FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY'S HEROES WEEK 10

November 13th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Monday Evening Edition

NFL Sunday Week 9

Sunday’s Heroes

There was a lot of great action in week 10 and some fantastic performances. These were just a couple of the notable I watched on Sunday and would like to recognize for the greatness they were.

CJ Stroud (Texans) The rookie quarterback is playing well beyond his years. He’s playing his way into the MVP conversation with his recent outings. On Sunday the kid added to his legend bringing his team from behind for the Week 10 win, while passing for 356 yards and adding two scores (1 pass, 1 run). He’s the fantasy QB5 and has now entered the must-start territory.

Jared Goff (Lions) The Lions quarterback delivered on Sunday leading his team to Week 10 win over the Chargers. Goff passed 333 yards, while completing 69.7% of his passes and throwing two touchdowns. Goff is a fringe fantasy starter at the moment, but averaging 296.3 yards passing over his last three games, he’s trending upward.

TJ Hockenson (Vikings) Even when he’s banged up, Hockenson plays big. On Sunday he was a target monster (15 targets) turning in a huge performance to help lead the Vikings to a road win over the Saints. Hockenson pulled in 11 passes for 134 yards receiving and a touchdown. Hockenson is tight end gold.

Colts Defense (DST) The Colts defense showed up and delivered in Germany on Sunday, shutting down the Patriots offense. The Colts pass rush caused turmoil and chaos all afternoon for quarterback Mac Jones and company. The D recorded five sacks and forced two turnovers. The Colts defense (fantasy DST10) has now strung together solid back-to-back outings and should be owned coming out of their upcoming week 11 bye.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Night Edition
November 30th 2019

FSH: Quick Takes

If you were quick to the Waiver Wire draw last week and lucky enough to pick up Colts running back Johnathan Williams, then you should thinking start him this Sunday. In his past two games, Williams has carried the rock 39 times and hauled in four receptions for a total of 268 yards (220 rushing/48 receiving).

This week Williams will get a savory matchup against a struggling Titans defense. Over the past four weeks, the Titans defense has allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including four rushing touchdowns (4th most over the four week span), and 4.5 yards per carry. 

Williams may be on a limited clock, but he’ll get the start at least one more week with starter Marlon Mack not expected to make his return until week 14.

That’s My Take
~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 18th 2017

Wednesday Evening Edition

Week 6 Fantasy Fallout

More Luck Needed.

This may not be what fantasy owners and Colts fans want to hear, but we are now heading into the 7th week of the season and quarterback Andrew Luck is still weeks away for seeing the field. At what point do you get into the season where you have to think about the long term and shut Luck down? At 2-4 through 6 weeks and a tough week 7 showdown with the Jaguars, the Colts season with Luck is getting farther and farther away. Fantasy owners will have to start facing the awful truth; they’re going to need lots more luck if Luck doesn’t return this season.

Chiefs Defense: Not What You Think?

After 6 weeks of action, there are no more undefeated teams left in the NFL as the Chiefs fell Sunday to the Steelers. And how did this happen? Maybe it’s because the Chiefs defense is not what you think. When they were 5-0 and getting ready to hit cruise control with the Steelers coming to town, what we saw on Sunday and found out, this team is not so formidable. In reality, their weakest link could be their defense, ranked 29th in total yards allowed. Did the Steelers 13th ranked offense in total yards expose them or am I just over-reacting?

Broncos Offense: A Fantasy Mess.

Being the Broncos fan that I am, after watching this offense seemingly struggle week after week a trend starts to emerge; their offense is a fantasy mess with Siemian under center. Is it the play-calling or the execution, hard to tell, maybe it’s both. One thing for sure is, the offense has produced just 10, 16, and 16, since their week 2 explosion for 42 points. Averaging just 14 points the past three weeks is not going to get it done for Broncos fans and fantasy owners. Something needs to be fixed (in the pass game or the run game) or this funk could continue and fantasy owners will be forced to start looking at sitting or trading players like Demaryius Thomas and CJ Anderson.

Packers Offense Facing A Big Change.

Everyone knows about the injury and most who follow football understand the importance of the starting quarterback to his offense. But when you are talking about the Packers starter Aaron Rodgers and his offense, there may not be anyone more important. Rodgers is definitely the engine that makes the Packers offense run. The first reaction is with Aaron OUT, all Packers players fantasy value across the board takes a huge hit. This may make sense, also the run game could become prominent (enter Aaron Jones and Ty Montgomery), but the other wild-card to consider is backup quarterback Brett Hundley is no stranger to the offense and his supporting cast. On Sunday he was thrown to the wolves and one week is not going to be enough time to make a 180 degree difference, but as he gets in sync with the offense and the game slows down for him (and it will), we’ll have to see what he can do. So, no need to panic yet.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 9th 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Week 5 Sunday Notes

WAS-BAL
Looking at today's game in Baltimore, the Redskins and Ravens could be looking at severe playing conditions for the pass game. If conditions become difficutl and the passing game struggles, look for both teams to find relief on the ground. 

This is great news for Terrance West owners. The Ravens running back should have all kinds of success grinding it out against the Redskins suspect run defense. West is leagues 17th ranked runner with 232 yards on the season on 54 carries, a 4.29 yards per carry average. The Redskins allow nearly five yards a carry and have surrendered 8 rushing touchdowns this season. Upgrade West today.

On the other side, the Redskins have a capable runner in their ball carrier Matt Jones. Jones is the 13th ranked runner, but he faces a stiff test going up against the Ravens 5th ranked run defense that has only allowed 2 rushing touchdowns through the first quarter of the season. No pass, a lot of run may not spell relief for Jones fantasy owners. His value takes a slight hit.

CHI-IND
Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer will make his third start this season and after coming off a couple of solid performances with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. He's playing well and while he's on the road this week, he will see the Colts 24th ranked pass defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Hoyer is fighting to keep the starting job and thus far he looks like a favorite. I would expect another solid outing today against a team allowing a near 70% completion rate and the 9th most pass yards this season. He may not put up monster numbers on the road today, but he should be solid as a low QB1 in deep leagues.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 7th 2016
Friday Evening Edition

Week 5 Friday Fantasy Fix

With four weeks in the books, there are several interesting matchups this weekend (Week 5) worth taking a look at for fantasy owners.

In Baltimore running back Terrance West is looking at a prime matchup against the Redskins run defense ranked 30th versus the run. West should get plenty of looks this Sunday coming off a 21 carry effort in week 4. He is also averaging better than 4 yards per carry and is currently the leagues 17th leading rusher. With the Redskins allowing the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including 7 rushing touchdowns this season, West looks to be a week 4 must play.

Colts running back Frank Gore was just removed the team's injury report for week 5 and that comes just in time. This Sunday Gore gets the Bears run defense, ranked 26th versus the run and allowing 123 yards per game on the ground. The Colts are in big need of getting the running game rolling and this Sunday, home cooking could be just what the doctor ordered to get the ship righted. Gore, the leagues 15th leading runner has averaged better than 21 touches the last two weeks; expect more Gore this Sunday and lots of production.

The Eagles running back Ryan Matthews was also just removed from the team's injury report and with a favorable matchup this Sunday against the Lions run defense he could finally get his 2016 fantasy season rolling. The Lions run defense is ranked 22nd versus the run and they also allow better than 5-yards per tote. If Matthews is finally healthy, he could see some extended work with positive results. Matthews is more of a sleeper or low-end flex play this week.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 2nd 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Player Watch: 

We have an early game this morning, so real quick just going to throw this one out there. The Jaguars want to run the ball to compliment their pass game, this is why they acquired running back Chris Ivory.

Last week Ivory made his debut as a Jag, but the start was anything but memorable. Today could be very different. The last time Ivory was in London, his day was memorable with 166 yards on the ground. He was a jet at the time.

He could take a stroll down memory lane today, facing a Colts defense that has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs, over 4 yards per carry this season, and 4 rushing scores. Ivory should be featured in the run game and if he is, look out it could be a very good day.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY'S TAKES

Thursday Edition
November 8th, 2012  

Thursdays Take

Notes

Tonight’s quick takes include quite a few names for a matchup lacking marquee appeal. Starting with the obvious wide receiver Reggie Wayne leads the league in targets this season with 101. You can bet he’s going to be on the radar throughout the evening and should be very productive against the Jaguars 24th ranked pass defense.

Throwing passes all night to Wayne will be rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. He’s a gamer and it will be tough to pass on starting him tonight unless you are carrying one of the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks. The Jaguars defense allows the 17th most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, but last week the Lions Matthew Stafford torched them for over 300 yards without a touchdown pass (although there were many chances). Luck should see many opportunities, but expect him to capitalize.

On the other side, the Jaguars offense will be facing a Colts defense that has struggled to shut down folks. Running back Rashad Jennings is going to see a heavy load and facing a Colts defense that allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, he’s going to play well. Jennings is only a flex option in most leagues, but could be considered a low end RB2 in much deeper leagues.

The one to watch this evening is going to be the Colts number two receiver Donnie Avery. The speedy wide out has shown flashes this season and last week was starting to come on with a big effort before injury shut him down. Avery finishes last week with 5 grabs for 108 yards. Tonight against the Jaguars, who will also have to worry about Wayne and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, Avery could be poised for a big evening. Expect Luck to take a few shots and Avery to cash at least one in. I am really high on this guy and believe a big game is coming; could it be tonight?


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Monday Edition

September 17th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

My Week 2 Takes

Andrew Luck: The Colts QB More Than Just Luck

The Colts rookie quarterback is growing up fast. After a tough debut a week ago in Chicago quarterback Andrew Luck rebounds not just with a solid performance in week 2 against the Vikings, but gets his first career win. Luck is still short of being an every week fantasy QB, but with his three touchdown passes and over 550 yards passing in two games with each performance he’s getting closer.

Alex Smith: The Look of a Winner

The Niners have the defense and a punishing ground attack, but what they have lacked in the air may have finally arrived this season. Thus far this season quarterback Alex Smith has looked steady and efficient, but Sunday night against the Lions he looked like a winner. He didn’t just manage the game, he made plays; his first touchdown pass to Vernon (dropped right in on the money), his second toss to Vernon (gave his playmaker a chance to make a play). Before Monday night’s game, Smith ranked tied-for-second in the NFL with 4 touchdown passes and his 115.9 passer rating ranks 3^rd. He’s not an elite fantasy option, but in deep leagues he’s safe play under center.

Robert Griffin III: Better Than Advertised

After two games and nearly two wins (should have beat the Rams), it’s clear that head coach Mike Shanahan and the Redskins may have caught lightning in a bottle. Quarterback Robert Griffin III is a special player and could be much better than most expected. After two weeks of NFL play RGIII is a top five rated passer and a fantasy stud; (standard scoring) in two games he has scored 28 and 32 fantasy points. Now that’s impressive.

Ray Rice: Best Fantasy RB in the Biz

After another Sunday of just dominating on the gridiron and the fantasy football charts (99 rushing yards, 6 receptions and 53 yards), running back Ray Rice stakes his claim as the best in the biz. What makes Rice such an appealing fantasy option is his consistency; standard scoring 20 fantasy points in week one and 14 points in week two. With nine receptions already, in PPR leagues he’s even better.

Darren Sproles: A Small Package of Dynamite

The small package that is Darren Sproles continues to electrify football fans and fantasy owners on Sunday with high output of production. The scat back was solid in week 2 (huge in PPR leagues) with 13 grabs for 128 yards. He’s not an RB1 fantasy back, but he’s a worthy start as a flex or RB2 in deeper leagues because of his productivity and play making ability; 9 fantasy points in week one and 12 in week two.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 5th, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

MANNING LOOKS READY FOR THE POST-SEASON
It’s been a bumpy ride this season for the older Manning experiencing one of his worst seasons taking care of the ball with 18 turnovers. Despite all the mistakes and injuries suffered this season Manning has managed to deliver another strong fantasy passing season (4,700 yards passing, 33 touchdowns), along with a seventh AFC South title in eight seasons.
My Fantasy Read:
Never count out Peyton Manning. He may have hit a bad spell, but all of that is in the past. In his last four starts he is 4-0 with nine touchdowns, 250 yards passing per game, and just two turnovers. Last season in the post season he torched the Jets in the divisional round, passing for nearly 400 yards with three touchdowns. He may not have as big a game, but you can bet he’ll be ready for Saturday.

RAVENS DEFENSE READY TO FACE JAMAAL CHARLES
The Chiefs boast the number one ranked run defense, but they will be facing one of the nastiest and most fierce defenses entering the post season. The Ravens enter Saturday with the leagues 5th ranked run defense allowing less than 100 yards rushing per game this season.
My Fantasy Read:
The Chiefs have enjoyed great success on the ground this season, but this week could be very different as they draw a Raven’s defense that has been on a roll. In their past three games the Ravens have allowed just 186 yards on the ground to opposing ball carriers at a 2.8 yards-per-carry clip. They have also allowed just five rushing touchdowns all season (tied for the fewest in the league with Pittsburgh). Charles is going to really earn every yard (which doesn’t figure to be a great deal) he gets on Sunday against Ray Lewis and company.

BREES READY FOR SECOND TIME AROUND
Quarterback Drew Brees and company met the Seahawks back in week 11 and won by a score of 34-19; of course that game was played in the comforts of the Superdome. Brees, who typically plays well at home, torched the Seahawks secondary for 382 yards and four touchdowns. This Saturday Brees will get the Saints title defense started on the road in Seattle. In his last six starts on the road the Saints are 5-1 and Brees has thrown 12 touchdowns while averaging over 290 yards passing per game.
My Fantasy Read:
At 7-9 the Seahawks are lucky to be playing at home, but that’s the reward for winning your division (regardless how tough). Unless there is a downpour (just light showers) in the forecast, the Seahawks secondary is in for a long day. Even though Brees has been prone to mistakes with seven turnovers in his last six road games, the Hawks 27th ranked pass defense will need a lot more help to slow down the explosive Saints’ quarterback on Saturday.

MIKE VICK SET FOR REMATCH WITH PACK
Michael Vick has enjoyed a Cinderella-type comeback this season, returning to his play-making form and evolving into a superb pocket passer this season. After being dinged up some down the stretch Vick sounds like he is close to fully healed and ready to take on his first post-season opponent since the 2004 season.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packers defense did a number on the Eagles offense back in week one registering six sacks and stymieing their passing game. It was Vicks first real opportunity to play; he rushed for over 100 yards and completed 16 of 24 passes for 175. Vick is going to see a lot of heat on Sunday, while this may cause some problems he’s still going to make plays; just too much talent and ability to shut down.

AIR-RODGERS LOOKING TO FLY PAST EAGLES
The Packers signal caller had his cob-webs cleared a few weeks back, but since his return he has been on point completing over 67 percent of his passes and passing for more than 600 yards in his past two starts. Air-Rodgers also has five touchdowns in his past two starts with only one turnover. The back-to-back wins to finish the season were enough to earn a berth to the dance and now Rodgers (28 touchdowns and 3,922 yards passing in 2010) looks ready to carry the Pack deep into the post season.
My Fantasy Read:
Sunday’s matchup with the Eagles has all the makings of being an old-fashion shoot out. The Packers don’t figure to have too much success running the ball against the Eagles, and with their defense having its’ own hands full with Vick; the offense is going to need to set the pace. Air-Rodgers has enjoyed a strong 2010 campaign with the league’s 5th ranked passing attack so he’ll be looking to target often an Eagles’ secondary that has allowed 31 passing touchdowns and 54 pass plays of 20 yards or more. It figures to be a monster passing day for the Cheese-head.

FSH NOTEBOOK: ON THE COVER

January 3rd, 2011, Monday

On the Cover

The Sheriff Is Back Again

Manning and the Colts Reach the Dance

It wasn’t by design, but the Colts made it back to the NFL post season for an NFL record ninth straight time with the 23-20 win over the Titans on Sunday. The Colts have had their ups and downs along with quarterback Peyton Manning who struggled through one of his most turnover prone seasons (18 turnovers in 2010).

Manning carries a lot of weight on the field for the Colts offense, whether they succeed or fail, but no one can argue that this has been one of his most challenging seasons with the flurry of injuries that have hit the offense. The Colts have seen players like Anthony Gonzales, Austin Collie, and Dallas Clark fall by the way side to injury, but Manning continues to pull the trigger and bring others like Pierre Garcon (67 receptions), Blair White (five touchdowns), and Jacob Tamme (67 receptions) to the forefront; even names like Dominic Rhodes have resurfaced.

The 2010 season has not been the best for Manning and the Colts (10-6), but once again they have secured a spot in the Big Dance with their seventh AFC South title in eight seasons. Unfortunately for the rest of the AFC, they will have to worry about Peyton Manning this post season.

The Sheriff (Manning) has struggled this season some with ball security, but the post season is a whole other ball game. Last season in two home games Peyton was sharp completing 67 percent of his passes while throwing five touchdowns with one interception; including a three touchdown an 377 passing yard effort against the New York Jets (their opponents this coming Saturday).

The Jets will be in town (Lucas Oil Stadium) on Saturday and with the Sheriff on duty they had better be ready or it could be another round-up for Manning and company as they try to get back to the Big Show once again.

By David Ortega

FSH: MORE FROM THE HUDDLE

February 10th, 2010 9:07pm PST

More From the Huddle

My Take on the Big Dance

Just like one of the 150 million plus viewers from this past Sunday's Super Bowl I was fully entertained with a great matchup between a pair of golden arms and two highly talented teams. There's no question I like many felt the experienced team would come out on top, but my heart was completely in favor of a Disney ending.

Let's take nothing away from either side, both teams did a great job to get where they were and deservingly so. When the Saints and Colts were the two last left standing at 13-0, it was already written this would be a great matchup of two very good teams.

Drew Brees and company did little to disappoint navigating their way through the NFC playoffs, averaging 38 points per game. The Colts and Peyton Manning were much of the same on the other side outscoring their opponents 50-20 during their AFC post season run.

The big dance was billed to be a big shootout and while it lacked a little explosion, it did not disappoint. Throughout the game, both teams were able to flex their offensive muscles; Saints scored 31 points, Colts totaled over 400 yards of offense.

Both Brees and Manning sliced and diced the opposition with precision passing. Manning completed 68 percent of his passes with 31 completions total, while Brees was even better completing 82 percent of his throws with 32 completions. This was a game that was more evenly matched that what some might have thought, it would be a game so closely fought that it would come down to who would blink first and make the first mistake.

Unfortunately for Manning, late in the fourth quarter it was he who blinked and made the seeming fatal throw that did the Colts in. In a game that was supposed to be all about the offense, it was the Saints defense that stepped up and made the big play to decide this one. The deciding play just showed that the Saints have a complete team, high powered offense and a ball-hawking defense.

After watching Sunday's climatic conclusion, the first thoughts that came to mind, we could very easily see both of these two teams return again in 2011. The Saints have a nucleus that is loaded with talent (can't see the owner letting this team come apart). After watching Brees do what he has done the last couple of seasons 2011 looks very realistic for a return visit by the Saints.

The Colts have Peyton Manning, and despite his flub in the Super Bowl he is unquestionably the biggest reason they even made it to the big dance and a big reason why they'll be a favorite to return. Manning threw 45 passes on Sunday and while he would like to have that one mistake back, he wasn't the only Colt to flub a few throws. There were a couple of throws that the Colts receivers let number 18 down, including Wayne's drop at the goal line on the Colts final play.

There's no question the Saints won this one, but this game was much closer than the 14 point margin. Manning was knocked down on Sunday, but never count him out; he and the Colts will be back and we'll be ready in 2011 for Saints-Colts II. (could happen)

By David Ortega

Check for more notes, thoughts, and football banter "From the Huddle”

FSH: MORE FROM THE HUDDLE

February 3rd, 2010 9:07pm PST

More from the Huddle

With the Super Bowl less than a week away, it's time to start getting pumped for what will more than likely be a classic matchup of a pair of good ole fashion gunslingers. It looks like the folks in Vegas are expecting a shootout with the over under set in the upper 50's and they would be right (if you asked me).

The Saints boast the number one offense in scoring and yards, while the Colts will have Peyton Manning and it add and there's just too much offense. Expect more fireworks on Sunday than the fourth of July.....

10 Things...

that should make this a Super Sunday Shootout!!

1. The Saints quarterback Drew Brees passed for over 4,000 yards in 2009 for the fourth consecutive season.

2. The Saints big play offense has scored nine touchdowns in the post season and the team is averaging 38 points per game.

3. The Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has passed for over 600 yards in the playoffs and thrown five touchdowns.

4. Running back Reggie Bush has totaled 149 yards in the playoffs and is averaging over eight yards each time he touches the ball; he also has an 83-yard punt return for six.

5. Both Saints wide receivers Marques Colston and Robert Meachum each caught nine touchdowns in 2009 to lead the team.

6. The Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne and tight end Dallas Clark each hauled in 100 passes in 2009 to lead the team.

7. Both quarterbacks are hot in the post season with each coming off a three touchdown performance in the title games.

8. Both the Saints and Colts ranked in the top five this season in passing with Brees throwing 34 touchdowns and Manning tossing 33 of his own.

9. The Saints defense has been opportunistic with 39 takeaways in 2009, but they ranked 26th against the pass allowing nearly 240 yards in the air per game.

10. The Colts defense had their troubles in 2009 with the ground game ranked 24th and allowing more than 125 yards per contest.

Remember to check back for “More from the Huddle!"

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 1st, 2010 - 8:25pm PST

[Late Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

Next up the Big Dance!

Despite the roller-coaster ride of the 2009 season we should not be surprised to find what were arguably the two best teams in the NFL this past season. Both the Saints and Colts started out on a record setting pace with each team winning their first 13 games this season (the Colts won their first 14).

Now that the dust has finally settled and we have two left standing nothing could be more appropriate than Drew Brees versus Peyton Manning. The Saints signal caller on the cusp of greatness taking on the great Mr. Manning who continues to write his own legacy. With his fourth NFL MVP award, Manning will try to secure his second NFL title and cement himself as one, if the not the greatest ever.

While his counterpart would appear to have much to play for, Drew Brees is not without his own personal motivation. Brees has become the face of a franchise that not only represents a city, but represents so much more. Following the Katrina disaster the Saints have led a march of great hope and resolve and the face out front of this march has been Drew Brees. Brees has often been compared to the great names in today's game; Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Brett Favre, and though he lacks the hardware (Lombardi Trophies and MVP awards) he has the numbers. His first appearance should not legitimize his greatness; he has been great since he arrived to New Orleans. His first appearance in the Big Dance should be the next chapter to his own legacy.

What to Expect

While both teams have two very quick and opportunistic defenses, there is little doubt that this game is going to be all about the two gunslingers calling the signals. The Saints (4th) and Colts (2nd) offenses finished the 2009 season ranked in the top five passing and both clubs were in the top seven in scoring.

While the Saints were second in the league with 39 takeaways, they are going to find it difficult to capitalize on Manning who has just one turnover in 83 passes this post season. Like his counterpart Brees has been steady taking care of the ball with no turnovers in 63 passes.

The Saints led the league in scoring and finished number one in yards per game; they will surely test the Colts defense all game long. And when Manning takes the field with his number two ranked passing offense (9th overall) the Saints defense will face their ultimate test this season. Don't expect too many punts or a lot of stops, this one could easily turn into a regular shootout at the O.K. corral with the quarterback with the ball last deciding this classic matchup of a pair of gunslingers.

Injury notes for Sunday...

RB-Pierre Thomas (Saints).....ribs-probable.

RB-Joseph Addai (Colts).....shoulder-probable.

WR-Robert Meachum (Saints)....ankle-probable.

TE-Jeremy Shockey (Saints)....knee-questionable

DB-Darren Sharper (Saints).....knee-probable.

DL-Will Smith (Saints)....groin-probable.

DL-Dwight Freeney (Colts)....ankle-questionable

Quick Notes:

The Saints wide receiver Robert Meachum has resumed full participation in practice and looks to be ready for the big dance. Meachum could be a big key in the Saints passing game on Sunday. He tied with Colston for the team lead with nine touchdowns this season and finished the year with 45 catches for 722 yards receiving (16.0 yards per catch).

The Colts have made their name on the passing of Peyton Manning all season, but it wouldn't surprise to see Joseph Addai taking on a larger role in the run game this Sunday. In the AFC title game Addai finished with 80 yards averaging five yards a carry against a pretty good Jets run defense; Saints rank 21st against the run.

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"