FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 26th, 2010 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...

Thomas looks for big day in big dance....

The Saints running back Pierre Thomas did not have a big day on the ground against the Vikings number two run defense, but he was effective at time and totaled nearly 100 yards of offense. Against the Colts (ranked 24th against the run) he'll face a less formidable front and should be a huge part of the Saints ground attacked.

Wayne set to breakout on Super Sunday...

The Colts big play receiver and one of Peyton Manning's go-to playmakers, Reggie Wayne was pretty much held in check against the Jets on Sunday catching just three passes for 55 yards. Wayne has just 118 yards receiving in the post season and with the Saints not having any corner of the same calibre as the Jets Darrelle Revis, expect Manning to get his 100-catch receiver involved early and often in the big dance on Super Sunday.

Bush will need to bounce back....

The Saints are going to need a full compliment of weapons to keep pace with the great Peyton Manning. One of the keys will be running back Reggie Bush who can add that estra dimension when he runs well. He'll need to clean up his play for the big dance on Super Sunday; no room for error.

IDP Notes....

Colts will need to apply pressure….

Against the Jets in the AFC championship the Colts defense did a great job slowing down the leagues number one rushing offense, but they were unable to get to the rookie quarterback. Defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney will have to bring their best game to apply the needed pressure on Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Mathis and Freeney (23 sacks combined) will have to do a better job of getting to Brees (sacked 20 times in 2009) if they hope to slow the Saints offense.

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 19th, 2010 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 week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Favre ready to continue his magic....

The 2009 season has been a magical return of the Golden Boy, much to the dismay of many cheeseheads. In his 20th season, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has had a magnificent run and has carried his great play right into the playoffs. Last week Favre connected on 15 of 24 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns. The Saints defense is going to have to find a way to disrupt his rhythm or fans will see a lot of the same on Sunday.

Wayne could have a tough day on Sunday...

In their first matchup, mind you Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne did exit early, but while on the field his three catches for just 33 yards were a non-factor. On Sunday he's likely to be shadowed a lot by the Jets cover corner Darrelle Revis. As great as Peyton Manning can be, if he does not have too much bravado to look the other way it could be a quiet day for Wayne. Fantasy owners have to be prepared for a quiet afternoon from Wayne.

Bush could be huge factor in passing game....

The Saints running back Reggie Bush had a huge game on the ground in the divisional round averaging 18 yards from scrimmage each time he touched the ball. There's no question the Vikings priority will be to close the gaps and contain Mr. Bush, but where he could be a huge factor on Sunday is in open space. Don't be surprised to see head coach Sean Payton utilize his running back even more in the passing game to compensate for the Vikings 2nd ranked run defense.

Jones likely to take a back seat on Sunday.....

The Jets have been able to run the ball effectively this post season, but perhaps to the dismay of running back Thomas Jones. In two games this post season Jones has carried the ball 29 times, but it has been rookie Shonn Greene who has seen the bulk of the work load with 44 attempts. The rookie has managed a heft six yards per tote, while Jones has been a pedestrian 2.6 yards per carry. With the rookie running well, Jones is likely to take a back seat against the Colts 24th ranked run defense on Sunday.

IDP Notes....

Colts must use their speed to neutralize Jets ground attack….

All season the Colts have used an explosive passing game and the will of Peyton Manning to get the job done, but on Sunday they will need their 18th ranked run defense to step up. Ranked 24th against the run and allowing more than four yards per carry, the undersized defense will have to use their speed (Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney) on the edges to swarm and disrupt the Jets ground assault. These two pass rushing specialists (23 sacks combined this season) will have to be equally effective against the run game.

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

FSH: TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK

January 12th, 2010 10:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

Wildcard Weekend

Warner and Cards have plenty of firepower...

It was a historic match of wills on Sunday with no one willing to blink first when the Cardinals and Packers battled in their NFC tilt. It was also one that many did not figure the Cardinals would have enough weapons to succeed. On the Fox Sports pregame, one by one the analysts all picked the Packers and I'm sure they felt confident as Rodgers led his team all the way back. What they didn't realize was Kurt Warner and company had plenty of firepower on Sunday. Even minus an injured (WR) Anquan Boldin, Warner completed 29 passes (only four incompletes); including his last 11 passes to seven different receivers for 379 yards and five touchdowns. The Cardinals offense was also able to generate 156 yards on the ground with one rushing touchdown. Now that's a lot of offense and firepower.

Ravens and Jets use power running game.....

With a banged up Joe Flacco, the Ravens used the ground game more out of necessity than just preference. Albeit that is one of the team's signature calling cards the power run game, but on Sunday against the Patriots they ran the ball 46 times. The Jets did not differ much in their game plan toting the rock 38 times, undoubtedly to take some pressure off their rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. There's little question looking ahead for both of these teams coming matchups, the key for success will be a dominant ground attack. The Ravens totaled 234 yards rushing, averaged nearly five yards a carry, and scored four times on the ground. The Jets found the roads in Cincinnati clear as they rambled for 171 yards rushing, averaging more than four yards a carry, and scoring twice on the ground. With the Colts and Chargers up next for these two teams, expect the goal to be similar results.

Cowboys showing great balance and peaking at the right time.....

It was hardly what many would have expected, that is if you weren't from the state of Texas. If you took a good look at the two teams (Cowboys-Eagles), there really shouldn't have been much of a surprise with the results. Not only has Dallas been playing well offensively averaging nearly 25 points per game and over 430 yards of offense in its last four games, but the defense has suddenly awaken from its slumber. Over the same stretch the defense has recorded nine takeaways and 16 sacks, while only allowing 31 total points combined (had two shutouts). When they travel to Minnesota, they will be riding an impressive four game winning streak and looking very capable of pulling off the upset.

More fantasy Notes

With the Raven's Joe Flacco ailing one of the biggest keys for the Colts defense will be its speed rush on the end. Defensive linemen Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are going to pose all kinds of issues for the Ravens offensive tackles. Freeney led the team with 13.5 sacks this season, while Mathis chipped in with 9.5 of his own. In their first matchup this season, a game in which the Colts won 17-15, both Freeney and Mathis were limited with injuries. This won't be the case for Flacco and the Ravens on Saturday night.

While running back Adrian Peterson is all world all day, the Vikings dynamic rusher could take a back seat in Sunday's game plan against the Cowboys. It will be critical for the Vikings to start fast and dictate tempo in this matchup, especially against a team as hot as the Cowboys. When the offense has gone through Favre first, the running game has benefitted later and the team has had great success. When Favre throws three or more touchdowns the Vikings are 6-0, and when he completes better than 68 percent of his passes (minimum 24 attempts) the team is 7-0. The Vikings finished the 2009 season 12-4 with Peterson only eclipsing the century mark rushing three times, but he did score 18 rushing touchdowns.

Brees and Saints must start fast on Sunday if they hope to keep Kurt Warner and the Cardinals offense finding a rhythm. The Saints have struggled the past several weeks averaging just over 14 points a game. The team still finished number one in scoring and yards for the 2009 season, but Brees and company will be facing a red hot Warner and Cards offense. The Saints signal caller will need his best weapons Marques Colston (9-touchdowns), Robert Meachum (9-touchdowns), and Reggie Bush (47 receptions, 3-touchdowns) ready to make plays in the Superdome on Saturday.

By David Ortega

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAME-TIME

December 27th, 2009 - 8:47Am PST

SUNDAY GAME-TIME

WILLIAMS WILL NOT PLAY....

According to the NFL Network, the Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (ankle) will not play in today's game with the Giants despite traveling with the team.

BROHM LIKELY TO START....

According to the NFL Network, the Bills back up quarterback Brian Brohm is more than likely to be under center today against the Falcons.

HARRISON EXPECTED TO PLAY TODAY....

The Steelers linebacker James Harrison (biceps) will play today against the Ravens according to the NFL Network.

FREENEY WILL PLAY, BUT LIMITED....

The Colts defensive lineman Dwight Freeney (abdomen) will play today against the Jets, but is expected to be limited. He will be on a "pitch count" according to Rachel Nichols of ESPN.

BRYANT EXPECTED TO BE ACTIVE....

The Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Bryant (groin) is expected to be active today against the Saints according to Fox Sports.

SHARPER EXPECTED TO PLAY........

The Saints defensive back Darren Sharper (knee) is expected to play today against the Buccaneers according to the NFL Network.

REED WILL TRY TO PLAY TODAY.....

According to ESPN, the Ravens safety Ed Reed will try to give it go today against the Steelers.

Check back every Sunday for more "Game-Time"....

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 29th, 2009 - 8:27Am PST

SUNDAY GAME-TIME

CEDRIC BENSON EXPECTED TO PLAY TODAY....

According to ESPN the Bengal’s running back Cedric Benson is inactive today against the Browns and is not expected to play. Rookie running back Bernard Scott is expected to start.

ROETHLISBERGER EXPECTED TO SIT TONIGHT....

All reports indicate that Big Ben will sit tonight against the Ravens. Backup quarterback Dennis Dixon is expected to make his first career start against Ray Lewis and Ravens 9th ranked defense.

FREENEY WILL NOT PLAY AGAINST TEXANS....

The Colts pass rushing defensive end missed practice all week with an abdomen injury and will sit out Sunday against the Texans.

HAYNESWORTH WILL NOT BE ACTIVE....

The Redskins defensive tackle has been battling with a lingering ankle injury that forced him to sit a week ago. Early reports indicate that Haynesworth will be inactive this morning against the Eagles.

WARNER EXPECTED TO START TODAY....

According to the NFL Network Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner is expected to play today. Warner practiced all week despite suffering a concussion last week against the Rams. If he plays today, he's a must start for fantasy owners.

TURNER EXPECTED TO GO TODAY....

The Falcons running back has been nursing an ankle injury, but acoording to NFL.com he is expected to play today against the Buccaneers. Turner will test the ankle in warmups before the game. so be sure to check before you insert into your lineup.

JACKSON ACTIVE TODAY AGAINST HAWKS….

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Rams running back Steven Jackson is active today and expected to start against the Seahawks. Jackson sat out all week resting a back injury. He’s got a favorable matchup today and should play well.

Check back every Sunday for more "Game-Time"....

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

September 28th, 2009 9:57pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Week three Injury round-up


(Monday, Sept 28th update)

Bears:
According to the Associated Press linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer should be able to play in week 4 after leaving Sunday’s game with a rib injury.
Bills:
According to head coach Dick Jauron, both defensive backs Leodis McKelvin (broken leg) and Donte Whitner (injured thumb) will be out indefinitely. McKelvin is expected to be for an extended period while Whitner is having surgery to repair the thumb. He will be evaluated on a weekly basis.
Colts:
According to the National Football Post defensive end Dwight Freeney will undergo an MRI on Monday to exam his right quadriceps. Freeney is noted as saying he “felt something pop.”
Dolphins:
Quarterback Chad Pennington will miss the remainder of the 2009 season after suffering a torn capsule in his shoulder according to ESPN. The Associated Press is reporting that Pennington will seek a second opinion.
Lions:
Running back Kevin Smith left Sunday’s game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. According to Profootballtalk.com a league sourced says his injury will be “week to week.”
Niners:
Running back Frank Gore left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and did not return. According to an NFL Network report he suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss at least two weeks.
Patriots:
Running back Laurence Maroney suffered a thigh injury in Sunday’s win over the Falcons. He says he will be fine although he did not play in the second half. Defensive tackle Vince Wolfork also suffered an ankle injury, but his injury is not expected to be long term.
Rams:
Quarterback Marc Bulger injured his shoulder Sunday against the Packers and left the game early. The early report is a bruised rotator cuff according to the team. His availability for week 4 is questionable. Wide receiver Laurent Robinson suffered a broken leg in Sunday’s loss against the Packers. He will miss the remainder of the season.
Redskins:
According to the Associated Press the team expects defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to be fine after being forced out of Sunday’s game with a strained glut muscle. Haynesworth will undergo an MRI on Monday according to the team.
Titans:
The Nashville Tennessean reports that defensive back Vincent Fuller suffered a fractured arm on Sunday and underwent surgery Monday. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Defensive back Courtland Finnegan suffered a hamstring injury as well in the team’s week 3 loss, but the extent of his injury is unknown.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: IDP NOTES

September 24th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Pisa Tinoisamoa, LB, Chicago Bears
Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) was again held out of practice on Friday, and is doubtful for the team's Week 3 tilt with the Seahawks, according to the Chicago Tribune.
My Fantasy Read on Tinoisamoa: The Bears defense is definitely looking it’s age with so many injuries this season. With Tinoisamoa likely sidelined backup linebacker Nick Roach is expected to start. Roach has yet to show much in three seasons and with a poor injury track record he has little value in IDP leagues…..

Lawyer Milloy, S, Seattle Seahawks
With the Seahawks' secondary decimated by injury, veteran safety Lawyer Milloy could see a great deal of playing time this weekend against the Bears, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.
My Fantasy Read on Milloy: The Bears are coming to town (Seattle) this week. After a disastrous week two against the Niners, expect to see a lot of Forte roaming the Seahawks secondary for big yards. With more time on the field Milloy is likely to spend most of his Sunday chasing down the Bear’s running back and could be a serviceable IDP start this week…..

Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers
According to ESPN.com, Chargers' linebacker Shawne Merriman missed practice again on Thursday due to his groin injury.
My Fantasy Read on Merriman: After a full practice on Friday, Merriman does not look to be in any danger of sitting on Sunday. IDP owners should have the pass rush specialist in their lineups in week 3…..

Justin Tuck, DE, New York Giants
Justin Tuck (shoulder) is officially questionable for the Giants' showdown with the Bucs this weekend, according to the New York Daily News.
My Fantasy Read on Tuck: The Giant’s defensive lineman is still laboring from the shoulder injury he suffered Sunday night at Dallas. The Giants have plenty of depth up front, so it’s not likely they would rush Tuck back if he’s not healthy. Feel free to start him, if he plays…..

Alex Brown, DE, Chicago Bears
The Bears are planning on Alex Brown (sprained ankle) playing this weekend against the Seahawks, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
My Fantasy Read on Brown: Sounds like the injury isn’t much if the team is expecting him to play. Brown is off to a fast start this season with two sacks and nine tackles and should be in your line up this week against the Seahawks….

Kelvin Hayden, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Kelvin Hayden has not practiced this week due to a hamstring injury suffered in the fourth quarter of Monday night's game, according to the team's official website. Hayden is expected to play in the team's Week 3 game.
My Fantasy Read on Hayden: The Cotl’s secondary struggled Monday night and if Hayden goes down, they could have a lot of trouble with Arizona Sunday night. Right now it’s not looking good, fantasy owners will want to avoid the Colt’s team defense and Hayden is not a good prospect this week either…..

Dwight Freeney, DE, Indianapolis Colts
According to the team's official website, Colts' defensive end Dwight Freeney did not participate in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Freeney is dealing with a back injury.
My Fantasy Read on Freeney: The Col’ts defense is pretty dinged up and can ill-afford the lose Freeney’s services. While it’s not likely he would miss, you’ll have to worry about his effectiveness dealing with a back injury…..


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411….