FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 30th, 2009 8:30pm 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...

Witten is still Romo's Guy...

It hasn't been a spectacular season for Jason Witten in Dallas, but maybe that's because he doesn't draw a lot of notoriety. With 118 targets (leads Cowboys) and 88 receptions this season Witten remains one of his quarterback's favorite targets and in the past month or so he's once again proven to be Romo's guy. With three 100-yard receiving games in his last five played, including a six reception and 117 yard performance last Sunday expect Romo to look for his good buddy Jason often this Sunday against the Eagles. Witten caught at least seven passes in each of his last four meetings against the Eagles.

A Rising Star in the Windy City....

And suddenly out of nowhere the third year receiver has arrived and his timing could not be any more fortuitous. With the Bear's leading receiver (Devin Hester) out with injury, the Bears wideout Devin Aromashodu has been given the opportunity to shine; one that may not have been available to him had Hester been healthy. Aromashodu has become quite instrumental to the Bears passing game over the last several weeks (17 total receptions), including a huge performance on Monday night against the Vikings; 7 receptions, 150 yards, one touchdown. The Bears are coming off a huge win and would like to take that momentum right into the offseason; keep your eye on Devin who will likely play a big part in making that happen on Sunday.

Schaub leading the Franchise's turnaround....

The Texans have not had a winning season in their franchise history, but since the arrival of quarterback Matt Schaub they have had high hopes. After a disappointing injury filled 2008 season, the Texans and Schaub sit on the cusp of doing something the team has never done; finish above .500 and qualify for post season action. While the second part is not completely in their hands, Schaub (4,467-yards, 27 touchdowns, 99.1 passer rating) and company looked very capable of grabbing that elusive ninth win.

Welker having a record setting season.....

There's little chance of the Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker catching Marvin Harrison's season total of 143 receptions unless he pulls a "Brandon Marshall" in week 17, but nonetheless with his 122 catches thus far he's going to land himself in the record books somewhere. Along with his season total Welker has recorded seven 10-plus reception games which already ties an NFL record. With not a lot to play for on Sunday, it's unlikely he'll have a real shot at nabbing number eight.

IDP Notes....

Morrison stands out from the rest….

In a season that has had its share of lows, the Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison manages to stand out from the crowd. Morrison leads the team with 123 combined tackles (including 100 solo) and has three forced fumbles this season. He's coming off his fifth double-digit tackles game with 14 last Sunday against the Browns. This week the Ravens are in town and you can bet he's going to see a lot of running back Ray Rice; start ringing up the tackle-counter.

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

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

December 30th, 2009 7:45pm PST

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In these hands we trust

"The Final Countdown"

Well we have finally reached the end and for those leagues that play no-holds barred this is the final championship weekend of fantasy football. While there are still plenty of NFL teams with a lot at stake this weekend, there's no question the Week 17 slate of games will present some precarious challenges.

Although it's much of the same gauging those teams with something left to play for, the tough dilemma for this weekend will be to figure out just what the rest (like the Colts, Chargers, & Saints) will be doing. Teams like the Bengals and Patriots are still sitting on the fence and could change their thinking mid-stream (depending on scores and outcomes of other games).

With this the final weekend, the last Championship weekend of the fantasy season, it could be huge dividends to look toward the unlikely to bring home the league trophy. A couple of players that will garner attention for these final league matchups will be players like the Bears wide receiver Devin Aromashodu (31 targets last three weeks), the Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss (averaging 9 targets last six weeks), and the Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess (38 targets the last four weeks). They may not have all the stats for the season, but their activity level is on the rise and should be paid attention too.

This is last call for the Championship ball, some numbers to take note;

"The Hot Hands"

(Last two games)

Anquan Boldin (Cardinals) /

13 catches, 183 yards, 1- rushing Td,

Miles Austin (Cowboys) /

16 catches, 231 yards, 1-Td,

Greg Jennings (Packers) /

9 catches, 229 yards, 1-Td,

Santonio Holmes (Steelers) /

8 catches, 163 yards, 1-Td,

Derrick Mason (Ravens) /

13 catches, 164 yards, 1-Td,

Marques Colston (Saints) /

13 catches, 163 yards, 0-Td,

Mike Wallace (Steelers) /

5 catches, 162 yards, 2-Td,

Randy Moss (Patriots) /

9 catches, 115 yards, 4-Tds,

Jermichael Finley (Packers) /

12 catches, 154 yards, 1-Td,

Kellen Winslow (Buccaneers) /

10 catches, 169 yards, 0-Td

With so much riding on this final week, let’s not forget to keep these player names and numbers in mind when putting the final touches on your Week 17 lineups.

What have you done for me lately?

Over the past three Weeks...

(Unofficial numbers)

A few names you'll want to remember!

Brandon Marshall (Den).........52 targets

Wes Welker (NE)...............41 targets

Calvin Johnson (Det)...........35 targets

Santonio Holmes (Pit)..........34 targets

Miles Austin (Dal)................32 targets

Devin Aromashodu (Chi).......31 targets

Roddy White (Atl)..............30 targets

Derrick Mason (Bal).............30 targets

DeSean Jackson (Phi)..........30 targets

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

Santana Moss (Was).............27 targets

Season Target leaders Top 10

1. Andre Johnson (Hou)............163 targets

2.Wes Welker (NE)..................160 targets

3. Roddy White (Atl)...............157 targets

4. Brandon Marshall (Den).........154 targets

5. Steve E. Smith (NYG)...........147 targets

6. Larry Fitzgerald (Ari)............146 targets

7. Reggie Wayne (Ind)..............142 targets

8. Santonio Holmes (Pit)...........135 targets

9. Randy Moss (NE)..................131 targets

10. Derrick Mason (Bal).............131 targets

Check every week for more fantasy football notes…

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

December 29th, 2009 9:37pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

Week 16

Ego's aside, the Vikings need to let Favre lead...

The proof is definitely in the pudding and if you cared to take a taste last night watching Monday night football, you would come to the same conclusion. The Vikings need to cater the offense around what Favre can do. In a methodical run first offensive approach the Vikings mounted no offensive threat; 82 total yards (53 rushing, 36 passing) and four first downs. In the second half the Vikings were a different team with more purpose led by Brett Favre. In the second half he led the team to 30 points, completing 21 of 31 passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns. Another big stat; first half rushing, 14 carries for 53 yards and second half rushing, 19 carries for 70 yards and two scores.

So much for poor play in December....

The Cowboys entered the month of December being highly criticized for their so-called past failures during the holiday season. And the one player being most scrutinized for these shortcomings was their quarterback Tony Romo. After dropping their first two games in December the critics were relentless, and Romo was caught in the middle, but he could hardly be faulted for poor play. Since the two losses the Cowboys rebounded with impressive wins over the Saints and Redskins. When you look over Romo's play the past month, seven touchdowns, 300 yards passing per game, and no turnovers he's been as good as good gets. He's been as big a reason for the Cowboys success this season and being in their current position. In their Week 17 season finale they'll face the Eagles for all the marbles; NFC East Division title and a shot at the second seed in the NFC (a first round bye). So much for Romo's poor play.

Riding Warner into the post season.....

The Cardinal's head coach Ken Whisenhunt may be conservative by nature coming from his early coaching roots in Pittsburgh, but he's no gambler. It appears he likes the sure thing like the rest of us. Against the Rams he let his veteran quarterback Kurt Warner sling the rock early and often to build the early lead. In the first half Warner tossed the pigskin 23 times for 216 yards and connected on two scores to put the Cards out front 17-0 at the half. With the big lead Warner only needed 15 passes in the second half, conversely the ground game was quiet with 13 runs in the first half and got most of its work in the second half (16 run plays). We'd expect to see more of this formula going into the post season.

More fantasy Notes

"Late Season Heroes"

With the chance to play more, the Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart has the most of his opportunity. With starter DeAngelo Williams (ankle) sidelined, Stewart has started the last two weeks and totaled 315 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns. He's also added four receptions for another 30 yards and a score. With a meaningless season finale it's hard to imagine Williams suiting up if his ankle is less than 100 percent, against the Saints (who may rest some starters) Stewart could have another field day.

The Cowboys may have found that missing piece that will help their passing game stay off the ground in the post season. Over the past five weeks Austin has returned to that form that burst onto the scene in weeks 5 & 7. In his last five games the Cowboys big play threat is averaging over seven catches and 110 yards per game with a total of four touchdowns. He's easily Romo's favorite downfield threat.

Jerome Harrison has emerged as a late season hero with his big performances over the past two weeks. The Browns running back has rushed for over 430 yards in his last two games as the team’s starter and added four touchdowns. While his big numbers have come against poor run defenses, the totals are still staggering and enough to move him (if he's the starter in Cleveland) up the rankings some for next season.

Continuing his bounce back season the Ravens tight end Todd Heap has really come on the last couple of weeks as a big-time red-zone target. In his last two games Heap has been targeted four times in the red-zone and has scored on all four plays. For the season Heap has 51 receptions, 551 yards receiving, and six touchdowns; all big improvements from last season. Expect to see his number called again on Sunday against the Raiders.

There's no question that one of this season's biggest late season hero has been the Chief's running back Jamaal Charles. For those owners that were lucky to nab him just before the fantasy playoffs, they were able to ride his hot foot right through their league post season. In weeks 14-16 (most fantasy leagues playoffs); Charles averaged 19 fantasy points (399 yards rushing, 76 yards receiving, & two rushing touchdowns). Not a bad late run for a backup running back when the season started.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 29th, 2009 8:30pm 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...

"Still Layin it on the Line"

Johnson has sights on record books...

The 2009 season has been a breakout year for Chris Johnson. He was solid as a rookie and picked by some to have a good season, but very few could have imagined that he would be record-setting in only his sophomore season. The Titan's season may be finished, but with 1,872 yards rushing Chris Johnson has some work left to finish. On Sunday against the Seahawks he'll have a great shot at becoming only the sixth 2,000 yards man.

Rodgers should be ready to duel....

The Packers still have a lot at stake on Sunday when they meet the Cardinals in Arizona. Over the past six weeks few have been as good as Aaron Rodgers passing for 1,755 yards and throwing 12 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He should have the hot hand this Sunday against a suspect Cardinals secondary ranked 22nd against the pass.

Celek should be big in season finale....

The Eagles tight end Brent Celek has emerged as one of the best pass receivers at his position with 69 receptions, nearly 900 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. Against the Cowboys back in Week 9 he caught three balls for 39 yards and a score, but over the past three weeks he has become a more effective downfield option averaging nearly 20 yards a catch. The Cowboys will have their hands full.

Steelers figure to ride Big Ben.....

The Steelers have become a passing team in 2009 with Big Ben leading the way; 4,018 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns. With their post season life hanging in the balance, don't expect head coach Mike Tomlin to suddenly change their identity. This Sunday against the Dolphins (ranked 23rd against the pass), we should see plenty of Roethlisberger and the Steelers’ passing game.

IDP Notes....

Dummerville plays his way to Miami….

In the past that could be misleading as many might confuse this site for this year's Super Bowl, but actually the 2010 Pro Bowl. With 17 sacks this season (a franchise record) the Broncos pass rushing linebacker has earned himself an invitation to the annual Gala-spectacle. Last Sunday against the Eagles he added two sacks to his season total to go with a forced fumble. Dummerville has been solid this season with 48 combined tackles (including 41 solo), 17 sacks, and four forced fumbles.

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

December 29th, 2009

[Tuesday Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

What I saw in Week 16

Stewart Shines on Sunday....

The Panthers running back made his second consecutive start in 2009 and turned in another big performance as the team’s primary back. Against the Giants on Sunday Stewart logged 28 carries and rushed for 206 yards and scored on a 29 yard run. It was Stewart's second consecutive 100-yard rushing game as a starter and it was his 10th touchdown of the season. For the year Stewart has 205 carries for 1,008 yards rushing (1st time in his career). His strong finish could move him up the fantasy ranks in 2010.

Brady finds his form....

On Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game that had meaning, the Patriots quarterback Tom Brady found his post season form. With a win on Sunday the Pats would earn yet another division title and be guaranteed a first round home game; enter Mr. Brady. The Patriots field general was in mid-post season form completing 23 of 26 passes for 267 yards throwing four touchdowns, including three to his most dangerous deep threat wide receiver Randy Moss. With three straight wins and a big performance by their quarterback opposing defenses will now have to worry a great deal about Brady and the Patriots in the post season.

Quick Notes:

The real Raiders run defense showed its' ugly mug on Sunday against the Browns allowing 165 yards on the ground (but the Browns did have 45 rushes). The Raiders problem against Cleveland was not the big play (17 yards was the longest run allowed), but the inability to stop the run altogether. In Week 17 running back Ray Rice looks like a fantastic play against these same Raiders.

After watching Jay Cutler dissect the Vikings secondary for big yards and four touchdowns, heading to Detroit for the season finale he'll have a lot of confidence. In their first matchup Cutler passed for only 148 yards and two touchdowns, expect bigger numbers against the league’s worst pass defense.

The Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo was solid in December completing better than 65 percent of his passes, averaging over 300 yards passing per game, and throwing seven touchdowns with no turnovers. In the season finale, with the Division on the line he faces an Eagles secondary that has been up and down in recent weeks allowing seven touchdown passes to four picks (last three games).

10 Things I Remember

Week 16

1. This was just not T.O's year, three quarterbacks and nothing to show. Whether Owens re-signs or not, the Bills need a QB.

2. Jamaal Charles continues to prove he is the guy in KC for 2010 with his third consecutive 100-yard game.

3. Harrison was the big dawg in the pound on Sunday as he battered the Raiders run defense 39 times for 148 yards.

4. The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was luke-warm passing for 237 yards with a touchdown; it was Ryan Grant with the hot legs scampering for two scores and 97 yards rushing.

5. The Texans quarterback Matt Schaub continued his hot hand passing for 286 yards with two touchdowns to keep the Texans post season hopes alive.

6. The Steelers quarterback Big Ben Roethlisberger didn’t set any records, but he was still a lot to handle for the Ravens defense passing for 259 yards with a touchdown.

7. Not only did Jonathan Stewart hold down the rushing duties on Sunday in place of an injured DeAngelo Williams, the Panthers running back total over 200 yards (206 rushing) of offense with a score in a big win over the Giants.

8. The Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner picked the right time to start heating up passing for 313 yards with two touchdowns on Sunday in an easy win over the hapless Rams.

9. The Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis can chalk up another victim; Reggie Wayne's stat line from Sunday, 8-targets, 3-receptions, 33-yards receiving.

10. The Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo continued with his solid play in the month of December completing 25 of 38 passes for 286 yards and a score to lead the Cowboys one game closer to a division title.

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

FSH: ON THE COVER

December 28TH, 2009 10:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

[AP Photo/Robb Carr]

Romo is Spreading the Cheer

Well the month did not start fashionably well for Tony Romo and his boys as they dropped their first two meetings to the Giants and Chargers, but since then it's been a joyous seasons greetings in Dallas.

The Cowboys will finish the month at .500 (2-2) having won their last two games in December. And while they finish even, it has become clearly undeniable that Romo has been a big part of the Cowboys success.

Even in the two losses Romo played well completing 60 of 85 passes (70.5% completion) and throwing five touchdowns with no turnovers. Despite his success in the early part of December the Cowboys struggled to get in the win column and the team faced the possibility of playoff elimination.

Since their 20-17 home loss to the Chargers, Tony Romo and the Cowboys have rebounded in a big way. The Cowboys quarterback has continued his hot hand passing for 312 yards in a Week 15 win over the Saints and 286 yards Sunday night against the Redskins. Romo completed 65 percent of his passes (47 of 72) in the two wins and need just two touchdown throws.

In the past, the month of December has not treated the Cowboys very well. With the two wins in the past two weeks the Cowboys are now set up for a January 3rd showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles. When these two teams meet in "the house that Jerry built" they will be playing for the NFC East crown.

Cowboys fans will hope the month of January can be more generous and kind to Romo and the boys.

Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

December 27th, 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]

HENNE THROW FOR 300 YARDS.....

The Dolphins pretty much abandoned the run game and turned to the air with quarterback Chad Henne. The second year quarterback passed the ball 55 times completing 35 for 322 yards and a touchdown. (16 fantasy points)

STEWART HAS BIG DAY ON THE GROUND....

The Panthers second year running back Jonathan Stewart making his second consecutive start turned in another big effort. Stewart carried the ball 28 times for 206 yards rushing, including a 29-yard scamper for six. (27 fantasy points)

HARRISON RUNS THROUGH THE DEFENSE....

The Browns running back Jerome Harrison followed up his big Week 15 effort with another solid day on the ground on Sunday. Harrison rushed 39 times for 148 yards with a touchdown to lead the Browns. (20 fantasy points)

WILLIAMS HAS BIG DAY FOR BUCS....

The Buccaneers running back Carnell Williams ran well against the Saints run defense on Sunday gaining over 100 yards on the ground. Williams carried the ball a season high 24 times for his first 100-yard game since November of 2006. Cadillac also added a 23 yard scoring run. (19 fantasy points)

HEAP SCORES TWICE IN LOSS....

The Ravens tight end Todd Heap continues to be a big red-zone threat this season adding a couple of more scores in Week 16. Heap caught just two passes for 37 yards, but both were for touchdowns. Heap now has six touchdowns this season, including four in his last two games. (15 fantasy points)

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

SCHOBEL GOING OUT WITH BANG....

After announcing that he is probably going to retire after this season the Bills defensive end turned in one heck of a day on Sunday. Schobel finished with three sacks and two forced fumbles. Now this is the way to exit the game, in dominant fashion. The Bills host the Colts next Sunday in their season finale.

WOODLEY IS A DIFFERENCE MAKER....

The Steelers linebacker was instrumental making plays on Sunday in the defending champions big home win over the Ravens. Woodley recorded seven tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble to lead the defense.

By David Ortega

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