FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT

March 2nd, 2011 Thursday

Wednesday’s
Watercooler Chat

Before we get to far ahead of ourselves and start looking deep into the 2011 fantasy season with fingers crossed, we’re going to take a moment to recognized those players that made the 2010 well worth watching and playing fantasy. If we are going to look back at anything, there’s no better place to start than at the top; the 2010 top fantasy studs.

Every year fantasy owners do their homework to determine the best of the best before their respective drafts; these were the fantasy studs found in the early rounds (1-6) of most fantasy drafts that out-performed their expectations for 2010.

The 2010 Fantasy Studs

Roddy White, WR-Atlanta Falcons
Heading the list of studs from last season has to be the Falcons wide receiver Roddy White. A top fantasy prospect for 2010, the Falcons receiver posted career numbers with 115 receptions and yards, making him a favorite in traditional leagues as well as PPR. White also added another 10 receiving touchdowns following his career high 11 in 2009.

Calvin Johnson, WR-Detroit Lions
Megatron makes our list with a bounce back 2010 season after a 2009 campaign that was derailed with injuries and double/triple teams. Last season Johnson caught 77 passes for 1,120 yards and his 12 touchdowns ranked 2nd among the leaders making him a fantasy favorite.

Tom Brady, QB-New England Patriots
The Patriots signal caller is always a terrific fantasy bet, but after a 2009 season that saw a slight dip in production, few fantasy owners could expect the season Brady delivered in 2010 especially with the loss of his best weapon (Randy Moss). Brady still led the league with 36 touchdown passes and added 3,900 yards passing to the delight of many fantasy owners.

Philip Rivers, QB-San Diego Chargers
The Chargers field general was already a projected top 5 fantasy quarterback by most heading into 2010, but with a strong performance in 2010 he performed near best. Rivers had one of his best seasons as a pro in 2010 passing for 4,710 yards (a career high) and tossing 30 touchdowns. His strong play last season certified him place among the elite class and will put his name at the top of several fantasy draft lists in 2011.

The Noteworthy of 2010…

These “Studs” enjoyed banner success in 2010 and brought much happiness to many fantasy owners on Sunday;

Jamaal Charles (Chiefs), 1,457 yards rush, 45 rec, 468 yards rec, 8 TDs
Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs), 72 receptions, 1,162 yards receiving, 15 TDs
Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers), 1,273 yards rush, 23 rec, 167 yards rec, 13 TDs
Matt Forte (Bears), 1,069 yards rush, 547 yards rec, 9 TDs
Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants), 1,235 yards rush, 47 rec, 314 yards rec, 8 TDs
Jason Witten (Cowboys), 1,002 yards receiving, 9 TDs
Peyton Manning (Colts), 4,700 yards passing, 33 TDs
Hakeem Nicks (Giants), 79 receptions, 1,052 yards receiving, 11 TDs
Santana Moss (Redskins), 93 receptions, 1,115 yards receiving, 6 TDs

Checking back for more fantasy football notes....

By David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 27th, 2011 Sunday

David’s Daily Digest

IDP Time Continues

As we continue to take a look at the IDP side of fantasy one thing to point out, when it comes to scoring on the defensive side of fantasy consistency tells the tale. Pass rushing linebackers tend to have the big games during the fantasy season, but it’s the run-stuffers that get it done week in and week out. The team leading tacklers are the back bone of any fantasy defense, because their consistent play will help you win championships….

The Run-Stuffers…..

LB-Jerod Mayo
The Patriots leading tackler not only led his team, but Jerod Mayo led the entire league with 114 solo tackles and 175 combined. It was the second time in his three seasons that he has registered more than 100 solo tackles and in all three seasons Mayo has combined for more than 100. Mayo will be at the top of many fantasy IDP drafts lists this summer.

LB-Stephen Tulloch
The Titans five-year middle-linebacker Stephen Tulloch came into his own this past season. After a very strong 2009 campaign Tulloch came back in 2010 to finish the year with 111 solo tackles (2nd in the league) and 160 combined (2nd in the league). 2010 marked the first season Tulloch started all 16 games and fantasy owners can be sure he will be starting all 16 in 2011. He’s another IDP name that will be near the top of most draft lists in 2011.

LB-Brian Urlacher
The Bears biggest Monster of the Midway returned to the gridiron in style in 2010 after missing nearly all of the 2009 season. Urlacher led the team with 96 solo stops and 125 combined last season and he showcased his athletic ability with four sacks, 10 pass-defenses, one interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He likely won’t go first in IDP drafts this summer, but his versatility will keep him in the top-ten.

LB-Patrick Willis
The Niners team leading tackler Patrick Willis stepped up his game with six sacks in 2010, but his overall totals took a slight dip. Despite the fall in tackling numbers with 128 combined in 2010, Willis remains a top tier selection on most draft boards and will likely go near the top once again.

LB-Paul Posluszny
The Bills linebacker Pau Posluszny has quickly become a rising star in this league in just four seasons. In just 14 games in 2010 he totaled 151 tackles and looks primed to be a run-stuffing force for years to come. His name is one that will be heard a lot on fantasy draft day, especially near to the top of all drafts.

Reliable names worthy of mention…

While players like James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley grab the headlines with hard hits and quarterback sacks, linebacker Lawrence Timmons clogs the middle and leads the team with tackles (135 combined tackles in 2010).

Another linebacker lacking the headlines of notoriety, but still getting the job done in the middle is the Vikings Chad Greenway (144 combined tackles in 2010).

Ray Lewis was solid again in 2010 (139 combined tackles) and should be a worthy second tier linebacker grab in IDP fantasy drafts this summer.

The Broncos have a steady player in the middle on defense with linebacker D.J. Williams (119 combined tackles in 2010). With two straight seasons with more than 100 combined tackles Williams is quickly becoming an IDP fantasy favorite; he’s a high second tier linebacker pick in fantasy drafts.

These are just a handful of the run-stuffers that will be ranked later this summer when we start looking at fantasy drafts for 2011. Check back soon as we continue to review the defensive side of fantasy.

By David Ortega