FSH: IDP NOTES

July 30th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

DL ALBERT HAYNESWORTH SITS OUT THURSDAY
My Fantasy Read: Nothing to worry here fantasy owners. The $100 million man or defensive tackle extraordinaire was merely being rested according to the Washington Times. Although Haynesworth is arguably the best interior D-lineman in the biz, but he’s likely not going to exactly post spectacular fantasy numbers this season. His 8.5 sacks last season ranked 11th among defensive linemen (tied for 15th overall), so he could be slightly overvalued as an early round pick in fantasy drafts.

DB CHAMP BAILEY ENTERS CAMP ON PUP LIST
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s shutdown corner contends he is 100%, so the team is likely just being cautious bringing him along slowly. The athletic defender will likely see another season with few balls thrown his directions (just four picks last two season) and his 44 tackles from 2008 could make him an overvalued fantasy option in 2009.

LB BRIAN ORAKPO AGREES TO TERMS WITH REDSKINS
My Fantasy Read: The Redskins appear to have taken care of business getting their top draft selection signed before the start of camp on Friday. Orakpo figures to start for the Skins at the Sam linebacker position. With his great athletic skill the rookie could be a dynamite sack specialist playing on the end in passing situations. Fantasy owners must remember he’ll have the benefit of Haynesworth anchoring the inside of the defensive line.


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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

July 29th, 2009 11:30pm 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 ANQUAN BOLDIN REPORTS TO CARDS CAMP
My Fantasy Read: Following the advice of his new representation, the Cardinal’s disgruntled receiver showed no signs of such and reported to camp on Wednesday. With Boldin in camp it appears likely there will be no hold-out and the stud receiver should be back to work as usual opposite the explosive Mr. Fitzgerald. Boldin is going to drop slightly outside the top ten in some rankings, but in Arizona he’ll be a solid fantasy play in 2009.

RB LARRY JOHNSON WILL REPORT TO CAMP ON TIME
My Fantasy Read: Reports are the Chiefs troublesome running back Larry Johnson will report on time to camp on Friday. It also appears Johnson is excited about being with the team, although in a new system his role could change. Chan Gaily and Todd Haley are expected to run a more spread offense making Johnson a darkhorse sleeper candidate this season. If Sir Larry stays in KC this season, fantasy owners could be quickly reminded of his 104 catches from 2005-2007.

WR DARIUS HEYWARD-BEY A RAIDER NO-SHOW
My Fantasy Read: As if injury wasn’t enough to slow the progress of the Raiders prized rookie, but now a hold-out he’s sure to fall further behind the curve. There were some doubters regarding the Raiders huge leap with taking Heyward-Bey so high in the draft. Even SI’s Peter King suggests that Heyward-Bey seems like a boom or bust. We would have to say he’s starting to have all the makings of a bust this season.

QB BRETT FAVRE SAYS NO FOR THE TIME BEING?
My Fantasy Read: So the official unofficial report is Brett Favre will stay retired, at least for the moment. What would a Favre story be without a twist? So the latest is he’s not joining the Vikings at this time, so the team will move on with Rosenfels and Jackson. But, the word out of Mississippi is Mr. Favre will continue to throw. As long as there is activity this story won’t die, but fantasy owners shouldn’t even touch it with a tenth-round fantasy pick.


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

FSH: (WEDNESDAY) WATERCOOLER CHAT

July 29th, 2009 10:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

Time to Get’er Done!

With the Arizona Cardinals opting not to offer linebacker Karlos Dansby a contract extension at this time, they have in effect decided to let Dansby play out the 2009 and possibly enter the free-market in 2010. With the Dansby situation being shelved for the time being, the focus in Arizona would expect to move toward their next unhappy camper, wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

During the early offseason and all the way through the NFL draft there was a lot of talk about trade, but nothing ever came to fruition. With the latest turn of events with Dansby not getting signed, it would appear that it is now the time for both the Cards and Boldin to put-up or shut-up.

With training camps just opening, it’s time for the Cardinal’s front office to Get’er done and re-sign Boldin. Last season your franchise had great success largely due to its’ explosive offense in which Boldin played a big role, you don’t try and fix what’s not broke and you don’t break up what’s working.

Let’s Play GM…

Re-signing Anquan Boldin

Last season the Cardinals came less than three minutes away from shocking the football world with an incredible finish to an unlikely season. Now with most of your returning weapons in place, now is not the time to tinker with success.

The GM Game…
It really isn’t as difficult as many would think, after all aren’t we just dealing with over inflatted egos? Nonetheless, if both sides are going to make this work, why not rework the deal, so both sides can win?

If we are GM, we’re getting this deal done and getting sealed well before the season starts. The last thing we want to see if an unhappy player turning the press and creating distraction in the locker room.

Boldin is a producer and wants to be paid to the level of his contributions and deservedly so. He’s already inline to make $2.75 million this season and another $3 million next season, so if I am Rod Graves, I am going to offer that we rework his current deal to conclude at the end of this season with the full $5.75 million being paid this year. We’ll also add some incentives that could add another $1.25-2.25 million.

While he plays under this deal, the plan will be to sit down with his new agent Tom Condon, to have a new multi-year deal worked out by mid-season. The plan will be to sign the 28-year old tough-nosed receiver to a new four year extension (through 2013) with an average salary of what the top 10-12 players in the league are making (the goal, around $7-$8 million per year with incentives that could raise his payout close to $10 million).

Boldin has put up the numbers over the past four seasons, averaging 86 catches per season and 1,124-yards receiving with 31 total touchdowns in 54 games. After last season, no one can doubt his toughness and these numbers do not lie about how productive Boldin can be. Priority number one for me would be (and the Cardinals with their 2009 training camp now open), resign wide receiver Anquan Boldin.

Get’er done!

Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

July 22nd, 2009 9:37pm PST

TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK

Fantasy Football’s Biggest Arm in 2009!

Is it Brady or Brees?….
It’s a pretty wide open discussion when you consider who will be the biggest arm in fantasy football for 2009. Many will argue that it’s hands down Tom Brady or Drew Brees.

When you consider the weapons both quarterbacks will flaunt this season from Colston to Moss and Bush to Faulk, their offenses are loaded with tremendous talent. Fantasy owners can expect these two field generals to be more than capable of leading their troops to big numbers every Sunday.

So the question is who will be the biggest arm in 2009? Before we answer with Brady or Brees, are we missing anyone? Last season there were a handful of candidates that did throw their hats in the ring for consideration, so before we make a pick let’s evaluate some potential pretenders or contenders;

Kurt Warner (Ari)
….old Mr. Reliable was not only good, but last year he was sensational passing for nearly 4,600-yards and throwing 30-touchdwns. The word is Arizona will be looking for a more balanced attack and there are still concerns surrounding receiver Anquan Boldin. Warner should still be legitimate candidate, but there are forces of nature stacking up against the just turned 38-year old veteran.

Jay Cutler (Chi)
….last season threw for 4,500-yards and tossed 26 touchdowns. It would apprear Mr. Cutler has the necessary credentials, but a new home, a new offense, and less talent this season will take him out of consideration.

Philip Rivers (SD)
….the Chargers are not typically known as a passing team, but in 2008 Rivers showed the world why he was drafted as high as he was in 2004. Last year he led the league with 34 touchdown passes while passing for 4,000-yards. Last season may not have been a fluke, but with less than stellar talent as compared to a Brees or Brady and a system that is more balanced, Rivers will be hard-pressed to repeat his 2008 peformance.

Peyton Manning (Ind)
…..then of course there is Mr. Consistency. While last season was not his best by “Manning standards” the Colt’s passer still eclipsed 4,000-yards in the air and threw 27 touchdowns. He may not have the luxury of old faithful (Harrison) this season, but with the explosive Reggie Wayne, the sure handed Dallas Clark, and an up and coming youngster (Anthony Gonzalez), Manning could still be quite productive in 2009. He could be productive, but its not likely he’ll have the biggest year.

After careful consideration we are back to where we started; Brees or Brady. Tom Brady is a record setter and will have his full compliment of weapons to work with in 2009. he may be coming off a season ending knee surgery, but that was nearly 11 months ago and by all counts he could set again to post new records.

In Louisiana, the Saints have their own record setter in Drew Brees, Mr. 5000. He too will be boasting his full compliment of weapons when camp opens. What fantasy owners have to like about Brees, his durability. Since 2004 Brees has missed just one start and that was the coache’s decision to rest the veteran quarterback in week 17 of the 2004 season. Over that span Brees has averaged more than 27 touchdowns passes per season, including a career high of 34 last year (tied with Rivers to lead NFL).

So there you have it, the choice is quite clear, Brees or Brady for the biggest arm in 2009. Still not satisfied and feel the need to pick one, flip a coin.


By David Ortega


Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

FSH: IDP NOTES

July 28th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

DB CHARLES TILLMAN EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR OPENER
My Fantasy Read: In Recent news, the Bears playmaking corner underwent surgery two weeks ago and it appears he won’t be ready until the start of the season. According to Tillman he will be fine and ready for the team’s opener. There’s no question Tillman has a nose for the ball, but with his risky timeline putting him back on the field so close to kickoff, his fantasy stock value will likely slide quite a bit.

LB DJ WILLIAMS RETURNS TO PRACTICE TUESDAY
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s talented linebacker is coming off a shortened 2008 season due to injury. Now that he’s back on the field he appears ready to go. He’ll be a featured IDP play in the Broncos new 3-4 scheme and could post strong fantasy numbers playing the inside.

LB ANTONIO PIERCE FACING OFF-FIELD ISSUES
My Fantasy Read: It sounds like the Giants stud linebacker could be facing some serious legal issues of his own, although what we are seeing is that legal action isn’t likely. Nonetheless with the possibility looming, Pierce could become a very expensive and risky IDP play in 2009. With 95 tackles and two forced fumbles in 2008, he will be hard to pass over in the middle rounds, so owners will have to watch how this case develops prior to their upcoming drafts.


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

FSH: ON THE COVER

July 27th, 2009 10:00pm PST


This Week on the Cover….

TRAINING CAMPS ARE OPEN!!

Around the league Rookies and Veterans will be reporting to camp…
With the start of training camps commencing this week, it will be the first opportunity that fantasy owners will get a real look at some of those hidden gems they have been reading about all summer, as well as taking a good look at this year’s crop of rookies.

Some big notable names to report to their team;s first day of camp; in San Diego Shawne Merriman was present, in Buffalo Terrell Owens generated a lot of excitement with his presence in the camp, and in Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall was a first day show (as he said he would be).

Below is a list of opening dates for players to report and the training camp locations for all 32 NFL teams:

AFC
Team Location Opening dates
Baltimore Ravens Westminster, Md. July 27 (rookies), July 29 (veterans)
Buffalo Bills Pittsford, N.Y. July 25 (rookies and veterans)
Cincinnati Bengals Georgetown, Ky. July 30 (rookies and veterans)
Cleveland Browns Berea, Ohio July 24 (rookies), July 31 (veterans)
Denver Broncos Englewood, Colo. July 30 (rookies and veterans)
Houston Texans Houston July 26 (rookies), July 31 (veterans)
Indianapolis Colts Terre Haute, Ind. Aug. 2 (rookies and veterans)
Jacksonville Jaguars Jacksonville Aug. 2 (rookies and veterans)
Kansas City Chiefs River Falls, Wis. July 31 (rookies and veterans)
Miami Dolphins Davie, Fla. Aug. 1 (rookies and veterans)
New England Patriots Foxboro, Mass. July 26 (rookies), July 29 (veterans)
New York Jets Cortland, N.Y. July 27 (rookies), July 30 (veterans)
Oakland Raiders Napa Valley, Calif. July 29 (rookies and veterans)
Pittsburgh Steelers Latrobe, Pa. July 31 (rookies and veterans)
San Diego Chargers San Diego, CA July 26 (rookies), July 31 (veterans)
Tennessee Titans Nashville, Tenn. July 30 (rookies and veterans)

NFC
Team Location Opening dates
Arizona Cardinals Flagstaff, Ariz. July 29 (rookies and veterans)
Atlanta Falcons Flowery Branch, Ga. July 31 (rookies and veterans)
Carolina Panthers Spartanburg, S.C. Aug. 2 (rookies and veterans)
Chicago Bears Bourbonnais, Ill. July 31 (rookies and veterans)
Dallas Cowboys San Antonio July 29 (rookies and veterans)
Detroit Lions Allen Park, Mich. July 31 (rookies and veterans)
Green Bay Packers Green Bay, Wis. July 31 (rookies and veterans)
Minnesota Vikings Mankato, Minn. July 30 (rookies and veterans)
New Orleans Saints Metairie, La. July 30 (rookies and veterans)
New York Giants Albany, N.Y. Aug. 3 (rookies and veterans)
Philadelphia Eagles Bethlehem, Pa. July 26 (rookies), July 29 (veterans)
San Francisco 49ers Santa Clara, Calif. July 28 (rookies), July 30 (veterans)
Seattle Seahawks Renton, Wash. July 30 (rookies), July 31 (veterans)
St. Louis Rams Earth City, Mo. July 30 (rookies), July 31 (veterans)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tampa, Fla. July 31 (rookies and veterans)
Washington Redskins Ashburn, Va. July 29 (rookies and veterans)

The big interest this summer, as it is every summer will not be who shows when camp open, but rather who does not. Already in some places we are hearing there have been a few notable no-shows, some that fantasy owners will want to keep watch of.

In Denver, the Bronco’s two first round draft picks running back Knowshon Moreno and defensive end Robert Ayers were no shows at the team’s first day of camp. The Eagles experienced the same occurrence with their first round selection wide receiver Jeremy Maclin not present. All three rookies remain unsigned and could be potential lengthy hold-outs. Something the Fantasy Nation will be watching.


Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

July 27th, 2009 11:30pm 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...

RB KNOWSHON MORENO A NO-SHOW AT CAMP
My Fantasy Read: This could be really big news for any fantasy owner eying the rookie early in any fantasy draft. With two veteran poised and ready to start, it would not be a good idea for Moreno to hold-out. In the event of a lengthy hold-out Moreno’s stock value would likely nose-dive with Correll Buckhalter being the current favorite to start.

WR TERRELL OWENS RECEIVING HIGH PRAISE FROM HIS QB
My Fantasy Read: It’s always good news to hear your team’s quarterback singing the praises about his best weapon. There’s no question that Owens is in incredible shape and appears to have plenty left in the tank. The big secret here will be his indirect positive effect on fellow wideout Lee Evans, who figures to see a lot of single coverage this season.

TE DONALD LEE TO PLAY FEWER SNAPS
My Fantasy Read: The football word is the Packers intend to limit or reduce the number of snaps that Lee will play in 2009. Last season Lee played in nearly three-quarters of the teams total offensive snaps and finished with 39 catches with five touchdowns. While fewer reps could reduce his overall total of catches, he’ll still figure in as a key option in the red-zone. He’ll still have some value as a mid-level TE2.

WR MICHAEL CRABTREE BEING LABELED A RISK
My Fantasy Read: According to ProfootballTalk.com, Crabtree remains unsigned and could be a no-show on Tuesday. There is some thought Crabtree could still be healing from his foot injury and the delayed negotiations could be a stall tactic to buy him some time. Whether there is any truth or rumor, some experts are labeling the rookie a very high risky fantasy pick at this time.


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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

July 27th, 2009 10:37pm PST

The Second Best of the Bunch

Number two receivers that will rise….
With a complete crop of receivers to choose from every year, come draft time it can sometimes feels like a free for all with so many to choose; 32 number one and 32 number two wideouts. The hard lesson for some fantasy owners is, not all are cracked up to be what you thought, what you hoped, or what you were told.

Owners should not let the 2009 season be any different and should once again proceed with caution when drafting your wideouts for the upcoming jaunt. There will of course be your perennial favorites; Moss, Fitzgerald, and Johnson, and others that will be draw early attention in fantasy drafts.

But what is a fantasy owner to do once the well starts to dry? Not to fear, there will be plenty of depth at the wideout position across from the number one receiving option. One of the receivers that will be leading this campaign for the bunch of Second Bests, is Buffalo’s Lee Evans. He is likely to be overshadowed by the arrival T.O., but he’ll be a strong candidate to produce big in 2009. With so much attention going to Marshall in Denver, many should not forget Eddie Royal who caught 91 passes a year ago.

This class of receivers could be considered your Wes Welker of their respective team, not flashy, overshadowed, but most effective. As I mentioned Evans will head the class, below is how I would rank the top 10 number two receivers of the NFL;

2009 Class of “Wes Welkers’

1. Wes Welker (NE)…you can’t have a list named after you and not top it.
2. Anquan Boldin (Ari)…he’s really more of a 1b and could easily top this list.
3. Eddie Royal (Den)….91 receptions last seasons says it all.
4. Lance Moore (NO)…had a big 2008, but will step down behind Colston.
5. Donald Driver (GB)…still steady and consistent, but a clear no. 2 option.
6. Hines Ward (Pit)….still a safe play and favorite of Big Ben.
7. Kevin Curtis (Phi)…if 100%, could sneak up on everyone and return to 2007 form.
8. Laveranues Coles (Cin)…a healthy Palmer could mean a big season.
9. Anthony Gonzalez (Ind)…could surprise in 1st year as teams number two.
10. Deion Branch (Sea)…a healthy Hass could elevate his stock in 2009.
    
    Note Worthy:
    Steve Breaston (Ari)…could be a stretch, but has the talent.

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