FSH: ON THE COVER

April 9th, 2009 11:07pm PST
Who's in the news this week....

Johnson could be released by Chiefs soon.

In less than two years after signing one of the most lucrative contracts in the NFL, running back Larry Johnson has quickly fallen from glory and gone from the top floor penthouse to the outback doghouse. In 2007 Johnson was coming off back to back 1,700-yards rushing season with 40 touchdowns. He was highly considered one of the leagues very best runners and in the summer of 2007, he was rewarded for his efforts. But in the short time that has passed (less than two years) all that has changed.

Johnson recently pleaded guilty to two counts of disturbing the peace and received what sounded like a slap on the wrist for his off-the-field troubles. Johnson was fortunate to have his assault charges reduced and got a suspended two years probation. L.J. will still have a lot of work to do to get back in good graces with the rest of the NFL, but his days of bliss in KC could be at an end. The team recently won a grievance against L.J. for breach of contract. This will free the team of any obligation to pay Johnson his inflated salary.

Given the current circumstance, the likelihood of L.J. remaining in Kansas City seem remote at best. He may have already burned too many bridges in KC and after missing 12 games over the last two seasons, the new regime in town may see more value in parting ways. Even though Johnson is in attendance for the team's voluntary offseason program, but it may be too little to late for the troubled running back.

"That's My Take" on today's happenings!

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 6th, 2009 9:07pm PST

19 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Oakland Raiders....
Holding the number seven pick in this year's NFL draft, would it really surprise anyone if the Raiders did something out of the ordinary, took a huge leap, or risked their pick on a potential flyer? If I'm a betting man, I say yes and "bet the farm." The recent reports circulating are the team is enamored with and could be targeting one of this year's fastest wide receiver prospects, Darrius Heyward-Bey (University of Maryland).

The Raiders team owner Al Davis has always been a proponent of the vertical game and with quarterback JaMarcus Russell's canon arm, the team needs playmakers he can throw to. Last season the offense ranked dead last in passing averaging a paltry 148-yards per game and had only five pass plays of more than 40-yards in 2008, among the lowest totals in the league.

Wide receiver Javon Walker has been a bust since his arrival to Oakland and Ronald Curry (released in the offseason) fell off the map in 2008 with just 19 receptions. Drafting Heyward-Bey at the number seven spot could help revamp a receiving corp that lacks any real playmaking skill and depth. Currently Walker and Johnnie Lee Higgins would be the teams projected starters. Heyward-Bey has great size at 6'3" and blistering speed (4.30 at the combine). If he lands in Oakland he'll have a legitimate shot at starting for the Raiders.

(Photo By Greg Fiume / Terps Sports Photography)

If the Raiders can control their emotions, this would be a great spot to land one of the top offensive linemen in the draft. Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are projected to be gone before the draft gets to the Raiders pick, but they'll still have some choices to consider with Alabama's Andre Smith and Michael Oher. Either of these could be safe picks, but then is that the Raider way?

There's no question that Heyward-Bey would be a work in progress, but the old saying is "Speed kills" and you know that is something Mr. Davis loves. It could be a stretch for the Raiders to make this pick considering how much re-work this team really needs in many other areas, but don't put it past Mr. Davis to reach into his bag of tricks on draft day.


Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 5th, 2009 11:07pm PST

20 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Cincinnati Bengals....
In the recent offseason the Bengals did not re-sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh and lost him to free-agency. There are talks of trading wide receiver Chad Johnson, and Chris Henry (suspended three times and cut by the team once) is always a crap-shoot. Even though the team did sign free agent Laveranues Coles, if the recent rumors are true and team does move Johnson, they will be left with a huge void at the receiver position to fill.

No different than many of the bottom-third teams in the league, the Bengals face many issues leading up to this year's NFL draft. The Bengals could also use a little help on the defensive side of things, but with the leagues 12th ranked squad, this is one of the team's least concerns. One of their biggest deficiencies aside from the lack of depth at the wideout spot is the lack of talent along their 'O' line. Over the past two seasons the Bengals have lost two starting offensive tackles and come draft day they will be looking hard to fill this void.

At number six on the "Big Board" the Bengals can count on grabbing either Eugene Monroe (University of Virginia) or possibly Andre Smith (University of Alabama). With a great frame, great feet, combined with his strength (lifted 225-lbs 23-times) Monroe would be the ideal choice at this spot for Cincinnati. The team is expecting a healthy Palmer back in 2009 and they're going to need to protect his blindside. With his size (6'4" and 325-lbs) Smith is a consideration, but his disappearance at the combine and less than spectacular Pro Day didn't do a whole lot to state his case.

If the Bengals look anywhere else on April 25th, they could take a run at one of the top wideout prospects if available (Crabtree or Maclin), that is if the team decides to part ways with "Ocho-Cinco." The team has not done particularly well in t recent drafts and if head coach Marvin Lewis is going to remain the man in charge, he may have to start taking a more sensible and safe approach. Look for Cincy to start rebuilding its’ offensive line with Monroe on draft day.


Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 8th, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

The 2009 NFL draft is approaching fast, but as there is so much to discuss concerning the two days in April, there's just as much taking place now to scrutinize. Player activity and movement continues to stir the pot and here's my take on the latest...

My Take...

WR TERRELL OWENS REPORTS FOR WORKOUTS
The Bills high-profile receiver, who normally works out with a personal trainer has reported to voluntary workouts with the team. It may be too early to read too deep into this one, but it definitely is a good sign for the Bills, quarterback Trent Edwards, and fantasy owners. T.O. is one of the hardest working players off-the-field and in the gym and he's still in great playing shape. This step toward bonding with his new team could be a good sign of big things to come in 2009.

RB BRIAN WESTBROOK IS "FEELING GOOD"
The Eagle's work-horse running back says he's feeling good and expects to be healthy and ready to go in 2009. Last season injuries impacted Westbrook's effectiveness and production, but even at less than 100% (missed two games) he was still able to run for more than 900-yards, catch 54 passes, and scored 14 touchdowns. When healthy, Westbrook is a dynamic skill player on offense and fantasy juggernaut, take note and heed his words, he's "feeling good."

OT WALTER JONES STILL REHABBING
The Seahawks offensive tackle coming off micro-fracture surgery on his left knee, has yet to be cleared to practice. At 35, Jones is at the tail end of his career where injuries typically play a big part. His absence will definitely be a cause for concern and have the team looking at addressing this specific need, especially as we get closer to the draft. Last season the Seahawks allowed 36 sacks and if Jones is unable to return from his serious knee injury the team will have to look at possible replacements in the draft.

QB MATTHEW STAFFORD COULD BE A LION
The word on the football street is the Lions are making plans to sign Georgia's quarterback Matthew Stafford. While this news could be very telling, the truth seems to be that the team is merely getting possible prospects lined up to sign prior to the draft. Stafford would seem to be the likely choice, but there is no guarantee that this is set.



IDP Notes:

Defense wins championships and knowing who is where and how they fit will be a key when selecting your IDP studs in your coming fantasy draft this summer. Just like their offensive brethren, there's more happening on the defensive side of the ball worth noting. Here's my take on the latest notes this week....

DL MARCUS STROUD SIGNS EXTENSION WITH BILLS
The Bills surprisingly gave their defensive lineman a two year extension, but fantasy owners will be hoping he can give something more in return in 2009. After battling through injuries in the 2006 and 2007 season, in 2008 Stroud returned to action but was not greatly impressive with just 29 solo tackles and just two sacks. This signing won't guarantee production for IDP owners, but is should guarantee that Stroud figures to play well into his 30's.

DL TANK JOHNSON TO SIGN WITH BENGALS
The troubled defensive lineman wasn't able to make things work in Dallas, so he'll try his luck in Cincinnati; home of the wayward son. Tank Johnson played in all 16 games in 2008 for the Cowboys, but started in just one and recorded only one sack. He's a long shot to have any kind of great impact in Cincinnati and he hasn't been a productive player on defense since his sophmore season in Chicago. IDP owners will want to avoid this pick in their coming drafts. The Bengals may be giving Tank another shot, but fantasy owners will want to "wait and see."

LB LANCE BRIGGS JOINS OFFSEASON PROGRAM
The Bear's linebacker had one of his best seasons in 2008 with 110 total tackles and three interceptions. Hoping to improve in 2009, Briggs will be participating in the team’s voluntary offseason program this week. The former Arizona Wildcat was the team's defensive MVP and best IDP stud. Even though he's not used much as a pass rusher, he's still a playmaking linebacker that can be very productive in fantasy.


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411….

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 4th, 2009 9:07pm PST

21 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Cleveland Browns....
The Cleveland Browns like many teams on the board early in this year's draft have many needs to address, but no other will be more pressing than their current deficiencies at the wide receiver position. The team has already lost its’ starting tight end and two receivers from last year's squad (although Jurevicius missed all of 2008).

Sitting at number five on the draft board, the Browns will have a legitimate shot at taking one of the top two draft prospects at the receiver position with possibly Michael Crabtree or Missouri's Jeremy Maclin. It's possible that both could be available, but definitely one should be looming when Cleveland is on the clock. If Crabtree is there, touted as a supreme talent, the Browns may not be able to pass this pick up on principle alone.

If Crabtree is taken (not likely if the Broncos make a move with Seattle for Sanchez), the team is going to have to take a long look and consider Maclin with their number five pick. The team ranked at the bottom in passing (31st) and they lost their second leading receiver from last year in the offseason. With two young strong arms competing at the quarterback position, the team has to add some playmakers on the outside. Edwards is still in town at the moment, but beyond that the team does not have any proven talent and may need to start stocking the cupboards.

(Photo by L.G. Patterson/AP)

Some think Maclin could slide because of the number of talented wideouts in this year's draft like Percy Harvin, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Hakeem Nicks all of which could be first round considerations. The Browns will have a tough time passing over Maclin due to his great acceleration and nice hands. Maclin is being defined as a game-breaker and with the Browns offense only averaging 14.5-points per game, the team could not do worse with this selection. While Crabtree seems like the more likely, Maclin could be a choice that makes sense as well.

Defense is always a consideration when you finish at the bottom of the barrel in defense and at number five in the draft, the Browns will have several looks to ponder. Taking into consideration some possible major shake-ups in the draft and what some mock drafts sites are seeing, the Browns could be eying University of Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo. Orakpo would make sense as a talented pass rusher, but if things do get shaken up and linebacker Aaron Curry should happen to fall in their lap, he's considered a no-brainer.

I happen to believe in the unexpected on draft day, but I don't see Curry getting this far and even if the Broncos move up the draft, they will likely do so to grab Sanchez. Crabtree or Maclin figure to be a Brown come draft day.


Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"

FSH: FANTASY FIXX

April 7th, 2009 9:47pm PST

Fantasy Fixx

FF Radar

We haven't hit the 2009 NFL draft and already we have major shake-ups in the fantasy world with the blockbuster trade just completed by the Broncos and Bears. And if you think it will end there, you will surely be mistaken, for this is just the beginning my friends. It's what we call a prelude of things to come. While the trade will seem to have some immediate impact in both towns, one position that will be directly affected in this deal will be the tight end position.

The Men over the middle....

In Denver, tight end Tony Scheffler did very well with Cutler throwing him the pill, but with the arrival of Kyle Orton could he do even better? With Brandon Marshall expected to miss extended time, Scheffler because of size and athleticism could be featured more the team's new "Patriots" style offense, much more so than the team's other option Daniel Graham. Last season Orton developed very good chemistry with his tight ends in Chicago (they caught 95 balls in 2008), so fantasy owners could see the same in Denver.

(Photo by John Leyba/Denver Post)

Cutler's arrival to the windy city will only mean good things for the Bear's tight end Greg Olsen. Olsen considered a very good pass catching tight end has yet to scratch the surface of his potential as a playmaker in the passing game. With Cutler under center to deliver the rock, 2009 could be a very big year for the former Miami Hurricane, who caught 54 passes and scored five touchdowns last season.

While Olsen and Scheffler figure to be ever more relevant in fantasy in 2009, check out a few more names that could add their resume's to the list.

In Philly, the Eagles passing game struggled at times to get off the ground last season with inconsistency at the tight end position and injuries to starter L.J. Smith (now in Baltimore). It wasn't until late in the season when the team turned to then backup tight end Brent Celek. In the team's final game of the 2008 season, Celek only caught three passes, one for a score. This was just the beginning of an impressive run into the playoffs for the backup tight end. In the team's three post season contests, Celek caught 19 passes for 151-yards and three touchdowns. In 2009 he's expected to be McNabb's primary target over the middle and could be a nice sleeper pick in the coming fantasy drafts.

(Photo by Ross D Franklin / AP)

Another tight end worth mentioning as a possible sleeper pick in 2009 could the Cleveland Brown's Steve Heiden. With Kellen Winslow Jr traded to Tampa Bay, Heiden inherits the starting gig in the dawg-pound. In 2008 Heiden was relative irrelevant in a passing game that ranked near the bottom. Only the Raiders passing offense was worse. While Heiden was not spectacular, he did have flashes of being a capable receiving option over the middle. With the team having been decimated this offseason with the losses of Winslow(traded), Jeurevicius (released), and Stallworth (arrest), at this point Heiden could figure prominantly in the team's passing game plans this coming season (if he returns healthy from his late season ACL and MCL surgery).

It may be a bit early to make any bold predictions, but a couple of note-worthy tight ends to watch in 2009 could be the Cowboys Martellus Bennett (no T.O. will mean more balls to go around) and the Jets Dustin Keller (last season showed some flashes of brilliance, but could play a bigger role in a more conservative offense).


Check back for more Fantasy Fixx!

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 3rd, 2009 9:07pm PST

22 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Seattle Seahawks....
The Seahawks are likely to be the first big twist in this year’s NFL draft. Sitting at number four, they’ll have some big decisions to make concerning their draft choice. Two weeks ago, this projection didn’t appear to be as complicated, but recent events may have changed this dramatically.

First the Sanchez ‘Pro day’ has to have the Seahawks coaching staff looking at an heir apparent to aging quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. Second, with the Cutler trade going down, it would seem that Seattle would be a possible target for trade if the Broncos have any interest in Sanchez.

The dilemma for Seattle, although they have signed free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the team still lacks quality depth on the outside. With Hasselbeck 34-years of age and coming off an injury riddled 2008 season, back up Seneca Wallace does not appear to be the team's future. The offense must also address some serious needs along the offensive line and it's conceivable they could use their number four pick to fill this area.

Perhaps the most intriguing scenario here is what the Broncos may do. While it's possible that the Lions could draft Sanchez, Stafford is a much better fit, so it figures that Sanchez (a good candidate for the west-coast system in Seattle) will be available at number four. The Seahawks could look at Texas Tech's wide receiver Michael Crabtree, but making a deal here could prove to be more valuable.

With two top twenty picks, the Broncos could entice the Seahawks into making a deal that could move Denver up to number four and still give Seattle a top twenty pick. With Kyle Orton signed and now in Denver, quarterback Chris Simms will be given the opportunity to compete, but in reality figures to play back-up. Simms now 28, has not had quite the career of his father (Phil Simms), but in Tampa (west-coast offense) he did start 10 games in 2005 winning six of those starts to lead the Bucs into the playoffs. Since that time, he's not had the same opportunities, but could be groomed to follow in the shoes of Hasselbeck.

With a young arm and a top twenty pick (No. 12) to snag one of this year's top wide receiver prospects, this possibility could surface at some point before the draft. Until it is actually conceived and pitched as a real idea, if Seattle holds onto their pick, I would expect the team to move in the direction that would have the most impact. Sanchez would be the future, but if Hasselbeck can return to health, selecting Crabtree could have an immediate impact.

(Photo by Bill Frakes / SI)

Don't put it past head coach Jim Mora to make a move for one of this year's top offensive lineman (whomever is available), like Jason Smith (Baylor), Eugene Monroe (Virginia), or Andre Smith (Alabama), but like many sites on the web are predicting Crabtree looks like the best pick in Seattle.


Check back everyday for more "On the Ticker”

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 2nd, 2009 9:37pm PST

23 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Kansas City Chiefs....
The Chiefs have made some huge strides in the offseason upgrading their offense with the acquisition of quarterback Matt Cassel, wide receiver Bobby Engram, and showing restraint by not trading Tony Gonzalez. There's no question with new head coach Todd Haley at the helm, Cassel and company are going to be fantasy relevant this season.

With the offense showing an appearance of improvement with their recent offseason moves, this suggests that the team could address other needs in the NFL draft. There was only one team worse than the Chiefs on defense in 2008 and that was the Detroit Lions. Last season the Chiefs ranked 30th against the run and allowed 27.5 points per game (ranked 29th). With the number three pick in this year's draft, don't expect the Chiefs to sit on this pick without looking at the "other side" of the ball.

The Chiefs will be moving toward a 3-4 scheme this season and with the release of linebacker Donnie Edwards, this becomes of position of need and one that Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry should be able to move right in as a starter. Curry is a supreme talent at the linebacker position and according to many his arrival (if selected) will fill a huge need. At Wake, Curry started 37 games and set school records with 226-return yards in a season and 256-return yards for his career. The Wake Forest linebacker also led the team as a junior with 13.5 tackles for a loss and finished second with 99-total tackles. Curry is considered one, if not the top defensive prospect in the draft, so it's hard to imagine the Chiefs passing on clearly the best value sitting at number three.

According to some, Curry is the "complete package" and will be a difference maker at the next level. There's not been a lot said or written to indicate the Chiefs could be looking anywhere else, but at the former Demon Deacon. We can probably chalk this one up on the board. So let it be written, so let it be done.


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FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

April 6th, 2009 8:47pm PST



[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Talkin Sum (fantasy) Football

2009 Running Backs

When you look at the running back position for 2009, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of interest peaked in this year's NFL draft. There are only a couple of names that are expected to even be considered as first-round selections; Knowshon Moreno (Georgia), Chris Wells (Ohio State), and Donald Brown (Connecticut). Players like LeSean McCoy (Univ. of Pitt) and Rashad Jennings (Liberty) could also tease the first round or early second round of this year's draft.

With this year's draft appearing thin at running back, fantasy owners will remain stead with last year's performers. Leading the way will undoubtedly be the Vikings all-pro running back Adrian Peterson. With LaDanian Tomlinson falling from NFL supremacy at the running back position "All-Day" figures to be the unanimous number one running back selected in all fantasy drafts. Peterson led the NFL in rushing this past season and has led all running backs in rushing yards the past two seasons with 3,101-yards combined. Besides the knack for the big run with nine plays of 40-yards or more over the past two seasons, Peterson has a nose for the end-zone with 23 touchdowns in his first two seasons.

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Once you get past the first pick, this is where the congestion starts. Last year was a bit of an enigma with some backs coming out of nowhere and others seeming to disappear into the abyss. When you start looking at the top five running back and in particular numbers two-through-five there's not much separation between each.

My projected number two running back at this moment heading into the 2009 season is Carolina's running back DeAngelo Williams. The Panthers figure to return much of the same talent and look to do much of the same as they did in 2008. Enter Mr. Williams who carried the ball some 270 times, ran for over 1,500-yards, and scored 20 touchdowns in 2008.

After a stunning season as the Falcons featured running back, Michael Turner will not have to worry about splitting too many carries in 2009. Clearly the team's number option on the ground, Turner figures to get plenty of touches in 2009 bettering his chances of repeating his 1,700-yards rushing and 17 touchdown 2008 season.

Rounding out my early top five that many will argue, but I like two running backs that if healthy in 2009 could have big seasons; Marion Barber (Cowboys) and Steven Jackson (Rams). Despite the loss of Terrell Owens, Tony Romo still has tight end Jason Witten, wide receiver Roy Williams, and an array of secondary options that should keep the field stretched. Last season Barber broke out of the gates on fire, but his in-season injuries took their tolls and definitely impacted his performance down the stretch. With some help in the backfield, the Cowboys main priority will be to keep Barber at full-strength and running hard, for fantasy owners this will transcend into more fantasy production.

The same could be said with Steven in St. Louis. The Rams are making changes on offense and figure to give the o-line a tweak a two in the offseason and through the draft. With Holt gone, the team is bringing in more speed on the outside with the recent signing of wide receiver Laurent Robinson (good size and speed). Add rookie standout receiver Donnie Avery and a possibly improved line and Jackson figures to be back in "Action" for 2009.

(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

There's still much to look at and debate as the draft approaches and teams continue to improve with free-agent signings and trades. For the moment, these are my top five, but we'll see what happens as the NFL offseason continues.


Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!