FSH: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

December 15th, 2010, Wednesday

My Weekly Survivors

It was another turnaround effort for my fantasy team in week14 (91points). While I am locked in the top 10, I am still inching my way to the top. With a strong effort from my running back Tim Hightower (148 yards rushing, 2 touchdowns) who scored 26 points and my tight end Jason Witten (69 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns) who also donned the end-zone a couple of times chipping in with 18 points my fantasy team is not situated in 6th place overall.

The balance of my team did a fair job with both receivers Reggie Wayne and Mike Wallace adding some decent numbers. The other running back Knowshon Moreno was also a workhorse posting 17 points on 112 total yards and a score. My lone disappointment last week was my signal caller Jay Cutler (8 points). He may be a Chicago-boy, but last Sunday against the Patriots was no winter wonderland in the windy city for the native.

As we push deeper into this fantasy season the picks get a just a little more tricky, but with careful selection and some good matchups I am hopeful this week’s team will not disappoint.

Here are my picks for week 15….

QB-Jon Kitna, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are at home and although they fell short they are coming off an impressive performance a week ago against the Eagles. Quarterback Jon Kitna had a couple of throws he would like back, but all-in-all he played well. This week should be a little easier facing the Redskins 29th ranked pass defense that struggles to bring pressure. With time Kitna will be able to make some throws downfield and put up some points on the board.
(Projected: 20 fantasy points/ 275 yards passing, 10 rushing yards, two touchdowns)

RB- Brian Westbrook, San Francisco 49ers
The Niner’s finally remembered what a valuable weapon in the passing game Brian Westbrook was in Philly. Last week against the Seahawks, the Niner’s utilized the former Eagle out of the backfield throwing him the ball on several occasions. Westbrook finished the game with six receptions for 87 yards and a score, to go with another 23 yards rushing. Westbrook should be able to must a few more yards on the ground this week against the Charers, but will likely do just as must damage out of the backfield.
(Projected: 16 fantasy points/ 65 yards rushing, 5 catches, 45 yards receiving, one touchdown)

RB-Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown (644 yards rushing) has not been having a great season sharing duties with his counterpart Ricky Williams, but the two have to be licking their chops this week playing host the Bills (ranked 32nd against the run). Despite the committee role, Brown has been seeing his fair share of touches; averaging 19 per game in his last three games. Against the Bills he should see plenty of work and enjoy plenty of success.
(Projected: 17 fantasy points/ 70 yards rushing, 4 catches, 45 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys
Austin has not made a whole lot of noise over the past several weeks averaging just three catches for 31 yards over his last three games. With the Redskins 29th ranked pass defense coming to town, this may be just what the fantasy doctor ordered. Back in week one against the Redskins Austin posted 10 grads for 146 yards and a score.
(Projected: 16 fantasy points/ 6 catches, 100 yards, one touchdown)

WR-Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneer’s young receiver Mike Williams (52 receptions, 784 yards, 7 touchdowns) has been playing very well this season, although he is coming off his worst game of the season. We’ll just chalk that up to bad weather and difficult playing conditions. This Sunday the Bucs are home and there should be plenty of susnshine, so I am expecting this kid to bounce back with solid numbers against the league’s 13th ranked pass defense.
(Projected: 15 fantasy points/ 6 catches, 90 yards, one touchdown)

TE-Owen Daniels, Houston Texans
The Texan’s tight end made his return on Monday night and flashed a little of what fantasy owners became used to seeing a year ago. He’s not quite back to old form, but should be good enough to do some damage on Sunday against the Titan’s 26th ranked pass defense.
(Projected: 14 fantasy points/ 6 catches, 85 yards, one touchdown)

PK-Josh Brown, St. Louis Rams
The Rams offense should be able to move the ball on the ground with some ease against the Chiefs 15th ranked run defense, but with just seven rushing touchdowns all season they may have a rough go at punching it in. I expect to see them settling for a few more kicks.
(Projected: 10 fantasy points/ three field goals, one 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)

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 30th, 2010 Tuesday

David’s Daily Digest

My Fantasy Notes:

MAQUES COLSTON REMAINS TOP RECEIVING THREAT
The Saints all-pro receiver has been looking strong especially as of late, during the teams four game winning streak. Colston caught six passes for 105 yards last Thursday in the Saints win over the Cowboys. It was another solid performance for Colston over the past month and a half. My Fantasy Read:
Since week five Colston has been the one consistent Saints receiver that fantasy owners can trust. In his last five games he has surpassed 100-yards receiving in three of those games while scoring four times. With fantasy playoffs near, he might be the only safe Saints receiver to start every week.

BRIAN WESTBROOK GETS HIS SHOT
The former Eagle’s running back got his first shot at extended action Monday night when Niner’s starter Frank Gore went out with a hip injury. In relief Westbrook carried the ball 23 times and scampered his way to 136 yards rushing and a touchdown.
My Fantasy Read:
Now that the news has broke running back Frank Gore is done for the season, Westbrook will be the hot “pick up of the week.” The Niners are predominately a running team and will likely give Westbrook enough ground work and with his pass receiving skills it’s hard to imagine him spending too much time on the sideline. After his showing Monday night fantasy owners should feel confident about Westbrook’s upside.

PEYTON MANNING ON A HUGE SLIDE
The Colts have dropped their last two games and one of the biggest reasons has been the play of quarterback. Last Sunday against the Chargers, Manning tossed four picks in the teams’ week 12 loss. The last time he threw as many was in 2007 against the same Chargers when he tossed six. Manning finished the night with 285 yards passing and two touchdowns.
My Fantasy Read:
Manning appears to be in one of his worst slumps of his career and there’s no question his seven turnovers have played pivotal in the team’s consecutive losses. He’s still a number one fantasy quarterback and eventually he’ll snap out of his funk. This week looks like good timing too with the Cowboy’s 23rd ranked pass defense coming to town.

DANARIO ALEXANDER RETURNS TO ACTION
After being sidelined for several weeks with a knee injury, the Rams wide receiver Danario Alexander returned to action on Sunday. The Rams wide out was targeted six times and grabbed four balls for 95 yards to lead the club in their big road win over Denver. Sunday was only the third game Alexander has played in this season, but in his short stint he’s already turning heads.
My Fantasy Read:
Alexander has real big play ability and should continue to see more action on the field, if he can stay healthy. With the young rookie quarterback making strides every week, Alexander looks like a great sleeper pick for the nearing fantasy playoffs.

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

April 12th, 2010 8:07pm PST

Around The League

Holmes traded to the Jets....
Over the weekend the Steelers shook the fantasy world by trading wide receiver Santonio Holmes to the Jets. The Jets gave up a fifth round pick in this year's draft for the troubled receiver who will face a four-game suspension to start the season. The suspension appears to be a big motivating factor in making the sudden move.

Dolphins looking to re-sign Taylor...
The six-time Pro Bowl selection defensive end Jason Taylor has been mulling over signing with the Jets, but it appears the Dolphins could make a move to resign the future hall of fame pass rusher. Taylor has 127.5 career sacks and despite injuries the past couple of seasons should have enough left in the tank to be an effective situational pass rusher. The Jets can't offer a whole lot, so there's a good chance Taylor will stay in Miami.

Campbell signs tender with Redskins....
The Redskins 2009 starter at quarterback Jason Campbell signed his tender for $3.1 million, but it doesn't sound like he intends to stay in Washington. With McNabb in town, Campbell was given permission to seek a trade and even with his signing the possibility still exists. With the draft closing, expect movement soon.

Westbrook heading to the Big-Cheese...
There's nothing definitive being reported other than Packer's GM Ted Thompson could have some interest in free agent running back Brian Westbrook. With Ryan Grant embedded as the starter, Westbrook could be a nice versatile third down addition. This is something worth monitoring because the move makes great sense for the Packer's explosive passing offense.

Noteworthy:

Even though according to SI's Peter King, the Jet's running back Leon Washington is not part of the Santonio Holmes trade with the Steelers it sounds very possible he still could be traded. Washington did not show up for voluntary workouts and has yet to sign his tender. It is safe to speculate he is unhappy with his current situation and very likely the Jets could entertain some offers.

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

March 22nd, 2010 11:37pm PST

[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Trades, Signings, and Releases...

With the NFL draft still a month away, NFL Free agency continues to dominate the talk around most office watercoolers. The biggest moves, trades, and signings continue to draw a lot of interest for those of us immersed in the world of fantasy football.

Rumors continue to circulate around the league with names like Marshall, McNabb, and Owens being thrown in the mix. Fantasy owners will have to continue to monitor the football wires and the rumor mills with every move having some kind of impact on the upcoming 2010 fantasy season.

Players like Willie Parker, Justin Fargas, Laveranues Coles, Kevin Curtis, and Brian Westbrook remain on the market and while their eventual destination may not raise too many eyebrows they could still draw some fantasy interest (depending on where they land).

More Fantasy Notes:

Change is Good

With LaDanian Tomlinson joining one of the league’s best power running games in New York he should be able offer some fantasy value in 2010, but he's going to lose his notable RB1 draft position.

The Bears added running back Chester Taylor and from the comments made by new offensive coordinator Mike Martz, he could have much more value in Chicago than he ever did in Minnesota. Martz could be employing a very sophisticated offensive scheme that could employ both Forte and Taylor as two productive components.

The Chiefs added some veteran help in the backfield with the signing of running back Thomas Jones. Although they still have Jamaal Charles don't expect the vet to sit idle and take a back seat. Jones could very well share the load and be the team's featured short yardage ball carrier (especially in the red-zone).

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more.....

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

March 1st, 2010 9:07pm 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...

Browns moving toward resigning Cribbs....

The Browns appear to be making progress in their contract talks with return-specialist Josh Cribbs. The special-teamer has proved to be a dynamic kick returner for the Browns and last season was a featured component in the Brown's version of "the Wildcat" offense. Now that the team has expanded their playbook if Cribbs is resigned, he could also prove to be fantasy worthy in 2010.

Westbrook to stay in the East?

According to some East coast reports running back Brian Westbrook has not ruled out signing with any of his former division rivals; the Giants, Cowboys, or Redskins. With an already crowded Backfield in Dallas, the Cowboys don't figure to actively pursue, but the Giants and Redskins could be different stories. With an aging Clinton Portis who doesn’t catch many passes, Washington would seem to make more sense; especially with Shanahan the big Chief in town.

T.O. headed toward Baltimore?

Now that the Bills have announced they will not offer a contract to wide receiver Terrell Owens, let the bidding begin. The Ravens seem to be the current favorite showing interest in T.O. at the moment; remember the Ravens tried to acquire Owens in a trade several years ago (T.O. went to Philly). There's been nothing reported that anything is imminent, but it's a situation worth monitoring. The big play-making receivers would be a great addition to the offense and for the Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. With Stallworth already signed, Owens would be a huge upgrade to one of the leagues less productive units; not to mention a huge boost to Flacco's fantasy stock.

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 23rd, 2010 11:07pm 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...

Peppers to hit the market

It didn't take long for someone to show interest in the former Panther Julius Peppers. Word on the street is the Bears will pursue Peppers. The Bears have an aging defense, but if healthy with the addition of Peppers they could be very good. Peppers is coming off a very good 2009 season and should still have plenty left to be an IDP difference maker in Chicago.

Westbrook to lose his wings

Although it has not been made official, it has been reported that Westbrook will be released by the Eagles. The former Eagle is a similar prototype to the recently released Tomlinson and will likely seek a similar situation; a back-role on a contender. It's already being reported Minnesota could be a possible destination. Other places that could salvage some fantasy value for the 30 year old running back could include; (just speculating) Pittsburgh, Green Bay, Houston, New England, Cincinnati, Chicago, and even Denver.

Folk signs with the Jets

Talking about kickers is never a favorite subject, but since this is news my only comment; if Folk struggled to hold a job kicking indoors at Dallas this marriage in the windy outdoors of New York could be short-lived. Folk won't be rated very well come fantasy draft time.

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

February 14th, 2010 10:07pm PST

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

What's the Latest

Matt Jones signs with Bengals

The Bengals are not wasting any time addressing some of their offseason needs signing free agent wide receiver Matt Jones to a one year deal. Jones will likely be a long shot to make the team, given his one year hiatus from football in 2009. Chad Ochcinco and Laveranues Coles are the current starters, Jones would likely battle for the number three spot.

Joey Porter remains a Dolphin

It was announced earlier in the week that the Dolphins had released linebacker Joey Porter, but recent reports deemed the release was invalid. Porter is still a Dolphin, but likely won't be for long. Despite the sudden change the Dolphins are sure to release Porter sometime in March avoiding a $1 million dollar salary cap-hit. Porter is looking for a full time gig, which could be a tough find in 2010.

Brian Westbrook planning to return in 2010

The Eagles running back does not sound ready to hang them up according to the Philadelphia Enquirer. Westbrook plans to play in 2010 and stated his goal is "to get back out there." Unless doctors advise against any return, fans can expect to see Westbrook back in 2010, but as an Eagle could be a different story. Coming off a couple of concussions and due to earn over $7 million this coming season, the Eagles may have to take a hard look at bringing the 30 year old ball carrier back for another season.

No sounds from the Brett Favre camp

The 19 year veteran is thankful and happy with his decision to play this past season with the Vikings, but despite the many endorsements from management, team-mates, and the Vikings fans Favre does not sound ready to commit. This has been the routine the past couple of season, so fans should not expect anything any time soon.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more of "The Latest" .....

FSH: MORE FOOTBALL TALK

February 13th, 2010 11:07pm PST

More Football Talk

2009 saw a lot of great play by some big stars, but unfortunately many fantasy owners were disappointed by quite a few duds this past season. With players like Carson Palmer, Matt Hasselbeck, Brandon Jacobs, and Braylon Edward failing to live up to even modest expectations the dud list in 2009 was not short.

Fantasy Stars: Looking Back at 2009 (continued)

2009 Fantasy Duds

Quarterback

The former Patriot's quarterback Matt Cassel was not expected to be any kind of savior in Kansas City, but like the Chiefs fantasy owners were expecting a little more. Cassel had a solid campaign in 2008, but his numbers fell off quite a bit in 2009 passing for just under 3,000 yards (ranked 20th) and completing just 55 percent of his throws. His 16 touchdowns were average, but coupled with his 16 interceptions his numbers were pedestrian at best.

Running back

The Eagles running back Brian Westbrook suffered through a forgettable 2009 season, along with his fantasy owners. The talented runner missed half of the 2009 season and finished with just 274 yards (ranked 66th) on the ground. His carries, yards, catches, receptions, and touchdowns, were the lowest totals since his rookie season in 2002. Coming off two concussions this past season, expectations and value are likely to plummet in all fantasy leagues.

Wide Receiver

Although the Bills receiver Terrell Owens showed some big play ability despite poor quarterback play, he was still too inconsistent and dropped too many passes (9 total-ranked 4th most). At 36 years of age, father time may be catching up with T.O. who posted some of his lowest numbers since 1999. Owens caught just 55 passes (ranked T48th) for 865 yards (ranked 33rd) and his five touchdowns were a significant drop off from previous seasons.

Tight end

The Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey may have changed uniforms, but he could not escape his injury past in New Orleans. Shockey missed three games in 2009 and caught just 48 passes (ranked T14th) for 569 yards (ranked 14th). His three touchdown receptions were also very unimpressive ranking him 18th among tight ends (far below where owners drafted him).

Noteworthy

Some will argue that despite his 1,400 yards the Rams running back Steven Jackson was a fantasy dud in 2009. Jackson logged over 300 carries in 2009, but managed just four touchdowns. This would support such an argument.

Another player that should make this list is Bears running back Matt Forte. After his strong rookie campaign (1,715 total yards) Forte followed that up with a dismal performance in his sophomore season. Forte averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, scored just four times in 2009.

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 8th, 2010 9:10pm 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...

McNabb in Denver, really?...

A recent story posted on Bleacher report suggests that ESPN is reporting the Broncos have had multiple discussions with the Eagles inquiring about their 33-year old quarterback; they among two other teams. Clearly there is some concern about Kyle Orton being the long term answer in Denver, but for now this is no more TMZ-type speculation than anything else. It would be a huge shock to see Eagles head coach Andy Reid part with his quarterback (McNabb) that has taken him to five NFC Championships.

Brees and Saints: Can they make it two in a row?....

There's no reason to think that the New Orleans Saints don't have the right ingredients to make it back to the big dance again. Since head coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees have teamed up, the Saints offense has been a fantasy football heaven. If they Saints can manage to keep a lot of what they have already intact, there's no reason to think that Brees won't lead the NFL's number offense again in 2010. This season the Saints were number one in scoring and yards. Who Dat say back-to-back?

Fantasy Notes

Westbrook likely to fall deep next season....

Despite the inconsistent play of Eagles rookie running back LeSean McCoy it’s highly unlikely that Brian Westbrook would return to the backfield as a featured runner. Too many injuries over the past couple of seasons have seemingly caught up with the 30-year old running back. With a couple of concussions this past season Westbrook's career could be in question, but if he does return for his 9th season, he's likely to fall deep down the fantasy depth chart. In 2009 he only played eight games finished with 274 yards rushing and just two touchdowns; his worst numbers since his rookie season.

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

FSH: ON THE COVER

December 14th, 2009 10:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

Eagles are Riding the Lightning!

While the Giants and Cowboys have suddenly found themselves stumbling along the way, the Eagles and wide receiver DeSean Jackson have soared to the top.

The Eagles used their dynamic playmaking receiver (Jackson) and needed all of his talents to hold off the struggling Giants. With injuries disrupting the rhythm this season, quarterback Donovan McNabb and Jackson have managed to find great chemistry. On Sunday night it was in full display with Jackson grabbing six passes for 178 yards and one touchdown.

With Jackson's great speed it made easy for McNabb to attack the Giants secondary as he completed 17 of 26 for 275 yards. Although there have been injuries with Westbrook out and Maclin exiting early, the Eagles second year receiver (Jackson) teamed with his signal caller have managed to keep the Eagles soaring. McNabb is tied for the NFL lead for most pass plays of 40 yards or more at 14 this season.

On Sunday night Jackson used some highlight reel material to get the Eagles surging late in the first half against the Giants. It was his 72-yard punt return for six that opened up a 13 point lead for the Eagles (that would eventually evaporate). But the always electric Jackson then added a late and decisive 60-yard touchdown reception to all but close out the Giants effort to come back.

Jackson has been explosive this season and in just 12 games he has managed to tie the NFL record for the most touchdown of 50 yards or more in a season with eight. With three games left, you know there is more work to do and more highlights to watch if you're an Iggles fan!

Check back everyday for more football!