FSH NOTEBOOK: THE SATURDAY FANTASY REPORT

February 12th, 2011 Saturday

The Saturday Fantasy Report

With the NFL season now complete and the 2011 season ready to get started with the NFL Scouting Combine in just a few shorts weeks, it’s time for me to take a look back at 2010 and recognize the best of the best.

Here were the top quarterbacks from a year ago and those that will surely be at the top of most fantasy drafts in 2011.

The Elite Class of the

Fantasy Quarterbacks

Tom Brady (Patriots)
Without question “Tom Terrific” finds himself seated once again at the head of the class. His 36 passing touchdowns and 111.0 passer rating led the NFL and earned him his second AP NFL MVP award in 2010. Brady is the marquee of fantasy quarterbacks averaging 38 passing touchdowns, over 4,300 yards passing over his last three full seasons of action; in 2008 he played one quarter before a knee injury ended his season. Brady will once again undoubtedly head the list of quarterbacks in 2011 for most fantasy owners.

Drew Brees (Saints)
If there were no Brady, quarterback Drew Brees might be considered the head of the class, but since there is he’ll have to take the second seat. Brees had another solid fantasy campaign in 2010 passing for more than 4,600 yards and tossing 33 touchdowns, but he did finish with a career high 22 interceptions. Brees has certainly closed the gap between himself and the top of the class averaging nearly 4,700 yards passing and 33 touchdowns over his past three seasons. He will likely be one of the top two quarterbacks taken in most fantasy drafts in 2011.

Philip Rivers (Chargers)
The Chargers signal caller has certainly earned his right to sit at the big boys table these days. Rivers is coming off another spectacular season of passing finishing with over 4,700 yards passing, 30 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 101.8. It was his third straight season with a passer rating over 100 and puts him in the category of elite passer where he rightfully belongs. Rivers has been amongst the best over the past three seasons averaging 4,300 yards passing and 31 touchdowns; he’s one of the elite and will go in the top five (quarterbacks) of every fantasy draft this summer.

Peyton Manning (Colts)
The Colts field general has been the model of consistency as a fantasy quarterback over the past several seasons. His 2010 campaign was just another example of his consistency; 4,700 yards passing and 33 touchdowns. Manning has thrown more than 30 touchdowns in four of his last five seasons and over the past five campaigns he is averaging 31 touchdowns and 4,327 yards passing. Manning is securely implanted as one of the big four and will likely go as such in most 2011 fantasy drafts.

On The Rise

Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers enjoyed a very successful 2010 season capturing his first NFL title (Super Bowl) while posting very good passing numbers. Although his 2009 campaign produced better fantasy numbers, Rodgers was still a top 10 fantasy quarterback last season and with an impressive post season run his fantasy stock will be on the rise in 2011.

Matt Ryan (Falcons)
The Falcons third year starter enjoyed his best season as a pro setting career numbers in passing yards (3,705 yards passing), touchdowns (28), and passer rating (91.0). He’s not quite reached the top tier of passers, but with a lethal weapon like wide receiver Roddy White and his current pace of improvement the road he must travel appears to be getting shorter by the day. Ryan could be a top 10 fantasy (quarterback) pick in 2011; or close to it.

Joe Flacco (Ravens)
The Ravens stud quarterback Joe Flacco enjoyed a his best season as a passer posting career highs in yards (3,622 yards passing), touchdowns (25), and passer rating (93.6). His production was a nice jump from the previous year and he appears to be a talent on the rise, but in what appears to be a run-first system it’s too early to jump on Flacco’s fantasy band wagon. He’s going to get better and his numbers may improve, but his ceiling in Baltimore doesn’t seem to be quite as high as others; he’s near the top 15 fantasy quarterback in 2011.

Eli Manning (Giants)
The younger Manning had a big 2010 season throwing for over 4,000 yards, tossing 31 touchdowns, and finishing the year as a top 10 fantasy quarterback. It was a big season for Eli, but his 25 interceptions were also a career high and something to take note. With some young very good talent at the receiver position Manning could see another big season in 2011, but we’re not quite ready to christen him into the top 10; but he is on the rise and worth watching.


Just my take

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 11th, 2011 Friday

David’s Daily Digest

The Most Notable Fantasy Players of 2010

I am just continuing with my takes on some of 2010s’ most notable fantasy players. These are the studs that raised eyebrows, caught our attention, and will be part of the chatter come fantasy draft 2011.

QB-Matt Ryan
The Falcons third year quarterback really came of age in 2010 passing for over 3,700 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions. His 91.0 passer rating along with his other significant passing numbers (yards, TDs) including completion percentage were all career highs. Ryan raised the level of his play this past season and has clearly taken a huge step toward the top tier of fantasy quarterbacks in league. He’s a top 10 gunslinger in 2011.

QB-Kyle Orton
The Bronco’s signal caller had a breakout 2010 season in his own right. Orton was well on his way to setting career highs in yards passing, touchdowns and passer rating if not for injuries and a sudden change of gears at the end of the regular season. Orton finished the season having started just 13 games, had he started all sixteen he could have easily posted some huge fantasy numbers. With Tebow part of the “starting quarterback in Denver” conversation and talks of trade, Orton’s stock value will remain on the decline. Fantasy owners will have to re-evaluate once the camp opens and we see what the plan is with Orton.

TE-Marcedes Lewis
Last season the Jaguars’tight end finally came of age as a real primary pass receiving threat, especially in the red-zone. Lewis set career high in receptions (58), yards (700), and led the club with 10 touchdown grabs (ranked tied for 1st in the league for TE’s). He also finished the season as a top five fantasy tight end. He will definitely be valued much higher in 2011 than he was last summer; with his size and skill Lewis is a legit top 10 fantasy tight end.

TE-Rob Gronkowski
The Patriots traded their deep threat receiver Randy Moss in the early parts of the 2010 season and found a star in their rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski. The rookie was even expected to be their number one pass receiving tight end, but by year’s end he was playing like it. Gronkowski finished his 1st season catching 42 balls for 546 yards and 10 touchdowns (tied for the most touchdowns for TE’s). With the Patriots loving their two tight end sets, Gronkowski shouldn’t have too much trouble replicating these numbers in 2011; his catches and yards were a little down for fantasy numbers, but he’s still a top 15 fantasy tight end.

TE-Jacob Tamme
Another player that turned a few heads in 2010 was the Colts 3rd year tight end Jacob Tamme. The Colts back up emerged from the unknown when starter Dallas Clark went down with a season ending injury. Clark is a great talent at the position, but the kid (Tamme) did an admirable job filling for the injured veteran. Tamme caught 67 balls for 631 yards and scored four times. Tamme is now on the map and his stock has risen, but with Clark expected to return at some point next season it’s not a stock worth investing heavily. Tammeis more than a capable backup, but that’s exactly what it looks like he’ll be in 2011; he’s a late round fantasy pickup for now.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: ON THE COVER

February 9th, 2011, Wednesday

On the Cover

Aaron Rodgers Leads the Packers

Green & Yellow

Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers completed the improbable on Sunday February 6th defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in what could only be described as one of the most exciting Super Bowls ever played. It was a matchup for the ages and played out to the very end without disappointment. With a packed house on hand to witness, not only did this matchup live up to the enormous hype that preceded it, but it was also the most watched ever.

On the biggest stage, the biggest and brightest stars of the game shinned in the spotlight making plays and keep the football world on the edge of their seats throughout. Rodgers and the Packers started fast jumping out early with a couple of scores which included an interception return by safety Nick Collins that threatened to turn this game one sided.

Down 21-3 the Steelers demonstrated the grittiness of a champion and battled their way back. Led by Big Ben (Roethlisberger) and running back Rashard Mendenhall the Steelers battled back to close the gap at 21-17. Right on queue with the momentum of the game having swung in favor of the terrible towel, the Packers defense led by lineback Clay Matthews Jr. answered the call.

Matthews forced a critical fumble when he drilled Mendenhall in the backfield jarring the ball loose; it was quickly scooped up by linebacker Desmond Bishop. This was the turning point of the game and quickly game the Packers the lift they needed to close out their victory.

For the Packers, this was not just a journey that started when camped opened this past summer, this journey that had begun back in 2008 when Brett Favre had brought the Packers within one play of the Super Bowl back. Favre’s interception that ended the Packers dream of a championship opened the door to a new Era with Aaron Rodgers taking the helm.

With Rodgers now the man in Lambeau, the journey to return to prominence would take the long road and one that some skeptics may have wondered would ever end here; atop the football world holding the Lombardi Trophy.

Rodgers proved to be the right move for the Packers future and quickly secured his first championship in his third season as the team’s starter. Barely 27 years of age Rodgers and the Packers have a chance to bring back Lombardi a few more times.

For Title-town and the fans of Green Bay tomorrow is filled with great promise, but I believe if they had to they could settle for today on top of the world.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 9th, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

More Fantasy Notes:

The Most Notable Fantasy Players of 2010

The 2010 season was filled with a lot of fantasy studs that seeming came out of the woodwork, when most might have thought the cupboard was bare. There were those that blew the doors off from the get-go and then there were those players that caught on mid-season to turn heads. In the end, the 2010 fantasy season was great showcase for some superstars to come in 2011 and

WR-Brandon Lloyd
The Broncos big play threat broke out in 2010 setting career highs in receptions (77), yards (1,448), and touchdowns (11). He was the teams’ best and most reliable receiver making one acrobatic play after another. His 2011 fortunes could be in question with the talk of change at quarterback, but regardless he should still be a top 20 receiver next season.

RB-Arian Foster
The Texan’s running back started fast and finished strong leading the NFL in rushing (1,616 yards rushing) and total offense (2,220 total yards). Foster scored 18 total touchdowns in 2010 and showed great versatility with 66 receptions. As a true feature back in the Texans’ west-coast style system, Foster figures to be a strong top 5 fantasy running back in 2011.

RB-Jamaal Charles
After a breakout campaign in 2009 with 1,100 yards rushing, the Chiefs starting tailback backed it up with a huge 2010 season. Charles turned it up a notch this past year rushing for over 1,400 yards, catching 45 balls for another 468 yards and scoring eight times to lead the team.

QB-Josh Freeman
The Buccaneers’ young arm developed into quite the team leader and big passer in 2010. In his second year Freeman took the reins and led the Bucs to a 10-6 record. The 2nd year quarterback passed for nearly 3,500 yards and threw 25 touchdowns; he also scrambled for another 360 yards starting all 16 games in 2010. Freeman elevated his play this past season and will undoubtedly be a solid number two fantasy quarterback (possibly low end number one in deeper leagues) in 2011.

QB-Joe Flacco
With his new toys this past season the Ravens young quarterback (Flacco) continued his progression improving his numbers in yards (3,622 yards), touchdowns (25), and passer rating (93.6). The Ravens didn’t quite accomplish what they had hoped for when they added all their new toys, look for them to continue to look for ways to improve. As the team keeps finding ways to improve, Flacco will continue to get better and his numbers will keep rising. He’ll be a top 10 fantasy quarterback in 2011.

WR-Mike Wallace
The Steelers big play receiver emerged as a bonafide elite fantasy receiver in 2010, finishing the season with 60 receptions for 1,257 yards receiving with 10 touchdowns. After a nice rookie campaign, the former Ole Miss Rebel rose to the forefront as the Steelers best weapon. With a great rapport with his starting quarterback Wallace will be a legit top 10 fantasy receiver in 2011.

Check back for more of my digest and more notes on the most notable fantasy players in 2010.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 7th, 2011, Monday

Monday Morning Huddle
(Late Evening Edition)


Super Bowl XLV Champions

Green Bay Packers

Packers 31 – Steelers 25

The 2010-2011 Season is a Wrap

It didn’t quite come down to the very last play, but the Packers and Steelers second-take was every bit as dramatic and exciting as their prolific matchup back in December of 2009. The Packers offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers stifled the Steelers top ranked defense much of the game and it was linebacker Clay Matthews Jr., with his golden locks that came up with probably the play of the game. With the momentum on the swing and the Steelers in position to maybe take their first lead of the game, Matthews delivered a hit on running back Rashard Mendenhall forcing a costly fumble and setting up the Packers offense to ice the game.

On queue Rodgers led the Packers downfield for the game deciding touchdown that would put the Packers up 28-17. It would be all the Packers would need to win. The Steelers fought the good fight showing no quit and coming right back with a quick score and two point conversion to make this one close, but ultimately this day belonged to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.

In front of a packed stadium in the house that Jerry built Rodgers and the Packers captured their 13th NFL title and 4th Super Bowl. It was a spectacular moment in the Green & Yellow’s history, but a great leap in the future of young Mr. Rodgers.

Rodgers’ performance on the greatest stage of all was brilliant and unquestionably put him in the same breath of some of the other great performances we have seen in this era, but it was performance throughout the post season is where his greatness lies and his name was made. The Packers new gunslinger has yet to reach legendary status, but his memorable run through the playoffs has definitely launched him well on his way.

Aaron Rodgers has not just stepped out of the shadow of one legendary NFL Icon, but he has cast his own great shadow upon the sport that he dominated for the past two months, leading the Packers to six straight victories which included the last four away from the comforts of Lambeau. Rodgers was spectacular and dominate at times completing 68 percent of his passes and throwing 14 touchdowns with just three picks in his last six starts; he also added two rushing touchdowns in the playoffs.

After returning from his second concussion and faced with his greatest adversity he had seen since taking his first step out from the shadow of the great Brett Favre, Rodgers responded with true grit and the heart of a lion. Rodgers and the Packers were sitting at 8-6 and the only way they would ever reach this moment in time, sitting on top of the world as champions, re-writing NFL history, they would have to just win.

And win Rodgers and the Packers did.

In the ultimate team sport the Packers did like Al Davis used to say “just win baby.” They were led by their fiery quarterback who let his play lead the historic franchise (Packers). Needing two wins to reach the Playoffs Rodgers was great; needing three road wins to reach the Super Bowl, he was brilliant, needing the game of his life to hold the Lombardi trophy in his hands at the end of the game, Rodgers was legendary.

He’s not quite there (An NFL legend) yet, but buckle up folks, hold onto your seats, and get your popcorn ready, it looks like this ride is going to be a great one!

Just my take on things.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY GAMETIME

February 6th, 2011, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime
(afternoon edition)

Super Bowl Sunday

Injury notes

Just as many thought heading into the Sunday the Steelers will be without their Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey (ankle), who was ruled OUT after not participating in Friday’s practice. Defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps) was also ruled out for Super Bowl Sunday after being limited this week in practice; Evander Ziggy Hood will start in his place as usual.

The Packers are not completely healthy heading into Sunday; linebacker Erik Walden (ankle) is questionable for Sunday, but head coach Mike McCarthy likely won’t decide his status up until warm-ups. Wide receiver Donald Driver (quad) has been limited this week, but there’s no way he missed today’s game; how effective he will be could be a question.

Fantasy Player Notes

The Packers seem to be the hot pick in many of today’s pregame shows and Aaron Rodgers figures to be right in the middle of any success the Pack enjoy. The Steelers boast one of the league’s stingiest run defenses leaving Packers running back James Starks facing an immovable object; in 18 games this season the Steelers have not allowed a single 100-yard rushing game to any opposing back and Sunday is unlikely to be the first. The tight end spot could be a hot fantasy play today with the Steelers secondary really struggling in the post season to cover the position.

Big Ben will be the key for the Steelers’ offense to manufacturer points against the Packers’ defense. This post season wide receiver Mike Wallace has been held in check, if the Packers roll coverage and take away Ben’s favorite target, secondary targets like tight end Heath Miller, Hines Ward, and rookie Emmanuel Sanders could come up big. Miller may be a tough option to roll with, since the Packers have shut down opposing tight ends throughout the playoffs.

My favorites today…

With this game having every chance of being another block-buster shootout like their matchup in December of 2009, I have a few favorites that I like in today’s Packers-Steelers matchup;

Aaron Rodgers could be set to have the game of his career today against one of the league’s best defenses. Last season he passed for nearly 400 yards and accounted for four scores, his day may not be quite as productive, but with a victory it will be even greater.

Jordy Nelson has been a consistent option in the Packers passing attack and should see several passes in his direction.

Greg Jennings is just too good to stop and his recent numbers in his last two playoff games are enough evidence (16 catches, 231 yards receiving).

Rashard Mendenhall will take on more of a featured back roll and will have plenty of touches to generate strong numbers and earn a fantasy start, but it may not be enough to produce the win.

Andrew Quarless may only see a few balls today at his tight end position, but one or two could come up in the red zone.

Final message…..today’s 45th Super Sunday should be a classic, power versus power, playmakers all around, and historic franchises and a collision with destiny, it will be one for the ages. Congratulations to both the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers and good luck today on Super Bowl Sunday!


By David Ortega