FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Evening Edition

November 1st, 2014 

David’s Daily Digest

Week 9 Starts

My Favorites for Sunday

It’s more of the same this week, but with six teams on bye it could be slim pickings for some fantasy owners unless you have managed the waiver wire well and paid close attention to the injury reports. I can’t say I drafted too well this season, but fortunately this late heavy bye week has not impacted my teams too greatly.

With that said, if you are not so lucky and looking for some help this Sunday these are the plays I like;

QB-Colin Kaepernick

The Niners quarterback has a nice matchup at home against the Rams (4^th most fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks) this week. Kaepernick faced this same defense back in week 6 recording his only 300-yard passing game of the season and his best fantasy performance of the season. He’s a very good week 9 bye-week fill.

QB-Russell Wilson

With a home game on the slate this week, quarterback Russell Wilson will square up against a Raiders secondary that has allowed better than a 70% completion percentage this season. Wilson has typically been solid at home this season, averaging more than 20 fantasy points per game in his last two starts. He should be another solid week 9 bye-week fill.

RB-Bobby Rainey

The Buccaneers are on the road this week, visiting Cleveland. With starter Doug Martin doubtful for Sunday, it’s an opportunity for running back Bobby Rainey to take the reins in the backfield. Rainey should see the bulk of the workload and has proven to be an effective pass-receiving back out of the backfield; it also helps that the Browns defense has allowed the 8^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. He has potential for a bigger game, but I consider him a low-end RB2 or flex this week.

RB-Jeremy Hill

Like the Bucs, the Bengals are dealing with injuries in their backfield. With running back Giovanni Bernard likely shelved for Sunday, rookie Jeremy Hill will get the chance to carry the load. Hill will lead the ground attack against the Jaguars rush defense that allows the 12^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs and nearly 4-yards a carry. He should see plenty of work on Sunday to be a solid RB2.

WR-Anquan Boldin

With quarterback Colin Kaepernick facing a favorable matchup on Sunday, wide receiver Anquan Boldin is in line for a productive day. Boldin has been the favorite in the pass game averaging nearly eight targets per start this season. In his last two starts he has a total of 19 targets and with them 14 receptions, 144 yards receiving, and a score. He’s a low-end WR2 or strong flex this week.

WR-Dwayne Bowe

The Chiefs top receiver has been quiet most of the season, but over his past two games Bowe has been targeted 13 times catching 11 balls for 148 yards. On Sunday he will face the Jets secondary that has allowed the 6^th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. He’s a safe WR3 or flex play this week.

Week 9 Sleepers

TE-Jace Amaro

The Jets offense has been woeful this season, but there may be a few bright spots worth noting and one is tight end Jace Amaro. He’s not exactly a fantasy superstar, but this could be a week where we see more of what he’s capable of doing. In his last three starts Amaro has become more involved in the pass game with 23 targets (and 18 receptions). Last week with the change at quarterback Amaro caught five balls on five targets from Michael Vick (who will start on Sunday). With a favorable matchup against a Chiefs defense that allows the 10^th most fantasy points, including 7 touchdowns to opposing tight ends, Amaro could see a few more balls in his direction with Vick under center. He’s a risky play at best, but in a desperate situation he has promise.

That’s my take for week 9.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Edition
November 21st, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Henne Takes Over Starting Duties in Jacksonville
Chad Henne blew up last week for big numbers against a very good Texans defense, now the named starter the rest of the way he’ll have a chance to earn the gig full-time in 2013. The football gods must be smiling down on Henne at the moment with a week 12 matchup against the Titans 26th pass defense. The Titans allow the 6th most fantasy quarterbacks , a good matchup for Henne to continue his hot hand.

Avery Limited, but Looks Like He Will Play Sunday
The Colts receiver Donnie Avery is returning from a concussion suffered on Sunday. With his early return to the practice field, all signs for the moment point toward his playing this week against the Bills. Avery has been the team’s predominant number two receiver much of the season, but his numbers and targets have fallen a bit over the past several weeks. The Bills rank 18th versus the pass and allow the 12th most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 13 touchdowns this season; a good matchup for Avery to rebound.

Thursday Night Could be Lloyds Night
With two of Tom Brady’s favorite targets (Gronkowski & Hernandez) OUT and limited for Thursday night, wide receiver Brandon Lloyd could be next up on the Patriots rotation. Lloyd and Brady have been off just a bit this season, but Lloyd continues to see his share of balls; second on the team with 82 targets. In Lloyd’s last two games he’s seen a total of 13 targets, a slight drop from what he was getting earlier in the season. With limited weapons tomorrow night for Brady, Lloyd could be a strong flex option.

Kaepernick to Start Versus Saints
The Niners are sticking with their healthy quarterback Colin Kaepernick; he will get the start this Sunday against the Saints. Kaepernick had the hot hand and arm on Monday night completely dismantling the Bears defense and with the Saints up next, fantasy owners should expect more. The Saints defense is allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 21 touchdowns this season. With his mobility, Kaepernick is a double threat and lock to produce solid fantasy numbers; could be waiver wire pick up of the week.

The Chief Wide Reciever Bowe Limited
Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (neck) was limited in practice, but looks to be on track to play Sunday barring any setbacks. With the Chiefs matching up with the Broncos on Sunday, this is not good news for Bowe or fantasy owners. Bowe is likely to see a lot of the Broncos cover corner Champ Bailey, fantasy owners should not expect a big day; he’s nothing more than a flex option at best.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Monday Edition

September 17th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

More Week 2 Takes

Hakeem Nicks: A Special Talent Breaking Loose

The second member of the Giants dynamic duo receiving corp, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks quickly came out of his early season slumber with a huge performance in week 2. After a very dismal week one outing with just four catches for 38 yards, Nicks rewarded his fantasy owners with an explosion in week two. His 199 yards receiving in week 2 lead the league and for PPR owners he added 10 catches and a score; 25 fantasy points in standard scoring. Nicks is a premier WR1 and owners can count on for more big games.

Brent Celek: Vick’s New Best Friend

The Eagles tight end Brent Celek emerged on Sunday as quarterback Michael Vicks favorite target snatching 8 passes for 157 yards receiving. Celek led the team in receiving and all receivers with 11 targets. This should come as little surprise since Celek is also tied for the team lead with 19 targets; a good indication that he’s on Vick’s radar every Sunday and should be fantasy lineups.

Donnie Avery: A Man on the Rise

The former Rams receiver has been incognito the past couple of seasons recovering from injury and the football abyss, but this season he’s landed in Indianapolis where he may be on track to resurrect what was once a promising career. In week two Avery caught nine balls for 111 yards on 10 targets. He’s easily and quickly emerged as one of quarterback Andrew Lucks favorite targets, second to Reggie Wayne. His 18 targets in two games makes him very relevant in fantasy and a strong flex play in all formats.

Percy Harvin: Footloose and Migraine Free

The Vikings explosive receiver Percy Harvin is off to a quick start in 2012 and his 12 catches for 104 yards in week two are just a small indication. In two games Harvin has been targeted 21, far and away the most on the team. His 18 catches this season make him a PPR darling and a good WR2 fantasy option week in and week out. As the season moves along and quarterback Christian Ponder progresses, Harvin could become and even greater fantasy option, but he’ll need to stay healthy.

Dwayne Bowe: The Big Hands on the Reservation

The Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe blew up for 102 yards receiving with two touchdowns in week 2 against the Bills. Bowe was targeted 15 times on Sunday, third most for any receiver and has 21 total targets in two games. Moving forward he is clearly quarterback Matt Cassel’s go-to receiver and should be in all fantasy lineups.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT

March 2nd, 2011 Thursday

Wednesday’s
Watercooler Chat

Before we get to far ahead of ourselves and start looking deep into the 2011 fantasy season with fingers crossed, we’re going to take a moment to recognized those players that made the 2010 well worth watching and playing fantasy. If we are going to look back at anything, there’s no better place to start than at the top; the 2010 top fantasy studs.

Every year fantasy owners do their homework to determine the best of the best before their respective drafts; these were the fantasy studs found in the early rounds (1-6) of most fantasy drafts that out-performed their expectations for 2010.

The 2010 Fantasy Studs

Roddy White, WR-Atlanta Falcons
Heading the list of studs from last season has to be the Falcons wide receiver Roddy White. A top fantasy prospect for 2010, the Falcons receiver posted career numbers with 115 receptions and yards, making him a favorite in traditional leagues as well as PPR. White also added another 10 receiving touchdowns following his career high 11 in 2009.

Calvin Johnson, WR-Detroit Lions
Megatron makes our list with a bounce back 2010 season after a 2009 campaign that was derailed with injuries and double/triple teams. Last season Johnson caught 77 passes for 1,120 yards and his 12 touchdowns ranked 2nd among the leaders making him a fantasy favorite.

Tom Brady, QB-New England Patriots
The Patriots signal caller is always a terrific fantasy bet, but after a 2009 season that saw a slight dip in production, few fantasy owners could expect the season Brady delivered in 2010 especially with the loss of his best weapon (Randy Moss). Brady still led the league with 36 touchdown passes and added 3,900 yards passing to the delight of many fantasy owners.

Philip Rivers, QB-San Diego Chargers
The Chargers field general was already a projected top 5 fantasy quarterback by most heading into 2010, but with a strong performance in 2010 he performed near best. Rivers had one of his best seasons as a pro in 2010 passing for 4,710 yards (a career high) and tossing 30 touchdowns. His strong play last season certified him place among the elite class and will put his name at the top of several fantasy draft lists in 2011.

The Noteworthy of 2010…

These “Studs” enjoyed banner success in 2010 and brought much happiness to many fantasy owners on Sunday;

Jamaal Charles (Chiefs), 1,457 yards rush, 45 rec, 468 yards rec, 8 TDs
Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs), 72 receptions, 1,162 yards receiving, 15 TDs
Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers), 1,273 yards rush, 23 rec, 167 yards rec, 13 TDs
Matt Forte (Bears), 1,069 yards rush, 547 yards rec, 9 TDs
Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants), 1,235 yards rush, 47 rec, 314 yards rec, 8 TDs
Jason Witten (Cowboys), 1,002 yards receiving, 9 TDs
Peyton Manning (Colts), 4,700 yards passing, 33 TDs
Hakeem Nicks (Giants), 79 receptions, 1,052 yards receiving, 11 TDs
Santana Moss (Redskins), 93 receptions, 1,115 yards receiving, 6 TDs

Checking back for more fantasy football notes....

By David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY NIGHT GAME NOTES

February 20th, 2011, Sunday

Sunday Night Game Notes

Scouting the Combine

The annual football combine is less than a week away and the importance of the annual event for fantasy owners is getting to know their rookie class. With more than 300 participants expected to part take in the five day event, it’s going to be tough to sort through the 2010 class, but here are some of the notable collegiate arms that will be at the Combine and their numbers from 2010;

Passing yards

Ryan Mallet-Arkansas, 3,869 yards passing, 32 touchdowns (ranked 5th)
Taylor Yates-North Carolina, 3,418 yards passing, 19 touchdowns (ranked 14th)
Blaine Gabbert-Missouri, 3,186 yards passing, 16 touchdowns (ranked 21st)
Colin Kaepernick-Nevada, 3,022 yards passing, 21 touchdowns (ranked 27th)
Greg McElroy-Alabama, 2,987 yards passing, 20 touchdowns (ranked 29th)
Andrew Dalton-TCU, 2,857 yards passing, 27 touchdowns (ranked 35th)
Cameron Newton-Auburn, 2,854 yards passing, 30 touchdowns (ranked 36th)
Ryan Colburn-Fresno St, 2,817 yards passing, 23 touchdowns (ranked 38th)
Tyrod Taylor-Virginia Tech, 2,743 yards passing, 24 touchdowns (ranked 46th)
Jake Locker-Washington, 2,265 yards passing, 17 touchdowns (ranked 67th)

“Sunday’s Heroes”

2010 Fantasy Heroes

NFL Leading Passers (touchdowns)
Tom Brady (Patriots), 36 touchdowns
Drew Brees (Saints), 33 touchdowns
Peyton Manning (Colts), 33 touchdowns
Eli Manning (Giants), 31 touchdowns
Philip Rivers (Chargers), 30 touchdowns
Aaron Rodgers (Packers), 28 touchdowns
Matt Ryan (Falcons), 28 touchdowns
Matt Cassel (Chiefs), 27 touchdowns
Carson Palmer (Benglas), 26 touchdowns
Joe Flacco (Ravens), 25 touchdowns
Josh Freeman (Buccaneers), 25 touchdowns

NFL Leading Rushers (touchdowns)
Arian Foster (Texans), 16 touchdowns
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Patriots), 13 touchdowns
Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers), 13 touchdowns
Adrian Peterson (Vikings), 12 touchdowns
Michael Turner (Falcons), 12 touchdowns
Peyton Hillis (Browns), 11 touchdowns
Chris Johnson (Titans), 11 touchdowns
Mike Tolbert (Chargers), 11 touchdowns
Brandon Jacobs (Giants), 9 touchdowns
Michael Vick (Eagles), 9 touchdowns

NFL Leading Receivers (touchdowns)
Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs), 15 touchdowns
Greg Jennings (Packers), 12 touchdowns
Calvin Johnson (Lions), 12 touchdowns
Brandon Lloyd (Broncos), 11 touchdowns
Hakeem Nicks (Giants), 11 touchdowns
Mike Williams (Buccaneers), 11 touchdowns
Antonio Gates (Chargers) 10 touchdowns
Rob Gronkowski (Patriots), 10 touchdowns
Stevie Johnson (Bills), 10 touchdowns
Marcedes Lewis (Jaguars), 10 touchdowns
Jeremy Maclin (Eagles), 10 touchdowns
Mike Wallace (Steelers), 10 touchdowns
Roddy White (Falcons), 10 touchdowns

NFL Leading Receivers (Receptions)
Roddy White (Falcons), 115 receptions
Reggie Wayne (Colts), 111 receptions
Jason Witten (Cowboys), 94 receptions
Santana Moss (Redskins), 93 receptions
Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals) 90 receptions
Andre Johnson (Texans), 86 receptions
Brandon Marshall (Dolphins) 86 receptions
Wes Welker (Patriots), 86 receptions
Danny Amendola (Rams), 85 receptions
Marques Colston (Saints), 84 receptions

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE SATURDAY FANTASY REPORT

February 19th, 2011 Saturday

The Saturday Fantasy Report

Continuing my look back at the 2010 season, here is my list of the best hands in the NFL from a year ago and over the past couple of season. These are your fantasy wide receivers that will continue to dominate the conversation during the offseason and are expected to be at the top of all fantasy drafts in 2011…..

The Elite Class of the Fantasy Wide Receivers

Roddy White (Falcons)
Without question the Falcons leading receiver over the past several seasons, Roddy White has emerged as one of the leagues very best. Over the past four seasons White’s number have been consistent and very good. Since 2007 he has averaged 92 receptions, 1,280 yards receiving per season while scoring 34 touchdowns. In 2010 White set a career high with yards (1,389 yard receiving) and touchdowns (11); he’ll be at the top of many fantasy drafts this summer.

Andre Johnson (Texans)
Like the Falcon’s leading receiver, the Texan’s wide receiver Andre Johnson has been just as consistent and just as good. Johnson has averaged more than 100 receptions, 1,450 yards receiving, and eight touchdowns over the past three seasons. His yards and catches were down due to injury, but this guys has been a monster over the past couple of season and figures to be huge again in 2011; he’s a top three wide receiver in 2011.

Reggie Wayne (Colts)
The Colts leading receiver has been doing it as well and for as long as anyone in this league. 2010 saw no slow down for Reggie Wayne as he set a career high with 111 receptions; his 1,355 yards receiving was his second best effort of his career. Over the past four seasons Wayne has averaged nearly 100 receptions and better than 1,300 yards receiving while scoring 32 touchdowns. Wayne has been a top 10 fantasy favorite for several seasons and should be again in 2011.

Greg Jennings (Packers)
The Packers number one receiver for the past several seasons was very good once again in 2010, with more than 1,200 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. He’s been consistent over the past four seasons averaging 69 grabs, over 1,100 yards receiving while scoring 35 touchdowns. His numbers are solid and entering his sixth season, he’s a top five fantasy receiver grab in 2011.

Just a step below….

Calvin Johnson (Lions)
Megatron has been a talent in this league since his arrival; in just four short seasons Johnson has already scored 33 times. With just a little more time to marinate and more consistency at the quarterback position he’ll achieve the elite fantasy stud he is destined to achieve; for now Megatron is still a top 10 wide receiver pick in most fantasy drafts.

Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs)
The Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe had a big 2010 season setting a career high with 1,162 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns. Bowe rebounded with his strong 2010 campaign after a disappointing 2009 season. He has shown strong play in the past and looked very good last season; he’ll figure into a top 20 fantasy wide receiver slot in 2011.

On The Rise

Hakeem Nicks (Giants)
The Giants second year wide out had a big coming out season finishing with 79 grabs, over 1,000 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. Nicks was good in his rookie season and a whole lot better his second time around. His third season could be a charm; after a strong 2010 campaign, Nicks looks like a top 10 fantasy wide receiver candidate in 2011.

Stevie Johnson (Bills)
The Bills young receiver had a breakout 3rd season finishing 2010 with 82 receptions, over 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. If the Bills can sustain some stability at the quarterback position with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Johnson could be in for another good season. He looks to be a top 20 fantasy receiver in 2011.

Mike Wallace (Steelers)
The Steelers big play threat catapulted his fantasy stock a big step closer to the top tier. His 1,200 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns make him an easy fantasy favorite to go early in 2011. Look for Wallace to be a top 10 fantasy receiver this summer.


Just my take

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: ON THE COVER

December 27th, 2010, Monday

On the Cover

Gateway to the West

The Chiefs win the AFC West

With all the talk about the San Diego Chargers in December someone forgot to mention to the Chiefs that they were not supposed to win the West. After defeating the defending West champions on the first Monday night of the season the Chiefs have not looked back.

After 16 weeks of sitting in first place of the AFC West with their decisive win over the Titans this past weekend the Kansas City Chiefs have locked down their first division title since the 2003 season. It really should come as no surprise seeing the Chiefs win the division when you look at how they got it done.

The Chiefs were not expected to contend for the division title this season, but rather the Chargers were the preseason pick. And when the Bolts started to play and look better in December a lot of folks, including myself expected them to take the division as they have time and again. One thing I did overlook was Todd Haley and the Chiefs.

From week one the Chiefs have clearly been the best team in the AFC West with a balanced offense that features the league’s number one ground attack. The Chiefs have proven this season to be a ball control offense with a run first mentality, but their 28th ranked passing offense led by quarterback Matt Cassel should not be overlooked.

Cassel is having a fantastic (3,001 yards passing, 60.2 completion pct) season under center in only his second season with the Chiefs; his 27 passing touchdowns this season ranks 6th in the league, while his five interceptions rank 2nd fewest. The Chiefs signal caller is also the 5th highest rated passer in the league behind names like; Brady, Rivers, Vick, and Rogers.

While some may be surprised by what the Chiefs have managed in only Todd Haley’s second year at the helm, they should not be. What Haley has done is constructed a well balanced club that in many ways mirrors a team from the northeast (that has enjoyed similar success).

The Chiefs play ball control (ranked 8th in the league in TOP) with the league’s best ground attack lead by running back Jamaal Charles (1,380 yards rushing) and Thomas Jones (6 touchdowns), but they also have weapons with players like wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (15 touchdowns) to stretch the field. The secret to their success is playing mistake free ball and their 11th ranked opportunistic defense (three defensive touchdowns this season); their +10 turnover ratio ranks 5th in the league.

At 10-5 the Chiefs will have a chance this weekend to earn their 11th win of the season with a victory over their divisional rival Oakland Raiders. This is quite a turnaround following a season where they won just four games. With a perfect 7-0 record at home this season and their first playoff game since 2003 to be played at Arrowhead Stadium, the under-rated Chiefs might not be done just yet.

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

December 23rd, 2010 Thursday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In These Hands We Trust

Larry Fitzgerald has been a kind of quiet fantasy receiver this season (he really misses Kurt Warner), but over his past three games he has started making noise. Fitzgerald has been getting plenty of work recently and ranks in the top five among receivers with 32 targets and 19 receptions over the past three weeks. The Cardinal’s top receiver also has 258 yards receiving over the course of three games, but has not scored a touchdown in his last four games.

All that could change this Sunday when the Cowboys come to town. Fitzgerald will be lining up against the leagues 28th ranked pass defense that was just torched by quarterback Rex Grossman. Fitzgerald has only scored five times this season, but could be in line for a couple of end-zone appearances this weekend against the Cowboys’ secondary. The Cowboys’ have allowed 31 passing touchdowns this season, including four last weekend to the Redskins.

Fitzgerald’s numbers this season don’t jump off the page, but he is averaging nearly 11 targets per game this season and is on pace to pull down 90 passes and over 1,100 yards. He has lost a little value with the changes at quarterback this season in Arizona, but Fitzgerald still has the hands we trust.

Radar Watch

In My sites

My Fantasy Notes:

The Colts took another hit on the offensive side of the ball this past week with the loss of wide receiver Austin Collie (concussion) to the injured reserve. With Collie out Peyton Manning will have to look more to some of his other weapons; and one such worth watching could be wide receiver Pierre Garcon.

Garcon had a quiet afternoon last weekend with five catches for 44 yards, but that was with a healthy Collie in the lineup for a half. In the two games rior to Collie’s return Garcon was the one with the hot hand; 15 targets, 14 receptions, and three touchdowns. This weekend the Colts travel to Oakland to face the Raiders 5th ranked pass defense. Garcon (4 touchdowns this season) has remained a constant in the Colts passing game and could be primed to score against a defense that has allowed 26 touchdowns this season.

In Houston the Texan’s have a beast of a receiver in Andre Johnson, but traveling to Denver he will likely matchup against cornerback Champ Bailey. This season Bailey has been a beast at the corner spot shutting down receivers like Dwayne Bowe, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, and Mike Sims-Walker. With Johnson always drawing attention 4th year receiver Jacoby Jones has been seeing more action his direction.

In his last two games Jones has been targeted 18 times. He has also scored in two of his last three games; the Broncos’ secondary has allowed 25 touchdowns this season. Jones has not had a big game this season, but he’s worth watching on Sunday; he could be very productive against the Broncos’ 22nd ranked pass defense.

Target Leaders from Week 13 through 15

(unofficial numbers)

1.Roddy White, ATl (43 targets)
2.Reggie Wayne, IND (36 targets)
3.Andre Johnson, HOU (35 targets)
4.Larry Fitzgeralds, ARI (32 targets)
5.Santonio Holmes, NYJ (30 targets)
6.Santana Moss, WAS (30 targets)
7.Mike Williams, TB (30 targets)
8.Davone Bess, MIA (29 targets)
9.Marques Colston, NO (28 targets)
10.Mike Wallace, PIT (26 targets)
11.Kevin Walter, HOU (26 targets)
12.Wes Welker, NE (26 targets)

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (THE FOUR HORSEMEN)

December 18th, 2010 Saturday

The Four Horsemen

Let’em Ride

If you have managed to survive this far in your fantasy league, there’s no question that the recent plague of injuries and changes at the quarterback position could have a major impact on your fantasy team. With the fantasy playoffs underway, this is no time to be rolling the dice and taking your chances on a long shot. With some of the biggest names (Greg Jennings, Dwayne Bowe, and Brandon Lloyd) in fantasy football affected by some of the lineup changes teams will be making on Sunday, I will be riding this weekend with these four horsemen; Jon Kitna, Jonathan Stewart, Mike Williams, and Owen Daniels

Like “the four winds of the earth” these fantasy game breakers are looking to ride high in week fifteen and bring some fantasy owners home a bid to the big dance…..

Quarterback:
The Cowboys play host to the league’s 29th ranked pass defense on Sunday. With the Redskins offense undergoing some drastic changes, the real benefactor on Sunday could be the Jon Kitna and the Cowboys offense. The Redskins don’t do a great job of bringing pressure and this season the secondary has been torched for 19 touchdowns and 44 pass plays of 20 yards or more. Kitna has been playing much better lately throwing 9 touchdowns to just four interceptions in his last five starts. With the struggling Redskins in town, he should be solid for a strong outing.
(My Prediction: 24 of 38 passing, 275 yards, two touchdowns)

Running Back:
The Cardinals will be traveling to Carolina on Sunday and bringing with them their 30th ranked run defense that allows 4.4 yards per carry and has surrendered 16 rushing touchdowns. This spells good news for the Panther’s running back Jonathan Stewart who has been running very well as of late. In his last three games Stewart is averaging 6.3 yards per carry and 108 yards rushing per game. Stewart has only two rushing touchdowns this season, but with such a favorable matchup he looks like a good bet to reach pay dirt.
(My Prediction: 20 carries, 110 yards rushing, 1 receptions, 10 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Wide Receiver:
Last week against the Redskins, wide receiver Mike Williams was held to just a single catch for 15 yards; it was his worst game this season. Last week was played in horrible and wet conditions, with the prospect of much improved weather Williams looks like a strong bet to bounce back. The Lions (ranked 13th against the pass) are in town this week and should offer Williams a better shot at producing good numbers. Thus far the Lions secondary allows 63 percent of opposing passes to be completed and has surrendered 21 touchdowns this season. Williams won’t have a break out day, but he should be productive.
(My Prediction: 6 receptions, 75 yards, one touchdown)

Tight End:
Last Monday against the Ravens, tight end Owen Daniels made his return to action catching five passes for 91 yards. Daniels 2010 season has been plagued with injury, but he’s finally looking healthy and could be ready for a big game. Against the Ravens Daniels showed some rust with a few drops, but as he gets back in the swing he’ll clean up those drops. This week he has the Titan’s, one of your friendlier tight end secondary’s this season; expect another solid outing for the Texan’s tight end.
(My Prediction: 6 receptions, 85 yards, one touchdown)

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 6th, 2010 Monday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

SIDNEY RICE SHOWS OLD FORM
In only his third game back from injury the Vikings receiver Sidney Rice flashed some of the that Pro Bowl form from last season making a couple circus grabs for a pair of scores on Sunday. On the day Rice finished with five receptions for 105 yards receiving to go with his two touchdown catches.
My Fantasy Read:
Rice looked like his old self making plays last Sunday. Looking ahead to the fantasy playoffs, whether it’s Favre or Jackson under center Rice looks to be a safe play the rest of the way.

BRONCOS DEFENSE SHUTS DOWN BOWE
The Broncos have not had a lot to stand up and cheer about, in particular the defense and the secondary. Over the past month the Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has been a beast terrorizing opposing defenses. On Sunday he was completely shadowed and shut down by cornerback Champ Bailey who held the Chief’s receiver without a catch. Bowe was targeted just three times and had two receptions called back, one on pass interference and the other he failed to get his feet down.
My Fantasy Read:
It was an impressive effort for Bailey and the league’s heavily scrutinized 22nd ranked pass defense. This week the Broncos will face the struggling Arizona Cardinals. With Bailey playing this well, a new quarterback under center, Larry Fitzgerald owners have cause to be concerned.

STEVIE JOHNSON STRUGGLES IN WEEK 13
The Bills breakout receiver this season came off one of his worst moments last week, dropping the game winner to playing one of his worst games this past Sunday. Johnson grabbed just passes on four targets that included one drop. The Vikings steam rolled the Bills in the first half, forcing them to become more one dimensional. Lots of pressure in the second half really disrupted the Bills ability to effective throw the ball, add five turnovers that crippled their day and it’s easy to see why the passing game struggled.
My Fantasy Read:
Johnson has been having a big season, but Sunday they were dismantled completely by their own mistakes and missed opportunities. This week Johnson and Bills passing game should be able to bounce back against the Browns 20th ranked pass defense; as long as they clean up the mistakes.

ARMSTRONG HAS BIG AFTERNOON
The Redskins 1st year receiver Anthony Armstrong has been up and down most of the season, but on Sunday he was definitely on the rise coming up with some big catches late in a game that had been long decided. Armstrong snagged six balls on 10 targets for 97 yards and a touchdown. It was only his second score of the 2010 season.
My Fantasy Read:
Over the past two weeks Armstrong has been the busiest wide receiver on the field with 17 targets, but his inconsistency could be a concern (just two grabs in week 12). The upside is the speedy wide out consistently gets open downfield and McNabb still has the arm to get him the ball. He’s a risky play, but if the matchup is right he could be nice sleeper in deeper leagues.