FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

December 6th, 2009 - 8:27Am PST

SUNDAY GAME-TIME

STEVEN JACKSON EXPECTED TO PLAY....

According to NFL.com, running back Steven Jackson (back) is expected to play today against the Bears at Soldier Field.

STEVE SLATON RULLED OUT FOR WEEK 13.....

The Texans running back Steve Slaton (neck) has been ruled out for today's game with Jacksonville according to the NFL Network.

HAYNESWORTH EXPECTED TO START TODAY.....

The Redskins defensive linemen Albert Haynesworth (ankle) gave coaches and his teammates the okay that he is ready to play today against the Saints.

AHMAD BRADSHAW EXPECTED TO PLAY TODAY.....

According to NFL.com, the Giants are expected to have running back Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) active today against the Cowboys.

REGGIE BUSH SET TO RETURN TODAY.....

The Saints are expected to have running back Reggie Bush (knee) back today against the Redskins. Bush makes his return after missing two games and joins a now crowded backfield with Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell.

RODDY WHITE TO START TODAY AGAINST EAGLES....

According to Jason La Canfora on Twitter, the Falcons playmaking receiver Roddy White (ankle) will start today against the Eagles.

MICHAEL TURNER RULED OUT FOR TODAY....

The Falcons running back Michael Turner (ankle) will not play today according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jason Snelling is expected to start.

Check back every Sunday for more "Game-Time"....

FSH: SATURDAY SPORTS PAGE

December 5th, 2009 11:00pm PST

The Saturday Sports Page

The Football Section

NFL Week 13 Matchups

Here are the key notes for owners to pay in mind when action kicks off on Sunday for Week 13....

Philadelphia @ Atlanta

The Eagles will be without wide receiver DeSean Jackson, while the Falcons will not have quarterback Matt Ryan and could be without running back Michael Turner.

Tampa Bay @ Carolina

The Panthers will start journeyman quarterback Matt Moore on Sunday, who has not started a game since 2007. The Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams is not on the injury report and is hoping for a big game against the leagues 26th ranked run defense.

St. Louis @ Chicago

The Rams running back Steven Jackson has not practiced all week, but is expected to play although he will be a game-time decision. Jackson is the leagues 2nd leading rusher and face the Bear's 24th ranked run defense.

Detroit @ Cincinnati

The Bengals will have the services of running back Cedric Benson who makes his return to the lineup on Sunday. The Lions defense rank 19th against the run and 32nd overall.

Tennessee @ Indianapolis

The Titans have won five straight since Vince Young has been under center. Young had a career day last week passing for 387 yards and has thrown a touchdown in each of his last three starts.

Houston @ Jacksonville

The Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew has rushed for over 1,000-yards this season and has already scored 13 rushing touchdowns. The Texans run defense is ranked 22nd in the leauge and has allowed 14 scores.

Denver @ Kansas City

The Broncos rookie running back Knowshon Moreno is averaging nearly 90 yards on the ground in his last three games. The Chiefs defense is allowing over 130 yards on the ground per game.

These are just some of the notes from Sunday's matchups. Be sure to check back every week for Saturday's Sports page.....

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 4th, 2009 10:30pm 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 Notes From Across My Wire...

Forsett injured in practice….

With Julius Jones returning to action this is really not good news for fantasy owners. Forsett was starting to look like a fantasy gem and head coach Jim Mora had every intention of staying with the hot hand, but now it looks like Jones will see even more action on Sunday. Owners need to eye the injury reports prior to kick-off with this one.

Brown is the color of the day in Houston….

When the season began in Houston it was supposed to be all about running back Steve Slaton. That was before the 2nd year back developed a case of fumble-itus. With Slaton having issues the Texans have had to rotate their backs into the lineup. Moats had his run earlier this season and now after a 56-yard effort last week it will be Chris Browns turn. With Slaton turning up on this week's injury report and not expected to play, Brown looks like the favorite to start Sunday.

Moreno on the rise in Denver….

There was a reason that head coach chose rookie running back Knowshon Moreno with the 12th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft. The Broncos have exeperienced quite the up and down season, but one constant has been the running of Moreno who keeps getting better. In his last three games Moreno is averaging nearly 90 yards on the ground. With a suspect Chiefs run defense allowing over 130 yards on the ground up next, Sunday could be a big day for the rookie

Kenny Britt: The Rookie has arrived….

After rattling off five straight wins now, the Titans have suddenly emerged as wild card contenders albeit long shots, but nonetheless. With the team now on the rise, suddenly rookie receiver Kenny Britt has become more than just relevant. In the rookie last outing he caught seven passes for 128 yards, including the game winning touchdown. Britt is seeing more passes in his direction (22 in his last three games) and his production is on the rise; 11 receptions and two scores in his last two starts.

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

FSH: FOOTBALL DIARY

December 4th, 2009 7:45pm PST

Friday Football Diary

[Saturday Edition]

Dear Diary

No Rest for the Wicked

Now that the fantasy playoffs are right around the corner (starting in week 14 for some leagues) there's no time for fantasy owners to take a break. For many this weekend will be a pivotal matchup and have serious fantasy playoff implications; every point will count.

With so much on the line, fantasy owners will have to be taking a much closer look at the injury reports this week; can't get caught with your pants down or your starters out. Many key players this week are going to have a major impact on how fantasy owners will fare this week. Players like Kurt Warner, Clinton Portis, and DeAngelo Williams are going to have owners biting nails trying to figure out there next move.

If you are in a critical matchup this week, at least with players such as Steven Jackson (Rams), Michael Turner (Falcons), Steve Slaton (Texans) and Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) playing in the morning games you will be able to successfully navigate your lineup without worrying about having someone in that ends up sitting.

Those fantasy owners holding the Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner or the Seahawks running back Justin Forsett, face a much more difficult dilemna. With these players going in the late games, it becomes a very risky proposition this week to leave them in your lineup. With the current injuries sustained, even if they play you have to worry about effectiveness. That would also serve with players like Turner, Roethlisberger, Jackson, and Slaton.

Word of advice for fantasy owners on Sunday, it may payoff to be be safe than sorry.

Fantasy Notes:

Entering the weekend games, the Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has been as hot as they come passing for 949 yards with eight touchdowns and no interceptions in his last three starts.

The Dolphins running back Ricky Williams has been a solid fantasy back over the past three weeks averaging over 100 yards on the ground and 19 fantasy points per game.

The Chiefs have not had a lot go their way this season, but one of the bright spots this season has been the acquisition of wide receiver Chris Chambers. Since his arrival in four games with the Chiefs Chambers has caught 17 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns.

(Not Quite 10)

Just a few Things On my

Sunday's Watch-List

1. Without DeSean Jackson, will Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb have great success throwing the ball against the Falcons 27th ranked pass defense?

2. Expecting running back Steven Jackson to play on Sunday, will he have a big day on the ground against the Bears 24th ranked run defense?

3. The Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has yet to pass for more than 300-yards this season, but this week could be his first facing the Lions 32nd ranked pass defense.

4. Can Vince Young perform more magic this week agains the undefeated Colts and their 15th overall ranked defense?

5. Dolphins running back Ricky Williams has three straight 100-yard rushing games, can he continue his hot hand against the Patriots 16th ranked run defense.

Check back every week for more “Football Diary"

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

December 4th, 200911:57pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

"Diamonds in the Rough"

(fantasy sleepers)

Players you might want to play now!

There is no rest for the wicked or fantasy owners for that matter. With many custom leagues gearing up for the fantasy playoffs, there will be a many critical matchups this week and every point will count. If you don't quite have what it takes this week and are looking for some possibilities here are few to consider...

This Week's Gems....

In St.Louis....

The Rams offense has not had much to look forward to each week other than their amazing running back, but this week there may be some extra smile in the huddle come Sunday. With a more agile and mobile quarterback in Kyle Boller under center the Rams passing offense may have a chance this week to show some life. With the Bears 14th ranked pass defense having allowed 21 touchdowns this and better than 64 percent pass completion this season, the Rams receiver Donnie Avery could be in line to make some plays on Sunday. There's no question the defense will be keyed to stop the run, allowing Avery to see some favorable coverage. Avery has big game potential and looks primed to improve his five touchdowns total for the season.

In Houston....

Only a few weeks ago with the demotion of running back Steve Slaton it seemed the fantasy world was riding the Ryan Moats bandwagon and with good reason, but funny how quickly things change. The recent word on Slaton's status for Sunday, he's not expected to play; the door does not open for Moats, but rather running back Chris Brown. Facing the 26th ranked pass defense the Texans should have little trouble getting the ball into the red-zone. Brown has the bruising running-style and strength to put the ball in the end-zone; last week he powered his way to 56 yards on 11 carries with a score. Expect to see the Texans to move the ball with ease and Brown to pick-up an easy score or two.

In Philadelphia...

In recent weeks the Eagles have encountered a slew of injuries on offense and with DeSean Jackson already ruled out, the door of opportunities opens again. A few weeks ago I mentioned keep your eye on Eagles receiver Jason Avant. When Jackson went down last week Avant filled in nicely catching five passes for 94 yards. Avant was targeted six times last Sunday and has seen 20 balls in his direction over the past three weeks. In that span the Eagles wideout has caught 17 passes for over 270-yards and due to start this week against the Falcons he could be ready for another big Sunday.

Worth Noting for this week....

With most fantasy leagues preparing for the final weekend of their regular fantasy season, owners are having to make some tough decisions. One decision some owners will face is what to do about all of these concussions? One such affected player that will present a huge dilemna is quarterback Kurt Warner. Last week fantasy owners were let down when the 38 year old veteran had to sit because of lingering concussion symptoms. Warner has practiced , but he will be questionable for Sunday night's matchup with the Vikings. The tough choice here is risking a start with a player who could sit or could even be knocked out early. The Vikings do a good job getting to the quarterback, considering his injury you have to consider Warner to be in a fragile state; how many hits can he take. If this week is a critical matchup fantasy owners may be wise to not take a chance with such a risky play.

By David Ortega

Check back every week for more "Diamonds in the Rough"

FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

December 4th, 2009 - 8:17pm PST

Week 13 Fantasy Football

Infirmary Report

Week 13 Injury Updates

(Some recent player injury news; updated Friday Dec. 4th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Jake Delhomme-QB (Panthers)

The Panthers starting quarterback Jake Delhomme (broken finger) has been ruled out for Sunday against the Buccaneers, so backup Matt Moore will start. Moore has not started a game since 2007 meaning it could be a very long and tough afternoon for the Carolina receivers.

Kurt Warner-QB (Cardinals)

The Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (concussion) was a full-participant Friday completing a full week of practice, but nonetheless is still questionable for Sunday. Warner is expected to be game-time, so fantasy owners in critical matchups may have to look elsewhere this week.

Matt Ryan-QB (Falcons)

The Falcons starting quarterback Matt Ryan will miss Sunday while he nurses a toe injury. Chris Redman will make the start against the Eagles this week and will most likely face an ungodly amount of blitzes on Sunday. Last week Redman was dropped five times by the Bucs and could be in for a much longer day Sunday.

Ben Roethlisberger-QB (Steelers)

The Steeler's quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (concussion) noted this week he felt great and after a full week of practice he looks ready to return to the field. Facing the Raiders 17th ranked pass defense fantasy owners can upgrade the Steeler's receivers this week.

DeAngelo Williams-RB (Panthers)

The Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (ankle) is questionable for Sunday after he missed his third straight practice this week. With Delhomme sidelined and Moore making the start, without Williams in the lineup the Panthers offense could really struggle.

Michael Turner-RB (Falcons)

The Falcons running back Michael Turner (ankle) is not expected to play Sunday against the Eagles after reaggravatng the injury last week against the Buccaneers. NFL.com is already reporting that Turner will be inactive and running back Jason Snelling will get the start.

Cedric Benson-RB (Bengals)

The Bengals running back Cedric Benson (hip) practiced for a third straight day Friday and is a lock to start Sunday. With back up running back Bernard Scott out, even with Larry Johnson now on board expect a full work load from Benson on Sunday.

Steve Slaton-RB (Texans)

After missing practice on Friday, running back Steve Slaton (neck) is listed as questionable for Sunday. The Houston Chronicle is reporting that Slaton is not expected to play and that back up Chris Brown will get the start over Ryan Moats.

DeSean Jackson-WR (Eagles)

The Eagles have ruled wide receiver DeSean Jackson (concussion) out for Sunday's matchup with the Falcons. With Jackson sidelined wideout Jason Avant will start, but expect McNabb to lean even more on his newly re-signed tight end Brent Celek (probable) and rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin.

Defensive Player Injuries

Dwight Freeney-DL (Colts)

The Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney (abdomen) was able to practice Thursday and Friday and could be making a return to action this week. Freeney leads the Colts with 9.5 sacks and would be a solid IDP start if he plays.

Lance Briggs-LB (Bears)

The Bears Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs (sprained knee) is listed as doubtful for Sunday against the Rams and not expected to play. Briggs leads the team with 108 tackles and his absence could have a huge impact on the defenses success in trying to stop Rams running back Steven Jackson.

Antoine Winfield-CB (Vikings)

The Vikings Pro Bowl and playmaking cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday against Arizona. Winfield has yet to play since injuring the foot in week five. With the team sitting at 10-1, they have the luxury of being cautious.

Troy Polamalu-DB (Steelers)

The Steelers hard hitting safety Troy Polamalu (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with the Raiders. Polamalu's timetable is unclear, but the Steeler's safety has yet to practice since reinjuring the same knee in week 10 against the Bengals.

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 3rd, 2009 10:30pm 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 Notes From Across My Wire...

Moore to make first since 2007….

With Panther's quarterback Jake Delhomme set to miss Sunday, back up quarterback Matt Moore figures to make his first start since 2007. The Panthers are facing the Buccaneers this week, one of the leagues worst run defense, so fantasy owners should downgrade the passing attack (including Steve Smith) as Carolina will likely stay on the ground with running backs DeAngelo Williams (1,022 yards)and Jonathan Stewart (544 yards).

Big Ben set to make return Sunday….

After sitting out last week as a precaution, the Steelers quarterback resumed practicing this week and looks ready to start. It was noted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Roethlisberger said he felt "great" after Wednesday's practice. Expect to see Ben play and play well against the Raiders. Despite the recent rumblings in the press, expect receiver Hines Ward to be a good play this week.

Moreno on the rise in Denver….

The Bronco's rookie has been on the rise as of late. In his last three games he has started in the backfield and averaged 88 yards on the ground. With 688 yards Moreno has a solid shot at 1,000-yards rushing for the season. An important note for fantasy owners, Moreno does not appear on this week's injury list and facing the Chiefs 27th ranked run defense he looks like a solid play.

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

FSH: FOOTBALL TALK

December 2nd, 2009 9:37pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

What to make of Week 12

Packers are looking like Post Season bound….

After losing to the Buccaneers in week eight and falling to .500 in the standings, the Packers have reeled off three straight wins to move back into the playoff picture. One of the biggest reasons for the turnaround has been the play of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has been efficient completing over 70 percent of his passes and even more effective throwing six touchdowns during the winning streak and passing for over 300-yards in each of the last two. The Packers have a big matchup on Monday night against the Ravens and there's no question Rodgers and the passing game are going to be key.

Should we be talking about the Chargers?…

The Chargers have now rattled off six straight wins and sit atop the AFC West at 8-3 and no one is talking about them; but they should. This season Philip Rivers has been the quiet leader in San Diego and one of this year's best fantsay quarterbacks. His 19 touchdowns and 2,900-yards passing rank him among the elite, but he is not alone. The Chargers also boast a pair of the league's premiere pass receivers and fantasy studs with wideout Vincent Jackson (49 receptions, 7-touchdowns) and tight end Antonio Gates (59 receptions, 827 yards). With a formidable lineup the Chargers offense has become explosive this season ranking 3rd in scoring and 9th in passing this season. We may not be hearing much about the Bolts at the moment, but you can bet come playoff time this fantasy squad will be making plenty of noise to be heard.

More fantasy Notes

With so much attention being paid to a former Packer's quarterback (Favre), maybe fantasy owners should be directing more of their attention on the current one. Aaron Rodgers has been one of the hottest arms over the past several weeks. In his last three starts Rodgers has thrown six touchdowns with no interceptions and passed for 881 yards (293.6-yards per game). In the same stretch he has averaged 25 fantasy points per game.

For those not keeping up with current events apparently the Seahawks have found themselves a pretty good ball carrier with 2nd year running back Justin Forsett. The former Cal Bear has quickly stormed onto the fantasy scene with two 100-yard rushing games in his last last three. He is averaging 122-yards per contest and also has four touchdowns to his credit during the span. Forsett has become a fantasy stud, but with Julius Jones set to return fantasy owners will have to be cautious before buying what Forsett is selling.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

November 30th, 2009 7:27pm PST

[Late Night Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

What I saw in Week 10

Perfection at its Best....

There was no doubting who the best team was on Monday night. Not only were the Saints on fire, but they were firing on all cylinders. The defense as well as the offense came to play Monday night. Led by Darren Sharper and newly signed Mike McKenzie, the Saints defense limited Tom Brady to less than 250 yards passing, no touchdowns, two sacks, and forced the Patriots to committ three turnovers. Brees was his spectacular self tossing five touchdowns to five different players. The Patriots never had a chance.

The Vikings keeping riding Golden arm....

Despite having one of the leagues very best in the backfield, the Vikings continue to ride the arm of 40 year old quarterback Brett Favre. On Sunday in a blowout victory over the Bears Favre put the ball in the air 48 times passing for nearly 400 yards and throwing three more touchdowns (24 this season). It may seem like the Vikings have opened the playbook, but in their last seven games Favre has only topped 30 attempts twice. As along as Favre remains this effective, his receiving corp of Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, and Visanthe Shaincoe should remain consistently productive for fantasy owners.

A Few Things I Remember from

Week 12

1. The Broncos found their way on Thursday night with a dominating performance. Kyle Orton (245 yards passing) threw the ball well and suddenly Brandon Marshall (six catches, 86 yards) is fantasy relevant again.

2. The Bills and T.O. continue to find they do have big plays in the passing game. Owens caught a 51-yard pass for six and even Lee Evan hooked up with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for 32 yards.

3. Tomlinson has not found brilliance, but he has found second half of the season effectiveness. His two scores on Sunday give him five touchdowns in his last three games.

4. Steven Jackson was held to under 100 yards rushing for the first time in five weeks, but he still totaled more than 100 yards. Jackson has now totaled over 100 yards in seven straight games.

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

FSH: SUNDAY FOOTBALL NOTES

December 1st, 2009 10:57pm PST

Sunday Football Notes

Week 12 Injury round-up

(Updated Tuesday Dec. 1st)

Offensive Player Injuries

Matt Ryan-QB (Falcons)

Matt Ryan suffered foot injury Sunday and has been diagnosed with turf toe. He has already been ruled out for Sunday's home game against the Eagles. Chris Redman faired well for the Falcons this past Sunday, but he will be facing a fierce pass rush from Philly this Sunday; not a favorable matchup.

Kurt Warner-QB (Cardinals)

The Cardinals quarterback was a late scratch Sunday with neck soreness. Warner has also begun to experience some vision problems. He's expected to meet with an opthalmologist and there's no timetable for his return. He's looking very questionable for Sunday against the Vikings.

Jake Delhomme-QB (Panthers)

The Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme suffered a broken finger on his throwing hand. All signs are pointing toward Delhomme sitting on Sunday and considering his 18 interceptions this season, that may not be a bad move.

Michael Turner-RB (Falcons)

The Falcons running back re-aggravated his ankle injury on Sunday. There is speculation he may have come back too soon. Irregardless it looks like Turner will be out a least a couple of week nursing the right ankle he injured.

DeSean Jackson-WR (Eagles)

The Eagles playmaking wide receiver DeSean Jackson suffered a concussion on Sunday against the Redskins according to head coach Andy Reid. According to some reports is appears that Jackson is doubtful for Sunday against the Falcons.

Defensive Player Injuries

Shaun Rogers-DL (Browns)

The Browns big run-stopping defensive tackle sustained a leg injury on Sunday. Early reports indicate it is a season ending injury and will require sugery.

Shawne Merriman-LB (Chargers)

The Chargers linebacker suffered a foot injury on Sunday against the Chiefs and did not return. Merriman has been battling through injuries all season, so he's likely to be questionable for Week 13.

Lance Briggs-LB (Bears)

The Bears linebacker suffered a knee sprain in the 1st quarter, but later returned to the game only to re-aggravate the injury. He was scheduled to get an MRI for the knee sprain on Monday. His status for Sunday is unknown, although it appears the sprain was mild.

Charles Tillman-CB (Bears)

The Bears playmaking cornerback suffered a head injury on Sunday. It was confirmed by head coach Lovie Smith Tillman suffered a "minor concussion" and he has not been ruled out for Sunday against the Rams.

Eric Weddle-DB (Chargers)

The Chargers safety Eric Weddle suffered a knee injury on Sunday against the Chiefs and has already been ruled out for the next two games. Weddle leads the club with 58 solo tackles.

By David Ortega

Check out more “Sunday Football Notes” every week!