FSH: FOOTBALL TALK

February 2nd, 2010 10:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking Under the Hood

"A Star has Arrived"

When you examine the body of work that Saints quarterback Drew Brees has put together it should be no surprise to see him on the big stage. What is the surprise; this will be his first trip.

A long awaited arrival if you sit in the Brees camp, but one that is surely overdo if you consider his road traveled. Statistically his numbers match or surpass those with the name of Manning, Brady, or Favre. The Saints signal caller has been as good as any other at the position and the team's conference leading 13 wins this season (38 wins last four seasons) should put an exclamation on how good this winner is.

Over the past four seasons Brees (18,298 yards, 122 touchdowns) has managed to define his legacy as one of the leagues purest pocket passers. His first appearance in the big dance should not only legitimize him as an elite passer, but rightfully place him among the best we have been fortunate enough to watch over the past decade.

He may not win the coveted hardware this try around, but if you have been paying attention over the past couple seasons you too will realize this is likely not his last opportunity.

More fantasy Notes

The Colts middle linebacker Gary Brackett has been the mainstay in the middle all season. Bracket once again finished among the team leaders (2nd on the club) in tackles this past season with 99 (has led team twice). He will be a big key inside if the Colts have any hopes of making the Saints well balanced offense one dimensional. Thus far in the playoffs Brackett leads the club with 13 total tackles (including one sack).

The Saints needed something to rejuvenate a defense that lacked a true identity, what they found in the offseason was a leader who brought what the defense lacked; swagger. Darren Sharper always known as a playmaker helped to remake the defense (in particular the secondary) into one of the league’s most opportunistic (39 takeaways in 2009). Sharper led the club with 9 picks and took three back to the house for six.

By David Ortega

Check back every week for more “Football Talk”

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

December 13th,　2009　9:37pm　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-Matt Schaub has huge day against Seahawks...
The Texans quarterback lit up the dome on Sunday in front of the home crowd. Schaub was spectacular completing 29 of 39 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns to take down the Seahawks 34-7. (24-fantasy points)

RB-Ray Rice runs through Lions defense....
The Ravens second year running back Ray Rice trampled through the Lions run defense for big yards, including a 59 yard touchdown dart. Rice shredded the defense for a total of 219 total yards and two touchdowns to lead the Ravens. (31 fantasy points)

RB-Ryan Grant has big day on the ground.....
The Packers used a 62-yard run by running back Ryan Grant to start fast and behind his 20 carries for 137-yards were able to hold off the Bears. Grant also added a second touchdown to cap off his Sunday effort. (25-fantasy points)

RB-Chris Johnson continues on his run for the record.....
The Titans running back continues his assault toward the record books. On Sunday against the Rams Johnson broke free for 186 total yards (117 rushing/69 receiving) and two touchdowns. For the season Johnson has eclipsed 2,000 yards of offense (2,017). (35-fantasy points)

WR-Brandon Marshall sets the record in a loss....
The Broncos wide receiver did all he could to try and help his team pull off the upset, but despite his great effort they came up short. In the loss Marshall did manage to set an NFL record with 21 receptions and finished the game with 200 yards receiving with two touchdowns. (32-fantasy points)

WR-Andre Johnson is simply unstoppable....
The Texans receiver Andre Johnson was an unstoppable force on Sunday hauling in 11 catches for 193 yards and single-handly endng any chance for the Seahawks to stay competitive. Johnson also added a pair of scores to sink the opposition. (31-fantasy points)

Notable IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

The Redskins rookie linebacker Brian Orakpo had his best day as a professional recording four sacks on sunday against the Raiders. Orakpo also finished the afternoon with six total tackles and a forced fumble.

The Texans fourth year defensive lineman Mario Williams was a disruptive force on the field Sunday recording two sacks to go along with six tackles.

The Colts linebacker Gary Bracket turned in a solid performance on Sunday and was instrumental down the stretch in the Colts win over the Broncos. Brackett finished the day with 12 tackles and a sack to lead the defense.

By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more "Sunday Night FF Headlines!"

FSH: IDP NOTES

October 7th, 2009 8:30pm 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…

Rey Maualuga, LB, Cincinnati Bengals
Rey Maualuga (knee) did not participate in Bengals practice on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times.
My Fantasy Read on Maualuga: The rookie has yet to impress the fantasy world with just 19 tackles in four games. Although he’s not likley to miss Sunday, slowed by injury there are better options available….

Gary Brackett, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Gary Brackett (knee) is "probably ready to go for Sunday night's trip to Tennessee," according to the Indianapolis Star.
My Fantasy Read on Brackett: The Colts middle-linebacker is a beast when he’s healthy. It sounds like he’s a go for Sunday so he should be in your lineups….

Keith Bulluck, LB, Tennessee Titans
Keith Bulluck was limited in Wednesday's practice while nursing a knee injury, according to the Titans' official website.
My Fantasy Read on Bulluck: The Titan’s linebacker is normally a solid play, but facing a passing Colts offense could limit opportunities. Consider other more favorable options if available….

Shaun Rogers, DT, Cleveland Browns
Shaun Rogers was limited in today's practice while nursing his foot ailment, according to the Bills' official website.
My Fantasy Read on Rogers: Slowed or not, if Rogers can go he’s a good option this week against a very shaky Bills offense that has leaned on the run and short passing game….

Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots
Vince Wilfork was limited in Wednesday's practice while still recovering from an ankle injury, according to the Providence Journal.
My Fantasy Read on Wilfork: The Patriot’s mountain in the middle was questionable last week and played on Sunday. This is likely to be a recurring theme this season, if he plays he could see a lot of action with the Broncos averaging 32 rushing attempts per game……

Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers
Troy Polamalu will reportedly sit out this week's game at Detroit and likely return in Week 6 against Cleveland, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy Read on Polamalu: The Steelers pass defense has been an Achilles this season and Polamalu’s absence is noticeable. With Troy sitting expect the Lions to attack deep and give the secondary a lot of work…..

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

FSH: IDP NOTES

September 22nd, 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…

Gary Brackett, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Gary Brackett suffered an undisclosed injury late in the fourth quarter of Monday night's game at Miami, according to the Indianapolis Star.
My Fantasy Read on Brackett: The Colts middle linebacker has been steady in the middle thus far racking up 17 total tackles. The Colts can’t afford to lose him for any extended period and fantasy owners love his production….

Jermaine Phillips, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Bucs have placed Jermaine Phillips in injured reserve with a broken thumb.
My Fantasy Read on Phillips: The loss will hurt the Buc’s secondary which is already thin, but Phillips real lost value was going to come in week 5 when he was expected to move to linebacker. Owners will have to plan for the future….

Justin Tuck, DE, New York Giants
According to the Newark Star-Ledger, Justin Tuck is still questionable to start in the Giants Week 3 matchup with the Bucs.
My Fantasy Read on Tuck: The Giant’s defensive end is suffering from the shoulder injury he sustained when he was tripped in Sunday Night’s epic battle with the Cowboys. Tuck is a highly productive end, if he plays even at less than 100 percent he should be able to give owners something…..

Kelvin Hayden, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Kelvin Hayden suffered an undisclosed injury in the fourth quarter of Monday night's game at Miami, according to the Indianapolis Star
My Fantasy Read on Hayden: The Colts can’t afford to have another starter missing on defense. Hayden is a solid covering corner, but he needs to stay on the field. His recent healthy woes have made him a risky IDP play and now it looks like he’s dinged up again….

Terrell Suggs, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun is reporting that Ravens' linebacker Terrell Suggs may be out of shape. Suggs was not effective in the first half of Sunday's game, and he didn't play much in the second half.
My Fantasy Read on Suggs: Normally a big playmaker and IDP especial Suggs does look a little off, but note he’s still being productive with 1.5 sacks on Sunday. If he’s out of shape, with playing he will only get better. Owners keep him in your lineups…..

Lawrence Timmons, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Lawrence Timmons is progressing in his recovery from a sprained ankle, and head coach Mike Tomlin stated that the linebacker should be able to play in a full capacity in Week 3 at Cincinnati, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
My Fantasy Read on Timmons: The third year linebacker is expected to add more playmaking ability to an already talented unit. While his production was modest last week, expect bigger things on Sunday. If he’s available, he’s worth a waiver wire pick up….

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