FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

November 14th, 2009 - 8:17pm PST

Week 10 Fantasy Football

Infirmary Report

[Saturday Edition]

Week 10 Injury Updates

(Some recent player injury news; updated Saturday Nov. 14th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Aaron Rdogers-QB (Packers)

Despite the continued discomfort in his feet and having the leagues dubious honor of being the most sacked quarterback Aaron Rodgers (foot) was able to practice Thursday and Friday. Even though Rodgers spends a lot of time on the ground he still ranks among the top-10 in yards (2,555 yards-7th) and touchdowns (16 touchdowns-3rd tied).

Matt Stafford-QB (Lions)

The Lions rookie quarterback has managed to take the field the last two weeks as he continues to deal with a knee injury. Over his past two starts Stafford has six turnovers, including five interceptions last Sunday.

Clinton Portis-RB (Redskins)

The Redskins normal starting running back Clinton Portis (concussion) will miss Sunday following his injury suffered in week 9. Back up Ladell Betts looks like a question mark meaning that Rock Cartwright is likely to see some work on Sunday regardless.

DeAngelo Williams-RB (Panthers)

The Panther's running back DeAngelo Williams (knee) missed practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Falcons. It sounds like Williams could be a game-time decision meaning Jonathan Stewart is likely to see more work on Sunday.

Brian Westbrook-RB (Eagles)

After missing two games the Eagles running back is listed as probable for Sunday and expected to play. Westbrook (concussion) has yet to produce in 2009, but with lingering headaches last week, it could be a stretch to expect much on Sunday.

Ladell Betts-RB (Redskins)

Despite being limited on Friday running back Ladell Betts (ankle) is confident he'll play Sunday against the Broncos. With Portis doubtful for Sunday Betts would be in line for the brunt of the work, but that will now depend on how healthy the ankle is.

Terrell Owens-WR (Bills)

The Bills receiver Terrell Owens (hip) returned to practice and expects to play Sunday against the Titans. With the team reaching the mid-point this has not been the year of T.O. Owens does have his starting quarterback returning this week, but with injuries now threatening his health a big second half may not be coming.

Antonio Bryant-WR (Buccaneers)

The Bucs wide receiver Antonio Bryant (knee) did not travel with the team to Miami and will miss the team's week 10 matchup. After a biog 2008 campaign, Bryant has been a huge disappointment this season with injuries and little production.

Anquan Boldin-WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinal's wide receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle) completed a full week of practice and is officially listed as probable. Fantasy owners can expect to see a healthier Boldin (35 receptions this season, only one touchdown) on the field Sunday.

Jermichael Finley-TE (Packers)

The Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (knee) will miss at least another week with the sprained knee injury. Finley will miss his third straight game this Sunday.

Defensive Player Injuries

Antoine Winfield-CB (Vikings)

The Vikings playmaking defensive back Antoine Winfield (foot) will miss another week while he nurses his injury. He is hopeful to return in week 11.

Lito Sheppard-CB (Jets)

After missing the last two games, cornerback Lito Sheppard (quadriceps) will play Sunday against the Jaguars. Sheppard has only played in three games this season and has only nine tackles.

Joey Porter-LB (Dolphins)

The Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter who has been nursing a hamstring injury will not play Sunday. The Miami Herald is reporting this is a "coaches decision."

Chike Okeafor-LB (Cardinals)

The Cardinals linebacker Chike Okeafor (back) is listed as doubtful for Sunday and not expected to play against the Seahawks. Bertrand Berry is expected to start if Okeafor is a no-go.

Don't forget to check every Sunday morning for "Game-time" updates....

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

November 11th, 2009

The Fantasy Sports Zone

"Diamonds in the Rough"

(fantasy sleepers)

Players you should watch and some you might want to play now!

Nine weeks completed and the well is not dry yet. With many teams getting set for a second half push, there are going to be plenty of new faces making a greater impact down the back stretch and this Sunday we just might have a few.

This Week's Gems....

In Arizona....

With Kurt Warner returning to form last Sunday, this week the Seahawks defense will have to bring their "A" game to slow down the savvy veteran. One important stat to note from Warner's five touchdown performance last Sunday was the teams 28 rushing attempts and 149 yards rushing by Chris Wells and Tim Hightower. When the old man gets it going early, the running game opens up. The Seahawks defense has not been exactly stellar and could be a great opportunity for "Beanie" Wells to seperate himself a bit from Hightower. For 2009 Wells is averaging over four yards per carry and has 310-yards thus far this season. Against a defense that is ranked 12th and allows 4.4 yard per carry, he could be very productive.

In New York....

So far 2009 has been a bit topsy-turvy for the Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, but in his last two starts he has passed for over 400 yards, thrown three touchdowns with no turnovers, and has a passer rating over 100. This Sunday he'll face a Jaguar's defense that struggles to pressure the quarterback (eight sacks in 2009) and with time, he could be very successful throwing the ball. The Jets do a decent job of protection and with Cotchery and Edwards flanked out wide, look for Sanchez to spread the defense and air it out against the leagues 26th ranked pass defense (15 touchdown passes allowed).

In New Orleans...

Fantasy owners have yet to see much this season from running back Reggie Bush, but a lot of that could change on Sunday when the Saints travel to St. Louis. This season against some of the leagues notable pass catchers out of the backfield, the Rams defense has struggled. The Saints running back has yet to see consistent touches this season, with 16 being his high back in week three. Since that time Bush has averaged a pedestrian 6.4 touches per game, but Sunday could paint a very different picture especially for PPR owners. Expect the electric Bush to see 6-8 targets out of the backfield and at least 5-8 carries in this contest and to break free at least once for six in this contest.

Worth watching for now....

Despite the Monday night numbers, fantasy owners don't be fooled by the 2009 Steelers, they are a passing team. Ranked 5th in the league, this version of the Steelers offense is led by Big Ben and the pass. One player worth noting as fantasy seasons gear up for the stretch run is rookie wideout Mike Wallace. The rook had a solid Monday night and could be a gamer down the stretch. The Steelers now throw the first, run second, and as a result Wallace has managed to score in three of his last four games. With eight targets against the Broncos on Monday expect to see more of Wallace as a focal point in the vertical game.

Check back every week for more fantasy Gems!

By David Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 11th, 2009

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

More Football news and happenings from aroudn the league; here's the latest I am hearing, reading, and following and my take on things and their fantasy impact this coming Sunday...

Player News and Notes from

Across the Wire...

Quinn to Start for Browns....

The Brown's head coach Eric Magini has announced that he will go with Brady Quinn on Monday night against the Ravens. It probable won't matter who plays, because neither quarterback has played well in 2009, but the benching of Anderson and Magini's endorsement to stick with Quinn the remainder of the season could signal the end of Anderson's tenure in Cleveland. With the league's worst passer rating, he's going to have a tough time finding work elsewhere.

Favre Feeling Better after Bye....

Unlike his stint in New York a year ago, coming off the bye Brett Favre is feeling better and his groin injury seems to be healing well. At 7-1 coming off the bye, with a well rested Favre under center against the Lions this Sunday the Vikings appear poised to seize control of the North and make their run toward the postseason. Last year at this time Favre had 15 touchdowns and 12 picks, this season his ratio (TD-Int) is 16-3.

Edwards expected to Start for Bills....

The Bills quarterback Trent Edwards will return to the starting lineup this Sunday agasint the Titans. The teams passing offense is ranked 30th in the league and is in desperate need of a lift. Edwards has only five touchdown passes to six interceptions this season in six starts.

Owens nursing injury, questionable?.....

The Bills deep passing threat Terrell Owens missed practice on Wednesday and is experiencing bothersome pain in his hip. He was unable to go full-speed, but will test the hip on Thursday. He is currently considered questionable for Sunday against the Titans.

Bears-Niners get ready for Thursday night.....

It's not the battle of Midway, but with Singletary set to face his former team this matchup should be good. Running back Frank Gore coming off a 158 total yards performance with a score could be key against the Bears 21st ranked run defense. Last Sunday the Bears were steam-rolled for 182 net yards rushing by the Arizona Cardinals.

Colston under the weather.....

The Saints fantasy stud receiver Marques Colston skipped practice Wednesday due to the flu according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Reports its not the swine, so with rest Colston who leads the team with six receiving touchdowns should be back for Sunday against the Rams 23rd ranked pass defense.

Jackson playing among the elite....

The Rams may not be winning this season, but that's not stopping their running back Steven Jackson from having a solid season rushing the ball. Jackson ranks second in the league with 970 total yards (784 rushing, 186 receiving). With the Saints 19th ranked run defense next he should eclipse the 1,000 yard barrier with ease.

Check back everyday for more of David's Daily Digest....

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

November 11th, 2009

TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK

What to Make of Week 9

Chambers has a new home

It did not take long for Chris Chambers to go from the unemployed to starting in Kansas City. Almost as fast as he was released by San Diego was Chambers claimed by the Chiefs. Once he cleared, the team released wide receiver Bobby Wade and Chambers was quickly inserted into the lineup. Following his impressive debut as a Chief, their is great room for improvement. Chambers only caught three passes and was only targeted four times. It just makes you wonder what might happen once he and his quarterback are in sync.

Broncos Offense has lost its air

It does not take a rocker scientist to see the Broncos offense has no passing attack. The days of the dink-and-dunk are over in the Mile High City if you can not go downtown. The Broncos' passing attack ranks amog those with the fewest big pass plays. In the last two weeks, although the offense has racked up 373 yards in the air, their longest pass play has been a 23 yard toss to a tight end. In the two games the offense has only scored 10 points. Unless Orton and company ignite a little life and get the passing attack off the ground, no air will mean no wins and few fantasy points.

Looking Under the Microscope

Chiefs offense could be on the rise with the arrival of some needed hands. With the acquisition of Chris Chambers (3 catches, 70 yards) and the emergence 1st year receiver Lance Long (seven receptions), and add stud receiver Dwayne Bowe the Chiefs would appear to have their passing attack in place. If these three can develop some chemistry and consistency, quarterback Matt Cassel could suddenly rise from the doldrums of the fantasy doghouse as evident on Sunday; 262 passing yard and two touchdowns. With the Raiders up next, look for Cassel to continue his rise.

More Fantasy Notes

Both Cardinal's running backs Tim Hightower (75 yards) and Chris Wells (72 yards) ran the ball extremely well on Sunday. Two things can be taken from this account, both backs will see plenty of work going forward and the Bears run defense can be had (allowing 119 yards per game and 4.2 yards per carry).

Another notable from Sunday was Packer's running back Ryan Grant. The Pack's ball carrier kind of gets lost in the shuffle playing in the shadow of the team's potent vertical game. On Sunday Grant rushed for 96 yards on 21 carries raising his season total to 621 (ranks 9th in the NFL). This season Grant is averaging just over four yards a carry with four rushing touchdowns.

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

November 10th, 2009

[Tuesday Edition]

What I saw in Week 10

Still Perfect....

After a couple of close calls in week 9, the Saints and Colts both remain undefeated. The Saints fell behind early 17-3, but did what they do well and rode the arm of Drew Brees who passed 330 yards for the 5th time this season completed 24 of 35 passes to pace the Saints offense. Brees' 54 yard touchdown toss to receiver Robert Meachum closed the gap and the boys from Louisiana never looked back.

Like the Saints, Peyton Manning and the Colts decided to make things interesting in week 9. The Colts offense started fast, but had trouble putting the ball in the end zone early having to settle for a couple of field goals. Manning led the early assault racing the Colts out to a 13-0 lead. Manning finished the afternoon with 318 yards (his 7th 300-yard passing game this season) on 34 of 50 passing, just enough to hold off the upstart Texans 20-17.

Brady tames the Wildcat....

Despite the novelty of it, the Dolphins and their "Wildcat" offense could not match the Patriots and Tom Brady. The Pat's quarterback has yet to return to postseason form, but on Sunday against the Phins, he looked close. Brady completed 25 of 37 passes for 332 yards (his third straight 300-yard game) and a touchdown to lead the Patriots to their third straight win. Brady was particularly clutch converting 6 of 13 third downs and picking up 16 first downs via the pass.

Worst of the Worst

Even when they are good, they are just not a very good team. The Seahawks spotted the Detriot Lions an early 14 lead with a couple of turnovers in the opening moments and what did the Lions do; thanked the Seahawks by turning the ball over five times. The Lions also fumbled the ball twice, but managed to hang on to those. Quarter Matt Stafford may end up being a fantasy gem at some point during his career, but it won't be his rookie season. Stafford has turned the ball over 13 times this season; 12 interceptions and one fumble. Fantasy owners should avoid Detroit and Stafford at all costs this season.

The Jury is Still Out

There has been a lot of talk recently about the Eagles back up quarterback Mike Vick, but not much relating to whether or not he can still play. Lining up Vick in the Wildcat formation has more novelty value than anything else. The more important missing element from the equation is seeing Vick play the quarterback position. And while there is a lot of speculation about where he will play next season and almost great certainty that he won't be an Eagle, the question remains; can he play quarterback. Before Vick left there was no question about his talents, but plenty of doubt about his skill. He may appear to be a changed person, but could he still be the same inconsistent passer that left Atlanta; the Jury is still out on that one.

10 Things I Remember from Sunday

1. The Falcons must be super happy about having Michael Turner; 166 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.
2. What would Kurt Warner do without Larry Fitzgerald; the Cardinal's receiver caught nine passes for 123 yard and two touchdowns.
3. What would Tom Brady do without Randy Moss; the Patriot's reciever caught six passes for 147 yards and a touchdown.
4. The Bengal's running back Cedric Benson owns the Raven's defense; 237 yards rushing and two touchdowns in two games this season.
5. Even when they face a poor defense, the Packers offensive line can't protect Aaron Rodgers; sacked six times Sunday, 37 times this season.
6. The best fantasy tight end this season is Dallas Clark and Sunday he showed why; 14 receptions for 119 yards receiving.
7. The Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo are better than most think; the Cowboys are now 6-2 and Romo has four 300 yard passing games this season.
8. The Seahawks and quarterback Matt Hasselbeck are not done yet this season; Hasselbeck passed for 329 yards (first 300 yard game this season) to lead his team to their third win in 2009.
9. What a difference a week makes for Kurt Warner; in week 8 he throws five picks, last Sunday he passes for 261 yards and throw five touchdowns.
10. Despite getting buried by the Cardinals, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler threw the ball well with over 300 yards and three touchdowns, but his lone pick gives him 12 on the season; only Delhomme has more with 13.

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

November 8th, 2009

9:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

Keep track of which players are making noise

[fantasy points based on traditional scoring]

QB-Kurt Warner throws five touchdowns.....

The Cardinal’s quarterback was fabulous on Sunday completing 22 of 32 for 261 yards passing with five touchdowns in the teams big week 9 road win over the Bears. (40 fantasy points)

QB-Josh Freeman throw three touchdowns in win..…

Making his first start rookie quarterback Josh Freeman completed 14 of 31 passes for 205 yards with three touchdowns. Freeman also added 20 yards rushing. (26 fantasy points)

RB-Frank Gore is fantasy stud in week 9….

The Niner’s running back was dynamic with 15 carries, seven receptions, 158 total yards, and a rushing touchdown in the team’s loss to Tennessee. (21 fantasy points)

RB-Maurice Jones-Drew has big day in win …

The Jaguars multi-purpose running back was huge on Sunday totaling 134 yards and scoring a touchdown in the team’s win over Kansas City. (18 fantasy points)

RB-Ryan Grant is solid in week 9 loss……

The Packers running back carried the ball 21 times on Sunday gaining 96 yards on the ground and scoring one touchdown in a losing effort. (15 fantasy points)

WR-Robert Meachum makes a few grabs on Sunday..…

The Saint’s wide receiver was finally a big part of the passing game on Sunday catching five balls for 98 yards and a touchdown in the team’s week 9 come from behind win. (15 fantasy points)

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

LB-Stephen Cooper collecting ball carriers…

The Charger’s linebacker was busy on Sunday wrapping up opposing ball carriers all afternoon. Cooper finished the game with 13 total tackles, including seven solo.

DL-Jonathan Babineaux gets to the quarterback…

The Falcons defensive tackle founds his way to the opposing backfield several times, disrupting the opposing offense all afternoon. Babineaux recorded two and a half sacks to go along with 10 total tackles.

LB-Shawn Merriman plays lights out…

The Charger’s pass rushing linebacker found his groove on Sunday in the meadowlands. Merriman broke out with two sacks, including a game clincher in the closing moments.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (SUNDAY HEROES)

November 8th, 2009

9:27pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

Week Nine

“Sunday’s Heroes”

Week Nine in the NFL…

There’s nothing like the action of NFL on Sunday. With helmets flying, diving tackles, and big hits there’s enough adrenaline to get anyone’s motor charged. This past weekend was filled with more of the fuel that feeds the fire with big plays, heated rivalries, and last minute comebacks. Leading the way were the gladiators that take the field and the NFL warriors that do battle….

The Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was unable to lead a comeback against the Cardinals, but he was able to torch their secondary for 369 yards and three touchdowns. Cutler completed 29 of 47 passes and added 17 yards scrambling.

Despite a slow start Sunday against the Lions, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck was able to quickly rebound and turn in a solid passing day for fantasy owners. Hasselbeck completed 39 of 51 passes for 329 yards and threw one touchdown to overcome a 17 point deficit.

The Falcons running back Michael Turner powered his team to a week 9 victory over the Redskins. Turner carried the ball 18 times and rushed for 166 yards while scoring on two runs for 30 yards or more.

The Colts tight end Dallas Clark was a receiving machine for Peyton Manning and company on Sunday. Clark hauled in 14 passes for 119 yards to pace the Colts passing attack.

These were just some of Week Nine’s Gridiron Gladiators. Check out the rest of Sunday’s Heroes from today’s action;

Sunday’s Heroes

300-Passing Club

Name,Team........Comp Att Yds TD Int Rate

Jay Cutler,CHI..........29 47 369 3 1 98.6

Tom Brady,NE..........25 37 332 1 1 93.5

Drew Brees,NO.........24 35 330 1 1 96.1

Matt Hasselbeck,SEA..39 51 329 1 1 91.1

Peyton Manning,IND...34 50 318 1 1 83.6

Matt Schaub, HOU.....32 43 311 1 2 82.6

100-Rushing Club

Name Team.................Att Yds Avg TD

Michael Turner,ATL........18 166 9.2 2

DeAngelo Williams,CAR....21 149 7.1 2

Chris Johnson,TEN..........25 135 5.4 2

Cedric Benson,CIN...........34 117 3.4 1

100-Receiving Club

Name,Team..............Rec Yds Avg TD

Randy Moss,NE...........6 147 24.5 1

Mike Sims-Walker,JAC..6 147 24.5 1

Larry Fitzgerald,ARI.....9 123 13.7 2

Dallas Clark,IND..........14 119 8.5 0

Andre Johnson,HOU.....10 103 10.3 0

James Jones,GB.........4 103 25.8 1

Vernon Davis,SF..........10 102 10.2 0

Check back every week for more “Sunday Heroes”

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

November 8th, 2009

8:57pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Week Nine Injury round-up

(Updated Sunday Nov. 8th)

Offensive Players

Jason Campbell, QB (Redskins)

The Redskins quarterback was banged up pretty good on Sunday. Campbell was forced out of the game twice with chest and ankle injuries, but was able to return each time and finish the game. Campbell was sacked five times, but did manage to scramble for 40 yards on five attempts.

Clinton Portis, RB (Redskins)

The Redskins running back left Sunday’s game in the first quarter with a concussion and didn't return in the team’s week 9 loss to Atlanta. Portis leads the team in rushing with 494 yards, but has just one touchdown this season.

Austin Collie, WR (Colts)

The Colts rookie wide receiver Austin Collie suffered a neck injury in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Texans. He left the game and did not return. Collie has 32 receptions and four touchdowns this season.

Chris Henry, WR (Bengals)

The Bengals receiver suffered a broken left forearm during a tackle in the second quarter against the Ravens. Henry left the game to not return and was seen sporting a cast on the sideline. Henry has not been as big a factor this season with just twelve receptions.

Delanie Walker, TE (Niners)

According to the Niner’s official Twitter page, Walker suffered a sprained knee in Sunday’s contest against the Titans. Walker is the backup tight end and has only five catches this season.

Kevin Boss, TE (Giants)

The Giants tight end was a little banged up on Sunday after taking a hard lick in the first half of the team’s week 9 game against the Chargers. Boss is the teams fourth leading receiver with 19 receptions this season.

Vernon Davis, TE (Niners)

The Niners tight end was spotted on the sideline having his shoulder looked at briefly during Sunday’s game against the Titans, but following his 10 catch performance it was quite evident there’s absolutely nothing wrong with Davis.

Defensive Players

Fabian Washington, DB (Ravens)

The Ravens defensive back left Sunday’s game with the Bengals after suffering a thigh contusion. Washington has been a very inconsistent IDP option thus far, with 30 tackles and no interceptions.

Charles Tillman, DB (Bears)

The Bears cornerback left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury and did not return. Tillman has been banged up pretty good this season, but has managed to start all eight of the Bears games in 2009.

Assante Samuel, DB (Eagles)

The Eagles cornerback suffered an apparent head injury in the third quarter of Sunday night’s game with the Cowboys. Samuel left the field under his own strength and was able to return.

Trevor Pryce, DL (Ravens)

The Ravens situational pass-rusher left Sunday’s game in the second quarter with an undisclosed injury. Pryce is not a full-time defensive end and has limited IDP value, but he does have 16 tackles including four sacks this season.

Aaron Kampman, LB (Packers)

The Packers outside linebacker suffered a head injury during the second half of the team’s week 9 matchup with the Buccaneers. Kampman was held out of the rest of the game as a precaution. It is believed he may have suffered a concussion, but nothing has been made official.

Thomas Davis, LB (Panthers)

The Panthers outside linebacker sustained a leg injury during the team’s week 9 contest with the Saints. Davis was assisted off the field and did not return. Davis ranks second on the team with 61 total tackles.

Keith Rivers, LB (Bengals)

The Bengals linebacker suffered a strained calf in the second half and was on crutches following the team’s win over Baltimore. Rivers ranks second on the team with 43 total tackles.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 8th, 2009 9:17am PST

Sunday Morning Game-time

What’s the Latest

[News and Notes]

Brian Westbrook not expected to play….

ESPN is reporting that Eagle’s running back Brian Westbrook (concussion) will not play tonight against the Cowboys.

Anquan Boldin is inactive for Sunday against Bears….

The NFL Network is reporting that Cardinal’s wide receiver Anquan Boldin (ankle) is inactive today against the Bears.

Megatron to start today against the Seahawks…

The Lion’s wide receiver Calvin Johnson (knee) is going to start today against the Seahawks according to ESPN’s Chris Mortenson.

Donald Driver expected to play Sunday against Bucs…

The Packer’s wide receiver Donald Driver (neck) practiced on Friday and is expected to play today against the Bucs. He is listed as probable for Sunday.

Ravens will be without Defensive tackle….

The Raven’s defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is being reported OUT for today games against the Bengals with a sprained ankle.

Chiefs declare Bobby Wade inactive for today….

With the recent release of wide receiver Bobby Engram and now Wade inactive for today against the Jaguars, if Chambers is not starting expect to see him on the field a lot.

Maroney to start against the Dolphins today…..

The Patriots running back Laurence Maroney will start today against the Dolphins, while running back Sammy Morris is inactive.

By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more of the “Game-Time”