FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 23rd, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

It May Not Be Miller Time, but It’s IDP Time

After spending a little time looking back at the skill players of 2010 who get most of the attention from the fantasy world, I thought it was time to pay some props to the bad boys of the gridiron. Last season saw no shortage of the fantasy worthy individual defensive players and here are the linebackers that made their bones crushing quarterbacks….

The Pass-rushing Linebackers…..

LB-DeMarcus Ware
The Cowboys pass rushing linebacker DeMarcus Ware turned in another solid campaign last season registering 15.5 sacks and 66 total tackles. Ware has been a solid IDP’er throughout his career having not missed a single game in his six seasons at the pro level. His 15-plus sacks last season was the fifth straight time he has reached double figures in that category. He’ll be a top IDP fantasy draft pick in 2011.

LB-James Harrison
The 2008 defensive player of year had a very good year in Pittsburgh last season. James Harrison, noted quarterback hunter turned in another solid season in 2010 churning out 100 total tackles and recording 10 and a half sacks. Harrison also added six forced fumbles and two interceptions to help led one of the league’s most fierce defenses to the Super Bowl. As long as his wallet is fat it’s not likely the fines he keeps collecting will slow him down, he’s a top IDP pick in 2011.

LB-Clay Matthews Jr.
Man or beast, it doesn’t matter because either way Clay Matthews Jr is just that good. A runner up in the race for defensive player of the year, Matthews is coming off a fine 2010 campaign that saw him sack the quarterback 13-plus times and total 60 tackles. Matthews also chipped in a pair of forced fumbles with a pick to lead an upstart Packer’s defense to another NFL championship. Clay Jr was a force for the Packers defense in 2010 and should be once again in 2011; he’s unquestionably a top tier linebacker choice in fantasy.

LB-LaMarr Woodley
While Harrison gets all the notoriety for the vicious hits, his counterpart and teammate LaMarr Woodlyey quietly goes about his job racking up nice numbers for himself. In 2010 Woodley registered 10 sacks, 50 total tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He’ll never have the reputation of a Harrison, but Woodley is very good and should be a high second tier fantasy pick in 2011.

LB-Tamba Hali
The Chiefs found a rising star in linebacker Tamba Hali. In 2010 he led his team with 14 and a half sacks while forcing four fumbles; he also contributed 52 total tackles last season. Hali is coming off his best season and with a young up and coming defense he figures to only get better. Last year was the first time in his five seasons that Hali had double digit sacks; he has the look of a second tier IDP linebacker in 2011.

LB-Cameron Wake
The Dolphins Cameron Wake came from literally nowhere in 2010. His 2009 rookie was hardly worth a mention, but after starting all 16 games in 2010 he put together a very nice sophomore season; 14 sacks, 57 total tackles, and three forced fumbles. Cameron looked very talented on the edge a year ago and hardly has the appearance of a one year wonder; keep him in your sites as a late top tier or early second tier linebacker in fantasy

Others worthy of mention…

These are just a few names that should not be overlooked early on in fantasy IDP drafts, when looking for a good linebacker; the Chargers Shaun Phillips was solid with 11 sacks and 55 total tackles in 2011. Over in Baltimore the Ravens have a gem of a pass rushed in Terrell Suggs; 11 sacks and 68 total tackles a year ago. The Raiders Kamerion Wimbley also deserves some notoriety for his nine sacks and 58 total tackles last season.

This was just a glimpse at the IDP package for 2011, I will be following up with the other positions over the next couple of weeks as well as developing my early rankings for the 2011 season, so keep checking back.

By David Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 22nd, 2009 11:30pm 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 week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Young has elevated his game...

The Titans quarterback Vince Young is still a dangerous runner outside the quarterback, but over the past several weeks he has looked very strong and played very well from inside the pocket (three touchdown passes this past week). In the past month Young has resembled more of a poised pocket passer, than a scrambler. This will be something fantasy owners will be watching as he finishes up the 2009 campaign and something they may want to remember looking toward 2010.

Rivers truly playing like an MVP....

The Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has really been playing as well as any other quarterback in the league. The team is currently riding a nine game win streak and Rivers 18 touchdowns in that stretch has been a big part. What makes Rivers so good and so dangerous for opposing defenses is his tremendous confidence in his own ability and his superb touch on the deep ball.

Manning still looks like a sure play....

The Colts may appear to have nothing left to play for except pride, but you could not tell Peyton Manning that. On Thursday night he was battling just like it was the AFC championship in Foxboro, minus all the snow. With a perfect 14-0 record, the playoffs just a few short weeks away, you can't tell me the Colts don't want to win and keep winning. Manning (33 passing touchdowns in 2009) has been spectacular all season and sometimes better than that in a single half; he looks like a safe play again for Week 16 (but check his status later in the week).

Schaub on his way to the next level.....

With a strong finish (back-to-back 360-yard passing games) to a very good 2009 campaign, the Texans quarterback Matt Schaub is very much lobbying for fantasy elite consideration. Schaub has not only played well this season with over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns, but he has started every game this season for the Texans. With Andre Johnson to throw to, it's going to be hard to see Schaub slip too deep in next season's fantasy drafts.

IDP Notes....

DeMarcus Ware returns in a big way….

After consecutive losses to open the month of December, what the Cowboys needed was inspired play if they had any hopes of upsetting the undefeated Saints. That is exactly what they got from linebacker DeMArcus Ware who was questionable to even play after suffering a neck sprain the previous week. Sprain or not Ware was definitely a pain the Saints neck, in particular quarterback Drew Brees. Ware harrassed Brees all night sacking the pro bowl quarterback twice and forcing two fumbles. Ware now has 11 sacks and five forced fumbles this season.

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

December 21st, 2009 8:37pm 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]

QB-Ben Roethlisberger goes nuts on Sunday....

The Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a fantasy game like very few have ever seen passing for more than 500 yards, completing 29 passes, and throwing three touchdowns to lead the Steelers and undoubtedly earn a few fantasy owners a win. (38 fantasy points)

QB-Aaron Rodgers has a huge Sunday.....

The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had himself a very nice Sunday outing passing for over 380 yards against the Steelers and throwing three touchdowns, unfortunately he was matched up against Big Ben. (33 fantasy points)

RB-Jerome Harrison has nearly a record day.....

The Browns running back Jerome Harriosn nearly had one for the record books, although his performance will rank among the very best all-time. Harrison carried the ball a game-high (and season high) 34 times for 286 yards on the ground (8.4 yards per carry). Harrison also added three scores to lead the Browns to a rare win. (47-fantasy points)

RB-Jamaal Charles continues to run wild....

The Chiefs running back is quickly cementing himself as a 2010 preseason fantasy favorite with one strong performance after another. Charles carried the ball 25 times on Sunday against the Browns and rushed for 154 yards including a score. It was his fourth straight game with a rushing touchdown. (21-fantasy points)

WR-Steve Smith: Dynamite in small package....

The Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith turned in a dominant performance Sunday night against the Vikings secondary. Smith caught nine passes for 157 yards and a touchdown to lead the Sunday night upset. (21-fantasy points)

WR-Andre Johnson; simply a beast....

The Texans Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson had another big Sunday catching nine balls for 196 yards receiving in the Texans Week 16 victory over the Rams. (19-fantasy points)

Notable IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

The Patriots outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain had a huge impact Sunday recording three sacks in the teams win over the Bills. Banta-Cain finished the afternoon with six total tackles in the winning effort.

The Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware returned to action on Saturday night against the Saints after being knocked out of a Week 14 matchup with the Giants with a neck sprain. For the Cowboys his return was huge and for the Saints unfortunate. Ware led a huge defensive effort recording two sacks and two forced fumbles in the Cowboys win that ended the Saints perfect season.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

October 26th, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

Keep track of which players are making

noise and scoring points
[fantasy points based on traditional scoring]

QB-Alex Smith was brilliant in the second half……
The Niner’s quarterback came in relief of a beleaguered Shaun Hill. In one half of football Smith completed 15 of 22 passes for 206 yards passing and threw three touchdowns to lead a second half comeback that fell just short. (25 fantasy points)

RB-Steve Slaton records another two-bagger on Sunday….
The Texan’s dynamic running displays his versatility in win on Sunday. Slaton not only rushed for 67 yards on 18 carries, but he also caught four balls for another 22 yards and scored twice; one rushing, one receiving. (18 fantasy points)

QB-Matt Schaub posts large numbers against Niners.....
The Texan’s quarterback plays well at home, a place that he has struggled some this season. Schaub completed 20 of 30 passes for 264 yards passing with two touchdowns throws. (22 fantasy points)

WR-Hakeem Nicks makes it four in a row…
The Giants rookie wideout scored a touchdown for the fourth consecutive games. On the night Nicks caught four passes for 80 yards and scored his fourth touchdown of the season. (14 fantasy points)

RB-Darren Sproles contribute in win over KC..…
Taking a back seat to the revamped L.T., Sproles still managed to chip in. The Charger’s back up runner carried the ball five times for 41 yards and snatched three passes for another 58 yards, including a 58-yard catch and run for six. (15 fantasy points)

QB-Carson Palmer looked Brady-like on Sunday..…
The Bengal’s field general breakouts on Sunday and has huge game passing for victorious cats. Palmer completed 20 of 24 passes (83.3 percent) for 233 yards in the air and tossed five touchdowns on the day. (39 fantasy points)

WR-Lee Evans awakes from his slumber….
The Bill’s leading receiver came out of his recent slumber with a nice showing Sunday. Evans caught five passes (season high) for 75 yards (season high) and a score in the Bills modest upset over the Panthers. (13 fantasy points)

WR-Mike Wallace makes a little noise on Sunday…
The Steeler’s number three receiver got into the act on Sunday against the Vikings. Wallace grabbed three passes for 72 yards and scored his second touchdown this season in the team’s win. Wallace also added 19 yards rushing. (14 fantasy points)

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

LB-James Farrior flys all over the field on Sunday…
The Steeler’s linebacker was a tackling machine on Sunday against the Vikings. Farrior total 15 on the afternoon and added a sack for good measure.

LB-DeMarcus Ware continues to bring the heat…
The Cowboys linebacker added another two sack effort on Sunday in the team’s win over the Falcons. Ware also added a forced fumble, his second of the season.

LB-James Harrison continues his recent tear…
The Steeler’s linebacker added two more sacks to his season total bringing it to eight; so much for a slow start. Harrison finished the game on Sunday with seven tackles to go with the pair of sacks.

LB-Shaun Phillips has solid efforts against Chiefs……
The Charger’s linebacker finally brought what the team had been missing, pressure. Phillips tallied six tackles on the afternoon and recorded two sacks in the Chargers win.

LB-Calvin Pace has big day in rout over Raiders……
The Jet’s linebacker recently returned from suspension is wasting little time catching up. On Sunday he recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles to go along with seven tackles.


By David Ortega

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

October 11th, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

WR-Wes Welker solid Sunday in tough loss……
Overshadowed by the stunning road loss the Patriot’s receiver was solid returning to old form. After being slowed by a knee injury, Welker responded in week five with eight catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.

RB-Ray Rice a dual threat in Sunday loss….
The Raven’s running back was dynamite Sunday against the Bengals. Rice rushed the ball 14 times for 69 yards and caught seven passes for another 74 yards. He also scored on a 48-yard pass play.

QB-Matt Cassel has strong outing, but comes up short.....
The Chief’s quarterback enjoyed one of his better passing days this season completing 23 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns without a pick.

QB-Tom Brady post decent numbers in loss …
The Patriots quarterback was not spectacular, but he was effective for fantasy owners. Brady passed for 215 yards and threw two touchdowns without an interception.

RB-Steven Jackson still produces even in loss..…
The Ram’s running back continues to produce against defenses that continually stack the line. Sunday against the Vikes Jackson totaled 109 yards of offense, but still hasn’t scored.

WR-Eddie Royal serves up some big cheese Sunday..…
The Bronco’s receiver was finally featured in the pass game and he responded with a big receiving day. Royal caught 10 passes for 90 yards in the Bronco’s big win.

QB-Marc Bulger sneaks in for quick preview..…
The Ram’s quarterback came in late Sunday in relief and was effective. Bulger was 7 for 7 passing for 88 yards and a touchdown.

WR-Donnie Avery finally shows some life….
The Ram’s second year receiver finally came to life on Sunday with a nice day catching five passes for 87 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown reception.

RB-Rashard Mendenhall plays big in win…
The Steeler’s running back enjoyed great success on the ground against the Lions on Sunday with 15 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown. Mendenhall also added a couple of grabs for 16 yards.

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

LB-Ray Lewis has field day against Bengals…
The Raven’s defensive leader was a tackling machine on Sunday recording 10 tackles to lead the team.

DE-Jimmy Wilkerson gets to the quarterback…
The Buccaneer’s defensive end could not be contained as he recorded three sacks on Sunday to go with six solo tackles.

LB-James Harrison unstoppable against Lions…
The Steeler’s linebacker and last season’s Defensive Player of the Year broke out Sunday against the Lions. Harrison finished the game with three sacks and eight total tackles. Harrison has six sacks in his last three games.

LB-Keith Brooking has big day in win…
The Cowboy’s linebacker had a big day on the defensive side of the ball. Brooking recorded 11 total tackles (8 solo) and had one sack in the team’s victory.

DE-Julius Peppers is disruptive on Sunday……
The Panther’s defensive end was very disruptive on edge Sunday recording two sacks and four solo tackles.

DE-Andre Carter creating chaos on the edge……
The Redskins defensive lineman was chaos on the field this past Sunday. Carter turned in two and a half sacks to go along with six total tackles in the team’s loss.

LB-DeMarcus Ware breakouts against Chiefs……
The Cowboys dynamic pass-rushing linebacker was solid on Sunday. Ware recorded two sacks along with six total tackles.

DB-Leigh Bodden tries to buck the Broncos……
The Patriots cornerback was a busy man on Sunday chasing Denver ball carriers. Bodden finished the afternoon with 11 total tackles (10 solo) and defended two passes.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: FANTASY MONDAY MAYHEM

August 24th, 2009 11:37pm PST

Monday Mayhem

The fantasy season is merely around the corner and somewhere in a mid-west town there are a group of guys, tossing a few back cold-ones, sifting through the latest magazines, and toiling over their next pick in their fantasy draft. This is not unlike what many of us just experienced this past weekend, but in this draft we are not just talking about Tom Brady or Larry Fitzgerald. In this draft, we are ditching the team concept and it’s all about the “me.” There may not be any “I’s” in team, but there is a big one in “IDP.”

Like their offensive counterparts, IDPs offer another intriguing aspect of the fantasy game that has become so popular. What makes these Gridiron Galdiators so much fun to watch, is their enthusiasm to make the big plays and destroy the Tom Bradys of the league. Like the “big-catch”, perhaps the second most exciting play in the game is the “big-hit.”

It’s no coincidence that the biggest fantasy IDP studs are also some of the league biggest and most fierce hitters. 2009 will not be short of it’s share of big hits, Malachi crunches, and quarterback sandwiches and leading the way will be our list of the “Nasty Boys” of the NFL, otherwise known as this year’s IDP Studs!


2009 IDP Studs

Last season may be best described as the “Year of the Linebacker” with many rising to the top of the IDP Nation. Players like Harrison, Ware, Lewis, and Porter led a huge surge of defensive playmakers that will once again reign supreme in the trenches in 2009. Fantasy owners engaging in more custom style leagues that include IDPs can expect to see linebackers dominate the boards early. A big pass rushing defensive end may also draw some early attention, but hard hitting safeties will find their way toward the top as well;


Top 10 Linebackers

1. Ware, Demarcus DAL LB
2. Jackson, D'Qwell CLE LB
3. Harrison, James PIT LB
4. Willis, Patrick SFO LB
5. Ruud, Barrett TBB LB
6. Beason, Jon CAR LB
7. Dansby, Karlos ARI LB
8. Briggs, Lance CHI LB
9. Lewis, Ray BAL LB
10. James, Bradie DAL LB

Top 10 Defensive Backs

1. Wilson, Gibril OAK S
2. Weddle, Eric SDC S
3. Woodson, Charles GBP CB
4. Collins, Nick GBP S
5. Reed, Edward BAL S
6. Atogwe, Oshiomogho STL S
7. Gamble, Chris CAR CB
8. Winfield, Antoine MIN CB
9. Wilson, Josh SEA CB
10. Bell, Yeremiah MIA S

Top 10 Defensive Lineman

1. Suggs, Terrell BAL DE
2. Tuck, Justin NYG DE
3. Allen, Jared MIN DE
4. Mathis, Robert IND DE
5. Cole, Trent PHI DE
6. Smith, Justin SFO DE
7. Peppers, Julius CAR DE
8. Abraham, John ATL DE
9. Ogunleye, Adewale CHI DE
10. Williams, Mario HOU DE
    

Players of notable mention that should be kept on your 2009 radar will include; LB-Shawne Merriman, DL-OSI Umenyiora, and LB-DJ Williams. All three had their 2008 seasons cut prematurely, but all figure prominently this coming year.

Remember to check back for more "Fantasy Monday Mayhem!"

FSH: ON THE COVER

August 17th, 2009 9:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

The Baddest Man in the NFL!

It’s time to get Nasty
Fantasy has normally been all about the “O”, but in these days and times the fashionable trend has been to play in leagues that employ IDPs. The individual defensive player has become common place in fantasy and in this week’s edition it time to talk about the bad boys of the NFL.

So who is the “Baddest Man” in the NFL?

Last season there were several candidates that threw their hat in the ring with player like; Joey Porter (17.5-sacks), John Abraham (16.5-sacks), D’Qwell Jackson (154-tackles), and DeMarcus Ware (20-sacks). While these bad boys got dirty and made the big plays on the defense that their teams needed to be successful, there was one player that stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Last season, there was no one as bad or nasty as the Steeler’s linebacker James Harrison (voted the AP Defensive Player of the Year). Harrison finished his 2008 campaign with a team high 16.5 sacks coupled with over 100 tackles. The defensive stalwart also led the league with seven forced fumbles and added an interception to boot.

With the 2009 Fantasy season dead ahead, it’s time to starting looking for your bad boys to fill your rosters. Harrison will likely top many boards, but other names to watch will include; Patrick Willis (SF), Jon Beason (Car), Barrett Ruud (TB), and DJ Williams (Den).


Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: FANTASY FOOTBALL RADAR

June 14th, 2009 4:37pm PST

THE FANTASY ZONE

FANTASY RADAR
(AN IDP LOOK)

WHO IS NUMBER ONE?


Demarcus Ware, LB-(Dallas Cowboys)….
Last season the Cowboy’s outstanding linebacker DeMarcus Ware had one of the best seasons of any defensive player in the league. Ware finished 2008 with over 80 tackles, 20 sacks, and six forced fumbles. He finished runner-up in the Defensive Player of the Year balloting and deservingly so, but if you had asked fantasy owners Ware may have been the top choice. Over the past three seasons he had totaled double figure sacks and averaged nearly 80 tackles. Ware has also proven to be one of the toughest and more durable defensive players having yet to miss a game in his four-year NFL career. Ware is a non-stop motor wrecking havoc in the backfield of opposing offenses. In 2008 his worst game saw him record four tackles and he registered at least one sack in all but two games. Few could hardly argue with the Cowboy’s pass rush specialist going number one in fantasy IDP drafts and it’s likely if he’s not one he’ll be second.

James Harrison, LB-(Pittsburgh Steelers)….
Maybe the only player to have a better season than Ware was the Steelers own pass-rush and playmaking specialist, linebacker James Harrison. Not only did the Steeler’s linebacker win the DPOY honor, but he also captured a Super Bowl title along the way. Some of his accolades that helped him achieve his success; 101 total tackles, 16 sacks, one interception, and seven forced fumbles. 2008 was only the second full season for Harrison as a starter, and following his 98 tackle and 8 sack 2007 season he made to most of his opportunity. The Steeler’s talented linebacker is a relentless force that is a constant disruption for opponents. His 100-yard interception return for a touchdown to end the first half of Super Bowl XLIII proved to be a huge key in the Steelers victory. It’s hard to imagine Harrison not being the top sought after IDP in fantasy drafts this summer, but if he does not go number one, the owner who picks second will be thanking the fantasy gods for the gift.


Check back every Saturday for more “Fantasy Radar”