June 23rd, 2009 10:37pm PST
THE FANTASY FIXX
The Biggest Bear.
Matt Forte#22, RB-(Chicago Bears)….
The Bear’s offense is in for a major lift this season with the addition of quarterback Jay Cutler, but no one is likely to benefit more than running back Matt Forte. Last season as a rookie Forte was among the league leaders in rushing (ranked 7th) and led all running backs with 63 catches last season. His 1,700-yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008 made him the top rookie in fantasy last season.
With the addition of a big time passer, Forte should be able to find more running lanes allowing him to improve on his 1,200-yards from a year ago. The versatile back was a three-down player for the Bears offense in 2008 and fantasy owners can expect the same this season. Even with Cutler under center, Forte should also remain just as involved in the Bear’s more conservative passing game. He may not hit the 60 catch barrier, but could find more room to roam with opposing safeties sitting back because of Cutler’s big arm.
What to expect in 2009…
With a big arm in the huddle for 2009, the Bears running game which was solid last season could gain some fresh legs this coming season. Forte is likely to have another solid campaign with the presence of Cutler to take some of the pressure off. Forte played in all 16 games and finished with nearly 380 touches in 08. He be the Bears focal point on offense this year and should finish in the top 10 among fantasy backs. (2009 predictions: 295 carries, 1,360-yards rushing, 11 rushing touchdowns, 50 receptions, 505-yards receiving, 3 touchdowns)
Looking to soar again.
Kevin Curtis#80, WR-(Philadelphia Eagles)….
The Eagle’s speedy wideout was severely hampered a year ago with a sports hernia injury that put him out for seven weeks. He was never the same the rest of the way in 2008 finishing the year with just 33 catches and two touchdowns. In 2007 Curtis had emerged as a big time pass receiving threat and one of McNabb’s favorite targets finishing with 77 receptions for over 1,100-yards.
Despite the shortened season due to injury Curtis did have some flashes with a six catch and seven catch game. He lacked his normal burst and did not have many big number games, but it appears he’s recovered from the hernia surgery last year and the follow up procedure he had in April. Now healthy Curtis could be looking to returning to his 2007 form. The Eagles have some weapons on offense that could enable for a big season from Curtis.
What to expect in 2009…
The team made a move in the draft this past April to add some help to the passing game. With last year’s rookie sensation DeSean Jackson having a full year under his belt and incoming rookie Jeremy Maclin bringing added talent, defenses will have a tough time trying to key on Curtis. The speedster has great chemistry with McNabb and could once again surprise fantasy owners with a big 2009 campaign. (2009 predictions: 69 receptions, 1,045-yards receiving, 7 touchdowns)
Check back every Monday for more “Fantasy Fixx”
June 24th, 2009 9:30pm PST
David's Daily Digest
[My Take]
More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy season……
My Take...
TE OWEN DANIELS ABSENT FROM MANDATORY CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The Texan’s playmaking tight end is looking to sign a new deal. He’s signed his one year tender, but apparently is willing to sit out to get his new deal. Daniels is one of the leagues up and coming pass receiving tight ends. Over the past two seasons he has caught 133 passes and is easily becoming a fantasy favorite. The Texans are likely to get a deal done soon, but it might cost Daniels some pocket change.
TE GREG OLSEN WORKING WELL THIS OFFSEASON
My Fantasy Read: The word out of the Bear’s camp is the former Miami Hurricane (Olsen) and his new quarterback is developing quite a rapport. Olsen is easily one of the teams more skilled receivers and it’s no surprise Cutler is building chemistry with his tight end. The Bear’s offense is not likely to duplicate the 2008 Broncos, but Olsen could be looking at a big 2009 campaign and will be highly sought after in fantasy drafts this summer.
RB LADELL BETTS FIGURES PROMINANTLY IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: In some recent posts on the wire, it appears the Redskins are going to try and get Betts more involved in 2009. It’s no surprise considering the amount of work Portis has seen in recent years and how he broke down some last season. Betts has had only 197 touches the last two seasons after totaling nearly 300 in 2006 (Portis was injured in 06). Betts is more than a capable backup and could still a considerable amount of work from Portis, making him worth drafting in fantasy leagues this summer.
RB CORRELL BUCKHALTER SHOWING SOME BURST
My Fantasy Read: There is no clear read coming out of the Bronco’s backfield just yet, although the rookie would seem to be the most appealing option, but it seems the former Eagle is drawing much praise showing lots of burst this offseason. This may bode well for Buckhalter who is likely to assume the same type of role in Denver that he had in Philly (playing behind Westbrook). The Bronco’s have a host of options currently and it’s very likely their running game could be by committee, limiting any value Buckhalter might have
WR DENNIS NORTHCUTT BEING PERMITTED TO SHOP
My Fantasy Read: In non-relevant fantasy news, the agent of Dennis Northcutt confirmed his client has been given permission to seek a trade. Apparently the Jaguars are not too interested in retaining Northcutts’ services and it’s likely few other teams will be. It’s very likely Northcutt will ultimately just be released by the Jags. He could eventually latch on somewhere, but he’s not likely to have any fantasy impact at least at the start of the 2009 season.
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....
June 23rd, 2009 11:30pm PST
IDP Notes:
LB CLAY MATTHEWS HEALTHY AND READY TO COMPETE
My Fantasy Read: The Packers top draft pick this past April says he feels fully recovered from a pulled hamstring that had slowed him earlier during the team’s OTAs. Now healthy Matthews appears to be a sure bet to crack a starting spot this season. He’s expected to play outside linebacker in Dom Caper’s 3-4 defense and should be a solid IDP play for fantasy this season.
LB BRIAN CUSHING EXPECTED TO START FOR TEXANS
My Fantasy Read: The SC standout drafted 15th overall in the 2009 draft will start at strong-side for the Texans. Recent reports on the former Trojan indicate he’ll need to improve his footwork and pass defending skills this summer. Its’ likely Cushing could be relegated to two-down duty. If he struggles against the pass, his fantasy stock could take a slight dip if he has to leave the field on third down.
DL JEVON KEARSE HAS BEGUN INDIVIDUAL DRILLS
My Fantasy Read: The Titan’s pass-rusher is recovering from knee surgery and doesn’t figure to be full strength until training camp. Since his early days in Tennessee, the Freak has not been the same with injuries slowing him down from 2002 to 2007. Last season Kearse was able to start all 16 games, but recorded only three and a half sacks. This season he’s expected to play in more a limited role, which will diminish his fantasy value. He’s likely not worth drafting in IDP leagues, but could be a consider later in the season.
LB TED BRUSCHI UNDECIDED ABOUT FUTURE AFTER 09
My Fantasy Read: The Patriot’s aging veteran linebacker has slowly but surely seen a decline in his production over the past few seasons. Whether or not he plays beyond the 2009 schedule won’t change his value this coming season. Bruschi has lost a lot of stock with his numbers taking a nose dive since 2006, he’ll likely be an IDP casualty in fantasy drafts this summer.
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411……
June 23rd, 2009 9:30pm PST
This Week on the Cover….
The Texas Two-Step
This past offseason, the big story in Texas was the release of wide receiver Terrell Owens. The talented receiver, but often disruption was deemed a detriment to the team’s overall success. While his exit may have open a void to be filled the Cowboys passing attack, it did also pave the way for two of the team’s best weapons to reunite (so to speak).
Let’s face it, last season three was a crowd and the Cowboys offense struggled at times to be the cohesive unit it needed to be to succeed. With no distractions or excuses, quarterback Tony Romo and tight end Jason Witten can continue their Texas Two-step as one of the leagues deadliest passing connections.
Over the past two seasons with Tony Romo the starter, Witten has led the Cowboys in receptions totaling 177 and has 11 touchdown catches. 2008 was less than the stellar season the two had produced just the year prior. Marred by locker room turmoil and injuries, both Romo and Witten are back together in 2009 looking to continue their offensive song and dance that could take the Cowboys deep into the playoffs.
Chemistry was thought to have played a big part in the team’s self destruction down the stretch in 2008. With a fresh start this season and no excuses or distractions to prevent these two from connecting often, both could see huge production in 2009.
Three may have been a crowd, but this Texas two-some looks primed and ready to two-step their way into fantasy stardom once again. Witten will no doubt be the number one selected tight end in fantasy, while Romo is a projected top eight quarterback. Owens may be long gone, but Texas fans had still better get their popcorn ready
Check back everyday for more football!
June 21st, 2009 9:30pm PST
David's Daily Digest
[My Take]
More OTA’s and more football highlight Monday’s activities around the league. Here’s the latest I am hearing and reading with my take on things around the league…
My Take...
RB RONNIE BROWN LOOKING GOOD IN CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The word around the Dolphin’s minicamp is that Ronnie Brown is looking very good on the field. Just two years removed from major knee surgery, Brown could be looking to bounce back in 2009. Brown had a decent 2008 campaign, but with an aging Ricky Williams not looking very sharp during the offseason, the stage could be set for a monster season this year. Fantasy owners should be looking to draft Brown near the top this summer.
WR GREG JENNINGS REPORTEDLY CLOSE TO SIGNING
My Fantasy Read: The Packer’s leading receiver is reportedly close to resigning with the team according to Jennings. This would be very good news for the Packers, as Jennings emerged as the team’s top pass-receiving threat a year ago with nearly 1,300-yards and nine touchdowns. A happy Jennings heading into training camp can only mean good things for fantasy owners as well. Jennings will likely be a possible top-10 grab or close to it in fantasy drafts this summer.
WR KEVIN CURTIS SAYS HE’S ONCE AGAIN HEALTHY
My Fantasy Read: In 2007, Curtis was a healthy Eagle and put up big numbers with McNabb chucking the pill. Last season a sports hernia surgery slowed down Curtis’ 2008 campaign. Now healthy and with some additional help on the “O” side of the ball Curtis could be looking to return to his 70-catch, 1,000-yard form. Curtis will be a solid middle round WR2 selection this coming summer.
RB AHMAD BRADSHAW CONSIDERED PRIMARY BACKUP
My Fantasy Read: The read on Bradshaw is he’ll be Jacob’s primary backup and should see plenty of touches to be fantasy worthy. He’s not going to be the big dog on any fantasy team this season, but should make a solid RB3 selection and great handcuff for Jacobs. Last season Bradshaw finished with just 67 carries, but this season he should absorb the majority of the 182 carries Derrick Ward has a year ago.
WR ISSAC BRUCE NOT EXPECTED TO START IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: One of the NFL’s leading receiver’s is likely to make the Niner’s roster this season, but according to the SF Chronicle he likely won’t start. The Niner’s drafted Michael Crabtree this offseaosn and he is expected to step in at split-end with Josh Morgan moving to flanker. The 16 year veteran wideout (Bruce) will move to the slot and should still be a serviceable WR3 in deeper leagues. Last season Bruce led the team with 61 catches and he could very well be one of its’ top receivers again.
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest...
