David's Daily Digest
[My Take]
It's been an exciting last seven days in the world of football, especially in places like Buffalo and San Diego. While in places like Denver, there's still more sorting out to do before their ship gets heading in the right direction. With more news, more moves, and more to discuss, here's my take on the latest...
My Take...
RB LADANIAN TOMLINSON TO REMAIN CHARGER
The Chargers and LT agreed to a new restructured deal that will keep the former NFL MVP in San Diego. The smart move for the Chargers was the loyalty exhibited by Tomlinson, who accepted the team's last offer. With LT staying, the question will be whether Sproles will remain as well. Either way, LT figures to see a reduced workload in 2009, but will remain the Chargers primary ground option in the red-zone. In the midst of all this melee, expect to see LT's position fall in many drafts, but he's still be a great RB2 value running back next season.
WR TERRELL OWENS NOW A BILL
The timing of Owens's release may have been a surprise, but his signing with the Buffalo Bills had to be the biggest. Seemingly flying under the radar, the Bills entered the TO lottery and had the winning ticket. Not willing to invest their entire future away, the Bills and T.O. agreed to a one year deal. While T.O. will bring instant credibility to the passing game, but his demand for the ball could have a big impact on Lee Evan's progression. At the moment T.O. looks like a low WR1 with Evans falling to a low WR2, expect to see Edwards' value increase, but he's still a mid-level play.
RAMS RELEASE OT ORLANDO PACE
The Rams have release All-Pro offensive tackle Orlando Pace. This was something that was highly anticipated because of Pace's inflated salary and inability to stay on the field. The All-Pro is still a talent if he can stay healthy and could land somewhere. His departure creates a big hole for the Rams who struggled with pass protection in 2008. Expect the Rams to look to the draft for help, while Pace could still help another team (like the Eagles) that have a need at the position.
WR DEVERY HENDERSON TO STAY A SAINT
The Saints have resigned wide receiver Devery Henderson to a new four-year deal. Last season the Saints led the league in passing and scoring, but Henderson was not a major contributor. He only caught 32 passes with three touchdowns, but did average nearly 25-yards per reception. With Colston and Moore embedded as the team's primary weapons, Henderson's speed will make him a primary deep option used to stretch the field, but more for show than effect. He's too much hit and miss to be an effective fantasy option.
PATRIOTS SIGN WR GREG LEWIS
The former Eagle's speedy receiver has found a new home in Foxboro. The Patriots have signed Greg Lewis in a trade with the Eagles. Lewis will likely fill in some of the void created by the departure of Jabar Gaffney and Donte Stallworth over the past two seasons. Welker and Moss are going to be the mainstays in the passing game with Lewis filling nothing more than a secondary role in the pass game. He'll not offer much value for fantasy owners as the Pats third or fourth receiver.
FB MIKE KARNEY SIGNS WITH RAMS
After being cut by the Saints one day before getting married, the Rams showed up with a nice post ceremony gift for full back Mike Karney. The Rams signed Karney to a three-year deal and the former Saint will now be plowing holes for running back Steven Jackson. Karney is a primary blocking full back and seldom used as runner or pass receiver. His best value to fantasy owners will be his leading the way for Jackson.
RB KEVIN JONES RE-SIGNS WITH BEARS
The former Lion's running back decides to stay with the Bears to back up running back Matt Forte. Forte blossomed into a solid all-purpose back for the Bears in 2008 totaling over 1,700-yards of offense. Jones is expected to be the primary back-up, but is not likely he will see much more duty than he did last season. In 2009 nothing should change making Jones merely a fantasy insurance back-up for Forte.
BRONCOS ADD BACK-UP QB, SIGN CHRIS SIMMS
The signing of Simms in no way is an indication of the team making any changes. With the departure of back-up quarterback Patrick Ramsay, the team needed to bring in an experienced back-up to Cutler. Simms has shown grit and toughness, but he's no Steve DeBerg. Cutler has yet to miss a start since being handed the reigns, so don't expect to see Simms much in 2009. He'll have no value in fantasy leagues and should remain undrafted unless an opportunity arises.
QB ALEX SMITH RE-SIGNS WITH NINERS
The Niners agreed to a new deal with quarterback Alex Smith. It looks like the team is not ready to call it quits on Smith just yet, but fantasy owners may want to go ahead and take the lead here. Smith has yet to develop into the player the Niners thought they had drafted and seeing that this team is still rebuilding it's unlikely that he ever will. Unless he has a breakout training camp and shines in the preseason, Smith is likely to be nothing more than a journey-man back-up and will have very little fantasy value in any leagues.
WR MATT JONES STUMBLES AGAIN
The Jaguars wide receiver violated his probation and could be facing disciplinary action from the league. While Jones had a surprising strong start in 2008, his numbers never blossomed into anything more than a decent WR3. In light of his off-the-field issues, he could face penalty (suspension) and see his fantasy value drop.
IDP Notes:
Fantasy football news is never complete without keeping up with the "Darkside of the Gridiron." Looking over the past week, the bad boys of the NFL are making just as much news. Here's my take on the "what's happening" around the league.
LB KEVIN BURNETT SIGNS WITH SAN DIEGO
The former Cowboy's inside-linebacker has joined the Chargers after signing a two-year deal. Burnett only started two games in 2008 and with the Chargers filled with talent at the position, he'll be fighting for playing time in 2009. Unless he win's a starting job he'll likely make more of an impact on special teams and have little fantasy value.
LB RAY LEWIS SIGNS HIS NEW DEAL
The Raven's linebacker made it official signing his new deal with Baltimore. Ray Lewis is not the same player he used to be, but by remaining with the Ravens this gives him the most fantasy value. The All-Pro linebacker is still a solid fantasy play as a LB2.
PATRIOTS ADD DB LEIGH BODDEN
The Patriots have made it an art of resurrecting veteran player careers and cashing in; Rodney Harrison, Junior Seau, and Randy Moss. The team signed defensive back Leigh Bodden to a four-year deal. Bodden struggled in 2008 with the Lions, following a strong 2007 campaign, but the Patriots are hopeful he can recapture some of early career success. In a sound defensive scheme, Bodden could once again flourish as one of the leagues better defensive backs. After his 2008, he could slide in IDP drafts and be a nice late value pick.
LB MIKE PETERSON JOINS THE FALCONS
The Falcons signed the former Jaguar linebacker to a two-year deal. Peterson will rejoin with his former defensive coordinator and current Falcon head coach Mike Smith. With the loss of Keith Brooking, Peterson is expected to slide right into the weakside spot. He should be a good IDP play figuring he should have some familiarity with Smith's defensive scheme and philosophy.
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411...
No comments:
Post a Comment