FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

December 18th, 2010 Saturday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In These Hands We Trust

Over the past several weeks the Patriots little man in the passing game, wide receiver Wes Welker has quietly been rising up the fantasy value board. Since week 12 Welker ranks second only to the Texan’s wide receiver Andre Johnson (24 receptions) with 23 catches and his three scores are second best to his teammate, Deion Branch (4 touchdowns).

Welker hit a dry spell for a short period grabbing just 11 passes from week 7 thru 9, but since that time he has really heated up in time for the fantasy playoffs. In his last five games Welker has been targeted 49 times (ranks 6th), caught 36 passes (ranks 3rd), and scored four times (ranks tied for 5th). With fantasy playoffs underway, Welker has returned to the hands that quarterback Tom Brady trusts most.

Like the kid from Foxboro, the Cowboy’s tight end Jason Witten has begun to heat up at the right time. It has taken time for Witten and his new quarterback Jon Kitna to develop chemistry, but over the past several weeks the two are really starting to click.

Kitna replaced the injured Tony Romo back in week 7 and after a quick start for the two (25 targets in week 7 & 8), Kitna started looking away from Witten. The Cowboys tight end hit a lull in targets and receptions from weeks 9 through 11 (11 targets, 8 catches). Whatever the distraction, the two seemed to be in perfect synchronization now; Witten has been targeted 22 times in his last three games and has 22 grabs (most by any tight end during this stretch).

With Kitna calling Witten’s number more often the tight end has become a busy man with 210 yards receiving (2nd most for tight ends) and three touchdowns (ranks 1st among tight ends). It’s easy to see Witten’s hands are again amongst the most trustworthy.

Radar Watch

In My Sights

My Fantasy Notes:

With a huge matchup against the Jaguars slated for Sunday, Colts wide receiver Pierre Garcon could the man to watch. In his last two games he has been on fire and Mr. Reliable. The Colt’s receiver has been targeted 15 times and has come up with 14 catches; including three for scores. He has arguably become one of quarterback Peyton Manning’s most sure handed options this season and with the return of Austin Collie this week defenses will have a tough time focusing their attention.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are playing host to the Detroit Lions on Sunday and one receiver I will be watching closely will be the rookie Mike Williams. He’s already having a solid first year with 784 yards receiving and seven touchdowns. Last week against the Redskins in slopping conditions Williams struggled through what has been his worst game this season; just one catch for 15 yards. Williams was targeted just five times, but he still leads the team with 104 this season and should bounce back this week. The forecast for Sunday is sunny and that should produce plenty of opportunity for Williams to rebound.

The Jets offense has been struggling greatly the last two weeks and on Sunday they are going to have a difficult time generating any kind of ground attack against the league’s best run defense. Quarterback Mark Sanchez and company may be faced with having to attack the Steeler’s secondary (ranked 23rd against the pass). One player to watch will be the Jet’s wide receiver Santonio Hlolmes. The Jet’s receiver has been targeted 21 times in his last two games and could become the focal point of the Jets aerial attack. Holmes had scored a touchdown in three straight games, before being blanked in his last two; look for Sanchez and company to try and change that early.

Target Leaders from week 12 through 14
(unofficial numbers)

Top 10

1. Reggie Wayne, IND (41 targets)
2. Roddy White, ATL (37 targets)
3. Andre Johnson, HOU (34 targets)
4. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (31 targets)
5. Wes Welker, NE (30 targets)
6. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (28 targets)
7. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (28 targets)
8. Dwayne Bowe, KC (27 targets)
9. Stevie Johnson, BUF (27 targets)
10. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (27 targets)

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 15th, 2010 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

MATT SCHAUB COMES ALIVE ON MONDAY NIGHT
For a while fantasy owners had to be showing some concern for their Texan’s quarterback. After passing for nearly 4,800 yards last season, big games were something most had become accustomed to. However, before his week 14 matchup against the Ravens, Schaub was coming off stretch of passing for more than 300 yards in just two of his last six starts. That all changed Monday night when Schaub went nuts passing for 393 yards and throwing three touchdowns on his way to one of his best games this season.
My Fantasy Read:
Schaub could not pick a better time to get hot with fantasy playoffs underway in most custom league formats. The 300-yard effort Monday night was his second consecutive and his three touchdowns were only the second time this season. With the hot hand now, Schaub’s week 15 matchup against the Titan’s 26th ranked pass defense looks mouth watering for owners.

THE RYAN TORAIN TRAIN IS ON TRACK AGAIN
After rumbling his way through the Buccaneers defense for 172 yards, it’s safe to say running back Ryan Torain’s hamstring appears healthy. His 24 carries on the afternoon were also a season high for the 2nd year ball carrier.
My Fantasy Read:
Torain onlyreturned to practice last week, but his participation in practice with the first team should have been an indicator that he would be Shanahan’s choice to start. His 26 touches on Sunday should also be a strong indicator to fantasy owners that he’ll be seeing the brunt of load going forward.

DEION BRANCH IS ENJOYING HIS RETURN
Since returning to Beantown, the Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch has been a steady contributor to the passing. He has quickly become one of Tom Brady’s most reliable and consistent pass catchers. In the team’s last three games Branch has really come on strong scoring in each. Last Sunday against the Bears Branch blew up for 151 yards receiving on 8 catches.
My Fantasy Read:
This is nothing new to Patriots fans, as they have seen this before, but for fantasy owners this was something that was missing in Seattle. Now that Branch is back home in Foxboro, he’s a solid fantasy start averaging nearly 19 fantasy points in his last three starts.

JEREMY MACLIN PLAYS SECOND FIDDLE
The Eagles offense once again exploded for at least 26 points; it was their sixth straight game. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was not part of the fireworks. Maclin was targeted just three times finishing the game with one catch for 11 yards.
My Fantasy Read:
The 11 yards effort was a season low for Maclin, but it was also his second consecutive non-eventful effort. It’s pretty clear the Eagles big play passing offense is catered around the blazing speed of DeSean Jackson. As long as opposing defenses continue to struggle with Jackson, Maclin is likely going to have more games like this.

STEVIE JOHNSON COULD BE READY TO REBOUND
It was another listless afternoon for wide receiver Stevie Johnson who caught just five passes for 42 yards on eight targets in the cold at Orchard Park. Johnson has easily been one of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s favorite targets, but over the past couple of weeks the two have not been in sync. That all could change with the loss of wide receiver Lee Evan (placed on Injured Reserve)
My Fantasy Read:
Before Sunday Evans was becoming a hot target for Fitzpatrick. Prior to Sunday Evans had averaged seven targets in his last three games. With Evans placed on IR, Johnson is expected to be the-guy in Buffalo. He won’t have a walk through the park this Sunday against the Dolphins (ranked 6th against the pass), but he should plenty of opportunities to do some damage for fantasy owners.

FSH: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

October 28th, 2010, Thursday

My Weekly Survivors

Last week was one of my best weeks with solid fantasy performances from my running backs. With Adrian Peterson (131 yards rushing) and Michael Turner (121 yards rushing) anchoring my backfield the two combined to score 49 fantasy points. The Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe continued his hot ways adding a pair of touchdowns for the second consecutive weekend.

Despite a few duds like wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (30 yards rushing) and tight end Tony Gonzales (27 yards receiving), all in all it was a nice day from my fantasy squad moving my team into the top ten.

Week eight does not provide any relief with too many favorable matchups, but with a little luck, this could be another moving week for my fantasy team. Here are the picks I like for week 8….

QB-Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos
The Broncos travel to London this Sunday and fortunately for them the bay area team they face won’t be the Raiders. The Niners who will also be making the Trans-Atlantic trip to London, will be bringing with them their 15th ranked pass defense and a chance for Kyle Orton and Broncos passing game to rebound. Orton has been off of late, but Sunday should be able to take advantage of a secondary that has allowed 11 passing touchdowns this season.
(Projected: 23 points/ 275 yards passing, two touchdowns)

RB-Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys
There’s no doubt that the Cowboys will be looking to rebound this week and try and secure their first home win this season. One of the keys for Dallas this Sunday will be their ground game led by running back Felix Jones. Jones will be matching up with Jacksonville, the leagues 25th ranked run defense. The Jaguars allow 4.6 yards per rush and nearly 130 yards rushing per game.
(Projected: 19 points / 105 yards rushing, 35 yards receiving, one touchdowns)

RB-Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs offense has been on a roll scoring 73 points in its’ last two games and a big reason for the success has been the running game. Along with Thomas Jones, running back Jamaal Charles has been a huge contributor to the ground game success. In his last two starts Charles has totaled 188 yards of offense averaging over 5-yards each time he touches the ball. This week the Chiefs face the worst run defense in the league and one that has allowed eight rushing touchdowns this season.
(Projected: 17 points/ 85 yards rushing, 30 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos
The Broncos passing game has been held in check the past couple of weeks, but on Sunday they may catch a break facing a Niners secondary that could have some matchup problems. The Broncos will try to spread the field and I expect to see Orton and Lloyd connect a few times downfield against a defense that has allowed 22 pass plays of 20 yards or more this season. Lloyd has cooled off some the past couples of weeks, but this could be a good week to heat up a bit.
(Projected: 17 points/ 110 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Deion Branch, New England Patriots
Last week the Vikings secondary was torched all evening against the Packers and this week they won’t find any relief facing Tom Brady and company. I like wide receiver Deion Branch’s matchup on Sunday. Not the big hitter he once was, I expect to see Brady target his nimble wideout all afternoon chewing up small chunks of yardage. Branch has quickly become Brady’s favorite with 20 targets in the past two weeks.
(Projected: 18 points/ 125 yards receiving, one touchdown)

TE-Tony Moeki, Kansas City Chiefs
Quietly the Chiefs are claiming their stake on the AFC West title with solid play on both sides of the ball. One of the keys to the team’s passing game has been the balance between the run and the pass. While wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has been making all the noise, tight end Tony Moeaki has been business as usual leading the team with 21 receptions. It’s no longer any secret that the Bills defense has struggled mightily this season trying cover the tight end position; 7 touchdowns allowed this season.
(Projected: 10 points/ 45 yards receiving, one touchdown)

K –Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots
The Patriots will play host to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and while they are expected to be able to attack the secondary and move the ball, once in the red-zone they could struggle. The Patriots ground game is middle of the road and the Vikes always play tough against the run. If the Pats struggle and become one dimensional they could have to settle for a few more extra kicks on Sunday.
(Projected: 11 points/ three field goals, two 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)

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

October 20th, 2010, Wednesday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In these hands we trust

The first six weeks of the 2010 season have shown us a lot, but there’s more to be seen when we take a closer look. Some new names on the list this year that look to be mainstays include Hakeem Nicks (Giants), Brandon Lloyd (Broncos), and Austin Collie (Colts). These guys have shown consistency thus far and look to be legitimate plays on a weekly basis.

Despite a quiet Sunday Nicks has risen this season as the Giants primary go-to scoring threat racking up six touchdowns this season. His sub-par Sunday still included seven targets indicating that there are going to be more good days than bad. Lloyd experience a similar dip in production with just four catches for 74 yards, but his 10 targets are a definite signal to owners he needs to stay in your line-up. Austin Collie (nine targets) figured to see his numbers slide some with the return of Pierre Garcon, but such was not case Sunday against the Redskins. Collie caught seven passes with a score on Sunday and with an injury to tight end Dallas Clark, he will likely remain a productive option in the Colts passing game.

The Usual Suspects…

The Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall led all receivers this past week with 17 targets and as a result had one of his most productive weeks with 10 receptions for 127 yards. Joining the club this past week included the Texan’s Andre Johnson (138 yards, one touchdown) who was targeted 13 times. The Lions Calvin Johnson (146 yards, one touchdown) and the Packers Greg Jennings (133 yards, one touchdown) had big days last week on seven targets each. These are just a mention of some of the weekly options that should never see your bench.

A couple of pass catchers that will be making frequent stops on our list include the Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (36 targets this season) and the Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (47 targets). Maclin saw seven balls throw in his direction and caught all seven for 159 yards and two scores. Pettigrew was not as productive, but he did haul in seven passes for 61 yards.

A notable mention this week is the Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins who made his first appearance this season last Sunday. Against the Eagles Jenkins was targeted 11 times and caught five passes for 99 yards. Playing opposite Roddy White should weigh in favorable week in and week out making Jenkins a promising option.

Your Target watch….

Last week a couple of forgotten names reappeared in the box scores and made enough noise to be noticed going forward. In New England Deion Branch made a big impact with his return to Foxboro, Dwayne Bowe re-emerged as a fantasy favorite, and Mike Williams turned a few heads with a big day against the Bears.

Deion Branch didn’t waste much time getting re-acquainted with his old quarterback Tom Brady. Just traded earlier in the week Branch was targeted a team high 12 times and finished the day with nine catches, including a touchdown. Now that he is back in Bean town, Branch figures to be a very popular receiving option for Brady and the Patriots offense.

It took several games for Bowe to finally wake, but fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief. Bowe was targeted nine times on Sunday against the Texans secondary on his way to a productive Sunday. Bowe finished the game with six catches and two scores. As Cassel and the Chiefs passing offense start to roll, Bowe figures to play a big part.

Mike Williams, the former Trojan has emerged as the Seahawks primary and best receiving option through the first six weeks. Last Sunday Williams was targeted 15 times against the Bears and turned in his best game as a pro with career highs in catches and yards. With his 32 targets to lead the team this season, he is certain to have more productive Sundays in the future.

Season Target Leaders...
(Unofficial numbers)

Top 20

1. Roddy White, Atl (69 targets)
2. Reggie Wayne, Ind (65 targets)
3. Brandon Lloyd, Den (64 targets)
4. Brandon Marshall, Mia (62 targets)
5. Terrell Owens, Cin (60 targets)
6. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (57 targets)
7. Danny Amendola, StL (55 targets)
8. Andre Johnson, Hou (55 targets)
9. Calvin Johnson, Det (55 targets)
10. Santana Moss, Was (55 targets)
11. Austin Collie, Ind (54 targets)
12. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (54 targets)
13. Steve Smith, NYG (54 targets)
14. Dallas Clark, Ind (53 targets)
15. Jabar Gaffney, Den (53 targets)
16. Frank Gore, SF (50 targets)
17. Anquan Boldin, Bal (48 targets)
18. Brandon Pettigrew, Det (47 targets)
19. Eddie Royal, Den (47 targets)
20. Miles Austin, Dal (46 targets)
21. Zach Miller, Oak (46 targets)

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 10th, 2009 10:30pm 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……


News From Across the Wire...

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Oakland Raiders
Raiders' head coach Tom Cable noted that rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey had his best day of training camp Monday, according to the Contra Costa Times. Cable said, "He caught the ball well, caught everything, the underneath, the over the top, the big ball on the sideline, the one-handed catch. Those help his confidence. We want to keep that coming."

Davone Bess, WR, Miami Dolphins
Davone Bess is listed as the starting flanker on the Dolphins' latest depth chart, according to the Miami Herald.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
Updating a previous report, Lions' star receiver Calvin Johnson was seen sporting a cast on his injured thumb at Monday morning's practice, according to mLive.com. Johnson is going to undergo more tests on the thumb in the coming days.

David Tyree, WR, New York Giants
The New York Daily News is reporting that former Super Bowl hero David Tyree may have trouble finding a spot on the Giants this season. The article suggests that Tyree may be no higher than seventh on the wide receiver depth chart.

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Saints' quarterback Drew Brees returned to the practice field on Monday after missing the weekend due to the death of his mother.

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos
According to ESPN.com, Broncos' rookie running back Knowshon Moreno is expected to be pushed into the starting lineup quickly. Moreno is still expected to be the featured back in Denver despite his eight-day contract holdout.

Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints
Reggie Bush indicated that his surgically-repaired knee feels great, according to NFL.com.

Laurent Robinson, WR, St. Louis Rams
Laurent Robinson is listed ahead of Keenan Burton as a starter on the Rams' latest depth chart, according to their official team website.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers
Updating an earlier report, DeAngelo Williams has returned to the practice field Monday, according to Darin Gantt's twitter page. He has been dealing with a toe injury.

Michael Clayton, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Michael Clayton is unlikely to play in the Buccaneers' preseason opener August 16 due to a hamstring injury, according to the Pewter Report.

Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Felix Jones missed Monday's morning practice to rest his injured toe, according to the Sporting News

Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens
Ray Rice is listed as the starting running back on the Ravens' latest depth chart, according to their official team website.

Deion Branch, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Deion Branch is listed as a backup receiver on the Seahawks' latest depth chart, according to their official website.

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
Updating an earlier report, Steve Smith's X-rays on his injured shoulder came back negative, according to the Rock Hill Herald.

Chansi Stuckey, WR, New York Jets
Chansi Stuckey had a solid day of practice Monday, according to the New York Daily News.

Martellus Bennett, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Martellus Bennett expects to return to practice Tuesday, according to the Dallas Morning News. He has been nursing a sore knee.

Correll Buckhalter, RB, Denver Broncos
Correll Buckhalter is listed as the No. 1 running back on the Broncos' latest depth chart, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
The Denver Post is reporting that the Broncos have released their first depth chart of the season, and that star wide receiver Brandon Marshall is listed on the second team. Marshall is listed behind fellow wideouts Eddie Royal, Brandon Stokley, and Jabar Gaffney.

Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the 49ers may wait until just before their first preseason game on Thursday to name the starting quarterback for that game. Coach Mike Singletary has said that he will wait until after the third preseason game to choose between Alex Smith and Shaun Hill to start the regular season.

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers
According to the Buffalo News, Chargers' running back LaDainian Tomlinson has said he would like to play in the Chargers' preseason games this year. LT hasn't played in a preseason game since 2005.

Luke McCown, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to Pewter Report, Luke McCown is listed as the starter on the team's first official depth chart. McCown is followed by Byron Leftwich as the second-stringer and Josh Freeman as the third.

Chris Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Republic is reporting that rookie running back Chris Wells is not practicing on Monday morning. Wells will likely miss the team's first preseason game against the Steelers on Thursday with a right ankle injury.

My Fantasy Read…

It’s too early to be jumping on any bandwagons. It sounds more like the Raider’s head coach Tom Cable could be just trying to hype his boy (Heyward-Bey) up. Owners will need to see more than one day of practice……unless tests come back to indicate Megatron’s thumb is broke, he’s still a top fantasy receiver worthy of a WR1 selection……despite being listed fourth on the Bronco’s running back depth chart, it sounds like the rookie (Moreno) will eventually be moved into the starting line-up. He’ll be a safe RB3 in drafts, but he could have a huge upside in McDaniels offense……stop the presses, Reggie Bush is saying his knee feels great. Whether he is exaggerating or not it’s a good sign, but his value will take a hit this season with Thomas the clear starter……DeAngelo’s return is a good sign, although these turf toe injuries can tend to linger. He’s still a worthy candidate as a RB1, but could be a slight risk……Rice appears to be the best option in Baltimore as he is listed as the number one back, but this might be a better situation to avoid. With McGahee and McClain likely to steal carries and touchdowns, Rice’s value could be very limited unless he starts to shine right away……it appears fantasy owners dodge a big bullet with tests on Steve Smith’s injured shoulder returning negative. Smith is a legit WR1 and was one of last season’s top fantasy receivers playing in only 14 games…… there’s nothing to buy here with Buckhalter being listed as the number one back in Denver. There’s too much talk surrounding the rookie, fantasy owners would be wise to not invest much into these early listings…..there may be some growing concern shared among fellow fantasy gamers with Marshall still sidelined and being listed with the 2nd team. If he doesn’t get back on the field soon, his fantasy value could dip and he could become a very risky gamble come draft day…….LT may be asking to participate in the team’s preseason games, but it’s not likely that the Chargers will change their ways. LT’s health comes well before any preseason contest. Owners can expect to see a healthy Tomlinson start the 2009 campaign (draft accordingly), but his health will likely remain a concern throughout the year.


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

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

June 13th, 2009 6:37pm PST

THE "ATL" REPORT

Around the League

WR Brandon Marshall holding out to get paid….
The Broncos often troubled receiver doesn’t appear to be too happy with the team at the moment. He was reported to have met with the team owner in a private meeting, but left the facility with no updates of his return. Marshall is looking for a new deal and it is speculated he could potentially become a hold-out this summer.

Retired QB Brett Favre looking more like Vikings Starter….
The retired Favre reportedly had surgery and could be meeting with the Vkings staff to discuss plans for the summer. It certainly looks like the retired free agent could be ready to don the purple uniform of the Vikings. Nothing official has been released, but if Favre plays it certainly appears that he will be the Viking’s starter.

Seahawks WR Deion Branch returns to the field….
Branch suffered a torn ACL at the end of the 2007 season and has not been the same since. It is not likely that he ever will, but he’s shown he can still play at a top level finishing with 22 catches in the teams last five games. He’s expected to be healthy by training camp, but will still take a back seat to newly acquired T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

WR James Thrash has been cut by Redskins…..
The Redskins receiver has never lived up to expectation since his arrival in 2004. Injuries have caught up with the 13-year veteran who only caught nine passes last season. He’ll likely remain a free agent well into training camps and may likely consider retiring if he doesn’t draw any interest.

Broncos name Kyle Orton starter for 2009....
As expected the Broncos have announced that quarterback Kyle Orton will be the team’s 2009 starter. Orton was acquired in the offseason as part of the Jay Cutler deal with Chicago. It was expected he was brought in to start and in McDaniel’s complex “Patriot’s West” offense, Kyle could be a huge sleeper pick this summer in fantasy.

Raven’s RB Willis McGahee running with 2nd team….
The former Miami Hurricane has been a starter virtually all of his career, but with surgery on both his knee and ankle this offseason, McGahee is a late arrival to minicamp. He’ll continue to work with the 2nd team and could be a long shot to win his starting job back from 2nd year running back Ray Rice. Rice will be the favorite heading into training camp to start this season for the Ravens.

Falcons release QB Michael Vick….
It was only a matter of time, but last week the Falcons finally announced the release of quarterback Michael Vick. It is likely behind closed doors the team was talking to several other teams around the league, trying to find a serviceable deal to trade the fallen NFL-star. The fact that Atlanta was unable to trade Vick is a good indicator there may not be a whole lot of interest in the former all-pro quarterback (at least not at his hefty price). Now that he’ll be available at a considerable discount he could resurface at some point in the future, but it’s not likely he’ll have any fantasy value this season.


Check back every week for more “Around the League”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 15th, 2009 10:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

The weekend is here and just when you thought things might slow down, don’t count on it. Many NFL teams are in the midst of more OTAs and with some players not showing others may find opportunity. Still there are many that are participating and with those that play, there is much to talk about, scrutinize, predict, and of course offer my take….

My Take...

RB CHRIS JOHNSON COULD BE POISED FOR BIG 2009
My Fantasy Read: Last season the fastest rookie in the 2008 NFL draft didn’t waste time proving his worth rushing for over 1,000 yards in his first year. Johnson split carries with Lendale White last season, but with the possibility of carrying a heavier load in 2009, the former runner out of East Carolina could be poised for a big season and will likely be a top tier RB option in most drafts.

WR MALCOM FLOYD SIGNS TENDER WILL JOIN TEAM
My Fantasy Read: It looks like the Charger’s number three receiver wised up and realized he wasn’t getting paid to sit. Floyd will join the team at their next OTAs. Floyd didn’t win any favor with his late arrival, but he’s far too talented to be overshadowed by Jackson and a declining Chambers. As long as he is healthy, he’ll figure prominently in the Chargers passing attack in 2009, especially in the second half of the season.

QB JEFF GARCIA READY TO COMPETE FOR STARTING GIG
My Fantasy Read: When Garcia was signed it was with the understanding that he would back up Russell. Now we’re hearing Jeff wants to not only play, but have a chance to start. This is all very well, because regardless of whom starts, this offense will likely struggle just the same. Garcia is 39 and does not have the arm strength suited for the type of speed the Raiders have. If he makes it back on the field, he’ll be a suitable bye week replacement at best.

RB RAY RICE HANDLING REPS WITH FIRST TEAM
My Fantasy Read: With McGahee on the sidelines Rice is handling all of the first team work in the team’s minicamp. With McGahee’s past history with the team Rice will more than likely have another shot at holding the top spot. With McClain now leading the way Rice figures to be the teams best fantasy prospect out of the backfield in 2009.

QB BRADY QUINN WAS CONSIDERED IN TRADE TALKS
My Fantasy Read: It’s funny how quickly things change. Last season starting quarterback Derek Anderson lost his charm with Cleveland fans and they ushered in the Era of Brady. Now just over four months later and he could be shown the back door. Brady will have a very tough time winning the starting gig this offseason for the mere fact the team has a lot of money tied to Anderson. Fantasy owners will have to be cautious with either of these quarterbacks.

WR DEION BRANCH TOPIC OF TRADE IN NORTHWEST
My Fantasy Read: This is not good news for Branch as he has yet to live up to expectations since his arrival. But with a healthy hasselbeck back in the saddle and great help on the other side (T.J.), Branch could be due to have a bounce back year. He’ll play second fiddle to Housh, but in the west coast system Branch could still be a productive fantasy receiver (as long as he’s in Seattle).


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