FSH: THE ATL REPORT

June 20th, 2009 10:37pm PST


THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

Cardinal’s and Boldin back at the table talking….
The word around town or at least in football circles is that the two sides have reopened talks. The Cardinal’s would be wise to keep Boldin as part of their aerial attack, but it remains to be seen what the two sides can work out. Boldin will have greater fantasy value as a red-bird, but is not likely to take to great a hit if he gets moved.

Hightower expected to start, but not stay….
The Cardinals don’t appear ready to hand over the starting gig to rookie running back Chris Wells, so heading into camp 2nd year runner Tim Hightower will be anointed the starting job. While Hightower may be pegged to start heading into camp, many feel that Wells is too great a talent to not win the job by some point. Wells should also be the fantasy favorite heading into league drafts this summer.

Tomlinson will be running wild in Charger’s backfield….
It’s being reported that the Chargers have been running a variation of the Wild-Cat offense aptly called the “Wild Frog Offense” with LaDanian Tomlinson the focal point. While head coach Norv Turner insists its to benefit the defense, but with the versatile Tomlinson, fantasy owners could see a new trend in San Diego.

WR Heyward-Bey being slowed by hamstring injury…..
The Raiders have been very high on their speedy wide receiver draft selection, but so far this offseason he has yet to be impressive. The rookie has been slowed by a recurring hamstring injury and is likely to be shut down until training camp. Fantasy owners will want to watch this development closely should the injury linger.

Rookie QB Freeman turning heads in Tampa Bay
Surprisingly the Buc’s rookie quarterback is in contention for the starting job. Although Josh Freeman is a talented player, he did not figure to be in the mix when he arrived. Freeman’s bid to win the job does not say much for Luke McCown or Byron Leftwich. Fantasy owners are going to want to avoid the Buccaneers quarterback trio in drafts this summer.

Raven’s interested in Marshall, but will Broncos deal?….
While there are no current reports indicating the Bronco’s intent on dealing their all-pro receiver, there is word out of Baltimore that the Ravens are interested. This really is no surprise, I’m sure there are several other teams that might light the talented receiver, but it doesn’t appear Baltimore is in position to make a serious offer. This is your typical wait and see situation.

Favre pain-free, but still not ready….
According to recent reports the retired quarterback who is recovering from arm surgery is pain free. While Favre is no longer feeling pain, he’s not quite ready to make his return. He’ll need to continue to rehab to rebuild arm strength and stamina. It appears Favre is once again on the comeback trail, but it’s really too early to measure how effective or successful he’ll be in Minnesota.


Check back every week for more “Around the League”

FSH: IDP NOTES

June 18th, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

LB PISA TIMOISAMOA LOGGING TIME WITH FIRST TEAM
My Fantasy Read: The Bear’s newly acquired free agent linebacker has been practicing with the first team during recent OTAs. The undersized Tinoisamoa has been running at strongside linebacker and figures to be a decent IDP play this season as a member of the Bear’s defense. The former Ram has led his team in tackles three of the last five seasons, including 2008.

LB BOSS BAILEY CUT BY THE BRONCOS
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s continue to over-haul the defense and make changes to improve the quality of depth. It was recently reported that the team released linebacker Boss Bailey, younger brother to Champ Bailey. The younger brother was often injured and likely would have only contributed from the sidelines. He’s not a likely candidate to be snatched up by any team right away, but he could resurface somewhere. No matter where he lands, he likely to have limited fantasy value in most leagues.

LB BRIAN URLACHER REMAINS SIDELINED
My Fantasy Read: The Bear’s defensive team leader and playmaking linebacker has been sidelined with a groin injury. It appears the team is nearly being cautious and not going to take any chances with Urlacher. He’s expected to be ready for training camp and a solid early round IDP selection in fantasy drafts this summer.

LB RAY MAUALUGA TO BE IDP IMPACT PLAYER
My Fantasy Read: The Bengal’s rookie linebacker has been impressive this offseason drawing praise from his coaches. According to the team’s defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer he could be a three-down back. With praise like that coming from your coach, expect to see Maualuga’s stock value soar in fantasy drafts.

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 17th, 2009 7:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]


My Take...

QB CARSON PALMER CONFIDENT HEADING INTO 2009
My Fantasy Read: Well it sounds like the old Carson will be ready to return to form in 2009. It was reported recently that Carson believes this year’s Bengals could be the best team he’s been a part of since his arrival in 2004. Although he and Ochocinco won’t be shacking up this summer, it does appear these two are more focused on getting back on the same page. Look for big things from these two in 2009.

RB MATT FORTE STILL NOT PRACTICING DURING MINIS
My Fantasy Read: The Bears running back is still nursing a strained hamstring. While the injury is not believed to be serious, the team will likely remain cautious with Forte. Hamstrings tend to be those type of tricky injuries that can linger. When Forte does return he’s expected to be a top five running back in most fantasy drafts, in particular PPR leagues. Last season Forte caught 63 balls.

QB JP LOSMAN LIKELY TO PLAY UFL THIS SEASON
My Fantasy Read: surprisingly the released backup has not found work in the NFL, but it does sound like he could soon be employed by the newly formed UFL. Losman was the Bill’s starter for two games last season and seven in 2007, but was never able to hold the job. He’s likely done for fantasy this season and it looks like a tough road for him to return anytime soon.

QB MATT RYAN GETTING A LOT OF ATTENTION
My Fantasy Read: The Falcons 2nd year quarterback is drawing a lot of attention from his coaching staff this offseason. The staff has been working with Ryan to eliminate mistakes, improve accuracy and make better quicker decisions. According to NFL.com, Ryan has greatly improved and with an improved receiving corp could be a top 10 fantasy quarterback in 2009.

WR DONTE STALLWORTH DONE FOR 2009 SEASON
My Fantasy Read: The NFL commissioner did not waste time bringing down the hammer on the beleaguered Brown’s receiver. Stallworth recently pleaded guilty to a reduced charge and received a 30-day jail sentence for his involvement in a DUI Manslaughter case in Florida. The NFL suspended the Brown’s wideout indefinitely and without pay. Stallworth is likely done for 2009 (in fantasy and the NFL) and it could be sometime before he returns to the field.


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

FSH: IDP NOTES

June 16th, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

LB TAMBA HALI NOT ADJUSTING WELL TO NEW POSITION
My Fantasy Read: The Chiefs former defensive end and now converted to linebacker has not looked comfortable in his new position. The slow start could be a great indicator for a long learning curve. Hali had a down 2008 season and with new struggles in the new system his fantasy stock value is likely to plummet this summer. He’s not going to top any fantasy charts this fall, but may be one of those late bloomers.

LB AARON CURRY PLAYING ON THE D-LINE TOO
My Fantasy Read: The Seahawks standout defensive rookie has been drawing some attention and praise in mini-camps thus far, so much he getting reps at defensive end during the minis. While it is only mini-camp, Curry is expected to be a hot fantasy stock item in IDP drafts this summer. Though he is unproven, he’s going to get plenty of chances to be a special player and play-maker at the next level. Fantasy owners can expect to see him gobbled up fairly early.

LB JULIUS PEPPERS EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR CAMP
My Fantasy Read: According to another Carolina Panther defensive player, the team’s All-Pro defensive end is expected to be ready to go when the team enters training camp. While the source (Jon Beason) is likely to be reliable, Peppers has not been happy and has asked for a trade, so we’ll believe it when we see it. Though Peppers is garnered as one of the top pass rushing ends in the game, there’s no doubt his best value is in Carolina.

LB GREG ELLIS SIGNS WITH THE OAKLAND RAIDERS
My Fantasy Read: The former Cowboy has signed a three-year deal with the Raiders. Ellis is expected to move back to his natural defensive end position. The 34-year old was released earlier in the off season by the Cowboys, so it’s a bit of a reach for the Raiders. Ellis saw a slight dip in his numbers last season with only eight sacks in 16 games. He’s not likely to reach double figures in 2009, but may be a manageable bye week replacement.

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

June 15th, 2009 11:37pm PST

Another Mile High Fallout

Bronco’s Receiver asking for a Trade....

So what just happened in Denver this offseason? Are folks so mad about Mike Shanahan’s firing that one by one, the team’s best players are wanting out of Denver? How can this be?

First there was the whole Jay Cutler blunder and now it is being reported that wide receiver Brandon Marshall is asking to be traded. Who will be next player to ask for the first ticket out of town?

Well, okay maybe it hasn’t gone down quite like this. It was pretty apparent the team mishandled the whole Cutler situation, but then it just became something that spun out of control. Let’s face it too, Cutler did not exactly show much maturity playing his part in the whole fiasco.

Now this whole Marshall situation is a completely different kind of monster. While the Broncos 4th year receiver has shown tremendous ability on the playing field and has shown he’s earned top at his position, he’s quickly become a liability factor with his off-the-field distractions.

Marshall has comprised his entire future in the league with his lack of maturity away from the locker room. His playing ability has made him one of the team leaders simply by his actions on the field, but his problems off have made him a bit of a stigma.

Now that it appears he may avoid punishment by the league, Marshall is taking a stance demanding a new deal. It’s not one that will likely come in Denver and he may already know this.

The big news today is Marshall coming out saying he wants to be traded. Considering his track record and the risk factor involved, resigning Marshall at this time may not be the wisest investment. He still faces some legal trouble ahead, so it will be interesting how this plays out.

If Marshall is dealt where he lands will have major ramifications on his fantasy value. Last season Marshall was top five, but doesn’t figure to keep that kind of company if he gets shipped out. Stay tuned!


Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 15th, 2009 10:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]


My Take...

WR OCHOCINCO BUILDING NEW BOND WITH QUARTERBACK
My Fantasy Read: While it may seem satirical, the fact that Johnson is working at renewing his bond with his quarterback could be a very good sign for the bewildered receiver. Last season “Ocho” was lost in obscurity, but with a fresh start in 2009 he could rebound big and be nice sleeper pick for some fantasy owners this season.

WR BRANDON LLOYD SIGNS WITH BRONCOS
My Fantasy Read: The former Bears receiver has inked a deal with the Denver Broncos. Lloyd will be re-united with his former quarterback Kyle Orton. While Lloyd did show some promise early in his career, his stint in Chicago was hardly worth taking notice of. The injury pronned receiver could possibly rebound in the “Patriots West” system, but he’ll need to stay healthy this offseason. Even if Lloyd hangs around, he’ll have more value as a waiver wire pick-up, should he show anything this season.

TE OWEN MCDANIELS A NOW SHOW AT MANDATORY CAMP
My Fantasy Read: In a surprising move the Texans tight end was a no-show after signing his one year tender. It appears the talented receiver is trying to angle for a long term deal. While he postures, he runs the risk of receiving fines for missing the mandatory camp. Daniels is too talented for the Texans not to deal, I would expect to see a deal completed by training camp and Daniels ready to be a top five fantasy TE this season.

QB BRETT FAVRE CONFIRMS “CONSIDERING RETURN”
My Fantasy Read: In an interview on Joe Buck’s new HBO show, the retired quarterback confirmed that he is considering returning to football. Favre also confirmed the surgery to repair his torn bicep. He is currently rehabbing and should be fully recovered in another two weeks. Only time will tell, but its sounding more and more like Favre will return and in two weeks we should have our answer.

WR BRANDON MARSHALL WANTS OUT OF DENVER?
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s chronic off-the-field problem child has decided to throw a fit and demand a trade. How fitting for a player that has become such a huge risk factor that the Bronco’s don’t dare re-sign him too early. There is no question that the talented wideout has earned top dollars at his position, but because of his immature antics off the field, he’s not likely to see that kind of money, at least not in Denver. The Broncos diffused one combustion able situation early in the offseason, by trading away one spoiled brat, why not do it again? If Marshall departs Denver his stock will definitely be in limbo until owners see where he lands.


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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

June 14th, 2009 11:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Notes

Can the Cards take the West?

This past offseason, there weren’t a whole lot of changes made in the Arizona desert, at least not to the nucleus of the offense that led the team to Super Bowl XLIII. With quarterback Kurt Warner re-signed and ready to return for another the run, it appears the Cardinals will once again have the pieces needed to take down a second consecutive division title or do they.

Probably the team in the division that made the biggest move during the offseason was Seattle who signed free agent wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The addition of the All-pro receiver should greatly improve the team’s offense from a year ago. The Seahawks finished with a 4-12 record and ranked 28th on offense last season, but this team had too much talent to be this bad. Injuries decimated the passing game early on and the team never recovered.

The Cardinal’s will have to worry about a healthier 2009 Seahawk team challenging this season, as well as a much improving Niner team that finished 4-1 down the stretch last season.

One of the keys for the Cardinals offense this season will be keeping a happy Anquan Boldin in town. The team is loaded with talent at the receiver position with Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston, but there’s no question that Boldin makes the offense better. Warner finished the 2008 season very strong and certainly looks capable of another repeat season, but he’s going to need some help from the backfield this season to continue his success.

The Cards addressed this need right away in the 2009 NFL Draft with the selection of Ohio State running back Chris “Beanie” Wells. Wells will give the backfield a much needed lift with durability, youth, and fresh legs. Added the 2nd year Tim Hightower and the running game should be more effective in 2009.

One area the Cards may not have necessarily improved much this past offseason is the defense. It’s still a work in progress, but the team managed to keep some of its’ main anchors; Adrian Wilson (re-signed) and Karlos Dansby (franchise player). The team did add some secondary help with the signing of free agent cornerback Bryant McFadden, but there is little doubt that the Cards success this season will come from its’ offense.

When you break down the West, there is still too much of a gap between the Cardinals and the rest of the division. The only team that could really threaten to close that gap could be the Seahawks, but even if there offense is better they hardly have the defense to contend with the Red-birds. Seattle surrendered 60 points and 915-yards in two games.

If you’re a betting man, you have to love the Cardinal’s chances at repeating. If they can remain healthy, they look strong to win the weak NFC West division and a second consecutive playoff berth. If they can manage that, then anything is possible as we have already seen.


By David Ortega

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

FSH: THIS WEEK'S KNUCKLE-HEAD

June 14th, 2009 9:37pm PST

This Week’s Knuckle-Head

That's tuurrible..

What are you thinking Dude?

Brandon Marshall, A Possible Hold-out?….
As if the Denver Broncos don’t have enough to worry about, with a new head coach, a new quarterback, and a new system now add a new day-time drama in the Mile High City.

Just when things seemed to be settling down following the whole Jay Cutler blowout that brought Quarterback Kyle Orton to town. The news breaks on Friday that Bronco’s wide receiver Brandon Marshall was a no-show for the team’s mandatory minicamp.

The Denver standout is apparently looking for a new deal and thinks his performance on the field warrants big dollars. He may be right about his play, but that’s a tough position for the team when Marshall has been a chronic problem off the field.

In his three seasons with the team Marshall has been the center of negative attention off the field on multiple occasions. Several of the reported incidents have resulted with Marshall being arrested. As a result of this behavior, prior to the 2008 season NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell handed out a three game suspension that was eventually reduced to one game. Now because of his prior history, Marshall runs the risk of a lengthy punishment should he slip up again something the team has to consider before they resign him.

Before you go crying for more green, it may be time to do some growing up and getting your priorities in order. How can the Broncos invest so much in someone that has proven to be unreliable? Marshall needs to look in the mirror and do some soul searching. He needs to prove he can overcome his off the field distractions and put his best foot forward before the team can be asked to shell out top dollars.

That’s just my take on things in Denver.


Check back every week for more of “This Week’s Knuckle-head”

FSH: FANTASY FOOTBALL RADAR

June 14th, 2009 4:37pm PST

THE FANTASY ZONE

FANTASY RADAR
(AN IDP LOOK)

WHO IS NUMBER ONE?


Demarcus Ware, LB-(Dallas Cowboys)….
Last season the Cowboy’s outstanding linebacker DeMarcus Ware had one of the best seasons of any defensive player in the league. Ware finished 2008 with over 80 tackles, 20 sacks, and six forced fumbles. He finished runner-up in the Defensive Player of the Year balloting and deservingly so, but if you had asked fantasy owners Ware may have been the top choice. Over the past three seasons he had totaled double figure sacks and averaged nearly 80 tackles. Ware has also proven to be one of the toughest and more durable defensive players having yet to miss a game in his four-year NFL career. Ware is a non-stop motor wrecking havoc in the backfield of opposing offenses. In 2008 his worst game saw him record four tackles and he registered at least one sack in all but two games. Few could hardly argue with the Cowboy’s pass rush specialist going number one in fantasy IDP drafts and it’s likely if he’s not one he’ll be second.

James Harrison, LB-(Pittsburgh Steelers)….
Maybe the only player to have a better season than Ware was the Steelers own pass-rush and playmaking specialist, linebacker James Harrison. Not only did the Steeler’s linebacker win the DPOY honor, but he also captured a Super Bowl title along the way. Some of his accolades that helped him achieve his success; 101 total tackles, 16 sacks, one interception, and seven forced fumbles. 2008 was only the second full season for Harrison as a starter, and following his 98 tackle and 8 sack 2007 season he made to most of his opportunity. The Steeler’s talented linebacker is a relentless force that is a constant disruption for opponents. His 100-yard interception return for a touchdown to end the first half of Super Bowl XLIII proved to be a huge key in the Steelers victory. It’s hard to imagine Harrison not being the top sought after IDP in fantasy drafts this summer, but if he does not go number one, the owner who picks second will be thanking the fantasy gods for the gift.


Check back every Saturday for more “Fantasy Radar”