FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 23rd, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

It May Not Be Miller Time, but It’s IDP Time

After spending a little time looking back at the skill players of 2010 who get most of the attention from the fantasy world, I thought it was time to pay some props to the bad boys of the gridiron. Last season saw no shortage of the fantasy worthy individual defensive players and here are the linebackers that made their bones crushing quarterbacks….

The Pass-rushing Linebackers…..

LB-DeMarcus Ware
The Cowboys pass rushing linebacker DeMarcus Ware turned in another solid campaign last season registering 15.5 sacks and 66 total tackles. Ware has been a solid IDP’er throughout his career having not missed a single game in his six seasons at the pro level. His 15-plus sacks last season was the fifth straight time he has reached double figures in that category. He’ll be a top IDP fantasy draft pick in 2011.

LB-James Harrison
The 2008 defensive player of year had a very good year in Pittsburgh last season. James Harrison, noted quarterback hunter turned in another solid season in 2010 churning out 100 total tackles and recording 10 and a half sacks. Harrison also added six forced fumbles and two interceptions to help led one of the league’s most fierce defenses to the Super Bowl. As long as his wallet is fat it’s not likely the fines he keeps collecting will slow him down, he’s a top IDP pick in 2011.

LB-Clay Matthews Jr.
Man or beast, it doesn’t matter because either way Clay Matthews Jr is just that good. A runner up in the race for defensive player of the year, Matthews is coming off a fine 2010 campaign that saw him sack the quarterback 13-plus times and total 60 tackles. Matthews also chipped in a pair of forced fumbles with a pick to lead an upstart Packer’s defense to another NFL championship. Clay Jr was a force for the Packers defense in 2010 and should be once again in 2011; he’s unquestionably a top tier linebacker choice in fantasy.

LB-LaMarr Woodley
While Harrison gets all the notoriety for the vicious hits, his counterpart and teammate LaMarr Woodlyey quietly goes about his job racking up nice numbers for himself. In 2010 Woodley registered 10 sacks, 50 total tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He’ll never have the reputation of a Harrison, but Woodley is very good and should be a high second tier fantasy pick in 2011.

LB-Tamba Hali
The Chiefs found a rising star in linebacker Tamba Hali. In 2010 he led his team with 14 and a half sacks while forcing four fumbles; he also contributed 52 total tackles last season. Hali is coming off his best season and with a young up and coming defense he figures to only get better. Last year was the first time in his five seasons that Hali had double digit sacks; he has the look of a second tier IDP linebacker in 2011.

LB-Cameron Wake
The Dolphins Cameron Wake came from literally nowhere in 2010. His 2009 rookie was hardly worth a mention, but after starting all 16 games in 2010 he put together a very nice sophomore season; 14 sacks, 57 total tackles, and three forced fumbles. Cameron looked very talented on the edge a year ago and hardly has the appearance of a one year wonder; keep him in your sites as a late top tier or early second tier linebacker in fantasy

Others worthy of mention…

These are just a few names that should not be overlooked early on in fantasy IDP drafts, when looking for a good linebacker; the Chargers Shaun Phillips was solid with 11 sacks and 55 total tackles in 2011. Over in Baltimore the Ravens have a gem of a pass rushed in Terrell Suggs; 11 sacks and 68 total tackles a year ago. The Raiders Kamerion Wimbley also deserves some notoriety for his nine sacks and 58 total tackles last season.

This was just a glimpse at the IDP package for 2011, I will be following up with the other positions over the next couple of weeks as well as developing my early rankings for the 2011 season, so keep checking back.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 2nd, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Who’s Hot

Mendenhall Carrying the Load
The Steelers running back has been enjoying plenty of fantasy success this post season with three rushing touchdowns in the two games. Mendenhall has been carrying quite the load for the team’s ground game averaging 25 touches per game in the playoffs. He has also added 167 yards on the ground and 45 yards receiving.

Jennings Too Hot to Stop
The Packers playmaker has been on a recent tear averaging eight catches and over 115 yards receiving in his last two games. With 17 total receptions and 239 yards receiving in the post season, Jennings leads all receivers, but he has yet to find the end-zone.

Rodgers Keeps on Rolling
Since the end of October Rodgers has been a hot fantasy commodity and fantastic on the field; he has 22 touchdowns and just four interceptions. In his three starts in the post season Rodgers has passed for 790 yards and thrown six touchdowns while completing 71 percent of his passes; his passer rating in the playoffs is 109.2.

Nelson is Making a Little Noise
After a quiet Wild Card weekend, the Packers number three receiver has become a steady contributor to the passing game. In his last two starts wide receiver Jordy Nelson is averaging six receptions and 73 yards receiving per game; he’ll be on player watch come Super Sunday.

Starks Keeps Churning Out the Yards
The Packers rookie running back has been steady throughout the playoffs averaging 23 carries and nearly 90 yards per game with one rushing touchdown. Running back James Starks leads all NFL ball carriers in the post season with 263 yards on the ground; he figures to play a big role on Super Sunday.

James Harrison Has Been a Terror
The Steelers bad man has not only been delivering big hits in the preseason, he has also been wrecking havoc for opposing quarterbacks. Linebacker James Harrison has three sacks to go along with 14 total tackles in just two playoff games.

The Wild Man Has Been Playing Like a Beast
Linebacker Clay Matthews has been on a rampage in the playoffs racking up three and a half sacks with 13 total tackles. Matthews finished the year with 13 and half sacks, he’ll likely be in Big Ben’s ear most of day on Super Sunday.

Who’s not

Wallace Has Yet to Breakout
The Steelers big play-making threat, wide receiver Mike Wallace has yet to make noise this post season. In two games he has just four catches and 26 yards receiving with no touchdowns; regardless he’ll certainly be under a watchful eye by the Packers secondary on Super Sunday.

Quarless A Non-factor Up to This Point
The Packers starting tight end Andrew Quarless, who was inserted into the lineup to replace the injured Jermichael Finley has yet to be a factor in the playoffs. Quarless has caught just four passes for 41 yards and he was held without a catch in the NFC Championship.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 1st, 2011, Tuesday

Monday Morning Huddle
(Tuesday Evening Edition)

Super Bowl Sunday steadily looms with less than a week away and from a fantasy football perspective it promises to be everything the fantasy faithful could hope for; plenty of explosive offense from both sides in the power running game and the long ball over the top. Although this matchup would seem to offer one big play after another, one thing it will not lack by any means is big hits and plenty of defense.

While the Packers boast a lethal passing attack (ranked 5th in the NFL) and one of the leagues top offenses (ranked 9th overall), like their counterparts on Sunday they will be bringing a formidable defense in its’ own right. The Packers defensive unit ranked 5th overall this season and their 24 interceptions ranked second in the NFL. The pass rush led by linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins totaled 47 this season, second only to the Steelers’ 48 sacks.

The Steeler’s offense will boast plenty of firepower of its’ own on Sunday with Big Ben, Mike Wallace and Hines Ward, but its’ the defense that many should take notice of; ranked 2nd overall, the Steelers’ defense allowed just five rushing touchdowns all season and ranked third in the league with 35 takeaways. Players like James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, and Troy Polamalu anchor a stifling defense that can dominate its’ opponent.

Both the Packers and Steelers defense are as good as they get and while they may be over-shadowed a bit this week by their playmaking offenses, these two units will be making plenty of headlines come Super Bowl Sunday.

Top Stories

Brady Earns The Top Honors with AP POY

It came as no surprise that Tom Brady took down the AP Player of the Year honors after his prolific 2010 campaign. Brady finished his regular with 36 touchdowns and just four picks and led the Patriots to a 14-2 regular season record (best in the league). Brady was by far the best fantasy stud in 2010 completing near 66 percent of his passes and throwing for 3,900 yards. His passer rating of 111.0 was the second highest of his career. Brady produced astronomical numbers without the presence of an elite deep threat this past season. If the Patriots keep a lot of the same faces intact for 2011 there’s little doubt that “Terrific Tom” will top most fantasy charts come draft day next season.

Kevin Kolb Has the Talent to Start, But Where?

In limited action we have seen that Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb has the talent and ability to be a starter in the NFL, the only question is where will he be next season? The quarterback seems to be lobbying for his ticker out of Philly and if he gets his way he could easily draw plenty of interest from the fantasy world. Kolb didn’t produce admirable numbers this past season, but he has a career passer rating of 109.6 and has shown modest flashes of brilliance. If Kolb flees “the city of brotherly love” to start elsewhere he likely won’t rank in the top ten next season, but depending on where he lands will definitely impact his value as well as the players he’ll be throwing to.


Just my thoughts.

Fantasy Spotlight Watch

With Sunday fastly approaching there will undoubtedly be plenty of skill players showcasing their talents on the big stage. One such player that may step out from the shadows could be the Steelers’ wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. The rookie wideout has plenty of speed and play-making ability to make noise on the big stage. This season he caught just 28 balls, but six were for 20 yards or more. Lining up opposite Wallace and Ward, Sanders could see some favorable matchups downfield and become a factor in the passing game.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 27th, 2011 Thursday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Rashard Mendenhall: Could Be Key For Steelers
The Steelers running back led the team with 167 yards rushing in the post season and scored three touchdowns in the just two post season games. Mendenhall finished the 2010 season with nearly 1,300 yards rushing and had 13 rushing touchdowns; he also caught 23 passes for another 167 yards receiving.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packers defense (allowing just 70 yards per game) will do their best to slow down Mendenhall and the Steelers ground game, but they may struggle to keep him out of the end-zone. Mendenhall already has three scores this post season and the Packers defense has allowed three.

Greg Jennings: Leads the Pack Air-Attack
The Packers wide receiver has been everything to the passing game in the post season leading the team with 17 receptions for 239 yards, but has yet to score. During the 201 season, Jennings finished with 76 receptions for 1,265 yards and 12 touchdowns.
My Fantasy Read:
Jennings have been unstoppable the last couple of games for the Packers. The Steelers just don’t have the personnel to matchup, it could be another big day for the Packers playmaker.

Ben Roethlisberger: Big Ben Looking for Another Big Day
Big Ben has not been as efficient as he would like this post season only completing 57 percent of his passes with two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 75.5. During the 2010 season Roethlisberger finished the year with a 62 percent completion rate, 17 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a rating of 97.0.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packers struggled a year ago against Big Ben allowing over 500 yards passing, even with five sacks. It could be more of the same on Sunday unless the defense can turn some of those hurries, hits, and sacks into turnovers.

James Harrison: Will Lead Blitz-Burgh into Dallas
The Steelers finished the 2010 season with one of the league’s most lethal pass rushes and linebacker James Harrison was a big part finishing the 2010 season with 10.5 sacks. Harrison is always imposing and has been making an impact this post season with three sacks with 14 total tackles (2nd on the team).
My Fantasy Read:
The Steel Curtain defense has been devastating at times, but they have also shown they can be vulnerable to the pass. Harrison and company will need to bring tremendous pressure if they hope to slow down Rodgers and the Packers aerial attack. This may not be all that easy; Rodgers has only been sacked five times with 93 passing attempts.

Clay Matthews Jr: The Wild Man is Ready to go Psycho
The Packers second year linebacker started the 2010 season with a bang and finished strong totaling 13.5 sacks with two forced fumbles. This post season Matthews has been on a tear with three and half sacks and 13 total tackles; he is a big part of the Packer’s “Pyscho” defense.

My Fantasy Read:
The Steelers have yet to rule out center Maurkice Pouncey, but if there’s any likelihood he can’t go the offensive line could be in trouble. Last season the Packers sacked Big Ben five times, with the Wild Man (Matthews) on the rampage the Steelers will have more than their hands full; Matthews figures to be in Big Ben’s ear all day.

By David Ortega

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 NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

October 26th, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

Keep track of which players are making

noise and scoring points
[fantasy points based on traditional scoring]

QB-Alex Smith was brilliant in the second half……
The Niner’s quarterback came in relief of a beleaguered Shaun Hill. In one half of football Smith completed 15 of 22 passes for 206 yards passing and threw three touchdowns to lead a second half comeback that fell just short. (25 fantasy points)

RB-Steve Slaton records another two-bagger on Sunday….
The Texan’s dynamic running displays his versatility in win on Sunday. Slaton not only rushed for 67 yards on 18 carries, but he also caught four balls for another 22 yards and scored twice; one rushing, one receiving. (18 fantasy points)

QB-Matt Schaub posts large numbers against Niners.....
The Texan’s quarterback plays well at home, a place that he has struggled some this season. Schaub completed 20 of 30 passes for 264 yards passing with two touchdowns throws. (22 fantasy points)

WR-Hakeem Nicks makes it four in a row…
The Giants rookie wideout scored a touchdown for the fourth consecutive games. On the night Nicks caught four passes for 80 yards and scored his fourth touchdown of the season. (14 fantasy points)

RB-Darren Sproles contribute in win over KC..…
Taking a back seat to the revamped L.T., Sproles still managed to chip in. The Charger’s back up runner carried the ball five times for 41 yards and snatched three passes for another 58 yards, including a 58-yard catch and run for six. (15 fantasy points)

QB-Carson Palmer looked Brady-like on Sunday..…
The Bengal’s field general breakouts on Sunday and has huge game passing for victorious cats. Palmer completed 20 of 24 passes (83.3 percent) for 233 yards in the air and tossed five touchdowns on the day. (39 fantasy points)

WR-Lee Evans awakes from his slumber….
The Bill’s leading receiver came out of his recent slumber with a nice showing Sunday. Evans caught five passes (season high) for 75 yards (season high) and a score in the Bills modest upset over the Panthers. (13 fantasy points)

WR-Mike Wallace makes a little noise on Sunday…
The Steeler’s number three receiver got into the act on Sunday against the Vikings. Wallace grabbed three passes for 72 yards and scored his second touchdown this season in the team’s win. Wallace also added 19 yards rushing. (14 fantasy points)

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

LB-James Farrior flys all over the field on Sunday…
The Steeler’s linebacker was a tackling machine on Sunday against the Vikings. Farrior total 15 on the afternoon and added a sack for good measure.

LB-DeMarcus Ware continues to bring the heat…
The Cowboys linebacker added another two sack effort on Sunday in the team’s win over the Falcons. Ware also added a forced fumble, his second of the season.

LB-James Harrison continues his recent tear…
The Steeler’s linebacker added two more sacks to his season total bringing it to eight; so much for a slow start. Harrison finished the game on Sunday with seven tackles to go with the pair of sacks.

LB-Shaun Phillips has solid efforts against Chiefs……
The Charger’s linebacker finally brought what the team had been missing, pressure. Phillips tallied six tackles on the afternoon and recorded two sacks in the Chargers win.

LB-Calvin Pace has big day in rout over Raiders……
The Jet’s linebacker recently returned from suspension is wasting little time catching up. On Sunday he recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles to go along with seven tackles.


By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more “Sunday Night FF Headlines!”

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

October 11th, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

WR-Wes Welker solid Sunday in tough loss……
Overshadowed by the stunning road loss the Patriot’s receiver was solid returning to old form. After being slowed by a knee injury, Welker responded in week five with eight catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.

RB-Ray Rice a dual threat in Sunday loss….
The Raven’s running back was dynamite Sunday against the Bengals. Rice rushed the ball 14 times for 69 yards and caught seven passes for another 74 yards. He also scored on a 48-yard pass play.

QB-Matt Cassel has strong outing, but comes up short.....
The Chief’s quarterback enjoyed one of his better passing days this season completing 23 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns without a pick.

QB-Tom Brady post decent numbers in loss …
The Patriots quarterback was not spectacular, but he was effective for fantasy owners. Brady passed for 215 yards and threw two touchdowns without an interception.

RB-Steven Jackson still produces even in loss..…
The Ram’s running back continues to produce against defenses that continually stack the line. Sunday against the Vikes Jackson totaled 109 yards of offense, but still hasn’t scored.

WR-Eddie Royal serves up some big cheese Sunday..…
The Bronco’s receiver was finally featured in the pass game and he responded with a big receiving day. Royal caught 10 passes for 90 yards in the Bronco’s big win.

QB-Marc Bulger sneaks in for quick preview..…
The Ram’s quarterback came in late Sunday in relief and was effective. Bulger was 7 for 7 passing for 88 yards and a touchdown.

WR-Donnie Avery finally shows some life….
The Ram’s second year receiver finally came to life on Sunday with a nice day catching five passes for 87 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown reception.

RB-Rashard Mendenhall plays big in win…
The Steeler’s running back enjoyed great success on the ground against the Lions on Sunday with 15 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown. Mendenhall also added a couple of grabs for 16 yards.

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

LB-Ray Lewis has field day against Bengals…
The Raven’s defensive leader was a tackling machine on Sunday recording 10 tackles to lead the team.

DE-Jimmy Wilkerson gets to the quarterback…
The Buccaneer’s defensive end could not be contained as he recorded three sacks on Sunday to go with six solo tackles.

LB-James Harrison unstoppable against Lions…
The Steeler’s linebacker and last season’s Defensive Player of the Year broke out Sunday against the Lions. Harrison finished the game with three sacks and eight total tackles. Harrison has six sacks in his last three games.

LB-Keith Brooking has big day in win…
The Cowboy’s linebacker had a big day on the defensive side of the ball. Brooking recorded 11 total tackles (8 solo) and had one sack in the team’s victory.

DE-Julius Peppers is disruptive on Sunday……
The Panther’s defensive end was very disruptive on edge Sunday recording two sacks and four solo tackles.

DE-Andre Carter creating chaos on the edge……
The Redskins defensive lineman was chaos on the field this past Sunday. Carter turned in two and a half sacks to go along with six total tackles in the team’s loss.

LB-DeMarcus Ware breakouts against Chiefs……
The Cowboys dynamic pass-rushing linebacker was solid on Sunday. Ware recorded two sacks along with six total tackles.

DB-Leigh Bodden tries to buck the Broncos……
The Patriots cornerback was a busy man on Sunday chasing Denver ball carriers. Bodden finished the afternoon with 11 total tackles (10 solo) and defended two passes.

By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more “Sunday Night FF Headlines!”

FSH: THURSDAY NIGHT PREVIEW

September 10th, 2009 5:37am PST

THURSDAY NIGHT SPECIAL PREVIEW

Tennessee Titans

vs

Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s taken fans over seven months to wait, but it’s finally here “The NFL season” kickoffs Thursday night when the defending Super Bowl Champion Steelers host the Tennessee Titans. And how appropriate is that, the Steelers participated in last season’s final game and now they will participate in this year’s opener.

Deservedly so, the Steelers will be in the spotlight Thursday night when the 2009 season kicks off. With one of the leagues premiere elite quarterbacks in Ben Roethlisberger (2 Super Bowl rings), there’s no question that the house will be rocking as the Steelers will look to repeat their impressive run of a year ago.

The Titan’s on the other side of the field will be filled with emotion, but they will also enter the 2009 schedule with a heavy heart. The team will be mourning the loss of former Titan quarterback Steve McNair, who passed away during the offseason, by wearing the number 9 on the back of their helmets in his memory. Nonetheless head coach Jeff Fischer will undoubtedly have his team prepared for what should be an epic battle.

The Match-up….

With an offseason of preparation the Steelers did not do much to change last season’s winning formula, except get healthy. Big Ben has looked in form this preseason in limited action. Although some may worry about his off-the-field distractions, it doesn’t seem to be affecting Big Ben.

At the ripe age of 27 and entering his 6th season, Big Ben already has two rings on his resume and has proved time and time again that he is clutch. The healthy return of Fast Willie Parker will be a huge upgrade to the Steelers offense that likes to control the clock and move the ground on the ball. If FWP can stay healthy, expect to see the Steelers offense to get back to doing what it does best, run the ball and stretch the field with Big Ben’s arm in the vertical game.

The Titans are coming off a season that was filled with great high hopes following their impressive start, but one that came crashing down when all the air was let out in their only post season appearance against Ravens last season. The most notable changes the team made this offseason came on the offense. The team signed former Steeler receiver Nate Washington (questionable) and free agent tight end Algee Crumpler (named starter).

The additions should help boost a lethargic passing game (ranked 27th last season), but there is no questions like the Steelers, the Titans prefer the ground game. Last season the Titans punched it in 24 times with the run and Thursday night they will face a Steeler defense that allowed a meager seven touchdowns (tied for second fewest). Still the Titans will try to establish ground superiority, but at some point expect to see Collins test drive his new aerial attack.

My Take….

Thursday night should be a classic matchup of two teams that like to get dirty in the trenches and pound the ball inside. With two throw back quarterbacks that have big-arms, the season opener promises to be a good one. Expect to see both quarterbacks take plenty of shots downfield as each offense will try to loosen up the defense.

The Titans will try to run early to set up some play action, but Steelers have a lot of playmakers on defense and plenty of speed up front. Expect the Steel Curtain to put a lot of pressure on Collins early and get the crowd going. With designed pressure and a suffocating run defense, turnovers will come into play here. I like the Steelers to take the early lead, apply the pressure and put this one to bed by the early part of the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Steelers 28, Titans 17

Fantasy Notes:

The Gamers:
Willie Parker won’t see too many holes, but without big Albert Haynesworth in the middle, he’ll be able to squeeze through a few times. Expect 20+ carries and at least one big run (possibly to the house)!

Hines Ward is the steady play in the pass game. Roethlisberger is going to look downfield to Holmes quite often, but he’ll find Ward underneath more. Ward won’t rack up big yards, but he’ll get some catches (6-7 recepts) and could find the end-zone.

The Steelers defense will play big in front of the home crowd. Expect a couple of turnovers, a few sacks, and possibly a score!

White and Johnson are going to split carries (10-12 each), but against a stingy defense playing at home, neither is going to find much luck.

The Titan’s will likely see Collins throw more than he likes and with lots of pressure and no time, the short routes will be most popular. Expect Crumpler and Johnson to see their numbers called quite often, in a take what the defense gives you (not much) result.

IDP Watch:

Notable must plays
Steelers: Harrison and Woodley have a nose for the ball and Polamalu is always a playmaker.
Titans: Bulloch will be tracking FWP all night, while Finnegan is going to be busy with Ward. Expect Vanden Bosch to say hello to Big Ben.


Check back this Monday for our “Monday Night Preview”

FSH: FANTASY MONDAY MAYHEM

August 24th, 2009 11:37pm PST

Monday Mayhem

The fantasy season is merely around the corner and somewhere in a mid-west town there are a group of guys, tossing a few back cold-ones, sifting through the latest magazines, and toiling over their next pick in their fantasy draft. This is not unlike what many of us just experienced this past weekend, but in this draft we are not just talking about Tom Brady or Larry Fitzgerald. In this draft, we are ditching the team concept and it’s all about the “me.” There may not be any “I’s” in team, but there is a big one in “IDP.”

Like their offensive counterparts, IDPs offer another intriguing aspect of the fantasy game that has become so popular. What makes these Gridiron Galdiators so much fun to watch, is their enthusiasm to make the big plays and destroy the Tom Bradys of the league. Like the “big-catch”, perhaps the second most exciting play in the game is the “big-hit.”

It’s no coincidence that the biggest fantasy IDP studs are also some of the league biggest and most fierce hitters. 2009 will not be short of it’s share of big hits, Malachi crunches, and quarterback sandwiches and leading the way will be our list of the “Nasty Boys” of the NFL, otherwise known as this year’s IDP Studs!


2009 IDP Studs

Last season may be best described as the “Year of the Linebacker” with many rising to the top of the IDP Nation. Players like Harrison, Ware, Lewis, and Porter led a huge surge of defensive playmakers that will once again reign supreme in the trenches in 2009. Fantasy owners engaging in more custom style leagues that include IDPs can expect to see linebackers dominate the boards early. A big pass rushing defensive end may also draw some early attention, but hard hitting safeties will find their way toward the top as well;


Top 10 Linebackers

1. Ware, Demarcus DAL LB
2. Jackson, D'Qwell CLE LB
3. Harrison, James PIT LB
4. Willis, Patrick SFO LB
5. Ruud, Barrett TBB LB
6. Beason, Jon CAR LB
7. Dansby, Karlos ARI LB
8. Briggs, Lance CHI LB
9. Lewis, Ray BAL LB
10. James, Bradie DAL LB

Top 10 Defensive Backs

1. Wilson, Gibril OAK S
2. Weddle, Eric SDC S
3. Woodson, Charles GBP CB
4. Collins, Nick GBP S
5. Reed, Edward BAL S
6. Atogwe, Oshiomogho STL S
7. Gamble, Chris CAR CB
8. Winfield, Antoine MIN CB
9. Wilson, Josh SEA CB
10. Bell, Yeremiah MIA S

Top 10 Defensive Lineman

1. Suggs, Terrell BAL DE
2. Tuck, Justin NYG DE
3. Allen, Jared MIN DE
4. Mathis, Robert IND DE
5. Cole, Trent PHI DE
6. Smith, Justin SFO DE
7. Peppers, Julius CAR DE
8. Abraham, John ATL DE
9. Ogunleye, Adewale CHI DE
10. Williams, Mario HOU DE
    

Players of notable mention that should be kept on your 2009 radar will include; LB-Shawne Merriman, DL-OSI Umenyiora, and LB-DJ Williams. All three had their 2008 seasons cut prematurely, but all figure prominently this coming year.

Remember to check back for more "Fantasy Monday Mayhem!"

FSH: ON THE COVER

August 17th, 2009 9:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

The Baddest Man in the NFL!

It’s time to get Nasty
Fantasy has normally been all about the “O”, but in these days and times the fashionable trend has been to play in leagues that employ IDPs. The individual defensive player has become common place in fantasy and in this week’s edition it time to talk about the bad boys of the NFL.

So who is the “Baddest Man” in the NFL?

Last season there were several candidates that threw their hat in the ring with player like; Joey Porter (17.5-sacks), John Abraham (16.5-sacks), D’Qwell Jackson (154-tackles), and DeMarcus Ware (20-sacks). While these bad boys got dirty and made the big plays on the defense that their teams needed to be successful, there was one player that stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Last season, there was no one as bad or nasty as the Steeler’s linebacker James Harrison (voted the AP Defensive Player of the Year). Harrison finished his 2008 campaign with a team high 16.5 sacks coupled with over 100 tackles. The defensive stalwart also led the league with seven forced fumbles and added an interception to boot.

With the 2009 Fantasy season dead ahead, it’s time to starting looking for your bad boys to fill your rosters. Harrison will likely top many boards, but other names to watch will include; Patrick Willis (SF), Jon Beason (Car), Barrett Ruud (TB), and DJ Williams (Den).


Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: FANTASY FOOTBALL RADAR

June 14th, 2009 4:37pm PST

THE FANTASY ZONE

FANTASY RADAR
(AN IDP LOOK)

WHO IS NUMBER ONE?


Demarcus Ware, LB-(Dallas Cowboys)….
Last season the Cowboy’s outstanding linebacker DeMarcus Ware had one of the best seasons of any defensive player in the league. Ware finished 2008 with over 80 tackles, 20 sacks, and six forced fumbles. He finished runner-up in the Defensive Player of the Year balloting and deservingly so, but if you had asked fantasy owners Ware may have been the top choice. Over the past three seasons he had totaled double figure sacks and averaged nearly 80 tackles. Ware has also proven to be one of the toughest and more durable defensive players having yet to miss a game in his four-year NFL career. Ware is a non-stop motor wrecking havoc in the backfield of opposing offenses. In 2008 his worst game saw him record four tackles and he registered at least one sack in all but two games. Few could hardly argue with the Cowboy’s pass rush specialist going number one in fantasy IDP drafts and it’s likely if he’s not one he’ll be second.

James Harrison, LB-(Pittsburgh Steelers)….
Maybe the only player to have a better season than Ware was the Steelers own pass-rush and playmaking specialist, linebacker James Harrison. Not only did the Steeler’s linebacker win the DPOY honor, but he also captured a Super Bowl title along the way. Some of his accolades that helped him achieve his success; 101 total tackles, 16 sacks, one interception, and seven forced fumbles. 2008 was only the second full season for Harrison as a starter, and following his 98 tackle and 8 sack 2007 season he made to most of his opportunity. The Steeler’s talented linebacker is a relentless force that is a constant disruption for opponents. His 100-yard interception return for a touchdown to end the first half of Super Bowl XLIII proved to be a huge key in the Steelers victory. It’s hard to imagine Harrison not being the top sought after IDP in fantasy drafts this summer, but if he does not go number one, the owner who picks second will be thanking the fantasy gods for the gift.


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