FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (SUNDAY HEROES)

October 4th, 2009 9:37pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

Week Four
“Sunday’s Heroes”

Week Four in the NFL…

With four weeks in the books and the bye weeks now coming into play, it’s important to note which players are making a difference and having the greatest impact. This past Sunday was not any different with many players rising to the top and saving the day for fantasy owners.

Amongst the notables in week four was Jaguars wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker who had a spectacular day in the team’s big win at home. Sims-Walker led the Jags passing attack with seven receptions for 91 yards and scored twice in the win.

In Kansas City on the road, Giant’s quarterback Eli Manning turned in another solid passing day for fantasy owners. The younger Manning completed 20 of 34 passes for 292 yards and threw three touchdowns to lead the G-men to a road win and improve their record to 4-0.

Quietly on Sunday, overshadowed by the Colts aerial attack running back Joseph Addai turned in a solid performance. Addai contributed to the passing game with seven receptions for 50 yards, but also ran the ball 12 times for 46 yards and a touchdown.

These were just a few of Week four’s Pigskin Warriors. Check out the rest of Sunday’s Heroes from the fourth complete week of action;

Sunday’s Heroes

300-Passing Club

Name .Team ……………………Comp Att Yds TD Int Rate
Peyton Manning,IND…………...31 41 353 2 1 107.1
Ben Roethlisberger,PIT ……… 26 33 333 2 0 128.9
David Garrard,JAC………………27 37 323 3 0 126.3


100-Rushing Club

Name.Team…………………………..Att Yds Avg TD
Rashard Mendenhall,PIT………..29 165 5.7 2
Matt Forte, CHI…………………...12 121 10.1 1
Jerome Harrison,CLE……….…..29 121 4.2 0
Ronnie Brown, MIA……………....20 115 5.8 2
Ray Rice, BAL………………………..11 103 9.4 0


100-Receiving Club

Name.Team …………………….….Rec Yds Avg TD
Mohamed Massaquoi, CLE…....8 148 18.5 0
Steve Smith, NYG………………..11 134 12.2 2
Calvin Johnson,DET……….……..8 133 16.6 0
Antonio Gates, SD……………..….9 124 13.8 2
Hines Ward, PIT………………..….8 113 14.1 0
Kenny Britt, TEN …………….…...7 105 15.0 0
T.J. Houshmandzadeh,SEA…...8 103 12.9 0

Check back every week for more “Sunday Heroes”

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

October 4th, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

QB-Carson Palmer has solid day passing……
The Bengals did not get the passing game quite off the ground as they would like, but quarterback Carson Palmer still finished strong. Palmer passed for 230 yards and tossed two touchdowns in the teams overtime win.

RB-Steve Slaton finds paydirt a couple of times….
The Texans running back didn’t have quite the day on the ground that many fantasy owners anticipated, but he did not disappoint with 89 total yards and two touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing).

TE-Chris Cooley is sure handed in victory.....
The Redskin’s tight end snagged five passes and shed would-be tacklers on his way to 65 yards receiving with a touchdown in the team’s win on Sunday.

WR-Antonio Bryant one of few bright spots Sunday…
The Buccaneer’s receiver in only his second game this season, finally showed some fantasy spark finishing the day with four catches for 44 yards and a touchdown.

RB-Pierre Thomas has another strong performance..…
Sharing backfield duties on Sunday Thomas has another strong outing for fantasy owners. Thomas carried the ball 19 times for 86 yards with a touchdown and added four catches for 46 yards.

WR-Derrick Mason was old Mr. Reliable on Sunday..…
The Raven’s veteran receiver caught seven passes for 88 yards and scored a touchdown in the team’s loss at New England.

RB-Carnell Williams runs well in loss to Redskins….
The Buccaneer’s running back Cadillac William’s averaged nearly 5 yards per carry, caught four passes, and total 99 yards of offense on Sunday in team’s loss.

WR-Brandon Marshall shows he is a difference maker…
The Bronco’s wide receiver not only made plays on Sunday catching four passes for 91 yards, but he made the play that was the difference in the Bronco’s win. Marshall scored on a 51-yard catch and scintillating run that proved to be the difference in the team’s win.

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

DB-Daneil Manning flies to the ball on Sunday…
The Bears defensive back spent the entire afternoon chasing down Lions’ ball carriers recording nine solo tackles and helping the defense stuff the run.

LB-D’Qwell Jackson plays like a beast in loss…
The Brown’s linebacker had a field day swallowing up opposing ball carriers and finishing the afternoon with 14 total tackles, including 13 solo. Jackson also added a forced fumble.

DL-Mario Williams was a busy lineman on Sunday…
The Texan’s defensive lineman was very productive for fantasy owners against the Raiders in week 4. Williams turned in four tackles, with a sack and a forced fumble.

LB-Keith Rivers gets the job done in the middle……
The Bengal’s second year linebacker was a gridiron gladiator on Sunday making stops all over the field. Rivers finished the day with 10 total tackles, including seven solo in the team’s win..

DL-Tommy Kelly filling holes all afternoon……
The Raider’s defensive lineman was a busy tackle in the middle on Sunday. Kelly finished the day with 13 total tackles, including nine solo in the team’s loss.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: MONDAY NIGHT MATCH-UP

October 5th, 2009 4:37pm PST


Monday Night Matchup

VS

Ah Sweet Revenge!!

It took nearly two seasons in the making, but it’s finally upon us. Brett Favre will finally meet his former team the Green Bay Packers and have yet another opportunity to set an NFL record.

In his first 18 seasons of action, Favre has managed to cast aside to the defeated pile all 31 other NFL teams. Tonight he’ll have a chance to face that elusive 32nd NFL team and win will put his name in the NFL books as the only quarterback in history to defeat every team in the league.

We may not have ever imagined that we’d see this, but as soon as the Packers let Favre walk out the door, you know many of us not just Brett were looking forward to this day. While this is merely just one game of a 16-game schedule for both team, there’s little doubt there will be plenty of emotion and motiviation on the field.

A night of revenge for Favre or an evening of affirmation for Aaron Rodgers, regardless the outcome of this one matchup will hardly prove one or the other, but you can bet it will entertaining and provide plenty to talk about tomorrow!

Monday Night's Fantasy Notes:

Packers:
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (four passing touchdowns) is off to a slow start this season, but with wideouts Greg Jennings (eight receptions) and Donald Driver (two touchdowns) expect the passing game to attack the leagues 4th ranked pass defense. Running back Ryan Grant (206 yards rushing) has also been very quiet this season, but he’ll have a tough time finding any holes against the leagues 9th ranked run defense if the passing attack can’t get started early.
Vikings:
The Vikings will feature perhaps the leagues very best football player let alone running back Adrian Peterson (Leads NFL with 357 yards rushing). The Packers (ranked 23rd against the run) will try to slow down “All-Day” with eight and nine man front and Viking quarterback Brett Favre (five touchdowns to one interception) may have to take a few more chances downfield. Favre has started to play much better coming off his first 300 yard passing game this season. His ball has more zip these days and wideouts Sidney Rice (nine receptions), Bernard Berrian (102 receiving yards), and Percy Harvin (two touchdowns) could see more action tonight.

Prediction: Vikings 28, Packers 23.

Remember to check back each week for "Monday Night Matchup"

FSH: SATURDAY SPORTS PAGE

October 3rd, 2009 2:37pm PST

Saturday Morning Sports Page
[afternoon edition]

NFL Week 4 Matchups

(Sunday’s Games)
Detroit @ Chicago
The Bear’s running back Matt Forte (150 yards rushing in 2009) has a chance at a big game Sunday facing a defense that is allowing 4.5 yards per carry.

Cincinnati @ Cleveland
The Bengal’s quarterback Carson Palmer has yet to have a big game, but on Sunday he’ll face the leagues 16th ranked pass defense that allows over 60 percent passes completed and has yet to record an interception.

Oakland @ Houston
Last year when these two teams hooked up the Raiders secondary was able to keep the Texans passing game in check and limit receiver Andre Johnson to just two catches for 19 yards; something to watch Sunday.

Seattle @ Indianapolis
The Colt’s quarterback Peyton Manning has been on a tear tossing six touchdowns and passing for nearly 700 yards in his last two starts. He’ll face a Seahawk defense that can bring some pressure, but the savvy veteran has seen it all and should have little trouble doing what he does.

Tennessee @ Jacksonville
The Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew finally broke out for a big game in week 3 with three rushing touchdowns. On Sunday he’ll face a stiff test facing the leagues second ranked run defense.

NY Giants @ Kansas City
The Giants will roll into Kansas City with the league’s number eight rushing offense to face a Chiefs run defense that has already surrendered five rushing touchdowns.

Baltimore @ New England
The Ravens travel to Foxboro to take on a Brady-led Patriot offense and will have their hands full with the leagues leading receiver Randy Moss (26 receptions this season).

Tampa Bay @ Washington
The Buccaneers will have the services of Carnell Williams (5.2 yards per carry this season) on Sunday against the Redskins 22nd ranked run defense.

Buffalo @ Miami
The Dolphins 26th ranked pass defense will have their hands full with Bills wide receivers Lee Evans and Terrell Owens.

NY Jets @ New Orleans
In his only appearance at home this season Saints quarterback Drew Brees tossed six touchdowns an on Sunday he faces a banged up 5th ranked Jets pass defense who will be without one of their starting corners (Lito Sheppard).

Dallas @ Denver
The Bronco’s number one ranked defense has been suffocating this season limiting opposing offenses to just 215 yards per game, but Sunday they will face Dallas, the league’s number one rushing offense (194 yards per game).

St. Louis @ San Francisco
The Niner’s quarterback Shaun Hill will bring his 89.9 passer into Sunday’s matchup with the Rams and their 25th ranked pass defense that is allowing 255 yards passing per game.

San Diego @ Pittsburgh
The Charger’s running back LaDanian Tomlinson is expected to make his return Sunday night against the Steelers and their 6th ranked run defense (allowing 76 yards per game).

By David Ortega

Check back every Saturday for more of the “Sports Page”

FSH: FRIDAY FOOTBALL DIARY

October 2nd, 2009 - 11:07pm PST

Friday Football Diary

Dear Diary

Week 3 was filled with a few surprises and while the Lions getting their first win was unexpected at the expense of a struggling Redskins team, it only came as a little surprise. The Bengal’s win last week over Pittsburgh could be viewed as a much bigger shock, but it shouldn’t.

In watching the Bengal’s the first couple of weeks, against the Steelers in week 3 they proved they are the real deal. After a disappointing 2008 season, the Bengals are healthy this season and still loaded with plenty of talent.

The Jets are another surprise team this season and last Sunday was no different. A big win at home against the Titan’s, the AFC’s best record in 2008 was just another piece of evidence that head coach Rex Ryan has his team playing like a contender.



The Fantasy Safe Zone

While the 2009 season has already offered its share of surprises and unexpected misfortunes, fantasy owners can take relief knowing they still have plenty of safe options. After a tumultuous week one here are some players that managed to bounce back and get it back on track;

The Safe Weekly Plays:
QB-Jay Cutler has thrown five touchdowns in his last two starts after throwing four interceptions in week one.
QB-Matt Schaub has passed for 657 yards and thrown seven touchdowns in his last two games after a poor week one.
RB-Steven Jackson has rushed for two straight 100-yard games.
RB-Ronnie Brown has total more than 110 yards in each of his last two games.
RB-Knowshon Moreno has averaged 20 touches and more than 90 yards of offense in his last two starts.
WR-Steve Smith has scored the last two weeks for the G-men and is among the NFL leaders with 23 receptions.
WR-Anquan Boldin has caught 14 passes over the past two weeks after a slow start in week one.
TE-Brent Celek has emerged as a steady fantasy option this season and in each of his past two games he’s caught eight passes for 104 yards.

10 Things to Watch for in Week 4

Once again the fantasy fanatical was fed with a full plate of statistical glory and splendor. Kid sensation continued his winning ways in New York and the Golden boy from Mississippi proved once again that he’s still got plenty left. With Week 3 bringing once again so much promise and flash as did the previous weeks, there are still some intriguing developments to catch my eye as I look toward week 4;

1. Can the leagues top rated offense (Saints) slow down the rookie sensation Mark Sanchez and the 3-0 Jets?
2. Are the Denver Broncos and their newly revamped defense for real; how will they slow down the Cowboys top-rated rushing attack?
3. Can Peyton Manning who is averaging 327 yards passing and his Colts continue their assault on opposing secondaries?
4. Can the Raider’s cornerback Nnamdi Asomguha slow down Texan’s wide receiver Andre Johnson as he did a year ago?
5. How will the Packers 23rd ranked run defense handle the NFL leading rusher Adrian Peterson?
6. Will Raider’s running back Darren McFadden finally breakout in 2009 against the Texans 32nd ranked run defense.
7. Will the Buffalo Bill’s offense finally get wide receiver Terrell Owens involved early against the Dolphins 26th ranked pass defense?
8. Can Bear’s quarterback Jay Cutler make it three strong performances in a row with a win Sunday?
9. How will back up running back Glenn Coffee perform playing for the injured Frank Gore against the Rams
10. Who will have the better passing day on Monday night, the Vikings Brett Favre or the Packer’s Aaron Rodgers?

Check back every week for more “Friday Football Diary”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 2nd, 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……

Player News From Across the Wire...

Bo Scaife, TE, Tennessee Titans
Bo Scaife (knee) is probable for Sunday's game at Jacksonville, according to the Tennessean. He fully practiced Friday.
My Fantasy read on Scaife: Scaife’s return should bolster the passing game over the middle. He’s been out the past couple of games, but now that he’s back he’ll be involved in the passing game almost immediately……

Brandon Stokley, WR, Denver Broncos
Brandon Stokley fully practiced Friday, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy read on Stokely: The Bronco’s slot receiver has not been consistent in the pass game this season, other than the week one miracle catch he’s been relatively quiet. He looks like he’ll play, but don’t look for much….

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
Matt Forte fully practiced Friday and is probable for Week 4, according to Brad Biggs' (National Football Post) twitter page.
My Fantasy read on Forte: Forte sounds like a go and is a good start this week against the Lions 16th ranked run defense…..

Marion Barber, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Marion Barber fully practiced for the second straight day Friday, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy read on Barber: The Cowboys running back practiced and looks ready for Sunday. With a healthy Tashard Choice expect the two backs to share the load against a revamped Bronco defense…..

Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Todd Heap fully practiced for the second straight day Friday, according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy read on Heap: The Raven’s tight end has stepped it up this season and could be utilized quite a bit on Sunday. With two early touchdowns this season, he could be a primary option in the redzone this week…..

Laurence Maroney, RB, New England Patriots
Laurence Maroney (thigh) fully practiced on Friday, according to the Boston Herald. He is probable for Week 4.
My Fantasy read on Maroney: Maroney has been non-existent in the Patriot’s running game this season, don’t expect him to suddenly appears against a tough Raven’s defense….

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
Tom Brady fully practiced Friday, according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy read on Brady: Expect to see a healthy Brady on Sunday, but going up against a tough Raven’s defense points could be hard to find. The Pat’s offense will throw a lot of wrinkle and move the ball in the air, but reaching paydirt may be at a premium Sunday…..

Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Mason has been added to the Week 4 injury report, according to the Boston Herald. He is listed as questionable with an illness.
My Fantasy read on Mason: Mason is under the weather, but we would expect him to be on the field Sunday. Check his status at game-time, if he plays he is still steady-Freddy in the Raven’s passing attack….

Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots
Wes Welker is questionable for Week 4 while still recovering from his knee injury, according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy read on Welker: The news coming out of Boston has not been good; Welker sounds like a risky play not only for this week, but going forward. He’s likely a game-time on Sunday, but if he sits monitor his status going forward, this could become problematic….

Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans Saints
Lance Moore (hamstring) is probable for Week 4 against the Jets, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy read on Moore: With so many weapons in the arsenal, Moore may have lost his place in the rotation. He’s been banged up and has missed time, so if he plays it’s unlikely to expect anything great right away…..

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks' beat writer Danny O'Neil is reporting on Twitter that quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will travel with the team to Indianapolis this weekend. Hasselbeck is not expected to play, however.
My Fantasy read on Hasselbeck: It looks like it will be Wallace again this week as Hasselbeck inches his way back to health. As long as Hasselbeck has his injury history and a shaky offensive line, he’ll remain a risky play once he returns…..

Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots
Ravens' insider Jamison Hensley is reporting on Twitter that Patriots' wide receiver Randy Moss has been removed from the team's injury report. Moss will play in the game against the Ravens this weekend.
My Fantasy read on Moss: Moss is always a must-start and in particular this season with he and Brady clicking. With Welker banged up Moss is also being heavily used in the short passing attack…

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson is being listed as probable for Sunday, according to the Twitter page of beat writer Casey Pearce. LT hasn't played since Week 1 with his ankle injury.
My Fantasy read on Tomlinson: When healthy LT is normally a good start, but coming off an ankle injury and facing a tough Steeler’s ground attack, fantasy owners would be wise to look to better options…..

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins
The Washington Post is reporting that Redskins' running back Clinton Portis is being listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bucs. Coach Jim Zorn said that there is a fifty-fifty chance that Portis will play.
My Fantasy read on Portis: The Redskins running back is a must start if he plays against a weak Buccaneer defense, but owners will have to wait until Sunday….

Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions
Updating a previous report, Lions' running back Kevin Smith told the Detroit Free Press that he will play on Sunday. "It's football, so I'm sure I'll have to endure some pain, but it's good enough to go. I feel healthy enough to play at a high level," Smith said.
My Fantasy read on Smith: It sounds like Smith is confident to go, but we’ll still have to wait for the coaches decision on Sunday. There’s no doubt this will be a game-time call…..

Domenik Hixon, WR, New York Giants
Domenik Hixon has been ruled out of Sunday's game, according to the Twitter page of Giants' beat writer Ralph Vacchiano. Hixon is still dealing with a knee injury.
My Fantasy read on Hixon: The Giant’s receiver has fallen down the depth charts, even when he returns he'll offer very little fantasy value.....

Jamal Lewis, RB, Cleveland Browns
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Browns' running back Jamal Lewis was idle again on Friday. Lewis is unlikely to play in the team's Week 4 game this weekend.
My Fantasy read on Lewis: With the Browns running back definitely looking like he’ll miss Jerome Harrison is the favorite to start. The Bengals have a decent run defense this season, so Harrison is only a consideration in the deepest of leagues….

Kyle Boller, QB, St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Kyle Boller will start at quarterback for the Rams on Sunday against the 49ers. Boller has practiced with the first-team all week while Marc Bulger deals with his shoulder injury.
My Fantasy read on Boller: Bulger is out and Boller is in this week. With a shaky O-line the move could actually be a blessing in disguise with a more mobile Boller. The Rams backup will have a tough matchup on Sunday against a Niner’s defense that can bring pressure on the edges. He’s bettor off staying on your bench this week….

Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants
According to the New York Daily News, Giants running back Brandon Jacobs told ESPN Radio in New York on Friday that he would retire after this season if his numbers don't improve this season he will retire. Jacobs is averaging only 3.4 yards per carry after three games.
My Fantasy read on Jacobs: The Giant’s starter is in line for a big day on Sunday against a week Chiefs run defense. With Bradshaw ailing, Jacobs could see a heavier load…..

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants
Ahmad Bradshaw returned to the practice field on Friday, according to the Twitter page of the Newark Star-Ledger's Mike Garafolo. Bradshaw is expected to play Sunday after missing practice early in the week with an ankle injury.
My Fantasy read on Bradshaw: Coming off an ankle injury and missing practice, he’s likely to be limited on Sunday. In week 3 Bradshaw carried the ball 14 times, but he probably won’t see the same workload this week…..

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star is reporting that Chiefs' receiver Dwayne Bowe took some reps with the first team on Friday. Bowe is expected to play after missing the team's Week 3 game with a hamstring injury.
My Fantasy read on Bowe: It sounds like Bowe will give it a go, but you have wonder if he’ll be limited or how effective he will be. There’s no question he’s the Chiefs best pass receiving target, so if he plays he’ll definitely see some looks…..

Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, running back Willie Parker sat out Friday's practice with his toe injury. Parker has missed all three team practices this week, and it doesn't appear he will play this weekend.
My Fantasy read on Parker: With Parker likely to miss MeWelde Moore looks like the favorite to see the brunt of the work Sunday night against the Chargers….

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

FSH: FRIDAY FANTASY FOOTBALL INFIRMARY REPORT

October 2nd, 2009 5:57pm PST

Friday Fantasy Football

Infirmary Report

Week Four Injury report
(Friday's injury updates)

Bears:
According to the Chicago Sun-Times running back Matt Forte (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday and both linebacker Lance Briggs (foot) and defensive end Alex Brown (ankle) are listed as questionable. According to Bradd Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times, linebackers Hunter Hillenmeyer (rib) and Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) did not participate in Friday’s practice.
Bills:
Defensive back Donte Whitner (thumb) is out indefinitely after having surgery on hand and defensive back Leodis McKelvin has been placed on Injured Reserve with a broken leg. Defensive back Bryan Scott (ankle) will miss Sunday’s game with the Dolphins, while running back Marshawn Lynch makes his return after serving his three-game suspension.
Broncos:
According to the Associated Press the Broncos are banged up a little up front on offense. Left guard Ben Hamilton (hamstring) and right tackle Ryan Harris (shoulder) are both questionable. Defensive back Alphonso Smith (ankle) is doubtful and wide receiver Brandon Stokley (thigh) is questionable for Sunday against the Cowboys.
Browns:
Running back Jamal Lewis has been slowed with a hamstring injury and is listed as doubtful for Sunday. With rookie running back James Davis (shoulder) also listed as questionable Jerome Harrison is expected to start and see a lot of action.
Cardinals:
Despite his recent bumps and bruises quarterback Kurt Warner is expected to practice during the bye week according to Azcentral.com.
Chargers:
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune there is concern regarding linebacker Shawne Merriman’s status for Sunday night’s matchup with the Steelers. Merriman is listed as questionable and it is unknown not only if he’ll play, but how much he can go. Running back LaDanian Tomlinson (ankle) is listed as probable and is expected to play against the Steelers.
Chiefs:
Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday and is expected to be a gametime decision. Linebacker Derrick Johnson (groin) practiced Friday and is expected to play Sunday.
Colts:
Linebacker Gary Brackett (knee) who missed last week’s game at Arizona and did not practice Friday is listed as questionable. Defensive end Dwight Freeney (quadriceps) who was injured last Sunday is also being listed as questionable for the team’s week four matchup with Seattle. Defensive back Kelvin Hayden (hamstring) is also questionable.
Dolphins:
According to BuffaloBills.com Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter (hamstring) missed his third straight day of practice. He is being listed as questionable for Sunday.
Jets:
The Gang Green defense will be without a couple of defenders on Sunday. Defensive backs Lito Sheppard (quadriceps) and Donald Strickland (ankle) have been ruled out for Sunday against the Saints.
Lions:
Running back Kevin Smith (shoulder) is being listed as questionable for Sunday and is expected to be a gametime decision. Defensive end DeWayne White (hamstring) is listed as doubtful and not expected to play Sunday.
Niners:
Running back Frank Gore (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday against the Rams, back up Glenn Coffee will get the start. Tight end Vernon Davis (shin) was a full participant Friday and is listed as probable. Davis is expected to be on the field Sunday.
Patriots:
Despite suffering a thigh injury last week running back Laurence Maroney is listed as probable and expected to play. Quarterback Tom Brady (shoulder) is also listed on Friday’s injury report as probable and is expected to start. Wide receiver Wes Welker (knee) and defensive tackle Vince Wolfork (ankle) are both questionable for Sunday according to The Baltimore Sun.
Rams:
Quarterback Marc Bulger (shoulder) was not able to throw Friday and will not start Sunday against San Francisco. Back up Kyle Boller will get the start Sunday against the Niners.
Ravens:
Wide receiver Derrick Mason (illness) was a late addition to the injury report on Friday. Mason is being listed as questionable, but it’s not likely he’ll miss Sunday’s matchup with the Patriots. Tight end Todd Heap (back) is also listed as probable for Sunday according to The Baltimore Sun.
Redskins:
Running back Clinton Portis (calf) did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Buccaneers. Betts would likely start if Portis is out.
Seahawks:
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is still suffering from his week two back injury against the Niners. He is being listed as doubtful for Sunday and not expected to play.
Titans:

Defensive back Courtland Finnegan (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday against the Jaguars. Running back LenDale White (illness) returned to practice Friday and is expected to play Sunday.

By David Ortega

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH)

October 2nd, 2009 1:37pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

“Diamonds in the Rough”

(Fantasy Sleepers)

Players you should watch and few to grab!

As we continue to follow the games from week to week, we see the subtle sparkle of those players on the verge of shinning bright. Every Sunday provides the hope of a new football savior rising tall above the rest taking your fantasy team to greater heights.

With week four fastly approaching the search for these potential candidates continues. As we find every week, there are some interesting matchups that could prove to be the key for some of this weeks gems glittering like diamonds in the sky.Now that we've entered the fourth week of the NFL, let’s have a look at some of this week’s best possibilities;

In San Francisco….
This week the Niners have two sleepers that could emerge as two of this weeks’ best fantasy plays and it’s no accident it comes against the lowly Rams. Quarterback Shaun Hill has been steady this season averaging 180 yards passing and a touchdown per game while completing 63 percent of his passes. On Sunday he’s facing the Rams 25th ranked pass defense, so his numbers could greatly improve this week.

Another Niner that should benefit from their week four matchup with the St. Louis Rams is running back Glenn Coffee. This Sunday he’ll get a chance to start against the Rams soft run defense (ranked 27th) for an injured Frank Gore. Coffee looked dynamite in the preseason rushing for 249 yards (5.9 yds/carry) and facing a Rams defense that allows 4.3 yards per carry this Sunday will make him a fantasy favorite for this Sunday.

In Indianapolis….
It has not taken the Colt’s rookie receiver Pierre Garcon very long to make an immediate impact. With so many weapons in Indy, it’s easy to forget some of the secondary pieces, but Garcon is doing his best to make sure folks remember his name. He has scored in each of the Colts past two games and last Sunday he was targeted six times finishing the day with three catches for 64 yards and a score. Garcon is coming along slowly, but already he’s shown the knack for the big play and in an explosive Manning led offense, he’s a good prospect to produce.

In Baltimore….
Whenever you have a running back by committee it’s always a tough call, but after three games of solid play expect Willis McGahee to remain a major contributor. Thus far this season, McGahee has flourished in relief coming off the bench. The former Hurricane has scampered his way to 190 yards on the ground with five touchdowns. The Ravens runner has also shown some versatility as a pass receiver with six catches and another score. He’ll undoubtedly be a big part of the rushing attack this Sunday against the Patriots and should see plenty of opportunity in the Redzone.

In Cleveland….
The Browns offense has been nothing more than a stigma in 2009, but this Sunday at home they’ll have a shot at redemption with a new quarterback against a familiar foe. While Derek Anderson will not be anyone’s fantasy favorite this Sunday, his presence could once again elevate wide receiver Braylon Edwards to the forefront of fantasy wideouts (at least for one week). Anderson has historically put up large numbers against the Bengals and Edwards has typically been the recipient. The last time these two played together at home against the Bengals (in 2007) Edwards finished the game with eight receptions for 146 yards with two scores.

Worth keeping your eye on for now….

In the same Ravens-Patriots matchup in week four, another running back could catch some eyes. Last week against the Falcons running back Fred Taylor produced the team’s first 100-yard rusher this season while toting the rock 21 times. Against the Ravens this Sunday he may not hit the century mark, but he’ll likely be the featured back once again and worth watching going forward.

Off to a slow start this season wide receiver Brandon Marshall has unquestionably fallen far from the fantasy apple-tree. His sweet success in Denver may seem to be a thing of the past, but after last Sunday’s nice five catch, 67-yards receiving, and a touchdown performance, let’s not be too hasty. The Bronco’s “Patriot’s West” offense is still a work in progress, but Marshall is clearly a big key to its success in the future. On Sunday he was targeted eight times and it appears going forward he will become more prominent in the passing game. He’s not a must play yet, but each week he’s a step closer, so keep watching.

Remember to check back for more "Diamonds in the Rough!"

FSH: WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER CHAT

September 30th, 2009 10:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

The Weekly Waiver Wire

Wayne "The Wire" Bosco

(Courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)

With three weeks complete and in the books the Waiver Wire is alive and fine. Taking a look across the league, our buddy Wayne tells us once again which players are those to target for your week four waiver wire options;

Week Four

After an impressive 2-1 start for the Niners, quarterback Shaun Hill has yet to explode into a fantasy favorite, but his 548 yards and three touchdowns make him a serviceable back up. With the bye weeks set to begin, averaging 180 yards passing and a touchdown Hill can give fantasy owners the one week relief they might be looking for.

In a week that the team finally commits to the run and features running back Fred Taylor, he responds with 21 carries and 105 yards on the ground. The Patriots are not typically one of the leagues better running teams, but this past Sunday they proved along with Taylor they can still get the job done. Taylor looks to be the primary weapon in the run game and appears to have something left in the tank. He’s not going to be your starter, but he could provide some relief and needed help to get through the bye weeks.

Another waiver wire option that looks like a hot pick for week four has to be the Texans receiver Kevin Walter. The number two receiver in Houston had been slowed by injury, but a breakout week three performance (7 receptions, 96 yards, one touchdown) has him a hot fantasy commodity looking ahead. Quarterback Matt Schaub looked Walter’s direction eight times on Sunday and with Andre Johnson lining up on the other side this should continue.


“Wayne’s Word”

Always with each week that we look at the waiver wire with good ole Wayne, we’ll take a closer look at his pick ups for the week. Wide receivers Steve Breaston and Pierre Garcon are going to be two of the hottest pick ups this week if each are available. Breaston is getting healthy and being targeted regularly by quarterback Kurt Warner. .

Playing the Fantasy GM

Don-Pietro "The GM" Zamboni

Time to cut’em loose

Always a tough play for any fantasy owners is knowing when to let dead weight on your roster go. Looking at some of this season’s slow starts, it’s time to make some tough decisions;

The GM Game
With too much competition and simply an over-crowded backfield in New England, it’s time to let running back Laurence Maroney loose on the free market. In three games Maroney has totaled only 81 yards of offense this season and has yet to find the endzone.

The Browns offense is in disarray without a reliable quarterback. This season running back Jamal Lewis has only rushed for 95 yards in two games. With an inept offense and rookie running back James Davis looking like a stronger play, it’s time to go in another direction.

With the Raven’s running game getting plenty of production from its new 1-2 punch of Ray Rice and Willis McGahee, running back LeRon McClain no longer has the fantasy appeal as he did last year. This season McClain has only seen one play inside the 5-yard line and only two plays all season in the red zone. It appears he’s just taking up space on your roster this season.

This could be jumping the gun a bit, but it appears the Patriot’s West offense in Denver features more of a running game and short passing game that excludes the use of a tight end. In three games this season the tight end position has caught just nine balls and Tony Scheffler has only three of those. It looks like it’s time to move Scheffler for a more productive option if available and let the other guy wait it out.


Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK

September 29th, 2009 9:37pm PST

What to make of Week 3

Now who would have thought three weeks into the season that the Jets would be the talk of the town in the AFC East. Let's forget about Terrell Owens and Tom Brady for that matter and talk about kid sensation, Mark Sanchez.

After the Jets dismantling of the Titans on Sunday and yet another fabulous performance by Sanchez that included a 14-yard scamper for his first NFL rushing score, it's time to start believing. Over the past several years the Patriots have seemed to have a vise-grip lock on the division, but even with Brady back the Jets appear to the class of the East.

After dropping their first three games this season and in not so glorious fashion it looks like the Rams could be this season's version of the 2008 Lions. Inconsistency in the passing game and poor play on defense has left the team in shambles. With injuries striking their offense (Bulger, Robinson), it looks like the only thing left to cheer for will be running back Steven Jackson.

After his recent heroics in week 3 to lift the Vikings to a last second victory over the Niners, it looks like the Golden Boy, Brett Favre is not done. Fans, analysts, and his current teammates waited most of the offseason for this whole unretirement and now-a-Viking drama to unfold and it looks like at least for true fans of the game, it was worth the wait.

We watched a couple of the leagues very best gladiators go to battle this past Sunday night when Kurt Warner and Peyton Manning squared off. It did not take long for Manning to dispatch the Cardinals defense and prove to the football world who is king. Passing for nearly 400 yards and throwing four touchdowns on the road to lift his Colts to a perfect 3-0 record manning showed once again that he is unstoppable. Fantasy fanaticals will argue Brees and Brady, but Sunday night Peyton reminded everyone that he name belongs a part of that argument.

Looking under the microscope

Pierre Garcon could prove to be a worthy low value fantasy WR3. Two games in a row the rookie wideout has scored and last Sunday night Manning looked his way on several ocassions (targeted six times) and connected with the kid three times for 64 yards and a score.

It appears tight end Todd Heap has rebounded from a disatrous 2008 campaign from a fantasy perspective. This season Heap has scored twice and 10 receptions putting him on pace for 53 catches this season (had 35 in 2008). With an emerging Flacco under center, Heap is a rising fantasy star once again.

More fantasy Notes

Jackson rushed for his second straight 100 yard game (155 total yards) on Sunday against the Packers. It looks like the Rams finally listened and got Jackson more involved; he finished Sunday with 27 carries and four receptions.

For the second consecutive week the Giants wide receiver Steve Smith has been a heavily targeted favorite in the passing game. On Sunday Smith caught another seven passes, 17 over the past two weeks bringing his season total to 23. Smith has quickly become one of the most targeted receivers in the league with 30 this season.

The Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco may have been drafted as your fantasy backup, but after three games he's earned a starting bill. Flacco has passed for over 300 yards passing in two of his first three games and has tossed six touchdowns. With a steady run game and a dominant defense Flacco should have no trouble continuing his flourishing ways.

By David Ortega

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