FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY'S HEROES

September 27th, 2011, Tuesday

Sunday’s Heroes (Week 3)

Who is Making Fantasy Headlines in 2011
[Points based on standard scoring]

JOE FLACCO CATCHES FIRE IN WEEK 3
The Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco blew up in week 3 against the Rams passing for nearly 400 yards, while completing 27 passes and throwing three touchdowns. All three of his scores went to rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith, who Flacco showed great chemistry with. Flacco has been up and down so far this season, but with Smith emerging, we could see Joe playing more like he did on Sunday. He’s still a QB2 for now, but looks to be a great bye week filler.
(31 fantasy points)

SCHAUB COMES ALIVE IN LOSS
It took three weeks, but finally the Texans quarterback Matt Schaub comes alive and tallies a big number on Sunday. For fantasy owners, it’s been what we have been waiting for as Schaub passes for 373 yards and throws three touchdowns in a loss to the Saints. The Texans appear to be a more balance team this season, but will still need the occasional big game from Schaub; it’s nice to see he has it. His line on Sunday included 22 of 39 passing and a passer rating of 103.9. Going forward fantasy owners can expect similar Sundays, although there may be a few when he is more efficient with less yardage. He’s a low end QB1, but a good start week to week.
(30 fantasy points)

LESEAN IS THE REAL MCCOY
The Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is making his bid to be considered one of the top fantasy running backs in the 2011 season. On Sunday against the Giants McCoy added another 128 yards rushing (345 on the season ranks second in the NFL) and his 4th rushing touchdown this season. McCoy also has 9 receptions this season, including one for a touchdown giving him five total scores for 2011. With a hefty 6.1 yards per carry average McCoy is as good as any top fantasy back in the league right now; he’s a must-start and a keeper.
(19 fantasy points)

RUN DMC BUSTS A MOVE IN WEEK 3
The Raiders are playing well right now and no one can argue that Raider running back Darren McFadden is playing best of all. After his outstanding week 3 performance rushing for 171 yards and scoring twice, Run DMC leads the NFL with 393 yards on the ground and already has three trips to pay-dirt. DMC is averaging 24 touches per game, as long as this kid can hold up, he’s money baby!
(29 fantasy points)

WELKER SHOWS HIS HOT HAND
Is anyone surprised by how good this guy is? We shouldn’t be, since we have seen him doing it for a couple of seasons, but what is surprising is how defenses just can’t find a way to slow down Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker. Last Sunday against the Bills Welker nabbed 16 balls for 217 yards and two scores. He now leads the NFL with 31 receptions and has scored four times this season. Did anyone forget that he caught a league high 123 passes in 2009 and has three consecutive seasons with more than 100 catches. He’s healthy now and is an every-week start, period!
(33 fantasy points)

JULIO JONES IGNITES AGAINST THE BUCS
The Falcons rookie wide out Julio Jones finally ruffled his feathers some last Sunday against the Buccaneers and caught flight for 115 yards in the air off of six grabs. It was Jones first big productive game this season, coming off of seven targets. With his blazing speed Jones will remain the deep threat and likely be a hit and miss from week to week. With his big play potential he’s an attractive WR3 or flex play for now.
(11 fantasy points)

The IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

OLD DAWG STILL HAS PLENTY OF TRICKS
The Ravens 3-year old linebacker Ray Lewis shows no slowing down with another stellar effort on Sunday against the Rams. Lewis recorded another 10 tackles, his fist sack of the season, and a forced fumble. He continues to defy the odds and play like an LB1 fantasy IDP.

SEAN LEE IS PLAYING LIKE A FREAK
The Cowboys middle linebacker Sean Lee has been electrifying this season on the defensive side of the ball. On Monday night, Lee was all over the field recording 8 total tackles, intercepting a pass, and recovering the game winning fumble. Lee has a nose for the ball and great instinct; he’s an outstanding IDP play and must-start every week.

JARED ALLEN GOES QB HUNTING
The Vikings defensive lineman is on a tear this season and last Sunday against the Lions, he was a beast recording three sacks. Allen also added a forced fumble for good measure in the week 3 matchup against the Lions. Allen is among the leaders this season with 4.5 sacks and figures to be in the market to add to his total every Sunday.

By David Ortega

FSH: (WEDNESDAY) WATERCOOLER CHAT

January 20th, 2009 - 11:05pm PST

Watercooler Chat

Where these games could go....

The Vikings bring with them the number two ranked run defense in the league and will surely make it difficult for Brees and company to establish any kind of a ground game on Sunday. Stopping the run will be a key for Minnesota's secondary, which could be vulnerable against a Drew Brees with time to throw. Last week the boys (Edwards, Allen, Williams, & Williams) did a great job slowing down the Cowboys run game (92 yards rushing). Once the Cowboys were forced to throw, Allen and company broke loose recording six sacks. This is what the Vikes will be looking to do on Sunday. Force Brees into obvious passing situations and go get the quarterback.

Staying with the NFC picture, on offense it will be a different story for the Vikings this week. They have perhaps one of the very best if not the best running back in the game today in Adrian Peterson. The Saints have shown to be vulnerable against the run ranked 21st and allowing 4.5 yards per carry. Peterson has yet to be a big factor in the playoffs, but this Sunday could be a different story for the former NFL rushing champion. All-day has only two 100-yard rushing games this season, could see another heavy work-load (26 carries last week). You can bet it Peterson tops 25 carries on Sunday, he's going to have a big day on the ground.

Wayne says...

Never without an opinion, but maybe not much of a brain Wayne offers his thoughts on this weekend's matchups....

The Saints have managed to trounce on most of their opponents this season, but clearly last weekend they faced a much inferior defense that just didn't have the playmakers to match up. That won't be the case this weekend. The Vikings have the ability to turn the Saints offense into one dimensional. Passing on first down will be key for the Saints to keep a balanced attack with short yardage on 2nd and 3rd downs. This will allow effective play-action to keep the Vikings defense on their heels.

The Colts don't care how you play defense against their quarterback, he's going to check at the line and constantly pre-read the defense. The two biggest keys for the Jets will be execution on defense and running the ball of offense. Manning is going to go through his pre-snap reads, whatever the defense dials up they must execute and they must get in Manning's face. On offense the Jets have to run effective, move the chains, eat the clock, and they must stay out of third and long.

Player Watch for the Title tilts...

Once again here a few players of note that fantasy owners should consider riding or hiding for the coming weekend of games. Keep these players on your watch list, you just may want to give them a hard look come Sunday;

(Start) Brett Favre

The Vikings quarterback is playing real well with 10 touchdown passes and no interceptions. The Saints exploited the Cards defense last week and forced them to play catch-up, that’s not likely to happen this week. As long as its competitive, Favre will be able to mix the pass with the run; start him.

(Start) Shonn Greene

The Colts struggle with the run and if the Jets keep this one close Shonn Greene is going to see a lot of work. What the rookie has shown this post season is his ability to run with power and make big plays. Greene already has a 39 yard and a 53 yard touchdown run in the post season; start him.

(Sit) Pierre Thomas

Thomas is not quite 100 percent running with sore ribs. Last week against the Cardinals he was limited to 13 carries, partly due to the big lead the Saints built, but the ribs have to be a concern. Thomas scampered his way to 52 yards, but he's not likely to be as productive on the ground this week; sit him.

(Start) Percy Harvin

The Vikings took advantage of their lanky and tall receiver Sidney Rice against the Cowboys smaller corners. The Saints will have to compensate for their undersized corners likely with safety Darren Sharper over the top and that could leave Percy Harvin with a lot of single coverage. Harvin is a Favre favorite and a playmaker, so expect him to be involved; start him.

(Sit) Braylon Edwards

The Jets haven't much of a pass game and with the emphasis being on the run this Sunday nothing is likely to change. Although Edwards could present some downfield challenges he's only caught four passes for 56 yards in two games.

Check back every week for more "Watercooler Chat"

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 12th, 2010 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 week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Joe Flacco needs to get well fast....

If the Ravens are going to survive this coming weekend, they will need a healthier quarterback and better effort than the 34 yards passing with one interception they got from their QB last weekend. Flacco who has been banged could be questionable for Saturday's clash, which is not good news for Baltimore. With the Colts outside speed rush and Flacco's health in question, the ground game will be critical for the Ravens against the league's 24th ranked defense against the run.

Vikings receiver Rice could be the difference...

When the Cowboys and Vikings meet on Sunday, both teams will have a lot of similarities; a big passer under center (Romo-Favre), an explosive runner (Jones-Peterson), and speed on the outside (Austin-Harvin). What the Vikings will have that could be missing from across the other side of the field is Sidney Rice. The third year receiver has blossomed into a dynamic and huge (he's 6'4") weapon for Favre and the offense. This season Rice led the team with 83 receptions for 1,312 yards, and 8-touchdowns.

Philip Rivers: No more month of December....

The Jets don't necessarily look like a team that was handed a gift to the post season and this is no longer the month of December. If the Chargers hope to advance to the AFC title game they will need Rivers to play better than his modest 3-3 post season record. 2009 has been a big year for the Chargers 6th year veteran as he has posted career like numbers; 4,254 yards passing (career high), 28 touchdowns, and a 104.4 passer rating.

Boldin is hopeful to play Sunday.....

There hasn't been anything definitively reported saying Boldin will play, but Yahoo Sports posted earlier today that the Cardinals receiver is optimistic about his chances of playing. Boldin said he feels much better and on Tuesday "was able to move around a little bit." There's no question he is another weapon in the Cardinal's arsonal, that is still dangerous even without him.

IDP Notes....

Jared Allen will be a factor on Sunday….

On Sunday the Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo will stroll into the Mall of America Field, the home site for the Vikings. And who better to greet the opposing quarterback than the Vikings sack machine defensive end Jared Allen. The Vikings defensive lineman led the team with 14.5 sacks this season and tallied 51 tackles, including 43 solo. While Romo has been good this season, protection has been shaky at times allowing 36 sacks this season. Allen will be the ultimate test for the Cowboys 12th year left tackle Flozell Adams.

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

FSH: (FANTASY) MONDAY MAYHEM

August 31st, 2009 11:37pm PST

[TUESDAY'S EDITION]

Bringin’ the Heat

When you are looking for a good fantasy D-linemen, there usually only one thing to ask, “who can bring the heat?” Over the past couple of seasons in New York there has emerged a football factory producing some of the leagues best pass rushers. If you are looking to draft a defensive lineman for your fantasy team, there’s no better place to start than the Big Apple.

Before you make the trip to the east coast, perhaps Minnesota might make a better stopping ground if you are looking for the best sack-master. Since 2007 the Vikings defensive end Jared Allen could be considered the very best at the position with 30 sacks and over 100 total tackles. His production is among the very best and he’ll be in high demand in fantasy drafts.

The Giants boast one of the leagues fiercest pass rush and it should be no surprise that some of the leagues better sack leaders will come from the Giants. Coming back from injury Osi Umneyiora (13 sacks in 2007) figures to be a productive fantasy option as well as his teammates Justin Tuck (12 sacks and 67 tackles in 2008) and Mathias Kiwanuka (8 sacks last year).

In Houston, the Texans Mario Williams has become a superstar on the defensive side recording 26 sacks over the past two seasons. With Dwight Freeney grabbing a lot of the attention in Indy, quietly Robert Mathis has become a pass rush specialist turning in 11.5 sacks a year ago.

The Eagles have been noted for have solid defenses year in and year out and defensive end Trent Cole has been a big reason providing the pressure. In his last two seasons Coles has combined for nearly 22 sacks. In Atlanta, the Falcon’s defensive end John Abraham emerged as one of the leagues very best leading all D-linemen with 16 sacks in 2008.

These are just a few of the sack-masters to eye for your coming fantasy draft, but so we don’t miss any notable names, here are the top 25 defensive lineman sack leaders from 2008;

Top 25 (DL) Sack Leaders for 2008

1. John Abraham (ATL)
2. Jared Allen (MIN)
3. Julius Peppers (CAR)
4. Justin Tuck (NYG)
5. Mario Williams (HOU)
6. Robert Mathis (IND)
7. Dwight Freeney (IND)
8. Darren Howard (PHI)
9. Aaron Kampman (GB)
10.Trent Cole (PHI)
11. Albert Haynesworth (TEN)
12. Kevin Williams (MIN)
13. Shaun Ellis (NYJ)
14. Mathias Kiwanuka (NYG)
15. Richard Seymour (NE)
16. Jay Ratliff (DAL)
17. Jacob Ford (TEN)
18. Justin Smith (SF)
19. Gaines Adams (TB)
20. James Hall (STL)
21. Dewayne WhiteDET)
22. Alex Brown (CHI)
23. Charles Johnson (CAR)
24. Leonard Little (STL)
25. Bobby McCray (NO)


Remember to check back for more "Monday Mayhem!"

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 13th, 2009 10:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

This is just some recent guff I checked out over the weekend. Not too many newsmakers, but just enough to keep us fantasy diehards fed for a few days. The draft continues to inch closer and more rumors continue to fly. I'll be sure to keep my eye on things as they develop and offer my thoughts, but for now here's my take on some recent news.....

My Take...

QB BYRON LEFTWICH SIGNED BY BUCCANEERS
The Buc's have a full-house with four quarterbacks on the roster. Leftwich's signing would indicate that he's in and word is that Griese could be gone. Leftwich has the tools to be a player and if he can learn the system quickly it would not surprise to see him as the team's starter. Even though there's been a change at command, I would not expect this team to lose much of its’ identity on defense, but they would seem better suited as more of a power running team with Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward. If Leftwich does win the job, he'll have minimal value as a starting fantasy quarterback in 2009. He's an option worth leaving for much, much later.

RB THOMAS JONES A NO-SHOW THIS OFFSEASON
This really shouldn't have much significance in fantasy drafts, initially. The Jets starting running back had a solid 2008 with 1,300-yards and 15 touchdowns, but at 31, Jones is definitely on the back nine of his career. His hold-out from voluntary workouts won't win him any favor with new head coach Rex Ryan, who could opt to draft a running back and utilize much more the Jets playmaking scat back Leon Washington. As long as nothing crazy happens over the summer, Jones figures to be involved in the offense, but his numbers will likely drop some in 2009 making him nothing more than mid-level (low RB2) fantasy option at running back.

QB JEFF GARCIA SIGNED BY RAIDERS
The Raiders once again are looking to retread a player’s career. With all the problems the team had on offense last season, adding Garcia does nothing to better their chances. Garcia, slowed by injuries and likely age just doesn't have the tools to be a top flight performer at his position. JaMarcus Russell has more upside with his strong arm and size, but his inconsistency and lack of experience could open the door for Garcia to see some playing time in 2009. Fantasy owners might want to give this a look later during the regular season. Garcia may have enough to get owners through the byes, but can't see much more than that.

WR ROY WILLIAMS PREPPING FOR BIG 2009 SEASON
The Cowboys have put all their eggs in a few (passing) baskets in 2009 and Williams will be one. With T.O. out in Dallas, Williams inherits the number one receiver spot to be shared with tight end Jason Witten. While Witten will likely be Romo's safety value and red-zone insurance, the team will undoubtedly be looking for Williams to be their go-to for big catches especially in the corners of the end-zone. 2009 could be a make a break season for Big-Roy. If he lives up to expectations, he could be huge among the leaders in touchdowns and catches this season, but if he fall shorts he could be an expensive fantasy pciks for those that gamble on him early (in their fantasy draft). This jury is still officially out on the Rise of Williams. Let's see how he looks in camp this summer.

QB BRIAN GRIESE COULD BE OUT IN TAMPA
With the signing of Leftwich, someone will eventually have to go. It sounds like Tampa is high on Luke McCown and Leftwich, leaving Griese and Johnson as likely the odd-man out. With Griese demanding a $2.1 million price tag for 2009, Johnson becomes a very easy economical choice. If Griese is cut, he'll likely have to take a pay cut if he wants to play in 2009, and it's more likely wherever he lands, he'll be a back-up. At the moment Griese does not command any fantasy consideration for 2009.

RB JULIUS JONES LOOKING PAST "LAST YEAR"
Last year was then and this is now. With Mike Holmgren gone, Jones will have another shot playing for the Seahawks in 2009. With Mora implementing more of a one-cut style running game, Jones is expecting to be more productive as he thinks this suits his skills. Jones has shown in the past that he can handle the load and he'll head into camp as the team's leading back. If he remains healthy, he could be solid mid-level (mid RB2) fantasy option, especially under Mora. While Mora was head coach in Atlanta, running back Warrick Dunn averaged 1,200-yards/year.



IDP Notes:

There's never a shortage of information when it comes to fantasy, especially on the "Dark side." For those of us that love the game so much and enjoy the custom leagues that incorporate IDPs, here is a little more banter on what's been happening....


LB JAMES HARRISON SIGN BIG DEAL
This is huge for the Steelers and for fantasy owners. Now that this whole contract negotiations stuff is in the past, the leagues defending Defensive Player of the Year can get back to and foucs on what he does best; eat quarterbacks. Harrison is a premiere NFL linebacker and pass-rush specialist. He'll once again be terrorizing offenses and making a huge impact in IDP leagues in 2009. Expect Harrison to be a top-five fantasy pick on defense.

DL KEVIN WILLIAMS HOPEFUL TO WIN CASE
The Vikings are just as hopeful as Williams. The defensive lineman is one of the team’s main anchors on the interior defensive line. His absence would be greatly felt and very tough to fill. While he's an impact run-stopper for the Vikes, Williams is also a very good interior pass rusher (eight sacks in 2008) and very productive IDP option. If he wins his case, he'll go early in fantasy drafts, but a suspension could see a slight drop in his value (although he could still be worth an early selection).

DL JARED ALLEN WILL PARTAKE IN SOME VOULUNTARY WORKOUTS
Allen is considered one of the hardest working players in the NFL, although he typically does not participate in the voluntary offseason programs. Allen has a personal regiment and he has noted that he's in great shape. This is great news of fantasy owners. Allen played through an assortment of injuires in 2008, but still managed 14.5 sacks and 54 tackles. A healthy Allen could mean bigger numbers in 2009 and likely a top five pick in fantasy IDP drafts.

DL TY WARREN EXPECTS TO BE READY
The Patriots defensive lineman was slowed down with multiple injuries in 2008 that limited him to only two sacks. Not typically known as a pass rusher, Warren does his best work against the run. In 2006 he registered 84 tackles to go along with seven sacks. Warren expects to be ready by July and at 28 years of age he can still be quite productive. If he returns on time for camp and is completely recovered, the Pat's defensive end could sneak by some and be a great late round value pick in fantasy drafts.

LB ZACH THOMAS SIGNS WITH CHIEFS
The Chiefs are converting to a 3-4 defensive scheme and the signing of Thomas will fill one of the team's needs on the inside at linebacker. While Zack is a very intelligent and capable defensive player, this will be his third team in as many years and he's not the same player his was back in Miami. Thomas should do fine in the 3-4 and could come close to his 94 tackles in 2008, but fantasy owners should be careful to not over-value the name. Remember at 36 (when the season starts) this will be his 14th season of duty.


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