Tuesday, August 21, 2012

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST


Tuesday Edition
August 21st, 2012 







David’s Daily Digest






Looking At the 2012 Fantasy Season


Previewing the Big Arms

With several of my own fantasy drafts approaching it’s time to start looking at this season’s studs and talking some serious fantasy football. And there’s no better place to start than right under center.

When we are talking about the quarterback spot, there are no better field generals than the Three Kings of the Gridiron; Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, and Tom Brady. These guys do it big and have been consistently over the past several seasons; Rodgers has averaged nearly 33 passing touchdowns per season since 2008, Brady has averaged over 34 touchdowns the past three seasons, and Brees has at least 33 passing touchdowns in each of his last four seasons, including 46 last year. Quite simply, these guys are better than good.

If these three are the Kings, than we have to anoint the Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford as one of the league’s top princes. He’s not quite at the elite level yet, but after his 5,000 yards in 2011 with 41 touchdowns he is very close. Eli Manning is another prince in the league flirty with the next level, but his touchdown-interception will need to improve a bit, before he can get real consideration.

Cam Newton and Michael Vick certainly deserve strong consideration as a starting fantasy quarterback, but with their reward and great mobility will come lots of risk. At least Cam has size, but even with his build you’d rather he use his arm more and legs less. Enough can’t be said about Vick when talking about protecting yourself. His mobility has been one of his greatest assets, but also one of his biggest nemeses; staying healthy will be his greatest task in 2012.

A couple of names that could emerge as solid fantasy starters will include Matt Schaub, who should bounce back nicely this season from his injuries of a year ago. Ben Roethlisberger is like Vick, he needs to stay healthy to pay-off for owners. If he can avoid the big hits, with studs like Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown to throw the ball deep to, Big Ben could have a solid 2012 campaign.

Peyton Manning is going to fall on most boards, but as a late QB1, he could prove to be a great value and steal in most drafts. He’s still got a little rust to shake off, but once the regular season gets going he’d going to find his old form; and the weather in Denver won’t make a difference.

Philip Rivers and Tony Romo may both fall a bit this season in fantasy drafts after the disappointing performances from their respective teams last season, but don’t be fooled. These two have plenty left in their tanks and are still surrounded with enough talent to finish as Top 10 fantasy quarterbacks.


On Your Radar 

We've heard the talk before in the past, but this could actually be the season we see the pay off with quarterback Matt Ryan. The Falcon’s starter has some new toys and reliable weapons in his arsenal and could be in line for a big 2012 season.

A couple of names that could really breakout in 2012 with big seasons and peak into the Top 10 include; Andy Dalton, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Jay Cutler. I like Dalton, because with a great receiver like AJ Green (and we’ll get to him in due time), how can you not get better. Fitzpatrick has continually improved and he should greatly improve upon his 23 picks last season; I expect good things from Ryan this season. It’s hard not to like Cutler’s big arm and add that he has his old favorite target in Brandon Marshall back, his 2012 looks too good.

These guys are more than just after thoughts, or roster fillers, they could be a great replacement and starter because of injuries or should any of the big names struggle. Keep them on your radar.


By David Ortega