FSH: THE ATL REPORT

November 7th, 2009 11:47pm PST

THE ATL REPORT

What’s Happening

Around the League

RB-Ryan Moats to start week 9….

The Texans are making a change in the backfield on Sunday. After fumbling away his starting job running back Steve Slaton is heading toward the sidelines and Moats will start. Last weekend Slaton was benched after committing his seventh fumble of the season. Moats saw the majority of work last weekend and will likely see the same this Sunday.

WR-Anquan Boldin returns to practice and “looks good”.…

According to an ESPN report wide receiver Anquan Boldin returned to practice Friday and looked very good. It sounds like fantasy owners can expect the Card’s wideout on the field on Sunday.

DB-Ty Law agrees to terms with Broncos…..

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN the Broncos and Law have agreed to terms and the former Patriot is set to sign. He was reportedly flying to Denver on Friday for a physical.

WR-Donald Driver sounds in good spirits for Sunday…

The Packer’s receiver returned to practice on Friday and Saturday night was spotted joining Twitter from all of his “Tweets.” His disposition appeared positive as the wideout gets set to play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

RB-Brian Westbrook sounds a go, but will rotate….

The Eagles running back did not practice on Friday, but according to head coach Andy Reid “he can contribute a bunch here.” Westbrook has been part of a rotation and it sounds like that plan will continue Sunday.

DB-Bob Sanders done for the season….

It is being reported that the Colts will not have the services of safety Bob Sanders for the remainder of the season. Sanders will require surgery on his elbow according to head coach Jim Caldwell.

WR-Dwayne Jarrett to start Sunday for Carolina….

With wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad not traveling with the team he has been ruled OUT for Sunday. Dwayne Jarrett, the former start SC Trojan wideout will start in place.

RB-Kolby Smith activated for Sunday….

With running back Larry Johnson suspended, back up Jamaal Charles is expected to start, but the team has also activated running back Kolby Smith from the PUP list. Smith is coming back from knee surgery that cut his 2008 season short.

Check back every week for more “Around the League”

FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

November 6th, 2009 11:47pm PST

Week 9 Fantasy Football

Infirmary Report

Week Nine Injury report

(Some recent player injury news; updated Saturday Oct. 7th)

Offensive Players

Aaron Rodgers, QB (Packers)

The Packers quarterback returned to practice on Friday and is expected to start Sunday. Rodgers is nursing a couple of foot (toe, ankle) injuries.

Matt Stafford, QB (Lions)

The Lions quarterback was limited in practice again on Friday with a knee injury, but is expected to play Sunday. He is listed as probable on the injury reports.

Kevin Smith, RB (Lions)

The Lions running back Kevin Smith (shoulder) was limited in practice Friday and although he is expected to play he’s listed as questionable for Sunday.

Donald Brown, RB (Colts)

The Colts rookie running back Donald Brown (shoulder) was able to practice most of the week and is expected to play this Sunday against the Texans.

Anquan Boldin, WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle) returned to practice on Friday and looked good. He is likely to play against the Bears, but he is listed as questionable.

Calvin Johnson, WR (Lions)

The Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (knee) was limited again on Friday and according to head coach Jim Schwartz he will be a game time decision.

Lance Moore, WR (Saints)

The Saints receiver is nursing an ankle injury and did not practice Friday. He has been ruled out of Sunday’s game with Carolina.

Devin Hester, WR (Bears)

The Bears receiver returned to practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Cardinals with an ankle injury.

Muhsin Muhammad, WR (Panthers)

The Panthers receiver Muhsin Muhammad (knee) did not travel with the team and has been ruled OUT for Sunday. Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett is likely to start for Carolina.

Jermichael Finley, TE (Packers)

The second year tight end has been ruled OUT for Sunday against the Buccaneers with a knee sprain he suffered two games ago.

Defensive Player Injuries

Haloti Ngata, DL (Ravens)

The Ravens defensive tackle did not practice this week with an ankle injury. He is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Bengals, but expects to play.

Darnell Dockett, DL (Cardinals)

The Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett has been playing through a sore right ankle. He was able to practice some on Friday and is expected to play Sunday.

Charles Woodson, DB (Packers)

The Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (hip) participated fully in Friday’s practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday against Tampa.

Channing Crowder, LB (Dolphins)

The Dolphins linebacker Channing Crowder (shoulder) has been ruled OUT by the team for Sunday against the Patriots.

Gerald Hayes, LB (Cardinals)

The Cardinals linebacker missed practice this week with back spasms, but he was able to return to the field Friday for some limited work. He is listed as questionable for Sunday and expected to play.

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

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

November 6th, 2009 10:37pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

“Diamonds in the Rough”

(Fantasy Sleepers)

As the fantasy season inches closer to the post season there seems to be little time for fantasy owners to rest. With the bye weeks near complete, there a still plenty of piles of coal to sift through for your shiny jewel. Week 9 offers a few interesting plays that could come up quite beneficial for those owners looking to catch some lightning in a bottle.

This week’s gems…

In San Diego…..

The Chargers offense will visit the Meadowlands on Sunday and while the environment may not be the most inviting, don’t expect that to deter Rivers and company from doing what they do best. San Diego has the 4th ranked passing offense and Philip Rivers leads the way with 11 touchdown passes and 2,036 yards passing. With a lot of attention likely to be paid to Jackson and Gates, Sunday could be a great opportunity for the team’s newest starting receiver Malcom Floyd to break out. The Giants will again be without cornerback Aaron Ross and Floyd with only 11 catches this season does have a hefty 23-yards per catch average.

In Green Bay……
The Packers have a great matchup on Sunday against the lowly and winless Buccaneers. With a patented passing attack that includes Jennings and Driver, the Bucs just don’t have the depth to match up with the Packers fire power. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will likely have his pick all day and more than likely he’ll be looking for the weakest link which could get matched up with wide receiver James Jones often. The Packers number three receiver has yet to have a big day this season, but Sunday could be his day. With only seven catches this season, Jones is averaging nearly 23 yards and has two touchdowns. He’s a good bet to improve those numbers.

In New York……

With the Charger’s 27th ranked run defense in town on Sunday, back up running back Ahmad Bradshaw could see some extended and effective work. This season Bradshaw has only carried the ball 89 times, but he has scampered his way to 476 yards and scored four times. The Chargers defense is surrendering 132 yards per game and over four yards a carry. Bradshaw has been bottled up the past couple of weeks, but could catch a break this weekend get loose.

Worth keeping your eye on for now….

When the Chargers released wide receiver Chris Chambers earlier in the week it did not take long a team to claim him off waivers. Don’t think the Chiefs brought Chambers just to take up space; he’s going to be utilized right away. With an outstanding receiver already lining up on the other side in Dwayne Bowe, the team needs a reliable number two receiver to open things up. There is no question that Bowe is going to command a lot of respect on Sunday from a suspect Jaguar secondary, so fantasy owners should expect to see a lot of action go Chamber’s way. The new Chief has not been fantasy relevant since 2007, but Sunday we could see his re-emergence. He’s one worth keeping your eye on.

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

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

November 4th, 2009 10:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

The Weekly Waiver Wire

WAYNE "THE WIRE” BOSCO
(Courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)

As we continue to get deeper into the 2009 fantasy season and with the well not getting any more full, just when you think it has dried up, we can count on Wayne to offer a little tidbit to help even the most desperate fantasy owners.

Week Eight

There’s little doubt after last week’s breakout performance that running back Ryan Moats will be at the top most waiver wires. Last week Moats rushed for 126 yards and scored three times. With starter Steve Slaton really struggling this season with ball security, more than likely Moats will play a bigger role in the Texans running game. Going forward he may add some depth and quality stats with preferred matchups, but this week his numbers could be a bit pedestrian in a game where the Texans could play catchup. Regardless this would be the time to make the move, he’s not going to sit out there another week.

The Chiefs offense has yet to generate much excitement for the fantasy this season, but with a change coming in the backfield this week, we could see a little more production. With Larry Johnson on hiatus (suspension) running back Jamaal Charles will get the start and a change to become fantasy relevant. This week he has a nice matchup against the Jaguars 25th ranked run defense that allows nearly 130 yards on the ground. What could also make this play more attractive is Charles’ pass catching ability and while he has only carried the ball 23 times this season, he’s averaging five yards a pop. The scat back caught 27 passes as a rookie and could be a better fit in Haley’s system. He’ll certainly have a chance to prove it on Sunday.

Last week Aaron Rodgers put the ball in the air 41 times. With the Packers heading to Tampa Bay, don’t be surprised to see him do more of the same. With both Driver and Jennings demanding so much attention this could be a good week for number three receiver James Jones. Last week against an embattled Vikings secondary, the Packer’s wideout saw five passes in his direction, but managed to only snag one for 42 yards. The Buccaneers secondary is not very deep at the corners and to cover all three Packer wideouts will create some mismatches that could benefit Jones. He’s not highly valued in traditional two receiver leagues, but could offer some worth in leagues that go three deep at receiver.

“Wayne’s Word”

Once again with some fantasy insight here’s Wayne’s Word for week 9;

With Peyton Manning chucking up the pigskin at an alarming rate of success, 318 yards per game, 26.7 completions per game, 71 percent completions, and 15 touchdowns there seems to be plenty to go around. Taking a look at the Indy receiving core, pick your poison. Everyone knows about Wayne and Clark, but fantasy owners in three receiver leagues should be paying close attention to rookie receiver Austin Collie. The rookie receiver is seeing plenty of targets to be relevant. Over the past three games Collie has 18 receptions and three touchdowns. With the Colts set to face the Texans and Manning throwing the ball, any Colt’s receiver always has a shot to score.

Playing the Fantasy GM

Don-Peitro “The GM” Zamboni

Let’s make a Deal
There comes a time in every fantasy season when owners have to make a move to better their team. There is not science or blue-print, sometimes you just have to take chances. The key is minimizing the risk.

The GM Game

With the bye weeks nearing completion fantasy owners will begin jockeying their teams into position for that championship run. Weeks 11-13 are the back stretch and with teams being what they are owners must find ways to improve. A couple of players at the moment that seem to be lost in translation, but could be big power plays down the stretch are wide receiver Terrell Owens and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Time to trade….

At present neither player will command a lot of value in return with both their numbers being significantly down; Owens has one touchdown this season averaging just 12-yards per his 23 catches and T.J just two touchdowns and averages less than 11-yards per catch.

If you have depth at another position and can hold your own at receiver, now could be the best time to make a play and offer a trade for either player. Their value is at a low and with Edwards due to comeback Owens has to become a focal point in the passing game if the Bills are going to press the post season. Houshmandzadeh is more likely to breakout sooner in Seattle, so no better time than the present.

With these two players ranking near the bottom, it would seem that up is the only direction they can go. There’s definitely no guarantee they will breakout of their funk, but you have to like the possibilities. And if they do, they have the potential of being strong plays in the latter weeks.

Other under performing players with diminished value that could warrant such consideration could include Brian Westbrook (Eagles), Clinton Portis (Redskins), and so and so. Remember these are players currently with low value that you might be able to steal away from someone.

Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (QWIK FIXX)

November 3rd, 2009 11:37pm PST

THE FANTASY FIXX

Target Practice: Week Nine 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….

If you are a fan of, and more importantly a participant in, a PPR league than you have to love what you are seeing from wide receiver Devin Hester. In the last three weeks he’s averaged nine targets per game and with so many chances he’s delivered. Hester has 21 receptions for 265 yards and is looking more and more like a go to receiver in Chicago. He can only get better and if you drafted him as your number three, you’ve got yourself what looks to be a great steal in the second half.

It’s not taking much effort, but the Eagle’s second year receiver DeSean Jackson is quickly emerging as an elite player in this league. He’s only needed ten targets in his last two games and three touches in each to find the end zone three times. With two receptions and one scintillating 67-yard end around in week seven Jackson scored twice. Last Sunday he only needed three catches to work his magic and find pay-dirt. The explosive receiver is averaging a little more than four touches per game and around 20 yards per touch. Now that’s explosive!

Who’s worried….

If you drafted Michael Crabtree back in August and have had the patience to wait all this time, relax because not only are you the most patient ever, but the pay-off could be coming soon. In his first two games as an NFL receiver Crabtree has had plenty of chances with 15 targets, but more importantly he’s already starting to produce with 11 receptions for 137 yards (projected over 16 games; 88 receptions, 1,096-yards)

For some fantasy owners, it might be time to worry when your number one receiver has only 125 yards combined in his last two games and has not scored a touchdown in his last three starts. Add to the facts that he was just injured a week ago and questionable for most of the week and it might make sense for panic to set in, but when that receiver is Andre Johnson you really haven’t much to worry about. This little dip in production is a mere bump in the road. Johnson was back on the field Sunday, he’s still one of the most targeted receivers in the game with (80) and a tremendous receiving talent.

Keep your Eye on these gems…

The Jets tight end Dustin Keller has been on a bit of a circus string with his numbers fluctuating from week to week. In the two previous weeks Keller has seen his target numbers go from 10 in week six down to just four in week seven. Week eight treated the Jet’s second year tight end much better with 13 targets and his production improved greatly with eight grabs for 76 yards and a touchdown. As the rookie Mark Sanchez continues to mature under center, we’d expect to see him lean more on his tight end going forward.

A couple of players that fantasy owners should continue to monitor are a pair of Indy receivers. With Reggie Wayne drawing a lot of attention and well deserved with 20 targets in week eight, Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon continue to warrant some discussion. Over the past two weeks both receivers have seen plenty of action in the Colts passing game with 14 and 16 targets respectively. As long as number 18 is under center, these two will at least merit WR3 considerations moving ahead. Also, the real missing stat here is Manning’s 26 completions per game!

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


Through Eight weeks:

Top-10 Targeted Pass-catchers


Player............................Targt Recpt FPTS

Johnson, Andre WR,HOU......80 44 92

Smith, Steve WR,NYG.........78 53 87

Wayne, Reggie WR,IND.......77 51 102

Fitzgerald, Larry WR,ARI......73 47 78

Burleson, Nate WR,SEA........66 38 59

Moss, Randy WR,NE............66 43 77

White, Roddy WR,ATL.........66 37 88

Smith, Steve WR,CAR..........65 30 47

Ochocinco, Chad WR,CIN......64 39 82

Welker, Wes WR,NE...........62 46 70

[points based on traditional scoring]

Check back every week for more “Fantasy Fixx”

FSH: TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK

November 3rd, 2009 9:37pm PST

TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

What to make of Week 8

Chambers out, but not closed….
The Chargers released the veteran receiver, but it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Though Chambers is a talented receiver in his own right, Rivers likes to go vertical and loves to throw to his gaint receivers. With Chambers standing at all, but 5’11” he was dwarfed by his receiving corp teammates. Buried on the depth-chart behind a pair of 6’5” wideouts, his release may have come at a good time. Just barely out on the open market Chambers has already been grabbed and could looking to reignite his fantasy value in a Chiefs uniform. Stay tuned for this one.


Rice is the man in Baltimore…
There is no longer any debate, discussion over. While many teams in the NFL embrace the running back by committee formula, the Ravens no longer appear to be a believer in that theory. Over the past several weeks there were tell-tale signs indicating that second year back Ray Rice was the featured ball carrier, but his 28 touches on Sunday against the Broncos proved his case without a shadow of a doubt. In his two previous starts Rice had his number called 21 and 22 times, but on Sunday he finished with 28 touches (23 carries, 5 receptions). As far as fantasy goes, his 874 total yards and five touchdowns also put him in rare company this season.


Miles Austin has arrived….
In case you haven’t been noticing the playmaking receiver in Dallas these days is not Roy E. Williams, not Terrell Owens, and not even tight end Jason Witten. From out of nowhere 4th year receiver Miles Austin has arrived under the big top in Big-D to lead the Cowboys aerial attack. Austin has caught 21 balls for 482 yards and five touchdowns in his last three games. Now implanted as one of the starting wideouts in Dallas fantasy owners can make ready for a big second half from a receiver who had only caught 18 passes in 37 career games prior to the start of the 2009 season.

Looking under the microscope

While there was so much debate in the offseason surrounding the Cutler trade to Chicago, the biggest question had to be who would Jay throw to. After looking over the past eight weeks of football it becomes clear; it’s not a former teammate, a surprise rookie, or a projected all-pro potential tight end. Over the past three weeks wide receiver Devin Hester appears to be blossoming into the role quite comfortably. Both he and his quarterback seem to be developing a very good chemistry with Cutler looking his way 27 times over the past three weeks. In the same span Hester has caught 21 of those balls for 265 yards and one touchdown. The 4th year receiver from the University of Miami still has some work to do with his route running, but there now seems to be little doubt about who Cutler will be throwing to these days.

More fantasy Notes

One of the biggest notes from this past weekend had to be the emergence of running back Ryan Moats in Houston. With starting running back Steve Slaton handing the ball away like a concert flyer (has fumbled seven times this season), the door has been swung wide open for Moats. On Sunday he seized the day rushing for 126 yards and scoring three times. His performance was so strong the question is raised “should Moats start?”


While some fantasy owners may have run out of patience, those that stayed the course with Bears running back Matt Forte reaped big rewards on Sunday. In Forte’s two previous starts he had totaled just 109 yards with zero scores. Sunday was a different story for the Bear’s back as he carried the ball 26 times, caught a couple of balls, totaled 121 yards and scored two touchdowns. Welcome back Matt Forte!


With his fumbling woes in 2009, the Texan’s running back Steve Slaton pulled the biggest disappearing act on Sunday finishing the day with just three touches for 11 total yards and one turnover.


By David Ortega

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

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (STUDS AND DUDS)

November 3rd, 2009 8:37pm PST

Earners and Bums

(Studs & Duds)

Don ‘Shula’ Lombardi

“The Collector”

(courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)

Once again “The Collector” is back this week to let all of you fantasy owners know about those not-so-highly known fantasy gems that continue to score big points. While these diamonds in the rough make noise, we also have some of your weekly Studs that looking more like Duds.

When you need a big week, sometimes you can count on your regular sources of scratch to pay-off, “The Collector” will tell you who is dropping the most coin and who you should maybe just drop.

Here were the Studs (Earners) and Duds (bums) for Week 8;

The Earners (Studs)

(Min 15 fantasy points)

Another week of what could have been and maybe what should be (for next week). Here are this past weekend’s top fantasy point getters and those players that maybe need another bye week or just a good-bye.

Is it really that much of a surprise to everyone to see the 40-year old kid still playing at the highest level. The Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was one of week eight’s biggest “earners” torching the Packer’s secondary on Sunday for the second time in the past five weeks. Favre completed 17 of 28 passes for 244 yards and threw four touchdowns on the afternoon. (33 fantasy points)

When one player is dropping all of the loot, sometimes you have to make a change which is what the Texans did on Sunday. With running back Steve Slaton (7 fumbles in 2009) fumbling away the game, the Texans turned to running back Ryan Moats. The backup runner was brilliant cashing in big with 126 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. (32 fantasy points)

The Jet’s rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez did his best impression of a green scoring machine on Sunday. Sanchez completed 20 of 35 passes for 265 yards passing and three touchdowns (including one rushing). (28 fantasy points)

If Tony Romo isn’t your weekly starting quarterback you could missing out on some serious coin. The Cowboys quarterback knows green, especially the kind you find in the end-zone. Romo passed his way to 256 yards on Sunday and threw three touchdowns. (27 fantasy points)

The Saints have their own two-headed monster in the backfield that they can now boast and on Monday night, one of them got loose. Running back Pierre Thomas was cash money rushing for 91 yards and scoring twice; one rushing and one receiving. (21 fantasy points)

The Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck did his best on Sunday to earn his keep for every fantasy lineup he was Sunday. Hasselbeck completed 22 of 39 passes for 249 yards and threw two touchdowns. (21 fantasy points)

The Panthers used their two headed rushing attack out of the backfield to ground the Cardinals. Running back number two, Jonathan Stewart was a Sunday cash cow hitting paydirt twice and rambling his way to 87 yards on 17 carries. (20 fantasy points)

The Eagles rookie running back LeSean McCoy made the most of his opportunity with a rare start. The rookie feasted on the spotlight gaining 82 yards on the ground including a dynamite 66-yard scamper to pay-dirt. (15 fantasy points)

Players not quite earning their way to this honor roll, but drawing some attention include;

TE-Spencer Havner……….(21-yards, 2-touchdowns)

WR-Percy Harvin………….(86-yards, 1-touchdown)

RB-Justin Fargas…………..(79-yards, 1-touchdown)

TE-Dustin Keller……………(76-yards, 1-touchdown)

FB-Leonard Weaver……….(75-yards, 1-touchdown)

WR-Braylon Edwards…….(74-yards, 1-touchdown)

TE-Kevin Boss……………….(70-yards, 1-touchdown)

The Bums (Duds)

(Less than 5 fantasy points)

And of course where you find the “haves” you will find the “have-nots.” Here are your week 8 fantasy studs that left their “A” game for another day and brought their “D” for “Dud” game instead.

There is word that Trent Edwards could return to the lineup; after Ryan Fitzpatrick’s 117 yard passing day with two interceptions and no touchdowns, the sooner the better. (zero fantasy points).

After scoring in three straight games, the Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown only totaled 29 yards on Sunday. That won’t pay the rent. (two fantasy points)

The Jet’s rookie running back Shonn Greene goes from the penthouse one week, to the outhouse the next. Greene rushed for only 18 yards on eight carries with a fumble. (minus one fantasy point)

The Jaguar’s top receiver Mike Sims-Walker scored twice in their first meeting, but on Sunday he was a huge disappointment against the Titans. Sims-Walker finished with just nine receiving yards. (zero fantasy points)

There was no bigger disappointment on Sunday than the one for all of the Steve Slaton fantasy owners. Slaton was expected to be a player this season, but on Sunday he hardly played after a costly fumble (his seventh this season). Slaton finished the day with 11 total yards. (minus one fantasy point)

Fantasy owners that are waiting on wide receiver Eddie Royal to get going in 2009 are only becoming more frustrated. The Broncos speedy wideout finished Sunday with just 10 receiving yards. (one fantasy point)

For all the money the team paid to wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, they are just not seeing any returns this season; 24 receiving yards on Sunday. (two fantasy points)

The Bronco’s wide receiver Brandon Marshall may be saying all the right things now off the field, but he’s still yet to do all the big things he did a season ago; 24 receiving yards on Sunday. (two fantasy points)

The Rams second year receiver Donnie Avery is just not having that breakout season some fantasy owners had hoped he would have; 15 receiving yards on Sunday. (one fantasy points)

Injuries played a huge part in putting these two duds on our list this week; Anquan Boldin caught just three passes for 23 yards and Owen Daniels had just one catch for 22 yards.

By David Ortega

Check back for more weekly “Earners and Bums”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 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 week……

Player News From Across the Wire...

Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
Jerry McDonalad of the Contra Costa Times is reporting that running back Darren McFadden is targeting November 15 as his return date from arthroscopic knee surgery.
My Fantasy read on McFadden: The Raider’s injury prone second year back has been a disappointment. When he returns don’t expect a heavy load to start, he’s likely going to share duties with Fargas…..

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is dealing with both a sprained foot and sprained toe (on the other foot) in the wake of the Packers loss to the Vikings on Sunday, but should be good-to-go in Week 9 against the Buccaneers, according to ESPN.
My Fantasy read on Rodgers: The Packer’s quarterback is as tough as they come, even if less than 100 percent expect him on the field and expect him to produce…..

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook (concussion) is expected to resume practicing on Wednesday, according to the Dallas Morning News.
My Fantasy read on Westbrook: The Eagle’s running back is back to his old tricks of getting hurt; he’s not likely reliable enough to insert, better wait til he starts producing…..

Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Jamaal Charles "appears to be in line to start" at running back for the Chiefs this weekend, according to the team.
My Fantasy read on Charles: The Chief’s second year back will likely start, but owners should hold off before inserting. Charles is a better fit for the offense, but this is still a bad offense…..

Chris Chambers, WR, San Diego Chargers
Veteran receiver Chris Chambers has been released by the Chargers, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
My Fantasy read on Chambers: Don’t expect Chambers to remain unemployed. The Rams, Jaguars, and even the Dolphins need help. He’s certainly likely to land somewhere, but his value will depend on where he goes and if he can start right away…..

Jake Delhomme, QB, Carolina Panthers
The Rock Hill Herald reports that the chest injury that briefly forced Jake Delhomme from the Panthers' win over the Cardinals on Sunday shouldn't affect his Week 9 status.
My Fantasy read on Delhomme: The Panther’s quarterback is not a fantasy consideration at this time, but if the ground game continues to prowl he could get better down the road; for those thin at the QB position this could be something to follow….

Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Willie Parker missed Steelers practice on Monday with an illness, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
My Fantasy read on Parker: The Steeler’s running back has lost favor in the fantasy world and Pittsburgh. Mendenhall looks like the clear starter now, Parker has been reduced to a role player and has little fantasy value at present time…..

Trent Edwards, QB, Buffalo Bills
NFL.com reports that quarterback Trent Edwards could be back in the lineup after the Bills return from their bye week for Week 10's game in Tennessee. He has missed the last two Bills games due to a concussion.
My Fantasy read on Edwards: There’s nothing here worth getting too excited about for fantasy owners. Since his departure not much has changed for the offense and not much can be expected to change if he returns……

Owen Daniels, TE, Houston Texans
The Houston Chronicle has confirmed that Owen Daniels' knee injury is a torn ACL, and that the star tight end will miss the rest of the 2009 season.
My Fantasy read on Daniels: The news came down and it was bad. Owens is done and fantasy owners that drafted him as their number one were on they way to a big year, but now they have to look to the Donald Lee’s and Visanthe Shiancoe’s to pick up the slack….

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

FSH: ON THE COVER

November 2nd, 2009 11:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

(Photo By AP/Jim Prisching)

A Sweet Home-coming

Who says revenge is bitter-sweet, no one at Lambeau field on Sunday wearing a number four jersey in a Vikings uniform playing the Packers. If anything, this was sweet revenge the second time around.

Just four weeks ago on Monday night Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was able to exact some revenge against his former employer by leading the Vikings to an impressive win over the Packers. In that game Favre was good throwing three touchdowns, but on Sunday in his first return trip back to Lambeau Field (his former home) he was even better.

The 40 year old former three-time NFL MVP played more like he was 30 years young completing 17 of 28 passes for 244 yards. What made Favre so special on Sunday in front of a raucus and hostile crowd, each time the Packers looked like they were close to changing the outcome of this one he came up with the big play.

Favre came up with two timely touchdown throws in the fourth quarter to lead the Vikings to their seventh win this season. For the afternoon the Golden Boy threw four touchdowns raising his season total to 16.

With the Vikings knocking off Green Bay on Sunday, they are now three games in front of the division and looking post season bound. For Brett Favre his Sunday visit to Wisconsin was a sweet return back home to the cold confines of Lambeau, but then would it be any different; revenge is best served cold (especially at Lambeau)

Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

November 2nd, 2009 8:27pm PST

[Late Night Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

So What I Saw in Week 8

Sanchez is Kid Sensation!!….
The jets fell short on Sunday in their effort against the Dolphins, but no one can fault any of the blame on rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Jet’s quarterback was not perfect just missing down the stretch, but for the most part he was once again “Kid Sensation.” Sanchez completed 20 of 35 passes for 265 yards and also tossed two touchdowns; a nice game for the rookie quarterback.

Crabtree already producing….
The Niner’s rookie receiver is not re-writing any record books, but he is turning heads and already producing. Crabtree has only played in two games this season, but he’s already made 11 grabs for 137 yards. In two games Crabtree has seen 15 targets thus far and will likely see a bunch more, expect his production to continue.

It’s Moats time ….
With the Texan’s running back Steve Slaton (7 fumbles in 2009) struggling to hang on to the ball, Ryan Moats has found new opportunity. On Sunday against the Bills Moats carried the ball 23 times for 126 yards and scored three times on the ground. Just for good measure Moats added a couple of grabs for 25 more yards. His strong play on Sunday has some people calling for the switch in the backfield.

Keller breaks out on Sunday….
After five relatively quiet weeks of very little production, the Jets tight end finally busted out of his slump with a big pass receiving day against the Dolphins. Keller caught eight passes for 76 yards and scored only his second touchdown of the season. Keller saw 13 passes in his direction on Sunday, so his days in a slump could be ending soon.

Worst of the Worst

On Sunday there weren’t too many that were as bad as the Brown’s quarterback Derek Anderson. Against the Bears Anderson only completed six of 17 passes for a pedestrian 76 yards with two interceptions.

For Steve Slaton owners it couldn’t get any worse on Sunday. The Texans running back finished the game with just three touches for 11 yards and a lost fumble.

Coming off a huge game against the Rams a week ago, there was nothing but disappointment for Mike Sims-Walker fantasy owners yesterday. The Jaguars receiver caught just two passes for nine yards.

Jury is still Out

Fantasy owners waiting for running back Brian Westbrook to breakout this season, will have to wait at least another week. Westbrook was inactive on Sunday after suffering a concussion in week 7. So far the Eagles running back has rushed for only 197 yards this season and has scored as many times as games he has missed; two.


With so much promise surrounding the arrival of Jay Cutler to Chicago, many fantasy owners were expecting to see the rise of tight end Greg Olsen. In seven games this season Olsen has just 22 receptions and has yet to breakout. On Sunday he again was quiet catching just three passes for 40 yards.


10 Things I Remember From Sunday
(Week 8)

1. Ray Rice continues to prove he is a top featured back in the NFL with over 100-total yards on Sunday against the Broncos.
2. Steven Jackson is making his own argument as to who the number one running back in the NFL is; Jackson totaled 166 yards on Sunday.
3. Despite being under tremendous pressure all afternoon, Packer’s quarterback Aaron Rodgers (sacked six times) passed for 287 yards and threw three touchdowns.
4. No one can say Viking’s quarterback Brett Favre is not a fantasy starter; 244 yards passing and four touchdown passes (16 TD passes this season).
5. The second year running back in Tennessee, Chris Johnson dominates again on Sunday with third 100 yard rushing game this season; Johnson rushed for 228 yards.
6. The Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb continues to play like a number one fantasy quarterback with three touchdown passes and 240 yards in the air.
7. Quietly on Sunday the Bears running back Matt Forte returned to fantasy glory with 90 yards rushing, 31 yards receiving, and two rushing touchdowns.
8. The Bears wide receiver Devin Hester turns in another solid Sunday with seven receptions for 81 yards.
9. The Viking’s rookie receiver Percy Harvin had a productive receiving day against the Packers; five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
10. The NFL’s leading receiver Steve Smith (Giants) continues to be a PPR beast with eight catches for 68 yards on Sunday.

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