FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

November 18th, 2009

Watercooler Chat

The Weekly Waiver Wire

Wayne "The Wire" Bosco

(Courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)

Always with the keen eye for talent or at least an opinion on something, Wayne is at the ready to lend a suggestion of a few fantasy gems that could become relevant this week in fantasy. Here are some of his Week 11 waiver wire darlings....

Week 10 Wire

If you missed the bus last week, you might have caught a break if fantasy owners were paying attention to the injury reports on running back Ladell Betts. Even with Portis listed as doubtful last week there were questions about Betts health and it wasn't until late in the week that he appeared a solid go for Sunday. Well there are no questions this week and after his Sunday performance against the Broncos, you had better be quick on the move to snag him off the wire this week.

Another new darling to add to your list this week comes from the St. Louis Rams, rookie wide receiver Brandon Gibson. Elevated into action beacuse of the injury to Keenan Burton last week, Gibson quickly made his presence felt catching seven balls for 93 yards. The Rams rookie was targeted frequently and appears to be in line to start Sunday. Facing an inconsistent Cardinals secondary that is ranked 30th, if Bulger is able to find time Gibson could be a nice pick up for week 11.

There aren't too many games this season that Browns running back Jamal Lewis is going to circle on his calendar, but Sunday could be one of the few. This week he and the Browns travel to Detroit to face the Lions and their 19th ranked defense that is allowing 4.7 yards per carry. Last Monday night the offense really struggled with Quinn returning under center, expect Mangini to lean heavily on the ground game to take some pressure off.

Waynes Word

Here's Wayne's word for the week. With Brian Westbrook down, but not out just yet the door has been swung wide open for rookie running back LeSean McCoy. The Eagles rookie runner has been more than a capable replacement when give the opportunity. In his last two starts for Philly McCoy has averaged 92 yards from scrimmage and this season he's carrying a four yard plus per carry average. McCoy also gives the team the versatility out of the backfield with 23 receptions this season. With Westy out for at least the next couple if not several weeks, McCoy is a nice replacement option and even has a little more value in PPR leagues.

Playing the Fantasy GM

(The GM Game)

Don-Pietro “The GM” Zamboni

Favre is a must-start...

Sometimes when you are the man in charge you just have to grab the reigns and make the call. One of those big decisions is to know when to sit a player and when to start a player, much like real coaches and GMs operate. When the season started many fantasy owners likely expected their week one or week two pick up of quarterback Brett Favre was more for insurance than anything else. Now that we are 10 weeks into the season, those owners are having to re-evaluate their rosters.

At 39 years of age it was conceivable to believe that Brett Favre's best days had past him and that even with a talented team like the Vikings he would only best serve as a fantasy back up. There must magic at 40, or 40 is really the new 30. Since turning 40 on October 10th, Favre has elevated his play. As of Oct 18th this season, in his last four starts the Vikings quarterback is averaging 300-yards passing per game and has throw eight touchdowns with only two turnovers.

In that span, Brett Favre is averaging 23 fantasy points per game, better than Drew Brees (18 pts/game), Peyton Manning (22 pts/game), and Matt Schaub (19 pts/game). As well as he is playing he should now be considered a number one fantasy quarterback and he's a must start. With a remaining schedule that includes; the Bears (16 passing touchdowns allowed) twice, the Cardinals (ranked 30th against the pass), the Seahawks (ranked 22nd), and the Bengals (ranked 21st) Favre is a must-start everyweek! Start him!

Check back every week for more Watercooler Chat!

By David Ortega

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH)

October 29th, 2009 10:37pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

“Diamonds in the Rough”

(Fantasy Sleepers)

Players you should watch and perhaps a few you should play this week!

It always seems when all hope appears lost, the glass is half full. The free agent pool continues to thin out and now owners have to stop looking around and just take a look at what’s in front of them. There are always some players that look attractive to start, but after their sizzle fades they can often get lost on your bench.

Week 8 presents some favorable matchups for players that are likely languishing on fantasy rosters and benches. And while it’s always darkest before the dawn, for some of these sleepers, the sun could be shinning bright come game day. With our seventh week of action in the books and more to come this Sunday, here are a few gems that could shine like diamonds in the sky.

This week’s gems…

In Chicago…..

Who says Jay Cutler doesn’t have anyone to throw to? Well there may be some truth in that Cutler lacks a true number one receiver, but coming off a big game against the Bengals last week wide receiver Devin Hester will have a great chance to do it again. With the Bears hosting the awful Browns (ranked 24th against the pass) this week Hester should see lots of beatable coverage and have a couple of chances to break free deep. He’s not a legit number one, but he’ll be a great number three receiver in fantasy this week.

In San Diego……

When the Chargers play host to the Raiders this Sunday, there’s little doubt that their key will be there passing attack and no one has to remind cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. And while Asomugha will have much of his focus on Sunday directed toward the Chargers Vincent Jackson, owners that don’t have a lot of great options at their number three slot should consider receiver Malcom Floyd. The Chargers receiver could be seeing some extended time on the field this Sunday and his 6’5’ frame should look very inviting to Philip Rivers, especially downfield. Floyd does not have big numbers this season with just nine catches and one touchdown, but he is averaging almost 21 yards per grab and his eight targets in his last two games could be a sign of better things to come.

In Detroit……

It’s not often that the Lions offense sees a good matchup on it’s schedule, but this Sunday they’ll host the Rams and running back Kevin Smith should benefit greatly. The Rams defense is ranked 27th against the run and opposing running backs are averaging nearly six yards per carry. Smith has been pretty much bottled up on the ground this season with a rookie quarterback, but could be looking at a big game on Sunday. With 20 receptions, Smith is the team’s second leading receiver so expect to see him grab a couple out of the backfield and improve upon his 149 receiving yards. This week Smith should be a solid RB2 and might have a little more value in PPR leagues.

In Cleveland……

Like the Lions, the Browns don’t see many matchups they like, but if you are a Jamal Lewis owner you had to love what you saw last week. In week 7 against the Bengals, the Bears run defense was completely shredded for over 200-yards on the ground allowing nearly five yards a pop. Lewis has yet to get out of the gate this season with only 280 yards rushing in five games this season. As long as the Browns don’t fall behind big early Lewis should have a shot at 20-plus carries on Sunday, despite his paltry yards-per-carry average. Against a thin Bears defense that is battered by injuries the Brown’s runner should be a low RB2 this week and is worth a starting.

Worth keeping your eye on for now….

By this time of the season and coming off one of his worst games this season, it may seem like a stretch, but on Sunday keep your eye on Terrell Owens. There’s no doubt these days the only place you will find him is on fantasy roster benches. Over the past several weeks, T.O. has just not had good numbers and his three catches for 13 yards were as bad as the week he didn’t have a catch. We know he looks about as good as a train wreck, but keep your eye on Owens this Sunday against the Texans. Over the past two weeks Fitzpatrick has been trying to get the ball to his big not-so-sure handed receiver with 18 total targets. The Texans have a soft middle and it could be just a matter of time for T.O. and his quarterback to get in sync.


Remember to check back for more "Diamonds in the Rough!"

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 14th, 2009 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 season……

Player News From Across the Wire...

Hines Ward, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Hines Ward sat out Wednesday's practice.
My Fantasy read on Ward: Expect this to be the norm with players like Hines Ward that have earned the respect of their peers. Ward is likely resting and healing, so expect to see the Pro Bowler on Sunday against the Browns…..

Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams
The official Twitter page of the St. Louis Rams is reporting that the team has named Marc Bulger as their starting quarterback for this week's game against the Jaguars. Bulger will replace Kyle Boller, who suffered a head injury last week.
My Fantasy read on Bulger: The Jaguars have just four sacks this season. If Bulger and his offensive line can find him time, he could bounce back this week against the league’s 30th ranked pass defense….

Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Maurice Jones-Drew is frustrated and displeased with the Jaguars' offense, according to the Associated Press. He said, "It just seems like now if we do not get 30 yards rushing, we just go away from the running game. I have never been part of a team like that."
My Fantasy read on Jones-Drew: this kind of “speaking out” can have two possible outcomes; one it does nothing or two is sparks this team to man-up. If this team is going to rise to the challenge, expect them to hop on MJD’s back and let him lead the way. This could be a big week….

Dustin Keller, TE, New York Jets
Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez noted that he needs to target Dustin Keller more in the passing game, according to the Star-Ledger. Sanchez said, "I need to do a better job of finding him, because he is a great target. He has been great."
My Fantasy read on Keller: Fantasy owners shouldn’t get too excited too fast. This is likely to be a gradual process as Sanchez is more likely to test out his new toy, wide receiver Braylon Edwards. Keller is good and will eventually be worked back into the rotation, but give it time….

Ben Watson, TE, New England Patriots
Ben Watson was limited is Wednesday's practice while recovering from a head injury, according to the Boston Globe.
My Fantasy read on Watson: The Patriot’s tight end is a classic hit and miss, now add injury to the mix and he becomes a difficult play. Even when healthy, you’re likely to fall victim to his poor outinsg on occasion. With only has 14 receptions this season, he’s a middle TE2.….

Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Willie Parker fully practiced Wednesday, according to the Browns' official website.
My Fantasy read on Parker: All signs point to Parker returning to the starting lineup this week, but don’t think for a second that Mendenhall won’t get into the mix early. The second year back has played to well the past two weeks, this is likely to become a timeshare…..

Jamal Lewis, RB, Cleveland Browns
Jamal Lewis was limited during today's practice, according to the Browns' official website.
My Fantasy read on Lewis: The Brown’s running back was limited last week and played on Sunday, so it is likely he’s taking it easy again. Expect Lewis to be in there against the Steelers, but at less than 100 percent, look for better options this week….

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 23rd, 2009 8:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy season……

News From Across the Wire...

Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Frank Gore (ankle) was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
My Fantasy read on Gore: The Niner’s starting running back tweaked his ankle in week 2 after torching the Seahawks defense for two long touchdown runs. It’s not likely he’ll sit in week 3, but his work could be limited to keep him fresh and allow the ankle to heal….

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson was slowed in practice on Wednesday by a lingering back injury from the Vikes' win over the Lions last weekend, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
My Fantasy read on Peterson: The league’s premiere runner appears a little banged up, but with a little rest this week he’s likely to be as good as new or at least better than most. Fantasy owners can expect to see this gamer in there on Sunday…..

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson was absent from Wednesday's practice while recovering from an ankle injury, according to Adam Caplan's (Scout.com) twitter page.
My Fantasy read on Tomlinson: It’s too early in the week to make heads or tails of this just yet, but it’s not a good sign. Tomlinson has been known to miss practices and still play, but Friday usually tells the tale. If LT is out Sproles would likely start in week 3 against the Dolphins…..

Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona Cardinals
After leaving the team's Week 2 win over Jacksonville early with a shoulder stinger, Kurt Warner was a full participant in Cardinals practice on Wednesday, according to the Arizona Republic.
My Fantasy read on Warner: Bad news for the Colts this Sunday night, the Cardinal’s signal caller appears to be just fine. Coming off a near perfect passing day, the banged up Colts secondary could be in for a long evening….

Glen Coffee, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Glen Coffee (hip) was a full participant in 49ers practice on Wednesday, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
My Fantasy read on Coffee: With Gore only limited in practice, it looks like he’ll start Sunday. Even if Gore does start expect the Niners to likely limit his production, giving Coffee a few more chances on Sunday against a tough Vikings run defense….

Jamal Lewis, RB, Cleveland Browns
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Browns' running back Jamal Lewis did not practice on Wednesday. Lewis is suffering from a hamstring injury, but the severity is not currently known.
My Fantasy read on Lewis: With rookie running back James Davis returning to full practice on Wednesday, an injured Lewis could open the door of opportunity. If Lewis sits, expect to see Davis get his fair share of work in week 3 against a stout Raven’s defense…..

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints
Pierre Thomas practiced fully for the Saints on Wednesday, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Thomas missed Week 1 and played sparingly in Week 2 due to a sprained MCL.
My Fantasy read on Thomas: With Mike Bell sitting out of practice today, this is big news for fantasy owners. There’s still a good chance Bell sees action on Sunday, but with Thomas healthy, he could be in line for more work and more carries….

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

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

September 5th, 2009 11:07pm PST

THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

RB-Dominic Rhodes cut by the Bills….
After signing Rhodes in the offseason, the release comes as a surprise especially with Marshawn Lynch due to serve a three game suspension. With the departure of Rhodes, it appears Fred Jackson will be the featured runner for at least the team’s first three games…….

QB-Byron Leftwich will start for Buccaneers.…
The Buccneers appear set with their decision to go with Leftwich. In a recent move the Bucs sent back-up Luke McCown to Jacksonville. Leftwich played well last season as the back-up in Pittsburgh and he brings experience as a starter (has started 46 games). Leftwich is a capable passer, but with limited weapons in Tampa he’s only a low-end back-up fantasy QB…..

DB-Bob Sanders has been activated by Colts…..
The Colts will have their defensive team leader back, but it’s uncertain that he will be ready for week one. The defensive back is the motor that makes the Colts defense go. Until he returns 100 percent, avoid taking the Colts defense early in any fantasy draft…..

QB-Jeff Garcia does not make final cuts…
The Raiders chose to part ways with the veteran quarterback and usher in “the Age of Russell.” Now released, expect Garcia to land somewhere soon, he’s still very much a capable and experienced back up that can still help some teams. He’s not worth a roster spot on any fantasy team, but he’ll be worth keeping an eye on…..

RB-Jamal Lewis makes it to the 53-man squad….
The sewing circles had it wrong talking it up about the possible release of Lewis, but his stay also guarantees nothing. The team is very high on rookie James Davis and Lewis will have to impress to keep his job. Jamal is still a decent drafting option as a RB3, but keep watch Davis is ready to steal lots of carries…..

RB-Willie Parker will be team’s feature back….
This could be the year for “Fast-Willie-Parker” to bounce back. After being slowed with injuries in 2008 (missed five games), Parker is healthy and will be featured in Pittsburgh’s backfield. Parker has the ability to be an impact player capable of putting up big numbers, if he’s healthy. He should be considered a top 2o (RB2) running back in fantasy drafts…..

DL-Vonnie Holiday signs with the Broncos….
The Bronco’s have speed, but are in desperate need of adding some pressure up front. Holiday is getting up there in years, but it’s likely he’ll be used in a situational role to help the defense with their pass rush. Holiday has 55 career sacks, but hasn’t made any noise since 2006. He holds very little value in IDP leagues…..

DB-Dunta Robinson to sign one-year contract….
The Texan’s defensive back came to his senses and will sign his one-year ($10 million) deal. Robinson is a solid DB, but may have to shake some rust having missed all of camp. He’s coming off back-to-back injury filled seasons, but when healthy he’s a mid-level fantasy DB in IDP leagues…..

QB Tom Brady still sore, but shoulder is fine….
The Patriot’s quarterback appears to be fine after injuring his shoulder in the team’s third preseason game. With the extra days of rest, fantasy owners can expect to see their top-rated fantasy passer. Brady is just two years removed from his record setting 2007 season, he has most of his weapons in tact, expect big things in 2009……


Check back every week for more “Around the League”