FSH: WEEKLY ROUND-UP (WILDCARD WEEKEND)

January 3rd, 2008 8:47am PST

WEEKLY ROUND-UP...


***Boldin set to play today...
.....the Cardinal's receiver Anquan Boldin (shoulder) has not played in the past couple of weeks, but after completing a full practice on Friday he is expected to start today against the Falcons. Boldin finished the season with 11 touchdowns and will be part of the Arizona aerial attack today. Fantasy owners can consider Boldin a decent WR2 option or better today.

***Tomlinson expected to be game-time...
.....the Charger's running back LaDanian Tomlinson (groin) has a torn tendon in his groin according to team sources. He has been receiving therapy and will attempt to play today, but his status remains uncertain. If Tomlinson does play, he could be limited making Sproles an even more valuable play today.

***Westbrook listed as questionable...
....the Eagle's running back Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) took part in limited practice Friday, but he is expected to start Sunday for the team. Westbrook has been instrumental in the team's second surge and should be in fantasy lineups on Sunday.

***Abraham questionable against Cards...
....the Falcon's defensive end John Abraham (thigh, shoulder) is listed as questionable for Saturday nursing injuries that limited his participation in practice Friday. He's likely a game-time decision, but it would be surprising to see him sit out.

***Gates is questionable for Saturday night...
.....the Charger's tight end Antonio Gates (ankle) is struggling to recover from his ankle injury. Gates has not practiced all week and his availability for tonight's matchup with the Colts is highly questionable. He is expected to be a game-time decision, but even if he plays he effectiveness could be limited.

***Mason limited, but expected to play...
....the Raven's wide receiver Derrick Mason (shoulder) was limited in practice Friday, but he is fully expected to start Sunday against the Dolphins. Mason has played the last several weeks with lingering injuries. He's shown the toughness to battle through, so owners should not be overly concerned with his effectiveness on Sunday.

***Smith uncertain for Sunday...
....the Eagle's tight end L.J. Smith (knee, shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday. His status is uncertain, but if Smith can not go, Brent Celek will start. Celek has played well down the stretch for Philly as a solid pass receiving option and is a good play for Sunday.


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 (included IDP)

Arizona Cardinals

--WR Anquan Boldin: AZCardinals.com reports Arizona Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--TE Leonard Pope: AZCardinals.com reports Arizona Cardinals TE Leonard Pope (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--DL Gabe Watson: AZCardinals.com reports Arizona Cardinals DT Gabe Watson (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--DL Travis LaBoy: AZCardinals.com reports Arizona Cardinals DE Travis LaBoy (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--SS Adrian Wilson: AZCardinals.com reports Arizona Cardinals FS Adrian Wilson (toe) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as probable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

Atlanta Falcons

--FB Ovie Mughelli: NFL.com reports Atlanta Falcons FB Ovie Mughelli (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff games.

--OT Todd Weiner: NFL.com reports Atlanta Falcons OT Todd Weiner (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff games.

--OL Sam Baker: NFL.com reports Atlanta Falcons OT Sam Baker (hip) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff games.

--DL Grady Jackson: NFL.com reports Atlanta Falcons DT Grady Jackson (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff games.

--DL Jamaal Anderson: NFL.com reports Atlanta Falcons DE Jamaal Anderson (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff games.

--DL John Abraham: NFL.com reports Atlanta Falcons DE John Abraham (thigh) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff games. --SS Lawyer Milloy: NFL.com reports Atlanta Falcons SS Lawyer Milloy (back) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff games.

Baltimore Ravens

--RB Ray Rice: Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice (leg) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--WR Mark Clayton: Baltimore Ravens WR Mark Clayton (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--WR Derrick Mason: Baltimore Ravens WR Derrick Mason (shoulder) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--LB Antwan Barnes: Baltimore Ravens LB Antwan Barnes (shoulder) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--LB Jarret Johnson: Baltimore Ravens LB Jarret Johnson (calf) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--CB Samari Rolle: Baltimore Ravens CB Samari Rolle (ankle, foot) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--CB Fabian Washington: Baltimore Ravens CB Fabian Washington (toe) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--FS Ed Reed: Baltimore Ravens FS Ed Reed (thigh) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--PK Matt Stover: Baltimore Ravens PK Matt Stover (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

Indianapolis Colts

--OG Mike Pollak: Indianapolis Colts OG Mike Pollak (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--LB Gary Brackett: Indianapolis Colts LB Gary Brackett (fibula) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He has been ruled out of the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--CB Keiwan Ratliff: Indianapolis Colts CB Keiwan Ratliff (groin) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--SS Bob Sanders: Indianapolis Colts SS Bob Sanders participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2, for the second straight day after missing practice Wednesday, Dec. 31, for a non-injury related issue. He is not on the injury report for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

Miami Dolphins

--TE David Martin: Miami Dolphins TE David Martin (head, neck) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game. Defense

--DL Randy Starks: Miami Dolphins DE Randy Starks (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

Minnesota Vikings

--WR Bernard Berrian: NFL.com reports Minnesota Vikings WR Bernard Berrian (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as probable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--DL Pat Williams: NFL.com reports Minnesota Vikings DT Pat Williams (shoulder) was limited during practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--DL Ray Edwards: NFL.com reports Minnesota Vikings DE Ray Edwards (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He has been ruled out of the team's Wild Card playoff game.

Philadelphia Eagles

--TE L.J. Smith: Philadelphia Eagles TE L.J. Smith (shoulder) was limited in practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is questionable for the team's playoff game.

--OT Jon Runyan: Philadelphia Eagles OT Jon Runyan (knee) did not practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is questionable for the team's playoff game.

--DL Victor Abiamiri: Philadelphia Eagles DL Victor Abiamiri (foot) will not play in the team's playoff game.

--CB Asante Samuel: Philadelphia Eagles CB Asante Samuel (hip) did not practice Friday, Jan. 2, and is questionable for the team's playoff game.

Pittsburgh Steelers

--RB Willie Parker: Gerry Dulac, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker (shoulder) does not think he will need surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. He said he no longer uses the protective shoulder harness because it restricts his ability to run.

San Diego Chargers

--RB LaDainian Tomlinson: San Diego Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson (groin) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as questionable for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

--TE Antonio Gates: Chris Jenkins, of the San Diego Union-Tribune, reports San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates' (ankle) ankle injury is beginning to sound more threatening to his availability for the team's playoff game. "If we were playing today, (Gates) probably wouldn't play," head coach Norv Turner said. "We've got two days, though, and I'm optimistic he will be able to play."

--LB Brandon Siler: San Diego Chargers LB Brandon Siler (foot) did not participate in practice Friday, Jan. 2. He is listed as doubtful for the team's Wild Card playoff game.

Tennessee Titans

--QB Vince Young: Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans QB Vince Young (ankle) appeared to aggravate an ankle injury during the team’s practice Thursday, Jan. 1, but head coach Jeff Fisher said Poole is fine.

--C Kevin Mawae: Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans C Kevin Mawae (elbow) missed the team’s practice Thursday, Jan. 1.

--DL Albert Haynesworth: Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans DT Albert Haynesworth (knee) missed the team’s practice Thursday, Jan. 1, but he did some running.

--DL Kyle Vanden Bosch: Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin) did extensive rehab work in practice Thursday, Jan. 1. He showed more burst and movement than at any time since the surgery.

--DL Dave Ball: Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans DE Dave Ball (groin) missed the team’s practice Thursday, Jan. 1.

--CB Tyrone Poole: Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans CB Tyrone Poole (hand) appeared to suffer a hand injury during the team’s practice Thursday, Jan. 1, but head coach Jeff Fisher said Poole is fine


NFL OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT
Wild card weekend
[Playoff Teams Only]

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Arizona Cardinals
PROBABLE WR Sean Morey (shoulder), OG Taitusi Lutui (knee), CB Ralph Brown (ribs), CB Roderick Hood (knee)QUESTIONABLE RB J.J. Arrington (knee), WR Anquan Boldin (shoulder), TE Stephen Spach (ankle), DL Kenny Iwebema (concussion), DL Gabe Watson (undisclosed), SS Aaron Francisco (ribs), SS Adrian Wilson (toe)DOUBTFUL DL Travis LaBoy (ankle), CB Matt Ware (calf)INJURED RESERVE C Al Johnson (knee)

Atlanta Falcons

QUESTIONABLE WR Harry Douglas (toe/shoulder), WR Brian Finneran (calf), WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder), OT Todd Weiner (knee), OL Sam Baker (back/hip), DL John Abraham (thigh/shoulder), DL Jamaal Anderson (ankle), DL Grady Jackson (knee), LB Coy Wire (knee), SS Lawyer Milloy (back)INJURED RESERVE RB Thomas Brown (undisclosed)

Minnesota Vikings

PROBABLE QB Gus Frerotte (back), RB Maurice Hicks (back), DL Jared Allen (knee), CB Cedric Griffin (illness), SS Darren Sharper (knee)QUESTIONABLE WR Bernard Berrian (ankle), WR Darius Reynaud (foot), OG Artis Hicks (elbow)OUT DL Pat Williams (shoulder)INJURED RESERVE LB E.J. Henderson (foot), SS Michael Boulware (undisclosed)

Philadelphia Eagles

PROBABLE RB Brian Westbrook (knee/ankle), WR Kevin Curtis (calf), WR Greg Lewis (knee), OG Todd Herremans (shoulder/ankle), OT Jon Runyan (knee/ankle), SS Quintin Demps (quadriceps)QUESTIONABLE WR Hank Baskett (knee), LB Stewart Bradley (ribs/groin), FS Brian Dawkins (illness)DOUBTFUL TE L.J. Smith (shoulder)OUT OG Shawn Andrews (back), DL Victor Abiamiri (foot)INJURED RESERVE OT King Dunlap (ankle), OT Michael Gibson (shoulder).

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCE

Baltimore Ravens

PROBABLE WR Yamon Figurs (head), DL Trevor Pryce (illness)QUESTIONABLE RB Ray Rice (calf), WR Derrick Mason (shoulder), OT Willie Anderson (foot), OT Adam Terry (knee), LB Jarret Johnson (calf), CB Samari Rolle (ankle), CB Fabian Washington (toe), FS Ed Reed (thigh)OUT WR Marcus Maxwell (hip), LB Antwan Barnes (chest)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)

Indianapolis Colts

QUESTIONABLE RB Chad Simpson (ankle), DL Keyunta Dawson (hip), LB Freddie Keiaho (hamstring), SS Melvin Bullitt (shoulder), SS Bob Sanders (knee)OUT RB Dominic Rhodes (chest), LB Gary Brackett (fibula)INJURED RESERVE RB Mike Hart (ACL), TE Tom Santi (shoulder), CB Nick Graham (ankle), CB Marlin Jackson (knee)PUP OG Ryan Lilja (knee)

Miami Dolphins

QUESTIONABLE LB Channing Crowder (knee), CB Will D. Allen (groin)INJURED RESERVE WR Greg Camarillo (ACL), OG Donald Thomas (foot), OL Matt McChesney (knee)

San Diego Chargers

PROBABLE DL Jamal Williams (foot), LB Anthony Waters (hamstring)DOUBTFUL WR Malcom Floyd (lungs), LB Brandon Siler (foot)INJURED RESERVE WR Craig Davis (groin), TE Scott Chandler (toe), DL Keith Grennan (fibula), LB Shawne Merriman (knee)

Check back for more News, Notes, and Updates....

FSH: MORE FOOTBALL DIGEST

January 3rd, 2008 9:45pm PST

The NFL Playoffs:
Better than Any Daytime Drama


Reid and McNabb, One Last Dance....

Has there ever been a more tumultuous marriage of an NFL quarterback and his head coach, than what Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid have survived through this season?

When the Eagles fell in Week 12 to the Baltimore Ravens 36-7, this had to be considered rock bottom for quarterback Donovan McNabb. That loss dropped the Eagles to 5-5-1 and this was the game that head coach Andy Reid chose to bench his 10-year veteran quarterback; not a popular move and one that sparked much controversy

Many experts questioned the move, but also came to the conclusion that perhaps the marriage between McNabb and his only head coach as an NFL quarterback was over. The team have come up short in critical moments earlier in the season losing to the Cowboys and the Bears. But leave it to Andy Reid to keep everyone second guessing a day later, when he confirmed that McNabb, indeed was still his quarterback.

That was six weeks ago and like the Chameleon, the picture in Philadelphia has changed, drastically.

The Eagles since have won four of their last five and the play of McNabb has been one of the biggest reasons. The Eagles quarterback has nine touchdowns passes and only one interception in those four wins. McNabb also added a rushing touchdown last week in the team's big 44-6 win over Dallas.

After the complete dismantling of the Cowboys in Week 17, the Eagles find themselves a participant in the post season and looking poised to make a serious run. There were times this season the Eagles did appear shaky losing to Cowboys, Bears, and Giants, but just the same with their impressive wins over the Steelers, Falcons, Giants, and Cowboys they have to be considered serious contenders in the race for a Superbowl Championship.

This season heard the whispers of McNabb being finished in Philly, along with his head coach. With one last chance in the big dance, can one last dance to the big show cure all in the city of brotherly love?


Falcons on the Right Track...

There is no question that if you asked anyone within the Falcon organization, their arrival into the post season is not something being considered as "mission accomplished". If you look at this team, they have a good chance at winning on Saturday and they won't be content with "just being here."

Who would have thought that following a year that this organization went through, the Atlanta Falcons would finish the 2008 season at 11-5 and be playing this weekend in the NFL Playoffs?

Last season, from the distractions of quarterback Michael Vick's conviction to the sudden unexpected departure of head coach Bobby Petrino before the end of the 2007 regular season, many would have thought this team would be left for dread. The outlook to many looking in, had the Falcons enduring another long painstaking losing season, as part of their process of rebuilding.

The first step for Falcon's owner Arthur Blank were changes to his franchise. Following a disappointing 2007, the team's owner took bold steps and removed GM Rich McKay. His exhausting search for a replacement landed him, a then director of college scouting for the New England Patriots Thomas Dimitroff.

The second step was a new face on the sideline and together Dimitroff and Blank hired Mike Smith, who was Jacksonville's defensive coordinator since the 2003 season.

With the cornerstones in place, Blank watched as his team was rebuilt with a third overall selection on another quarterback, but one that now appears poised to complete this team's remarkable turnaround.

Although his passing numbers are not stellar, the Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan has had a magical season, leading his team to eleven wins and a post season bid. Something no one thought possible when this season began, well at least maybe no one outside the Falcon's locker-room.

This season's run by Atlanta has come as a surprise, but when you look at what this franchise did in the off-season with the signing of free-agents like running back Michael Turner, defensive back Erik Coleman, and defensive tackle Grady Jackson, it was apparent this team was serious about getting this franchise back on track.

There biggest and most successful move had to be the selection of Ryan in last year's NFL draft. Ryan has stepped into the role as the team leader and has shown tremendous ability. His 3,440-yards passing this season are the most by a Falcon quarterback since Jeff George threw for over 4,000-yards in 1995.

The Falcon's are a run-heavy offense which will rely greatly on the legs of Turner and Jerious Norwood, but it will need Ryan to play well on Saturday if they are to advance to the next round.
After everything that happened in 2007, advancing in this season's playoffs is probably something few of us ever thought could happen, but many in Atlanta believe will.


Warner's Last Hurrah...

Would you believe that when the Cardinal's opened training camp, they announced Matt Leinart as the team's starter? It was something that would not last and by the preseason's final contest would end.

The team would give Leinart every opportunity to start, but ultimately and in many ways fortunately for the franchise, it was veteran quarterback Kurt Warner who would prove to be the best option.

In 2007, Warner was a solid replacement for the injured Leinart as he started the team's final 11 games. In his last ten starts, Warner threw for 2,816-yards and tossed 23 touchdowns. This season Warner has picked up where he left off a year ago, throwing for 4,583-yards and tossing 30 touchdowns to lead the Cardinals.

Warner has had the fortune of throwing to a solid core of receivers that feature two standouts in Larry Fitzgerald (1,431-yards receiving, 12 touchdowns) and Anquan Boldin (89 receptions, 11 touchdowns). Arizona's 2nd year receiver Steve Breaston (1,006-yards receiving) has also emerged this season as a big-time pass receiving option that will have to be accounted for by the Falcons this weekend.

The last time Warner entered the playoffs with a group as talented as this was back in 2001 with the St. Louis Rams, when he was the Ring Leader of the "Greatest Show on Turf." That same year, Warner passed for over 4,800-yards and threw 36 touchdowns to win his second league MVP.

Like his team (Rams) of 2001, the Cardinal's strength has been on the offensive side of the ball and particularly in the passing game.

At 37-years of age, Warner has played very well this season leading Arizona to a 9-7 record and their first division title in 33 years. Warner's rebirth has been a big reason why the Cardinals are in the playoffs and contending for a world championship. With Matt Leinart waiting in the wings though, his window of opportunity could be closing and he could be running out of chances.

Looking back to week four when Warner's teammate Anquan Boldin suffered a brutal hit that would sideline him for several weeks, Warner would question his own mortality. The Arizona quarterback considered the end of his career.

In his final year of a three year deal, Warner is slated to be a free-agent in 2009. As Wildcard Weekend kickoffs on today at 4:30pm EST, it will mark the beginning of the Road to the Superbowl for all, but it could also be Warner's last hurrah.

Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL

January 2nd, 2008 9:45am PST


MORE DAILY DIGEST
Player News & Notes


Sproles expected to play bigger role...
....with the Charger's starting running back (Tomlinson) being hampered by a groin injury, expect to see Sproles heavily involved in the offense on Saturday. Sproles, at his size is more than a capable replacement, and with eight all-purpose touchdowns this season he's proven he's a playmaker. Fantasy owners should consider him a solid RB2 option this week.

Warner ready for Saturday after tune-up...
....the Cardinal's quarterback needed a strong finish in Week 17 coming off one of his worst performances as a professional. Against the Patriots in Week 16, Warner passed for a mere 30-yards and completed just six passes. Last Sunday the 11th year veteran bounced back strong passing for 263-yards and throwing four touchdowns. This Sunday he hopes to continue the hot play against the league's 25th ranked pass defense.

Rhodes expected to play Saturday...
....the Colt's back up running back was able to practice this week and could play a big role Saturday splitting time with Joseph Addai. The two running backs had very similar rushing numbers this season, but Rhodes was clearly a more viable pass-receiving option for Manning with 45 receptions. Expect to see Rhodes out of the backfield quite a bit against the Chargers.

James likely to be Number One against Falcons...
....the Cardinal's running back became a distant memory for much of the season after starting the first seven games. Leading up to Week 17 James had carried the ball just 11 times in his last eight games. That all changed last Sunday when James was the featured back toting the rock 14 times for 100-yards. It now appears he will likely start against the Falcons on Saturday and could be a safe RB2 option for fantasy owners.

Jackson emerging with the Elite Crowd...
.....the Charger's wide receiver had his best season as a professional setting career highs with 59 receptions and seven touchdowns. Jackson finished with 1,098-yards receiving (ranks 11th in NFL) and undoubtedly will be targeted heavily by his quarterback on Saturday. Jackson caught only two passes in the team's earlier match-up this season, but was still able to find the end-zone.

Mathis could be licking his Chops...
.....while the Charger's offensive line, in particular left tackle Marcus McNeil will have to worry about the Colt's defensive end Dwight Freeney, they should also be concerned with stopping Robert Mathis. Mathis finished the regular season tying his career high in sacks with 11.5 and in the first meeting this season with San Diego he recorded two sacks. Both McNeil and the Charger's other offensive tackle Jeromey Clary will have their hands full all night.



MORE FANTASY



WILDCARD WEEKEND:
Fantasy Football Playoff Rankings

Looking for more fantasy football, even when the regular season has ended, fantasy fun keeps on going?


Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning (Ind)...
Is there any surprise here? Manning has just been one of the league's elite quarterbacks since his arrival from the University of Tennessee in 1998. After a slow start this season, Manning has been "En Fuego" completing 64 of 78 passes (82% completion) while passing for 1,054-yards with eight touchdown passes and no interceptions in his last four starts. This Saturday Manning will face the league's 31st ranked pass defense.

2. Kurt Warner (Ariz)
3. Philip Rivers (SD)
4. Donovan McNabb (Phi)
5. Joe Flacco (Bal)
6. Matt Ryan (Atl)
7. Chad Pennington (Mia)
8. Tarvaris Jackson (Min)


Running backs

1. Michael Turner (Atl)...
The league's second leading rusher this season figures to be a big part of the Falcons game plan on Saturday. Turner finished the season with 1,699-yards rushing and 17 rushing touchdowns, so he'll be key in slowing down the Cardinal's offense. He's expected to carry a large load and facing the NFL's 16th ranked run defense, he should find some success and the end zone.

2. Adrian Peterson (Min)
3. LeRon McClain (Bal)
4. Brian Westbrook (Phi)
5. Joseph Addai (Ind)
6. LaDanian Tomlinson (SD)
7. Darren Sproles (SD)
8. Edgerrin James (Ari)
9. Ronnie Brown (Mia)
10. Willis McGahee (Bal)


Wide Receivers

1. Larry Fitzgerald (Ari)...
With the Cardinal's other great receiver a little banged up Fitzgerald has really turned it up the last several weeks. In his last five games Fitz has grabbed 24 balls for 421-yards and has six touchdowns. He's definitely become Kurt Warner's go-to-receiver in the red-zone and will be targeted heavily on Saturday against the Falcon's 25th ranked pass defense.

2. Roddy White (Atl)
3. Reggie Wayne (Ind)
4. Vincent Jackson (SD)
5. Anquan Boldin (Ari)
6. DeSean Jackson (Phi)
8. Mark Clayton (Bal)
9. Michael Jenkins (Atl)
10. Marvin Harrison (Ind)


Tight Ends

1. Dallas Clark (Ind)...
One if the corner-stones in Peyton Manning's arsenal, Clark is one of the league's elite tight ends. He finished the season with 77 receptions and 848-yards receiving. Clark was key in the Colts big turnaround and winning nine straight games. In his last four games Clark caught 30 passes for 335-yards and three touchdowns. He will be a key component attacking the Chargers deep middle on Saturday night.

2. Visanthe Shiancoe (Min)
3. Antonio Gates (SD)
4. Brent Celek (Phi)
5. Anthony Fasano (Mia)
6. Todd Heap (Bal)
7. David Martin (Mia)
8. Brandon Manumaleuna (SD)
9. Daniel Wilcox (Bal)
10. LJ Smith (Phi)


IDP Studs


1. Karlos Dansby, LB (Ari)...
The Cardinal's linebacker has been a main staple this season for the defense. Dansby finished the season with 119-total tackles, including four sacks. He's sure to see a heavy dose of Michael Turner on Saturday to keep busy.

2. Brian Dawkins, SS (Phi)...
The Eagle's safety has always been a playmaker and last week in a do-or-die must-win situation against the Cowboys, Dawkins delivered as he usually does. He finished with five tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles. IDP owners can expect to find the defensive back around the ball much on Sunday.

3. Ray Lewis, LB (Bal)...
After 13 seasons in the league, there is still no slow down in Raven's linebacker Ray Lewis. This was the third straight season with over 100-total tackles and the first time since the 2003 season, that Lewis did not miss a game. In the team's earlier meeting with Miami this season Lewis finished with 10 tackles and he will be key on Sunday stopping the "Wildcat" offense. IDP owners can expect the Raven to be ready for a big afternoon.

4. Freddie Keiaho, LB (Ind)...
The Colt's 3rd year linebacker has really elevated his play this season. Keiaho played well in the team's first meeting with the Chargers this season recording ten tackles. He'll likely see a fair share of LT and Sproles on Saturday. Either way the Colts linebacker will be busy for IDP owners.

5. Eric Weddle, FS (SD)...
The Charger's 2nd year safety finished the season as the team's leading tackler with 127. In his last two games Weddle totaled 21-tackles. The Colts aren't expected to pound the ball up the middle much on Saturday, but that shouldn't slow Weddle down too much. Against the pass-happy Broncos he collected 11 stuffs and in the first meeting with the Colts he totaled 10-tackles.

Check back soon for more fantasy news & notes...

By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (Fantasy News)

December 31st, 2008 10:50pm PST

David's Daily Digest
Fantasy Playoff News

Boldin to play Sunday against the Falcons.....
.....the Cardinal's receiver Anquan Boldin (shoulder) was limited Wednesday and could be questionable on the injury report, but it is highly unlikely that he will miss Saturday's playoff matchup with the Falcons. Boldin is one of the toughest receivers in the game today and is expected to start. Less than 100% he's still a worthy consideration as a WR2.

Smith limited in practice Wednesday.....
.....the Eagle's tight end L.J. Smith (shoulder, knee) was limited in practice Wednesday. His status is uncertain for Sunday's matchup with the Vikings. If Smith is unavailable, back up Brent Celek will get the start. Celek is a decent consideration this week coming off a three catch and touchdown performance.

LT held out of practice...
.....the Charger's running back LaDanian Tomlinson (groin) was held out of practice Wednesday likely to rest the injured groin. It would be hard to imagine LT missing Saturday's matchup, but with the injury he could be limited. With Tomlinson less than 100%, running back Darren Sproles has to be a consideration as a viable RB2 option especially against the Colts

Westbrook limited Wednesday...
....the Eagle's running back Brian Westbrook (ankle, knee) was limited in practice Wednesday. The Eagles are likely keeping it easy for the running back resting him up for Sunday's playoff matchup. Westbrook has been strong down the stretch of the regular season and should be good to go against the Vikings. He figures to be a must start in fantasy this week.

Jacobs does not practice...
....the Giant's running back Brandon Jacobs sat out of practice Wednesday. With an extra week to prepare the Giants are likely resting Jacobs up for the divisional playoffs.

Raven's Rice expects to play...
....the Raven's rookie running back Ray Rice (calf) has been sidelined for the past three weeks, but he's determined to be on the field Sunday against the Dolphins. The Ravens currently employ the RBBC program, so if Rice does play it's difficult to gauge what his role will be. McClain has been receiving the lion's share, fantasy owners should avoid Rice.

Clayton held out Wednesday...
....the Raven's receiver Mark Clayton (knee) was held out of practice Wednesday. The 4th year receiver has had moments of brilliance this season and has been the team's only legit deep threat. He's likely resting for Sunday's 1st round playoff matchup with Miami and is expected to start, but is a bit of a risky WR2 option.

Berrian limited Wednesday...
....the Viking's receiver Bernard Berrian (ankle) was limited Wednesday. He's not expected to practice a whole lot this week, but should be available to start. Berrian is the team's big-playmaking receiver, but against a good Eagle defense on Sunday, he's not necessarily a good option this week.

Gates does not practice Wednesday...
....the Charger's tight end Antonio Gates (ankle) was held out of practice Wednesday. Gates was likely held out to rest and is expected to start Saturday night against the Colts. He should be in fantasy lineups this week.

Mason does not practice Wednesday...
....the Raven's veteran receiver Derrick Mason (shoulder) was held out of practice Wednesday by the team to rest. Mason, the team's leading receiver with 80 receptions and 5 touchdowns is expected to start Sunday against the Dolphins. He's a safe WR2 option this week against the Phins 25th ranked pass defense.


IDP NEWS...

Vanden Bosch does not practice Wednesday.....
....the Titan's defensive tackle Kyle Vanden Bosch (hip) is still recovering from surgery. He's expected to be ready for the team's divisional matchup. When healthy Vanden Bosch is a decent IDP option.

Williams expecting to play Sunday....
....the Viking's defensive tackle Pat Williams (shoulder) is confident he will play this weekend. Williams has a fractured right shoulder blade, but he says he no longer has any pain. The defensive tackle is one of the team's run stuffing anchors and while he'll occupy a lot of space and tie up blockers, he has little value in IDP leagues.

Haynesworth misses practice...
.....the Titan's monster in the middle, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) missed practiced Wednesday. Haynesworth suffered a sprained MCL and is progressing slower than expected, but he is still expected to be available for the divisional playoffs. How close to 100% he will be, will remain to be seen.

Milloy expected to play Saturday....
.....the NFL Network confirmed that Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy (back) will play Saturday against the Cardinals. Milloy suffered the injury in Week 16 against the Vikings. He's been limited this week in practice, but is expected to start. Milloy is stronger against the run, but should still be a decent IDP start against the pass heavy Cards.

Sanders practices for second day....
.....the Colt's defensive back Bob Sanders (knee) practiced for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. He is expected to start Saturday night in a classic matchup against the Chargers. Sanders is the emotional and spiritual leader of the defense. He'll be key against the run and should be in starting line-ups for IDP leagues.


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

By David G. Ortega