FSH: MONDAY NIGHT MATCHUP

October 19th, 2009 3:30pm

Monday Night Matchup

Denver Broncos

Vs

San Diego Chargers

Redemption!

It’s probably much more than anyone would have thought when the 2009 regular season began, but the importance of tonight's Monday Night matchup is magnified for many reasons. This has become much more than a simple divisional rivalry game; for both teams tonight will be about "Redemption."

The defending AFC West Champions are in trouble; struggling with their ground game and their defense playing very poor of late getting punched in the mouth and surrendering 38 points to the Steelers back in week 4. With harsh criticism coming from their own front office after being called out by their GM, the Chargers will be looking to re-establish themselves as AfC contended. A win tonight will not put them back in first place, but it will give them much needed momentum and a huge step in the direction of recapturing (the AFC West Division) what they feel is rightfully theirs.

On the other side, things could not be any better for the Denver Broncos winners of their first five games this season. Following their stormy and humble beginnings, first year head coach Josh McDaniels has brought this team a long way. After his questionable moves in the offseason it appears McDaniels has had the answers all along. Part of the answer to those intriguing offseason equations, was the hiring of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. With a lot of the pieces starting to come together and the Broncos playing well, there is still much to prove and for many of the Denver players last season's finale loss to San Diego 52-21 weighs on the mind.

With one team flying a mile high and the other trying to stay afloat this tale seems to be of two teams heading into opposite directions. Tonight they meet and we'll see if the Broncos are the real deal and in control of the West or if the Chargers can get this thing (their season) turned it around. Either way one team will find "Redemption" at the conclusion of tonight's affair.

Monday Night's Fantasy Notes:

Broncos:
Kyle Orton is starting to blossom into another Cassel, but with as many weapons as there are in Denver, his numbers could become more Brady-like. This season Orton has passed for 1,236 yards and seven touchdowns in 2009. For the Broncos the passing game will be key and wide receivers Brandon Marshall (24 receptions) and Eddie Royal (18) will play a big part. The Bronco's will have an added bonus tonight with the return of running back Correll Buckhalter (267 yards rushing). Rookie running back Knowshon Moreno (337 yards rushing) anchors the ground game.

Chargers:
For San Diego the offense starts with quarterback Philip Rivers. Since the recent decline of running back LaDanian Tomlinson (recent injuries have limited his play) over the past couple of seasons, Rivers has really blossomed into the teams most consistent playmaker. Without missing a beat, the Chargers quarterback continues to make plays with his arm passing for 1,245 yards in four games and throwing six touchdowns. He most reliable targets have been his tight end Antonio Gates (24 receptions) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (20 receptions). With LT being limited this season, the Bolts have had to look to scat back Darren Sproles (90 yards rushing).

Prediction:
The Bolts can be an explosive offense, but facing a much improved Bronco's defense they may need more than a passing game to compete in this one.

Broncos 33, Chargers 20.

Remember to check back each week for "Monday Night Matchup"

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

October 17th, 2009 11:07pm PST

THE ATL REPORT

What’s Happening
Around the League

WR-Andre Johnson could face tough challenge….
The Bengal’s secondary has been susceptible to the big play this season, but one thing they’ve managed to master along the way is shutting down the opposition’s number one receiving option. Johnson leads the Texans with 28 receptions for 437 yards.

DB-Courtand Finnegan not expected to play Sunday.…
The loss of Finnegan for Sunday only adds to the Titans problems in the secondary with cornerback Nick Harper already out with a broken arm. Finnegan is missing his thired straight game and with quarterback Tom Brady on the bill for Sunday, it could be a long afternoon.

WR-Jeremy Maclin expected to start against Raiders…..
With wide receiver Kevin Curtis battling injuries for the first part of the season, rookie wideout Jeremy Maclin has taken full advantage. His solid play and spectacular catches last week have likely elevated him into the starting lineup for the remainder of the season.

QB-Matt Stafford to be Game-time decision…
The Lion’s rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford is again expected to be a game-time decision on Sunday. With both he and wide receiver Calvin Johnson not practicing Friday the outlook for Sunday looks bleak.

TE-Dallas Clark helping carry the load this season….
When the Colts released Marvin Harrison in the offseason, the first questions out were who would fill his shoes; that daunting task fell on the shoulders of the Colts third year receiver Anthony Gonzalez. With the kid going down in week one, Clark has stepped up huge in the passing game with 35 receptions and 441 yards.

QB-Tom Brady could be in for a big passing day….
With the Titan’s secondary in shambles missing its’ top three corners due to injury, the Patriot’s quarterback Tom Brady could be ready to strike. The passing game also received a little boost with Wes Welker being removed from the injury report this week.

RB-Steven Jackson looking to bust out on Sunday….
The Rams star running back has been kept out of the endzone thus far this season, but Sunday against the Jaguars this could all change. Jackson has been the mainstay on offense for the Rams this season and he’ll be facing a defense that is ranked 18th against the run.

RB-Cedric Benson is leading the Bengal’s ground game….
Benson has been a pleasant surprise for the team since his arrival last season, but his week 5 performance against the Ravens was impressive. His 120 yards rushing not only helped elevate his team to a huge divisional win, but it also moved him into the top rushing spot in the league with 487 yards on the ground.

RB-Correll Buckhalter practices on Saturday….
The Bronco’s running back was able to complete a full practice on Saturday and is listed as probable for Monday night against the Chargers.

WR-Michael Crabtree expected to make debut in week 7….
According to team staff, the rookie is putting in the extra time and has been having good practices with the team during the bye. The Niners are in big need for help in the passing game this season.


Check back every week for more “Around the League”

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

August 2nd, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Peyton Hillis: The next A-train

Bronco’s fullback has some kick….
Just ask the Bronco’s defense how tough fullback Peyton Hillis really and don’t be surprised if linebacker Tim Crowder is the first to agree. On Saturday during team drills, Hillis brought the wood and put a hurting to Crowder who was still feeling the pain a day later.

The toughness and ferocity that Hillis has shown is truly reminiscent of former Buccaneer running back Mike Alstott. A tough hard-nose runner and blocker, Hillis plays the game old-school.

Even with a packed backfield that includes Lamont Jordan, Correll Buckhalter, and top rookie selection Knowshon Moreno, Hillis should still figure into the equation on offense. During the teams recent OTA’s Hillis has been seeing a lot of snaps in one back sets and head coach Josh McDaniels, likes his ability to catch the ball.

Like Alstott did much of his career in Tampa, the Bronco’s fullback could serve as a primary blocker in two back sets, but be utilized as the team’s primary short-yardage carrier. The dynamic that could prove most useful for McDaniel’s offense is Hillis’ pass receiving skills.

Last season Hillis caught 14 passes for 179-yards, which included seven in Week nine against the Dolphins. The following week, because of an injury to rookie running Ryan Torain, Hillis was moved to tailback. From Week ten on he became the team’s primary ball carrier with 57 handles over the next four weeks, before his season ended with a torn hamstring.

According to McDaniels, Hillis “is a valuable player and versatile and can create some matchup problems for defenses” if the Broncos use him right. While at Arkansas blocking for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, Hillis showed his versatility playing fullback, tight end, wide receiver, and special teams, along with tailback. Over his collegiate career he managed over 2,600 all-purpose yards and scored 23 touchdowns.

There’s no question Hillis’ presence in Denver is going to upset the fantasy balance of the Bronco’s backfield, but the former Arkansas Razorback is making a strong case to see his share of touches. Fantasy owners had better take note; this Hog is demanding the ball and his 504 total yards (329-rushing, 175-receiving) with six touchdowns in his last six games in 2008 should be enough to merit such a demand.

It’s a good bet that Hillis won’t be the team’s starting tailback in 2009, but by the looks of things in Denver he’s a shoe-in to be fantasy relevant this season.


By David Ortega

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 24th, 2009 9:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy season……


My Take...

TE OWEN DANIELS ABSENT FROM MANDATORY CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The Texan’s playmaking tight end is looking to sign a new deal. He’s signed his one year tender, but apparently is willing to sit out to get his new deal. Daniels is one of the leagues up and coming pass receiving tight ends. Over the past two seasons he has caught 133 passes and is easily becoming a fantasy favorite. The Texans are likely to get a deal done soon, but it might cost Daniels some pocket change.

TE GREG OLSEN WORKING WELL THIS OFFSEASON
My Fantasy Read: The word out of the Bear’s camp is the former Miami Hurricane (Olsen) and his new quarterback is developing quite a rapport. Olsen is easily one of the teams more skilled receivers and it’s no surprise Cutler is building chemistry with his tight end. The Bear’s offense is not likely to duplicate the 2008 Broncos, but Olsen could be looking at a big 2009 campaign and will be highly sought after in fantasy drafts this summer.

RB LADELL BETTS FIGURES PROMINANTLY IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: In some recent posts on the wire, it appears the Redskins are going to try and get Betts more involved in 2009. It’s no surprise considering the amount of work Portis has seen in recent years and how he broke down some last season. Betts has had only 197 touches the last two seasons after totaling nearly 300 in 2006 (Portis was injured in 06). Betts is more than a capable backup and could still a considerable amount of work from Portis, making him worth drafting in fantasy leagues this summer.

RB CORRELL BUCKHALTER SHOWING SOME BURST
My Fantasy Read: There is no clear read coming out of the Bronco’s backfield just yet, although the rookie would seem to be the most appealing option, but it seems the former Eagle is drawing much praise showing lots of burst this offseason. This may bode well for Buckhalter who is likely to assume the same type of role in Denver that he had in Philly (playing behind Westbrook). The Bronco’s have a host of options currently and it’s very likely their running game could be by committee, limiting any value Buckhalter might have

WR DENNIS NORTHCUTT BEING PERMITTED TO SHOP
My Fantasy Read: In non-relevant fantasy news, the agent of Dennis Northcutt confirmed his client has been given permission to seek a trade. Apparently the Jaguars are not too interested in retaining Northcutts’ services and it’s likely few other teams will be. It’s very likely Northcutt will ultimately just be released by the Jags. He could eventually latch on somewhere, but he’s not likely to have any fantasy impact at least at the start of the 2009 season.


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