FSH NOTEBOOK: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

December 22nd, 2010, Wednesday

My Weekly Survivors

Last week was kind of a funny week for my fantasy squad; just about everyone scored which is always good, but most of my team didn’t do much else. With the exception of the Buccaneer’s wide receiver Mike Williams (15 points) and the Cowboys quarterback Jon Kitna (21 points) there was not a lot to cheer about. Williams dialed in on my numbers with 6 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, while Kitna was a little better passing for over 300 yards with two touchdown tosses.

My duds included Brian Westbrook (8 points) who managed to salvage his performance with a late touchdown, but his 30 total yards hurt. Ronnie Brown (9 points) was not much different scoring once and total just 42 yards. My Achilles heel this season has been and was once again the tight end spot; Owen Daniels (4 points) caught just four passes for 45 yards.

This week it’s time to get serious, with just two weeks left I must concede any shot at the top two spots (trail by more than 100 points) unless there is a colossal meltdown. My fantasy team is locked in at number six and I still have a shot at third place (just 50 points back), but I need a two big weeks. I have very few big guns left, but this week I will be shooting from the hip and swinging for the fences.

Here are my picks for week 16….

QB-Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
The Bronco’s secondary is amongst the worst in the league and have allowed 25 touchdowns this season; 7th worst in the league. One reason for the Broncos woes in coverage, they lack any kind of pass rush; just 18 sacks this season. If given time Schaub can be as good as any quarterback in the league. With a weapon like Andre Johnson to throw to, Schaub is in line for a big passing day on Sunday.
(Projected: 25 fantasy points/ 325 yards passing, three touchdowns)

RB- Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ running back Tashard Choice has been seeing a steady diet of work over the past couple of weeks and has totaled 169 yards in his last three games. With Barber returning to action this Sunday and Jones looking “iffy”, Choices looks like the safe bet in the lineup this week. Choice has also scored a rushing touchdown in three of his last four games.
(Projected: 14 fantasy points/ 65 yards rushing, 3 catches, 20 yards receiving, one touchdown)

RB-Mike Tolbert, San Diego Chargers
The Charger’s running back has a good matchup on the road this week in Cincinnati against the league’s 22nd ranked run defense; the Bengals are allowing 4.6 yards per carry and have yielded 13 rushing touchdowns this season. Tolbert continues to be the favorite out of the Chargers’ backfield; he’ll see plenty of touches and should be able to find pay-dirt on the road. Tolbert has 11 rushing touchdowns this season and has scored in four of his last five games.
(Projected: 15 fantasy points/ 85 yards rushing, 1 catches, 10 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Santana Moss, Washington Redskins
The Redskins will travel to Jacksonville in week 16 and should be licking their chops against the leagues’ 27th ranked pass defense. Even with the change at quarterback last week, it didn’t seem to bother the offense; 286 net yards passing, four touchdowns. Wide receiver Santana Moss also remained a hot commodity in the Redskins passing game (23 targets last two weeks) with 8 receptions for 72 yards and two scores last weekend against the Cowboys. Moss could be looking at similar results this weekend against a defense that has allowed 26 passing touchdowns this season.
(Projected: 17 fantasy points/ 7 catches, 110 yards, one touchdown)

WR-Marques Coltson, New Orleans Saints
The Saints travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons on Monday night and if you’re thinking this one is going to be a barn-burner; you’ll probably be right. The Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (7 touchdowns in 2010) leads the team with 126 targets this season and in his last two games quarterback Drew Brees has been calling his number quite often (24 targets). With such a huge matchup coming up this Monday, there’s little doubt Brees will be looking for his best receiver. Even if Colston only see’s eight to ten targets, you have to love his chances of collecting 70-90 yards and finding the end-zone.
(Projected: 15 fantasy points/ 6 catches, 95 yards, one touchdown)

TE-Ben Watson, Cleveland Browns
Ben Watson has been one of the more consistent options in the passing game for the Brown’s this season. Last week he and rookie quarterback Colt McCoy enjoyed one of their best games together; Watson caught seven passes for 92 yards. This week the two will face a Raven’s defense that has had its’ struggles against opposing tight ends.
(Projected: 14 fantasy points/ 6 catches, 80 yards, one touchdown)

PK-Neil Rackers, Houston Texans
The Texan’s offense has averaged over 23 points per game over their past seven games and this season Rackers has made 22 of 25 field goal attempts this season. This weekend they travel to Denver to face the Broncos who give up more points (29.6 pts per game) than any other team in the league; Rackers will be busy on Sunday.
(Projected: 9 fantasy points/ two field goals, three extra points)

My Previous starts

Week 1 (Total points-77)
QB Donovan McNabb (WAS)
RB Matt Forte (CHI)
RB Carnell Williams (TB)
WR Jeremy Maclin (PHI)
WR Jabar Gaffney (DEN)
TE Zach Miller (OAK)
K Joe Nedney (SF)

Week 2 (Total points-68)
QB Michael Vick (PHI)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT)
WR Nate Washington (TEN)
WR Greg Jennings (GB)
TE Chris Cooley (WAS)
K Nick Folk (NYJ)

Week 3 (Total points-87)
QB Tony Romo (DAL)
RB Darren McFadden
RB Ray Rice (BAL)
WR Austin Collie (IND)
WR Dez Bryant (DAL)
TE Brent Celek (PHI)
K Lawrence Tynes (NYG)

Week 4 (Total points-58)
QB Eli Manning (NYG)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
RB Frank Gore (SF)
WR Mark Clayton (STL)
WR Brandon Marshall (MIA)
TE John Carlson (SEA)
K Jeff Reed (PIT)

Week 5 (Total Points-72 points)
QB Drew Brees (NO)
RB Steven Jackson (STL)
RB Thomas Jones (KC)
WR Donald Driver (GB)
WR Calvin Johnson (DET)
TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX)
K Mike Nugent (CIN)

Week 6 (Total Points-83 points)
QB Peyton Manning (IND)
RB Ryan Torain (WASH)
RB LaDanian Tomlinson (NYJ)
WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
WR Kenny Britt (TEN)
TE Dallas Clark, (IND)
K Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)

Week 7 (Total Points-93 points)
QB Philip Rivers (SD)
RB Adrian Peterson (MIN)
RB Michael Turner (ATL)
WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
WR Dwayne Bowe (KC)
TE Tony Gonzales (ATL)
K Matt Prater (DEN)

Week 8 (Total Points-82 points)
QB Kyle Orton (DEN)
RB Felix Jones (DAL)
RB Jamaal Charles (KC)
WR Brandon Lloyd (DEN)
WR Deion Branch (NE)
TE Tony Moeki (KC)
K Stephen Gostkowski (NE)

Week 9 (Total Points-79 points)
QB Aaron Rodgers (GB)
RB LeSean McCoy (PHI)
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE)
WR Steve Smith (NYG)
WR Patrick Crayton (SD)
TE Jacob Tamme (IND)
PK Mason Crosby

Week 10 (Total Points-78 points)
QB Joe Flacco (BAL)
RB LeGarrette Blount (TB)
RB Cedric Benson (CIN)
WR Roddy White (ATL)
WR Steve Johnson (BUF)
TE Brandon Pettigrew (DET)
PK Rob Bironas (TEN)

Week 11 (Total Points-73 points)
QB Matt Ryan (ATL)
RB Fred Jackson (BUF)
RB Peyton Hillis (CLE)
WR DeSean Jackson (PHI)
WR Percy Harvin (MIN)
TE Jermaine Gresham (CIN)
PK Dan Carpenter (MIA)

Week 12 (Total Points-55 points)
QB Matt Cassel (KC)
RB Chris Johnson (TEN)
RB Danny Woodhead (NE)
WR Santonio Holmes (NYJ)
WR Sidney Rice (MIN)
TE Heath Miller (PIT)
PK Matt Bryant (ATL)

Week 13 (Total Points-82 points)
QB Sam Bradford (STL)
RB Jonathan Stewart (CAR)
RB Arian Foster (HOU)
WR Terrell Owens (CIN)
WR Anquan Boldin (BAL)
TE Visanthe Shiancoe (MIN)
PK David Akers (PHI)

Week 14 (Total Points-91 points)
QB Jay Cutler (CHI)
RB Knowshon Moreno (DEN)
RB Tim Hightower (ARI)
WR Reggie Wayne (IND)
WR Mike Wallace (PIT)
TE Jason Witten (DAL)
PK Billy Cundiff (BAL)

Week 15 (Total Points-73 points)
QB Jon Kitna (DAL)
RB Brian Westbrook (SF)
RB Ronnie Brown (MIA)
WR Miles Austin (DAL)
WR Mike Williams (TB)
TE Owen Daniels (HOU)
PK Josh Brown (STL)

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 14th, 2009 11:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy season……

Player News From Across the Wire...

Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Hines Ward sat out Wednesday's practice.
My Fantasy read on Ward: Expect this to be the norm with players like Hines Ward that have earned the respect of their peers. Ward is likely resting and healing, so expect to see the Pro Bowler on Sunday against the Browns…..

Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams
The official Twitter page of the St. Louis Rams is reporting that the team has named Marc Bulger as their starting quarterback for this week's game against the Jaguars. Bulger will replace Kyle Boller, who suffered a head injury last week.
My Fantasy read on Bulger: The Jaguars have just four sacks this season. If Bulger and his offensive line can find him time, he could bounce back this week against the league’s 30th ranked pass defense….

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Maurice Jones-Drew is frustrated and displeased with the Jaguars' offense, according to the Associated Press. He said, "It just seems like now if we do not get 30 yards rushing, we just go away from the running game. I have never been part of a team like that."
My Fantasy read on Jones-Drew: this kind of “speaking out” can have two possible outcomes; one it does nothing or two is sparks this team to man-up. If this team is going to rise to the challenge, expect them to hop on MJD’s back and let him lead the way. This could be a big week….

Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets
Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez noted that he needs to target Dustin Keller more in the passing game, according to the Star-Ledger. Sanchez said, "I need to do a better job of finding him, because he is a great target. He has been great."
My Fantasy read on Keller: Fantasy owners shouldn’t get too excited too fast. This is likely to be a gradual process as Sanchez is more likely to test out his new toy, wide receiver Braylon Edwards. Keller is good and will eventually be worked back into the rotation, but give it time….

Ben Watson, TE, New England Patriots
Ben Watson was limited is Wednesday's practice while recovering from a head injury, according to the Boston Globe.
My Fantasy read on Watson: The Patriot’s tight end is a classic hit and miss, now add injury to the mix and he becomes a difficult play. Even when healthy, you’re likely to fall victim to his poor outinsg on occasion. With only has 14 receptions this season, he’s a middle TE2.….

Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Willie Parker fully practiced Wednesday, according to the Browns' official website.
My Fantasy read on Parker: All signs point to Parker returning to the starting lineup this week, but don’t think for a second that Mendenhall won’t get into the mix early. The second year back has played to well the past two weeks, this is likely to become a timeshare…..

Jamal Lewis, RB, Cleveland Browns
Jamal Lewis was limited during today's practice, according to the Browns' official website.
My Fantasy read on Lewis: The Brown’s running back was limited last week and played on Sunday, so it is likely he’s taking it easy again. Expect Lewis to be in there against the Steelers, but at less than 100 percent, look for better options this week….

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (FIRE AND ICE)

September 18th, 2009 1:37am PST

Fantasy Football
Fire & Ice

(Your weekly Stock Exchange)

The Hottest Stock this week

If you enjoyed the first week of fantasy football, there’s a good chance that Drew Brees may have had a big hand in that enjoyment. There was no one as hot as the Saints quarterback who threw for over 350-yards and completed 76 percent of his passes while demolishing the Lion’s secondary. Brees very well defined the term “Mr. En Fuego” tossing an incredible six touchdowns on the afternoon.

Week One’s “Mr. En Fuego”

Saints-QB, Drew Brees/358-yards passing, six touchdowns

Aside from your typical weekly stud performers, when playing the fantasy football stock market, the key is finding those gems that are valued low and rising fast. After one week of action there are plenty of stocks to buy low, great ones to sell high, and more importantly we have a few that you might want to consider dumping (sell).

Week One Stock Exchange Notes:

The Quarterbacks...
Fire (Rising stock): Not noted as a big fantasy scorer, the Steeler’s quarterback Ben Roethlisberger played very well in week one. His 363-passing yards were second most in week one. While Big Ben is a winner, the key for the Steelers is their ball control offense. Right now Ben’s being overvalued; he doesn’t figure to throw the ball 40-plus times week-in and week-out and he’s only finished in the top-10 among fantasy quarterbacks once in the past five seasons. (sell high)
Ice (falling stock): Brett Favre’s arm may be surgically repaired, but his skills still need some fixing. The almost 40-year old quarterback looked liked nothing more than a journey man quarterback passing for a mere 110 yards and a touchdown. It may be too soon to panic with Favre’s value dropping. If you own him, keep him benched until further notice. (hold)

The Running Backs...
Fire (Rising stock): The Buffalo Bills will have a tough decision to make in a couple of weeks when running back Marshawn Lynch returns to the line up. On Monday night against the Patriots, running back Fred Jackson made just his fifth start in the NFL. When Jackson has been featured in the backfield he has played very well and Monday night was no exception (140-total yards). With Lynch due back, head coach Dick Jauron will have to carefully manage Jackson’s playing time. As well as he performed in the “no-huddle offense” the team has to get him on the field often. We can’t imagine his touches diminishing too much, so if you can acquire the former Coe College Kohawk be advised. (buy low)
Ice (falling stock): The Redskins running back Clinton Portis has quickly become less than a fan favorite in fantasy football. Last season after a hot start, he broke down raising concern about his durability. Already just one week into the season and Portis is sounding off complaining about aches, pains, and soreness. With only 72 total yards in week one it may be time to move this stock. This early in the season Portis still has value, so before this stock goes belly-up get what you can. (sell)

The Wide Receivers...
Fire (Rising stock): It’s not often these days you hear anyone endorse any Oakland Raiders offensive players for fantasy football, but rookie receiver Louis Murphy looks like the real deal. The kid is a trailblazer and already seems to have a good chemistry with JaMarcus Russell (if he can just him the ball). Against the Chargers Murphy saw nine balls his direction, so his stock certainly appears promising. Relatively unknown, he’s likely very cheap (and unowned) in many leagues, so now may be the time to strike. (buy low)
Ice (falling stock): Surprisingly in the Saints week one thrashing of the Lions, wide receiver Marques Colston was much of a non-factor. The lanky speed merchant caught just three balls for only 30 yards. With such a disappointing week one performance, there are going to be those impatient owners that are going to be willing to deal Colston. It’s really too early to jump off the bandwagon. Colston didn’t have numbers, but he had chances (six targets). If he becomes under-valued in your league and is offered, make a move. This is some stock you need to grab. (buy low)

The Tight Ends...
Fire (Rising stock): As has been said in the past, one game does not make a career, but there will be those that will run to the waiver wires to grab Patriots tight end Ben Watson. In week one Watson caught six passes for 77 yards, including two scores. This was a monster game for the tight end, who only had one game last season with more than four receptions (just two in 2007). If you own Watson (likely drafted as your TE2), you probably won’t see his value as high as it is right now, if you have need you have a movable commodity. (sell high)
Ice (falling stock): When veteran quarterback Brett Favre arrived in Minnesota many fantasy owners assumed that tight end Visanthe Shiancoe would benefit most. Knowing Brett’s love for the tight end position, Shiancoe was expected to be a security blanket for the passing game and a big time scoring threat in the red-zone. After one week with just three catches for 26-yards, fantasy owners are likely scratching their heads and feeling burned by Brett once again. That’s okay fantasy owners, that just means more good news for those that like to go shopping at the market. Disgruntled owners are going to have an easier time letting go of Shiancoe cheap following his week one let down, so go shopping. (buy low)

Coming soon “Stock Trends”…….

Remember to check back every week for more "Fire & Ice!”