FSH: FRIDAY FANTASY WATCH

November 5th, 2010 Friday

Friday’s Fantasy Watch

As I am taking a look at the week nine matchups it occurs to me what a strange season this has been so far. No Sydney Rice or Vincent Jackson (yet), Larry Fitzgerald has pulled a disappearing act, Reggie Bush has missed the past six weeks, Brett Favre has lost his magic, and Aaron Rodgers has yet to live up to his NFL MVP hype.

It’s become a season filled with predominantly running backs by committees and few super star fantasy studs. Sure there are Roddy White, Adrian Peterson, and Andre Johnson players living up to the hype, but who are these Brandon Lloyd, Peyton Hillis, and Kyle Orton fellas? And where did they come from.

Each week with some of the best fantasy studs taking a back seat for an afternoon and some new name running to the forefront, it’s been tough from time to time this season to figure out who should be in your lineup. Believe me, I feel your pain.

And so as we enter week nine I will offer a couple of thoughts as we inch closer to kick-off (just over 24 hours away). Here are a couple of players on my watch for Sunday….

On My Watch

RB LeSean McCoy against the Colts defense…

Last week against the Indy defense running back Arian Foster (112 yards rushing) was very productive not only in the running game, but out of the backfield as well. With the Colts traveling to Philly this Sunday, Eagles running back LeSean McCoy will be on my radar.

The Colts were burned nine times for 65 yards out of the backfield by Foster and even back-up running back Derrick Ward snagged a couple of passes on the evening. As a matter of fact the Colts defense has allowed 18 receptions to running backs in its’ last two games.

McCoy has great versatility and there’s no doubt the Eagles offense will be utilizing all his skills and taking advantage of any mismatches coming out of the backfield. In week seven against a tough Titan run defense McCoy was limited to 48 yards rushing, but was able to contribute in the pass game with six receptions for 54 yards.

On Sunday against the Colts 28th ranked run defense that allows 4.9 yards per carry, McCoy should be able to find a few running lanes. He’ll also be an effective weapon out of the backfield as an eligible receiver. With the Colts defense allowing 11 catches to the Texan’s running backs a week ago, I’m sure Eagles head coach Andy Reid and company will find many ways to get the ball into McCoy’s hands.

I will be watching McCoy in your starting lineup on Sunday.

WR Dwayne Bowe against the Raiders defense….

For the past several weeks there hasn’t been any receiver as hot as the Chiefs Dwayne Bowe (21 receptions, 357 yards, 6 touchdowns in 2010). In his last three games Bowe has five touchdown receptions to go with over 200 yards receiving. He has become a man possessed and unstoppable in the red-zone.

Normally with a tough matchup like the Raiders 5th ranked pass defense I might steer clear, but with shutdown corner Nnamdi Asomugha listed as doubtful and not expected to play I like Bowe’s matchup on Sunday. The Raiders are going to have their hands full trying to cover Bowe with back-up corner Chris Johnson.

I wouldn’t expect the league’s number rushing attack to suddenly turn pass happy this Sunday, so I don’t look for big yardage from the Chief’s go-to receiver. I would however bank on Bowe making it four straight games with a score and I would not be surprised to see him make multiple trips against the Raiders.

Not only will I be watching Bowe, but he’s a must start in my lineup this week….

FSH: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

November 4th, 2010, Thursday

My Weekly Survivors

Week 8 was another solid week for our fantasy team with huge performances from running back Jamaal Charles (23 fantasy points) and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (22 fantasy points). Kyle Orton was again solid in week 8 as well with 369 yards passing and 18 yards rushing to go along with one touchdown toss. My duds last week were running back Felix Jones (36 total yards) and tight end Tony Moeaki (45 yards receiving). Both were disappointing, but not as much as the Cowboys were last week against the Jaguars.

For the week we tallied 82 points and held court at the number 8 spot in our overall standings. As we move into week nine the picks do not get any easier, but looking at some of this week’s matchups we could be looking to make another push or fall down the trail.

Here are my week nine picks….

QB-Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
After watching David Garrard light up the Cowboy’s secondary for four touchdowns passes, I am expecting a huge game from Packer’s quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Pack lack any consistency on the ground and they will more than likely follow the Jags blueprint to take down the visiting boys from Texas.
(Projected: 31 points/ 335 yards passing, three touchdowns)

RB-Benjarvus Green-Ellis, New England Patriots
The Patriots displayed a strong balanced attack last week against the Vikings and even showed a lot of grit with their new found ground game. Even though the Browns do boast a pretty good defense, I like “the firm” of Benjarvus Green-Ellis to grind out some yardage and at least grab one score.
(Projected: 16 points / 85 yards rushing, 20 yards receiving, one touchdown)

RB-LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles
The Texans exploited some soft coverage underneath Monday night against the Colts with their running backs and I think the Eagles will take advantage. McCoy is a versatile back that will be utilized in both the run and pass; I am looking for a big game for the Eagles runner.
(Projected: 19points/ 90 yards rushing, 45 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Patrick Crayton, San Diego Chargers
The Charger’s are losing pass catchers left and right, and in week nine it looks like it will come down to Patrick Crayton. One of the team’s newest receivers Crayton is sure to see plenty of chances on Sunday against a very suspect Texan’s secondary.
(Projected: 16 points/ 105 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Steve Smith, New York Giants
The Giants seem to be on a roll, winner’s of five straight and a big reason has been the balanced play of their offense. One of the keys to their pass game has been the sure hands of wide receiver Steve Smith. In his last three starts he has been heavily targeted connecting on 21 passes for 260 yards receiving and two touchdowns. With Hakeem Nicks blowing up on the other side, Smith will likely see more favorable matchups and coverage going forward; result another big Sunday.
(Projected: 16 points/ 105 yards receiving, one touchdown)

TE-Jacob Tamme, Indianapolis Colts
He was a secret entering Monday night’s matchup against the Texans, but this week he’s sure to become another household name in Indianapolis. Tight end Jacob Tamme likely won’t see nearly as many balls in his direction (if the defense has learned anything), but you can bet quarterback Peyton Manning will find him when he needs to.
(Projected: 11 points/ 55 yards receiving, one touchdown)

K –Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers
The Cowboys defense looked pretty awful last week against the Jaguars and there’s little reason to expect any improvements this week. With the Packers struggling some on the ground they may have to settle for a couple of kicks instead of touchdowns on Sunday.
(Projected: 12 points/ three field goals, three extra points)

My Previous starts

Week 1 (Total points-77)
QB Donovan McNabb (WAS)
RB Matt Forte (CHI)
RB Carnell Williams (TB)
WR Jeremy Maclin (PHI)
WR Jabar Gaffney (DEN)
TE Zach Miller (OAK)
K Joe Nedney (SF)

Week 2 (Total points-68)
QB Michael Vick (PHI)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT)
WR Nate Washington (TEN)
WR Greg Jennings (GB)
TE Chris Cooley (WAS)
K Nick Folk (NYJ)

Week 3 (Total points-87)
QB Tony Romo (DAL)
RB Darren McFadden
RB Ray Rice (BAL)
WR Austin Collie (IND)
WR Dez Bryant (DAL)
TE Brent Celek (PHI)
K Lawrence Tynes (NYG)

Week 4 (Total points-58)
QB Eli Manning (NYG)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
RB Frank Gore (SF)
WR Mark Clayton (STL)
WR Brandon Marshall (MIA)
TE John Carlson (SEA)
K Jeff Reed (PIT)

Week 5 (Total Points-72 points)
QB Drew Brees (NO)
RB Steven Jackson (STL)
RB Thomas Jones (KC)
WR Donald Driver (GB)
WR Calvin Johnson (DET)
TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX)
K Mike Nugent (CIN)

Week 6 (Total Points-83 points)
QB Peyton Manning (IND)
RB Ryan Torain (WASH)
RB LaDanian Tomlinson (NYJ)
WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
WR Kenny Britt (TEN)
TE Dallas Clark, (IND)
K Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)

Week 7 (Total Points-93 points)
QB Philip Rivers (SD)
RB Adrian Peterson (MIN)
RB Michael Turner (ATL)
WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
WR Dwayne Bowe (KC)
TE Tony Gonzales (ATL)
K Matt Prater (DEN)

Week 8 (Total Points-82 points)
QB Kyle Orton (DEN)
RB Felix Jones (DAL)
RB Jamaal Charles (KC)
WR Brandon Lloyd (DEN)
WR Deion Branch (NE)
TE Tony Moeki (KC)
K Stephen Gostkowski (NE)

FSH: SUNDAY SPORTS SECTION

October 31st, 2010, Sunday

The Sunday Sports Section

What’s the Latest

Despite dealing with a finger injury on his left hand, the Rams running back Steven Jackson is expected to play today against the Panthers. Even with the left hand handicap this is a good matchup for Jackson he should still see plenty of carries.

The Jaguars quarterback David Garrard is coming off a concussion and will start today against the Cowboys. The Jaguars passing game has been something to forget this season and today’s matchup against a team with its’ back to the wall does not spell relief.

The Panthers will be without running back DeAngelo Williams, opening the door for Jonathan Stewart to get the start. Stewart is a capable runner and he should see plenty of work today against a questionable Rams run defense (ranked 15th) that is allowing 4.6 yards per run.

The Bronco’s wide receiver Eddie Royal has been nursing a groin injury this week, but looked fine during warm-ups today so he should be able to go. The Broncos will likely spread the field, but with other weapons on the field and a wet playing surface Royal may be a risky play today.

Today’s In & Out

Actives/inactives and notes from Twitter for today’s games ….

@Adam_Schefter Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams officially inactive. Plenty of work for Jonathan Stewart, Mike Goodson and Tyrell Sutton.

@mortreport Carolina-St.Louis game- S. Jackson IN D. Williams OUT

@joereedy #dolphins inactives -- Thigpen (third QB), WR Moore, S R.Jones, CB Carroll, DE C.Geathers, OT Brown, OT Murtha, TE Shuler

@buffalobillscom #Bills Inactive: CB Terrence McGee, LB Aaron Maybin, LB Antonio Coleman, OL Ed Wang, OL Cornell Green, DE Alex Carrington, DE John McCargo.

@jaguarsinsider Jags inactives: Todd Bouman (3rd QB), Rashad Jennings, Brock Bolen, Eric Alexander, Erik Pears, C.J. Mosley, Jeremy Mincey, Landon Cohen.

@OneRamsWay Inactives for Rams: S Stewart, S Lewis, CB King, TE Onobun, T J. Smith, WR Alexander, DT Scott, DE Sims.

@Adam_Schefter 49ers TE Vernon Davis is active despite being listed as questionable with an ankle injury.

@SigmundBloom Think Wes Welker here RT @OmarKelly Davone Bess will be starting for Brian Hartline today. Fantasy people need to get moving on that.

@Adam_Schefter Rams RB Steven Jackson is active despite undergoing finger surgery this week. Bears watching today.

@mortreport As expected all three Jets that were listed on the injury report (Mangold, Pace, and Revis) will all play against Green Bay

@mortreport Jonathan Joseph (ankle) will be inactive vs the Dolphins today

@MaioccoCSN 49ers inactives: QB Alex Smith, WR Kyle Williams, Jason Hill, CB Tarell Brown, LB Keaton Kristick, OL Barry Sims, Eric Heitmann, Alex Boone.

@Bengals #Bengals inactives: QB D. LeFevour; DE J. Fanene; S R. Williams; C R. Stephens; CB J. Joseph; S C. Ndukwe, T A. Collins; WR J. Simpson

@SFFcom All signs point to Favre starting: Update: According to Jason La Canfora of Nfl.com, all signs are looking like Br... http://bit.ly/b6O6ZQ

@packers Bulaga will start for Tauscher, Wilson for Pickett, and Zombo for Brad Jones, who was placed on IR this week.

@MaioccoCSN 49ers TE Vernon Davis is active and will play today for the 49ers. Davis (ankle) saw limited practice time and was listed as questionable.

@mortreport Cooley, D. Hall, Landry and Orakpo were all questionable for Washington but will all play against the Lions today

@Adam_Schefter Bengals deactivated CB Jonathan Joseph and safety Roy Williams.

@Adam_Schefter No surprise: Chiefs deactivated WR Dexter McCluster.

@nyjets RL: Jets inactives for today's game vs. Green Bay: RB Joe McKnight, LB Jamaal Westerman, OL Vladimir Ducasse, DL Jarron Gilbert ...

FSH: MY WEEKLY FANTASY

October 31st, 2010, Sunday

My Weekly Fantasy

Sunday’s Fantasy Lineup

Some quick notes for today’s lineups….

My Quarterbacks:

With sloppy (rain) conditions expected in London today, I am not expecting this to have much effect on Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton who will be in a few of my lineups today. Lacking a big arm most of his throws will be short routes and underneath shots…..the Packers travel to New York to take on the 22nd ranked pass defense. I will have Aaron Rodgers going in all leagues today as he takes on a Jets secondary that is allowing more than 250 yards passing per game at home with five touchdowns……I don’t have Matt Cassel today, but he is one quarterback I would be inserting with his favorable matchup against the Bills at home. Cassel will be throwing against a secondary that doesn’t allow a lot of yards, but has surrendered 14 touchdowns this season.

My Runningbacks:

With Steven Jackson available, I will definitely be riding “Action-Jackson” today against the Panthers’ 24th ranked run defense. Jackson has rushed for over 600 yards this season, including three straight 100 yards games. Today he faces a defense that is allowing nearly 130 yards rushing per game…..with the Bills coming to town, I will be inserting running back Thomas Jones today. In his last two games Jones is averaging 20 touches and over 100 yards rushing. Today he’ll get the leagues 32nd ranked run defense…..another play today that I like very much is running back Ryan Torain. Today the Redskins are in Detroit and Torain will be seeing the leagues 27th ranked run defense that is allowing nearly 5.0 yards per carry.

My Wide Receivers:

Last week the Bills offense erupted for big yards, big plays, and over 30 points against the Ravens. Today they don’t have the Ravens, but what wide receiver Steve Johnson will see is the league’s 25th ranked passing offense that has allowed 20 pass plays of 20 yards or more. Johnson has been consistently getting better each week and today’s matchup should allow his progress to continue……another wide out that has a favorable matchup today is the Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe. In his last two games Bowe has scored twice in each and with a Bills secondary that is handing out scores like hotcakes (14 allowed), he looks like a sure bet to find paydirt……a couple of regulars that I will be inserting today include Brandon Lloyd against the Niners. I like Lloyd to snag a few downfield against a secondary that has allowed 22 pass plays of 20 yards or more.

My Tight Ends:

With the Redskins in town, I am rolling with tight end Brandon Pettigrew in one of my lineups. The Lions second year tight end has been targeted often over the last several weeks and faces a defense that has 15 receptions to the tight end position over the past three weeks…..I also have the Bengals rookie tight end Jermaine Gresham in one of my lineups today. He doesn’t figure to catch a lot of throws deep downfield, but with all the weapons the Bengals have Gresham could emerge as a red-zone favorite today….lastly I will be starting the Jets tight end Dustin Keller. Keller leads the team with 24 receptions and five touchdown this season and faces a Packer’s secondary that could have some matchup problems today and has surrendered 21 pass plays of 20 yards or more.