FSH: THE ATL REPORT

January 9th, 2010 - 11:57pm PST

The ATL Report

What's Happening

Around the League

Boldin to be a Game-Time decision...

The latest surrounding one of the Cardinals playmaking receivers is Anquan Boldin will be a game-time decision. Boldin has not practiced this week nursing a left high ankle sprain and left knee sprain. He is questionable for Sunday, but the outlook is not promising.

Jets rookie explodes for big yards....

It was the Jets other rookie, running back Shonn Greene who was the biggest difference on Saturday. Greene exploded for 135 yards on the ground, including a 39 yard touchdown scamper to help lead the Jets to their Wildcard win over the Bengals.

Edelman will be a big key Sunday.....

With the Patriots without one of their playmaking receivers (Wes Welker) and the Ravens likely to roll a lot of coverage toward the always dangerous Randy Moss, rookie receiver Julian Edelman will have to pick up the slack. The Patriots are not a running team and often turn to the short passing game to compensate; Edelman could play a big role on Sunday. Last week the rookie had a career day with 10 receptions for 103 yards.

Benson has big day, not enough.....

The Bengals running back Cedric Benson was going to need to have a big day for his team to compete on Saturday. Benson was up to the task carrying the pigskin 21 times for 169 yards and a score. His 47 yard touchdown run came early in the 4th quarter and pulled the Bengals within seven points, but it wasn't enough as the Jets held on for the win.

Ravens expected to feature a lot of Rice....

The Ravens know if they are going to beat the Patriots, they will have to take care of the ball and control the clock. Their best weapon this season has been running back Ray Rice, who the Patriots are sure to see plenty of on Sunday. Rice logged 254 carries for 1,339 yards, he also caught 78 passes for another 702 yards, and scored eight times. The Patriots defense will have their hands full.

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

FSH: THE FRIDAY NIGHT INFIRMARY REPORT

January 8th, 2010 - 11:17pm PST

Wild-card Weekend

Infirmary Report

Injury Updates for

Wild-card Weekend

(Some recent player injury news; updated Friday Jan. 8th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Tom Brady-QB (Patriots)

The Patriots field general Tom Brady has been banged up all season, but he is listed as probable for Sunday against the Ravens and expected to start. Despite the bumps and bruises Brady still passed for over 4,300 yards and tossed 28 touchdowns. On Sunday he’ll faces the NFL's 8th ranked pass defense.

Joe Flacco-QB (Ravens)

The Raven's second year quarterback Joe Flacco (hip) is listed as probable for the Ravens' Wild Card round game against the Patriots. He did receive some treatment during Friday's practice ten minutes, but Flacco's hip is no worse than it has been all season. He is expected start as usual on Sunday.

Marion Barber-RB (Cowboys)

According to the Dallas Morning News, Marion Barber (knee) participated in Friday's walkthrough and is listed as probable for Saturday against the Eagles. Barber has been splitting time all season, so he should be ready to start. Last week the Barbarian punished the Eagles defense for 91 yards on the ground.

Chad Ochocinco-WR (Bengals)

Despite the knee injury he suffered last week against the Jets, it appears Chad Ochocinco will play on Saturday. There was little doubt he would, but at less than 100 percent he'll have a tough time making many catches against the Jets shut down corner, Darrelle Revis.

Anquan Boldin-WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinal's could be without one of their star wide receivers on Sunday against the Packers. According to the NFL Network's Jason LaConfora, Anquan Boldin who has missed practice all week is listed as questionable is "highly unlikely" to play Sunday.

Jeremy Maclin-WR (Eagles)

The Eagles rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (thumb/foot) fully practiced Friday with the team and is listed as probable for Saturday night against the Cowboys according to the team's offical website. After their week 17 poor showing the Eagles offense will need every weapon available on Saturday.

Defensive Player Injuries

Charles Woodson-CB (Packers)

The Packers cornerback Charles Woodson (shoulder) was able to practice in full for a second straight day and appears to be good to go for Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Woodson led the team with nine interceptions this season.

Ed Reed-DB (Ravens)

The Ravens safety Ed Reed (groin) was a full participant in Friday's practice and he is listed as probable for Sunday's matchup with the Patriots according to the team's official website. Reed has missed four of his last five games, but did participate in the season finale. He'll be a big key covering the deep middle for the Ravens defense.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-CB (Cardinals)

The Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (knee, toe) announced he was "100 percent" after practicing on Friday. Rodgers-Cromartie is expected to start against the Packers and the Cardinals defense will need him if they hope to slow down the Packer's 7th ranked passing attack.

DeMarcus Ware-LB (Cowboys)

According to the Eagle's official website, the Cowboy's linebacker DeMarcus Ware (wrist/back) is listed at probable for Saturday's playoff matchup. Ware was a full participant in Friday's practice and is expected to start. Ware led the team with 11 sacks and will a key on defense trying to stop the Eagles passing attack.

Don't forget to check for more updates....

FSH: MORE FANTASY TALK

January 6th, 2010 9:37pm PST

MORE FOOTBALL TALK

Wild Card Weekend: A Second Take

This Weekend NFL fans will see what looks like a rematch of last weekend when the Eagles-Cowboys, Packers-Cardinals, and Jets-Bengals tango. In the first two matchups it will be a complete repeat with the Eagles and Packers again hitting the road. The difference in the Jets and Bengals, unlike last week's contest in the Big Apple this one will be in Cincinnati.

The Cowboys will be shooting for the Tri-fecta on Saturday when they face the Eagles for the third time this season. With quarterback Tony Romo (311 yards passing and two touchdowns last week) playing well and the Cowboys defense (four sacks last Sunday) coming to life, the boys from Texas look like favorites to complete the sweep.

The Packers and Jets may have only seen a mirage of the teams they will face this weekend. Green Bay's defense barely faced the Cardinals starting quarterback Kurt Warner who exited early and Sunday night it looked like the Bengals starters took all of the night off against the Jets.

The Cards offense was stagnate with Matt Leinart under center last weekend, but you can bet the Packers secondary will have their hands full with Warner in the huddle on Sunday. The question for Cincy will be trying to muster some offense against the Jets stingy defense and shut down corner Darrelle Revis. Last Sunday Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco was held without a catch and quarterback Carson Palmer managed only one completion for no yards and an interception.

It's not often a team gets a chance during the playoffs to exact some revenge for an earlier loss in the season, but this wild weekend will present three opportunities with the Bengals, Cardinals, and Eagles all looking for that chance.

Check back every week for "More Football) Talk”

FSH: FOOTBALL TALK

January 6th, 2010 9:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

Week 17

Vikings flex some muscle on Sunday...

So much for the worry, on Sunday against the Giants the Vikings offense appeared to have cured all of their offensive ills. Quarterback Brett Favre was back to form completing 25 of 31 passes and throwing four touchdowns, while the ground game pounded out 129 yards, including a score by Adrian Peterson. The defense was also stellar forcing two turnovers, recording three sacks, and limiting the Giants to only 181 yards.

Cardinals don't show much in finale ....

With nothing to play for in Week 17, the Cardinals limited quarterback Kurt Warner to a cameo appearance last Sunday. Warner only threw six passes, but he'll need to throw a lot more if the Cards hope to get past a very good Packers pass defense (ranked 5th) that leads the NFL with 30 interceptions this season. Warner is a savvy veteran quarterback with plenty of weapons and he'll have wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (13 touchdowns) available, but Anquan Boldin (84 receptions) could be a different story with a banged up ankle.

Bengals show very little in finale.....

Whether it was by design or not, the Bengals showed very little in their season finale against the Jets. The performance was so poor it could have many fantasy owners concerned about even considering any starters this weekend. Against the Jets stout defense the Bengals managed only 72 total nets yards, turned the ball over three times, and surrendered three sacks. With quarterback Carson Palmer going one for eleven passing and the offense mustering just five first downs, offense could be a problem on Saturday.

More fantasy Notes

"Inside the Matchups"

The Bengals could have a big problem on Saturday in their rematch with the Jets in the AFC Wildcard round of the playoffs. Last week shutdown corner Darrelle Revis (six interceptions) did a huge number on wide receiver Chad Ochocinco not allowing a single catch in five tries. Whether Ocho plays or not, the Bengals figure to half a tough time completing passes in the direction of Revis. Revis has been stellar all season up against the best and leads the NFL's number one ranked pass defense.

The Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (94 receptions) did not have a big season in the end zone, but he was consistent and one of quarterback Tony Romo's most reliable. Last week against the Eagles Witten was effective catching six passes for 76 yards, including a score. In his last five matchups with the Eagles Witten has been an effective target, so there's little doubt that Romo will be looking his way a great deal on Saturday night.

The Patriots may have suffered a big loss last Sunday with the injury to Wes Welker, but they will still have the NFL's 2007 MVP, quarterback Tom Brady. It was not a Brady-like season, but the Patriots quarterback still finished the year with strong numbers; 4,398 yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and 96.2 passer rating. With Welker out, it will be a lot of Randy Moss (13 touchdowns) and Julian Edelman (10 receptions last week) on Sunday against the Ravens 8th ranked pass defense.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 4th, 2010 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...

Brady is still dangerous without Welker...

Despite the fact that the Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be without one of his best and favorite targets in Wes Welker, he'll have plenty of weapons available on Sunday to pick apart the Raven's secondary. Brady has thrown for 300 yards seven times this season and he'll still have Randy Moss (47 touchdowns in 48 games) available. With or without Welker, Brady is still a very dangerous passer.

Favre and Vikings look ready for Post Season....

After hitting a few speed bumps in recent weeks, it appears that the Vikings and quarterback Brett Favre worked out a few kinks in week 17; Favre's numbers, 25 of 31 passing, for 316 yards, four touchdowns, and the ground game picked up 129 yards on the ground. It was a strike first with the pass, the pound with the run approach that subdued and eventually buried the Giants. This is the formula that has the Vikings sitting as the number two seed and one the team got back to on Sunday.

Rodgers ready for his debut....

The Packers quarterback will be making his first appearance as the team's starter in the post season this Sunday at Arizona. After a disappointing 6-10 first season as the Packers starter, Rodgers has rebounded in a big way with a huge passing season and an 11-5 record. Although he'll have to take his show on the road, Rodgers shouldn't have any worries. In his last four road games Rodgers has thrown seven touchdowns with no interceptions.

IDP Notes....

Packers Stud corner expects to be ready….

The Packer's playmaking cornerback Charles Woodson injured his shoulder in Sunday's season finale. He noted that he could have returned if needed and this weekend against the Cardinals he will be needed. The injury doesn't appear to be anything to be corned about, so fantasy owners can expect to see Woodson on the field Sunday. Woodson led the secondary with 74 tackles and the team with nine interceptions, including three returns for scores.

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

FSH: MORE FROM THE HUDDLE

January 4th, 2009 9:17pm PST

More From the Huddle

With the 2009 regular season over, there is plenty to remember and look back on; from the Texan's quarterback Matt Schaub's impressive play to Miles Austin's emergence in Dallas to the electric rookie Percy Harvin in Minnesota. With plenty of highlights to recall and great moments to reflect, these are just 10 of the many things I am going to remember from 2009....

What we remember from 2009 Season

1. The ageless wonder Brett Favre (over 4,000 yards passing and 33 touchdowns) came back for his 19th season and played much of 2009 like history in the making; can he write the final chapter for his magical year in the post-season?

2. Chris Johnson played and ran like a record setter, making most defenses look like either the keystone cops or standing still; he became only the sixth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards (he also caught 50 passes in 2009). Johnson also set the NFL record for total yards on offense with 2,509 (breaking Marshall Faulk's old mark).

3. Even without a quarterback, a passing game (team ranked 32nd), and a defense, that couldn't stop running back Steven Jackson from looking like a man amongst boys for most of the season; 324 carries, 51 receptions, 1,738 total yards, and four touchdowns in 2009.

4. In Philly DeSean Jackson may be the most explosive and dangerous receiver in the game, if his quarterback can learn to dial it in just a little bit better; 63 receptions, 18.5 yards per reception, and nine touchdowns.

5. Wes Welker is a fantasy beast and one of the most sure handed wideouts in the game; 123 receptions, 1.348 yards receiving, 4-touchdowns, and 162 targets (76% success rate).

6. The Giants wide receiver Steve E. Smith was one of this season's best kept secrets finishing 2009 with 107 receptions, 1,220 yards receiving, and 7-touchdowns.

7. A star was born in Minnesota with the arrival of Brett Favre's veteran savvy and golden arm; 4th year wide receiver Sidney Rice set career highs with 83 receptions, 1,312 yards, and 8-touchdowns.

8. The Eagles tight end Brent Celek proved his 2009 post season run was no fluke; he followed up in 2009 with 76 receptions, 971 yards receiving, and 8-touchdowns.

9. Vince Young came back and proved not only could he play passing for over 1,800 yards, rushing for nearly 300, and throwing 10 touchdowns, but that he is also a winner going 8-2 as a starter in 2009.

10. With a 14-2 record heading into the playoffs, home field advantage throughout, 4,500 yards passing, 393 0f 571 passing (68.8% completion), 33 passing touchdowns, and a passer rating of 99.9, ho-hum just another year in the career of Peyton Manning.

Remember to check back with “Your Fantasy Sports Home”

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

January 4th, 2009 9:07pm PST

[Late Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

Fantasy Football is not over

The regular season may have just concluded, but for many diehard fantasy gamers, the second season is just getting started. Much like the 16-17 week marathon season that many fantasy faithful partake in each year, the post season fantasy spectacle is just the mini-version.

With games set to begin on Saturday, there's not a lot of time or room for error. New, notes, and information will be at a premium, so pull up your favorite armchair and let’s get ready for some fantasy football!

Injury notes from Sunday...

QB-Tom Brady (finger)....expected to start Sunday.

WR-Wes Welker (knee)...likely out for postseason.

WR-Chad Ochocinco (knee)..questionable, but expected to play.

RB-Pierre Thomas (ribs)....did not play in Week 17.

WR-Anquan Boldin (ankle)...scheduled for MRI Monday.

DB-Charles Woodson (shoulder)....expected to be OK.

LB-David Harris (ankle)....status for Saturday uncertain.

What I saw in Week 17

Rodgers looks like a man on a mission....

The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers only threw 26 passes in the team's finale, but completed 21 of those for 235 yards and a touchdown. Over the past two months Rodgers has been a man on fire, completing (186 of 281) over 66 percent of his passes. In that span he has thrown 14 touchdowns with only two interceptions leading the Pack to a 7-1 record to close out the season. With weapons like Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and Jermichael Finley, Rodgers is sure to post big numbers in the post season.

Edelman is sure to be stock on the rise....

The Patriots suffered a huge loss on Sunday with the injury to wide receiver Wes Welker, but like on queue Julian Edleman has stepped in to fill those big shoes. On Sunday Edelman quickly became a Brady favorite with Welker out and caught 10 passes for 103 yards. While the loss of Welker is big, there's no question Edelman's stock will be rocketing after this past Sunday's preview. With Moss still lining up on the other side, Edelman will step nicely right into the number two role just as he did against the Texans.

Quick Notes:

On Sunday against the Eagles tight end Jason Witten finished the game with six receptions for 76 yards and a score. This week he'll face the same defense, but this time on the road. In Witten's last five games against Philly has had no fewer than six catches and is averaging 78 yards receiving.

The Eagles tight end Brent Celek is starting to heat up at the right time. In his last four games he has totaled 20 receptions, with two for scores, and is averaging 88 yards receiving per game. He is coming off a seven catch 96 yard effort against the Cowboys, the team he will face on Saturday night.

With the Patriots quietly strolling into the playoffs, the Ravens will have their hands full with one of the leagues very best deep threats. Over the past three weeks following the disappointing Week 14 performance (one catch), Randy Moss of the Patriots has quietly strung together a nice three game run; 14 receptions, 190-yards, and 4-touchdowns.

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

January 3rd, 2010 10:57pm PST

Sunday Football Notes

Week 17 Injury round-up

For the diehard fantasy fan, the season never ends and with the post season set to start-up in just six days here are the notable injuries from this past weekend of action.

(Updated Sunday Jan. 3rd)

Notable Offensive Player Injuries

Tom Brady-QB (Pariots)

Following Sunday's loss to the Texans, it was reported that the Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has three broken ribs and a fractured finger on his right hand. It does not appear any of these injuries will keep Brady off the field, but it is worth noting.

Tashard Choice-RB (Cowboys)

The Cowboys number three running back Tashard Choice left Sunday's game with a concussion and did not return. Choice did not see much action before exiting the game, but is expected to be ready for the Wildcard round. With Barber and Jones performing a solid one-two punch against the Eagles Choice is likely to see very little action in the playoffs and may only have fantasy as insurance (for Jones or Barber).

Wes Welker-WR (Patriots)

The Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker suffered a devasting knee injury in Sunday's loss to the Texans. According to Adam Schefter's Twitter page tests showed Welker suffered a torn ACL and MCL. He is expected to undergo more tests on Monday, but it does not look good.

Anquan Boldin-WR (Cardinals)

The Cardinal's wide receiver Anquan Boldin said following Sunday's loss to the Packers that he injured both his ankle and knee on a play that took him out of the game. Boldin expects to be okay for the playoffs and should be a decent WR2 play in the wildcard round.

Chad Ochocinco-WR (Bengals)

The Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco left Sunday night's game with a left leg injury in the third quarter. It was noted prior to the game that Ochocinco had slipped during warmups and was seen limping afterward. He did start, but was unable to continue after halftime. Team trainers told NBC he would "absolutely" be available next week in the playoffs.

Brent Celek-TE (Eagles)

The Eagles tight end Brent Celek was dinged up some in Sunday's loss to the Cowboys, but was able to play through the leg injury. Celek received some attention on the sidelines and finished the game. He should be a fantasy favorite at the position entering the Wildcard round.

Notable Defensive Player Injuries

Charles Woodson-CB (Packers)

The Packers defensive back Charles Woodson left Sunday's game against the Cardinals with a shoulder injury. The injury does not appear to be seriou and Woodson noted following the game he could have returned if needed. The Packers defensive back has been big all season and is a must start IDP formats.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie-CB (Cardinals)

The Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie left Sunday's game against the Packers with a knee contusion. He was seen limping after Sunday's game, but said he should be OK for next weekend.

Terrance Newman-CB (Cowboys)

The Cowboys cornerback Terrance Newman left Sunday's game against the Eagles with a knee contusion. His return to the game was questionable. The Cowboys will need him healthy to pull a three-peat against the Cowboys next weekend.

By David Ortega

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