FSH: IDP NOTES

August 18th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers
Shawne Merriman is not participating in Tuesday's afternoon practice with the Chargers, according to the twitter page of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Aaron Maybin, DE, Buffalo Bills
Contract talks between the Bills and rookie Aaron Maybin's rep have reportedly broken down, according to the Associated Press.

Kelvin Hayden, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Kelvin Hayden is going to be on the shelf for 3-4 weeks after injuring his hamstring, according to the Associated Press.

Terrell Suggs, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Suggs sat out Tuesday's practice while nursing his strained left heel, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Jermaine Phillips, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the Pewter Report, Jermaine Phillips has been working out at safety due to the four-game suspension of Tanard Jackson.

Drayton Florence, CB, Buffalo Bills
Drayton Florence is expected to be on the shelf for 2-5 weeks while recovering from a sprained knee, according to the Bills' official website.

Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts
Phillip B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star does not believe Bob Sanders will be ready to go for Week 1 against Jacksonville. He is recovering from off-season knee surgery.

Shawn Springs, CB, New England Patriots
Shawn Springs returned to practice Monday, according to the Boston Globe. He missed time for an undisclosed reason.

Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings
Jared Allen limped off the field during Monday's practice with an apparent right ankle injury, according to the Star Tribune.

Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers
As expected, Patrick Willis returned to practice Monday, according to the Associated Press. He missed 22 practices with an ankle and Achilles injury.

B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
B.J. Raji practiced with the Packers Monday, according to Tom Pelissero's twitter page.

Robert Mathis, DE, Indianapolis Colts
Robert Mathis was held out of Monday's practice while nursing a bruised thigh, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Raheem Brock, DE, Indianapolis Colts
TSN is reporting that Colts' defensive tackle Raheem Brock is expected to miss at least three weeks after suffering a broken hand. Brock suffered the injury during the team's first preseason game on Friday night.

Larry English, LB, San Diego Chargers
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Chargers' rookie linebacker Larry English is expected to return to practice this week. English has missed time with a strained hamstring, but he could play in the team's next preseason game on Saturday.

Kirk Morrison, LB, Oakland Raiders
The Contra Costa Times is reporting that Kirk Morrison worked as the second-team middle linebacker at Raiders' practice on Sunday. Morrison was behind Ricky Brown, who worked with other first teamers Jon Alston and Thomas Howard.

Terence Newman, CB, Dallas Cowboys
Terence Newman returned to practice Monday, according to ESPN. He has been dealing with a mildly strained groin.

Shaun Ellis, DE, New York Jets
Updating a previous report, Jets' defensive end Shaun Ellis has been suspended by the league for the team's first game of the season and fined an additional $100,000 stemming from his November arrest for marijuana posession, according to ProFootballTalk.com.


My Fantasy Read….

The Charger’s playmaking linebacker is coming off injury and playing in a contract year, expect “Lights-out” to go all out and be a terror on the field. He could have a huge impact season in 2009 and should be drafted high…..

The Bill’s top rookie pick Aaron Maybin is quickly turning into a fantasy bust for 2009. Unless Maybin finds his way back on the field soon, it’s hard to imagine him making any kind of impact anytime soon this season. It’s likely best to avoid the rookie in fantasy drafts……

With Jermaine Phillips moving back to his normal position, at least for the first four games, his fantasy stock will be on the rise. Playing safety collecting tackles, Phillips is a decent option as a mid-level defensive back……

The bad news surrounding the Colts defensive back Bob Sanders (knee) will also less of an impact in IDP leagues than it will in leagues that employ team defense. Sanders is the anchor for the Colts defense, his absence will be felt…….

Despite all the time missed, the Niner’s linebacker Patrick Willis is a stud IDP’er and should be ready to go for week one. Fantasy owners draft away……

Defensive lineman Robert Mathis is slated to start this season for the Colts, but although he may see a few extra snaps this season, he’ll likely be a part of a regular rotation. His fantasy value will increase some, but not a great deal. Draft accordingly….

The Raider’s linebacker Kirk Morrison is still expected to be the man in the middle on defense. Last season the Raider’s middle linebacker was among the leaders in tackles and should be solid once again……


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411…..

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 13th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…


Cato June, LB, Houston Texans
Cato June has been unable to practice for the last two days due to a swollen knee, according to the Texans' official website.

Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Troy Polamalu is gearing up for a big 2009 campaign, according to the National Football Post. He said, "I am light years ahead of where I was last year when I did not practice at all during camp (due to a hamstring injury)."

B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers and B.J. Raji have finally agreed to a long-term deal, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Larry English, LB, San Diego Chargers
Larry English missed another day of practice Thursday while dealing with a strained hamstring, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

James Hall, DE, St. Louis Rams
Along with fellow veteran Leonard Little, James Hall has been one of the standouts at defensive end in Rams camp, according to ESPN.

Chris Long, DE, St. Louis Rams
ESPN reports that defensive end Chris Long has "(looked) solid, but hardly dynamic" at Rams camp so far.

James Laurinaitis, LB, St. Louis Rams
ESPN.com is reporting that James Laurinaitis has been named the starting middle linebacker for the Rams by coach Steve Spagnuolo. Laurinaitis was the team's second-round pick out of Ohio State.

Mike Brown, S, Kansas City Chiefs
Mike Brown has not pushed Bernard Pollard for the starting gig at strong safety in the early going of training camp with the Chiefs, according to the Kansas City Star. Brown said, "I am definitely out here competing but I realize my role."

Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts
Bob Sanders has been ruled out for Friday's preseason opener against the Vikings, according to the Indianapolis Star. He remains on the PUP list while recovering from his off-season knee surgery.

Aaron Maybin, DE, Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo News is reporting that the Bills are moving closer to signing first-round pick Aaron Maybin. Both sides have been talking, and the team hopes they can get the deal done this week so Maybin can play in the final three preseason games.

Mark Anderson, DE, Chicago Bears
Mark Anderson, the Bears' "co-starter" at both left end and right end, has drawn praise this preseason after a disappointing 2008, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
Updating a previous report, Texans' linebacker Brian Cushing has been diagnosed with a sprained LCL, according to the Houston Chronicle. Cushing is expected to be full strength for the season opener.

Antoine Bethea, S, Indianapolis Colts
The Associated Press reports that Colts defensive back Antoine Bethea is out indefinitely with a broken hand.

Ron Bartell, CB, St. Louis Rams
Rams' cornerback Ron Bartell sat out Wednesday morning's practice with a minor hamstring injury, according to the team's Twitter page. Bartell is expected to be available to play Friday in the team's first preseason game.



My Fantasy Read….

Cato June was a starter for the Bucs last season, but the Texans are pretty loaded at linebacker position. June will be competing for a job this season and remains a risky IDP until he locks down the gig….

Polamalu is one of the league’s premiere safeties and biggest playmakers. If he feels great, don’t hesitate to snatch him up in your fantasy drafts….

The Packers have their rookie defensive tackle (Raji) in camp now and while he should improve the interior defensive line, he has more the look of gap filler than playmaker. He could be a risky option to draft early…..

The Chargers are another team loaded with talent at the linebacker spot, but we are hearing too many good things about Larry English to think he won’t see plenty of action. He may not warrant a starting play on your fantasy roster, but he’s worth drafting late especially in dynasty and keeper leagues…..

The Rams rookie linebacker James Laurinaitis will be an immediate IDP impact fantasy stud this season already locking down the starting middle spot on the defense. He should be worthy of an early round selection in my drafts…..

For those playing in team defense formats, with Sanders still on the PUP the Colts defense (ranked 11th in 2008) may be one you want to avoid early in fantasy drafts…..

The sooner the Bills and rookie linebacker Aaron Maybin can get a deal done, the better for fantasy owners. Maybin will continue to slide down the boards as he holds out of training camp. If a deal can get done soon, Maybin’s fantasy value will only rise….



Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411…..

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 11th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Roy Williams, S, Cincinnati Bengals
Roy Williams is listed as the No. 1 strong safety on the Bengals' latest depth chart, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Michael Huff, S, Oakland Raiders
Michael Huff missed another day of camp while nursing a rib injury, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Derrick Brooks, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Updating an earlier report, Derrick Brooks is on the Raiders' radar, according to Brad Biggs' (National Football Post) twitter page.

D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Cleveland Browns
D'Qwell Jackson has reportedly been a standout so far in camp with the Browns, according to ESPN. He is notably reacting quickly to the ball against the run and pass.

B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
Unsigned first round draft pick B.J. Raji has left the metropolitan Green Bay area, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Robert Mathis, DE, Indianapolis Colts
Robert Mathis is listed as a starting defensive end for the Colts' preseason opener against Minnesota, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Terrell Suggs, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Suggs is expected to miss the Ravens' preseason opener against the Redskins Thursday while still dealing with a strained left Achilles' tendon, according to ESPN.

Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Lofa Tatupu missed Tuesday's practice because he needed a rest, according to Slam! Sports. Tatupu has missed two practices in the last three days.

Chris Draft, LB, St. Louis Rams
According to the Twitter page of the St. Louis Rams, linebacker Chris Draft sat out Tuesday morning's practice after after taking a thumb to the neck. In Draft's absence, Larry Grant received additional reps.

Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Star is reporting that Colts' safety Bob Sanders has a meeting scheduled with orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. The team wants to consult Andrews to find out when Sanders will be able to return to the field.

Rocky Boiman, LB, Tennessee Titans
Rocky Boiman has signed a deal to return to the Titans, according to the Tennessean. Contract terms were not disclosed.

Geno Hayes, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' linebacker Geno Hayes sat out practice on Tuesday with a minor hamstring injury, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Hayes is being listed as day-to-day by the team.

Casey Hampton, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
According to the Associated Press, Steelers' defensive lineman Casey Hampton left Sunday's practice with a knee injury. The injury is not expected to be serious.

Aaron Maybin, DE, Buffalo Bills
According to the Buffalo News, Bills' first-round pick Aaron Maybin is not close to signing a contract with the team. Maybin has missed all of training camp due to the holdout, and it doesn't look like he will join the team anytime soon.

Alphonso Smith, CB, Denver Broncos
Alphonso Smith is listed as the main return man on kickoffs and punts on the Broncos' new depth chart, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Jim Leonhard, S, New York Jets
Jim Leonhard is listed as the No. 1 strong safety on the Jets' latest depth chart, according to their official team website.

Erik Coleman, S, Atlanta Falcon
Erik Coleman has been moved from free safety to strong safety by the Falcons, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Quintin Mikell, S, Philadelphia Eagles
Quintin Mikell is listed as the No. 1 strong safety on the Eagles' latest depth chart, according to their official team website.

Amobi Okoye, DT, Houston Texans
Amobi Okoye has been deemed fit to play in the Texans' preseason opener, according to their official team website. He has been nursing a knee ailment.

Vonnie Holliday, DE, Miami Dolphins
According to FoxSports.com, the New England Patriots are bringing in former Dolphins' defensive end Vonnie Holliday for a workout. The Patriots are looking for depth behind starting ends Ty Warren and Richard Seymour.

Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Patrick Willis missed Monday's morning practice while nursing an ankle ailment, according to the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat.

Kris Jenkins, DT, New York Jets
Kris Jenkins will miss the Jets' preseason opener due to his calf ailment, according to the New York Daily News.

Trent Cole, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
Updating an earlier report, it has been determined that Trent Cole is dealing with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.

My Fantasy Read….

It looks like Roy Williams gets a second life in Cincy, but at his age and with recent injury woes, he’ll be a low-value option….…while Brooks keep searching for a team and the Raiders could end up being his destination, he’ll have very little value to start the 2009 season….…Jackson in Cleveland is an IDP stud and coming off an 154 tackles last season, he’ll be one of the first fantasy player taken in drafts….…Mathis is a solid IDP option with 11 ½ sacks in 2008, but the move to the starting lineup should increase his total tackles and fantasy value…….the Colts defensive back Bob Sanders is key, with him out the team defense (ranked 11th in 2008) will lose some fantasy value…….Maybin was expected to be an impact player on defense this season, but his absence significantly hurts his fantasy value…….it sounds like the Niner’s linebacker Patrick Willis is fine and should return next week. He’s one of fantasy’s best IDP studs with back to back 100-plus solo tackle seasons……..no question the big man in the middle Kris Jenkins makes the Jets defense better. Owners should take note; Jenkins has struggled in the past with back injuries although he’s only missed one game the past three seasons. It’s his calf this time, but it’s still worth monitoring.


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411…..

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

May 5th, 2009 9:37pm PST

[Tuesday late edition]

The NFL Draft: More Fantasy Recap

A Second Glance....
Last week I reviewed some of the notable early picks from 1st round of the NFL draft and today I would like to offer a second look at some of the picks from the middle of the first round.

Picks from the middle of the First Round…

You would have to think having already acquired Terrell Owens in the offseason, the Bills must have felt they had already upgraded their offense prior to the draft. It’s not that they would not address the offense, but you knew defense would be their first priority. With a plethora of choices, it was not a big surprise they chose Aaron Maybin (Penn State), although there were several other choices that would have fit at number 11 as well. Maybin will come in an add some needed pressure missing (only 24 sacks in 2008) from last year’s 14th ranked defense.

The Bronco’s were a bit of a puzzlement with the 12th pick of the draft. Prior to the draft many analysts had been very critical of McDaniel’s movements in the offseason, with so much attention paid to reshaping the league’s number two offense. With his trading of quarterback Jay Cutler under tremendous scrutiny, many felt the obvious move at 12 would be a highly rated defensive gem. Let’s put it this way, McDaniels has been tough to figure out thus far and with his pick of running back Knowshon Moreno (Georgia), he’s still tough to figure out. Nonetheless, the Bronco’s picked themselves up a very good and versatile back that has a good shot to start and contribute right away. The Broncos would finally address their needs on defense with their second pick (18th overall) by selecting defensive end Robert Ayers (Tennessee). Ayers adds talent, but slightly undersized on the edge could make him a risky bet against the run.

It was little surprise once Sanchez was off the board, the Redskins would turn their direction to making their team better by improving the defense. Their selection of Brian Orakpo was a bit of a steal at 13 and adds a talented player to an already good defense (ranked 4th in 2008). Add the fact that Washington already added arguably the best defensive player in the game today with the signing of Albert Haynesworth this offseason and you have to ask, “How good did they just get?” Very good.

A young and improving Texan’s team continued its’ youth movement and building of their defense. The team selected linebacker Brian Cushing (Southern Cal) who will join their former number one overall selection (in 2006) DE Mario Williams and (33rd overall pick in 2006) LB DeMeco Ryans. The Texans have been a very mediocre defense the past couple of seasons (ranked 22nd in 2008), but with so much talent they are poised to get better and a player like Cushing gets them that much closer.

A surprise move that was not completely understood was the Buccaneers move up the draft to select quarterback, Josh Freeman (Kansas State). He’s viewed as a project, probably a year or two away, so surely the Bucs are looking for him to be there starter in 2009. A pick that likely could have been made much later, you have to wonder if this was a costly move.

Perhaps the move I found most impressive during the middle of the first round was made by the Philadelphia Eagles. Sitting at 21, the team moved up four spots to nab wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (Missouri). The team desperately needed to add a playmaker to its’ passing game and while only a rookie Maclin should give them plenty of spark to compliment their current line-up. The Missouri product was highly regarded as one of the top talents in this year’s draft at the wideout position. The Eagles would also add some depth in the backfield with the selection of LeSean McCoy. McCoy not only adds depth, but he also will battle Lorenzo Booker this summer to backup Westbrook. This could be just what D-Mac ordered.

We are still months away from training camps opening, so I’ll continue to offer my take on this year’s draft. Check back again soon!

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 8th, 2009 11:27pm PST

17 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Green Bay Packers....
The Packers will have some big decisions to make on draft day, but there's little doubt that there focus with the number nine pick will be on the defense come April 25th. Checking all around the football globe or internet, it appears the popular choice for the Pack would be Penn State outside linebacker/defensive end, Aaron Maybin.

(Photo by Newscom)

With the Packers changing their defensive scheme to a 3-4 this coming season under Dom Capers (remember the Steelers with Kevin Greene and Greg Lloyd). Capers is going to bring back the Steeler's-like 3-4 Blitzburgh scheme to Lambeau, and a player like Maybin could fit the bill nicely as a playmaker on the edge.

Maybin has enough size to play on the edge and great speed to give opposing offenses plenty of fits. At Penn State Maybin led the Big Ten with 12 sacks and registered 20 tackles for loss as a sophomore. The outstanding soph looks ready for the next step and Green Bay appears to be a great landing spot for the kid to take his next big step.

The Packers have plenty of other needs, but with a new defense being brought in finding playmakers to fill the roles will be priority number one. Other candidates that could get consideration at number nine (if they are still available), are Texas' Brian Orakpo, Florida State's Everette Brown, and Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins.

Head Coach Mike McCarthy has brought in a new defensive coordinator (Capers), so it would seem only fitting to give him the tools he'll need to revamp the Packers defense.


Check back every day for more "On the Ticker!"