FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (FANTASY IMPACT)

March 3rd, 2008 11:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

Over the past several days, since the opening of free agency there have been many moves by NFL teams with player signings, re-signing, releases, and trades. All to be expected, but with all this commotion how will this all break down heading into the 2009 fantasy football season? How will some of the studs of last season perform in a new uniform, a new city, with new team-mates. Offering my perspective on all that is football and how it will impact fantasy, here's....

My Take...

WR TJ HOUSHMANDZADEH SIGNS WITH SEAHAWKS
If the Hawks can keep Hasselbeck and receiver Branch healthy heading into 2009, the addition of Housh should make all three very good options in fantasy. Of course with Hass, that is a big if" and Branch is not far behind. Clearly TJ would give the Hawks that much needed dependable possession-type receiver it has sorely missed to compliment Branch's speed. It's too early to go jumping on any bandwagons, but TJ will still be a top WR2 next season.

RB DERRICK WARD INKS DEAL WITH BUCS
The Bucs needing to re-stock its' backfield with the release of veteran running back Warrick Dunn and Carnell Williams expected to start the 2009 season on the PUP list have signed Derrick Ward. The former Giant is not expected to challenge for the starting position, but rather fill a role. Of course Ward gained over 1,000-yards last season and averaged more than 5yds/carry, so he always has a chance to win the job. He'll definitely be one of those late round sleepers that will be worth the risk in 2009.

WR NATE WASHINGTON SIGNS WITH TITANS
I was very surprised to see this guy linger around on the market as long as he did. Washington is not an elite NFL receiver, but considering his skills, talent, deep-ball playmaking ability, and the fact so many teams need help at receiver I expected to see him signed much sooner. He should fit well with Collin's big arm. With Gage figuring to be the primary target, Washington should emerge as the big-play deep threat who could be a great sleeper pick-up next season.

WR MARVIN HARRISON STILL OUT OF WORK
The former Colts receiver has hardly sparked any interest from any teams since becoming a free agent. It is looking more and more like a long shot that Harrison will play in 2009. Unless he gets invited into camp this summer, it's time to retire his name from all fantasy rosters. He was great in his time, but time has simply passed him by.

LIONS INK WR BRYANT JOHNSON
It's now the 'Johnson & Johnson' show in Detroit, although there will only be one star. Megatron is one of those tremendous talents like Larry Fitzgerald, not matter who is throwing he's going to make plays. Unfortunately his new counterpart does not offer the same skills and playmaking ability and quarterback Daunte Culpepper is unlikely to make him better with great throws. The signing is nothing more than matter of fact. Johnson will likely be nothing more than a mid-low WR4 in most fantasy drafts.

QB KURT WARNER SIGNS WITH CARDS
It didn't take a scientist to figure this one out, but it did take a little nudge from the two-time NFL MVP to finally get the Cardinals brass to wake up and close the deal. Now that Kurt is back where he belongs, what does this mean. As long as Kurt has Fitzgerald to throw to and he proved it throughout last season's playoffs, he's a top five quarterback in fantasy. If the team can make Boldin happy, this will only make Warner a better fantasy option for 2009.

QB MATT CASSEL NOW A CHIEF
Sure there was a lot of scuttle-butt and conspiracy theories attached, but the final disclaimer is "Cassel is a Chief." Now that the ex-Patriots will be wearing red next season, where we will find the former SC Trojan in fantasy drafts this summer. Cassel is coming off an impressive 2008, considering we have nothing to compare it too. New HC Todd Haley will have a quarterback friendly system that should allow Cassel to flourish and with both WR Dwayne Bowe and TE Tony Gonzalez as targets to throw to, he should be a top 10 quarterback in 2009.



IDP Notes:

What would fantasy football be without IDP (Individual defensive players), incomplete. In more traditional formats fantasy including offensive players with team defenses, but in today's game you have to have IDP's. Keeping in good form with today's current trend, here are my thought of some of the recent moves in the NFL affecting the nasty side of the ball...


LB RAY LEWIS TO RESIGN WITH RAVENS
The Ravens reached a deal with linebacker Ray Lewis and he will be with the team in 2009. That's not only good news for the Ravens, but also IDP owners, especially in Dynasty or Keeper leagues. Lewis is a talent, but on the back-nine of his career. He offers much more fantasy value in Baltimore, than a new team in a new system.

BRONCOS BOLSTER DEFENSE WITH SIGNINGS
When the smoke finally clears in Denver after the recent Cutler trade debacle and firestorm, maybe football folks will take notice that one of the leagues worst defenses in 2008 is undergoing a huge makeover. The recent signings of LB Andra Davis, DB Renaldo Hill, and DL Darrell Reid, at least on paper gives the impression of an improving defense. But add the big addition of former Eagle's safety Brian Dawkins to share the same secondary as Champ Bailey and we could have the start of something special. It's too early to make predictions, but Mickey-D certainly looks like he making all the right moves on defense.

REDSKINS RELEASE DL JASON TAYLOR
When the team added free agent Albert Haynesworth, it was expected that his presence would make players like DL Jason Taylor much better. That is, if Taylor is with the team. Now a free agent, Taylor is a hot commodity on the market and should get signed pretty quick. 2008 was a down year for Taylor who fought through injuries all season. Now healthy, he's still got enough left in his motor to be a top 15 DL fantasy pick.

JETS DEFENSE TURNS PURPLE
With the arrival of new head coach Rex Ryan, you knew it wouldn't take long for him to add some new color to "Gang Green." First the Jets signed former Raven's linebacker Bart Scott, then recently added safety Jim Leonhard. Ryan has wasted little time bringing in his influences to improve a defense that already includes LB David Harris, LB Calvin Pace, DB Darelle Revis, and DL Kris Jenkins. Add the recent trade for cornerback Lito Sheppard and you have the makings of a very strong and potential top five team defense for 2009.


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