FSH: THE ATL REPORT

August 8th, 2009 4:07pm PST

THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

QB Kyle Orton taking his bumps along the way….
The Broncos quarterback did not have a great past week in camp and local fans let him know it. While Orton continues to learn the new offense, his early struggles shouldn’t be too much of a concern for fantasy owners. Orton is not being groomed to be the next Tom Brady and in Chicago he proved to be a very good game manager. With improved talent in Denver he should be better and a safe bet for fantasy.

RB Ryan Grant looking solid in camp.…
With Packers running back looking good thus far, fantasy owners should starting eyeing this runner as a high end number two. A healthy Grant this season should have little trouble reaching 300 carries once again and surpassing his four touchdown total from last season.
.
RB Knowshon Moreno signs deal to return Sunday…..
The Bronco’s inked a five-year deal with their top draft pick and he will be expected to join the team on Sunday. Moreno has missed the last eight days of camp, so he will start a little behind the curve. With his talent and skill level Moreno is expected to eventually win the starting job in the backfield and could be nice value pick as an early to mid RB3. It’s doubtful he will fall any further.

QB Carson Palmer feeling confident focusing on improving…
The Bengal’s starting quarterback has been feeling confident this offseason and focused on just getting better. Palmer appears to be shaking off the rust from an injury filled and dismal 2008. With the sudden rise of young guns like Ryan, Cutler, and Rivers, quietly Palmer could become a forgotten name and a big surprise in 2009. He’s worth keeping on the radar.

WR Javon Walker’s knee problems appear more serious….
The Raider’s beleaguered receiver continues to be the topic of bad news. Walker’s offseason surgery now appears to have been major and he is expected to miss more time. Walker was disappointing in 2008 and has not been relevant since 2006. It’s hard to imagine him getting it all turned around in by the start of the season. Right now Walker is not worth a fantasy pick and is close to have zero value.

QB Mark Sanchez starting to blaze trail in the Big Apple….
The Jet’s rookie quarterback has wasted little time making a big push to win the starting quarterback gig. In the team’s most recent scrimmage Sanchez was most impressive clearly outplaying his counterpart (Clemens). Until a clear winner is decided Sanchez is going to have limited value in redraft leagues, but looks to be a solid pick in dynasty and keeper leagues.

WR Michael Crabtree’s hold-out will hurt Value ….
The Niners may have thought they found a world of talent in Crabtree, but it appears they also found one of today’s biggest primadonnas. While the former Texas Tech Red Raider can boast some great collegiate numbers, he has yet to prove anything at the next level. While he waits at home to get paid, he’s going to fall further behind in camp. When and should he return, he’s not likely to make an immediate impact as he learns the system, so he’s going to have very little fantasy value.


Check back every week for more “Around the League”

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 6th, 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….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Deltha O'Neal, CB, Houston Texans
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Texans have signed defensive back Deltha O'Neal to a contract. O'Neal tried out for the team on Wednesday, and apparently impressed enough to get a contract one day later.

Kris Jenkins, DT, New York Jets
Head coach Rex Ryan indicated that Kris Jenkins' strained calf is getting better, according to the New York Daily News.

Shaun Ellis, DE, New York Jets
Shaun Ellis tweaked his back during Wednesday's practice, according to the New York Daily News.

Larry English, LB, San Diego Chargers
Larry English missed Wednesday's morning practice while nursing a minor hamstring strain, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Kevin Carter, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the Boston Herald, Kevin Carter is expected to make a decision on Thursday whether he will sign with the Patriots.

Brian Dawkins, S, Denver Broncos
According to the Denver Post, safety Brian Dawkins is expected to be out until at least Sunday with a hand injury.

Nnamdi Asomugha, DB Oakland Raiders
Nnamdi Asomugha is nursing a strained hip flexor, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Samari Rolle, CB, Baltimore Ravens
Samari Rolle (neck) is nearing a return from the PUP list though he will be worked into the mix slowly, according to the Baltimore Sun. "He's really itching to get back," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "We should see him out here in the next day or two."

Trevor Pryce, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Trevor Pryce is trying to keep his 34 year old body in shape by playing soccer to help keep his footwork nimble, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Tyson Jackson, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
The National Football Post is reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms with third overall pick Tyson Jackson. Terms of the contract were not disclosed by the team.

Derrick Burgess, DE, New England Patriots
According to the team's official website, the New England Patriots have acquired linebacker Derrick Burgess from the Raiders in exchange for a third- and fifth-round pick in 2011. The team also released offensive lineman Al Johnson to make room for Burgess.


My Fantasy Read….

For those owners playing in leagues with team defense, keep your eye on Kris Jenkins. A healthy Jenkins will mean a strong Jets defense…..the Chargers rookie linebacker Larry English will be too good to not play a considerable amount, in fact he’ll be worth drafting in deep IDP leagues and could be a strong second-half option this season….Dawkins injury required surgery, so he’s going to miss much of camp, but the savvy veteran should have little trouble learning and understanding the new defense. At Dawkins age his production may not be the same, but he’s still a serviceable IDP option…..Nnamdi Asomugha is garnered as one of the leagues very best corners. He’s not going to see a lot of balls throw his way, so don’t expect big fantasy numbers…..Burgess is still a talented pass rusher and the Patriots seem to have a way of resurrecting careers. He’s worth keeping your eye on and could be an undervalued IDP option entering fantasy drafts.


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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 5th, 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……


News From Across the Wire...

Matt Gutierrez, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have claimed Matt Gutierrez off waivers from the Patriots, according to Scout.com. Kansas City waived Ingle Martin to make room on the roster.

Joe Klopfenstein, TE, St. Louis Rams
Joe Klopfenstein might not make the Rams this season, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Antonio Pittman, RB, St. Louis Rams
There's a possibility that Antonio Pittman might not make the Rams team this season, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.

Michael Clayton, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The hamstring injury Michael Clayton suffered on Wednesday was apparently "just a tweak," according to The St. Petersburg Times.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers
DeAngelo Williams has looked amazing so far in training camp, according to CarolinaGrowl.com.

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets
Mark Sanchez reportedly fared slightly better than Kellen Clemens during Wednesday's practice, according to the New York Daily News. He went 6-for-12 and had no turnovers while showing poise against the blitz.

Chris Brown, RB, Houston Texans
Chris Brown has been faring well during the early going of training camp, according to the Houston Chronicle. He has already broken several runs for touchdowns, and displaying solid speed and power.

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
According to Brian Seltzer on Twitter, Brian Westbrook was cutting and running at full speed in practice on Wednesday.

Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings
According to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the NFL has already approved Percy Harvin's contract with the Vikings.

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
Tom Brady practiced Wednesday without the aid of a knee brace, according to the Boston Herald.

Kellen Winslow, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As expected, Kellen Winslow was back at practice Wednesday afternoon after missing the previous few days with a sore ankle, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

Antonio Bryant, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antonio Bryant was back on the field Wednesday afternoon after sitting out since Monday with a knee injury, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

Harry Douglas, WR, Atlanta Falcons
Harry Douglas suffered an apparent leg injury at practice on Wednesday, according to Pro Football Talk.

Roddy White, WR, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are reportedly "disappointed" in the way contract negotiations with Roddy White have been going, and the situation could "linger," according to Adam Schefter.

Chris Chambers, WR, San Diego Chargers
Chris Chambers has performed well in camp over the last two days, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Earnest Graham, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the St. Petersburg Times, Earnest Graham got the first crack at goal-line carries in the Bucs' Wednesday practice.

Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Minnesota Vikings
According to Judd Zulgad on Twitter, Tarvaris Jackson returned to the practice field and participated in team drills on Wednesday morning.

Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets Wednesday
Shonn Greene has returned to practice Wednesday, according to Scout.com.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall sat out Wednesday's morning practice to rest, according to the Denver Post. He is dealing with soreness from off-season hip surgery.

Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints
Updating an earlier story, Reggie Bush (knee) was walking with a limp after practice though he said he was alright, according to the Associated Press. "I iced it just as a precaution, so when I ice it, that means I'm just maintaining," Bush said. "I've got to stay on top of it and treat it as if it was the first day I injured it."

L.J. Smith, TE, Baltimore Ravens
According to the Baltimore Sun, tight end L.J. Smith returned to the practice field on Wednesday.

Braylon Edwards, WR, Cleveland Browns
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, finicky receiver Braylon Edwards practiced for the first time in training camp on Wednesday morning.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
According to the Rock Hill Herald, Panthers' running back Jonathan Stewart is still experiencing pain in his Achilles.

My Fantasy Read…

The only thing worth mentioning concerning the Rams tight end Joe Klopenstein, his fall from grace (started 10 games in 2008) will re-open the door for tight end Randy McMichael (could resurface as a relevant fantasy play in 2009)….with Antonio Pittman not impressing in camp, expect this year in St. Louis to be the Steven Jackson show. The Rams featured back has certainly shown in the past the ability to carry the offense, but this fantasy risk will undoubtedly be his health….the news out of Foxboro with Brady practicing without a brace has to be very reassuring for those owners set on taking a chance…..Chris Brown may be impressing in camp, but he’s no threat to steal carries from Slaton and will have very little fantasy value when the season starts….seeing Brian Westbrook back on the practice field is always a bonus and for fantasy owners it will be key. Westbrook usually a high fantasy draft selection is now approaching the tender age of 30 and with his recent history of injuries he will be considered a riskier pick for owners….with Harry Douglas done, the Falcons receiving corp is not as deep and this could put some pressure on the brass to get Roddy White back in camp, definitely good news for fantasy owners….Tarvaris Jackson has returned to the field, but you have to figure he is now clearly now behind Rosenfels. It’s going to take a strong performance by Jackson and likely a few setbacks from Sage in order to see a change under center….Marshall’s soreness might be a little to early to be any concern, but you also have to wonder about its’ authenticity when you consider the receiver is not happy….finally fantasy owners might want to start monitoring the situation in Louisiana with Bush and his sore knee. It doesn’t look like much now, but if this becomes a chronic ailment, if could have huge ramifications on his availability and effectiveness throughout the season.



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

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 4th, 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….


LB DEMECO RYANS FANTASY STOCK ON THE RISE
My Fantasy Read: With training camp open it looks like the new aggressive Texans defense will afford Ryans more pass rushing opportunities. Usually a solid tackling machine for defense Ryans will be much more desired in fantasy if he can add a few sacks to his resume.

LB BRIAN ORAKPO FANTASY STOCK ON THE RISE
My Fantasy Read: The Redskin’s rookie linebacker has been looking like a solid during camp applying plenty of pressure off the edge. Orakpo is expected to contribute right away and could make a huge impact. Likely to be a rising star in the league and a playmaker on the outside he could easily become an early grab in some fantasy drafts.

LB CLAY MATTHEWS FANTASY STOCK IS RISING FAST
My Fantasy Read: Only a few days into camp and the rookie linebacker has been named a starter. Matthews, a high draft selection was expected to compete for time, but he’ll not only play, he will start. Matthew will play outside linebacker and should be a solid against the run and may be utilized as a pass rusher adding to his fantasy value. With more time on the field for the former SC Trojan owners can only expect big things from Clay.

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

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

August 4th, 2009 9:37pm PST

TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

My Pre-Season 2009 Quarterback Rankings

Brees is the man in 2009….
Well the 2009 NFL season is officially set to begin this Sunday with the annual hall of Fame game and so the countdown begins. We are just five weeks until kick-off and with the clock moving very quickly its time to start looking at how they breakdown.

There won’t be too many surprises this season seeing Drew Brees top the rankings for quarterbacks this season. After his superlative 5,000-yard season, he’s a good bet to be the top QB selection. The number two selection could be a wild card with the old-man Kurt Warner, the newest big-gun Philip Rivers, and a recovering Tom Brady.

The standard choices should play out the top 10, but the most notable member is at number ten; Jay Cutler. He’ll be operating a completely different offense in Chicago and won’t have the same level of talent to support him. He’ll still be good this season, but a low-end QB1 makes more sense.

With T.O. landing in Buffalo and set to line up opposite the Bill’s other speedy wideout Lee Evans, Trent Edwards becomes a legitimate threat to crack the top ten. Edwards played well a spell last season before injuries slowed him up. With a new big weapon the Bills quarterback could be looking at his best season.

The second ten offers a little more debate with players like Roethlisberger, Palmer, and Hasselback likely being undervalued in the coming drafts and having great potential to outperform expectations. Another such candidate to watch for fantasy owners could the the Vikings quarterback Sage Rosenfels, who comes in at 19, but with his supporting cast and a west-coast system, he could finish much higher.

Here are my 2009 rankings, break-it-down, argue it, criticize, or agree, it all makes great water-cooler jabber in the morning;

1. (NO) Drew Brees
2. (Ari) Kurt Warner
3. (SD) Philip Rivers
4. (NE) Tom Brady
5. (Ind) Peyton Manning
6. (Phi) Donovan McNabb
7. (GB) Aaron Rodgers
8. (Hou) Matt Schaub
9. (Dal) Tony Romo
10.(Chi) Jay Cutler

11. (Buf) Trent Edwards
12. (Den) Kyle Orton
13. (Atl) Matt Ryan
14. (KC) Matt Cassel
15. (Cin) Carson Palmer
16. (Pit) Ben Roethlisberger
17. (Car) Jake Delhomme
18. (Sea) Matt Hasselbeck
19. (Min) Sage Rosenfels
20. (NYG) Eli Manning


By David Ortega


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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 3rd, 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 MARSHAWN LYNCH LOSES SUSPENSION APPEAL
My Fantasy Read: With Marshawn Lynch losing his appeal he will have to miss three games to start the 2009 season. This is undoubtedly going to hurt his stock value in many fantasy leagues. With Lynch down, back-up Fred Jackson will have ample opportunity to earn more playing time when Lynch does return. Also note-worthy, with Lynch sitting for three, he could go much later in drafts and become a considerably undervalued pick.

WR ANTONIO BRYANT SUFFERS KNEE INJURY
My Fantasy Read: According to the St.Petersburg Bryant missed practice on Monday due a knee injury. It’s too early to speculate if this is going to be a chronic problem, but with so many questions surrounding the quarterback position Bryant is not going to warrant the same kind of value he held in the second half of last season.

RB REGGIE BUSH MISSES PRACTICE ON MONDAY
My Fantasy Read: The Saints dynamic playmaker missed practiced due to swelling in his surgically repaired knee. Head Coach Sean Payton held Bush out of practice to prevent any more time being missed. While it is not being reported as anything serious, it is something to monitor for fantasy owners.

WR RODDY WHITE CONTINUES TO HOLD OUT FROM CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The Falcon’s leading receiver the last two seasons, White had a break out campaign in 2008. He’s without a doubt one of the leagues best pass catchers and wants to get paid. With him holding out (and some are speculating this could be a lengthy stay), he’s going to be a risky early pick in drafts scheduled in the short coming weeks. For those drafting later, they’ll have the advantage of seeing how this plays out.


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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

July 26th, 2009 10:37pm PST

[Monday Edition]
Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who’s making Fantasy News this Past Week?

Colston returns to the field feels 100 percent…..
The Saints explosive receiver finally appears healthy after an injury filled 2008. While there’s always the risk of re-injury, Colston is a tremendous talent and in the Saints high powered aerial attack he’ll be a top selection in the coming fantasy drafts.

Hillis seeing a lot of action at tailback….
After an impressive stint as the team’s primary ball carrier in 2008, the former Razorback is seeing a lot of action in single back sets and has looked impressive. Even with a crowded backfield in Denver, Hillis looks like one of the stronger fantasy candidate in the Bronco’s rotation.

QB Matt Stafford putting on a good show in Detroit…
While the reports are all three Lion’s quarterbacks will begin camp with an even slate, on the first day of camp, Stafford looked like a veteran quarterback and was quite impressive. The coaching staff is not offering any indicators yet, but Stafford’s solid start makes him a likely bet to be under center when the season kicks off. He’s going to have limited fantasy value early, but like a fine wine he should get better with age (and it could come sooner than later).

Tight end Vernon Davis has been looking solid in camp
According to some the beat writers covering the team, Davis has been most impressive during camp. After such a tumultuous beginning for Davis with his new head coach, could this ship be suddenly righted? Davis certainly has the skill set and size. He’s going to be one of the classic diamonds in the rough this season. With no one expecting much, he just could surprise with an impressive 2009 campaign

2nd year running back Kevin Smith has been impressive
The 2nd year back actually had a very nice rookie campaign, so it should not be too much of a surprise to hear some of the praises. Smith will likely be a featured back in Detroit. With the team getting little love from around the league, he could end up being a solid sleeper. Last season smith finished with nearly 1,300-total yards and eight touchdowns last season.

WR Michael Crabtree remains unsigned and not in camp
With each day that passes with Crabtree not in camp, his fantasy stock continues to plummet. The outstanding rookie is holding out and there doesn’t seem to be any indication of a deal being done soon. If Crabtree misses a significant amount of time, he could become a nice late round sleeper pick and at the same time could be over-valued if taken too early.

WR Roy Williams ready to prove the critics wrong
With Terrell Owen gone, there’s going to be a lot of focus on Williams as the team’s number two target. Roy has great size and hands and while his past record has shown some inconsistency, he has the potential to be a greatly undervalued fantasy pick this summer.


By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more “Sunday Night FF Headlines!”

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

August 3rd, 2009 10:37pm PST

The Most Notable Back-ups to Watch

Back-up Running Backs that Could Make an Impact….
Just like any year in fantasy football or any competitive team sport for that matter, depth is going to key for you team to go further. Perhaps the most key and arguably the most critical position for any fantasy football team is the backfield.

Certainly a big arm can make a huge world of difference, but while some fantasy owners try to ride the bandwagons of Brady and Brees in 2009, there will be those that stock up talent and depth in the backfield leaving the rest to scrounge for the bottom of the barrel.

Not to fear my fantastically football challenged. While the talent pool may quickly seem watered down once you get through the perennial starters in the league, there are a great number of back-ups that are worth taking note. These are in some cases the hidden gems that may possibly serve as football gladiator saviors for the upcoming fantasy season.

The most heralded of this year’s non-starter without question is the Saints Reggie Bush. While he is not the starter, he is less likely a back-up and in many circles considered a starter off the bench. With Pierre Thomas filling the McAllister role, the dynamic Bush will more than likely play the more versatile role we saw his first couple of seasons.

Aside from the dynamic Mr. Electric, there are a handful of running backs in the league that will sit far enough down the depth charts and could be overlooked. There are going to be quite a few hidden gems that on surface may lack shine and could get passed over, fantasy owners should take note.

The running back by committee trend is still alive and well and finding those places where the wealth is spread generously may not be elusive as first thought. In 2008 the Ravens, Falcons, Patriots, Panthers, and Giants all ran the ball over 500 times. And while the Broncos, Chiefs, and the Jets did not have as many carries, they did move the ball well on the ground averaging over 4.5-yards per carry.

If you are looking for added depth and can’t grab Reggie as your late running back pick in your fantasy draft, here are the next best picks to follow that will surely add that needed dimension to carry your team further;

2009 Best of the “Runner-ups to Reggie”

1. Jonathan Stewart (Car)…..with 10 touchdowns in 2008, he won’t be overlooked.
2. Derrick Ward (TB)…could emerge as the starter at some point.
3. Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)…should see lots of work behind Jacobs.
4. Leon Washington (NYJ)…with an aging Jones, Leon will see more action.
5. Felix Jones (Dal)…could play much bigger role in offense this season.
6. Kevin Faulk (NE)….almost 1,000-yards of offense in 2008.
7. Ladell Betts (NO)…had a big 2008, but will step down behind Colston.
8. LeRon McClain (Bal)…could see enough red-zone to be relevant in 2009.
9. Fred Jackson (Buf)….early opportunity could open door down the road.
10. Peyton Hillis (Den)…quietly becoming a fave in Den, could be a huge sleeper.
    

Note Worthy:

Darren Sproles (Ari)…if LT breaks down, could play a much larger role.
Chris Wells (Ari)…..has big upside, expected to be eventual starter.
TJ Duckett (Sea)…could play similar role as McClain in Baltimore.
Jamaal Charles (KC)…a better fit in the spread offense, could do very well.
Jerious Norwood (Atl)…expected to see more work in 2009.
Tasard Choice (Dal)….needs an ooportunity, too much talent in front.
Michael Bush (Oak)…if he gets the chance, could prove to be a deep sleeper.


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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

August 2nd, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Peyton Hillis: The next A-train

Bronco’s fullback has some kick….
Just ask the Bronco’s defense how tough fullback Peyton Hillis really and don’t be surprised if linebacker Tim Crowder is the first to agree. On Saturday during team drills, Hillis brought the wood and put a hurting to Crowder who was still feeling the pain a day later.

The toughness and ferocity that Hillis has shown is truly reminiscent of former Buccaneer running back Mike Alstott. A tough hard-nose runner and blocker, Hillis plays the game old-school.

Even with a packed backfield that includes Lamont Jordan, Correll Buckhalter, and top rookie selection Knowshon Moreno, Hillis should still figure into the equation on offense. During the teams recent OTA’s Hillis has been seeing a lot of snaps in one back sets and head coach Josh McDaniels, likes his ability to catch the ball.

Like Alstott did much of his career in Tampa, the Bronco’s fullback could serve as a primary blocker in two back sets, but be utilized as the team’s primary short-yardage carrier. The dynamic that could prove most useful for McDaniel’s offense is Hillis’ pass receiving skills.

Last season Hillis caught 14 passes for 179-yards, which included seven in Week nine against the Dolphins. The following week, because of an injury to rookie running Ryan Torain, Hillis was moved to tailback. From Week ten on he became the team’s primary ball carrier with 57 handles over the next four weeks, before his season ended with a torn hamstring.

According to McDaniels, Hillis “is a valuable player and versatile and can create some matchup problems for defenses” if the Broncos use him right. While at Arkansas blocking for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, Hillis showed his versatility playing fullback, tight end, wide receiver, and special teams, along with tailback. Over his collegiate career he managed over 2,600 all-purpose yards and scored 23 touchdowns.

There’s no question Hillis’ presence in Denver is going to upset the fantasy balance of the Bronco’s backfield, but the former Arkansas Razorback is making a strong case to see his share of touches. Fantasy owners had better take note; this Hog is demanding the ball and his 504 total yards (329-rushing, 175-receiving) with six touchdowns in his last six games in 2008 should be enough to merit such a demand.

It’s a good bet that Hillis won’t be the team’s starting tailback in 2009, but by the looks of things in Denver he’s a shoe-in to be fantasy relevant this season.


By David Ortega

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

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

August 2nd, 2009 4:37pm PST

THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

Tarvaris Jackson goes down with strained MCL….
The Vikings quarterback suffered a mild sprain on Saturday and is listed day-to-day. Jackson is expected to battle with Sage Rosenfels for the team’s starting quarterback position. Just a fantasy note, although the injury is not considered serious, you would have to think this time missed may be just enough for Rosenfels to create some separation and win the job over Jackson.

Gonzalez lining up to fill big shoes in Indianapolis…
With Peyton Manning’s blessing according to Colts.com, it looks like the 3rd year receiver will play the flanker position (Harrison’s old spot) in the offense. There’s no mistaking Reggie Wayne will garnish the most fantasy value, but this will certainly elevate Gonzalez’s stock even more so come fantasy draft day.

Rice working his way up the charts in Baltimore…..
The Raven’s 2nd year running back has been impressive throughout the teams OTA’s and looks like a strong candidate to hold onto the starting job into the season. At 205-lbs Rice is not the biggest back, but he has shown tremendous lower-body power which could earn him a few more short-yardage touches. With Rice’s stock on the rise, McGahee’s fantasy stock continues to slide.

Marshall impressive, but could still use the work…
The Bronco’s explosive receiver has been impressive during the practices he has participated in, but needs more time on the field to learn the new offense. If the team can get things ironed out with their unhappy receiver, play the “Moss” role in McDaniels offense Marshall could be looking at a huge 2009 season.

RB Chris Wells suffer right sprained ankle during practice….
The Cardinal’s rookie running back suffered a sprained ankle during practice this past week. He’s expected to miss at least a week of practice and that could be just enough for Tim Hightower to hold court into the team’s season opener. Regardless who is the starter Wells by most counts will have the bigger upside and could eventually overtake the starting spot by mid-season.

WR Derrick Mason unretires and rejoins team….
The Raven’s veteran receiver Derrick Mason has decided not to leave the game behind and has rejoined the Ravens. He fit back into his usual possession receiver spot in the team’s passing game rotation. Mason does not offer great value in most traditional scoring leagues, but should be a decent grab in PPR leagues. His return will help quarterback Joe Flacco’s value some, but not a great deal.

RB Tomlinson says he’s 100 percent and ready….
The Charger’s starting running back says he’s not just 100% percent healthy, but he’s ready for a record setting season. If he can stay healthy, LT has an outside shot at catching Emmitt Smith’s league rushing record. If the hype is right in San Diego, due to his recent let downs over the past couple of seasons, Tomlinson is could an undervalued gem during the coming fantasy drafts.


Check back every week for more “Around the League”