FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

December 5th, 2010, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

Today’s injury notes

The Charger’s have not ruled Antonio Gates out of today’s game just yet. He is expected to test his ankle during warm-ups this morning, so there’s a chance he will play.Officially Gates is listed as questionable.

The Saints running back Reggie Bush (leg) is still not quite 100 percent, but he is a full-go and will play today against the Bengals. Last week Bush showed a lot of rust returning to action fumbling the ball away once during the Saints win over the Cowboys.

The Vikings may be without one of their playmakers today; Percy Harvin. Harvin has been battling migraines all week and it is likely he could be inactive today as a result; make sure to check the inactive reports.

The Vikings running Arian Peterson is a big question mark for today, but he was out on the field during warm-ups testing the ankle. It appears he’s not 100 percent, but may try to give it a go.

The Saints will be without running back Pierre Thomas (ankle) who will be inactive. The reports all week had been indicating he would likely sit today, but Thomas does sound like a good shot to play next week.

Today’s Matchup

The Vikings secondary has had its struggles this season with covering and tackling. The Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson is a star on the rise. I like his matchup today against the Viking’s corners and expect quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to target him repeatedly today. Look for a big game from Johnson.

The Lions may be making a change at quarterback going with Drew Stanton, but that should not hurt Calvin Johnson fantasy owners. Back in week six earlier this season, Stanton played most of the game for the Lions and Johnson blew up for 146 yards, three of Johnson’s receptions came from Stanton for 102 yards. Stanton may be the backup, but he’ll know where to go with the ball, Johnson owners can expect a solid outing.

The Seahawks defense has struggled with the ground game this season allowing 11 rushing touchdowns this season. Today running back Jonathan Stewart will get his crack at the Seahawks. Last week Stewart returned to action and looked very good rushing 12 times for 98 yards. He should see a hefty share of carries and could have a productive day carrying the pill; start him.

By David Ortega

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (THE FOUR HORSEMEN)

December 4th, 2010 Saturday

The Four Horsemen

Let’em Ride

Week 13 marks the final regular season matchup for most head-to-head fantasy leagues and it also means there will be some key matchups that could have huge implications on division races and fantasy post-season chances. These four may not clinch any titles for you this week, but this is definitely a week you’ll want these guys in your lineup (if you have any).

Like “the four winds of the earth” these fantasy studs are going to be riding high in week thirteen taking no prisoners and leaving no defense unturned upside down.

Quarterback:
The St. Louis Rams are not enjoying one of their best seasons this year, but it’s been a hue step in the right direction. And as luck would have it improved play especially at the quarterback position has them sitting on top of the NFC West and talking playoffs. This is quite a bit more than the team imagined when it drafted quarterback Sam Bradford out of Oklahoma last spring, but there’s no question his steady has been a big part of why the Rams are sitting where they are. In 11 games Bradford has passed for 2,466 yards and thrown17 touchdowns to just nine interceptions; better than that he has 11 touchdowns and one pick in his last six starts. With a dependable ball carrier (Steven Jackson) lining up in the backfield Bradford has been able to operate with great success this season, despite losing his two best weapons (Avery & Calyton) to injury. This Sunday he gets the Cardinals shaky secondary (ranked 25th against the pass) and an opportunity to bring his club back to .500 and remain atop the West. Bradford struggle some in their first matchup this season way back in week on. This time around the Cards will be seeing a different Bradford; a much more composed and mature quarterback with the savvy to throw the pill. Bradford is coming off his best game as a Ram throwing three touchdowns and passing for more than 300 yards. This Sunday may be an encore performance.
(My Prediction: 22 of 36 passing, 255 yards, two touchdowns)

Running Back:
Since the air started getting colder and the season started getting a little longer, it seems the Chicago Bears are now rolling out an old brand of smashmouth football. In the past two weeks the Bears have remained grounded and just pounded the ball an average of 28 times for 110 yards per game. With the focus shifting of late to the ground game running back Matt Forte has become more instrumental averaging 107 yards on the ground his past two games. With the team traveling to Detriot, Forte returns to the motor city where he is averaging 113 yards per game in his two career appearances at Ford Field. With the Bears leaning more on the ground game, I am expecting another solid game from Forte who also has 34 receptions and seven total touchdowns this season.
(My Prediction: 22 carries, 105 yards rushing, 4 receptions, 20 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Wide Receiver:
The Bronco’s wide receiver Brandon Lloyd has been one of the biggest surprises not only to fantasy owners, but the NFL as well. Lloyd was with the Broncos a year ago, but played in just two games. This season not only does he find himself on the field staring in seven of the team’s 11 games, but he is leading the entire league with over 1,100 yards receiving; quite the turnaround. After 12 weeks into the season his turnaround is not fluke and this week he looks to add to his career numbers; 58 receptions, 1,122 yards, 9 touchdowns (all career highs). This week Lloyd will face a 24th ranked Chiefs pass defense that has been victimized by the big play (40 yards or more) nine times this season; it could be a big day for the Bronco receiver.
(My Prediction: 8 receptions, 155 yards, one touchdown)

Tight End:
When the Colts lost their star tight end Dallas Clark, there were a lot of many worried Peyton Manning fantasy owners. Since Clark went down a new name in Indy has risen; Jacob Tamme. The back up tight end has stepped in and has done an admirable job trying to fill the mighty shoes of the great Dallas Clark. One key factor to Tamme’s immediate success has been the trust of Manning in his new tight end. Since taking over duties at the tight end spot since week 8, Tamme has been targeted 56 times, second only to Reggie Wayne’s 59. Tamme has also made the most of the opportunity catching 38 of those passes thrown to him for 364 yards and three scores. His numbers lead the team in all three categories since week 8. This Sunday Tamme will be lining up against the Cowboys 22nd ranked pass defense that have struggled with opposing tight ends in recent weeks; expect big things from Tamme.
(My Prediction: 9 receptions, 105 yards, one touchdown)

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

December 3rd, 2010, Friday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In These Hands We Trust

Right now there is no more a sure thing at the wideout spot than the Chiefs Dwayne Bowe. With the frequency that he is seeing balls thrown in his direction, just walking out of the locker room he’s already been targeted several times. In his last three games no other player in the league comes close to his 43 targets and over that time Bowe has been unstoppable.

The Chiefs wide receiver has racked up 465 yards with 32 receptions and seven touchdowns. Bowe may not come close to setting the NFL record for receiving touchdowns, but his 14 thus far this season have already surpassed last year’s top total of 13. Bowe is the hottest scoring fantasy player at the moment, averaging 29 points per game. He’s without a doubt taking advantage of his 14 targets per game.

My Fantasy Notes:

With a big matchup coming up on Monday night with the New England Patriots and their 32 ranked pass defense, wide receiver Santonio Holmes could be licking his chops and looking at a big night. Over the past several weeks Holmes has quietly emerged as the Jets go to receiver. Since his return to action in week five, Holmes leads the team with 56 targets.

In his last three starts Holmes has caught 17 passes for 246 yards on 27 targets. The Jets big play receiver has also scored four times in the past three weeks, including scoring at least once in each of the three games. With the Patriots next on the schedule Holmes looks like a big play ready to happen. The Pats defense has allowed 21 passing touchdowns and 41 pass plays of 20 yards or more; the prospects of a big game for Holmes looks like a lock.

Radar Watch

In My Sites

It appears the Raiders are not going to waste any time getting rookie wide receiver Jacoby Ford into the mix this week. According to the Oakland Tribune, head coach Tom Cable may have hinted Ford would start over Darrius Heyward-Bey this Sunday against the Chargers.

It should not surprise anyone should the Raiders follow through with Cable’s hint. Ford has been a fast rising star in the bay area over the past several weeks. Last Sunday Ford caught four passes for 108 yards and scored on a 44 yard pass from quarterback Bruce Gradkoski; it was Ford’s first career touchdown. It was also his second game of at least 100 yards receiving in his past three games played.

In his last three games, Ford leads the Raiders with 27 targets, 283 yards receiving, and their only touchdown. His 12 receptions also rank second on the team over that span. With a tough matchup with the Chargers this Sunday, Ford may not be primed for a breakout game this week, but with the Jaguars (ranked 27th against the pass) and Bronco’s (ranked 19th) next to follow he could be a nice sleeper play in the fantasy playoffs.

Top 10 Target Leaders for the past three weeks
(unofficial numbers)

1. Dwayne Bowe (43 targets)
2. Larry Fitzgerald (35 targets)
3. Roddy White (35 targets)
4. Steve Johnson (34 targets)
5. Andre Johnson (31 targets)
6. Calvin Johnson (31 targets)
7. Reggie Wayne (31 targets)
8. Jacob Tamme (30 targets)
9. Brandon Lloyd (29 targets)
10.Wes Welker (29 targets)

FSH: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

December 2nd, 2010, Thursday

My Weekly Survivors

Well last week turned out to be a disaster. Taking Sidney Rice in only his second game back was a stretch, even though he saw extended action the week prior; just one catch for 20 yards last week. I can only imagine how many fantasy owners lost their matchup last week because Titan’s running back Chris Johnson totaled just seven yards; can you say disappointment.

Thankfully I had Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel under center to anchor my lineup. His 27 points (233 yards passing and four touchdowns) saved what would have been a horrific fantasy catastrophe.

With this being the 13th week to submit a lineup and I really have to look for a lot of the lesser known and lower caliber players with ideal matchups. This week no more stretches, I am going to stick with the better odds.

Here are my picks for week 13….

QB-Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams
The Rams rookie quarterback has been steady and solid over recent weeks. He’s coming off his best performance this season passing for over 300 yards and tossing three touchdowns last week against the Broncos. This week Bradford will be throwing against the Cardinal’s 25th ranked pass defense that has only sacked the quarterback 21 times; with time in the pocket Bradford could have another big Sunday.
(Projected: 19 fantasy points/ 255 yards passing, 15 rushing yards, two touchdowns)

RB- Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
The Panther’s running back is back and has returned to the starting role. Last week Stewart rambled 98 yards on 12 carries and this week he could be just as effective running against the Seahawks 22nd ranked run defense that has allowed 11 rushing touchdowns. I look for Stewart to see at least 18-20 carries and that could be enough to get him to the century mark.
(Projected: 17 fantasy points/ 105 yards rushing, 1 catche, 10 yards receiving, one touchdown)

RB-Arian Foster, Houston Texans
The Texans running back has just been Mr. Everything to the offense this season. Foster leads the NFL with over 1,100 yards rushing, but he also leads the Texans with 75 receptions. He is a dual threat that is difficult to contain whether it’s rushing or receiving. The Eagles will have not only have trouble containing Foster in the run game, but covering him in the pass game as well. Foster will get his.
(Projected: 19 fantasy points/ 80 yards rushing, 6 catches, 55 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Terrell Owens, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals big physical receiver Terrell Owens is enjoying a very highly productive season with 65 catches, over 900 yards receiving, and 8 touchdowns. He faces the Saints in what will likely be an up-tempo style game and one that could see him get plenty of chances. This year Owens is tied for the lead with 124 targets.
(Projected: 16 fantasy points/ 7 catches, 105 yards, one touchdown)

WR-Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens
The Raven’s wide out has been unusually quiet on the field lately, but this could be the week he makes a lot of noise. With the Steelers in town, Boldin could present some matchup problems for a very questionable 22nd ranked pass defense. In their first matchup this season Boldin caught 7 passes; expect to see him targeted often this Sunday.
(Projected: 14 fantasy points/ 8 catches, 85 yards, one touchdown)

TE-Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings offense has been a tough one to read, but one thing that has been much easier to read this season is the Buffalo Bills matching up with opposing tight ends. The Vikings and Shiancoe will have the comfort of home and while the Bills have improved over recent weeks I expect to see Favre and his tight end to enjoy some success. Shiancoe led the Vikes last week with only three catches for 54 yards, but he was targerted six times; look for this trend to continue with greater success.
(Projected: 11 fantasy points/ 5 catches, 55 yards, one touchdown)

PK-David Akers, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles had some struggles last week with the Bears stout defense, but this week against the Texan’s 28th ranked defense they should have great success moving the ball up and down the field. I would expect to see plenty of scoring opportunities for the Eagles and their kicking game.
(Projected: 12 fantasy 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)

Week 9 (Total Points-79 points)
QB Aaron Rodgers (GB)
RB LeSean McCoy (PHI)
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE)
WR Steve Smith (NYG)
WR Patrick Crayton (SD)
TE Jacob Tamme (IND)
PK Mason Crosby

Week 10 (Total Points-78 points)
QB Joe Flacco (BAL)
RB LeGarrette Blount (TB)
RB Cedric Benson (CIN)
WR Roddy White (ATL)
WR Steve Johnson (BUF)
TE Brandon Pettigrew (DET)
PK Rob Bironas (TEN)

Week 11 (Total Points-73 points)
QB Matt Ryan (ATL)
RB Fred Jackson (BUF)
RB Peyton Hillis (CLE)
WR DeSean Jackson (PHI)
WR Percy Harvin (MIN)
TE Jermaine Gresham (CIN)
PK Dan Carpenter (MIA)

Week 12 (Total Points-55 points)
QB Matt Cassel (KC)
RB Chris Johnson (TEN)
RB Danny Woodhead (NE)
WR Santonio Holmes (NYJ)
WR Sidney Rice (MIN)
TE Heath Miller (PIT)
PK Matt Bryant (ATL)

FSH: WHAT'S THE SKINNY

December 1st, 2010, Wednesday

What’s the Fantasy Football Skinny

My Fantasy Notes:

WR DWAYNE BOWE IS ON FIRE
Right now there is not hotter wide receiver in fantasy football or the NFL than the Chiefs Dwayne Bowe. Bowe has caught at least one touchdown in each of his last seven games and has totaled 13 scores during that span. For the year Bowe leads the NFL with 14. During his streak, Bowe has been targeted 75 times (leads the league), caught 49 balls for 733 yards. He is simply hotter than the sun and the moment and is averaging 24.6 fantasy points in his last six games, including a scintillating 29 points in his last three. He’s also a fantasy gem in PPR leagues averaging over eight grabs per contest, also in his last six games.

RB PEYTON HILLIS POUNDS THE GROUND
The Bronco’s fans are undoubtedly mourning the loss of Peyton Hillis, while Cleveland fans and fantasy owners rejoice. Hillis has simply been on a tear this season, especially of late. In his last four starts Hillis is averaging over 166 yards of offense and has scored seven times. There’s no question he is having a spectacular season with 905 yards rushing, 46 receptions, 414 yards receiving, and 13 total touchdowns. For fantasy owners he’s averaging over 26 fantasy points per game (traditional scoring) in his last four.

WR ANQUAN BOLDIN REMAINS GROUNDED
The Raven’s wide receiver leads the club with 51 catches this season, but he is hardly soaring as many had expected he might when he arrived in Baltimore. Boldin has remained relatively quiet in his last four games catching a total of just 13 passes for 134 yards and one score; not quite the numbers fantasy owners were looking for.

RB FRED JACKSON JUST POWERS ON
The Bills have been receiving a little bit of fan-fair lately courtesy of the impressive play of their 3rd year receiver Stevie Johnson, but another Bill fans and fantasy owners should be taking notice of is running back Fred Jackson. The Bills starting ball carrier has only averaged 154 yards of offense in his last three games. He has also caught 14 passes and scored five times. The versatile back is proving to be solid in the feature back role, while paying big dividends for fantasy owners. This Jackson is all action averaging just over 24 fantasy points per game (traditional scoring) in his last three games.

QB TOM BRADY IS STARTING TO ROLL
The Patriots quarterback is having another one of those seasons and for opposing defense, that’s Mr. Brady to you. Brady has not thrown a pick since week six and 190 passes later, he has passed for 1,500 yards (250-yards per game) and thrown 14 touchdowns; not bad for a former NFL MVP. And most importantly for Patriot fans, the team is 5-1 in that stretch. For the fantasy owners, Brady is averaging 23.5 points (traditional scoring) in his last six games, but a whopping 31.3 points in his last three.

QB SAM BRADFORD CONTINUES STEADY PLAY
The Rams rookie quarterback is not setting any record books on fire, but he is certainly turning heads with his steady play in the pocket. In his last six starts Bradford has just tossed one interception in 210 pass attempts. The rookie signal caller has been solid with 11 touchdowns during that span, including averaging 264 yards passing in his last three games. Bradford is also averaging 19 fantasy points per game (traditional scoring) in his last six starts; not bad for a rookie or veteran quarterback for that matter.

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 30th, 2010 Tuesday

David’s Daily Digest

My Fantasy Notes:

MAQUES COLSTON REMAINS TOP RECEIVING THREAT
The Saints all-pro receiver has been looking strong especially as of late, during the teams four game winning streak. Colston caught six passes for 105 yards last Thursday in the Saints win over the Cowboys. It was another solid performance for Colston over the past month and a half. My Fantasy Read:
Since week five Colston has been the one consistent Saints receiver that fantasy owners can trust. In his last five games he has surpassed 100-yards receiving in three of those games while scoring four times. With fantasy playoffs near, he might be the only safe Saints receiver to start every week.

BRIAN WESTBROOK GETS HIS SHOT
The former Eagle’s running back got his first shot at extended action Monday night when Niner’s starter Frank Gore went out with a hip injury. In relief Westbrook carried the ball 23 times and scampered his way to 136 yards rushing and a touchdown.
My Fantasy Read:
Now that the news has broke running back Frank Gore is done for the season, Westbrook will be the hot “pick up of the week.” The Niners are predominately a running team and will likely give Westbrook enough ground work and with his pass receiving skills it’s hard to imagine him spending too much time on the sideline. After his showing Monday night fantasy owners should feel confident about Westbrook’s upside.

PEYTON MANNING ON A HUGE SLIDE
The Colts have dropped their last two games and one of the biggest reasons has been the play of quarterback. Last Sunday against the Chargers, Manning tossed four picks in the teams’ week 12 loss. The last time he threw as many was in 2007 against the same Chargers when he tossed six. Manning finished the night with 285 yards passing and two touchdowns.
My Fantasy Read:
Manning appears to be in one of his worst slumps of his career and there’s no question his seven turnovers have played pivotal in the team’s consecutive losses. He’s still a number one fantasy quarterback and eventually he’ll snap out of his funk. This week looks like good timing too with the Cowboy’s 23rd ranked pass defense coming to town.

DANARIO ALEXANDER RETURNS TO ACTION
After being sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury, the Rams wide receiver Danario Alexander returned to action on Sunday. The Rams wide out was targeted six times and grabbed four balls for 95 yards to lead the club in their big road win over Denver. Sunday was only the third game Alexander has played in this season, but in his short stint he’s already turning heads.
My Fantasy Read:
Alexander has real big play ability and should continue to see more action on the field, if he can stay healthy. With the young rookie quarterback making strides every week, Alexander looks like a great sleeper pick for the nearing fantasy playoffs.

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 28th, 2010 Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

There are plenty of games and big matchups to watch today, even with three already in the books. With just two weeks left in the fantasy season (for most fantasy leagues), today’s games and matchups will be huge for those owners fighting for their post season life. Always playing a big part in the life of a fantasy owner; the injury report….

Today’s injury notes:

The Brown’s kick returner/wide receiver Josh Cribbs (foot injury) is active today against the Panthers 14th overall ranked defense. While Cribbs will play, rookie quarterback Colt McCoy (high ankle sprain) will sit with quarterback Jake Delhomme getting the start.

The Bills will be without their rookie running back C.J. Spiller (hamstring injury) who is listed as inactive. Even with the majority of carries today, it could be a rough day for starter Fred Jackson facing the league’s number one rush defense (Steelers).

The Panthers will have running back Jonathan Stewart (concussion) on the bench, but he will play; starting in his place again running back Mike Goodson. Goodson has been effective as the starter and should continue to see the majority of carries against the Browns.

The Jaguars will have the services of wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker (ankle injury) today, who returns after missing some action. Also active today is running back Maurice Jones-Drew (abdomen injury) who will face the Giants 5th ranked run defense.

The Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (flu symptoms) is expected to start today, but it sounds like he will be far less than 100%. Favre’s illness condition has gotten worse according to reports and he could be experiencing a sinus infection. Don’t expect a little bug to keep him sidelined, but if weakened any he could lose a little zip on his some of his throws today.

Notable Matchups;

With Bernard Berrian being deactivated today, it looks like it could be a very active day for wide receiver Sidney Rice. He’ll have a favorable matchup today facing the Redskins 29th ranked pass defense and as expected the Vikings wide receiver (Rice) will start today.

The Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson is starting to feel more like his old self as his ankle injury he has been nursing most of the season heals. The Titans struggle versus the pass this season ranked 26th and could be in for a long day trying to catch Johnson.

The Redskins will be without running back Ryan Torain (hamstring), so Keiland Williams will get the start once again. It may not be a good idea to jump on the Williams bandwagon today with the Redskins facing the Vikings 7th ranked run defense. Williams is also likely split some carries with recent practice-squad call up running back James Davis.

There’s been some chatter this morning in the Randy Moss camp and deservedly so; the Titans face the league’s worst pass defense. There’s no question it’s a risky play, but with the Texans allowing more than 300 yards passing per game and 25 touchdowns this season, you have to expect Fischer and company will take their shots downfield with Moss.