Monday, November 19, 2012

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES


Monday Edition
November 19th, 2012 







David’s Daily Digest










MNF Quick Notes

Sunday Night’s matchup between the Ravens and Steelers was just an appetizer to what fantasy owners should expect tonight when the San Francisco 49ers host the Chicago Bears. While both teams are not short on the fantasy list of offensive skill players, this contest has the makings to be all about the defense.

With that said, there will still be plenty of notable fantasy players to watch on both sidelines when these two teams take to the field in just a few short hours. None of what I have to say here is to say or suggest no other players will rise tonight, but if you are just looking for those safe plays, these gridiron warriors may be as far as you want to look.

The Players…

The Bears will provide some of the more attractive options, although tonight they may not offer some of their more productive outings. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall has been a fantasy savior this season, in particular of late. Marshall is currently riding a six game streak with at least 6 catches and 80 yards receiving. In that span his numbers are 51 receptions for 690 yards with six touchdowns; even with Jason Campbell under center Marshall should be targeted heavily and be able to produce his minimum numbers, 6/80.

The Niners defense is stingy to say the least, but fortunately for Matt Forte owners, the Bears ball carrier is multi-faceted. The versatile back will likely contribute as much in the short passing as he does in the run and while yards may be tough to find on the ground with 22 receptions this season he should still be a safe PPR play this evening.

On the other sideline, running back Frank Gore is a hard nose grinder built for matchups just like tonight. He should see more than enough carries to gauge and carve his way through the Bears defense for good numbers. I would not expect (though I wouldn’t be surprised) a 100-yard effort, but Gore may come very close and could sneak a carry into the end zoen f the Niners can keep this one close and not get impatient. Their best tonight will be with Gore and the Niners ground game, especially after watching the Texans grind out 129 yards last Sunday night.

Sleeper…

With this one being a close affair and both sides taking a more conservative approach, don’t be surprised to see Bears Michael Bush getting some carries and maybe an opportunity or two in the red zone. He may not offer much to most, but in deeper formats he could be a nice sleeper play in a flex spot.

Team Defenses…

While the Niners defense does get a lot of notoriety, the Bears defense may be the better play tonight. The Bears have been making as much if not more noise than any other team in the league on the defensive side of the ball in 2012; a good reason why any fantasy players versus the Bears tonight could face a disappointing outcome. The Bears are by no means dominant and they are not going to shut folks down, but they are opportunistic and big play. Sacks, picks, and touchdowns seem to be the trademark of the Bears and facing a back-up quarterback tonight would seem to spell much success.
  

By David Ortega



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