FSH: FRIDAY FOOTBALL DIARY

May 16th, 2008 11:37pm PST

[Saturday Edition]
Friday Football Diary

Dear Diary

Now that the NFL draft is over, I’m trying to digest the past several months with player releases, to player signings, to coaching changes, and how all of this will affect player production this coming season.

For instance, in Seattle will T.J.’s arrival to the Northwest have a greater impact on his numbers or quarterback Matt Hasselbeck? How about Deion Branch, how will this affect him or will he even be around?

When you look at the Cowboys after releasing Owens, you have to ask will Romo remain a top tier quarterback. How about Jason Witten, already arguably one of the best tight ends in fantasy, could his production take a greater leap? Then of course there is receiver Roy Williams, how good is he really?

There were a lot of significant injuries in 2008 that will play a big part in looking at player production in 2009. Is Tom Brady 100%, and can he return to his MVP form of 2007? And how about players like Reggie Bush, Earnest Graham, Darren McFadden, and Marques Colston, whose injury plagued 2008 season could have some owners overlooking them early in upcoming fantasy drafts.

With so many factors to consider for this coming fantasy season, has anything really changed all that much? Let’s take a look ahead at 2009 and here are my top selections for each of the following positions, QB, RB, WR, and TE.

Who’s Looking good for 2009….

Top QB:
There are just too many questions and considerations to take into account before you can just automatically assume Tom Brady will be king again. After his phenomenal run last season, hands down quarterback Drew Brees will at the top of everyone’s list at th quarterback position. Over the past two season Brees has just passed for over 9,400-yards and thrown 58 touchdowns, best of the best. With healthy support around him in 2009, he’ll have a shot at reaching big numbers once again.

Top RB:
At running back could be a little difficult, because there are a few versatile backs that if healthy could challenge, but then that might be the biggest difference. In his second season as a pro running back in the NFL the Viking’s Adrian Peterson played in all 16 games and rushed for over 1,750-yards to lead the league. Now he’s looking to bulk up a bit in 2009 and with some of the recent talk going around concerning a new arm under center, get ready for even more All-Day. He will be unanimously regarded as the best set of legs in just about every fantasy draft.

Top WR:
There is likely to be a lot of debate on this one, but despite seeing what he did in the post season, Larry Fitzgerald will be the second best receiver in 2009. Down in Houston there is quite a talented set of hands that belong to one Andre Johnson. As good as some of the others are in this league, there’s no receiver as dominant as Johnson was in 2008. Last season he led the league in both receptions as well as yardage. He also had double figure receptions in seven games, missing eight by one when he finished with nine catches back in Week 5. If Schaub can sustain his health for 2009, these two could become quite a tandem in 2009.

Top TE:
With Tony Gonzalez moving to Atlanta and Terrell Owens vacating Dallas, if there was a close gap between Tony G. and Jason Witten, it just may have gotten a little bit wider. Witten has clearly established himself as one of the best in this league, but with T.O. out he becomes the teams primary go-to receiver. Over the past two seasons Witten has averaged 88 receptions and five touchdowns. Without Owens around, expect similar if not better numbers from Witten, but he’ll easily improve the five touchdowns in 2009.


Just getting started…
With fantasy still a couple of months away, there’s going to be plenty to talk about leading up to drafts and the 2009 opening kickoff. But before I leave you with these four picks, let me make mention of a couple of names that I think could be big in 2009 and definitely worth watching;

Following a disappointing injury filled 2008, look for the Rams Steven Jackson to return to his 2006 form. In Cincinnati, if Carson Palmer is healthy and Chad “Ocho Cinco” can get his act together, both could have comeback seasons. Finally, in the Northwest another quarterback-receiver tandem could re-ignite in 2009. If Hasselbeck is over the injuries that plagued him last season, both he and receiver Deion Branch should benefit greatly from the arrival of T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Again, I am just getting started and we’ve got a long way to go before training camps even open.

Check back every week for more “Friday Football Diary”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 15th, 2009 10:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

The weekend is here and just when you thought things might slow down, don’t count on it. Many NFL teams are in the midst of more OTAs and with some players not showing others may find opportunity. Still there are many that are participating and with those that play, there is much to talk about, scrutinize, predict, and of course offer my take….

My Take...

RB CHRIS JOHNSON COULD BE POISED FOR BIG 2009
My Fantasy Read: Last season the fastest rookie in the 2008 NFL draft didn’t waste time proving his worth rushing for over 1,000 yards in his first year. Johnson split carries with Lendale White last season, but with the possibility of carrying a heavier load in 2009, the former runner out of East Carolina could be poised for a big season and will likely be a top tier RB option in most drafts.

WR MALCOM FLOYD SIGNS TENDER WILL JOIN TEAM
My Fantasy Read: It looks like the Charger’s number three receiver wised up and realized he wasn’t getting paid to sit. Floyd will join the team at their next OTAs. Floyd didn’t win any favor with his late arrival, but he’s far too talented to be overshadowed by Jackson and a declining Chambers. As long as he is healthy, he’ll figure prominently in the Chargers passing attack in 2009, especially in the second half of the season.

QB JEFF GARCIA READY TO COMPETE FOR STARTING GIG
My Fantasy Read: When Garcia was signed it was with the understanding that he would back up Russell. Now we’re hearing Jeff wants to not only play, but have a chance to start. This is all very well, because regardless of whom starts, this offense will likely struggle just the same. Garcia is 39 and does not have the arm strength suited for the type of speed the Raiders have. If he makes it back on the field, he’ll be a suitable bye week replacement at best.

RB RAY RICE HANDLING REPS WITH FIRST TEAM
My Fantasy Read: With McGahee on the sidelines Rice is handling all of the first team work in the team’s minicamp. With McGahee’s past history with the team Rice will more than likely have another shot at holding the top spot. With McClain now leading the way Rice figures to be the teams best fantasy prospect out of the backfield in 2009.

QB BRADY QUINN WAS CONSIDERED IN TRADE TALKS
My Fantasy Read: It’s funny how quickly things change. Last season starting quarterback Derek Anderson lost his charm with Cleveland fans and they ushered in the Era of Brady. Now just over four months later and he could be shown the back door. Brady will have a very tough time winning the starting gig this offseason for the mere fact the team has a lot of money tied to Anderson. Fantasy owners will have to be cautious with either of these quarterbacks.

WR DEION BRANCH TOPIC OF TRADE IN NORTHWEST
My Fantasy Read: This is not good news for Branch as he has yet to live up to expectations since his arrival. But with a healthy hasselbeck back in the saddle and great help on the other side (T.J.), Branch could be due to have a bounce back year. He’ll play second fiddle to Housh, but in the west coast system Branch could still be a productive fantasy receiver (as long as he’s in Seattle).


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: IDP NOTES

May 14th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

In case most folks have not noticed I can’t tell fantasy football is still about three months away (for some early draft) and the NFL does not kickoff until September. If you were here with me, you’d think tomorrow were draft day and fantasy starts Sunday. We still have plenty of time to prepare, so here’s my latest take from the IDP Nation.….

DL B.J. RAJI COULD COMPETE AT NOSE TACKLE
My Fantasy Read: The Packers number one 2009 draft selection is being pegged as the favorite in the middle despite the presence of 2008 starter Ryuan Pickett. Raji is a load and will take up considerable space, but at his size and build he serve more as a gap filler and have limited value for fantasy owners in IDP leagues.

LB BARRETT RUUD SITTING OUT FOR NOW
My Fantasy Read: The Buc’s leading tackler from last season has not reported to any of the team’s OTAs this offseason, but he says “everything’s fine.” It doesn’t sound like much now, but Ruud is in his final year of his rookie contract. As long as he’s on the field he’ll remain a solid IDP start in most any fantasy league.

DL SHAUN ELLIS RETURNS TO THE FIELD
My Fantasy Read: The Jet’s defensive lineman is coming back from offseason surgery. He’s currently limited in practice, but is expected to be back in time for camp. Ellis played well in 2008 and should be even better under Coach Ryan’s new system. Ellis will be a mid-level IDP favorite on the defensive line for fantasy owners in 2009.

DL JASON TAYLOR RETURNS TO THE DOLPHINS
My Fantasy Read: There’s nothing like “home, sweet home.” The defensive lineman returns to his former team in Miami, but will play a situational role coming from the sideline. Taylor enters his 12th season at age 34 and following an injury plagued 2008 season where he only started eight games, the sideline could actually be his friend. Taylor is still very well skilled and athletic, coming off the bench as a situational pass rusher will keep him healthy and extend his season. He’s not a top tier fantasy IDP, but he’ll be worth picking up in 2009.

LB DERRICK BROOKS NOT COMING BACK TO TAMPA
My Fantasy Read: Unfortunately for the former stud standout in the Tampa 2 defense, linebacker Derrick Brooks could be looking at having to hang’em up in 2009. The free agent is not generating any interest and the team has confirmed they have no plans to bring him back. It’s sad to say, but Brooks will likely have little or no fantasy value in 2009.

DL LEONARD LITTLE HOPE TO BOUNCE BACK IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: The Rams former third round pick in the 1998 NFL draft is coming off an injury riddled 2008. Last season Little started just five games and recorded just 18 tackles (six sacks). He’s missed a total of eleven games the last two seasons. He’s now close to full strength, but at 35 his durability will remain a question going into 2009. If he can stay healthy, he figures to have a prominent role in Spagnuolo’s defense and could be a solid IDP play this coming fantasy season.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 13th, 2009 10:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

We may be smack in the middle of the NFL offseason, but with the draft barely weeks old and many teams starting up their OTA’s it sure feels like football season. And what would football season be without more news, updates, predictions, quick takes, long takes, and of course my take….

My Take...

RB LEON WASHINGTON WANTS NEW DEAL
My Fantasy Read: Now who doesn’t want a new deal. The interesting thing is Thomas Jones is also looking for more money. This bodes well for Washington, because if the Jets have to pick their poison they’re likely to go with youth. Washington is not an every down back, but with the addition of rookie runner Shonn Greene he could become a reliable weekly fantasy option splitting carries.

QB BRIAN GRIESE COULD BE OUT SOON
My Fantasy Read: Word is Griese could be let go by Tampa Bay by the end of the week. This is could very well likely be his last stop. Griese has been pretty much a journeyman backup the last several seasons. He’s only started 11 games in the last three seasons and at 34 years of age, he’s not a good candidate to see much action in 2009.

RB LERON MCCLAIN CHANGING POSITION
My Fantasy Read: McClain had to be one of last season’s surprise sleepers, but this year he’s more likely to put fantasy owners to sleep. This season he’ll move over to fullback which will likely cut into his carries but he still may be a serviceable fantasy back. McClain will still figure in as the team’s short-yardage and goal-line carrier.

RB JERIOUS NORWOOD TO SEE BIGGER ROLE
My Fantasy Read: Every year we are hearing the same thing. We expect so and so to have a bigger role, because we’d like to keep our other player healthy. Micheal Turner carried the ball 375 times last season (which is high), and he’ll be the bread and butter once again. Turner is going to get the ball as much as the team needs him to carry, so Norwood is going to settle for leftovers once again.

RB FRED JACKSON AGREES TO 4-YR DEAL
My Fantasy Read: The good news is Jackson can be a very productive runner, even in a back-up role. The presence of T.O. is going to make the rest of the Bills offense better and Jackson will be one of those beneficiaries (especially in the passing game). The bad news for Marshawn Lynch owners, Jackson just signed a 4-year deal, so your boy will lose some touches.

RB WILLIS MCGAHEE SLOW TO RETURN TO THE FIELD
My Fantasy Read: The Raven’s former featured back could have a tough time cracking the lineup this season if his health continues to remain an issue. With last year’s rookie Ray Rice implanted as the number one tailback while McGahee rehabs from knee surgery, he’ll have a great opportunity to hold the job. Remember last season McGahee began the season in the doghouse.



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FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

May 12th, 2009 9:57pm PST

[Tuesday late edition]

The NFL Draft: More Fantasy Recap

A Last Look....
There weren’t too many late drafting teams this year that caught everyone by surprise, but when you are looking for getting the most bang for your buck, ask the New York Giants, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Arizona Cardinals.

Saddled with the 29th pick in the first round the Giants went right for need and picked up a talented receiving prospect, Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina). Nicks is not going to be the next Plaxico Burress, but he’ll add considerable talent needed depth to the position. He’ll be a work, but one that could pay dividends surprisingly sooner than some might expect.

The Giants were already going to be good in 2009, but some might wonder would they be good enough. Their eight picks taken in this year’s draft may not guarantee, but the front office did what it was supposed to by adding quality players and needed depth. Linebacker Clint Sintim (Virginia) could be a name many will hear called quite often this coming season. While offensive tackle William Beatty (Connecticut) likely won’t see a lot of action this season as a starter, at 6’6” he’ll add insurance to an already good line.

The Ravens have found themselves a gem of a quarterback and team leader in Joe Flacco, last year’s first round pick. This year it only made sense to invest in your future and draft him some protection. With their first pick at number 23 the Ravens grab one of this year’s top offensive line prospects, Michael Oher (Mississippi). Oher will likely start 2009 from the sidelines, but at his size and with his talent he’ll add depth and a promising future for the Ravens offensive line.

In Arizona, the Cardinals were left with the 31st pick in the first round and quite honestly got the best value they could hope for. With Edgerrin James now released and left only with a less than impressive Tim Hightower, the Cards definitely needed to find some help in the backfield. Considering what was available in this year’s draft, they really got a bargain with their selection of Chris “Beanie” Wells. He’s likely to start camp playing behind Hightower, but he’s got a great shot and stealing some carries and eventually winning the job by the time the season starts.

Just some final thoughts…

There were some intriguing picks made early in this year’s draft, but not many that would jump off this page. However some notables that I think are worth mentioning for strictly fantasy purposes, the Chargers number 16 pick of linebacker Larry English (Northern Illinois). He may not start, but could still be worth draft in IDP leagues. The Colts selection of running back Donald Brown (Connecticut) could prove to be fantasy note worthy. With Addai showing many kinks in his armor, is very possible for Brown to emerge as a regular contributor in 2009. One last name worth mentioning is the Bengal’s second round draft pick Ray Maualuga (USC). Surprisingly the Trojan linebacker fell to the second round, but there’s no question he’s was huge steal for Cincinnati. He’ll likely start in the middle and should be a solid IDP play in 2009.

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle.”

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

May 11th, 2009 9:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Notes

The Wait and See

The offseason has been anything but quiet this year, especially now with the whole Favre saga starting up again. Fortunately for those that enjoy controversy this one will make good sports chatter at the local bars, but Favre is not the only unfinished story worth noting.

With the Super Bowl months old and the NFL draft complete, teams are now focused on business at hand; mandatory minicamps, long-term deals, and getting the rest of their players on the field. There remain a handful of players that not only fans will be watching with great interest, but owners could be considering their futures with the team over the next couple of months.

In Arizona, wide receiver Anquan Boldin is still sitting on the fence. Many felt that the team would be inclined to deal him prior to the draft and while things have seemed to have cooled off, he’s still a possibility to be dealt.

The Panthers are not without their own stigma. A one-time dominant defensive end Julius Peppers (albeit he’s still very good) is an unhappy camper in the Carolina state and could be looking to change scenery. What will be interesting is if the Panthers oblige and what they can get in return. Before the draft sure would have made better sense. The team might have been able to parlay a few picks to fill the huge void that would be left.

We are still watching the goings on in Kansas City these days. With Larry Johnson on his best behavior, there’s still no guarantee that the team won’t release him. With nothing to lose, that could happen any day, but the thing to watch will be rumors of any free agent running backs coming to town for a visit. It hasn’t happened yet, but the “Edge” (Edgerrin James) is still unemployed.

Besides the former Cardinal’s runner (James), there remain a few names that could become hot topics over the next several weeks. Jason Taylor could be the next player we’re hearing about with rumors of the Patriots showing interest. There’s also Marvin Harrison, who does not sound like he’s ready for retirement.

A couple of other names that come to my mind that I believe will play in 2009 (but not necessarily with their current teams) and that fantasy folks may want to watch; Thomas Jones, Willis McGahee, Warrick Dunn, Drew Bennett, and DJ Hackett. I’m not going out on any limbs with predictions, but one of these or more than one of these players could find relevance somewhere this offseason.

Like the boys sitting in limbo, with all these players we’ll just have to wait and see!

By David Ortega

Check out more “Sunday Night Football Notes” every week!