Saturday, December 12, 2009

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

December 12th, 2009 - 11:57pm PST

The ATL Report

What's Happening
Around the League


Warner not on injury report...
With an extra day of rest, Warner looks ready for Monday NIght's showdown with the Niners. The 38 year old had suffered a concussion three weeks ago, but after last Sunday's dismantle of the Vikings he's looking like a strong fantasy play this week.

Forsett in line for more carries....
Last week the Seahawks running back was limited playing with a thigh injury, but this week he's healthy. According to head coach Jim Mora running back Justin Forsett will be in line for more work and should be productive against the Texans 22nd ranked run defense.

Jackson listed as questionable for Sunday....
So has been the routine the past couple of weeks for the Rams workhorse. Jackson has not practiced in three weeks, but has not missed a game this season. With seven 100-yard rushing games under his belt this season, including two the past two weeks it would be tough to sit him.

Check back every week for more "Around the League"....


FSH: FOOTBALL DIARY

December 12th, 2009 11:45pm PST

Football Diary
[Saturday Edition]

Dear Diary

Fantasy Playoffs start now

With the Thursday night game in the books the fantasy playoffs for many leagues are already underway. The key to any successful fantasy lineup is matchups and that's what I will be watching this weekend.

Fantasy owners looking to dip into the free agent pool for help this week may not find a lot talent available, but might have to take a deeper look at their own bench. Players like a Jamaal Charles, Robert Meachem, and Percy Harvin (check Sunday status) might be the more attractive plays this week, while favorites like Matt Schaub, Marion Barber, and Matt Forte could be risky plays.

Such is the life of a fantasy owner, having to make those tough decisions, but with the playoffs underway now is not the time to get tripped up. Follow my motto; avoid those committee situations, check injury status on players that are questionable, and don't get caught leaving points on your bench (start your starters).

These are words for fantasy owners to live by if they hope to survive!

Fantasy Notes:

With the Cowboys locked in a tight race in the NFC East, one of the biggest reasons for their success this season has been the play of quarterback Tony Romo. The Cowboys starter has thrown 16 touchdowns and only three picks in his last eight starts (team is 6-2 in that stretch).

The Lions running back Kevin Smith has been a solid number two fantasy running back over the past several weeks. In his last three starts Smith is averaging 114 yards from scrimmage with two touchdowns.

The Broncos rookie running back Knowshon Moreno continues to get better with each week. In his last four starts he has racked up 351 yards on the ground (89 yds/game) averaging more than five yards a tote and has scored three rushing touchdowns in that stretch.


10 Things on
Sunday's Watch-List

1. Steven Jackson has been dealing with a back issue and missing a ton of practice, but can he rebound with his third consecutive 100-yard rushing effort.
2. The Raven's quarterback Joe Flacco has been sub-par the past couple of weeks, can he rebound this Sunday against the Lions 32nd ranked pass defense.
3. Drew Brees has been "En Fuego" the past couple of weeks, will he continue and who will be his receiver of choice on Sunday; Meachem, Colston, or Henderson.
4. The Packers have been rolling riding the arm of Aaron Rodgers, can he conitnue his hot hand on Sunday against the Bears 9th ranked pass defense.
5. Peyton Manning and the Colts have managed to dodge a few bullets the past couple of weeks, but how will the Colts quarterback perform against the leagues 2nd ranked pass defense (Broncos).
6. Will the Vikings quarterback Brett Favre bounce back from his two interception performance last Sunday when he faces the Bengals 4th overall ranked defense this week.
7. How much will the leauges leading rusher Chris Johnson scamper for on Sunday against the Rams 28th ranked defense that allows over 140 yards per game.
8. The Eagles defense does not get enough credit, this season they rank 7th overall and are among the league leaders with 33 sacks, I'll be watching to see if they can shut down the Giants offense.
9. With Sanchez out and Clemens in, I'm expecting the Jets to run the ball all day with running back Thomas Jones, who should have a big day.
10. With DeAngelo Williams set to go; I will be looking for a big day from the Panthers ground attack against the Patriots.

Check back every week for more “Football Diary”

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

December 12th, 2009 - 9:05pm PST

Watercooler Chat


Time to Wave good-bye

Although the waiver wire for most leagues has expired, it does not mean our good buddy Wayne "the wire" Bosco doesn't have some friendly advice or tid-bits to share for Week 14.

Wayne says...

Matt Schaub (shoulder injury) is an attractive play this week if he were healthy, fantasy owners with other options may want to consider. The Seahawks can get good pressure and you have to worry how many hits Schaub will be able to take. Although its his left shoulder that is injured, a hard hit could land him on the sideline, so owners will have to play this one with caution.

Percy Harvin has become quite the featured receiver in Minnesota the past couple of weeks, scoring in each of his last three games and averaging 86 receiving yards. Although he's listed as questionable for Sunday, it would be tough for owners to sit him. Now that he's a starter (started three of his last four games) he's easily become one of Favre's favorites and could be considered a weekly must start. Fantasy owners will need to check his status for Sunday.

Mike Bell is listed as questionable on Sunday, but there are reports indicating he should play. Bell has only missed two games this season, so it does sound like owners can expect to see him on the field. However, owners should not count on big production from the Saints running attack. In the teams last two games the ground game has only produced 165 yards, while leaning heavily on its passing attack; likely something we'll see more of going forward.

Waynes Weekly "Friendly Word for the wise"...

Now that you are engaged in fantasy post season action, now is not the time to slip or err in your judgement. The Dallas Cowboys have an entire host of dynamic running backs in their backfield, but with so much talent it's very difficult to gage where primary production will come from. Last week all three backs (Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice) tanked for fantasy owners and only Jones and Barber have provided any worthwhile production this season.

With the Chargers next on the schedule this could be a good week for the Cowboys ground game to produce, but owners may have a tough time figuring who will be the hot hand. If you have other options it may be wise to consider; Barber and Jones have usually been a coin flip and Choice has not seen enough touches of late to be a consideration. A simple case of too much talent for fantasy owners own good.


Player Watch for Week 14

Besides your weekly must -plays there are a handful of players that should be taken into consideration this week when setting your lineup. Keep these players on your watchlist, you just may want to give hard look come Sunday;

(Start) Robert Meachem has been the hot hand in New Orleans and with the Saints set to face the leagues 29th pass defense (Falcons), he looks like a good play for Week 14.

(Sit) Matt Forte The Bears running back has not had a great sophomore season and faces a tough matchup this Sunday against the Packers number four ranked run defense. In their first meeting this season the Packers shut down Forte and limited him to 55 yards on 25 carries.

(Start) Terrell Owens The Bills aerial attack has shown a little life recently and Owens has been a major recipient with 28 targets in his last three games. Sunday the Bills visit KC and the leagues 28th ranked pass defense; Owens is primed for a big game.

(Sit) LaDanian Tomlinson This season has not been one of LT's best, but over the past month he's been as productive as any back with six touchdowns and 272 yards. This Sunday all of that could come to a screeching halt facing the leagues 9th ranked run defense.

Check back again next week for more “Watercooler Chat”

FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

December 11th, 2009 - 11:17pm PST

Week 14 Fantasy Football
Infirmary Report
Week 14 Injury Updates
(Some recent player injury news; updated Saturday Dec. 12th)

Offensive Player Injuries
Matt Ryan-QB (Falcons)
The Falcons second year quarterback Matt Ryan (toe) missed practice on Friday. Ryan did some work in the pre-practice walkthrough, but he still remains a long shot to play Sunday against the Saints. Fantasy owners should definitely consider looking to other options.

Vince Young-QB (Titans)
The Titan's lucky charm (5-1 as the starter) quarterback Vince Young (knee) sat out of Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday. Normally when a player misses practice on Friday, it's not a good sign for him to play, but that's not what you're hearing in Tennessee. Young says he'll play and head coach Jeff Fischer is leaving that door wide open saying missing practice won't sideline Young.

Matt Hasselbeck-QB (Seahawks)
The Seahawks starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has been dealing with a shoulder injury this week, but again practiced in full on Friday. He will start Sunday against the Texans according to the Seattle Times. Hasselbeck has started the teams last eight games, but has not passed for more than 231 yards since week 10. Facing an improving Texans pass rush (six sacks last two games), he'll be a tough start for fantasy owners this week.

Matt Schaub-QB (Texans)
The Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (shoulder) will start Sunday against the Seahawks according to the Seattle Times. Schaub is expected to wear a harness to protect the dislocated left shoulder. Normally Schaub is a solid fantasy quarterback, but he'll be a great risk playing with the injury come Sunday.

Mike Bell-RB (Saints)
The Saints running back Mike Bell (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday mathcup with the Falcons, but he is more likely to play according to the New Orleans Times Picayune. The Saints running game has taken a back seat to the pass recently, if Bell does play he doesn't figure to post big numbers even against the Falcons 23rd ranked run defense.

DeAngelo Williams-RB (Panthers)
The Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (ankle) practiced again in full on Friday and is expected to start Sunday against the Patriots. Williams has practiced all week and looks ready to return to his lead-role as the teams primary ball carrier. His return will make Jonathan Stewart less than attractive option for Week 14.

Michael Turner-RB (Falcons)
The Falcons starting running back Michael Turner (ankle) missed his third straight practice on Friday and is listed as questionable. Clearly Turner is still dealing with the high ankle sprain injury and while he's listed as questionable it is more doubtful that he'll suit up for Sunday at this point.

Percy Harvin-WR (Vikings)
The Vikings rookie wide receiver Percy Harvin (migraine) has missed practice all week due to migraines. He is officially listed as questionable for Sunday and has not been ruled out for Sunday. Harvin should be a good play this week against the Bengals and has played well in the past when he's missed time practicing, but owners should check his status prior to kickoff before setting their lineups.

Mike Sims-Walker-WR (Jaguars)
The Jaguars leading receiver Mike Sims-Walker (calf) has been listed as doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks according to ESPN. This is a downgrade from earlier reports in the week; if Walker sits Mike Thomas is expected to start in his place.


Defensive Player Injuries

Shaun Phillips-LB (Chargers)
The Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips (ankle) returned to practice on Friday after missing the two previous days. He is listed as probable and expected to start Sunday against the Cowboys which is great news for the defense; Phillips leads the team this season with seven sacks.

Brian Cushing-LB (Texans)
The Texans sensational rookie linebacker Brian Cushing (foot) fully practiced on Friday and is expected to start Sunday against the Seahawks. Cushing leads all rookies with 102 tackles this season and leads the team with three picks.

Robert Mathis-DL (Colts)
According to the Colts official website, defensive lineman Robert Mathis (quad) fully practiced on Friday, but it listed as questionable for Sunday. Mathis normally a solid IDP start has 9.5 sacks this season and is one of the anchors of the Colts tenacious pass rush. His presence and non-stop pass rush will be sorely missed if he's unable to go.

Antoine Winfield-CB (Vikings)
The Vikings playmaking cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) has not played since week six and after being limited all week in practice he's listed as questionable for Sunday. The defense will need his playmaking skills against the Bengals passing attack on Sunday and according to NFL.com he's going to play. To be safe owners should check his status Sunday morning.

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

Friday, December 11, 2009

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 10th, 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...

Schaub will play with a harness on Sunday….
The Texans star quarterback Matt Schaub is expected to start Sunday against the Seahawks and he will wear a harness to protect his left shoulder. Last Sunday Schaub suffered a dislocated shoulder and although he's toughing it out he'll be a huge risk for fantasy owners. The Seahawks pass defense is not stellar, but they can get after the quarterback prettyu good (27 sacks this season); owners have to worry about Schaub taking any big hits (sacked 23 times this season) and staying in the game.

With QB change, Jones could be huge Sunday….
It looks like head coach Rex Ryan is following the advice of his team doctors and is going ot sit rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. With the rookie staying home, the team is going to go with Kellen Clemens, who did not look very good in relief for Sanchez last Thursday. With the change I would expect to see the Jets focus heavily on the run. Dial up Thomas Jones for Sunday, he's likely to see 25+ carries against the Bucs.

Westbrook practicing, but will he play?….
Although we are hearing that running back Brian Westbrook is back practicing fantasy owners shouldn't hang their hats on any of the practice talk yet. It seems a little too premature to really expect Westbrook to make any kind of return this week. He was officially limited Wednesday and probably won't play Sunday, but his return is a good sign that he could be back sooner than later.

IDP Notes....


In Buffalo, the Bill (buck) stops with Scott….
The Bills safety Bryan Scott has been huge for the Bills defense this year. Scott has missed five games this season, but since his return he has totaled 39 tackles, including 31 solo in his past four starts. Looking at his matchup this Sunday against the Chiefs, he figures to be a busy man and strong IDP play.

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


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

December 10th, 2009 11:30pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

"Diamonds in the Rough"
(fantasy sleepers)

Players that you may want in your lineup this week!

It's plenty late in the season to be calling some of these gems diamonds, but this could be the week they shine best. With the fantasy playoffs underway in many leagues, starting lineups are critical because no owner wants to leave any points on the bench. When you are setting your game winner for Sunday, make sure you consider these Week 14 jewels...


This Week's Gems....

In Washington....
The Redskins will travel to the bay area on Sunday to meet the Raiders and their 30th ranked run defense. With Clinton Portis shelved for the season, this will be a huge opportunity for running back Rock Cartwright to break out. Cartwright has started the past couple of games, but has yet to really get untracked. He's averaging a mere 3.5 yards per carry and has only racked up 144 yards on the ground, but this Sunday could be very different. The Raiders defense is allowing 4.6 yards a carry, has surrendered 18 rushing touchdowns, and has given up 16 run plays of 20 yards or more this season. Cartwright has remained a steady part of the offense (averaging 18 touches per game over last three weeks) and this Sunday he has a prime matchup, owners should consider this option a strong play for Week 14.

In Jacksonville....
The Jaguars play host the Dolphins on Sunday and although the passing game has not been all that this season (ranked 17th), on Sunday it could get a little healthy. One of the keys for Jacksonville will be wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker, the teams leading receiver with 52 receptions and six touchdowns. In the Dolphins last three games they have been burned by the opposing teams leading receivers for a total of 22 receptions, 350 yards, and two touchdowns. The Dolphins ranked 24th against the pass and have allowed 43 pass plays for 20 yards or more; this could be a very good week to get Sims-Walker in the lineup.

In Buffalo...
The Bills offense has yet to really get off the ground this season, but over the past several weeks it has begun to show some life. One of the biggest reasons for the passing games recent surge has been the utilization of wide receiver Terrell Owens. In his last four games Owens has been targeted 35 times and has caught four passes for 25 yards or more. In his last four games Owens has 20 receptions for 409 yards and two touchdowns. With the Chiefs 28th ranked pass defense next on the slate, fantasy owners could see a big payoff this weekend.


Worth Noting for this week....

The Niners passing game has not been much to speak of, but since rookie wide receiver Michael Crabtree's arrival and Alex Smith's return to the starting role there has been improvement. Crabtree (32 receptions, 406 yards receiving) is slowly, but surely developing into the type of receiver the Niners had hoped they would be getting when they drafted him with the 10th overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft. This week he and the Niners will face the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night. With Smith under center Crabtree has been steady this season. With the Cards 30th ranked pass defense that has allowed 45 pass plays of 20 yards or more coming to town, Monday night could be very productive for the rookie.

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

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

December 9th, 2009 7:45pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

Target Practice

In these hands we trust

It's time to stop foolin about. The fantasy post season is upon us and now it's time for the nitty-gritty. With very point being critical now is not the time to take any chances or unecessary risks.

Over the past several weeks there have been some familiar names returning to their normal roles, while some new names have managed to work their way into the mix. Despite a sub-par past couple of weeks fantasy owners should not let their confidence be shaken with wide receiver Roddy White who had 21 targets last week. You can bet he'll continue to be a fantasy mainstay moving into the fantasy post season, as will the Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice who had 16 targets on Sunday and Chad Ochocinco who was targeted 14 times in Week 13.

A couple of new names that will figure into the fantasy post season are the Dolphins Davone Bess (14 targets last week) and the Titans rookie wide out Kenny Britt (10 targets in week 13). Bess caught a season high 10 passes on Sunday and quietly has grabbed 19 balls over the past three weeks. Britt has now scored in three straight games and has tallied 14 catches for 216 yards with three touchdowns along the way. And don't look now, but suddenly the Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall seems to be relevant once again with 16 receptions for 206 yards and a score in his last three starts.

It makes no sense to just consider season long numbers, although they do carry some merit, but you have to also keep up with the "what have you done for me lately." So now looking ahead to week 14, take careful aim when choosing your receivers;

What have you done for me lately?


Over the past three Weeks...
(unoffical numbers)


A few names you'll want to remember!

Derrick Mason (Bal)............36 targets

Sidney Rice (Min)...............33 targets

Steve E. Smith (NYG).........32 targets

Austin Miles (Dal)..............30 targets

Santonio Holmes (Pit).........30 targets

Brandon Marshall (Den).......29 targets

Mohamed Massaquoi (Cle)....29 targets

Donnie Avery (Stl).............29 targets

Anquan Boldin (Ari)...........28 targets

Terrell Owens (Buf)...........28 targets

Pierre Garcon (Ind)............27 targets

Michael Crabtree (SF).........27 targets

Kenny Britt (Ten)..............27 targets


2009 Season Target leaders Top 10

1. Andre Johnson (Hou)............130 targets

2. Roddy White (Atl)...............127 targets

3. Larry Fitzgerald (Ari)...........125 targets

4.Wes Welker (NE).................122 targets

5. Steve E. Smith (NYG)...........121 targets

6. Reggie Wayne (Ind)..............121 targets

7. Randy Moss (NE).................115 targets

8. Tony Gonzalez (Atl).............109 targets

9. Santonio Holmes (Pit)...........105 targets

10. Chad Ochocinco (Cin)..........104 targets

10. Brandon Marshall (Den).......104 targets

10. T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Sea)..104 targets


Keep Checking back for more football!!


FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 9th, 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...

Benson looks solid in return….
There's no question that the Bengals have themselves a bonafide feature back with Cedric Benson. On Sunday returning from a hip injury that sidelined him a week earlier Benson powered his way through the Lions defense for 110 yards. The bigger stat was his 36 carries and with the Bengals inching their way towards the post season, it would not surprise to see this move become more prevalent.

Owens could breakout this Sunday….
Fantasy owners have not had a lot to get excited about with Terrell Owens arrival in Buffalo. Only once this season has he had a monster fantasy weekend, back in week 11 when he blew up for 25 fantasy points. This week he and his quarterback (FItzpatrick) have more than a favorable matchup against the Chiefs 28th ranked pass defense. This season the Chiefs have allowed a league high 15 pass plays of 40 yards or more and have surrendered 21 passing touchdowns. T.O. hasn't had many big games this season, but this could be one of those weeks.

Rivers has been flowing all season….
While Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Brett Favre grab all the headlines, all the Charger's quarterback Philip Rivers has done this season is complete nearly 65 percent of his passes, throw 21 touchdowns, pass for 3,311 yards, with just six interceptions. With a 104.9 passer rating only Brees and Favre rank higher and over the past seven weeks Rivers is 7-0, with 14 touchdowns, just three picks and 256 yards passing per game. Right now Rivers is playing as well as anyone and just continues to get better.


IDP Notes....

Laurinaitis is a bright spot on Rams defense….
The Rams rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis has been studly since his arrival and all season he's been one of the defenses biggest anchors. Laurinaitis leads the team with 97 tackles this season and in his last three starts he's tallied 37 tackles, including 34 solo. With the Rams defense likely to see a lot of action the rest of the way, this rookie stud will remain a huge IDP play.

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

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

FSH: TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK

December 8th, 2009 9:37pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood
(Week 13)


Saints, Colts looking more one dimensional....
Even though both teams remain undefeated, one can not help but notice over the past couple of week how both teams have come dangerously close to seeing their perfect seasons end. One notable factor that might be of concern has been the teams lack of committment to the run. In the Saints last two games they are only averaging 84 yards on the ground compared to their season average of 142 yards. In those two games the Saints have passed for 775 net yards. The Colts are also not setting any ground game records averaging 92 yards on the ground over their last four, just a tick better than their 32nd ranked season average of 88 yards. In the same span the Colts are averaging 278 yards passing per game. One thing fantasy owners will note, these teams know where their strengths lie and figure to lean heavy as the post season approaches.

Chargers set to ride the rolling Rivers....
The Chargers have quietly crept up on the competition in the AFC and sitting at 9-3 in first place of the West, they have a great oppportunity to grab the number two seed in the post season. One of the major reasons for the Chargers surge and great success has been the play of quarterback Philip Rivers. Not only has Rivers led the Chargers to seven straight wins, but he's been passing among the elite as of late. In his last two starts he's passed for nearly 700 yards and thrown four touchdowns while completing over 73 percent of his passes. Just as impressive are his 14 touchdown passes and just three interceptions during the seven game win streak. With the number two seed in their grasp, expect the Chargers to ride Rivers hot hand right into the playoffs.


More fantasy Notes

When the Bills face the Chiefs on Sunday, one thing fantasy owners can expect to be missing is any kind of defense. For the Bills this could be a great opportunity for quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to continue to earn the trust of his coaches by utilizing his playmaking receiver Terrell Owens. Over the past three games that Fitzpatrick has been the starter Owens has seen 28 targets and caught 17 passes. With the Chiefs 28th ranked pass defense next on the dockett, expect these two to improve those numbers.

A big key for the Chiefs in their matchup with the Bills will be to stay with the run. The Bills are ranked dead last against the run, so expect the Chiefs to feature a lot of running back Jamaal Charles. The Chiefs 2nd year back has one 100-yard rushing game this season, but he is averaging over 90 yards from scrimmage in his last three games. Even though he has yet to break out this season Charles is averaging nearly five yards a carry. The Bills defense allows nearly five yards a tote, so this could be a big week for Charles if the defense can keep things close.

By David Ortega

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