FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 1st, 2011 Saturday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Austin close, but will miss Sunday
We already knew that Austin would be sitting this Sunday against the Lions, but its good news for fantasy owners to hear that he is getting close. Austin said he could play in week 5, if the Cowboys had a game. The bad news with him sitting, the boys will be short-handed again and could see a lot of the same (as we saw on Monday night) from their make-shift receiving corp; not good for quarterback Tony Romo fantasy owners.

Vick expecting to Play on Sunday
The Eagles dynamic quarterback announced earlier this week he will be on the playing field this Sunday despite all of his recent injuries; should fantasy owners be worried? The Niners are stingy against the run this season, so the Eagles will have to throw, but fortunately for Vick fantasy owners they do not do a great job at getting after the quarterback (they are OK). Also, an anemic 49er offense will allow the Vick and the Eagles to be patient with the run and pass.

Newton coming down to Earth?
It’s funny, after his astronomical start this season, the prospects of Cam Newton continuing his electrifying play look more and more difficult with each week. After his struggles last week (even though the Panthers won) against the Jaguars last Sunday, he will be facing a tough Bears defense (8 sacks this season) that could present a lot of problems for him in the pocket. With players like Urlacher and Briggs bringing the heat, Newton could be looking at a long day; owners may want to reconsider their options.

McNabb looking to get out of the Gate
The Vikings are 0-3 and quarterback Donovan McNabb has only thrown two touchdown passes in his three starts. If things don’t turn around soon for McNabb, he will soon find himself holding a clip-board on the sideline. Fortunately for McNabb and the Vikings they will get the Chiefs (ranked 30th against the pass) defense on Sunday, that have allowed 13 pass plays of 20 yards or more. This won’t guarantee a huge fantasy day for McNabb (look for other options), but success in the air could compliment a big day from the Vikings ground game.

Starks gearing up to start against the Broncos.
The Packers will be without running back Ryan Grant on Sunday when they host Denver, but they will have James Starks who will likely be the featured back in their ground game. Before fantasy owners jump on board the Starks bandwagon, they had better take a look at last Sunday’s matchup between the Broncos and Titans; CJ2K was limited to only 21 yards on 13 carries. Johnson may be feeling the hangover from his hold-out, but then Starks is no CJ2K. Starks should still produce decent numbers (65-75 yards on the ground), but if you are looking for a big game, you might want to look elsewhere.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

January 23rd, 2011, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

Championship Day

Today’s injury notes

For this time of year, all four teams playing today are relatively healthy and wo’t have any significant injuries to be concerned with. The only two notable players this week with any injury concerns, Bears safety Chris Harris (torn muscle) will play with pain today and Jets defensive end Shaun Ellis (knee) is questionable, but expected to play.

A couple of notable differences for the Jets-Steelers matchup later this evening, in their first meeting the Steelers were without tight end Heath Miller and All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu; both are healthy today and will start.

The Bears will not have wide receiver Devin Aromashodu, he will be inactive making room for tight end Desmond Clark; the Bears will obviously be leaning on the run and adding more blockers to protect Cutler.

The Jets will have a healthy Brad Smith (groin) back on the field today. Smith was a full-participant in practice Friday and will be returning kicks today for the Jets. In their only meeting with Pittsburgh back in week 15 this season, Smith took the opening kickoff to the house; it was one of his two returns for touchdowns this season.

The Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is battling a cold and had some voice issues, but according to ESPN earlier the Steelers coaching staff say Big Ben is feeling better and his voice should not be an issue. If Big Ben does struggle with making calls it could have an impact on their hurry-up offense.

Today’s Matchup (Player watch)

Both of today’s games offer plenty of defense and defensive specialists; in the Packers-Bears matchup both teams bode plenty of playmakers that can make a huge difference, but only a few can change the game.

The Bears will need a huge effort from defensive end Julius Pepper. The versatile Peppers will need to bring a whole lot of pressure on the edge if the Bears have any hopes of slowing down the Packers passing attack. Peppers’ is also an extremely gifted athlete and will need to make plays today against the run.

Linebacker Brian Urlacher will also be essential for the success of the Bears defense. He also needs a big game against the run today if the defense is going to force quarterback Aaron Rodgers into predictable 3rd and long passing downs.

On the other side of the coin, the Packers have a couple of defensive players that need to play very well this afternoon. The key to slowing down the Bears attack will be shutting down the run and pressuring quarterback Jay Cutler. Linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and cornerback Charles Woodson need to get there when the Pack bring the heat, if they don’t Cutler could have a big passing day for Chicago.

The Packers defensive linemen B.J. Raji and Cullen Jenkins need to clog the middle and make sure running back Matt Forte does not have a big game on the ground. In their last meeting Forte scampered his way for 91 yards.

The Steelers will need to secure the ball today against the Jets defense and will need Big Ben to make a few plays if they hope to have great success running the ball. In their last meeting Ben passed for 264 yards completing 23 passes, while running back Rashard Mendenhall was successful running the ball for 99 yards; they will need more of the same.

Against the Steelers offense today, the Jets defense needs a much better push against the run. Defensive lineman Shaun Ellis is expected to play and along with him linebacker Bart Scott will need to be big against the run. The Steelers managed 146 yards last go around, if the Jets are to win, they can’t allow the Steelers as many yards.

…of course there will be plenty of offense to watch;

Aaron Rodgers is geared up to have a big day against the Bears. Starks will see some carries, but his effectiveness should come in short yardage near the goal line. You can pick and choose any of Rodgers weapons, but one that may go overlooked today is Jordy Nelson; effective last week against the Falcons and could be big today.

Running back Matt Forte should see plenty of action in the run and pass games today, with quarterback Jay Cutler throwing the ball quite a bit today against the Packers aggressive 5th ranked pass defense. Tight end Greg Olsen came up big last week and could be utilized more today in shorter routes in hopes of slowing down the Pack sack attack.

The Steelers had success in the air and on the ground in their last meeting with the Jets; wide receiver Mike Wallace could be in for another terrific outing today matched up against Cromartie and Mendenhall will get plenty of carries inside and could find paydirt.

The Jets may struggle a little today, but where they may find success is with their big receiver Braylon Edwards (8 catches in the last meeting) and if this game moves to the pass for New York, running back LaDanian Tomlinson is still an effective weapon.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE SATURDAY FANTASY REPORT

January 15th, 2011 Saturday

The Saturday Fantasy Report

The Divisional Round

Jay Cutler Could Have a Quiet Afternoon
…Sunday is expected to be cold and perfect football weather to grind the ball and that should suit all of the Chicago Bears just fine; just maybe not a few fantasy owners looking for some production from Jay Cutler.

The Bears have been playing very well lately and a big reason has been a solid running game and more balanced offense. Sunday’s matchup with the Seahawks could be all about the Bears playing championship style football; great defense and a solid run game. Cutler is only averaging 192 yards passing and 30 passes per game in his last three starts.

With some breeze and snow on Sunday Cutler could still have success in the air, but don’t look for him to put the ball up often (unless the Bears are behind)
(My thoughts; 20 of 28 passing, 185 yards passing, one touchdown)


Marshawn Lynch Could Hit A Wall On Sunday
...the Bears boast the leagues number two run defense and on Sunday against “the Beast” (Marshawn Lynch) they will have a chance to prove it. Last week against the Saints Lynch was able to run rough-shot through the defense, but that could be very different on Sunday against da Bears.

The Monsters of the Midway have a lot of speed and athleticism in the middle and could make it very difficult for Lynch to find any space. In their first meeting this season the Seahawks running back was only able to muster 44 yards on 17 carries; he did however find the end-zone once.

After his impressive performance last week, there’s no question Lynch will anchor the ground game, but if he stalls against the Urlacher and company back up running back Justin Forsett could steal some action.
(My thoughts; 16 carries, 55 yards, no touchdowns)

Mike Williams Could Be Big On Sunday
...even if there is snow or the wind gusts the Seahawks are going to have to find a way to throw the ball against the Bears. It’s no secret that most teams find it difficult to move the ball on the ground against Chicago and on Sunday the Seahawks will probably learn that painful fact. If the snow and Bears defense does ground Seattle’s run game, Matt Hasselbeck is going to have to get the ball to his big receiver Mike Williams.

Williams is a huge target and effective receiver in the pass game for Seattle and last time around against these same Bears, he and his quarterback had great success. In week six Williams grabbed 10 passes for 123 yards to lead all receivers in the game.

There’s no question Williams has good hands and because of his tremendous size should have a distinct advantage on Sunday against the Bears 20th ranked pass defense. The only question will be can Hasselbeck get him the ball.
(My thoughts; 8 catches, 105 yards receiving, one touchdowns)

Just my take

By David Ortega

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

September 14th, 2009 5:57pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Week One Injury Notes

(Thursday Night) Steelers: The Steelers will lose safety Troy Polamalu for a few weeks to a knee injury. Though he will not need surgery he's expected to miss 3-6 weeks. The loss will sting the vaunted Steel Curtain defense a bit, but the Steelers are still loaded and should be fine. On the night Polamalu recorded six tackles and a pick and looked to be in mid-season form.
(Sunday) Colts: Wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez went down in the first quarter of Sunday's game with an apparent knee injury. According to ESPN's Chris Mortenson the Colt's 4th year wideout could miss some extended time. The team has yet to confirm the injury timetable, but either way Gonzo will miss some time and that will likely mean more looks for wide receiver Reggie Wayne.
Eagles: Quarterback Donovan McNabb suffered a rib injury in the team's win on Sunday. While there is some hope that McNabb, with rest this week could return next Sunday, his status appears in doubt with the team's signing of free agent Jeff Garcia.
Bears: The Bears defense took a huge hit Sunday night when linebacker Brian Urlacher left the game with a wrist injury. The news got worse on Monday when following surgery on the injured wrist, reports came out indicating Urlacher was done for the season.

Other Notable key injuries;

The Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo suffered an ankle injury, but it sounds like he will be fine and won't be at risk to miss week 2. The Cardinals were basically down two receivers on Sunday with Steve Breaston (knee) inactive and Anquan Boldin limited to a snap count. Boldin suffered no setbacks and if he practices all week should be a go for week 2. Breaston however remains uncertain with his absence on Sunday coming unexpected.

Sunday Night’s Fantasy Football Injury report;

Bears: TE Desmond Clark (back) status unknown.
Bucs: C Jeff Faine (triceps) expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
Falcons: DL Peria Jerry (ribs) status unknown.
Giants: RB Danny Ware (elbow) expected to miss 2-3 weeks. WR Hakeem Nicks (foot) expected to miss 2-s weeks.
Jaguars: DL Reggie Hayward (leg) will miss rest of the season.
Packers: DB Atari Bigby (knee) status uncertain.
Panthers: QB Josh McCown (knee, foot) was placed on injured reserve ending his season.
Seahawks: LB LeRoy Hill (groin) out indefinitely.
Texans: WR Andre Davis (concussion) status uncertain. DB Jacques Reeves (leg) expected to return for week 2.


By David Ortega

Check out more “Sunday Night Football Notes” every week!

FSH: IDP NOTES

June 18th, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

LB PISA TIMOISAMOA LOGGING TIME WITH FIRST TEAM
My Fantasy Read: The Bear’s newly acquired free agent linebacker has been practicing with the first team during recent OTAs. The undersized Tinoisamoa has been running at strongside linebacker and figures to be a decent IDP play this season as a member of the Bear’s defense. The former Ram has led his team in tackles three of the last five seasons, including 2008.

LB BOSS BAILEY CUT BY THE BRONCOS
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s continue to over-haul the defense and make changes to improve the quality of depth. It was recently reported that the team released linebacker Boss Bailey, younger brother to Champ Bailey. The younger brother was often injured and likely would have only contributed from the sidelines. He’s not a likely candidate to be snatched up by any team right away, but he could resurface somewhere. No matter where he lands, he likely to have limited fantasy value in most leagues.

LB BRIAN URLACHER REMAINS SIDELINED
My Fantasy Read: The Bear’s defensive team leader and playmaking linebacker has been sidelined with a groin injury. It appears the team is nearly being cautious and not going to take any chances with Urlacher. He’s expected to be ready for training camp and a solid early round IDP selection in fantasy drafts this summer.

LB RAY MAUALUGA TO BE IDP IMPACT PLAYER
My Fantasy Read: The Bengal’s rookie linebacker has been impressive this offseason drawing praise from his coaches. According to the team’s defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer he could be a three-down back. With praise like that coming from your coach, expect to see Maualuga’s stock value soar in fantasy drafts.

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