FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Saturday Edition

September 15th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

QUICK TAKES

Jermaine is Ready to Dance on Sunday

The Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham sees a very favorable matchup this week facing the Browns. Gresham has emerged as one of quarterback Andy Dalton’s favorite pass catchers and looking back at the damaged he caused against the Browns in 2011 (in two games), he figures to be on the hot list to do more damage this weekend.

In two games last season Gresham was extremely productive hauling in 11 passes for over 100 yards with two scores (standard scoring; 24 points, higher in PPR). Although the Bengals tight end was limited to just three grabs for 30 yards in week one, owners should take solace in the fact Gresham was targeted eight times (third on the team). Gresham hasn’t elevated to that next (fantasy) level, but he should be solid option in week 2.

My Take: He’s a safe start this week against a Browns defense that allowed 7 receptions for 81 yards and a score the Eagles tight ends in week one.

Rice Could Be Cooked on Sunday

The Seahawks number receiver Sidney Rice has been looking like anything, but a top-flight fantasy option at the receiver spot. And after spending the entire week on the injury reports, his probabl status does little to change his outlook for Sunday. The Seahawks offense will have a lot of work ahead of them this season as they struggle to find their identity with a young quarterback under center; don’t expect the Cowboys 7^th ranked defense to make that any easier in week 2.

Rice did score a week ago against the Arizona Cardinals defense, but he finished the game with just four grabs for 36 yards; hardly anything for a fantasy owner to get too excited about. This week matched up with a Cowboys secondary that kept both Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks out of the end zone in week 1, Rice’s outlook looks shady at best.

My Take: I am not a big fan of Rice this week, nor quarterback Russell Wilson. In week one the Cowboys defense brought plenty of pressure getting to Giants quarterback Eli Manning three times. If they are successful bringing pressure on Sunday (and they should be) Wilson will have little time to look downfield for any receivers, let alone his big target (Rice).

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Friday Edition

September 14th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

QUICK TAKES

Manning Looks Strong in Week 2

After a solid performance in week one against the vaunted Steeler defense, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning looks set to continue his success in week two. Manning has the weapons (Thomas, Decker, Tamme) and a strong ground game to succeed and appears to be plenty rust free. His fastball may have lost a little zip, but his football IQ is as high as ever. While opposing defenses play the guessing game trying to figure out what Manning can still do, he'll continue to take advantage of doing what he knows he can.

The Broncos will face a tough Falcon defense and a loud Atlanta crowd, but there's nothing the savvy veteran Manning hasn't seen. He's a lock for another solid outing in week two, maybe not monster numbers against a secondary that allowed 240 yards in the air a week ago, but solid. Manning should be good for somewhere in the neighborhood of 240 yards Monday night with a couple of scores; he's definitely worthy of top 10 fantasy consideration this week.

My take: Needless to say, I like Manning a lot this week.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Wednesday Edition

September 12th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

QUICK TAKES

Last Sunday the Jets offense may have posted a league high 48 points in their week one win earning the grade of A, but there defense will need lots of study this week if they hope to make the grade. Against the Bills, the Jets run defense surrendered a league high 195 yards on the ground and with the Steelers next on the slate their task to stop the run will likely not get any easier. If fantasy owners were hoping running back Isaac Redman would be the temporary productive fill-in for the injured Rashard Mendenhall, week one was a big swing and a miss. Redman finished Sunday’s game in week one against the Broncos with just 20 yards rushing on 11 carries.

The spark in the ground game came from back-up Jonathan Dwyer. The former Yellow-Jacket from Georgia Tech toted the rock nine times for 43 yards and added a couple of grabs for another 11 yards. It was not a big game by any stretch, but far more effective than Redman. It’s been noted that Dwyer is in line to see an increased load on Sunday in week 2 and with the Jets coming to town, that could spell some big numbers.

My Take: Dwyer is likely not owned in many leagues and if you suffered from the Fred Jackson week one injury, this Steeler could be the perfect fix in week two. Redman or Dwyer versus the Jets, I like Dwyer as one of my fantasy favorites in week two.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Monday Edition

September 10th, 2012 

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 1 Quarterbacks

There were plenty of surprises and nice turn-ins by a few of the Fantasy regular, but these five were the performances I found most interesting on Sunday. I am not saying these were the best, but there’s no question their numbers had an impact in fantasy and on the field.

Mark Sanchez, NYJ (266 yards passing, 3 touchdowns)

The San-chise is back? Maybe it’s too early to be crowing anyone, but what a nice turn-around for the former Trojan after a dismal showing throughout the playoffs; or was that the plan?

My Fantasy Read: Sanchez had a break-out Sunday against the Bills, but it’s far too small a sample to weigh in that he’s come of age. This should be a make or break year for Sanchez and he’s off to a good start, but before you start selling his stock high we’ll need to see more return.

Robert Griffin III, WASH (320 yards passing, 2 touchdowns)

Does anyone want to give Mike Shanahan any credit for knowing what he is doing. Sure his tenure in Washington thus far has been tumultuous at best, but nice call with the selection of the kid with the dreads. RGIII looked nothing like a raw rookie dicing up the Saints defense on Sunday.

My Fantasy Read: The rookie sure didn’t play like one, taking his Redskins on the road and traveling to New Orleans to knock off last seasons’ NFC South Division winner. The feat and performance on Sunday was quite impressive, but it may be a little too early to coronate RGIII. Early as it may be, it’s not too early to say he’s worth starting in week two against the Rams.

  

Tom Brady, NE (236 yards passing, 2 touchdowns)

Tom Terrifc was every bit just that completing 23 of 31 passes as he and the Patriots sailed to an easy 34-13 road win over the Titans.

My Fantasy Read: Once he and his deep threat Brandon Lloyd get more in sync, expect Brady to start posting not just big, but huge numbers. Brady has plenty of weapons, but he’ll need the presence and effectiveness of Lloyd to retain his place near the top of the QB fantasy world.

Jay Cutler, CHI (333 yards passing, 2 touchdowns)

With his new toy in place, Cutler made wide receiver Brandon Marshall feel right at home hooking up with his former and re-united teammate nine times. Cutler also made mince meat of the Colts secondary connecting on 21 of 35 passes.

My Fantasy Read: Cutler was brilliant and quite deadly with his big arm. Now that he has a big time receiver and a couple of big targets he’s going to be a top 10 fantasy QB every week. In week two, he could have trouble facing the Packers pass rush, but when they don’t get there he’s going to make them pay. He’s a worthy start every week.

Peyton Manning, DEN (253 yards passing, 2 touchdowns)

How long was he out anyway? Peyton Manning sure didn’t show much rust Sunday night facing the Steelers defense, as a matter of fact he showed a lot of sharpness and poise. Manning was efficient and accurate as ever completing 19 of 26 passes (73% completion) and completely picking apart the Steelers secondary.

My Fantasy Read: Like any fantasy play it’s always good to consider the matchup, but Manning at this point looks like a safe solid play week in and week out. The Broncos O-line did a pretty good job of protection and with the next matchup in doors (at Atlanta), Manning should feel quite comfortable facing the Falcons secondary next Monday. 

One Final Thought

Not to slight any quarterbacks in week one, but one more that deserves a quick mention is Matt Ryan (ATL). Against the Chiefs Ryan shined with 299 yards passing and three touchdowns. A quick read, this was no fluke; with the weapons he now has in Atlanta, Ryan is poised to put up big numbers. 

By David Ortega