FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 11th 2017

Wednesday Night Edition

Pick of the Week

(Week 6)

Pick-Up of the Week

After his scintillating performance on Monday night the Vikings running back Jerrick McKinnon (22 touches, 146 total yards, 6 receptions, and a touchdown) is my Pick-up for the week. It's apparent that the Vikings offensive line has improved this season with the stable of weapons in the passing game, there may be a few more running lanes for McKinnon and company each week. McKinnon (14 receptions in 2017), an exceptional pass catcher offers great versatility in the Vikings offense and greater value in PPR. With Green Bay on the slate next, McKinnon will have a nice matchup against a defense that allows more than 4 yards per carry and the 8th most rushing yards to opposing running backs. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect the Vikes to feature McKinnon every week, but he could be in line for a substantial role in the offense going forward.

Don't Sit on Him

The recent trade (this week) of running back Adrian Peterson to Arizona is just what fantasy owners needed. If you've been clinging on to All-Day hoping he'd get a chance, well your wishes have been answered. With the trade Peterson will step into the starting role right out of the gate; we'll finally see what he's got left. Now the Cardinals don't have one of the better O-lines, but with the passing game that's there, Peterson could give them the balance they lack and open up some opportunities for this offense. If he's available on the waiver wire or free agent pool, don't sit on him, this is a risk worth taking.

Drop of the Week

With the recent news in Arizona, more news coming out of the Cardinal's camp was the release of running back Chris Johnson. This is not surprising, with the addition of Peterson, Johnson became expendable and for fantasy owners droppable. Johnson was cut earlier in the preseason by the Cardinals and only brought back following the loss of running back David Johnson. The move then, now looks like a desperate reach that didn't pay off. And with Peterson basically wilting away on the Saints bench, this move just makes a lot of sense. In Dynasty leagues Peterson seems to fill the immediate need for the Cardinals running game so he's worth the grab. Likely not the long term solution especially with David Johnson expected to return this season. AP is worth adding now, but proceed with caution.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Tuesday Evening Edition

September 2nd, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

Draft Day Frenzy: Ready, Set, Go!

There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush the fantasy owner gets from participating in a fantasy football draft and watching the clock ticker countdown. Of course not to be compared to scaling the tallest mountains or jumping from a plane at 10,000 feet, but for the fantasy owner this experience comes just once a year and it’s a big thrill.

Now try drafting in 18 fantasy leagues and we are talking fantasy football overload. Yes, that’s right over the past 10 ten days I managed to participate in most of 18 fantasy drafts. No need to call Guinness, I am sure it’s not close to any kind of record. But what I can tell you, it was a lot of fun (being the fantasy football fanatic that I am) and it was very educational.

Of the 18 leagues that I will be playing in, only three are traditional money leagues while the others will be for nothing more than bragging rights and the ability to declare myself (in my own head) the King of fantasy football (when I dominate most of them).

The first important lesson that I learned from all of these fantasy drafts, I am able to multi-task; exhibited on Saturday when I had two drafts going simultaneous. The second lesson learned you have to be present on draft day; auto-pick is never kind. You have to be present to pick your winner.

With all that aside, the past week has offered me a deeper look into some of the deeper fantasy options “the ones to watch” and favorites that went a little later.

As far as some of the favorites that slid down the draft two of the most noteworthy was wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and running back Chris Johnson. Speaking from a strictly fantasy football perspective and fan insight, I can’t understand why Fitzgerald has been so overlooked (drafting late in the 4^th and into the 5^th round). He has his quarterback (Carson Palmer) returning and physically looks as good as ever. The Cardinals passing offense is fully loaded with running back Andre Ellington and wide receiver Michael Floyd to complement Fitz. He’s a crafty veteran with (still) great hands and a nose for the end-zone; my book he finishes in the top-10.

For running back Chris Johnson, a fresh start and new beginning could be just what this Jet needs to soar again. He’s in an ideal fit for a talented runner; a coach that loves to run. Johnson’s a homerun hitter that does not need volume; he can make a huge fantasy impact with 15-18 carries consistently week in and week out. As long as he stays healthy, CJ2K has a chance to return to the top-10 in rushing this season. He’s still got the wheels to make the big plays and could easily hit double-digit scores in 2014. I like Johnson as a possible top 5 fantasy running back; a big step up from a year ago where he finished 11^th in standard scoring.

We are just two days away from the start of the 2014 season and there’s still so much fantasy football to discuss. Are you ready for some fantasy football?

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Evening Edition

August 27th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

DRAFT! DRAFT! DRAFT!

Get Your Popcorn Ready!

If you have yet to start your league’s draft, then get your popcorn read, because this weekend is sure to be jam-packed filled with fantasy drafts. My annual excitement started last weekend with a marathon 30 round draft (six and half hours of time “on the clock” and endless drinking). Oh yeah, that’s the other half of the fun when drafting in a fantasy league (it’s a well-kept secret in case you were unaware).

So far through the past five days of fantasy drafting (in six leagues), the one thing I have learned you gotta be prepared. In one league where I had a chance to grab Peyton Manning early (fantasy gold), I snagged him off the boards only to realize my impulsive move turned out to be more costly than I would have normally thought.

So while I felt great about my quarterback selection, what I failed to realize was this was a three-starting receiver league. After taking running backs in the 2^nd and 3^rd rounds I found myself with Torrey Smith, Jeremy Maclin, and Justin Hunter as my starters. Now don’t get me wrong, none of these players are fantasy bums, but I am truly riding a leap of faith rolling with these three.

In another draft (8-team league) with the pickins a little deeper, I stuck to my guns. With an early pick at number 4, I grabbed DeMarco Murray and followed him with AJ Green (13^th pick) and Alshon Jeffery (20^th pick). Even though running backs were falling fast, I was still able to come back with Zac Stacy (29^th pick) in the 4^th round. I stayed away from the quarterback and took my Tight End (Julius Thomas) in the 5^th before nabbing Tony Romo; a risky proposition, but one I backed up with Carson Palmer in the 10^th round.

A couple of notable picks that I grabbed in the mid-rounds were running back Chris Johnson, wide receivers Torrey Smith and Marques Colston. These players I took later, but like their potential to have very productive seasons; top 25 respectively.

There’s plenty more to learn and plenty of time to practice the craft. With more than a week until the season starts I plan on using the available time to seek out the late round gems and fantasy sleepers that will help my teams get over the hump and pave their way to fantasy glory.

Who will you take first in your upcoming fantasy draft?

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY'S TAKES

Thursday Edition

October 11th, 2012 

Thursdays Take

Starts

There’s little reason to buy into this logic considering what we have seen from Chris Johnson thus far this season, but if there were any better time to start the Titan’s running back tonight could be that time. The Steelers run defense has been far from formidable this season, even with seeing the leagues’ 8^th fewest attempts per game. The Steelers allow more than 4 yards per carry and with a couple of big holes in the D due to injury (Polamalu, Woodley OUT) Johnson could find some running room. I wouldn’t expect a big effort tonight, but we could see one of his better efforts of the young season; 80 plus yards with a score.

The word out of the Titan’s camp after last week’s disappointing loss to the Vikings was to try and get the ball more to their tight end Jared Cook. Against the Vikings, Cook was often roaming the secondary wide open, but a rusty Hasselbeck neglected to look his direction. We’re expecting that to change and Cook is a very capable receiving option in the passing game.

The Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall returned to action last week with a strong 2012 debut (101 total yards and a touchdown) and fantasy owners could not ask for a better second game matchup than the Titans. Mendenhall will square off against the leagues 28^th ranked run defense (144 yards/game) that has allowed 6 rushing touchdowns in five games. Even if Mendenhall splits time in the backfield, expect a very productive showing.

Big Ben is coming off a quiet week five performance against a stout Eagles defense, but this Thursday he faces a less than stellar secondary in the Titan’s 25^th ranked pass defense. Big Ben will line up under center and face a defense that has allowed 12 passing touchdowns and 279 yards per game in the air. The Titans struggle to bring pressure, if you give Big Ben time he can do a lot of damage; expect to see Roethlisberger looking downfield often.

Sits

Matt Hasselbeck will get the start tonight, but he’s got a monumental task in front of him facing the leagues 3^rd rank pass defense. Hasselbeck is not the same passer of old as his 3-touchdowns-to-3-interceptions and 73.6 passer rating would indicate. While the Steelers have been able to limit their opponents to less than 200 yards per game, they will need to improve their 8-1, touchdown-interception ratio; tonight is a good place to start.

I can’t imagine anyone starting the Titan’s defense in any week and tonight’s matchup is no exception. The Steelers will use the ground game to open up the pass and with plenty of weapons with the likes of Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, this could be a big night for the Pennsylvania faithful.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL NOTES

September 7TH, 2011 Wednesday

FANTASY FOOTBALL NOTES

We are less than one day away from the official start of the 2011 NFL season. Even though most fantasy drafts should be complete by this point, it’s still worth taking a look and quick peek into most backfields to see what ball carriers will rise, fall, and emerge this season. Here’s my run on this year’s running backs.

Let’s just put the argument to rest, when you start at the top, you have to start with Adrian Peterson. He seems to be the consensus number one is most every league I have seen. He’s a feature back, has no serious injury concerns heading into the season, and has scored 54 touchdowns in four seasons. AP will lead the pack, but running backs Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles, Arian Foster, and Ray Rice are not far behind.

From there you will get into the MJD’s, LeSean McCoy’s and Peyton Hillis’ who will round out the top 20 to 25. Once we get into the third and fourth tier of running backs , the talent pool will shallow out, and that’s when you have to start doing some digging.

DEEP IN THE BACKFIELD

It’s been what seems like a very short and very quick preseason, but in the four weeks of action one running back in a crowded backfield in Washington has really caught my eye; Tim Hightower. He’s certainly not the cream of the crop, but he has been impressive thus far and in a Shanahan “run-system” he could really fare well. Hightower averaged nearly seven yards per carry facing mostly first string defenses and his versatility as a pass catcher (63 receptions in 2009) could find him spending quite of bit of time on the field. He’s not going to be a feature back, but he looks like a good call to see the lion’s share of work; at least early in the season.

Another ball carrier that has turned my head is the Bronco’s third year running back Knowshon Moreno. Now most folks figure with the arrival of John Fox, the Bronco’s offense is going to become more of a ground attack, but the addition of Willis McGahee does not necessarily mean a time-share. In Carolina Fox had two relative young backs to feed the rock, but in Denver McGahee enters his 9th season and does not figure to step into an expanded role. Moreno has been impressive this preseason and has a well balanced skill-set in the run and pass game. He may lose a few short-yardage and goal line carries to McGahee, but he still figures to see plenty of work. If he can stay healthy, he’s easily a top 15 back this season.

The Packers have the luxury of healing in the offseason, but for running back Ryan Grant that may not be enough. Last season 2nd year back James Starks stepped up and played well for the Pack in the post season and could very well figure into the team’s plans this season. From what I have read, heard, and seen I would not be surprised to see Starks starting at some point this season and more likely sooner than later.

Along with these potential diamonds in the rough, a couple of kids I would watch heavily leading into week one, Bernard Scott of the Bengals and rookie Stevan Ridley of the Patriots. Both teams don’t have a clear cut dominant runner that they will lean on heavily and both these kids could just be hungry enough to work their way into the spotlight.

If Benson can’t keep his name out of the paper in non-related football news, Scott’s time could come much sooner than expected. The team sounds like they are very high on Ridley; the power back just needs to keep “doing the right things” and his time will come.

There aren’t too many names that I am necessarily down on this year, but as good as Saints running back Mark Ingram is, I am not buying all that cool-aid that is being sold. Ingram is going to be productive this season, but I am just not so sure that Pierre Thomas is done. As long as Thomas is healthy, he’ll remain an integral part of the offense as well. That’s just my thoughts on that subject and these are my takes in the backfield.

By David Ortega

FSH: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

December 2nd, 2010, Thursday

My Weekly Survivors

Well last week turned out to be a disaster. Taking Sidney Rice in only his second game back was a stretch, even though he saw extended action the week prior; just one catch for 20 yards last week. I can only imagine how many fantasy owners lost their matchup last week because Titan’s running back Chris Johnson totaled just seven yards; can you say disappointment.

Thankfully I had Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel under center to anchor my lineup. His 27 points (233 yards passing and four touchdowns) saved what would have been a horrific fantasy catastrophe.

With this being the 13th week to submit a lineup and I really have to look for a lot of the lesser known and lower caliber players with ideal matchups. This week no more stretches, I am going to stick with the better odds.

Here are my picks for week 13….

QB-Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams
The Rams rookie quarterback has been steady and solid over recent weeks. He’s coming off his best performance this season passing for over 300 yards and tossing three touchdowns last week against the Broncos. This week Bradford will be throwing against the Cardinal’s 25th ranked pass defense that has only sacked the quarterback 21 times; with time in the pocket Bradford could have another big Sunday.
(Projected: 19 fantasy points/ 255 yards passing, 15 rushing yards, two touchdowns)

RB- Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
The Panther’s running back is back and has returned to the starting role. Last week Stewart rambled 98 yards on 12 carries and this week he could be just as effective running against the Seahawks 22nd ranked run defense that has allowed 11 rushing touchdowns. I look for Stewart to see at least 18-20 carries and that could be enough to get him to the century mark.
(Projected: 17 fantasy points/ 105 yards rushing, 1 catche, 10 yards receiving, one touchdown)

RB-Arian Foster, Houston Texans
The Texans running back has just been Mr. Everything to the offense this season. Foster leads the NFL with over 1,100 yards rushing, but he also leads the Texans with 75 receptions. He is a dual threat that is difficult to contain whether it’s rushing or receiving. The Eagles will have not only have trouble containing Foster in the run game, but covering him in the pass game as well. Foster will get his.
(Projected: 19 fantasy points/ 80 yards rushing, 6 catches, 55 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Terrell Owens, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals big physical receiver Terrell Owens is enjoying a very highly productive season with 65 catches, over 900 yards receiving, and 8 touchdowns. He faces the Saints in what will likely be an up-tempo style game and one that could see him get plenty of chances. This year Owens is tied for the lead with 124 targets.
(Projected: 16 fantasy points/ 7 catches, 105 yards, one touchdown)

WR-Anquan Boldin, Baltimore Ravens
The Raven’s wide out has been unusually quiet on the field lately, but this could be the week he makes a lot of noise. With the Steelers in town, Boldin could present some matchup problems for a very questionable 22nd ranked pass defense. In their first matchup this season Boldin caught 7 passes; expect to see him targeted often this Sunday.
(Projected: 14 fantasy points/ 8 catches, 85 yards, one touchdown)

TE-Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings offense has been a tough one to read, but one thing that has been much easier to read this season is the Buffalo Bills matching up with opposing tight ends. The Vikings and Shiancoe will have the comfort of home and while the Bills have improved over recent weeks I expect to see Favre and his tight end to enjoy some success. Shiancoe led the Vikes last week with only three catches for 54 yards, but he was targerted six times; look for this trend to continue with greater success.
(Projected: 11 fantasy points/ 5 catches, 55 yards, one touchdown)

PK-David Akers, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles had some struggles last week with the Bears stout defense, but this week against the Texan’s 28th ranked defense they should have great success moving the ball up and down the field. I would expect to see plenty of scoring opportunities for the Eagles and their kicking game.
(Projected: 12 fantasy points/ three 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)

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

September 19th, 2010, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

Last weekend’s NFL games were nothing less than fantastic with great plays, big upsets, and fantastic finishes. Leading the highlight reel from a week ago were some fantasy favorites like quarterback Peyton Manning (433 passing yards), running back Chris Johnson (142 rushing yards) with a couple of newcomers joining the party; rookie Arian Foster (231 yards rushing) and receiver Hakeem Nicks (3 touchdowns). Week two of the NFL promises to be everything and more that fantasy owners enjoyed last weekend. With some key matchups today that favor some big performances, fantasy owners will have plenty to salivate over.

Kickoff is just hours away, so taking a look ahead at the games, here’s what I will be watching…

Sunday Games:

The Rams will roll into the black hole this afternoon and face a hostile Raider Nation and soft Raider’s run defense. Last week the Raiders had trouble stopping the Titan’s running game (allowed and could struggle this week again. With Ram’s running back Steven Jackson gauging the defense for 4-5 yards at a time, I will be keeping my eye on Ram’s wide receiver Danny Amendola who was targeted 9 times last week.

The Vikings offense struggled in week one against the defending champions and looked very rusty in doing so, but with the extended time to work Favre and company should click today at home. The talk has been wide receiver Greg Camarillo stepping up as his go to, but I will be keeping my eye on wideout Bernard Berrian; it’s time for him to step up.

The Bengals swept the AFC North division a year ago (not an easy feat) and today will host the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens looked stout last week against the Jets, but only 10 points in week one my eyes will be on the Bengal’s offense. With Owens and Ochocinco, Palmer and company should have no problem scoring more than 10 points.

The Manning bowl will provide me with some interest, as poorly as the Colts run defense played last week I am not expecting a whole lot of improvement. I will be keeping my eyes on the Giants backfield (Bradshaw and Jacobs), whom should do well against a defense that was shredded for over 200 yards on the ground.

My Survivor Picks

This year we will be testing our fantasy skill in the Next Generation in Fantasy Football. Suicide Fantasy Football, it’s the newest craze in the game. It’s survival of the fittest and exactly that, a survivor league. In a 35-team league, we currently stand in 11th place. Here were our picks from a week ago and a look at our picks for this Sunday:

Last Week:
Donovan McNabb (7pts)
Matt Forte (32pts)
Carnell Williams (9pts)
Jeremy Maclin (10pts)
Jabar Gaffney (9pts)
Zach Miller (4pts)
Joe Nedney (6pts)

QB-Michael Vick: He is ready to make his first start since 2006. His legs look back and he still has the arm and weapons to go downfield.

RB-Ahamd Bradshaw: The Colts run defense looked bad and without safety Bob Sanders they will struggle against Giant’s run game.

RB-Rashard Mendenhall: The Titans run defense allowing over 5.0 yards per carry. Good matchup for Steeler run game.

WR-Greg Jennings: The Packers offense started slow last week, this week without Grant, Rodgers-to-Jennings should be big.

WR-Nate Washington: Nate has good chemistry with his quarterback and with defense focused on stopping the run, will have lots of single coverage today.

TE-Chris Cooley: Chris showed good chemistry with McNabb last week, expect to see him heavily targeted (9 targets last week) again this week.

PK-Nick Folk: The Jets offense is still a work in progress and is likely to struggle in the red-zone against Belichick; expect more kicks than thrills (TDs).

FSH: MY 2010 FANTASY RB'S

September 8th, 2010, Wednesday

Running with the wind

Top Fantasy Running Backs:

2009 was a record setting season for the Titan’s running back Chris Johnson, the class of the NFL runners. The speedster from East Carolina University shredded opposing defenses last season to the tune of 2,006 yards becoming just the sixth player in NFL history to do so. He was no secret a year ago, but fantasy owners can bet opposing defenses this season will be game planning to stop his attempt at a repeat.

Joining Johnson perched atop the fantasy list of running backs this season is the Vikings man among boys, running back Adrian Peterson. With another impressive NFL campaign (over 1,300 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns in 2009) under his belt, is there any reason to doubt that “All-Day” will be better in 2010? The word on the “fantasy street” Peterson could be utilized more in the passing game this season.

Rising to the top….

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens…

In his second season the Raven’s running back Ray Rice started 15 games and catapulted his way to top of fantasy galore. Rice toted the rock 254 times in 2009 for over 1,300 yards and added another 702 yards receiving on 78 receptions. His eight touchdowns were nothing to scream about, but his overall production ranked him second in total yards only to Chris Johnson. With all the weapons added this offseason to the Raven’s offensive lineup, Rice should be set for an encore performance in 2010.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars…

The Jaguars small ball of thunder, running back Maurice Jones-Drew started all 16 games a year ago turned in his biggest season in the NFL with over 1,760 yards of offense and 16 touchdowns. Mojo is a dynamic and versatile scat back with big play potential. Over the past two seasons he has recorded more than 50 receptions in each and has shown great toughness and durability missing just one game since arriving to the NFL four seasons ago.

Ready to breakaway…

The Jets running back Shonn Greene has stepped into the starting gig behind one of the league’s best offensive lines. In 2009 the Jets ran the ball over 500 times, so even with the arrival of a potential Hall-of-Famer (LaDanian Tomlinson) Greene should see plenty of action to be a highly productive fantasy option. The Jet’s starting running back won’t turn many heads in PPR leagues, but he should still be a solid number one running back option in most fantasy leagues running behind a line that produced 21 scores on the ground in 2009 .

2010 Sleepers…

It’s not taking long for this year’s rookie class to make some noise in NFL backfields, already in Buffalo running back C.J. Spiller showed enough to get the starting nod in week one. He’ll be one to watch not only this weekend, but this season. Another running back drawing attention and worth keeping an eye on will be the Lion’s Jahvid Best. Like Spiller, Best won the starting gig this season with his strong play during the preseason. Neither offenses (Bills, Lions) are built quite like best in the league, but both backs should be featured quite a bit and could earn their way onto several fantasy rosters by midseason.

A third running back with Sleeper potential this season is the Bronco’s running back Knowshon Moreno. The 2^nd year back will start this season and if he can stay healthy he shouldn’t have any real competition in the backfield to steal any production. Moreno was a slight disappointment a year ago, but this season he should be featured quite a bit more and could have a big sophomore campaign.

These are just a few of the noteworthy backs for 2010. Here’s how my top 20 round out for the upcoming season.

My 2010 top 10 Running Backs

1. Chris Johnson, TEN

2. Adrian Peterson, MIN

3. Ray Rice, BAL

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX

5. Frank Gore, SF

6. Shonn Greene, NYJ

7. Steven Jackson, STL

8. Michael Turner, ATL

9. Ryan Grant, GB

10. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT

11. DeAngelo Williams, CAR

12. Joseph Addai, IND

13. Pierre Thomas, NO

14. Knowshon Moreno, DEN

15. Clinton Portis, WAS

16. Cedric Benson, CIN

17. LeSean McCoy, PHI

18. Ryan Matthews, SD

19. Justin Forsett, SEA

20. Matt Forte, CHI

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 15th, 2010 11:07pm PST

Monday Morning Huddle

What's Next

Tomorrow's Stars

The NFL Combine is just 8 days away and with more than 200 college senior (and underclassmen) invitees expecting to gather in Indianapolis to participate. Once again scouts, general managers, and coaches will be taking front seat to eye the future stars of tomorrow. Some of the notable names that are expected to be in attendance include; Nebraska's defensive tackle Ndamukong Su, Stanford's running back Toby Gerhart, Texas' quarterback Colt McCoy, and Clemson's running back C.J. Spiller to name a few. For seven days (Feb 24th- Mar 2nd) some of college footballs very best will gather to display their talents and abilities while the great minds of the NFL evaluate.

Here's an unofficial list of some of the notable invitees;

COLT MCCOY (QB)-TEXAS

TIMOTHY TEBOW (QB)-FLORIDA

TOBY GERHART (RB)-STANFORD

DEXTER MCCLUSTER (RB)-MISSISSIPPI

CLIFFORD SPILLER (RB)-CLEMSON

MARSHWAN GILYARD (WR)-CINCINNATI

BRANDON LAFELL (WR)-LOUISIANA ST

JORDAN SHIPLEY (WR)-TEXAS

JERMAINE GRESHAM (TE)-OKLAHOMA

RUSSELL OKUNG (OL)-OKLAHOMA ST

TRENT WILLIAMS (OL)-OKLAHOMA

TERRENCE CODY (DL)-ALABAMA

JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM (DL)-FLORIDA

BRANDON GRAHAM (DL)-MICHIGAN

GREG HARDY (DL)-MISSISSIPPI

ARTHUR JONES (DL)-SYRACUSE

NDAMUKONG SUH (DT)-NEBRASKA

BRANDON SPIKES (LB) FLORIDA

SEAN WITHERSPOON (LB)-MISSOURI

TAYLOR MAYS (DB)-SOUTHERN CAL

PATRICK ROBINSON (DB)-FLORIDA ST

This year's class of prospects may not be housing quite the picks of the litter that we have seen from recent draft classes (from 2008-Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Ryan, DeSean Jackson, Jerod Mayo, Curtis Lofton, from 2009-Knowshon Moreno, Beanie Wells, Mark Sanchez, Percy Harvin, Austin Collie, Michael Crabtree, Jairus Byrd, Clay Matthews, Brian Cushing, and Brian Orakpo) but it is still loaded with plenty of talent.

The questions are who will go where in this year's draft.

Fantasy Watch 2010

As the NFL prepares for the NFL Combine, let’s re-examine some of last year’s talent that could emerge this season as real contributors and fantasy impact players.

In Philly LeSean McCoy would certainly appear to have every opportunity to be a starter next season with so many questions surrounding running back Brian Westbrook. Even if Westbrook returns to football, the Eagles will have to think hard about committing so much money to him in 2010.

In Denver rookie Knowshon Moreno finished his 2009 campaign strong scoring three times in his last two games, giving fantasy owners every impression he could blossom even more this coming season. He certainly has the potential to be a 20-plus carry running back in 2010.

These were just a couple of 2009's rookies that could be elevating their fantasy value this summer. Check back with "More From the Huddle" for more of the projected 2010 Sophomore Sensations.....