this season). The life of a tight end in the NFL never seems to last very long for most and with injuries now slowing him down, McMichael could be on the backend of his career. McMichael will turn 30 before camp opens next season.


Check back soon for more fantasy news...

By David G. Ortega