FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 15th, 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 week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Moreno could carry big load...

The Broncos running back did not have a big day on the ground last week against the Colts quick and tenacious defense, but with Buckhalter out he shouldered most of the load (23 carries). This could be much of the same this weekend when the Broncos play host to the lowly Raiders ranked 30th against the run. Fantasy owners should keep in mind that Moreno's 23 carry work-load last Sunday was a season high, one he may very easily surpass this week.

Colston and Saints gearing up for a big game....

The Saints will undoubtedly be watching game film this week and taking note of the Cowboys huge struggles in the secondary with the deep ball. The Saints don't boast as big a lineup as the Chargers, but wide receiver Marques Colston standing 6'4" will pose the same threat the Cowboys faced this past weekend. It's a pretty good bet Brees will be calling some post and go routes for Colston on Saturday night.

Warner looking to rebound against Lions....

Without a trust worthy ball carrier, it's becoming pretty clear the Cardinals are going to have to rely on Warner and the passing game once again. On Monday night the running backs coughed up the ball three times and gained just 85 yards on the ground. The Cardinals will need the ground game going into the playoffs, but it's a safe bet this week against the Lions Warner and company will have a big hand in decided this one.

IDP Notes....

Orakpo paid huge dividends for fantasy owners….

The Redskins rookie pass rushing linebacker Brian Orakpo has not been quite the impact player the team thought they drafted coming into Week 14 with just seven sacks, but all that changed on Sunday. Orakpo was more than a disruptive force recording four sacks on the afternoon and forcing one fumble. Fantasy owners that stayed the course were rewarded big time by the kids’ effort.

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

December 13th,　2009　9:37pm　PST
　

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

Keep track of which players are making noise
[fantasy points based on traditional scoring]
　
QB-Matt Schaub has huge day against Seahawks...
The Texans quarterback lit up the dome on Sunday in front of the home crowd. Schaub was spectacular completing 29 of 39 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns to take down the Seahawks 34-7. (24-fantasy points)

RB-Ray Rice runs through Lions defense....
The Ravens second year running back Ray Rice trampled through the Lions run defense for big yards, including a 59 yard touchdown dart. Rice shredded the defense for a total of 219 total yards and two touchdowns to lead the Ravens. (31 fantasy points)

RB-Ryan Grant has big day on the ground.....
The Packers used a 62-yard run by running back Ryan Grant to start fast and behind his 20 carries for 137-yards were able to hold off the Bears. Grant also added a second touchdown to cap off his Sunday effort. (25-fantasy points)

RB-Chris Johnson continues on his run for the record.....
The Titans running back continues his assault toward the record books. On Sunday against the Rams Johnson broke free for 186 total yards (117 rushing/69 receiving) and two touchdowns. For the season Johnson has eclipsed 2,000 yards of offense (2,017). (35-fantasy points)

WR-Brandon Marshall sets the record in a loss....
The Broncos wide receiver did all he could to try and help his team pull off the upset, but despite his great effort they came up short. In the loss Marshall did manage to set an NFL record with 21 receptions and finished the game with 200 yards receiving with two touchdowns. (32-fantasy points)

WR-Andre Johnson is simply unstoppable....
The Texans receiver Andre Johnson was an unstoppable force on Sunday hauling in 11 catches for 193 yards and single-handly endng any chance for the Seahawks to stay competitive. Johnson also added a pair of scores to sink the opposition. (31-fantasy points)

Notable IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

The Redskins rookie linebacker Brian Orakpo had his best day as a professional recording four sacks on sunday against the Raiders. Orakpo also finished the afternoon with six total tackles and a forced fumble.

The Texans fourth year defensive lineman Mario Williams was a disruptive force on the field Sunday recording two sacks to go along with six tackles.

The Colts linebacker Gary Bracket turned in a solid performance on Sunday and was instrumental down the stretch in the Colts win over the Broncos. Brackett finished the day with 12 tackles and a sack to lead the defense.

By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more "Sunday Night FF Headlines!"

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 4th, 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….


LB DEMECO RYANS FANTASY STOCK ON THE RISE
My Fantasy Read: With training camp open it looks like the new aggressive Texans defense will afford Ryans more pass rushing opportunities. Usually a solid tackling machine for defense Ryans will be much more desired in fantasy if he can add a few sacks to his resume.

LB BRIAN ORAKPO FANTASY STOCK ON THE RISE
My Fantasy Read: The Redskin’s rookie linebacker has been looking like a solid during camp applying plenty of pressure off the edge. Orakpo is expected to contribute right away and could make a huge impact. Likely to be a rising star in the league and a playmaker on the outside he could easily become an early grab in some fantasy drafts.

LB CLAY MATTHEWS FANTASY STOCK IS RISING FAST
My Fantasy Read: Only a few days into camp and the rookie linebacker has been named a starter. Matthews, a high draft selection was expected to compete for time, but he’ll not only play, he will start. Matthew will play outside linebacker and should be a solid against the run and may be utilized as a pass rusher adding to his fantasy value. With more time on the field for the former SC Trojan owners can only expect big things from Clay.

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

FSH: IDP NOTES

July 30th, 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….

DL ALBERT HAYNESWORTH SITS OUT THURSDAY
My Fantasy Read: Nothing to worry here fantasy owners. The $100 million man or defensive tackle extraordinaire was merely being rested according to the Washington Times. Although Haynesworth is arguably the best interior D-lineman in the biz, but he’s likely not going to exactly post spectacular fantasy numbers this season. His 8.5 sacks last season ranked 11th among defensive linemen (tied for 15th overall), so he could be slightly overvalued as an early round pick in fantasy drafts.

DB CHAMP BAILEY ENTERS CAMP ON PUP LIST
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s shutdown corner contends he is 100%, so the team is likely just being cautious bringing him along slowly. The athletic defender will likely see another season with few balls thrown his directions (just four picks last two season) and his 44 tackles from 2008 could make him an overvalued fantasy option in 2009.

LB BRIAN ORAKPO AGREES TO TERMS WITH REDSKINS
My Fantasy Read: The Redskins appear to have taken care of business getting their top draft selection signed before the start of camp on Friday. Orakpo figures to start for the Skins at the Sam linebacker position. With his great athletic skill the rookie could be a dynamite sack specialist playing on the end in passing situations. Fantasy owners must remember he’ll have the benefit of Haynesworth anchoring the inside of the defensive line.


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 9th, 2009 10:07pm PST

16 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: San Francisco 49ers....
The Niners made big noise last season with the firing of former head coach Mike Nolan and seemed to have ushered in a new era and regime under new head coach Mike Singletary. The hall-of-fame Bear's linebacker has brought with him a new attitude, one that is based on hard work, dedication and commitment to the prize, and a new focus intended to change the environment.

Two things the Niners will need in 2009 to compete; one a running game (answer Frank Gore) and two, a defense. Many folks are expecting the Niners to give Southern Cal quarterback Mark Sanchez a look at quarterback, but even Singletary knows you can win with a Jim McMahon. Right now it looks like the team is stock with several McMahon clones (Shaun Hill, Damon Huard, and Alex Smith), although none may have the charisma of Jim.

I would be very surprised to see Singletary make a jump at Sanchez, Josh Freeman (Kansas State), or Pat White (West Virginia). If Maybin or Brian Orakpo (University of Texas) should fall into the Niners lap at ten, this is where I see the team going. Already fitted with one playmaker on defense (Patrick Willis), Singletary is closer to building a solid defensive unit than anything else on his team.

(Photo by Getty Images)

Orakpo lacks the great size to play the traditional end position, but could easily make the transition to a pass-rushing outside backer at the next level. In his senior season at Texas Orakpo led the team with 11.5 sacks and recorded 19 tackles for a loss. With the Niners playing a 3-4, the former Longhorn is ideally suited to step in and likely start on one of the edges.

If Singletary is looking to build a defense and create a winning attitude, he could not go wrong with either Orakpo or Aaron Maybin, should either one be there at number ten come draft day.


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

FSH: ON THE TICKER

April 4th, 2009 9:07pm PST

21 DAYS TO THE NFL DRAFT

NFL Draft Preview:
On The Ticker

On the Board: Cleveland Browns....
The Cleveland Browns like many teams on the board early in this year's draft have many needs to address, but no other will be more pressing than their current deficiencies at the wide receiver position. The team has already lost its’ starting tight end and two receivers from last year's squad (although Jurevicius missed all of 2008).

Sitting at number five on the draft board, the Browns will have a legitimate shot at taking one of the top two draft prospects at the receiver position with possibly Michael Crabtree or Missouri's Jeremy Maclin. It's possible that both could be available, but definitely one should be looming when Cleveland is on the clock. If Crabtree is there, touted as a supreme talent, the Browns may not be able to pass this pick up on principle alone.

If Crabtree is taken (not likely if the Broncos make a move with Seattle for Sanchez), the team is going to have to take a long look and consider Maclin with their number five pick. The team ranked at the bottom in passing (31st) and they lost their second leading receiver from last year in the offseason. With two young strong arms competing at the quarterback position, the team has to add some playmakers on the outside. Edwards is still in town at the moment, but beyond that the team does not have any proven talent and may need to start stocking the cupboards.

(Photo by L.G. Patterson/AP)

Some think Maclin could slide because of the number of talented wideouts in this year's draft like Percy Harvin, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Hakeem Nicks all of which could be first round considerations. The Browns will have a tough time passing over Maclin due to his great acceleration and nice hands. Maclin is being defined as a game-breaker and with the Browns offense only averaging 14.5-points per game, the team could not do worse with this selection. While Crabtree seems like the more likely, Maclin could be a choice that makes sense as well.

Defense is always a consideration when you finish at the bottom of the barrel in defense and at number five in the draft, the Browns will have several looks to ponder. Taking into consideration some possible major shake-ups in the draft and what some mock drafts sites are seeing, the Browns could be eying University of Texas defensive end Brian Orakpo. Orakpo would make sense as a talented pass rusher, but if things do get shaken up and linebacker Aaron Curry should happen to fall in their lap, he's considered a no-brainer.

I happen to believe in the unexpected on draft day, but I don't see Curry getting this far and even if the Broncos move up the draft, they will likely do so to grab Sanchez. Crabtree or Maclin figure to be a Brown come draft day.


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