FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

November 1st, 2009 7:57pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Week Eight Injury round-up

[including IDP injuries]

(Updated Sunday Nov. 1st)

Offensive Players

Jake Delhomme, QB (Panthers)

The Panthers quarterback left Sunday’s game late after taking a hard hit. Delhomme (chest) was feeling a little weak and “chilly” afterward and required a trip to the hospital. His status for week 9 is unknown, but tests taken showed nothing irregular.

Kevin Smith, RB (Lions)

According to Mlive.com, running back Kevin Smith suffered a shoulder injury in the team’s week 8 loss to the Rams. Smith left the game early, but could have returned if needed according to head coach Jim Schwartz. The injury doesn’t appear to be too serious.

Brad Hoover, RB (Panthers)

According to Gaston Gazette Panthers fullback Brad Hoover has a high ankle sprain and was walking with the aid of crutches. He is likely to be questionable for next week's game against New Orleans.

Anquan Boldin, WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinal’s receiver already being slowed with a bum ankle heading into the contest aggravated the injury and left the game in the third quarter. He did not return.

Owen Daniels, TE (Texans)

According to the Houston Chronicle the Texans tight end will undergo an MRI Monday on his left knee. Daniels was injured during the team’s week 8 matchup with the Bills. The early prognosis does not look good. Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting on his Twitter page Daniels is out for the season.

Defensive Players

Ken Lucas, DB (Seahawks)

The Seahawks cornerback Ken Lucas sustained a shoulder injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s game with the Cowboys. Lucas needed help walking back to the bench and did not return. There was no update on his status following the game.

Kelvin Hayden, DB (Colts)

The Colts cornerback left Sunday’s game in the third quarter with a knee injury and did not return. There were no further updates to the injury given.

Nate Clements, DB (Niners)

The Niners cornerback suffered a fractured shoulder blade in Sunday’s loss to the Colts. There have been no official reports released, but it looks like Clements could be done for the season.

Tim Dobbins, ILB (Chargers)

The Chargers linebacker Tim Dobbins sustained a knee injury in Sunday’s game against the Raiders and was carted to the locker room. His return was questionable and there were no further updates.

Eric Barton, ILB (Browns)

According to the Associated Press the Browns linebacker injured his right shoulder late in the first half and was questionable to return. Barton is among the team leaders with 58 total tackles this season.

Takeo Spikes, LB (Niners)

The Niners inside linebacker left Sunday’s game against the Colts early and did not return. An MRI taken revealed Spikes had suffered a right shoulder sprain. He is considered day-to-day.

Haloti Ngata, DL (Ravens)

The Ravens defensive left Sunday’s game against the Broncos with a sprained ankle. X-rays taken came back negative. His status for week 9 is unknown.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: SUNDAY SPORTS SECTION

November 1st, 2009 8:27am PST

The Sports Section

Week 8 Fantasy Tidbits

What to look for;

RB Steven Jackson versus the Lions
The Rams powerful running back has averaged 115-yards from scrimmage each game this season. Despite playing on one of the league’s worst offenses Jackson is also averaging a healthy 4.4 yard per carry. Today he matches up with the Lions run defense that ranks 20th and allows 4.6 yards per run. (good play)

RB Knowshon Moreno versus the Ravens
The Bronco’s offense has had two weeks to prepare and rookie running back Knowshon Moreno could be in for a solid day. Moreno has rushed for nearly 400 yards this season and is averaging 18 carries per game in his last five. In the Ravens past two games the defense has been shredded for 309 yards on the ground (154-yds per game) allowing nearly five yards a carry. (good play)

WR Marques Colston versus the Falcons
The Saints wide receiver has been targeted the most by quarterback Drew Brees over the teams last two games. Colston has seen 21 balls thrown in his direction and on Monday night he’ll face the Falcon’s 26th ranked pass defense that has allowed 24 plays of 20 yards or more this season. (good play)

RB DeAngelo Williams versus the Cardinals
With shaky play at quarterback, this week’s matchup against the Cardinals does not look good for running back DeAngelo Williams. The Cardinal’s defense is ranked number one against the run allowing just 67 yards per game and three yards a carry. (bad play)

QB David Garrard versus the Titans
In the first matchup this season the Jaguar’s quarterback passed for 323 yards and tossed three touchdowns in a blowout win over the Titans. Garrard also scampered his way to 38 yards in the victory. The Titans pass defense is ranked 31st this season and has allowed 19 passing touchdowns. (good play)

QB Brett Favre versus the Packers
The Vikings field general will face a defense that he torched for three scores on a Monday night back in week 4. Favre completed 23 of 30 passes and threw for 271 yards in the win. The Packers pass defense is ranked 4th in the league allowing on 174 yards per game and are 4th in the NFL with 11 interceptions. (tough play)

RB Ronnie Brown versus the Jets
With Kris Jenkins missing in the middle on Sunday for the Jets run defense, Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams should have a lot of success. In their week five matchup against the Jets, Brown was efffective scoring two rushing touchdowns while the Dolphins totaled over 150 yards on the ground. (good play)

WR Braylon Edwards versus Dolphins

The Jets new receiver was targeted a season high 11 times in the previous matchup. Edwards made a couple of very nice grabs and was able to score in the first tilt. Today matching up with the Dolphins 19th ranked pass defense that has been susceptible to the long ball, Edwards could be a sneakly play. (sneaky play)

By David Ortega Check out “The Sports Section” every Sunday

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 1st, 2009 8:07am PST

Sunday Morning Gametime

What’s the Latest

[ News and Notes]

Brian Westbrook not expected to play….

According to the NFL Network Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is not expected to play today against the Giants. Rookie running back LeSean McCoy will get the start.

Nate Washington expected to play today.…

The Titans are expected to have their deep threat receiver Nate Washington available on Sunday against the Jaguars. With the team switching to Young at quarterback today, they’ll need their best players on the field.

Jermichael Finley is not expected to play today…..

The Packers second year tight end is listed as doubtful for today and not expected to play. Tight end Donald Lee could be a sleeper pick in today’s matchup with Finley out.

The Vikings rookie receiver expected to play….

Just as ESPN’s John Clayton reported earlier this week, wide receiver Percy Harvin will play today against the Packers.

The Lions rookie quarterback Matt Stafford likely game-time…

The Lions head coach Jim Schwartz says Stafford will be a game-time decision. If the rookie plays he’ll have a favorable matchup against a very poor Ram’s defense.

Jerricho Cotchery is expected to play today….

According to NFL.com wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery is expected to play today against the Dolphins. Cotchery has been slowed with a hamstring injury he suffered during practice three weeks ago.

Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian not expected to play….

According to Fox Sports Berrian is not expected to play today, but this is not official. Even if the Vikes wideout is on the field, Rice and Harvin are now the preferred fantasy plays in Minnesota.

Mario Manningham not so sure ….

According the NFL Network, after coming out on the field for warm ups and catching some balls, the Giant’s receiver did not sound too confident about playing. Fantasy owners would be advised to look at other available possibilities.

Check back every week for more “Sunday Morning Gametime”

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

October 30th, 2009 11:55pm Pst

WATERCOOLER CHAT

The Weekly Waiver Wire

Wayne “The Wire” Bosco
(Courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)

Even though we have reached Week 8 there’s no need to panic, as long as Wayne “the Wire” is working overtime relief is on its’ way. Last Sunday there was plenty of let down with some of last weeks waivering choices, but with a whole new slate of games this weekend Wayne’s got the scoop on a few options off the wire.

Again fantasy owners are going to have to manage the bye week with players like Chad Ochocinco, Tom Brady, and Big Ben on siesta. With the well running dry and most of the stones over-turned, owners can still find a couple of plays for Week 8 to fill their vacancies.

So once again grab a cold one (better make it two) and take note of these week 8 Waiver Wire options;


Week Eight

On Sunday the Jaguars will roll into Tennessee with the memory of a week 4 throttling over the Titans. The Jags passing fired on all cylinders and took advantage of a severely handicapped secondary. Even though Tennessee will have the services of Courtland Finnegan back, I like wide receiver Torry Holt this week. There's no doubt Finnegan is going to have hbis hands full with Sims-Walker, so expect to see Holt roaming free from time-to-time. Holt and his quarterback are developing a great rapport and over his last two games he's seen 21 balls in his direction. Holt has lost a step and he is no number one fantasy receiver, but this week he should be a good start.

Whenever you have a player matching up with the Rams, they instantly become a consideration. In seven games this season the Rams have allowed a 100-yard rusher twice with Ryan Grant missing that plateau by one yard. This week running back Kevin Smith will get his shot. Smith has not been particularly successful this season with the Lions typically falling behind, but this Sunday they should be able to stay with the run longer than usual. Smith has also shown his versatility as a pass receiver with 20 receptions this season. The Lion's running back may not hit the century mark on the ground, but he should easily total 100 yards on Sunday and find the endzone at least once.

With the well drying up these days there doesn’t seem to be much left, but if you look at the bottom you might find the Eagles rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin available as a waiver option this week. He’ll face a tough Giant’s defense on Sunday, but one that has had its’ struggle with the pass game the past couple of weeks. With a lot of attention being focused on receiver DeSean Jackson, Maclin could see some favorable coverage and with his steady diet of seven targets per game he could be very productive. The Giants have been burned deep quite a bit in recent weeks and Maclin has already shown some big play capability. Consider the rookie a nice fill in option to get through the week 8 byes.

“Wayne’s Word”

This week’s word for the week is David Garrard. With the Jaguars playing the Titans on Sunday, it’s hard to ignore what Garrard did in week 4; 300-yards passing, three touchdowns. Tennessee is a little healthier this time around, but not much better off than their previous matchup with Jacksonville. Garrard will have his full compliment of weapons, Jones-Drew, Sims-Walker, and Holt and with the Titans making a change at quarterback that could mean better field position. Garrard is still available in quite a few leagues and should make a healthy fill-in for Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and Carson Palmer fantasy owners.

Playing Fantasy GM.

Don-Peitro “The GM” Zamboni

Cut your losses now
Sometimes you just have to know when to call it a day and cut your losses. In the case of running back Larry Johnson, not performing on the field and now in hot water off the field; it’s time to go.

The GM Game

You’re always going to have those players you drafted with a lot of question and concern surrounding their fantasy value. When the season opened, players like LaDanian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, and Terrell Owens were going to be drafted based on their historical merit. Like Owens and Tomlinson, Johnson was not taken as high as in the past, but he was drafted much higher than he is performing. With so much value vested in this player, what’s a fantasy GM to do?

Hardly Worth the Risk….

With LJ we knew he’d be a risky play in 2009. During the offseason there was plenty of talk about trade or even release, but by the same token he was just two seasons removed from back-to-back 1,700-yard rushing seasons. From a fantasy perspective, before the 2009 campaign began, it appeared he had mended some of the fences and was ready to play. Here we are seven weeks in and our fears are realized; it just doesn’t fit. Johnson is not going to flourish in Haley’s offense and true to form, he doesn’t know how to stay out of his own way. Recent tweets and comments made to the media have the Chiefs running back in deep water, currently suspended, and the way things look likely unemployed. There are not too many teams that want to deal with this headache, fantasy owners can do themselves a favor by addressing the inevitable and clearing roster space now. Jamal Charles is no LJ, but he’s a better fit in the spread style offense head coach Todd Haley likes and as the team’s number one he should be more effective as a fantasy back.

Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

October 30th, 2009 11:47pm PST

Friday Night Fantasy Football
Infirmary Report

Week Eight Injury report
(Some recent player injury news; updated Friday Oct. 30th)


Offensive Players

Matthew Stafford, QB (Lions)

The Lions rookie quarterback Matt Stafford (knee) was limited in Friday’s practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Rams. The Lions have the 21st ranked passing offense in the league with only four touchdowns passes in 2009.

Matt Hasselbeck, QB (Seahawks)

The Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (ribs) practiced again in full on Friday and is expected to start Sunday against the Cowboys. Hasselbeck will be protected by a Seahawks offensive line that has allowed 15 sacks this season.

Aaron Rodgers, QB (Packers)

The Packers starter Aaron Rodgers (foot) returned to practice on Friday and is expected to start Sunday against the Vikings. So far in 2009 Rodgers has been sacked 25 times, most in the NFL.

Brian Westbrook, RB (Eagles)

The Eagle’s running back Brian Westbrook (concussion) did not practice again on Friday and is questionable for Sunday against the Giants. It is looking more and more like Westy will sit this one out meaning rookie LeSean McCoy would start.

Jerious Norwood, RB (Falcons)

The Falcon’s running back Jerious Norwood (hip) did not practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Monday night’s matchup with the Saints. The Falcons are only ranked 19th in the league on the ground, but have scored eight rushing touchdowns this season.

Donald Brown, RB (Colts)
The Colt’s rookie running back Donald Brown (shoulder) did not practice on Friday and is listed as doubtful for Sunday against the Niners. With Brown expected to miss, running back Joseph Addai should be in line for more carries.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB (Giants)

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter running back Ahamd Bradshaw (ankle) returned to practice on Friday and is expected to play in week 8. Bradshaw is going to play through the injury, but has been advised he could be risking further injury.

Jonathan Stewart, RB (Panthers)

The Panther’s second year back Jonathan Stewart (heel) practiced in full Friday and will play Sunday against the Cardinals. The Card’s defense is ranked number one and allow only three yards per carry.

Percy Harvin, WR (Vikings)

The Vikings rookie receiver Percy Harvin (illness) returned to practice Friday and looks likely to play Sunday against the Packers. Harvin is second for all rookies with 23 receptions this season.

Donnie Avery, WR (Rams)

The Rams second year wideout Donnie Avery (shoulder) is listed as probable and expected to play against the Lions. Even less than 100 percent Avery is a decent play against the leagues 30th ranked pass defense.

Andre Johnson, WR (Texans)

The Texan’s stud receiver Andre Johnson (bruised lungs) practiced on Friday and according to head coach Gary Kubiak is “ready to go.” Expect Johnson to start Sunday against the Bills.

Anquan Boldin, WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinal’s wide receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle) was limited all week in practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday. After receiving an endorsement from his coach that he “looks better” expect to see Boldin play against the Panthers.

Reggie Wayne, WR (Colts)

The Colt’s wide receiver Reggie Wayne has a groin injury that has kept him limited this week, but he is expected to play Sunday. Wayne is too good to be benched this week against the Niners, even if he is limited and a risky play.

Calvin Johnson, WR (Lions)

According to ESPN’s John Clayton, he believes wide receiver Calvin Johnson (knee) is likely to face the Rams on Sunday. Johnson is listed as questionable and sounds like he could be a “game-time” decision according to other sources.

Mario Manningham, WR (Giants)

According to second year receiver Mario Manningham (shoulder) after missing practice Friday and being listed as questionable, he expects to play. If Manningham doesn’t play or start, rookie receiver Hakeem Nicks would start with Steve Smith.

Steve Breaston, WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinal’s wide receiver Steve Breaston (knee) is listed as probable for Sunday after practicing Friday. Breaston has been on the injury reports all season, but his probable listing indicates he’s getting healthy; expect him to play.

Jerricho Cotchery, WR (Jets)

According to head coach Rex Ryan, wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (hamstring) is expected to play Sunday against the Dolphins. Cotchery was ineffective in the first meeting three weeks ago with just one catch.

Defensive Player Injuries

Courtland Finnegan, DB (Titans)

According to the Nashville Tennessean, defensive back Courtland Finnegan (hamstring) resumed practicing this week and will start this Sunday against Jacksonville. The injury-riddled Titans have the worst pass defense in the league this season.

Antoine Winfiled, DB (Vikings)

The Vikings defensive back Antoine Winfield (foot) will not play this week against the Packers and is not expected to return until after the teams week 9 bye according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. The secondary will need his playmaking skills, but Vikings have been able to compensate with the leagues best pass rush; 25 sacks this season.

Antrel Rolle, DB (Cardinals)

The Arizona Repbulic is reporting, according to head coach Ken Whisenhunt defensive back Antrel Rolle has a ruptured tendon in his foot. Rolle is listed as questionable for Sunday.

Rashean Mathis, DB (Jaguars)

According to Michael C. Wright on Twitter, the jaguars veteran corner Rashean Mathis (finger) has been ruled OUT for week 8. The Jaguars defense is ranked 31st against the pass this season.

Channing Crowder, LB (Dolphins)

The Dolphin’s linebacker Channing Crowder (shoulder) will not play Sunday against the Jets according to the Miami Herald. The Dolphin’s run defense is currently ranked 4th against the run and will miss Crowder in the middle.

Jay Ratliff, DL (Cowboys)
The Cowboys nose tackle suffered a bruised knee during Thursday's practice. He is listed as questionable for Sunday. Ratliff anchor's the Cowboy's run defense that currently ranks 16th in the league.

Dwight Freeney, DL (Colts)

The Colt’s defensive end Dwight Freeney (knee) says he’s ready for the Niners on Sunday. Freeney practiced in full on Friday, but is still listed as questionable. Freeney leads the team with seven sacks this season.

Don’t forget to check out the Fantasy Football Insiders every Sunday morning on….

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

October 29th, 2009 10:37pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

“Diamonds in the Rough”

(Fantasy Sleepers)

Players you should watch and perhaps a few you should play this week!

It always seems when all hope appears lost, the glass is half full. The free agent pool continues to thin out and now owners have to stop looking around and just take a look at what’s in front of them. There are always some players that look attractive to start, but after their sizzle fades they can often get lost on your bench.

Week 8 presents some favorable matchups for players that are likely languishing on fantasy rosters and benches. And while it’s always darkest before the dawn, for some of these sleepers, the sun could be shinning bright come game day. With our seventh week of action in the books and more to come this Sunday, here are a few gems that could shine like diamonds in the sky.

This week’s gems…

In Chicago…..

Who says Jay Cutler doesn’t have anyone to throw to? Well there may be some truth in that Cutler lacks a true number one receiver, but coming off a big game against the Bengals last week wide receiver Devin Hester will have a great chance to do it again. With the Bears hosting the awful Browns (ranked 24th against the pass) this week Hester should see lots of beatable coverage and have a couple of chances to break free deep. He’s not a legit number one, but he’ll be a great number three receiver in fantasy this week.

In San Diego……

When the Chargers play host to the Raiders this Sunday, there’s little doubt that their key will be there passing attack and no one has to remind cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. And while Asomugha will have much of his focus on Sunday directed toward the Chargers Vincent Jackson, owners that don’t have a lot of great options at their number three slot should consider receiver Malcom Floyd. The Chargers receiver could be seeing some extended time on the field this Sunday and his 6’5’ frame should look very inviting to Philip Rivers, especially downfield. Floyd does not have big numbers this season with just nine catches and one touchdown, but he is averaging almost 21 yards per grab and his eight targets in his last two games could be a sign of better things to come.

In Detroit……

It’s not often that the Lions offense sees a good matchup on it’s schedule, but this Sunday they’ll host the Rams and running back Kevin Smith should benefit greatly. The Rams defense is ranked 27th against the run and opposing running backs are averaging nearly six yards per carry. Smith has been pretty much bottled up on the ground this season with a rookie quarterback, but could be looking at a big game on Sunday. With 20 receptions, Smith is the team’s second leading receiver so expect to see him grab a couple out of the backfield and improve upon his 149 receiving yards. This week Smith should be a solid RB2 and might have a little more value in PPR leagues.

In Cleveland……

Like the Lions, the Browns don’t see many matchups they like, but if you are a Jamal Lewis owner you had to love what you saw last week. In week 7 against the Bengals, the Bears run defense was completely shredded for over 200-yards on the ground allowing nearly five yards a pop. Lewis has yet to get out of the gate this season with only 280 yards rushing in five games this season. As long as the Browns don’t fall behind big early Lewis should have a shot at 20-plus carries on Sunday, despite his paltry yards-per-carry average. Against a thin Bears defense that is battered by injuries the Brown’s runner should be a low RB2 this week and is worth a starting.

Worth keeping your eye on for now….

By this time of the season and coming off one of his worst games this season, it may seem like a stretch, but on Sunday keep your eye on Terrell Owens. There’s no doubt these days the only place you will find him is on fantasy roster benches. Over the past several weeks, T.O. has just not had good numbers and his three catches for 13 yards were as bad as the week he didn’t have a catch. We know he looks about as good as a train wreck, but keep your eye on Owens this Sunday against the Texans. Over the past two weeks Fitzpatrick has been trying to get the ball to his big not-so-sure handed receiver with 18 total targets. The Texans have a soft middle and it could be just a matter of time for T.O. and his quarterback to get in sync.


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

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (QWIK FIXX)

October 28th, 2009 10:37pm PST

THE FANTASY FIXX

Target Practice: Week Eight in the NFL

It’s always tough to find the right receivers each week for your fantasy matchup. One of the keys is not just what a player has done, but in a lot of cases you have to consider the potential of a player when you look their matchup. Another factor that needs to be included into this equation is which players are getting their number called most.

Look Who’s Hot….

Over the past two weeks there’s been no receiver as hot as the Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin, but when you dig a little deeper this really shouldn’t be much of a surprise. Sure no one expected Austin to break out with 19 catches for 421 yards in his last two games, especially after he was targeted only four times in his first three. Over his last three games Austin has seen 31 balls thrown in his direction and with his apparent big-play ability, don’t expect this trend to change much. Austin is now a fantasy favorite in Dallas and looks like a solid WR2 going forward.

In case some of you have missed the bus, Chad Ochocinco is back as one of the elite receivers in the game. With a healthy quarterback Ochocinco is now amongst the leaders in receptions (39) and yards (573), but more importantly he’s being targeted at a heavy pace (64 targets this season) so don’t expect a drop in his numbers anytime soon.

Who’s worried….

For those owners that might be worried about their stud receiver Roddy White, there is no cause for concern. Although his numbers may seem a little down from a year ago, it’s only a matter of time before he starts putting together those top five numbers we’ve seen the last two seasons. The signs are there if you look closely; White has managed to score in three straight games. And while he’s only had a total of 106 yards in his last two starts, his four games this season with at least 10 targets is a good indication that we can expect more soon from “Big Roddy.”

Another receiver from down south that could be a cause for concern for some owner should be no concern at all. Last season the Saints receiver Marques Colston was a major disappointment missing five games and starting just six. Colston was expected to follow up his huge 2007 season with another, but it did not pan out. This season Colston is healthy and a lot is expected of the Saints big receiver. So far his explosiveness has been sporadic simply because the Saints have so many weapons, but don’t be fooled. Colston is still the number one receiving option in the Bayou and his 21 targets the last two weeks should indicate such. With a touchdown in back to back starts, this coming Monday night matchup with Atlanta is looking very tasty, so owners should be licking their chops.

Keep your Eye on these gems…

Making his NFL debut this past Sunday, rookie receiver Michael Crabtree wasted little time making an impact. Crabtree was targeted six times and caught five balls for 56 yards. The important key factor, Crabtree was targeted three times in the second half and caught all three passes from Alex Smith (the Niner’s new starting quarterback). With the switch at quarterback taking place Crabtree looks like a much better option with Smith throwing to him; keep your eye on the rookie.

Now that Kevin Curtis is out for a while, rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin will have a chance to earn his stripes. On Monday night Maclin was not spectacular, but his numbers were interesting. The rookie caught just five balls for 53 yards, but he was targeted by McNabb seven times. Over his past four games Maclin has seen a steady diet of passes in his direction averaging just over seven per game. We have yet to see the consistency, but he’s already shown the big game potential. Now that Curtis is down, Maclin can settle in and we could see more from this kid in the coming weeks.

Here is the breakdown for fantasy pass catchers (targets) this season;

Through Seven weeks:

Top-10 Targeted Pass-catchers

Player Targt Recpt FPTS

1. Johnson, Andre WR HOU 70 38 84 ,
2. Randy WR NE 66 43 77
3. Smith, Steve WR NYG 65 45 81
4. Ochocinco, Chad WR CIN 64 39 82
5. Fitzgerald, Larry WR ARI 63 41 72
6. Welker, Wes WR NE 62 46 70
7. Smith, Steve WR CAR 58 27 35
8. Wayne, Reggie WR IND 57 39 82
9. Daniels, Owen TE HOU 56 39 76
10. Holmes, Santonio WR PIT 56 30 53

[points based on traditional scoring]

Check back every Monday for more “Fantasy Fixx”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 28th, 2009 9:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy week……

Player News From Across the Wire...

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Times is reporting that Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will not practice on Wednesday. Hasselbeck is dealing with soreness in his ribs, but is expected to be fine for the game this week.
My Fantasy read on Hasselbeck: The Seahawks offense needs Hasselbeck under center and the team needs to right the ship. He’ll face a tough matchup this Sunday against Dallas and with his previous injury history, that’s a risky play…..

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
According to the Twitter page of Panthers' beat writer Charles Chandler, wide receiver Steve Smith doesn't seem too enthused about Jake Delhomme being named the starter for next week. "I just work here. If Jake's the guy, Jake's the guy. It's not my call," Smith said after practice on Wednesday.
My Fantasy read on Smith: Not only was Smith bummed, but so were his fantasy owners. Delhomme has been awful this season and as his ship sinks, he takes Smith with him. Delhomme still targets Smith heavily, so it’s tough to bench the speedy receiver, play at your own risk (unless you have better options)…..

Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans' official website is reporting that wide receiver Andre Johnson was limited in practice on Wednesday with his bruised lung. Johnson is still being called day-to-day by the team.
My Fantasy read on Johnson: Johnson and Schaub are the future of this offense. The team won’t any unnecessary risks with Dre if he is not healthy to play. Expect a game-time decision, but we wouldn’t expect to see him play…..

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson sat out for the second straight day on Wednesday, according to mLive.com. Johnson is still dealing with a sore knee, and his status for the weekend is unknown.
My Fantasy read on Johnson: Johnson has been banged up and dinged all season, but with a great matchup against the Rams this week if he’s on the field he is almost a must-start (but check his status later in the week)…..

Donnie Avery, WR, St. Louis Rams
Donnie Avery is dealing with hip and rib injuries, but head coach Steve Spagnuolo expects him to be ready to go for Sunday's game at Detroit, according to the Rams' official website.
My Fantasy read on Avery: Even at less than 100 percent, just Avery’s presence give the passing game an upgrade. Avery will be a very risky play this week not being the biggest receiver. He may tolerate a lot of pain, but you have to worry about how fragile he may or may not be.


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