FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 25th 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 12 Favorite Plays

It’s a critical weekend in the fantasy world in most season-long formats, with just two weeks left before the start of the fantasy playoffs. This Sunday’s slate of games will carry more weight and go a long way for those teetering on the brink. And with so much riding on Sunday, here are a few of the Not-the-Usual-Suspects to consider for those in need of a plug-and-play;

QB-Joe Flacco; The Ravens signal caller has been off the starting fantasy radar most of the season, turning in just four 200+ yards passing games and just two multiple touchdown performances. He’s been No-Go-Joe most of this season, but Sunday against the Texans Flacco could turn things around. The Texans have been awful against the pass all season long and over the past four weeks they have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including the most passing yards and touchdowns. This will be a great week for Flacco to succeed.

RB-JD McKissic; I like the Seahawks matchup here against the Niners on Sunday and with running back Mike Davis doubtful the backfield remains wide open. McKissic is the team’s pass receiving specialist out of the backfield and in his last two games he’s averaged 10 touches per game and collected 9 receptions. In PPR formats especially, the Seahawks ball carrier will have flex appeal against a Niner’s defense that has allowed the most receiving yards and (tied for) the 8th most receptions to opposing running backs.

RB-Rex Burkhead; This pick is a little outside the box thinking in my opinion, but if you in need and looking the Patriots running back Rex Burkhead could fill the need. Locked in a timeshare with running back Dion Lewis, Burkhead is the more appealing in PPR formats. Burkhead has played a significant number of offensive snaps over the past several weeks and in his last three games he’s total 14 receptions for 116 receiving yards and a score, while adding 19 carries for 67 rushing yards. On Sunday he’ll lineup against a Dolphins defense that has surrendered the 4th most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past four weeks.

WR-Jeremy Maclin; With Flacco expected to be highly successful this week against a struggling Texans secondary, Maclin figures to be one of the benefactors. Maclin is easily the team’s leading wideout in an otherwise less than impressive offense, leading in catches (31), yards (343), and tied for team lead in touchdowns (3). The good news, Maclin’s number is regularly called; he has 14 receptions on 19 targets in his last three games. Maclin is not looking at a monster game, but he could find paydirt and offer some fantasy help in week 12.

WR-Kenny Stills; the Dolphins wide receiver erupted last week for a huge game (7 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown) with quarterback Matt Moore under center. With starter Jay Cutler ruled out, Moore will get the nod and Stills is back in play in week 12. The Phins take on the Patriots who have allowed the most receptions and 9th most receiving yards to opposing receivers the past two weeks.

TE-Jared Cook; In what has been a down year for the Offense, the Raiders tight end Jared Cook has been a nice addition to the passing game. He is leading the team with 535 yards receiving through 10 games, but has only scored once. That all could change this Sunday matched up against a struggling Denver secondary. In their first matchup the Broncos defense held Cook in check with just 3 catches for 46 yards, but in the team’s past four games they have allowed the most receiving yards (348) and the most touchdowns (4) to opposing tight ends.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

WEEK 8: SUNDAY MORNING LOVE

November 1st, 2015
Sunday, Week 8

Sunday Morning Love

[early morning edition]
With the kickoff for the early morning London contest between the Chiefs and Lions only 20 minutes away, a couple of quick shouts;

I am loving me some Calvin Johnson this morning against a very weak and susceptible Chiefs secondary. Megatron has yet to fulfill his early draft expectations, but today owners may just reap some of those rewards. Facing a secondary that allows the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and the most touchdowns (12 in 8 games), Johnson is in line for a big day.

On the other side, the Lions secondary also struggle having allowed the second most pass plays of 20 or more yards this seasons with 32. Expect quarterback Alex Smith to look for his go-to weapon in wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Maclin is a solid start today in season long leagues and DFS. With 39 receptions for 561 yards this season, the Chiefs wideout is a reliable week 8 start. Get him in if you can.

That's my take for the early game.

~David G

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Evening Edition

August 27th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

DRAFT! DRAFT! DRAFT!

Get Your Popcorn Ready!

If you have yet to start your league’s draft, then get your popcorn read, because this weekend is sure to be jam-packed filled with fantasy drafts. My annual excitement started last weekend with a marathon 30 round draft (six and half hours of time “on the clock” and endless drinking). Oh yeah, that’s the other half of the fun when drafting in a fantasy league (it’s a well-kept secret in case you were unaware).

So far through the past five days of fantasy drafting (in six leagues), the one thing I have learned you gotta be prepared. In one league where I had a chance to grab Peyton Manning early (fantasy gold), I snagged him off the boards only to realize my impulsive move turned out to be more costly than I would have normally thought.

So while I felt great about my quarterback selection, what I failed to realize was this was a three-starting receiver league. After taking running backs in the 2^nd and 3^rd rounds I found myself with Torrey Smith, Jeremy Maclin, and Justin Hunter as my starters. Now don’t get me wrong, none of these players are fantasy bums, but I am truly riding a leap of faith rolling with these three.

In another draft (8-team league) with the pickins a little deeper, I stuck to my guns. With an early pick at number 4, I grabbed DeMarco Murray and followed him with AJ Green (13^th pick) and Alshon Jeffery (20^th pick). Even though running backs were falling fast, I was still able to come back with Zac Stacy (29^th pick) in the 4^th round. I stayed away from the quarterback and took my Tight End (Julius Thomas) in the 5^th before nabbing Tony Romo; a risky proposition, but one I backed up with Carson Palmer in the 10^th round.

A couple of notable picks that I grabbed in the mid-rounds were running back Chris Johnson, wide receivers Torrey Smith and Marques Colston. These players I took later, but like their potential to have very productive seasons; top 25 respectively.

There’s plenty more to learn and plenty of time to practice the craft. With more than a week until the season starts I plan on using the available time to seek out the late round gems and fantasy sleepers that will help my teams get over the hump and pave their way to fantasy glory.

Who will you take first in your upcoming fantasy draft?

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY GAMETIME

October 2nd, 2011 Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

In a very short period 2011 has become not just the year of the quarterback, but the year of fantasy football. With scoring up all over the league, that can only mean one thing; more fantasy points all around. With the numbers up does it become more confusing than ever to know who to play or who to sit, perhaps, but you have to love it!

Watch-list

The Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been off to a sizzling start this season and he will take his act on the road to Cincinnati today; even though he is facing the Bengals 5th ranked pass defense don’t expect him to cool down. The Saints running back Darren Sproles has been electric thus far this season, he should keep the sparks flying today against the Jaguars. The Packers may get their fourth win of the season today, but it could be a tough day on the ground for running back James Starks.

Today’s quick notes:

Saints wide receiver Marques Colston is expected to be on the field today returning from his collarbone injury; if he’s on the field he will be good to go and will likely figure in the plan. He’s not in line for a monster game, but could still fill in as a nice flex for fantasy owners.

Tom Brady and the Patriots are on the road today to face the Oakland Raiders, don’t expect this one to be low-scoring. The Patriots will be in for a slugfest with the last man standing the winner. In week one Brady tossed up a big five bills in the air, we could see that again today facing the Raiders 28th ranked pass defense. Fantasy owners should play all of the Patriots receivers and keep your eye on Ochocinco; this could be his breakout game.

The Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) is expected to start today and could be in line for a rebound game. After his breakout week 2 performance, Maclin hit the snooze button last week against the Giants. The Niners are ranked a decent 16th against the pass, but Jackson on the other side, they don’t have the secondary to match up. As long as Vick stays upright, Maclin could get loose today.

The Texans defense has only recorded seven sacks through the team’s first three games. Houston’s secondary is going to have to worry about wide receiver Mike Wallaces’ speed, if Big Ben is give time, he could pick apart the secondary for big numbers. Wallace is sure to draw a lot of double teams downfield opening the middle for 2nd year receiver Antonio Brown, who has seen a steady share of targets through the first three weeks; he’s a safe WR3 or flex play today.


My Picks Today

My “Four Horsemen”

Last week was brutal with Philip Rivers, Michael Turner and DeSean Jackson all pulling the disappearing act. This week will be my turnaround.

Tom Brady; It’s tough to pick against the Patriots when coming off a loss, so I won’t. Brady could be in for a huge day today against the Raiders 28th ranked defense. Black Hole or not, I am looking for Tom to put the ball in the air often.

Adrian Peterson; The Vikings need to get in the win column and they won’t mess around trying to do anything but what they do best; give the rock to “All-Day.” Peterson should see plenty of work and should find the end-zone a couple of times.

Steve Johnson; The Bills offense has been high octane through the first three weeks and today against the Bengals I wouldn’t expect it to come down. Johnson has emerged as one of the leagues best receivers (Top 15) and today he will continue to showcase why.

Jimmy Graham; Brees loves his tightend and why not; Graham has been solid this season 14 receptions, including two scores. Last week the Jaguars allowed 10 receptions and nearly 100 yards receiving to the Panthers tight end; today could be a big day for Graham.

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY'S HEROES (WEEK 2)

September 21ST, 2011, Wednesday

Sunday’s Heroes (Week 2)

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

NEWTON TOPS CHARTS AGAIN
The Panthers have found themselves a gem of a quarterback in Cam Newton. In his first two starts this season he has simply been magical, posting some incredible numbers. Sure there have been a few growing pains (four turnovers), but fantasy owners can’t complain about his production. In week two Newton passed for another 432 yards added 53 more yards on the ground and scored twice (one passing, one rushing). His season total is now at five touchdowns and you can expect a lot more going forward. (28 fantasy points)

STAFFORD CONTINUES TO SIZZLE
The Lions are on a roll and 3rd year quarterback Matthew Stafford is roaring loudest with his arm. After a strong performance back in week one Stafford backed up his play with another stellar game in week 2. The young Lion threw four touchdown passes and 294 yards passing on Sunday and looks poised to have many more afternoons like this one. (33 fantasy points)

PETERSON IS A MAN AMONG BOYS
The Vikings running back Adrian Peterson plowed his way through the Buccaneers defense on Sunday for 120 yards on the ground averaging nearly five yards per carry. Peterson also added two more rushing touchdowns to his totals to lead the ground assault. Right now Peterson is a beast on the field with no equal; the number one fantasy running back in most formats. (26 fantasy points)

VINCENT FLYS HIGH ON SUNDAY
The Chargers explosive receiver was pure TNT on Sunday, scorching the Patriots secondary for big play after big play. Jackson caught 10 balls for 172 yards in the air and scored twice to lead the Bolts. Jackson looked unstoppable on Sunday and should be viewed as one of the league’s elite pass-catchers going forward; expect more big games. (29 fantasy points)

FITZPATRICK KEEPS THE HOT HAND
The Bills have found their Jim Kelly replacement in quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. The signal caller is off to a fast start this season and last week’s stat line is a good indication of how hot he is; three touchdowns and 264 yards passing. Fitzpatrick’s seven passing touchdowns tops the list in the NFL (tied with Stafford and Brady), but it remains to be seen if he can continue this torrid pace. (28 fantasy points)

MACLIN SHINES AGAINST THE FALCONS
It may have been all the attention the defense paid to shutting down wide receiver DeSean Jackson, but nonetheless you can hardly argue the effort turned in by Eagles wide out Jeremy Maclin. The stud receiver was just that Sunday night grabbing 13 balls for 171 yards receiving with two touchdowns to lead the Eagles passing attack. (29 fantasy points)


The IDP Fantasy Newsmakers

HARPER PLAYS BIG IN SAINTS WIN
The Saints safety recorded two sacks to go with seven tackles to lead the team in its’ big win over the visiting Bears. Harper also added a forced fumble for good measure. The Saints defensive back is off to a fast start with 16 total tackles and 2-1/2 sacks in two games and looks like a fantasy IDP gem in the early part of this season.

BISHOP IS QUIETLY BECOMING A STAR
The Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop is churning out solid performances with regularity. After a strong week one showing, Bishop came back with another nine tackles and one sack in a week two victory over the Panthers. Bishop appears to be a staple in the Packers defense unit and should continue to be a strong IDP option throughout the season.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: ON THE COVER

December 21ST, 2010, Tuesday

On the Cover

Superman Has Returned!!

Mike Vick leads an improbable Comeback

If you were glued to your set on Sunday watching the battle in the Meadowlands between the Giants and Eagles, you may have left premature thinking this one was well in hand with the G-Men up 31-10 and less than nine minutes to play in the game. Well if you were unlucky enough to change that channel, you missed an incredible finish that will likely go down as one of the most improbable.

With 8:17 left on the clock, Michael Vick took over the game and brought the Eagles back from a 21-point deficit. Vick used his arm hitting his tight end Brent Celek on a deep middle pass that he took to the house for six to bring the Eagles closer, 31-17. On the ensuing kick-off credit head coach Andy Reid with a great call, a surprise onside kick with 7:28 on the clock.

With the momentum in full swing Vick next used his legs with a 35 yard scramble and a 4 yard scamper for a touchdown. The comeback was on and the Giants were literally helpless to stop it. The defense tried blitzes and coverage to contain and confuse Vick, but the playmaker would not be stopped.

With 5:28 left in the game, the Giants had a chance to run out the clock and close this one out, but when the drive stalled at the Eagles 40 yard line they were forced to punt. A nice kick from the Giants’ punter Matt Dodge pinned the Eagles at their own 12 yard line with only 3:01 left on the clock. As they had done throughout the game, the Giants defense continued to bring pressure and mixed things up.

With two incompletes from Vick caused by pressure from the Giants pass rush, the Eagles were faced with a 3rd and 10 at their own 12. The Giants would once again bring pressure in the face of Vick, but a critical error of not containing the elusive quarterback allowed him to get outside the pressure and ramble his way for 33 yards. As the Eagles drive continued Vick would again evade pressure and scramble for another 22 yards setting up the game tying score; a 13 yard pass to Jeremy Maclin with 1:16 on the clock..

The incredible comeback would be complete when the Giants unable to move the ball or run out the clock would have to punt away to the Eagles punt returner DeSean Jackson. And like a Hollywood script and finish, Jackson would return the punt back 65 yards for the game winning score as time ran out.

It was an improbable finish and an incredible meltdown. Vick would contribute to the success of both by completing 21 of 35 passes for 242 yards. He would also throw three touchdowns to go with his one rushing score. Vick finished the afternoon with 130 yards rushing to lead all ball carriers.

If you thought Superman wore a red cape and blue suit, think again. He wears number seven and plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

By David Ortega

Video found on Youtube by hotnowsports

"Michael Vick throws for over 240 yards with 3 Tds, he also rushes for 130 yards.

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 15th, 2010 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

MATT SCHAUB COMES ALIVE ON MONDAY NIGHT
For a while fantasy owners had to be showing some concern for their Texan’s quarterback. After passing for nearly 4,800 yards last season, big games were something most had become accustomed to. However, before his week 14 matchup against the Ravens, Schaub was coming off stretch of passing for more than 300 yards in just two of his last six starts. That all changed Monday night when Schaub went nuts passing for 393 yards and throwing three touchdowns on his way to one of his best games this season.
My Fantasy Read:
Schaub could not pick a better time to get hot with fantasy playoffs underway in most custom league formats. The 300-yard effort Monday night was his second consecutive and his three touchdowns were only the second time this season. With the hot hand now, Schaub’s week 15 matchup against the Titan’s 26th ranked pass defense looks mouth watering for owners.

THE RYAN TORAIN TRAIN IS ON TRACK AGAIN
After rumbling his way through the Buccaneers defense for 172 yards, it’s safe to say running back Ryan Torain’s hamstring appears healthy. His 24 carries on the afternoon were also a season high for the 2nd year ball carrier.
My Fantasy Read:
Torain onlyreturned to practice last week, but his participation in practice with the first team should have been an indicator that he would be Shanahan’s choice to start. His 26 touches on Sunday should also be a strong indicator to fantasy owners that he’ll be seeing the brunt of load going forward.

DEION BRANCH IS ENJOYING HIS RETURN
Since returning to Beantown, the Patriots wide receiver Deion Branch has been a steady contributor to the passing. He has quickly become one of Tom Brady’s most reliable and consistent pass catchers. In the team’s last three games Branch has really come on strong scoring in each. Last Sunday against the Bears Branch blew up for 151 yards receiving on 8 catches.
My Fantasy Read:
This is nothing new to Patriots fans, as they have seen this before, but for fantasy owners this was something that was missing in Seattle. Now that Branch is back home in Foxboro, he’s a solid fantasy start averaging nearly 19 fantasy points in his last three starts.

JEREMY MACLIN PLAYS SECOND FIDDLE
The Eagles offense once again exploded for at least 26 points; it was their sixth straight game. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin was not part of the fireworks. Maclin was targeted just three times finishing the game with one catch for 11 yards.
My Fantasy Read:
The 11 yards effort was a season low for Maclin, but it was also his second consecutive non-eventful effort. It’s pretty clear the Eagles big play passing offense is catered around the blazing speed of DeSean Jackson. As long as opposing defenses continue to struggle with Jackson, Maclin is likely going to have more games like this.

STEVIE JOHNSON COULD BE READY TO REBOUND
It was another listless afternoon for wide receiver Stevie Johnson who caught just five passes for 42 yards on eight targets in the cold at Orchard Park. Johnson has easily been one of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s favorite targets, but over the past couple of weeks the two have not been in sync. That all could change with the loss of wide receiver Lee Evan (placed on Injured Reserve)
My Fantasy Read:
Before Sunday Evans was becoming a hot target for Fitzpatrick. Prior to Sunday Evans had averaged seven targets in his last three games. With Evans placed on IR, Johnson is expected to be the-guy in Buffalo. He won’t have a walk through the park this Sunday against the Dolphins (ranked 6th against the pass), but he should plenty of opportunities to do some damage for fantasy owners.

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

December 11th, 2010 Saturday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In These Hands We Trust

While the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe had been the latest talk of fantasy at the wide out spot a not so old fantasy favorite has been quietly putting up equally impressive numbers. In Green Bay wide receiver Greg Jennings has been as hot as any receiver over the past four weeks.

With a lot of this weekend’s game subject to unfavorable weather, Jennings and his quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be playing in the comfort of an enclosed dome stadium when they face the Detroit Lions. This will be a rematch of a week four matchup, one in which Jennings was held to just two catches for 25 yards. Jennings was held to a season low 5 targets, but did manage to find the end zone once.

The prospects of that happening again are a long shot when you consider that Jennings has been targeted 31 times over his past four games. Since week nine Jennings has 473 receiving yards (ranks 2nd), six touchdowns (ranks 2nd), and 25 catches (tied for 14th). Fantasy owners should feel confident and trust in these hands on Sunday.

Another receiver that should be drawing a lot of attention this weekend from fantasy owners is the Saints Marques Colston. With quarterback Drew Brees able to make any throw and having the acute awareness to get the ball to any open receiver, it has sometimes been frustrating for fantasy owners to know which Saint receiver has the hot hand.

Over the past three weeks that Saint is Colston. He has been targeted just 24 times, but has done a lot of damage. Colston has 17 receptions for 283 yards receiving and three scores in his last three games. Last week he was held to just four targets (his season low), but with 102 targets this season there is no threat of Brees not looking his way on Sunday. Colston should have a nice matchup this Sunday against the Rams 19th ranked secondary.

Radar Watch

In My sites

My Fantasy Notes:

Surprisingly this Sunday night, even with his great speed DeSean Jackson (762 yards receiving, 5 touchdowns) may not be the Eagle’s receiver that the Dallas Cowboys will have to most worry about. When both teams take the field on Sunday, Jeremy Maclin could be the biggest cause for concern for the Cowboy’s 28th ranked secondary.

Over the past four weeks Maclin has been the most targeted Eagle receiver with 34 targets. During that span Maclin has caught 22 passes for 314 yards (14.2 yards per catch) and two scores. There’s no question that Michael Vick like to throw to Maclin, especially close to the end-zone. Six of Maclin’s eight touchdowns this season have come from throws by Vick.

The Cowboys have allowed 43 pass plays of 20 yards or more and 25 passing touchdowns this season. They are also allowing nearly 68 percent of passes thrown by the opposition to be completed. Maclin looks like a strong play this weekend against the Cowboys and could be in for a few big plays. He’s not only a must watch, but should be started in most fantasy leagues.

Target leaders in week 13
(unofficial numbers)

1. Reggie Wayne, IND (20 targets)
2. Roddy White, ATL (16 targets)
3. Mike Williams, TB (14 targets)
4. Chris Cooley, WAS (12 targets)
5. Santonio Holmes, NYJ (12 targets)
6. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (11 targets)
7. Malcom Floyd, SD (11 targets)
8. Brandon Lloyd, DEN (11 targets)
9. Ben Watson, CLE (11 targets)
10. Anthony Armstrong, WAS (10 targets)
11. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (10 targets)
12. Steve Smith, CAR (10 targets)

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

October 20th, 2010, Wednesday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In these hands we trust

The first six weeks of the 2010 season have shown us a lot, but there’s more to be seen when we take a closer look. Some new names on the list this year that look to be mainstays include Hakeem Nicks (Giants), Brandon Lloyd (Broncos), and Austin Collie (Colts). These guys have shown consistency thus far and look to be legitimate plays on a weekly basis.

Despite a quiet Sunday Nicks has risen this season as the Giants primary go-to scoring threat racking up six touchdowns this season. His sub-par Sunday still included seven targets indicating that there are going to be more good days than bad. Lloyd experience a similar dip in production with just four catches for 74 yards, but his 10 targets are a definite signal to owners he needs to stay in your line-up. Austin Collie (nine targets) figured to see his numbers slide some with the return of Pierre Garcon, but such was not case Sunday against the Redskins. Collie caught seven passes with a score on Sunday and with an injury to tight end Dallas Clark, he will likely remain a productive option in the Colts passing game.

The Usual Suspects…

The Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall led all receivers this past week with 17 targets and as a result had one of his most productive weeks with 10 receptions for 127 yards. Joining the club this past week included the Texan’s Andre Johnson (138 yards, one touchdown) who was targeted 13 times. The Lions Calvin Johnson (146 yards, one touchdown) and the Packers Greg Jennings (133 yards, one touchdown) had big days last week on seven targets each. These are just a mention of some of the weekly options that should never see your bench.

A couple of pass catchers that will be making frequent stops on our list include the Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (36 targets this season) and the Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (47 targets). Maclin saw seven balls throw in his direction and caught all seven for 159 yards and two scores. Pettigrew was not as productive, but he did haul in seven passes for 61 yards.

A notable mention this week is the Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins who made his first appearance this season last Sunday. Against the Eagles Jenkins was targeted 11 times and caught five passes for 99 yards. Playing opposite Roddy White should weigh in favorable week in and week out making Jenkins a promising option.

Your Target watch….

Last week a couple of forgotten names reappeared in the box scores and made enough noise to be noticed going forward. In New England Deion Branch made a big impact with his return to Foxboro, Dwayne Bowe re-emerged as a fantasy favorite, and Mike Williams turned a few heads with a big day against the Bears.

Deion Branch didn’t waste much time getting re-acquainted with his old quarterback Tom Brady. Just traded earlier in the week Branch was targeted a team high 12 times and finished the day with nine catches, including a touchdown. Now that he is back in Bean town, Branch figures to be a very popular receiving option for Brady and the Patriots offense.

It took several games for Bowe to finally wake, but fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief. Bowe was targeted nine times on Sunday against the Texans secondary on his way to a productive Sunday. Bowe finished the game with six catches and two scores. As Cassel and the Chiefs passing offense start to roll, Bowe figures to play a big part.

Mike Williams, the former Trojan has emerged as the Seahawks primary and best receiving option through the first six weeks. Last Sunday Williams was targeted 15 times against the Bears and turned in his best game as a pro with career highs in catches and yards. With his 32 targets to lead the team this season, he is certain to have more productive Sundays in the future.

Season Target Leaders...
(Unofficial numbers)

Top 20

1. Roddy White, Atl (69 targets)
2. Reggie Wayne, Ind (65 targets)
3. Brandon Lloyd, Den (64 targets)
4. Brandon Marshall, Mia (62 targets)
5. Terrell Owens, Cin (60 targets)
6. Hakeem Nicks, NYG (57 targets)
7. Danny Amendola, StL (55 targets)
8. Andre Johnson, Hou (55 targets)
9. Calvin Johnson, Det (55 targets)
10. Santana Moss, Was (55 targets)
11. Austin Collie, Ind (54 targets)
12. Larry Fitzgerald, Ari (54 targets)
13. Steve Smith, NYG (54 targets)
14. Dallas Clark, Ind (53 targets)
15. Jabar Gaffney, Den (53 targets)
16. Frank Gore, SF (50 targets)
17. Anquan Boldin, Bal (48 targets)
18. Brandon Pettigrew, Det (47 targets)
19. Eddie Royal, Den (47 targets)
20. Miles Austin, Dal (46 targets)
21. Zach Miller, Oak (46 targets)

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

September 12th, 2010, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

The 2010 season has arrived and with the first game in the books, football fans get set for the opening Sunday and full slate of 13 games today. The Thursday night game was anything, but a barn-burner. It may have lacked some of the excitement we have come to expect from the NFL, but it was never short of drama.

Not quite a Favre-like performance left the Vikings on the short end of the victory stick, while the Saints and Drew Brees simply marched into the new season with the same step they ended their Superbowl run over seven months ago.

Favre and the Vikings will be looking hard over the next few weeks to try and solve their offensive woes and improve a passing game that was simply lacking any real playmaking threats. With a less than 100% Percy Harvin (missed a lot of training camp) and an injured Sidney Rice, the Vincent Jackson sweepstakes could be just the ticket.

Sunday Games:

The Thursday night lack-luster display was just a taste of what football fans have been waiting for since February, but don’t expect today’s games to be anything less than mouth-watering and lip-smacking good.

13 games are slated for the opening Sunday with a classic divisional matchup encore featuring the Cowboys and the new-look Redskins. Romo and company will be traveling to D.C. to meet the Redskins in tonight’s finale, but

The Bengals have added a few wrinkles to their lineup this season with the signing of wide receiver Terrell Owens, but against the Patriots (ranked 13^th against the run in 2009) their biggest key could be running back Cedric Benson. Benson finished last season with 392 yards rushing in his last four starts and will anchor the team’s ground game in 2010. Another player to watch will be the Bengals rookie tight end Jermaine Gresham who could get lost in the shuffle with defenses paying more attention to T.O. and Ochocinco.

There won’t be any new surprises in Houston today with a typical AFC South shootout on order for today’s matchup between the Colts and Texans. Tight end Dallas Clark is healthy and back in the line-up, so along with the usual cast fantasy owners can expect a productive day. Even with a healthy defense, there will be little chance of the Colts slowing down Texan’s wide receiver Andre Johnson. Rookie running back Arian Foster could see a good day on the ground against the Colts 24^th ranked run defense (in 2009).

Denver has a new look this season without stud receiver Brandon Marshall (traded) and his absence could open the door for a more productive season for running back Knowshon Moreno. Despite the lack of playmakers on the outside, quarterback Kyle Orton could still put up respectable numbers from under center. He’s not going to turn any heads, but he’s got great command of the offense’s short passing game.

Taking a little peek ahead at Monday night, in Baltimore the Raven’s offense has been given a huge face-lift and upgrade with some key off-season signings and a last minute addition. The arrival of wide receiver’s Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmanzadeh will instantly make Joe Flacco a more appealing fantasy option and productive NFL quarterback. The upgrade in the passing game will also stretch the defenses and give running back Ray Rice more room in 2010 to operate in the run game.

Notables;

There’s will be plenty to watch today and even more to talk about, but for now I leave you with a couple of notables that I will be keeping my eye on today…..

In St.Louis, even with a rookie quarterback calling the signals, I am expecting to see good things from wide receiver Laurent Robinson.

If the Browns can give quarterback Jake Delhomme time, I don’t think it will take him long to find the team’s leading wide out Mohamed Massaquoi. Running back Jerome Harrison will interest, at least for a day against the leagues worst run defense a year ago.

It might be the Lions they are playing, but my focus won’t be on quarterback Jay Cutler, but rather running back Matt Forte who has had success on the ground in the past. On the other side, I expect a strong showing from wide receiver Calvin Johnson who will give the Bear’s secondary fits all afternoon.

With a lot of focus going to Eagle’s receiver DeSean Jackson, it’s Jeremy Maclin who could come up with a big game as well. A much bigger target with great speed as well, Maclin could be a hot item in the Eagle’s passing game today. In the same game Packer’s wide receiver Greg Jennings won’t disappoint fantasy owners, but a surprise play could be third year receiver James Jones.

There’s going to be plenty of action today and much for fantasy owners to cheer about, when the games kickoff in under two hours who will you be watching?