FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

July 1st, 2009 10:30pm 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 TONY SCHEFFLER COULD SEE BIG ROLE IN DENVER
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s tight end may have been a big question mark heading into the offseason with McDaniel’s arrival, but it looks like there could be big plans in 2009 for the talented receiver. Even if the Marshall situation plays out and he stays, Scheffler has too much skill and talent for McDaniels to ignore. The Broncos tight end can present to many favorable options for the offense and figures to be a big part of the offense in 2009. He should easily be one of fantasy’s top targeted tight ends this summer.

RB LESEAN MCCOY ADDS DEPTH TO BACKFIELD
My Fantasy Read: The Eagle’s second round draft signed his new four year deal and now gives the offense plenty of depth in the backfield. McCoy is not a threat to take Westbrook’s job, but will battle with 2nd year back Lorenzo Booker to back up the Eagle’s starter. With the Eagles hoping to keep Westy healthy all season long, the number two spot could become a more lucrative playing option. Fantasy owners will want to eye this situation well into training camp before making a move on either McCoy or Booker.

RB MIKE BELL COULD BE SEE SOME ACTION THIS YEAR
My Fantasy Read: Knowing the history of the Saints and there trouble keeping their backfield healthy, the former Bronco could find himself some playing time in 2009. Thomas appears to be the number one back, with Bush playing a more versatile role in the passing game. Bell should have a chance at splitting some short-yardage carries and perhaps steal a few touchdowns. He’s hardly worth looking at in standard fantasy drafts, but as needs change during the season he could fill a role.

RB LADANIAN TOMLINSON LOOKING GOOD-TO-GO IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: The Charger’s perennial all-pro runner has looked sharp this offseason and it appears his nagging injuries from last season could be a thing of the past. Tomlinson has been sharp and running well and with the Chargers fooling around a bit with the wildcat, the team could be finding more ways to keep their best weapon more involved with the offense. L.T. has reached that coveted 30-years of age plateau, but appears ready to disprove the nay-sayers. His recent history could knock him down a peg or two on some fantasy boards, but he should still be considered a solid RB1 in 2009 fantasy.


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FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

June 29th, 2009 11:37pm PST

[Wednesday Edition]

Who is Number Two?

Fitz Tops the List....

Well, if you’re taking a poll it’s pretty easy to figure out who is the number one receiver in fantasy this summer. Just stop by your local pub or watercooler and you can get it straight from your local fantasy guru. The Cardinal’s wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is more than likely going to be the number one selected receiver in fantasy this season.

When you look at the fantastic numbers he posted in the playoffs a year ago, it really becomes tough to argue (546-yards, 30 receptions, 7 touchdowns in four games). In the regular season Fitz was no disappointment with over 1,400-yards and nearly 100 balls. Fantasy owners are going to be just relishing at the thought of what Fitz is going to do in 2009.

So Larry Fitzgerald is easily and arguably considered the top pair of hands in the NFL, so who is number two?

The Candidates…

Last season there were a handful of misfits that easily fit in this slot. In Houston the Texans boast easily one of the leagues up and coming superstars in wideout Andre Johnson. In 2008 Johnson posted ridiculous numbers posting 1,575-yards (ranked 1st) and 115 receptions (ranked 1st). Johnson is a monster and can be dominant at times, but his eight touchdowns last season fell a bit short of taking the top spot.

In Atlanta, the Falcons easily have one of the leagues best kept secrets with wide receiver Roddy White. In 2007, White broke out with a solid campaign (83 catches, 1,202-yards) and followed up those numbers with an even more impressive 2008 season. His 88 catches put him in the top 10 and his 1,382-yards ranked 4th in the league. The added help of an all-pro tight end should help the Falcon’s receiver to elevate his game once again, but his seven touchdowns are still a bit below par to snag the top honors.

Perhaps the only candidate that has the best shot of unseating the Cardinal’s stud receiver is the Patriot’s Randy Moss. Considered one of the league’s very best, Moss is only one season removed from a record setting 2007 campaign (98 receptions, 1,493-yards, 23 touchdowns). With the return of Tom Brady under center in 2009, Moss figures to have the best odds of repeating his spectacular 2007 season. Without Brady, Moss was still a solid top 10 receiver finishing with over 1,000-yards and 11 touchdowns.

Other receivers worth considering as the next dawg down after Mr. Fitzgerald are the Lion’s own Calvin “Megatron” Johnson (1,331-yards, 12 touchdowns), the Broncos own (if he stays) Brandon “Optimus-Prime” Marshall (104 receptions, 1,265-yards in 15 games), the Bills newest weapon Terrell Owens (three straight seasons with at least 10 touchdowns), the Panthers Steve Smith (1,421-yards in 14 games), and the Saints Marques Colston (98 receptions, 1,202-yards in 2007).

Regardless of who you choose in fantasy drafts, just remember they are all playing second fiddle to Larry Fitz. And while there may not be much room at the top beyond the Cardinal receiver, when you look at this bunch of misfits and a few others that did not get mentioned here, they are all number two and solid fantasy options for 2009.

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

FSH: IDP NOTES

June 30th, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

LB BRIAN CUSHING RUNNING WITH FIRST TEAM
My Fantasy Read: The Texan’s rookie linebacker has stepped right in at strong-side and is expected to start this season. He’s been impressive thus far during the offseason, and will be a nice addition for the defense this season. Cushing has enough athleticism to be a three down player and figures to be an IDP impact player at the strong side.

DE DERRICK BURGESS FACING CLOUDED SITUATION
My Fantasy Read: The Raider’s defensive lineman could be spending more time off the field and on the sidelines. With the signing of Grege Ellis, Burgess isn’t expected to see a lot of time playing. The thought is the team could be trying to move the nine year veteran, but it’s looking more like he will remain and serve as a pass-rush specialist. Burgess won’t have much value in 2009, but could be a reserve pass-rushing DL for fantasy owners in IDP leagues.

DB MIKE BROWN SIGNS WITH KANSAS CITY
My Fantasy Read: The Chief’s looking to add veteran leadership and some playmaking ability have signed the former Bear safety Mike Brown. Last season, Brown bounced back to play 15 games, after missing a total of 43 games in the previous four seasons. Brown finished with 73 tackles and two interceptions a year ago and will hope to bring that type of production to a young Chief’s secondary. Brown should be a more than capable IDP play in 2009.


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

FSH: ON THE COVER

June 29th, 2009 11:30pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

Flight of the Arizona Cardinal

There’s really not much debate this offseason when you discuss “who is the best receiver in the game today.” There certainly are some names that could put of an argument; Andre Johnson (1,575 receiving yards), Calvin Johnson (12 receiving touchdowns), and Anquan Boldin (11 receiving touchdowns).

When you examine the full body of work, there’s no comparison. Last season the Cardinal’s top target Larry Fitzgerald finished the 2008 campaign with 96 receptions (ranked 4th), 1,431-yards receiving (ranked 2nd), and 12 receiving touchdowns (tied for 1st).

It wasn’t just what Fitz did throughout the 2008 season, but it was how he elevated his game in the postseason and nearly brought a Super Bowl title to the Arizona desert. In four games, the Card’s wideout was not only phenomenal, but he was unstoppable and record-setting. Fitzgerald finished his post-season run with 30 catches, 546-yards, 7-touchdowns, and the fantasy world wondering what to expect in 2009.

With the nucleus of the Arizona aerial assault intact, there’s no reason to think Fitzgerald can’t have a record setting season in 2009. Last season was just a taste of things to come, with this year very likely to be the Flight of the Arizona (Red) Condor.


Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 29th, 2009 10:30pm 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...

WR BRANDON MARSHALL TO STAY IN DENVER
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s are apparently going to attempt to play hard ball with their standout receiver. The word is they have no intention of moving their prized star player. This could become a test of wills. Don’t be surprised to see Marshall hold out and try to force the team’s hand. Depending on how far this goes will determine the direction of Marshall’s fantasy value.

WR BRIAN ROBISKIE COULD MAKE IM
My Fantasy Read: The Brown’s rookie receiver could see himself inserted into the starting lineup come week one. Much like the Royal-Marshall pairing in Denver, Robiskie could easily benefit greatly being paired opposite the team’s number one receiver Braylon Edwards. Robiskie is a good size receiver, but could play more a role like that of Welker in New England. The rookie will likely hold more value in PPR leagues this season.

WR DARIUS HEYWARD-BEY STILL SLOWED BY HAMSTRING
My Fantasy Read: When speed kills, injuries kill speed. The Raiders top pick in the April draft has been sidelined much of the offseason workouts nursing a hamstring injury. The rookie is hoping to be ready for training camp, but like all things we’ll have to wait and see. What appeared to be a questionable draft pick for the Raiders is looking more and shakier these days.

WR PLAXICO BURREESS LOOKING MORE LIKE A NO-GO
My Fantasy Read: There hasn’t been much said lately of possible landing spots for the troubled free agent receiver. With teams like the Bears losing interest and new reports indicating the league could suspend Burress indefinitely, it’s starting to look more like a no-go in 2009. Burress is likely to be done for the 2009 and has virtually no fantasy values. With a possibility of suspension and more time away from the field the ex-Giant receiver will see his fantasy value plummet this fall.


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FSH: THIS WEEKS KNUCKLE-HEAD

June 29th, 2009 10:37pm PST

This Week’s Knuckle-Head

Is this Bad Business

Owen Daniels: Another Possible Hold-out?….
It’s very understandable, when you perform at a high level you expect to get compensated for your efforts, but when does it make sense to sign and then miss mandatory camp and have to pay fines.

It would seem negotiations were in order before signing anything took place, but the Texans tight end decided to sign his tender and miss mandatory camp. While he has been very good, I am not so sure if holding out would be his smartest move. The league already has one Shockey and a couple of clones, it certainly doesn’t need another.

Last season the Texans offense was pretty good (ranked 4th in passing) and it would seem that the smart move for the team would be to keep all its pieces intact. When you look across the leagues, the tight end position is not very deep, but that would hardly make Daniels position safe.

It just doesn’t make sense to throw a fit, kick and stomp your feet and have to pay (fines) for it too. Daniels has proven that he is a top 10 tight end in this league and he should get paid, but as the top paid at his position is stretching it. He would be better served honoring the deal he signed by being in camp (plus it costs less).

Now’s not the time to walk (hold-out) especially with training camp still about a month away. I can’t see this getting you the deal you’re looking for, but could find you making plans for a change of address. This will be an interesting situation to monitor this summer.


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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

June 28th, 2009 9:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Notes

Can Brees repeat in 2009?

There is no question the 2008 season was a pretty spectacular and special season for the Saints quarterback Drew Brees. His 5,069-yards passing weren’t quite record setting, but his performance was quite memorable, especially for fantasy owners.

Brees put the ball up 635 times last season completing 65% of those throws. His 5,000-yard passing season was the second highest in league history and his 34 touchdown passes were an added bonus for fantasy owners.

Incredibly, Brees was able to pull off this spectacular run without his favorite target Marques Colston (only started six games in 2008) for much of the season. What made Brees so effective was the emergence of his most consistent target last year, wide receiver Lance Moore. Moore was clearly the team’s go-to-receiver for much of the season, catching 79 passes for nearly 1,000-yards with 10 touchdowns.

Last season Brees was handicapped without Colston for a better part of the season and he lost running back Reggie Bush for six games. Despite the setbacks, the Saints offense operated at the highest level, ranking at the top in passing, scoring, and total yards. Brees was able to top 300-yards 10 times and threw three or more touchdowns six times.

With the 2009 approaching, the Saints offense looks to be in much better shape heading into training camp. With a healthy pair of receivers (Colston and Moore) and a backfield that will include Bush (884-total yards in 08) and Pierre Thomas (9 rushing touchdowns last season), Brees could be poised to have another big year.

Last season a banged up Shockey opened the door for back-up Billy Miller (45 catches in 2008) giving the Saints some versatility to run more two-tight end sets. Out of the backfield, both Bush and Thomas combined for 83 receptions for 724-yards. Most likely the biggest difference heading into 2009 for Brees will be a healthy Colston heading into camp joined by Moore, and deep threat specialist Devery Henderson (32 catches, 24.8-yards per catch in 08).

Brees is going to once again have a full arsenal of versatile weapons to throw at opposing defenses and could very easily be set to make a run into the history books. He’ll have his top seven receivers from the 2008 campaign returning and with the same system and personnel, this group should only be better.

It’s hard to imagine being good enough to pass for over 5,000-yards, complete 65% of your passes (413 of 635) and throw over 30-touchdowns, but could you imagine being better. There are definite signs and indicators that Brees could not only be this good again, but he should be even better in 2009.

Fantasy owners will undoubtedly make the Saints quarterback a top priority in fantasy drafts later this summer. With his pedigree, there is an argument for Brees to be the number one fantasy pick in most 2009 fantasy leagues.


By David Ortega

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

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

June 28th, 2009 7:37pm PST


THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

Saints WR Moore recovering from surgery….
The Saints leading receiver from last season is still recovering from April surgery. He’s not expected to be back at full-strength until after training camp opens. Moore played great in 2008, but he’ll likely see his numbers tail off a bit with Colston healthy in 2009. Moore will be still be considered a strong WR3 option in fantasy.

Matt Stafford appears to be preparing to start….
The Lions prized rookie quarterback is working hard in camp to be ready to play in 2009. The team threw a lot of money at the Georgia rookie and not with the intent of having him hold a clipboard. Stafford has a huge learning curve before him and it’s very likely he’s going to go through some growing pains with some successes and failures. For fantasy owners, the rookie is a much better prospect in keeper leagues. In redrafts, at least for the moment Culpepper could be the safer pick for the short term.

Favre expected to be Vikings camp this summer?...
With a report out stating that purple number four jerseys have been ordered, it all does seem very academic at this point. There’s been no official word of a contract signing with the Vikings, but it seems pretty clear if Favre plays he’ll be playing in Minnesota. Until Favre gets into camp and we have a chance to see what kind of arm strength he has left, it’s pretty tough to assess where he’ll fit in fantasy this season.

QB Mark Sanchez is closing the gap as spring ends…..
The Jets rookie quarterback has had his struggles this offseason adjusting to the next level, but there are whispers he’s improving and closing the gap between him and 4th year quarterback Kellen Clemens. It’s no sure thing that Sanchez will start or even play much this season, but even if he should fantasy owners should not put too much stock in his production. Sanchez will have more value in keeper leagues, as he is expected to be the quarterback of the future. It’s a safer bet to expect more from the former Trojan in 2010.

Julius Peppers decides to take the money, signs tender…
Surprise, surprise, the Panther’s all-pro defensive end caved in and signed his one-year tender. Face it $16 million is tough to say not to, but the also the team now sounds intent on resigning the veteran d-lineman to an extended deal. Peppers is one of the leagues best pass rushing ends and playmakers, resigning makes sense. From a fantasy perspective, he’ll retain a lot of his ID value staying put in Carolina.

Jags send WR Northcutt to the Lions….
It wasn’t much of a surprise to see the journeyman receiver moved, after the team gave him permission to seek a deal. Heading to the Lions, Northcutt could have a shot a playing considerable this season with a very thin corp in Detroit. Aside from Megatron, it’s a toss up to read the depth chart. Regardless of where Northcutt lands, he’ll likely have limited fantasy value with a 32-year old veteran throwback or rookie quarterback tossing the pigskin.

Palmer looking great, but still not 100%….
With the Spring OTAs wrapped up the Bengal’s quarterback admitted to reporters his arm strength still needs work. Palmer is planning to work through the summer into training camp throughing the ball. After missing 12 games in 2008, the Bengal’s quarterback could potentially be a huge sleeper in fantasy, if he can regain his normal arm strength.


Check back every week for more “Around the League”