FSH NOTEBOOK: SFFL WEEK 8

Saturday Edition
October 28TH, 2012  

Suicide Fantasy Football

Week 8

Before looking ahead to Sunday, here’s a quick look back at week 7. It’s been a steady year thus far, with my team averaging 116 points per week, but in week 7 we fell off the pace a bit scoring just 108 points.

The highlight of my week 7 lineup was undoubtedly the Jackson 2. Running back Fred Jackson was solid last week against the Titans totaling 26 fantasy points which was powered by his 8 receptions a touchdown and 120 yards from scrimmage. The other Jackson, Bucs receiver Vincent Jackson was even greater with 7 receptions for 216 yards and a score.

If my team is going to make any moves this week, I’ll need efforts like this from more than just two players, so let’s take a look at who I am turning to in week 8.

My Line-up

The season is long and there are still plenty of weeks to play, but after falling a couple of spots last week, it’s time to make a big jump up the board and get back into this race. Here’s a look at my lineup for week 8 and the players that will get the job done;

Quarterback:
This week under center it will be “Big Ben” Roethlisberger against the Redskins. Big Ben has faced two teams ranked 25th or higher against the pass and he’s averaged 373 yards passing with 5 touchdowns and just one pick. The Redskins rank 32 versus the pass and allow the 6th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Running Backs:
I am saddling up with a couple of horses that should run pretty ragged this Sunday. The first is Ryan Matthews; the Chargers ball carrier is looking at the league’s 25th ranked run defense (Browns) that allows the 13th most fantasy points to opposing backs. The Chargers are coming off a horrid collapse on Monday night in week 6; they got away from the run and it hurt them. This week lots of Matthews should lead to a road win.

My other tailback for Sunday is LeSean McCoy versus the Falcons. The Eagles running back currently ranks 16th in fantasy scoring among ball carriers. Fantasy owners are waiting for the real “Slim Shady” McCoy to arrive and this week could be the week. The Falcons defense ranks 28th against the run, allowing seven rushing touchdowns this season, and giving up the 12th most fantasy points to running backs. Look for Shady to break loose this Sunday.

Wide Receivers:
Leading the good hands people in week 8 is the Packers “Mr. Excitement” wide receiver Randall Cobb. With Jennings out, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had to call on his other weapons to step up and over the past several weeks Cobb has been one to answer that call. Since week 5 Cobb leads the team in receptions (19-tied) and receiving yards (273). This week Cobb should enjoy more success against a Jaguars defense that ranks 24th against the pass.

Also lining up out wide this week is wide receiver Antonio Brown. It only makes sense if Big Ben is going to have a big Sunday, than his targets are in line to do the same. With Wallace always a threat to go deep on the other side, Brown has been seeing lots of opportunities averaging better than 9 targets per contest. The Redskins give up the most fantasy points to receivers; Sunday should be a very good day for Brown.

Tight End:
The Browns defense is ranked 26th against the pass this season which should spell good news for Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. The Brown may only allow the 8th fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season, but Gates is no ordinary tight end. He is coming off his best performance of the season, scoring twice in week 6 against the Broncos, and should be a focal point in the Chargers passing attack.

Place Kicker:
This week I am entrusting the foot of Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski. On the road the Raiders offense could stall in the red zone and Janikowski has the leg to hit it from anywhere. I am expecting at least three field goals on Sunday.

Team Defense:
The Chargers defense has not been much to get too excited about this season ranked 13th overall, but facing a rookie quarterback is always a nice prospect. The Chargers defense ranks 17th in fantasy scoring with 10 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 6 fumble recoveries this season. Sunday they will look to improve upon these numbers.


These are my picks for week 8.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition
October 28th, 2012

David’s Daily Digest

MY IDP REPORT

IDPs To Watch in Week 8

Luke Kuechly, LB
The Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly has been a tackling stud in his past two games with a total of 26 combined tackles. Kuechly has also added a fumble recovery and interception over the same span and looks to continue his busy trend this week against the Bears 9th ranked rushing offense. 

Chris Harris, DB
Starting in place of the injured Tracy Porter, the Broncos cornerback Chris Harris has come up big for the defense the past two games. Harris has been a busy man recording 11 combined tackles with two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. With the Saints coming to town, Harris should have lots of opportunity to continue to make plays.

Sheldon Brown, DB
The Browns cornerback Sheldon Brown has been doing some bigtime ball-hawking the past three weeks with two fumble recoveries and one interception to lead the Browns defense. Brown is coming off a huge week 7 performance with 10 combined tackles, including a sack and with the Chargers in town he’ll definitely get a large dose of Ryan Matthews; could be another big game.

Madieu Williams, S
The Redskins safety Madieu Williams has been an IDP stud the past two weeks totaling 19 combined tackles with an interception in his last two games. With the Steelers on the slate next, Williams will be key in run support and in coverage trying to contain the speedy Steelers receiver Mike Wallace. His big numbers should continue.

Cliff Avril, DE
The Lions defensive end Cliff Avril has been a menace to opposing quarterbacks all season, but the last two weeks he’s been really wrecking havoc with three sacks. Avril has also added 8 combined tackles the past two games, including 4.5 tackles for a loss. He will be a big key in trying to slow down the Seahawks ground attack and looks to extend his sack streak of two games; the Seahawks offensive line allows a sack every 12.5 passing attempts.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FOOTBALL FIXX

Friday Edition

October 26th, 2012 

Friday’s Football Fixx

Fantasy Watch

With injuries playing a big part of the fantasy football season, it’s always important to stay on top of things; to know who is hurting, feeling better, practicing, returning to action, not expected to play and most importantly the impact;

Player news

Graham a game-time decision

The Saints tight end Jimmy Graham has been dealing with an ankle issue that won’t go away and will be a game-time decision for Sunday. Graham is not having a great 2012 campaign as compared to last season; he missed week 7 and caught just one pass back in week 5, just before the Saints bye. Even if he plays his effectiveness is going to be questionable.

Nelson questionable for Sunday

The Packers could be without wide receiver Jordy Nelson this Sunday when the team plays host to Jacksonville. Nelson has had the hot hand with four touchdowns in his last two starts, but he is dealing with a hamstring injury that could limit him and keep him on the sideline. With Jennings already ruled out, if Nelson sits wide receivers Randall Cobb and James Jones will be the hot play for fantasy owners.

Richardson could play Sunday

The Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson has been battling nagging injuries much of the season and his sore ribs could keep him off the gridiron this Sunday. Richardson has managed to make it through three days of practice this week, but he is still a big question mark for Sunday. If Richardson sits, back Montario Hardesty is ready to fill the void against the Chargers stout run defense.

Johnson probable for Sunday

The Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson was limited in practice this week, but he is listed as probable on the injury reports and appears to be in no danger of missing time. He has a tough matchup this week facing the Seahawks corners, but he is Megatron and needs to be started every week.

Pettigrew expected to start

The Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew is listed as probable on the injury report, but figures to start this Sunday against the Seahawks. The Seahawks do a great job against opposing wide receivers, but allow the 16^th most fantasy points to tight ends, so the Lions will definitely need Pettigrew on the field.

Nicks looks ready for Sunday

The Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks was able to practice in full on Friday with no issues. He is listed as probable on the injury reports and figures to start against the Cowboys this Sunday. The Giants will need a healthy Nicks to match up with the Cowboys stingy secondary that allows the 4^th fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Lynch puts in full practice

The Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch turned in a full week of practice and looks set for a Beast-mode Sunday against the Lions. Lynch ranks in the top 10 for fantasy running backs, but will have his work cut out this Sunday facing a Lions defense that has allows the 5^th fewest fantasy points per game to running backs.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Friday Edition
October 26th, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 8 Fantasy Picks (all positions)

Week 8 is another week of battling the byes for fantasy owners, with the Ravens, Texans, Bengals, and Bills on the sidelines this Sunday. With 14 games on the schedule (includes the Thursday night game) there are plenty of options to turn to, even if you don’t have Adrian Peterson or Doug Martin on your roster. Week 8 is the mid-point of the NFL season and the start of the back stretch for most fantasy leagues; time to start pulling the pieces together and make your run for the post season. 


This week I have some picks that are not only a good fill this week, but may offer more help going forward;

Andrew Luck, QB
It’s hard to not be a fan of Andrew Luck. He entered the league with great expectations and has not disappointed. Although he will be away from home this weekend, you have to like his matchup going against the Titans on Sunday. Luck has shown had his struggles on the road, but the Titans rank 27th versus the pass and have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. This looks like one of the matchups where the Colts will be able to keep it close and as long as they do, the offense will turn to Luck to make the needed plays. Luck is still a rookie and has not been all consistent this season, but before Thursday he did rank 11th in fantasy scoring among quarterbacks so he’s a great back up fantasy QB heading toward the fantasy post season.

Eric Decker, WR
The Broncos offense appears to have an ideal matchup for fantasy owners this Sunday night when they play host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints secondary ranks 30th against the pass and have allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. This is good news for Eric Decker owners. Decker has been solid the past several weeks scoring a touchdown in each of his last three games. Decker is also averaging 9 targets per game over the same stretch, so it’s safe to expect much of the same Sunday night.

Darren McFadden, RB
Just like the Raiders, all fantasy owners are still waiting for running back Darren McFadden to have that big game to jump start his season. Despite his recent struggles toting the rock; just one game this season with over 100-yards rushing and averaging only 3.1 yards per carry, McFadden (20th) still ranks in the top 20 in fantasy points for running backs. This week’s opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs rank 22nd against the run and allow the 6th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. This could just be the matchup McFadden needs to get it going this season and once he does he still has the Ravens (27th against the run), Saints (31st), Bengals (21st), Browns (24th), Broncos (18th) and the Chiefs (22nd) again on the schedule.

Brandon Pettigrew, TE
The Lions passing game faces a tough matchup this Sunday with the Seahawks coming to town, but the good news is Pettigrew looks like he will be available. The Lions tight end has fallen quite a ways down the fantasy radar this season ranking 17th in fantasy scoring amongst tight ends. With the Seahawks corners and safeties looking to take Calvin Johnson out of the equation, the middle of the field could be left open for Pettigrew to operate. The Seahawks defense also ranks among the middle tier in fantasy scoring against tight ends, but don’t expect a mammoth performance. Pettigrew will see his fair share (of targets) on Sunday, averaging 8 targets a game and with Calvin on the field drawing extra attention, he could see even more.

Josh Gordon, WR
With wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi out of action the past several weeks, quietly Browns rookie receiver Josh Gordon has been working his way up the fantasy charts. The big receiver from Baylor has become a scoring machine recording four touchdowns in his last three games. Brown has been heavily targeted (22 times) the past three weeks and though he has only 7 receptions he is making the most of his opportunities when he does catch the ball. Gordon has 240 yards receiving in his last three contests averaging over 34 yards per grab. He is a playmaker and will see the leagues 25th ranked pass defense (Chargers) that also allow the 6th most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Gordon has a good matchup and is slowing working his way to becoming the Browns number one receiver (if he hasn’t yet).


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Thursday Edition
October 25th, 2012

David’s Daily Digest

Week 8 Fantasy Notes:

With the Packers losing wide receiver Greg Jennings (sports hernia surgery) for an extended period, wideout Randall Cobb gets a big boost to his fantasy value. The exciting playmaking receiver has blossomed over the past several weeks in Jennings absence. Cobb has averaged 6 receptions and 90 yards receiving in his last three games and he has added three touchdowns in the same stretch. Going forward fantasy owners can play him with confidence.

With Rashard Mendenhall not practicing and Issac Redmen limited on Thursday, it looks like the Steelers will once again be turning to running back Jonathan Dwyer. Coming off a strong 122-yard performance a week ago Dwyer looks fixed to carry the brunt of the load on Sunday against the Redskins. Facing the leagues 7th ranked run defense that allows the 11th fewest fantasy points to running backs this season, Dwyer appears to be nothing more than a week 8 flex option at best.

Quarterback Philip Rivers struggled in the second half of the Chargers Monday night matchup against the Broncos back in Week 6, but with the Browns next on the slate the road to recovery looks well on its’ way. The Browns defense is ranked 26th against the pass and they have surrendered the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. After his four interception performance in week 6, this matchup may be just what Rivers needs.

Two weeks ago on Monday night the Broncos wide receiver Demaryrius Thomas was relatively quiet against the Chargers defense finishing the night with just two catches. He did manage a score, but his output was far less than what owners were looking for. This Sunday the Broncos will host the Saints and Thomas could be looking at a much more productivity. The Saints are ranked 30th versus the pass and allow the 3rd most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.

The Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson has looked better this week in practice according to head coach Pat Shurmur, but given his recent history of inconsistency and prone to injury he remains a high risk this week for fantasy owners. The Browns will host the Chargers this Sunday and should Richardson make it on the field he’ll face the leagues’ 3rd ranked run defense that only allows 3.5 yards per carry and has surrendered just two rushing touchdowns this season; not a good matchup.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY'S TAKE

Thursday Edition
October 25th, 2012  

Thursdays Take

Starts

With quarterback Josh Freeman playing at such a high level of late, it’s hard not to like his Week 8 matchup against the Vikings this week. Even though the Buccaneers are on the road, Freeman has a nice matchup against a Vikings defense that is ranked 11th in the league versus the pass and has allowed the 10th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Freeman has passed for over 1,000 yards and tossed seven touchdowns in his last three starts and looks primed to continue his hot hand tonight. 

The Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin has been Mr. Everything for the offense this season, leading the team with 53 receptions and 646 scrimmage yards. Last week Harvin was held in check by a stingy Cardinals secondary, but that all could change tonight against the Buccaneers. The Bucs allow the 9th most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and Percy has managed to find the end-zone three times in his last three games; look for a productive evening from the Vikings playmaker. Last season in their lone matchup against the Bucs, Harvin tallied 7 grabs for 76 yards.

With the awakening of the Bucs passing game over the past several weeks, tight end Dallas Clark is suddenly relevant again in fantasy. Clark is coming off his best and busiest performance this season. In week 7 Clark was targeted 6 times, snagging five balls for 51 yards and a score against the Cardinals. Fantasy owners could be licking their chops with Clark set to face the Vikings tonight. The Vikings defense has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends making Clark an attractive option for week 8.

Sits

The Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder is coming off a horrendous passing performance in week 7 versus the Cardinals. Last week Ponder passed for just 58 yards completing just 8 passes. While no one expects his numbers to be quite as bad tonight against the Bucs, his prospect of playing well does not look good. The Bucs 31st ranked pass defense has allowed 11th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Owners can expect a lot more yards than 58 this week, but finding the end zone tonight could be difficult; especially with AP in the red zone.

The Bucs running back Doug Martin has been consistent the past two weeks averaging over 120 scrimmage yards per game. Facing a couple of soft defenses versus the run the past two games, Martin will be lining up against the leagues number 11 ground stopper. The Vikings have also been very stingy in fantasy allowing running back the 4th fewest points. If you own Martin you may be faced with having to start him tonight, but just be sure to taper your expectations; it could be a long night.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT

Wednesday Edition

October 24th, 2012 

Watercooler Chat

“Just Talking Fantasy”

This Weeks Waiver Wire Wonders

With the injury to Maurice Jones-Drew, running back Rashad Jennings is one of the hot pickups this week off the waiver wire. Jennings will take over the starting duties while MJD is sidelined and could see quite the workload, but if you are not an MJD owner don’t expect him to be a permanent fix to fill any big holes in your lineup. Jennings is averaging just 2.6 yards per carry this season and the Jaguars don’t exactly have the easiest schedule with the Packers (17th against the run) and Lions (16th against the run) up next on the schedule.

The Steelers backfield is a jumbled mess with running back Rashard Mendenhall and Issac Redman still sidelined after missing practice on Wednesday. After his strong 122-yard showing in week 7 running back, Jonathan Dwyer looks like the hot commodity off the wire this week, if both Mendenhall and Redman miss action in week 8, but at the moment that still remains an sticky situation.

The Rams seem to have found themselves a new deep threat and playmaker in wide receiver Chris Givens. If the bye weeks are playing havoc with your lineup and you’re looking for help, the speedy receiver could offer some temporary relief this week when the Rams play host to the Patriots (ranked 29^th against the pass) in London. Givens has posted better than 50 yards receiving in four straight games and has gradually become more and more a part of the team’s passing attack. He’s nothing more than a flex option at best, but through the bye weeks he could be a nice fill and big surprise.

The Jets offense has been in a quagmire all season, but one bright spot for quarterback Mark Sanchez has been the emergence of wide receiver Jeremy Kerley. The second year wideout has hardly lit the world on fire, but he’s slowly making his way up the fantasy ranks; at least some of us know who he is. Better than that, Kerley has turned in some nice efforts on Sunday and Sanchez appears to be looking his way more often; 26 targets over the past three weeks. Kerley won’t offer any big prizes just yet, but he could work his way in as a flex option for some owners.

Trending This Week

The Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown has not scored a touchdown in his past three starts, but he’s still a favorite in the passing game with 28 targets over the same span. The Steelers host the Redskins (ranked 32nd against the pass) on Sunday and Brown could finally breakout of his scoring slump.

The Cardinals passing game has not had much to speak about this season other than Larry Fitzgerald, but with opposing teams really focusing on taking Fitz out third year receiving Andre Roberts is starting to make noise. This past Sunday Roberts turned in his second 100-yard receiving game this season. His numbers have not been consistent this season, but in his past three games he has been targeted 25 times. With the quarterbacks continuing to look his direction, better numbers seem likely in the future.

With Mohamed Massaquoi sidelined, rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon is suddenly emerging as the Browns leading scoring threat in the pass game. Gordon has scored at least one touchdown in his last three games and has been targeted 22 times. Gordon’s quickly showing his ability to produce and if rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden continues to look in his direction, he looks like a promising candidate to sustain his level of fantasy production.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Tuesday Edition

October 23rd, 2012 

David's Daily Digest

The Week in Review

Breaking Down my Week 7 Picks

It was another tough week in fantasy football to say the least with several players disappointing and not achieving expectations, but as it always is with fantasy; win some, lose some.

 My Week 7 Duds

These are my week 7 picks that lost…

Making my duds list this week is quarterback, Matthew Stafford. After his 2011 season performance fantasy owners were expecting much bigger things from him this season and such has not been the case. With just 261 yards passing and one touchdown pass to go with a pick (16 fantasy points); hardly a the QB1 performance owners were looking for.

Bad hands….

The Colts receiver Donnie Avery has hardly been much to speak of the past several weeks and in week 7 he remained quiet with just four catches for 46 yards. Avery has not been relevant since week 2, it may be time to plant him on your bench until further notice.

Another wide receiver that remained grounded in week 7 was Dez Bryant. The Cowboys receiver was targeted just three times on Sunday and finished with two catches for 14 yards. It’s tough to sit a player like Bryant because of his upside potential, but just note his inconsistency is going to hurt sometimes.

To complete the list of the poor hands on Sunday group lets add Kenny Britt. The Titans go-to receiver was hardly went to on Sunday as he finished with a paltry 4 grabs for 30 yards. The Titans offense has been inconsistent and with the possible shuffling of quarterbacks in the next coming weeks, Britt does not look like a very good option to lean upon to heavily.

With what appeared to be a prime matchup for running back Darren McFadden, 53 yards rushing and 28 yards receiving are not enough to make fantasy owners happy. This was not his worst game this season by far, but his lack of big yardage and scoring are going to make things tough for fantasy owners. With 25 catches thus far this season he does offer some appeal in PPR leagues, but he’ll need to start ripping off some big runs soon or owners may grow restless.

Running back Trent Richardson could be another falling star. His proneness to injury has kept him off the field much too often this season. Once again Richardson was an early exit on Sunday (against the Colts) totaling just 8 yards. It’s hard for fantasy owners to count on a guy who can’t finish a game. Richardson is not worthy of a starting position in any fantasy leagues until he can get healthy again.

My Week 7 Studs

Some of my week 7 wins….

Let’s start with Monday night and the Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall. He was busy and again productive in the passing game for the Bears. Marshall is now a solid WR1 fantasy this season averaging better than 11 targets per game in his last four starts and totaling 30 catches for 434 yards and three touchdowns. He has scored in three straight and has at least 5 receptions in 5 of his 6 starts this season.

The Buccaneers were on display Sunday against the Saints with quarterback Josh Freeman (420 yards passing) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (216 yards receiving) doing their best dynamic duo impersonation. Freeman is quietly working his way into fantasy lineups as a starter (in deeper leagues) passing for 299 yards or more in his last three games with 7 touchdown throws. Vincent Jackson is emerging as a big-time receiver again and is putting up the numbers to prove it; 17 receptions, 382 yards receiving, and three touchdowns in his last three games.

Running back Fred Jackson took advantage of a nice matchup on Sunday turning in a solid performance. Jackson rushed for 71 yards and grabbed 8 passes for another 49 yards. He also added a score to complete his week 7 strong showing. Jackson is still splitting time with Spiller finishing Sunday with just 17 touches. As long as he is part-time owners can’t expect too many games like this; play with caution and look for the favorable matchups before inserting into your lineup.

One last mention (although, there is a couple more) is wide receiver Randall Cobb. He is the Packers newest playmaker in the passing game. Against the Rams in week 7 Cobb was targeted eight times and made good on all eight. Cobb finished the day with 8 receptions for 89 yards and two scores. His stock is on a mad rise with Greg Jennings sidelined, but as often as he has been  targeted and as productive as he has been the past two weeks, I can’t see the Packers straying away too far; expect Cobb to stay involved and remain at least a strong solid flex option. He may even be a mid WR3 in deeper leagues and tough to keep on anyone’s bench going forward.

It wasn’t how it was drawn up, but Andrew Luck was money in week 7 accounting for two scores in the Colts third win at home this season. Luck passed for just 186 yards, but still finished Sunday’s contest against the Browns with 18 fantasy points. His numbers this season are not great, but Luck is still good enough to fill a bye week need in fantasy or add insurance on your bench, especially in deep 14-16 team leagues.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Monday Edition
October 22nd, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

MNF Quick Notes

The Lions take their show on the road this week in a classic NFC North division matchup with the Bears. Typically this is one of your black and blue kind of fights, but with a gunslinger like Matthew Stafford it can turn into a real shootout. Stafford has been erratic at times, but that won't deter him tonight. The Lions simply struggle to move the ball on the ground and will have to rely on Staffords big arm to make plays downfield to his array of weapons; including Calvin Johnson aka Megatron.

The Bears have some new toys on offense and some old reliables such as running back Matt Forte. The Bears ball carrier can be Mr. Versatility, and will likely be a big focal point of the game plan tonight. Forte's ability to run will pave the way for the Bears passing game downfield. Forte can be counted on for at least 20 touches tonight and a big performance.

The Bears offense is not new with Forte in the backfield, but it is improved with the addition of wide receiver Brandon Marshall. He and his quarterback (and former teammate in Denver) Jay Cutler are finding that old groove and should be able to do more dancing tonight. The Lions don't have the skill players in the secondary to stop Marshall; he's looking at a busy and productive evening.

There's little doubt the Bears secondary will have all eyes on Calvin Johnson, but another receiver to watch is Nate Burleson. Unheralded and often overlooked Burleson is capable of holding his own opposite Megatron. The Lions number two receiver won't stretch the field often, but he could be key in the red zone.

These are my takes for tonights Monday Night Matchup.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

Monday Edition

October 22nd, 2012 

Monday Morning Huddle

Week 7 Fantasy Headlines

V-Jax Emerging Among the Elite

On Sunday against the Saints shoddy secondary wide receiver Vincent Jackson continued his hot hand, adding 7 receptions for over 200 yards receiving with a touchdown grab. In his last three starts V-Jax has tallied 17 catches for 382 yards receiving (a 22.8 yards per catch average), and four touchdowns. Jackson has scored five times this season, including a touchdown in each of his last three games and now ranks among the leaders in yards receiving (5^th) and touchdowns (T-4^th). He’s a man on fire and looks to continue this trend in week 8 when Tampa Bay visits the Vikings.

Andrew Luck Can Also Use His Legs

There has been so much made about Andrew Luck, his arm, and his head as he makes the transition from college to pro, but something some may have overlooked is his mobility and ability to use his legs. Before Sunday this season Luck had been exception at home throwing six touchdowns and passing for an average of nearly 300 yards per game. Against the Browns on Sunday, Luck showed not only can he beat you with his arm, but he can also use his legs rushing for two scores to lead the Colts to victory. Luck has accounted for 8 scores in four home games and improved his home record to 3-1 this season; nothing like home-cooking.

RGIII Playing Beyond His Years

It was a tough loss for the Redskins on Sunday falling to the Giants, but one thing learned (if you didn’t already know) this Griffin kid is something special. It was not one of his more prolific statistical game, but RGIII did an outstanding job managing the offense and making plays with his leg when he had to; his Sunday line 258 yards pass, 89 yards rush, two touchdowns (pass) and two turnovers. In spite of some of his rookie tendencies, he still gave his team a chance handling the pressure of late game heroics and making the necessary plays to win. He did just that and it was his defense let him down on Sunday.

Aaron Rodger Returning To Form

In the Packers first five games this season quarterback Aaron Rodgers tossed a total of 10 touchdowns, in his past two starts he has nine. Rodgers and the Packers aerial attack at starting to resemble more and more like the 2011 team that went 15-1. They still have a few issues in the backfield to sort out, but as long as Rodgers continues to play at his elite level, the Packers will always have a chance and will figure into the scheme of things come January.

Fantasy Stock Notes

On the Rise

The Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has had the hot hand of late passing for 299 yards or more in his last three starts, including 420 yards on Sunday against the Saints. Freeman has also collected 7 passing touchdowns in his last three starts while scoring 15, 29, and 34 fantasy (standard scoring) points respectively.

The Steelers backfield is currently ailing and banged up, emerge running back Jonathan Dwyer. With Mendenhall and Redman sidelined, Dwyer took the reins and rambled for 122 yards on the ground Sunday night against the Bengals. With the Steelers running game grounded much for the season, Dwyer gave it signs of life and could figure more prominently moving forward. His 100 yards were a first for the team this season.

The Packers may have found themselves a new weapon in wide receiver Randall Cobb, making them even more dangerous when Greg Jennings returns. In his last four starts Cobb has averaged 6.5 receptions, 84.7 yards receiving, and has scored three times, including twice last Sunday. Cobb has shown he is a true playmaker and you can bet the Packers will continue to keep him involved in the game plan moving forward.

Falling

The Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson is quickly falling out of favor from fantasy owners as his stock continues to plummet. Richardson again exited from a game early on Sunday, finishing the day with just 8 yards rushing (nothing a fantasy owner wants to see). Richardson has been hampered with nagging injuries thus far this season and has hardly played enough to showcase anything to get excited about. In his seven starts he finished with less than 60 yards of offense four times scoring just once in those games.

The Colts speedy receiver Donnie Avery continues to see looks every week, averaging nearly 9 targets per game, but the numbers are just not there. He has just one 100-yard receiving game this season in six tries and has only broke 60 or more yards just one other time. His lack of production in recent weeks has sent his stock plunging to the bottom of the barrel. He’s no longer lineup worthy (even as a flex) until he breaks from his current slump.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Sunday Edition
October 21st, 2012  

Sunday Morning Gametime

Some quick fantasy notes for Sunday week 7, who is out there (playing today) and who is not (ruled OUT);

The Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw will play today against the Redskins and should be the focal points of the Giants 9th ranked running attack. Bradshaw is coming off back-to-back 100 yard performances; including 200 yards in week 5.

The Saints will be without tight end Jimmy Graham today, paving the way for back up Dave Thomas. Thomas has only two catches this season, so it’s a stretch to expect him to suddenly blossom into one of Brees’ go-to receivers. Graham’s absence mean Marques Colston and Lance Moore should see more targets today.

Running backs Rashard Mendenhall and Issac Redman will be sidelined tonight against the Bengals, opening the door for Jonathan Dwyer who will get the start. Dwyer has only 24 carries this season and is averaging a pedestrian 2.9 yards per carry, but does face the Bengals 21st ranked run defense tonight. Bengals have allowed 8 rushing touchdowns this season.

Running back Trent Richardson will play today versus the Colts and will wear a flak jacket to protect his injured ribs. Richardson has 340 yards rushing with four touchdowns this season and faces the Colts 29th ranked run defense. The Colts allow 159 yards on the ground and have given up 8 rushing touchdowns through six games.

The Packers tight end Jermichael Finley is expected to be on the field today versus the Rams. Last week against the Texans Finley caught just two passes for 12 yards in a game where Rodgers completed 24 for 338 (yards). Finley’s been much of a now show this season with one touchdown through six games. With so many weapons at his finger tips Rodgers is not likely to force any extra throws to his tight end today, but as always with the explosive Packers passing game Finley is always a favorite in the red zone.

The Saints will have Lance Moore back today and with Jimm Graham sidelined he could be very active right away. Moore has always been a Brees favorite in the red zone with 10 touchdowns in his last 18 games played. Moore is also second on the team this season with 19 receptions for 287 yards.

Terrell Suggs will be active today versus the Texans, but coming off his Achilles injury and not having some of the other keys players on defense his presence may only be a temporary emotional lift. The Texans have too many weapons on offense and the Ravens just may not have the horses to keep up; the Ravens defense could struggle quite a bit today.


By David Ortega