FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT

September 14TH, 2011, Wednesday

Watercooler Chat

It’s Wednesday or more popularly known as “Hump day” and being the middle of the week, it’s Waiver wire time for most fantasy leagues. If week one caught some of you fantasy owners by surprise, then you might be looking to the waiver wire to get back over the hump.

If your waivers have yet to process in your league, then there’s still time to make the necessary moves to pick up those players that figure to have an impact in Week 2. Last week taught fantasy owners a lot about who is ready, who looks good, and who should be on your watch list, but there’s still plenty more to learn and fortunately for most time to act.

Week 2 Player Watch

Under center

It was only one week, but I would have to say that Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne may have done enough to quiet most of his critics, at least for the time being. His 400 yards passing on Monday night won’t earn him a starting spot on any fantasy teams just yet, but he may be worth stashing away as an insurance policy down the road in deeper leagues.

The Brown’s young passer Colt McCoy was also a nice fantasy play in week one with over 200 yards passing and two scores, if you had him in your lineup. I like McCoy and believe he’s going to get better. It’s not likely that too many folks did start McCoy, but if you are thin at the spot he’s definitely one to watch in the second half of the season; especially with matchups against the Jaguars, Bengals, and Cardinals down the stretch.

In the backfield

The current word going around is Steven Jackson is not expected to play on Monday night against the Giants. If you watched the Rams on Sunday you knew Jackson was an early exit and his replacement Carnell Williams (150 yards of offense against the Eagles) filled in admirably. It’s not certain how long Jackson might be sidelined, but even if for only the one game Williams is worthy of a fantasy roster spot. He figures to see the brunt of the load and will contribute in the passing game.

The Texans may see the return of running back Arian Foster on Sunday against the Dolphins, but that’s no reason to pass on back up Ben Tate. The 2nd year back out of Auburn was a man-child on Sunday against the Colts carrying the rock 24 times for 116 yards. With Foster expecting to return, Tate may not come close to his week one totals, but he could still see plenty of work against the Phins. The Texans ran the ball 41 times in week one and could do more of the same against the league’s 32nd ranked defense. Tate looks to be a solid handcuff (for Foster) and nice flex play this week in deeper leagues.

Split wide

Now it’s definitely something to watch, but let’s not jump all over the bandwagon just yet when it comes to theSteelers’ 2nd year receiver Antonio Brown. He only caught two passes in week one, but don’t let his numbers mislead you. Against the Ravens on Sunday Brown was targeted 9 times, but it was also a game in which the Steelers trailed most of the way and fell behind big. Every week doesn’t figure to follow the same pattern, but there’s no question Big Ben was looking for the kid. If you have the room on your roster, Brown would definitely be a consideration to fill the spot.

The Giants not only fell in week one to the Redskins, but it may have cost them their leading receiver Hakeem Nicks (knee). Although his injury is not considered serious, he is listed as questionable for Monday night’s matchup against the Rams. If Nicks does miss anytime, a sleeper pick off the waiver wires could be number three receiver Domenik Hixon. Hixon has great speed and plenty of big play ability. This could be a tough one since the game is not until Monday, but if if he gets the call he could be a nice sneaky play of the waiver wire; at the very least a possible handcuff for Nicks.

Just my take.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE MORNING HUDDLE

September 14TH, 2011 Wednesday

The Morning Huddle

When I started writing this it was morning, but you do what you can. Yesterday I offered a few thoughts and observations from under center, this morning we’ll take a peek into the backfield. There were a few surprises on Sunday of week one that deserve mention; Earnest Graham’s eight catches out of the backfield against the Lions and Reggie Bushs’ near 100 yards of total offense with a score (and nine catches). These were a few of the more interesting performances in week one that should garner some attention, especially in PPR leagues. It doesn’t appear that neither back is going to emerge as a fantasy stud, although with his upside Bush could provide some nice totals from time-to-time, both look to be effective weekly rentals to fill a possible void in PPRs.

One more performance that should also be noted is running back Ben Tate. The Texan’s back-up ball carrier ran extremely effective in week one gaining over 100 yards (116) on 24 carries with a touchdown. Tate averaged nearly five yards a pop and carried much of the load down the stretch. The impact of his effectiveness is with Arian Foster still a little “iffy” there does not appear any urgency to bring him back sooner than later. If Tate can effectively carry the load like he did in week one, the Texans can be more cautious about bringing Foster back and wait until he is 100% healthy. This would make Tate a temporary solution, but if you were able to handcuff him with Foster, he could be a very productive solution as well.

Week one offered a few interesting plot lines for fantasy owners, but it also gave us some re-assuring answers. So let’s take a look at what was said after one week of the NFl…

Breaking Down the Running Backs

In most fantasy drafts, there’s little doubt about how high Ravens’ running back Ray Rice was taken and if you made that pick you could not have been happy with his week one matchup. Playing the Steelers did not offer any comfort or any hope for a big day, but as a fantasy owner you take the good with the bad and know there will be more good days down the road. Well that may have been your thought process heading into Sunday, but after Rice’s big day (149 yards of offense and two scores) you have to be licking your chops looking ahead. Rice was spectacular averaging over five yards per carry and adding four grabs out of the backfield. If you weren’t thinking that Rice was among the elite ball carriers in fantasy, you may have to start that conversation after week one.

Another eyebrow raising ball carrier in week one was the Eagles running back LeSean McCoy. Sharing the backfield with one of the leagues’ most dangerous players (Vick) has to offer some advantages and on Sunday against the Rams, it looked like McCoy took hold. The Eagles running back gained 122 yards on the ground and scored twice. He only caught two balls on the day, but we expect to see him be more involved in the passing game as the season moves forward. As long as McCoy continues to line up behind Vick, fantasy owners can expect more days like this.

Looking back over the day, there are plenty more names that deserve some kudos, but one name I would like to point out is Rams’ running back Carnell Williams. Cadillac Williams rose from the ashes of the past and turned in a nice fantasy day rushing for 91 yards, catching 5 passes for another 49 yards. He did not find the end zone, but with starter Steven Jackson going down, he’s a lock to see plenty of work on Monday night against the Giants. Williams will not be a long term solution for fantasy owners, but he is looking like a gem as a handcuff for Steven and great week 2 plug-in, if you need help.

Please note, my rankings are not solely based on how the backs played last week. They take into consideration how they were expected to perform, their draft position, and how they will fare going forward.

Top 20 Running backs (Week 1)

1. Ray Rice (Ravens)
2. LeSean McCoy (Eagles)
3. Matt Forte (Bears)
4. Darren McFadden (Raiders)
5. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jaguars)
6. Arian Foster (Texans) DNP*
7. Adrian Peterson (Vikings)
8. Jamaal Charles (Chiefs)
9. Chris Johnson (Titans)
10. Michael Turner (Falcons)
11. Peyton Hillis (Browns)
12. Frank Gore (49ers)
13. Steven Jackson (Rams)**
14. Tim Hightower (Redskins)
15. Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants)
16. Chris Wells (Cardinals)
17. Fred Jackson (Bills)
18. Mike Tolbert (Chargers)
19. Cedric Benson (Bengals)
20. Jahvid Best (Lions)

*Foster is likely to sit week 2 against the Dolphins.
**Jackson is expected to miss Monday night against the Giants

By David Ortega

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

December 27th, 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]

HENNE THROW FOR 300 YARDS.....

The Dolphins pretty much abandoned the run game and turned to the air with quarterback Chad Henne. The second year quarterback passed the ball 55 times completing 35 for 322 yards and a touchdown. (16 fantasy points)

STEWART HAS BIG DAY ON THE GROUND....

The Panthers second year running back Jonathan Stewart making his second consecutive start turned in another big effort. Stewart carried the ball 28 times for 206 yards rushing, including a 29-yard scamper for six. (27 fantasy points)

HARRISON RUNS THROUGH THE DEFENSE....

The Browns running back Jerome Harrison followed up his big Week 15 effort with another solid day on the ground on Sunday. Harrison rushed 39 times for 148 yards with a touchdown to lead the Browns. (20 fantasy points)

WILLIAMS HAS BIG DAY FOR BUCS....

The Buccaneers running back Carnell Williams ran well against the Saints run defense on Sunday gaining over 100 yards on the ground. Williams carried the ball a season high 24 times for his first 100-yard game since November of 2006. Cadillac also added a 23 yard scoring run. (19 fantasy points)

HEAP SCORES TWICE IN LOSS....

The Ravens tight end Todd Heap continues to be a big red-zone threat this season adding a couple of more scores in Week 16. Heap caught just two passes for 37 yards, but both were for touchdowns. Heap now has six touchdowns this season, including four in his last two games. (15 fantasy points)

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

SCHOBEL GOING OUT WITH BANG....

After announcing that he is probably going to retire after this season the Bills defensive end turned in one heck of a day on Sunday. Schobel finished with three sacks and two forced fumbles. Now this is the way to exit the game, in dominant fashion. The Bills host the Colts next Sunday in their season finale.

WOODLEY IS A DIFFERENCE MAKER....

The Steelers linebacker was instrumental making plays on Sunday in the defending champions big home win over the Ravens. Woodley recorded seven tackles with two sacks and a forced fumble to lead the defense.

By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more “Sunday Night FF Headlines!”

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

October 4th, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

QB-Carson Palmer has solid day passing……
The Bengals did not get the passing game quite off the ground as they would like, but quarterback Carson Palmer still finished strong. Palmer passed for 230 yards and tossed two touchdowns in the teams overtime win.

RB-Steve Slaton finds paydirt a couple of times….
The Texans running back didn’t have quite the day on the ground that many fantasy owners anticipated, but he did not disappoint with 89 total yards and two touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing).

TE-Chris Cooley is sure handed in victory.....
The Redskin’s tight end snagged five passes and shed would-be tacklers on his way to 65 yards receiving with a touchdown in the team’s win on Sunday.

WR-Antonio Bryant one of few bright spots Sunday…
The Buccaneer’s receiver in only his second game this season, finally showed some fantasy spark finishing the day with four catches for 44 yards and a touchdown.

RB-Pierre Thomas has another strong performance..…
Sharing backfield duties on Sunday Thomas has another strong outing for fantasy owners. Thomas carried the ball 19 times for 86 yards with a touchdown and added four catches for 46 yards.

WR-Derrick Mason was old Mr. Reliable on Sunday..…
The Raven’s veteran receiver caught seven passes for 88 yards and scored a touchdown in the team’s loss at New England.

RB-Carnell Williams runs well in loss to Redskins….
The Buccaneer’s running back Cadillac William’s averaged nearly 5 yards per carry, caught four passes, and total 99 yards of offense on Sunday in team’s loss.

WR-Brandon Marshall shows he is a difference maker…
The Bronco’s wide receiver not only made plays on Sunday catching four passes for 91 yards, but he made the play that was the difference in the Bronco’s win. Marshall scored on a 51-yard catch and scintillating run that proved to be the difference in the team’s win.

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

DB-Daneil Manning flies to the ball on Sunday…
The Bears defensive back spent the entire afternoon chasing down Lions’ ball carriers recording nine solo tackles and helping the defense stuff the run.

LB-D’Qwell Jackson plays like a beast in loss…
The Brown’s linebacker had a field day swallowing up opposing ball carriers and finishing the afternoon with 14 total tackles, including 13 solo. Jackson also added a forced fumble.

DL-Mario Williams was a busy lineman on Sunday…
The Texan’s defensive lineman was very productive for fantasy owners against the Raiders in week 4. Williams turned in four tackles, with a sack and a forced fumble.

LB-Keith Rivers gets the job done in the middle……
The Bengal’s second year linebacker was a gridiron gladiator on Sunday making stops all over the field. Rivers finished the day with 10 total tackles, including seven solo in the team’s win..

DL-Tommy Kelly filling holes all afternoon……
The Raider’s defensive lineman was a busy tackle in the middle on Sunday. Kelly finished the day with 13 total tackles, including nine solo in the team’s loss.

By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more “Sunday Night FF Headlines!”

FSH: ON THE COVER

September 14th, 2009 11:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

The NFL is Back!!

Fantasy Studs & Duds debut….
This was what every fantasy football owner was waiting for; the arrival of the NFL and after 14 games played, disappointed they were not. Week one was filled with many spectacular moments, big plays, great performances, and memorable moments.

While there was much to celebrate surrounding the return of running back Carnell Williams to the Buccaneers starting lineup, there was also much disappointment with the debut of some familiar faces in new places. Players like Jay Cutler and Brett Favre did not raise as many eyebrows with approval as they did with concern, struggling to find there comfort level in their new uniforms.

Aside from the Bucs Cadillac running like a champ, the Saints found them a gem of their own in running back Mike Bell and his 143 yards rushing. In Seattle and New York both the Jones brothers (Julius, 28 and Thomas, 31) showed why they are starters for their respective teams. How many fantasy owners drafted these boys are their number three running back and had them sitting?

For many of the familiar fantasy studs, it was business as usual in week one with players like QB-Drew Brees(358-yards passing, 6 touchdowns), WR-Reggie Wayne (10 catches, 162-yards receiving, and a touchdown), and RB-Adrian Peterson (180-yards rushing, 3 touchdowns) doing what they do.

Some pleasant surprises for week one included;

Did you start these guys?

Joe Flacco (307 passing yards, 3 touchdowns)
Mark Sanchez (272 passing yards, one touchdown)
Mike Bell (28 carries, 143 rushing yards)
Ray Rice (19 carries, 108 rushing yards)
Carnell Williams (13 carries, 97 rushing yards, one touchdown)
Devery Henderson (5 receptions, 103 yards receiving, one touchdown)
Patrick Crayton (4 receptions, 135-yards receiving, one touchdown)
Tim Hightower (12 receptions, 121-yards receiving)

Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

September 14th, 2009 7:37pm PST

[Evening Edition]

A Wild Week one

The first Sunday of the 2009 NFL season was nothing short of "worth the wait" filled with a miracle finish and plenty of surprises.

For Denver fans week one is going to be one to remember; a miraculous catch and run that not only snatched victory away from the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals, but one that had to leave a bitter taste. The Bengals had just taken the lead with less than a minute to play when the most unlikely occurence happened to seal their fate. With only a wing and a prayer, the Broncos got an improbable tipped pass falling into the arms of Stokley (Mr. Johnny on the spot) who took the pass 87-yards for the winning score. It wasn’t drawn up that way, but it proved to be just as effective and painful for Bengal’s fans.

The Bengals weren't the only team to be surprised on Sunday, ask the Texans and their quarterback Matt Schaub. Rex Ryan and his Jets defense brought a variety of looks and blitzes to confuse and pressure Schaub. On the other side protected with an effective run game (190 yards), rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez played very well making plays with his arm and torching the Texans secondary for 272-yards. In his pro debut Sanchez his Jeyts to an impressive week one 24-7 win over the Texans.

Another week one surprise that actually came on the heels of a surprise announcement leading up to Sunday was the return of Cadillac Williams. Williams is returning from two major knee surgeries in two years. The Bucs running back's return was not just a surprise, but also a success. While the Bucs dropped their opener, Williams ran the ball very well gaining nearly 100 yards on just 13 carries. William's day was highlighted with one-yard touchdown run in the 1st quarter.

With quite a few memorable moments and surprises in week one, we are left with plenty to remember. So what will you recall, here's what I will remember from opening weekend;

What I remember from Week one.

1. Brandon Stokely's memorable game winning touchdown reception in the closing seconds to defeat the Bengals.
2. Adrian Peterson's manly 64-yard touchdown run over the entire Brown's defense.
3. Drew Brees career high six touchdown passes against the lowly Lion's defense.
4. DeSean Jackson's 85-yard punt return for a touichdown to cap off the Eagle's week one rout of the Panthers.
5. Santonio Holmes nine catch, 131-receiving yards, and one touchdown reception performance on Thursday night.
6. Roy William's 66-yard touchdown reception against the Bucs on Sunday. He looked very fast.
7. Matt Hasselbeck's three touchdown pass performance against the Rams. Looks like the back feels fine.
8. Mike Bell's solid performance of 28 carries for 143-yards on the ground.
9. Patrick Willis leading the Niner's defense to a surprise week one upset over the Cardinals. Willis recorded 13 tackles with an interception.
10. For Denver fans, Cutler's four interception performance in his regular season debut with the Bears; not the start he hoped for.


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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 2nd, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

Last week was anything but quiet in the halls of the NFL. The Giants depart ways with a troubled receiver and possible major distraction, while the Bears and Broncos decide to pull off one big surprising deal. All of these happenings are certainly going to have some effect on the upcoming fantasy season and I have my thoughts on what to expect…

My Take...

QB JAY CUTLER TRADED TO BEARS
In a surprising move the Broncos dealt their problem child away to the Chicago Bears, where they will hope the disgruntled quarterback will resume his pro bowl level of play. Cutler was traded in exchange for the Bear’s starter, Kyle Orton and draft picks. There’s no question the Bears offense receives a huge upgrade at the QB position. But without much of a supporting cast, Cutler a top five fantasy quarterback is likely to fall out of the top ten unless Lovie Smith can find some help.

RB CARNELL WILLIAMS EXPECTED BACK IN JULY
The Buc’s running back is expected to return to the field in July. This is his second major knee injury in as many seasons. While it looks as though Williams will be at full strength when training camps open in July, the odds are stacked long against him returning to the field in Tampa. With the team signing running back Derrick Ward to back-up Earnest Graham and his history of injuries, his chances seem remote at best. Fantasy owners should also note, the Cadillac could be garaged (on the PUP list) to start the season.

QB KYLE ORTON A BRONCO
While the move was a surprise, there’s probably no one happier in Denver than Kyle Orton fantasy owners. The former Purdue Boilermaker was impressive in his collegiate days throwing the rock in a pro-style spread offense and now he’ll return to a similar offense that is very quarterback friendly. Orton’s skill level may be limited, but he should be a more productive fantasy starter for owners in 2009 and worth a mid-level quarterback selection in most drafts.

WR BRANDON MARSHALL HAS HIP SURGERY
The Bronco’s receiver had hip surgery, but this will be the least of his worries. It would seem he'll be one of the most affected by the whole Cutler-for-Orton deal, but fantasy owners should take note that the impact won’t be nearly as great as first conceived. With Marshall expected to get hit with an eight game suspension, by the time he returns to the field the smart fantasy owners that passed over him, may be looking to play “let’s make a deal” later in the season. Marshall will likely have his biggest impact around fantasy playoffs, but that is a long time from now and a lot can still happen.

WR PLAXICO BURRESS IS RELEASED
The biggest impact here is not how this will affect Plaxico. He’s out of football for sometime it now appears. Two players that will be most affected will obviously be one, quarterback Eli Manning who will have to search high-n-low to find a new go-to, but the other affected will be running back Brandon Jacobs. Without a legitimate threat on the outside, opposing teams are going to stack the line and make it difficult for Jacobs to repeats his solid 2008 performance. Fantasy owners will need to watch the Giants offseason moves, because it’s going to take more than a rookie pick to fill this void.


IDP Notes:

There’s certainly been no shortage of news from the other side of the ball this offseason, with impact players trying to come back and some possibly looking to be moved. Nevertheless, with new updates everyday there’s just as much to watch, follow, and note on the defense. Here are some of this week’s IDP notes….


LB SHAWNE MERRIMAN HEALTHY AGAIN
The Chargers linebacker is saying he is “feeling great” and “looks amazing.” According to many folks in the Merriman-camp, the Charger’s “Lights-out” playmaker is already back at full strength. This is good news for IDP owners, but it the real proof will be when Merriman returns to full-contact.

DL AARON KAMPMAN RUMORED TO BE ON THE MOVE
It is being reported that the Packers could be looking to trade Kampman, who may not necessarily fit their new 3-4 system on defense. With many teams now converting to the popular 3-4 scheme, there are fewer ideal places for Kampman to go. There’s no question he’s still a big time pass rusher on the edge in the 4-3, but may lack the same kind of impact as an inside presence in the 3-4 defense. IDP owners will want to wait and see if he’s moved before weighing in on any preseason judgment.

LB ADALIUS THOMAS REHABBING WELL
One of the Patriot’s big playmaking defensive players is progressing well with his rehab of a broken forearm. Thomas is a talent and impact player on defense and looks to be back in time for training camp. Expect Thomas to be a popular IDP pick in fantasy drafts coming off five sacks in only nine games last season and 39.5 over his past five seasons.

DL JASON TAYLOR WAITING TO DECIDE
The former Redskin is going to wait until after the NFL draft to decide where he’ll play according to some reports. While Taylor is still athletic and seems to have plenty left in the tank, he’s a better fit in a system where he’ll platoon as a pass rush specialist. It’s looking like Miami and New England could be possible suitors. He could flourish with either team.


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