FSH: WEEKLY ROUND-UP (WEEK 16)

December 20th, 2008 10:47am PST

WEEKLY ROUND-UP...


***Pope could start this Sunday...
.....the Broncos running back ran well last week in the teams loss to the Panthers. Pope saw action with the first team in practice this week and it looks like he has a chance to start. If Pope does start he will likely split carries with running back Tatum Bell, but could see most of the carries inside the 5.

***Boldin could miss action this week...
.....the Cards have the division locked and with Boldin missing practice all week, he is more than likely going to sit this one out. The team will need him healthy for the playoffs in tow weeks.

***Forte completes practice on Friday...
....the Bears running back returned to practice on Friday. Although he was limited, there's little chance he'll miss the Monday matchup with the Packers. Forte totaled 104-yards in the teams first meeting. Owners should have him in the lineup.

***Barber misses third straight practice...
....the Cowboys running back is banged up missing practice all week. If he plays tonight, he'll be less than 100% and very limited. Rookie Tashard Choice has been a standout fill-in and will likely see the Lions share tonight.

***Gore does not practice Friday...
.....the Niners running back did not practice all week and his chances of playing look very slim. DeShaun Foster was an admirable fill-in last week and likely will do the same this week against the Rams.

***Garcia expected to start Sunday for Bucs...
....the Bucs quarterback was limited in practice all week, but with so much at stake this week for the team, expect Garcia to play. His mobility could be somewhat limited, so expect to see the Bucs try to run, down-grading Garcia's value as a low QB2 starter.

***Portis misses practice Friday...
....the Redskins running back was held out of Friday's practice due to back spasms. His status for Sunday appears unclear and with some leagues in their championship week Portis could be a huge risk to play against the Eagles.

***Reggie Brown expected to see action Sunday...
....the Eagles have a couple of wounded wings this week with Baskett OUT and Curtis doubtful. Receiver Reggie Brown will likely see his first action in several weeks. Even with the prospect of a big role in the pass game, with McNabb spreading the ball as he does, Brown would be a risky play against the Redskins this week.

***Smith limited this week, but will play Sunday...
....the Lions rookie running back should be available Sunday, although he was limited all week. Kevin Smith has been dinged up a bit this season and is nursing an ankle injury, but last week he had 26 touches, so owners can expect the usual load.


Looking for an edge?
Don't forget to check out the Friday practice report. You already know your player is hurt, but how will he perform or will he play? Check the Friday practice report for all of the latest and telling information you need to make those last minute line-up decisions!


FRIDAY'S PRACTICE NOTES
Notable players listed

Arizona Cardinals
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin (shoulder) did not practice Friday. He is listed as questionable, but may not play Sunday.

Baltimore Ravens
Wide receiver Derrick Mason (shoulder) was limited in practice Friday. He is listed as probable on the teams injury report and will start tonight.

Rookie running back Ray Rice (calf) was limited during practice Friday. He is questionable and will likely be a game-time decision.

Buffalo Bills
Quarterback Trent Edwards (groin) was limited during practice Friday. He's listed as questionable, but expected to make his first start since being injured in Week 13.

Running back Marshawn Lynch (shoulder) was limited during practice Friday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday, but expected to start against the Broncos.

Chicago Bears
Rookie running back Matt Forte (toe) was limited Friday during practice, but is expected to play and start Monday night against the Packers.

Cincinnati Bengals
Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hand) was a full participant in practice Friday. He is listed as probable for Sunday and expected to start.

Dallas Cowboys
Quarterback Tony Romo (back) participated in practice Friday. He is listed as probable and expected to start tonight against the Ravens.

The Cowboys running back Marion Barber (toe) did not participate in practice Friday. He is listed as questionable, but will be a game-time decision tonight.

Detroit Lions
Rookie running back Kevin Smith (ankle) was limited during practice. He is listed as questionable for Sunday, but expected to play.

Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (ankle) was a full participant in practice Friday. He is listed as probable for Sunday and expected to start.

New York Giants
The Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) was limited during practice Friday. He is questionable for Week 16, but expected to play.

Philadelphia Eagles
Running back Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, but he is expected to play Sunday against the Redskins.

San Diego Chargers
Wide receiver Vincent Jackson (concussion) participated in practice Friday. He is listed as probable for Sunday and expected to play.

San Francisco 49ers
The Niners running back Frank Gore (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday. He is expected to be a game-time decision.

Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (back) did not practice Friday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday, but not expected to play against the Jets.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs quarterback Jeff Garcia (calf) was limited during practice Friday. He is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Chargers.


NFL OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT
WEEK 16

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Arizona Cardinals

QUESTIONABLE RB J.J. Arrington (knee), WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder), WR Early Doucet (hamstring), WR Sean Morey (shoulder), LB Pago Togafau (knee), SS Adrian Wilson (toe)OUT DL Travis LaBoy (ankle), LB Clark Haggans (foot)INJURED RESERVE C Al Johnson (knee)

Atlanta Falcons

QUESTIONABLE FB Ovie Mughelli (hamstring), WR Brian Finneran (calf), OT Todd Weiner (knee), OL Sam Baker (back/hip), DL John Abraham (thigh/shoulder), DL Grady Jackson (knee)INJURED RESERVE RB Thomas Brown (undisclosed)

Carolina Panthers

PROBABLE LB Jon Beason (illness)QUESTIONABLE DL Gary Gibson (hand), DL Ma'ake Kemoeatu (ankle)DOUBTFUL LB Hilee Taylor (calf)OUT WR Kenneth Moore (hamstring), OG Keydrick Vincent (groin)INJURED RESERVE WR Josh Davis (undisclosed)

Chicago Bears

PROBABLE DL Tommie Harris (knee)QUESTIONABLE RB Matt Forte (toe), WR Marty Booker (ribs)OUT FB Jason McKie (quadriceps)INJURED RESERVE OT Fred Miller (shoulder), CB Nathan Vasher (hand)

Dallas Cowboys

PROBABLE QB Tony Romo (back), WR Miles Austin (knee), WR Isaiah Stanback (shoulder), WR Roy Williams (foot), TE Jason Witten (ankle), CB Tra Battle (hamstring), CB Adam Jones (neck), SS Keith Davis (knee), FS Ken Hamlin (foot)QUESTIONABLE RB Marion Barber III (toe)DOUBTFUL CB Alan Ball (ankle)OUT OG Montrae Holland (ankle), LB Bobby Carpenter (knee/calf)INJURED RESERVE RB Felix Jones (hamstring), WR Sam Hurd (ankle), P Mat McBriar (foot)

Detroit Lions

PROBABLE TE Casey FitzSimmons (illness), DL Chuck Darby (calf)QUESTIONABLE RB Kevin Smith (ankle), OG Edwin Mulitalo (ankle), DL Dewayne White (calf), CB Leigh Bodden (groin)DOUBTFUL QB Daunte Culpepper (shoulder)INJURED RESERVE QB Jon Kitna (back), RB Brian Calhoun (thigh), RB Aveion Cason (ankle), WR Reggie Ball (knee), WR Shaun McDonald (ankle), TE Dan Campbell (elbow), DL Cory Redding (knee), FS Gerald Alexander (neck)

Green Bay Packers

PROBABLE TE Tory Humphrey (concussion), OT Chad Clifton (knee/finger), CB Al Harris (shoulder), CB Charles Woodson (toe)QUESTIONABLE RB Brandon Jackson (wrist), FB Korey Hall (knee)OUT DL Justin Harrell (back/hip)INJURED RESERVE RB Kregg Lumpkin (hamstring), WR Shaun Bodiford (back), OG Junius Coston (knee), OL J.J. Jansen (knee), DL Rodney Allen (undisclosed), DL Cullen Jenkins (chest)

Minnesota Vikings

PROBABLE RB Adrian Peterson (ankle), DL Brian Robison (knee)QUESTIONABLE QB Gus Frerotte (back), DL Jared Allen (knee)DOUBTFUL WR Darius Reynaud (foot), OG Artis Hicks (elbow)OUT DL Pat Williams (shoulder)INJURED RESERVE LB E.J. Henderson (foot), SS Michael Boulware (undisclosed)

New Orleans Saints

PROBABLE RB Deuce McAllister (knee), OT Jammal Brown (ankle)OUT DL Kendrick Clancy (hamstring)INJURED RESERVE RB Reggie Bush (knee), RB Aaron Stecker (hamstring), WR Adrian Arrington (toe), TE Mark Campbell (knee), DL Charles Grant (triceps), DL Hollis Thomas (triceps), DL Brian Young (knee), LB Mark Simoneau (back), CB Greg Fassitt (knee), CB Tracy Porter (wrist)

New York Giants

PROBABLE RB Ahmad Bradshaw (neck), RB Derrick Ward (ankle), OG Rich Seubert (illness), OT Kareem McKenzie (back), DL Justin Tuck (lower leg), FS Kenny Phillips (concussion)QUESTIONABLE RB Brandon Jacobs (knee), WR Domenik Hixon (ankle/foot), WR Sinorice Moss (calf), DL Fred Robbins (shoulder)OUT LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee)INJURED RESERVE QB Anthony Wright (neck), RB Reuben Droughns (neck), OL Glenn Bujnoch (knee), OL Guy Whimper (foot), SS Sammy Knight (hip)PUP WR David Tyree (knee)NFI WR Plaxico Burress (hamstring)

Philadelphia Eagles

PROBABLE RB Correll Buckhalter (knee), RB Brian Westbrook (knee), OT Jon Runyan (knee), LB Stewart Bradley (groin/back), SS Quintin Demps (groin), FS Brian Dawkins (back)QUESTIONABLE OG Todd Herremans (shoulder/ankle)DOUBTFUL WR Kevin Curtis (calf)OUT WR Hank Baskett (knee), OG Shawn Andrews (back)INJURED RESERVE OT King Dunlap (ankle), OT Michael Gibson (shoulder)

San Francisco 49ers

PROBABLE WR Josh Morgan (head), OT Joe Staley (ankle), DL Ronald Fields (foot), CB Allen Rossum (ankle), SS Michael Lewis (abdomen), FS Mark Roman (head)QUESTIONABLE RB Frank Gore (ankle), OG Adam Snyder (ankle), LB Ahmad Brooks (back)INJURED RESERVE QB Alex D. Smith (shoulder), WR Arnaz Battle (foot), OT Jonas Jennings (shoulder), CB Shawntae Spencer (knee)

Seattle Seahawks

QUESTIONABLE QB Matt Hasselbeck (back), WR Koren Robinson (knee), LB D.D. Lewis (shin), FS Jordan Babineaux (concussion)DOUBTFUL OT Sean Locklear (toe), LB LeRoy Hill (neck)INJURED RESERVE WR Nate Burleson (ACL), WR Ben Obomanu (shoulder), OG Rob Sims (pectoral), OT Walter Jones (knee), OT William Robinson (undisclosed), C Chris Spencer (back), OL Tyler Schmitt (undisclosed), DL Chris Cooper (undisclosed), DL Patrick Kerney (shoulder)PUP LB Will Herring (undisclosed)

St. Louis Rams

PROBABLE PK Josh Brown (groin), OG Jacob Bell (hamstring), DL La'Roi Glover (knee), CB Ron Bartell (back), CB Jason Craft (back)INJURED RESERVE RB Brian Leonard (shoulder), WR Drew Bennett (foot), WR Dante' Hall (ankle), WR Derek Stanley (knee), TE Randy McMichael (leg), LB Gary Stills (knee)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

PROBABLE P Josh Bidwell (illness)QUESTIONABLE QB Jeff Garcia (calf), OT Jeremy Zuttah (ankle), DL Gaines Adams (ankle), DL Jovan Haye (knee), DL Chris Hovan (knee), DL Greg White (shoulder), LB Derrick Brooks (ribs)INJURED RESERVE RB Earnest Graham (ankle), WR Cortez Hankton (undisclosed), CB Torrie Cox (knee), SS Jermaine Phillips (forearm)

Washington Redskins

PROBABLE WR Santana Moss (concussion), OG Pete Kendall (knee), LB London Fletcher (foot), SS Chris Horton (shoulder)QUESTIONABLE RB Clinton Portis (back), DL Kedric Golston (ankle), DL Cornelius Griffin (shoulder), LB Marcus Washington (ankle)DOUBTFUL OT Jon Jansen (knee)INJURED RESERVE OG Kerry Brown (shoulder)

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Baltimore Ravens

PROBABLE WR Derrick Mason (shoulder), PK Matt Stover (ankle), P Sam Koch (back), OT Willie Anderson (ankle), OT Jared Gaither (illness), OT Adam Terry (knee), DL Terrell Suggs (thigh)QUESTIONABLE RB Ray Rice (calf), CB Samari Rolle (ankle), CB Fabian Washington (thigh), FS Ed Reed (thigh)OUT WR Marcus Maxwell (hip)INJURED RESERVE QB Kyle Boller (shoulder), RB Cory Ross (undisclosed), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle), TE Quinn Sypniewski (knee), OL Marshal Yanda (knee), LB Tavares Gooden (hip), CB Derrick Martin (shoulder), CB David Pittman (undisclosed)

Buffalo Bills

QUESTIONABLE QB Trent Edwards (groin), RB Marshawn Lynch (shoulder), WR Roscoe Parrish (knee), OT Jason Peters (knee), CB Dustin Fox (groin)DOUBTFUL CB Jabari Greer (knee)OUT WR James Hardy (knee), LB Teddy Lehman (groin)INJURED RESERVE DL Chris Ellis (ankle), LB Angelo Crowell (knee), LB John DiGiorgio (knee), CB Ashton Youboty (foot)SUSPENDED DL Anthony Hargrove

Cincinnati Bengals

PROBABLE RB Chris Perry (groin), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (hand), WR Chad Johnson (hamstring), TE Ben Utecht (foot), OG Bobbie Williams (toe), OT Stacy Andrews (illness), C Eric Ghiaciuc (illness), OL Anthony Collins (knee), LB Rashad Jeanty (shin), CB David Jones (knee), FS Mike Doss (undisclosed), FS Chinedum Ndukwe (foot)QUESTIONABLE RB Kenny Watson (hamstring)OUT QB Carson Palmer (elbow), OT Levi Jones (hamstring)INJURED RESERVE RB DeDe Dorsey (hamstring), RB Kenny Irons (knee), FB Jeremi Johnson (knee), WR Antonio Chatman (neck), TE Matt Sherry (shoulder), OG Kyle Cook (toe), C Dan Santucci (ankle), DL Robert Geathers (knee), DL Frostee Rucker (hamstring), LB Abdul Hodge (elbow), LB Keith Rivers (jaw), CB Johnathan Joseph (foot), SS Dexter Jackson (hamstring), SS Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring), SS Corey Lynch (knee)

Cleveland Browns

QUESTIONABLE RB Jerome Harrison (ribs), FB Lawrence Vickers (ankle), WR Josh Cribbs (back), P Dave Zastudil (knee), OG Eric Steinbach (back), DL Shaun Rogers (neck), DL Corey Williams (shoulder)DOUBTFUL DL Shaun Smith (calf), LB Leon Williams (knee)OUT TE Kellen Winslow (ankle)INJURED RESERVE QB Brady Quinn (finger), C Lennie Friedman (undisclosed), LB Antwan Peek (knee)PUP WR Joe Jurevicius (knee)

Denver Broncos

PROBABLE RB Selvin Young (groin), WR Brandon Marshall (hip), DL Dewayne Robertson (knee), LB Mario Haggan (knee), LB D.J. Williams (knee/shoulder), CB Josh Bell (thigh), CB Karl Paymah (groin), SS Marquand Manuel (hamstring), FS Marlon McCree (ankle)QUESTIONABLE FB Spencer Larsen (groin), WR Brandon Stokley (foot), OL Ryan Clady (ankle), OL Chris Kuper (hand), CB Champ Bailey (groin), SS Vernon Fox (concussion)INJURED RESERVE QB Patrick Ramsey (elbow), RB Anthony Aldridge (foot), RB Andre Hall (hand), RB Michael Pittman (neck), RB Ryan Torain (ACL), FB Peyton Hillis (hamstring), FB Cecil Sapp (quadriceps), WR Cliff Russell (neck), WR Edell Shepherd (knee), TE Nate Jackson (hamstring), LB Boss Bailey (knee)NFI OG Erik Pears (appendix)

Houston Texans

PROBABLE TE Clark Harris (illness), OG Chester Pitts (ankle), DL Jesse Nading (knee)QUESTIONABLE LB Xavier Adibi (groin)INJURED RESERVE RB Chris Brown (back), RB Ahman Green (knee), FB Chris Taylor (quadriceps), WR Harry Williams (neck), DL Earl Cochran (toe), DL Stanley McClover (knee), FS C.C. Brown (forearm)

Kansas City Chiefs

PROBABLE C Rudy Niswanger (knee)QUESTIONABLE DL Alfonso Boone (thigh), CB Maurice Leggett (shoulder)OUT LB Donnie Edwards (knee)INJURED RESERVE RB Kolby Smith (knee), DL Brian Johnston (calf), DL Turk McBride (forearm)

Miami Dolphins

PROBABLE CB Jason Allen (hand)QUESTIONABLE LB Channing Crowder (knee)INJURED RESERVE WR Greg Camarillo (ACL), OG Donald Thomas (foot), OL Matt McChesney (knee)

New England Patriots

PROBABLE WR Kelley Washington (thigh), DL Ty Warren (groin), DL Vince Wilfork (shoulder), CB Lewis Sanders (shoulder)QUESTIONABLE OT Matt Light (shoulder), OL Mark LeVoir (ankle), LB Gary Guyton (ankle), LB Vince Redd (ankle), CB Ellis Hobbs (shoulder), SS James Sanders (abdomen), SS Ray Ventrone (ankle)OUT LB Tedy Bruschi (knee)INJURED RESERVE QB Tom Brady (knee), RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder), DL Kenny Smith (arm), LB Eric Alexander (hamstring), LB Bo Ruud (ankle), LB Pierre Woods (jaw), CB Terrence Wheatley (wrist), SS Rodney Harrison (quadriceps)NFI OT Oliver Ross (shoulder)

New York Jets

PROBABLE WR Jerricho Cotchery (shoulder), OG Brandon Moore (ankle), DL Jason Trusnik (knee)QUESTIONABLE WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), WR Brad Smith (head), OT Wayne Hunter (shoulder), DL Kris Jenkins (hip), LB Eric Barton (knee), LB David Harris (groin), LB Bryan Thomas (shoulder)INJURED RESERVE RB Jesse Chatman (knee), RB Danny Woodhead (knee), SS Cameron Worrell (undisclosed)

Oakland Raiders

PROBABLE TE Zach Miller (shoulder), DL Tommy Kelly (knee)QUESTIONABLE FB Luke Lawton (concussion)DOUBTFUL WR Ronald Curry (toe), WR Ashley Lelie (calf)OUT LB Ricky Brown (groin)INJURED RESERVE FB Justin Griffith (ACL), WR Arman Shields (knee), WR Javon Walker (ankle), TE Ben Troupe (foot), OL Paul McQuistan (knee), LB Robert Thomas (hamstring), SS Tyvon Branch (shoulder)

Pittsburgh Steelers

PROBABLE LB James Harrison (foot), LB LaMarr Woodley (knee), SS Troy Polamalu (foot), FS Ryan Clark (foot)QUESTIONABLE DL Brett Keisel (knee)OUT OT Marvel Smith (back)INJURED RESERVE QB Charlie Batch (collarbone), RB Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder), OG Kendall Simmons (Achilles')

San Diego Chargers

PROBABLE FB Mike Tolbert (shoulder), WR Vincent Jackson (concussion), C Nick Hardwick (concussion), LB Stephen Cooper (knee), CB Quentin Jammer (illness), SS Clinton Hart (shoulder)DOUBTFUL LB Anthony Waters (hamstring)OUT WR Malcom Floyd (lungs)INJURED RESERVE WR Craig Davis (groin), TE Scott Chandler (toe), DL Keith Grennan (fibula), LB Shawne Merriman (knee)

Tennessee Titans

PROBABLE DL Jevon Kearse (groin), LB David Thornton (hip), CB Chris Carr (illness)OUT DL Albert Haynesworth (knee), DL Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin), CB Cary Williams (quadriceps)INJURED RESERVE CB Reynaldo Hill (hip), CB Eric King (foot)

***WEEK 16 FANTASY TID-BITS***

WEEK 16 numbers, trends, & stats

The numbers:

1. The Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has thrown at least 2 touchdowns in nine games this season.
2. The Saints quarterback Drew Brees has passed for over 300-yards eight times this season.
3. The Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams has scored a rushing touchdown in seven straight games.
4. The Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has thrown 3 or more touchdowns in six games this season.
5. The Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan has passed for more than 250-yards five times this season.
6. The Falcons running back Michael Turner has had two or more touchdowns in four games this season.
7. The Texans rookie running back Steve Slaton has rushed for over 100-yards in three straight games.
8. The Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson has a touchdown reception in his last two starts.
9. Running backs Brian Westbrook (Eagles), DeAngelo Williams (Panthers), and Michael Turner (Falcons), have each scored 4 rushing touchdowns in a single game once this season.

Trends:

Over the past three weeks, Ravens running back LeRon McClain who will face a stout Cowboys run defense has averaged 23 touches per game and 78-yards rushing, but with only one score. The Rams running back Steven Jackson has not been the fantasy stud this season everyone expected, but in his last three games Jackson is averaging around 26 touches and 101-total yards per game. Rookie running back Steve Slaton has been a pleasant surprise for Texans fans as well as fantasy owners. Over his last four starts, Slaton is averaging more than 26 touches and 132-total yards per game.

Stats:

The Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson leads the NFL with 103 receptions and 1,408-yards receiving. This season Johnson has topped 100-yards receiving and recorded 10 catches or more in six games. He's been targeted 153 times this season, regardless of matchup he is an every week starter.

The Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker ranks second in the NFL with 102 receptions. His 1,071-yards receiving ranks 9th in the league. This season Welker has had fewer than 6 receptions in a game just once. For the season, Welker has been targeted 137 times and he's caught 8 passes or more in a game 5 times. In his last three starts he's averaging 11 targets, making him a solid WR2 week in and week out.

The Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams has been a fantasy monster this season with 1,229-yards rushing and 14 rushing touchdowns. In his past three starts Williams has scored 7 times and rushed for 346-yards averaging 25 fantasy points per game over that span. Even though he'll face a tough Giants defense Sunday night, averaging 20+ touches per game over his last four, Williams will get plenty of work to be productive.

FSH: MORE FOOTBALL DIGEST

December 18th, 2008 11:15pm PST


BIG "D" is for Defense

The Cowboys defense;
Getting it done...

Very quietly over the past several weeks, the Cowboys defense has been flying below the radar, but causing much disruption. It is very easy to overlook this bunch considering that is does play in the shadow of it's highly recognized offense that includes the likes of Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, and company. With these flamboyant characters drawing attention, the defense has had to force its opponents to take notice.

While the Cowboys continue to battle for their post-season existence, it has been the defense that has been carrying the team. Since quarterback Tony Romo's return the Cowboys have rattled off fours wins in their last five games. While Romo has been one of the catalysts in this turnaround, it really has been the play of the defense for the team’s recent surge into playoff contention. In the team’s first nine games, the Cowboys defense allowed 219-points (24.3 per game) and registered just 26 sacks. On November 2nd in Week 9 against their division rivals, the Cowboys were blown out by the Giants in the Meadowlands 35-14. The loss dropped their record to 5-4 and had the team on the playoff bubble and looking in from the outside. It was following this devastating loss to New York that had the Cowboys reeling and asking questions, but little did the NFL world realize it would be the "D" in Big "D" that would answer. The Cowboys had their starting quarterback back in the lineup and that may have been just what the team and the defense needed to get their swagger back. In their Week 11 matchup following their bye, the Cowboys defense began a run of dominance that has the team situated smack in the middle of playoff contention and on the rise to make noise in the post season.

In week 11, against the Redskins the Cowboys defense limited their foes to just 228-yards of offense and 10 points, while recording three sacks and forcing one turnover. This would be the first of five games that the Cowboys defense would come to life, flex its muscle and dominate like one of the leagues very best. From Weeks 11 thru 15 the Cowboys defense has simply been smothering and suffocating its opponents, recording 27 sacks and forcing 9 turnovers. Big "D" has also been limiting opposing offenses to an average of 262-net yards per game, while having surrendered just four offensive touchdowns during this run. Opponents in the last five games have totaled 69 points scored for13.8-points per game average. This recent surge in great play by the defense has elevated the Cowboys to the number one pass rushing unit in the league with 53 total sacks and their 287-yards allowed per game ranks 7th overall. The Cowboys have also vastly improved their run defense limiting opponents to just 68-yards per game over the team’s last five matchups.

One of the biggest keys for the Cowboys big turnaround on defense has been the spectacular play of linebacker DeMarcus Ware. The Cowboys linebacker has registered at least one sack in the team’s last six games and over the last five he has 25 total tackles to go along with 9 sacks to lead the defense. His 19 total sacks this season is tops in the NFL. He just needs four more to break Michael Strahan's single season record. Ware has not been alone on the defensive side getting the job, linebackers Bradie James, Greg Ellis, and nose tackle Jay Ratliff have also been big contributors. James has recorded 44 tackles (8.8 tackles per game), including 30 solo, to go with 3 sacks in the teams last five games. Ellis has also added 4.5 sacks in the past five games. Along with disruption in the middle and clogging the run, Ratliff has added 19 total tackles to go along with 3 sacks during the same stretch.

With two games left against the Ravens (9-5) and the Eagles (8-5-1), there appears to be no let up in sight for Ware and company. The Cowboys are a front-runner to make the post season, but there is very little room for error. With Big "D" ready to host its final home game at Texas Stadium, the defense prepares to face a tough Ravens team on Saturday night. For those that hunger for NFL excitement, both the Cowboys and Ravens have much at stake, both are physical teams that will bring it, no-holds barred; the table is set and the dinner bell rings at 8pm ET Saturday night.

Get your popcorn ready!

MORE FANTASY

WHO IS THE BETTER PLAY
Week 16

Having a rough time making those tough decisions? Don't know who the better play is? Taking a look at player matchups for Week 16 and studying recent trends of some, here are my preferred fantasy plays for this weekend’s slate of games.

Running backs

Sammy Morris over Kevin Faulk:
Running Back Kevin Faulk has been a fantasy stud flex option over the past several weeks. In fact his play has even rivaled some of the other RB2 options available. With the probability of snow forecasted for the Patriots Week 16 matchup with the Cardinals 15th ranked run defense and Sammy Morris healthy, Faulk could see fewer touches in the run game. Morris carried the ball 14 times last week and rushed for over 100-yards. With inclement weather expected (cold, windy, and possible snow), the Patriots are likely to stick to the ground game which would favor Morris.

DeShaun Foster over Frank Gore:
The Niners starting running back Frank Gore (ankle) missed practice again on Friday and according to head coach Mike Singletary will likely be a game-time decision. For those owners still engaged in fantasy leagues, last Sunday DeShaun Foster filling in for the injured Gore was a decent fantasy fill-in with 18 carries and 5 catches to go along with 101-total yards. It's hard to imagine the Niners pushing Gore back out on the field prematurely. It does sound optimistic that Gore could play Sunday, but seeing what Foster is capable of, the two would likely split carries with DeShaun getting the fair share. While the Rams 29th ranked defense offers a promising fantasy start this week, Gore will likely be limited (if he plays), Foster is the healthy and the preferred option.

Tashard Choice over Marion Barber:
To start with, the Cowboys running game does not have a very favorable matchup this Saturday night going up against the Ravens 3rd ranked defense. But in its past two games the rookie running back Tashard Choice has managed to use long runs to scamper his way to 179-yards against the leagues number two and four ranked run defenses. Choice has also totaled 309-yards of offense the last two weeks. Barber reaggravated his toe injury last week and hasn't practiced this week. He likely be a game-time decision, but if he does play he would more than likely be limited. Considering the impressive play of the Cowboys rookie running back, Choice once again is the preferred fantasy choice for Saturday night.

Wide Receivers

Marques Colston over Lance Moore:
The Saints passing game could once again become very healthy this Sunday against the leagues 21st ranked pass defense. With the Lions on slate, both Colston and Moore could be nice plays this week, but looking at the numbers only one figures to have a big game. While Moore leads the team in receptions (67) and yards (801) for the season, it has been Colston who’s led the team in receiving over the past three games. In the past three games Colston has 15 receptions for 216-yards, while Moore has just 10 catches for 77-yards, but more importantly Colston has been targeted 32 times to Moore's 21 in the same stretch. Expect to see Colston play a bigger role and have the better game.

Vincent Jackson over Chris Chambers:
In the Chargers last two games, there has been a big role reversal with these two receivers. In the past two weeks Jackson has become the favorite receiver with 18 targets, while Chambers has only seen 10. Jackson is also the teams leading receiver this season with 940-yards and 7 touchdowns, while Chambers has fallen off the map with just 3 catches in his last three starts. Fantasy owners should consider Jackson a decent WR3 play and the preferred option this week against the Bucs. Don't consider Chambers.

Quarterbacks

Tyler Thigpen over Eli Manning:
This week the struggling Giants will limp into a Week 16 matchup with the 11-3 Panthers. One reason for the Giants recent struggles has been the inconsistent play of quarterback Eli Manning. In the teams last two games Manning has averaged 157-yards passing per game with only 1 touchdowns against two interceptions. Even in his last two starts at home this season, Manning has averaged a 73.4 passer rating. This week he could have his hands full with the Panthers 12th ranked pass defense. Thigpen has been a big surprise this season for not only the Chiefs, but fantasy owners. In his last two starts Thigpen has averaged 179-yards passing and 37-yards rushing. The Chiefs quarterback has also thrown 2 touchdowns and added a rushing score over the past two weeks. This week Thigpen will face a Dolphins pass defense that is ranked 20th in the league and should be a decent QB2 play. Thigpen is the preferred option over Manning this Sunday.

Matt Ryan over Joe Flacco:
With the Ravens rookie quarterback heading to Big "D" to face the Cowboys big pass rush, it could be a long Saturday night. The Ravens are going to try to force the issue running the ball, but Flacco will undoubtedly have to make some plays. The Cowboys defense has been on the rise and Flacco could feel lots of heat in Week 16. While it's never easy being a rookie in the NFL, the Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan could be looking at a big game on Sunday. Traveling to Minnesota on Sunday, the Falcons QB will have the comforts of playing in a dome and facing one of the leagues poor pass defenses. While the Vikings can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, their 22nd ranked secondary has been susceptible to the big play with 45 pass plays for 20-yards or more. With half the wall gone, the Falcons will surely run and could set up some big plays. Ryan has to be the preferred play of the two rookies this week.


Keep checking back for more football and more fantasy....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: THURSDAY NIGHT'S FANTASY DIGEST

December 18th, 2008 9:50pm PST




THURSDAY NIGHT'S
FANTASY DIGEST
Fantasy News & Updates


TNF STARS...


Manning starts perfect on Thursday night...
....Colts quarterback Peyton Manning completed his first 17 passes on the night as he lit up the Jacksonville skies. Manning passed for 364-yards completing 29 of 34 passes. Manning also added 3 touchdown passes giving him 26 for the year.



Mojo was in a groove on Thursday night...
....the Jaguars running back totaled over 150-yards on Thursday night, rushing for 91-yards and catching 7 passes for another 71-yards receiving in the teams loss.



Garrard has big night against Colts.....
.....the Jaguars quarterback passed for 329-yards, threw a touchdown, and also added one rushing score. The one smudge on his night was a critical mistake late 4th quarter. The interception gave the Colts the lead and ultimately the game.

Wayne finds the end-zone...
.....the Colts wideout was solid Thursday night with 7 receptions for 108-yards and a touchdown in the Colts come-from-behind win over the Jags.

Rhodes more than a runner...
....the Colts running back did not have a big night on the ground, but he showed his versatility with 6 receptions for 62-yards and a 10-yard touchdown reception in the 3rd quarter.

Northcutt has big night against Colts...
....the Jaguars wide receiver had another big game as a starter. Thursday night against the Colts Northcutt caught 8 passes for 101-yards and a touchdown.

Clark catches 8 passes Thursday night...
....the Colts tight end was a solid fantasy starter once again with a big night against the jaguars. Clark caught 8 passes for 105-yards and a touchdown.


IDP NOTES...

Bethea busy Thursday night.....
....the Colts defensive back was on duty Thursday night chasing down the Jaguars Maurice Jones-Drew and racking up 10-total tackles.

Peterson lead the Jags D....
.....the Jaguars middle linebacker Mike Peterson led the Jags defensive charge with 7 solo tackles.

Brock records two sacks in win...
.....the Colts defensive lineman led the Colts defense with 6 tackles and two sacks, including a game deciding sack late in the game to end the Jags come back hopes.



MORE FOOTBALL NOTES...



Ware leads the NFL in sacks...
....the Cowboys linebacker has been an IDP stud this season recording 19 sacks (Leads the NFL) on the season, including 3 last week in the teams win over the Giants. Ware's emergence as a sack master leads a squad that has 53-total QB dumps this season, tops in the NFL

Brees having big year passing...
....the Saints may not have much to look forward to win their playoffs hopes all but lost, but Drew Brees has been a man on fire throwing the rock and his 4,332-yards to date give him an outside shot at history. He needs 753-yards over the next two weeks to eclipse Dan Marino's single season passing record. Next up Detroit and a step closer to history.

Johnson tops the league in yards.....
.....the Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson has been unstoppable at times this season leading the NFL with 1,408-yards receiving. Johnson is coming off a 207-yard, 11-catch performance last week and his 103 total receptions is tops as well.

Brown gearing up for big load on Sunday...
.....the Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown leads the team with 10 rushing touchdowns and could be looking to add to that total on Sunday. The Dolphins will face a Chiefs defense that has allowed 22 rushing touchdowns this season.

Slaton could be a busy back on Sunday...
....the Texans rookie has had a successful 2008 campaign rushing for over 1,000-yards in his first year as a pro. Slaton has been on a roll over the past five weeks rushing for over 100-yards in four out of his last five starts, including three straight. While the rookie only has 8 rushing touchdowns this season, he could add to that total against a Raider defense that has surrendered 20.

Steelers defense applying the pressure...
....Blitzburgh has returned to the steel-town with linebackers James Harrison (15-sacks) and LaMarr Woodley (12-sacks) leading the way. As the a unit, the Steelers rank 2nd in the NFL with 47 sacks, and their suffocating number one ranked defense is allowing a mere 239-yards per game. The Steel curtain is alive and well in 2008


Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...

By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (Fantasy News)

December 18th, 2008 8:50pm PST


David's Daily Digest
Fantasy News
[quick hits]

EARTH-SHAKERS! PLAY-MAKERS!
GAME-BREAKERS!

Edwards expected to start Sunday.....
.....the Bills quarterback returned to the starter's role in practice and took snaps with the 1st team. Edwards is expected to start this Sunday at Denver and could be a decent QB2 start, but with a championship on the line, owners may want to look to better options.

Jackson to start for the Vikings.....
.....the Vikings quarterback was efficient against a shaky Cardinal's secondary last week. This Sunday with defensive linemen John Abraham bringing pressure from the outside, Jackson could be a questionable start this week for owners. Expect the Vikings to run more.

Moss practices in full on Thursday...
.....the Redskins receiver suffered a concussion last Sunday against the Bengals according to head coach Jim Zorn. The injury is mild and Moss is expected to start against the Eagles on Sunday. In their last meeting Moss was held without a single catch.

Curtis could miss Sunday...
....the Eagles receiver did not practice on Thursday, so he's probably a long shot to play on Sunday if he doesn't practice Friday. Owners should keep an eye out on this one, before deciding to play or sit.

Saints shut Bush down for the season...
....the Saints have placed running back Reggie Bush on the injured reserve ending his season. With the Deuce down and now Bush out, running back Pierre Thomas could see an expanded role on Sunday, which could mean a big game against the Lions.

Brown's lose second tight end...
....the Brown's have placed tight end Steven Heiden on the injured reserve ending his season, but they will also be without tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. Tight end John Madsen will start this Sunday, but offers no value to fantasy owners.

Garcia limited on Thursday...
....the Buccaneers quarterback missed last Sunday, and while he says he will play this weekend, owners would be wise to wait and see if he practices in full on Friday. The Bucs need to win, so it would seem there's a good chance he'll play even at less than 100%.

Jackson appears ready for Sunday...
....the Rams running back says he's healthy and ready for Sunday against the Niners 13th ranked run defense. Jackson, who has a good matchup this week did not play in the first meeting this season, but averaged 104-total yards in two games in 2007.


IDP NEWS...

Harris practicing without limitations.....
....the Bears defensive lineman practiced Thursday without limitations. Harris has been playing well over the last several weeks and makes a decent start at DL for IDP owners against the Packers Monday night.

Suggs practices in full Thursday....
.....the Ravens linebacker participated in a full practice Thursday and will start Saturday night. Suggs has been a strong IDP play with 2.5 sacks in his last three starts.

Vanden Bosch is feeling better...
.....the Titan's defensive lineman is feeling well two days following his surgery and is hopeful to return for the teams divisional playoff game on January 10th or 11th.

Crowder returns to practice....
.....the Dolphins linebacker returned to practice, but was limited according to head coach Tony Sparano. Crowder is questionable for Sunday and could be a risky play for IDP owners, despite his 104 tackles this season.


Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...

By David G. Ortega