FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Friday Editions
November 9th, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 10 Fantasy Picks (all positions)

This week’s picks digs a little deeper for some fantasy players that can offer help to those owners affected by the Byes this Sunday. There are certainly no-brainers and must plays up and down the boards this week, but if your lineup is lacking a few of those options these are some players worth consideration in week 10.

Week 10 fantasy help;

Jonathan Dwyer, RB
The Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer returned to a full practice on Friday and looks set to return to action on Monday night. Dwyer would seem to be the favorite to start coming off his two 100-yard game performances, but even if he ends up just splitting expect him to be very effective against the Chiefs 23rd ranked run defense. The Chiefs also allow the 6th most fantasy points to running backs.

Kenny Britt, WR
The Titans big receiver Kenny Britt has been getting healthier each week and after completing a couple of days of full participation in practice he looks ready for Sunday. Britt has been mostly quiet this season and a non-factor, but facing the Dolphins 30th ranked pass defense this Sunday could be his coming out party. The Dolphins surrender the 4th most fantasy points to receivers this season and it looks like Britt will have quarterback Jake Locker under center this week; could the stars be aligning?

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB
It seems anytime you face the Saints defense, your skill players have an opportunity to play big. When the Falcons meet the Saints on Sunday running back Jacquizz Rodgers will have a chance to test that theory. The Saints defense ranks dead last in the league and allow the most fantasy points to running backs. Rodgers has gradually become more a part of the offense this season and could see plenty of extra work on Sunday; the more work, the bigger the points.

Greg Olsen, TE
The Broncos defense simply struggles with opposing tight ends. Last week the Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham post season highs in catches (6) and yards receiving (108) against the Broncos defense. This week the Panthers tight end Greg Olsen will get his shot at the Denver defense. Olsen is second on the team with 53 targets this season, but has yet to post a 100-yard receiving game. The Broncos defense allows the 4th most points to tight ends, so Olsen chances of a big game look good.

Danario Alexander, WR
The Chargers newest addition to their passing attack is wide receiver Danario Alexander. The former Ram receiver made his debut last week and wasted little time getting involved recording three catches for 61 yards. Alexander is already on a few radars this week with the team planning on getting him more involved. And with the Bucs next up on the schedule Alexander looks poised to make some noise. The big 6’5” receiver will face the Bucs secondary that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to wide receiver and he should have lots of success.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition
November 4th, 2012

  

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes, Predictions, and Matchups we like

As well as the Broncos defense has played this season, they have had trouble covering opposing tight ends. With Champ Bailey sure to shadow the Bengals wide receiver AJ Green, tight end Jermaine Gresham looks to keep this stat in tack. The Bronco’s allow the 4th most fantasy points to tight ends and have surrendered 6 touchdowns. Gresham should be in line for a nice game; look for a couple of grabs for some nice yards, and a score.

The Texans have been able to run the ball well all season, but it appears their passing game has had some struggles. Quarterback Matt Schaub has yet to pass for more than 300 yards this season and has four games in which he has tossed one or fewer touchdowns. Much of this could change today when he faces the Bills defense that has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 14 touchdowns this season. The Texans passing game still has all the necessary weapons for a big day, so expect Schaub to make many owners happy today.

The Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has put up few big games this season, just one 300 yard game this season, but today he will face Tennessee. The Titans defense is ranked 29th against the pass this season and have only 11 sacks this season. If the Bears “O” line can protect Cutler today, he’s going to have his second 300-yard game this season. The Titans secondary allows the 3rd most fantasy points to quarterbacks and has surrendered 17 touchdowns (tied for 2nd most in the league). Cutler is a safe start today.

Even with a limited Calvin Johnson the Lions offense will go through quarterback Matt Stafford, but he could get some real help today from his ground game. Facing the Jaguars, the Lions running back Mikel Leshoure has a good chance at posting some solid numbers. The Jags allows the 4th most fantasy points to running backs and have allowed 8 touchdowns (6 rush, 2 rec). Leshoure will see the lions share of carries and should be highly productive. Leshoure may not break out into to beast mode, but he’s worth starting today as a flex or bye week fill


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Saturday Edition

September 15th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

QUICK TAKES

Jermaine is Ready to Dance on Sunday

The Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham sees a very favorable matchup this week facing the Browns. Gresham has emerged as one of quarterback Andy Dalton’s favorite pass catchers and looking back at the damaged he caused against the Browns in 2011 (in two games), he figures to be on the hot list to do more damage this weekend.

In two games last season Gresham was extremely productive hauling in 11 passes for over 100 yards with two scores (standard scoring; 24 points, higher in PPR). Although the Bengals tight end was limited to just three grabs for 30 yards in week one, owners should take solace in the fact Gresham was targeted eight times (third on the team). Gresham hasn’t elevated to that next (fantasy) level, but he should be solid option in week 2.

My Take: He’s a safe start this week against a Browns defense that allowed 7 receptions for 81 yards and a score the Eagles tight ends in week one.

Rice Could Be Cooked on Sunday

The Seahawks number receiver Sidney Rice has been looking like anything, but a top-flight fantasy option at the receiver spot. And after spending the entire week on the injury reports, his probabl status does little to change his outlook for Sunday. The Seahawks offense will have a lot of work ahead of them this season as they struggle to find their identity with a young quarterback under center; don’t expect the Cowboys 7^th ranked defense to make that any easier in week 2.

Rice did score a week ago against the Arizona Cardinals defense, but he finished the game with just four grabs for 36 yards; hardly anything for a fantasy owner to get too excited about. This week matched up with a Cowboys secondary that kept both Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks out of the end zone in week 1, Rice’s outlook looks shady at best.

My Take: I am not a big fan of Rice this week, nor quarterback Russell Wilson. In week one the Cowboys defense brought plenty of pressure getting to Giants quarterback Eli Manning three times. If they are successful bringing pressure on Sunday (and they should be) Wilson will have little time to look downfield for any receivers, let alone his big target (Rice).

By David Ortega

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 21st, 2010 Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

Week 11 will mark a beginning for some teams today and an ending for others. Team’s like the Vikings and the 49ers will be playing for the post-season life; at 3-6 there’s not much life there, but another loss and stick a fork in them. While teams like the Packers and Saints are set to begin their post-season push and at 6-3 both teams look poised to make their runs.

With so much on the line for all of these teams, today could be a scoring haven for fantasy owners expecting to see a lot of the big names step up and give their best; names to watch include Favre, Rodgers, Brees, and Brady. Injuries will always play a part in the outcome, but with players like Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson, and Terrell Owens lining up we’ll see plenty of fireworks today

With nine games in the morning the fun will get off to a fast start and conclude this evening with a great matchup between the Giants and Eagles. If you have nothing better to do (and how could you), find your local tailgate party, strap on your favorite lid and get set for week 11….

Today’s injury notes:

The Redskins will be missing running back Ryan Torain (hamstring) today, but will see the return of running back Clinton Portis. Also out today for the Skins, defensive backs Laron Landry and Carlos Rogers; that will hurt today against the Titans.

The Browns are not going to have wide receiver and special teamer Joshua Cribbs (dislocated toes).

According to Fox Sports the Saints running back Reggie Bush is likely to miss today’s matchup with the Seahawks. The team already announced earlier in the week running back Pierre Thomas would not play.

Today the Viking’s wide receiver Sidney Rice is expected to make his 2010 season debut. Rice was activated from the PUP list earlier in the week.

Earlier this week the Lions placed running back Kevin Smith on the injured reserve, meaning rooke running back Jahvid Best will likely see a more increased role going forward; no RBBC in Detroit.

In their big clash today with the Patriots, Peyton Manning and the Colts will not have the services of running back Jospeh Addai (neck), but could see wide receiver Austin Collie (concussion) return to action; against the Pats that would be very good news.

Notable Matchups;

Today with Addai out and on the road, there’s little doubt that the Colts will be relying heavily on Peyton Manning to play well. One component Manning will be leaning on heavily to find success could be his new best buddy and tight end Jacob Tamme. Tamme has been targeted 36 times in his last three games and has had great success catching 24 balls for 245 yards with two scores. The Patriots boast the 29 ranked pass defense, so Tamme looks to be a safe bet.

The Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards (5 touchdowns) has had to be very patient over the past several weeks with his quarterback spreading the ball around a lot. Today his patience could see a lot of return against the league’s worst secondary, the Houston Texans. Edwards is only averaging just over six targets a game over his last three played, but that may be all he needs to do some heavy damage against today’s opponent. The Texans have been torched for over 300 yards passing per game this season and they have allowed a league high 22 passing touchdowns.

If there were ever a game to play Jermaine Gresham, today is that game. The Bengal’s rookie tight really appears to be sprouting his wings and starting to blossom into the type of playmaker that had hoped they drafted. Last week Gresham caught nine passes for 85 yards and a score. Today he’ll face one of the worst defenses at covering the tight end position; it could be a big day for Jermaine.

The Lions wide receiver Calving Johnson has really been solid this season considering the number of quarterback changes he has had to work with. Through it all he has performed brilliantly catching 49 passes for nearly 700 yards and nine touchdowns. Today against the Dallas Cowboys he’ll square off against a secondary (ranked 20th) that has allowed 20 passing touchdowns and 33 pass plays of 20 yards or more this season. Don’t be surprised to see Megatron have a huge game today.

FSH: MY WEEKLY FANTASY

November 21st, 2010 Sunday

My Weekly Fantasy

Sunday’s Fantasy Lineup

Some quick notes about today’s lineup…..

My Quarterback:

Playing in several fantasy leagues leaves me many options at the quarterback position (choices include Ben Roethlisberger, Kyle Orton, Joe Flacco), but just one stands head and shoulders above all today. Despite being on the road I like Aaron Rodgers under center for my fantasy team. In his last three starts against the Vikings Rodgers is averaging 322 yards passing with 7 total touchdowns. Without Ryan Grant in the backfield and pretty formidable run defense (Vikings are ranked 9th in the league) I expect to see the Packers put the ball in the air early and often.

My Running backs:

Even though the Falcons defense has looked pretty good on paper this season with their 7th ranked run stoppers, those numbers could be a bit skewed. The Falcons play an uptempo style and often force their opponents to play catch up. This Sunday they are on the road facing running back Steven Jackson and the Rams. This season St. Louis is 4-1 at home and can be expected to stay committed to the ground game a little longer facing a defense that allows 4.2 yards per carry. What I like most about “Action” Jackson today, last week the Rams turned him into an effective receiver throwing his way nine times; he totaled 148 yards last Sunday. Jackson will get plenty of carries between the tackles, but we’ll also see more of his versatility as the Rams work to put the ball in his hands often.

My Wide Receivers:

With just nine sacks this season the Bengals pass defense is going to be leaning hard on their secondary to cover the Bill’s receivers. In the past month Steve Johnson has emerged as a star in Buffalo and should be able to take advantage today. Targeted often, Johnson (averaging over 10 targets last four games) should have plenty of opportunities against a team that has allowed its’ share of big plays; Bengals defense has allowed 26 pass plays of 20 yards or more this season. A big key to the Bills success in the air will be their effectiveness against the Bengals 22nd ranked run defense. Johnson has 44 receptions and six touchdowns this season; expect to see those numbers to improve.

My Tight End:

It’s no coincidence that I would look at the Bengals-Bills matchup for my tight end solution. Thus far this season, the Bills pass defense has been one of the kindest to tight ends. After his nine catch performance for 85 yards last week, you have to like Bengal’s tight end Jermaine Gresham’s prospects for today. He has not been utilized a great deal this season, but last week quarterback Carson Palmer targeted his tight end 10 times and connected with Gresham for a score. This season the Bill’s defense has allowed eight touchdowns to tight ends; that number could change today.

FSH: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

November 17, 2010, Wednesday

My Weekly Survivors

It’s been a couple of weeks since I have recapped my progression, but over the time passed I have managed to keep steady in the top ten. Week 9 was another steay week with 79 total points highlighted by a strong performance from quarterback Aaron Rodgers (27 points) and new comer tight end Jacob Tamme (16 points).

Week 10 was more of the same with action starting a little early. Last Thursday my team started fast with quarterback Joe Flacco (21 points) and wide receiver Roddy White (25 points) getting out of the gate quick. The week finished okay with my team totaling just 78 points, but it was enough to climb to 7th place in this 35-team dog race.

This week the well that was once deep is starting to dry up, but if you search deep and long you can still find a few gems.

Here are my picks for week 11….

QB-Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons quarterback has been quite the hot commodity this season leading his team to a 7-2 start. Ryan has been accurate (62.7 completion percentage, 91.9 passer rating) in the pocket and a player maker thus far this season with 16 passing touchdowns. In his last three starts he has seven tosses to paydirt versus one pick. This Sunday he’ll face the Rams 18th ranked pass defense on the road, but in a dome. 13 of Ryan’s touchdown passes have come indoors.
(Projected: 22 fantasy points/ 265 yards passing, three touchdowns)

RB-Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills
The Bills starting running back did an excellent job last week handling the bulk of the team’s rushing duties and if given that opportunity this week against the league’s 22nd run defense he should find success. Jackson is averaging over four yards per carry this season with three rushing touchdowns, but he has also turned into a nice receiving option out of the backfield with 11 receptions in his last two starts. The Bengals run defense has surrendered eight rushing touchdowns this season and have allowed 11 run plays of 20 yards or more; expect Jackson to be very busy again this Sunday.
(Projected: 16 fantasy points/ 85 yards rushing, 5 catches, 25 yards receiving, one touchdown)

RB-Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns
The “Brown Bus” was on the move again last week and tanked his way to 82 yards rushing and a score against one of the league’s toughest run defenses. Hillis has been a fantasy plus this season for owners with over 700 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns. This Sunday when he faces the Jaguar’s 21st ranked defense that has allowed 12 rushing touchdowns Hillis will be geared to bring more smiles.
(Projected: 19 fantasy points/ 105 yards rushing, 5 catches, 30 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles
There is no denying his explosive capability and paired with his quarterback’s strong arm, it’s big play galore. Jackson has five touchdowns this season and is averaging over 20 yards per grab. Last week he only saw five balls in his direction, but he made the most catching two and scoring on one for 88 yards. He’ll face a tough Giant’s secondary (14 touchdowns allowed), but one he has had success against. In his last two starts against the G-men, Jackson has 9 grabs for 256 yards and two scores.
(Projected: 15 fantasy points/ 6 catches, 90 yards, one touchdown)

WR-Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings playmaker looks to be the center of attention in the passing game once again with the news of Sidney Rice unlikely to go. Harvin is having a solid season and has been terrific the past several weeks. In his last three games he has 19 receptions for 294 yards receiving and a score despite the injury bug. With an important match up with the Packers this Sunday, expect Harvin (70 targets this season) to be highly active.
(Projected: 13 fantasy points/ 5 catches, 75 yards, one touchdown)

TE-Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals rookie tight end has not been a big play much of this season, but coming off his best game last week (9 catches, 85 yards, one touchdown) this could be the start of something good. This week he faces the league’s worst pass defense against tight ends. The Bills have played better, but have still allowed 8 touchdowns this season; that’s enough to convince me to start Gresham.
(Projected: 12 fantasy points/ 6 catches, 60 yards, one touchdown)

PK-Dan Carpenter, Miami Dolphins
The Bears and Dolphins will square off Thursday night in what will likely be a defensive slugfest. I would suspect points could be at a premium and touchdowns tough to come by. The Bears don’t give much on the ground and the Phins could be forced to settle for a few extra kicks in the game.
(Projected: 11 fantasy points/ three field goals, two extra point)

My Previous starts

Week 1 (Total points-77)
QB Donovan McNabb (WAS)
RB Matt Forte (CHI)
RB Carnell Williams (TB)
WR Jeremy Maclin (PHI)
WR Jabar Gaffney (DEN)
TE Zach Miller (OAK)
K Joe Nedney (SF)

Week 2 (Total points-68)
QB Michael Vick (PHI)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT)
WR Nate Washington (TEN)
WR Greg Jennings (GB)
TE Chris Cooley (WAS)
K Nick Folk (NYJ)

Week 3 (Total points-87)
QB Tony Romo (DAL)
RB Darren McFadden
RB Ray Rice (BAL)
WR Austin Collie (IND)
WR Dez Bryant (DAL)
TE Brent Celek (PHI)
K Lawrence Tynes (NYG)

Week 4 (Total points-58)
QB Eli Manning (NYG)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
RB Frank Gore (SF)
WR Mark Clayton (STL)
WR Brandon Marshall (MIA)
TE John Carlson (SEA)
K Jeff Reed (PIT)

Week 5 (Total Points-72 points)
QB Drew Brees (NO)
RB Steven Jackson (STL)
RB Thomas Jones (KC)
WR Donald Driver (GB)
WR Calvin Johnson (DET)
TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX)
K Mike Nugent (CIN)

Week 6 (Total Points-83 points)
QB Peyton Manning (IND)
RB Ryan Torain (WASH)
RB LaDanian Tomlinson (NYJ)
WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
WR Kenny Britt (TEN)
TE Dallas Clark, (IND)
K Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)

Week 7 (Total Points-93 points)
QB Philip Rivers (SD)
RB Adrian Peterson (MIN)
RB Michael Turner (ATL)
WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
WR Dwayne Bowe (KC)
TE Tony Gonzales (ATL)
K Matt Prater (DEN)

Week 8 (Total Points-82 points)
QB Kyle Orton (DEN)
RB Felix Jones (DAL)
RB Jamaal Charles (KC)
WR Brandon Lloyd (DEN)
WR Deion Branch (NE)
TE Tony Moeki (KC)
K Stephen Gostkowski (NE)

Week 9 (Total Points-79 points)
QB Aaron Rodgers (GB)
RB LeSean McCoy (PHI)
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE)
WR Steve Smith (NYG)
WR Patrick Crayton (SD)
TE Jacob Tamme (IND)
PK Mason Crosby

Week 10 (Total Points-78 points)
QB Joe Flacco (BAL)
RB LeGarrette Blount (TB)
RB Cedric Benson (CIN)
WR Roddy White (ATL)
WR Steve Johnson (BUF)
TE Brandon Pettigrew (DET)
PK Rob Bironas (TEN)

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 17, 2010, Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

My Fantasy Notes:

JERMAINE GRESHAM HAS BIG SUNDAY
Last week the Bengal’s rookie tight end turned in his best performance of the season against the Indianapolis Colts. Gresham caught nine passes for 85 yards and a score on 10 targets. Gresham has been under utilized thus far, but it was nice to see him more involved in the passing attack.
My Fantasy Read:
With Terrell Owens continuing to play extremely well and Ochocinco drawing extra attention quarterback Carson Palmer was bound to eventually notice his tight end. Grehsam’s 10 targets were the most he had seen since week one. He has the talent and we could finally start seeing the ability. He’s worth keeping an eye on down the stretch.

KYLE ORTON LIGHTS UP THE CHIEFS
The Bronco’s signal caller continues to impress and warrant serious fantasy consideration as a top tier passer (we’re talking fantasy here). Against the Chiefs Orton just missed sixth 300-yard passing game, finishing with 296 yards and four touchdowns. He finished the day 22 of 34 and a passer rating of 131.5.
My Fantasy Read:
Orton does not possess all the physical characteristics of a strong-armed dominant passer, but he has dominating fantasy passing numbers. Whether or not you can accept the obvious Orton is a top-tiered passer and needs to be in your fantasy line-up every week (congrats McDaniels).

FRED JACKSON IS ALL ACTION IN BILLS WIN
The Bills might like their rookie running back, but they have to love Fred Jackson. Last week against the Lions he carried the ball 25 times (highest total this season) for 133 yards and caught 6 balls out of the backfield for another 37 yards. Jackson also added two scores, one rushing and one receiving.
My Fantasy Read:
Jackson was given the role of feature back last week and he shined brilliantly, but he also faced the Lions. It was by far his best performance, but owners should be cautious before starting. A week earlier against a good Bears run defense Jackson was held in check; owners check your matchups.

DWAYNE BOWE CONTINUES HIS RISE
Maybe a lot of his numbers came in garbage time, whether or not they are still impressive. Against the Broncos Bowe finished with 13 receptions for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 18 targets (highest in week 10). It was his third game this season with multiple scores.
My Fantasy Read:
Over the past several weeks he has been one of the most targeted and most productive fantasy receivers. Since week 6 Bowe has been targeted 50 times, caught 30 balls with 8 going for scores; including five straight games with at least one touchdown. Shame on you if he ever makes it to your bench; he’s a must play every week now.

FSH: MY WEEKLY FANTASY

October 24th, 2010, Sunday

My Weekly Fantasy

Sunday’s Fantasy Lineup

Some quick notes for today’s lineups….

My Quarterbacks:

With Kyle Orton matching up with the Raiders today, I am going to stick with my bigger guns; Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. Orton does not have the most difficult matchup today against the Raiders, who have allowed 12 passing touchdowns this seaso, but they just don’t give up a lot of yards…..Like Orton in Denver the Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers should enjoy some home cooking today and he’ll have a most favorable match-up against the Patriots (ranked 29th against the pass). Brees is at home today against the Browns and you have to always like Drew in the Dome….Rodgers has a marquee match-up tonight at Lambeau against the Vikings. In his last meeting at home against the Vikes, Rodgers passed for nearly 300 yards and threw three touchdowns.

My Runningbacks:

Across the board, one start that I like today will be the Bronco’s Knowshon Moreno today against the Raider’s 30th ranked run defense. Moreno is finally healthy and should return to good form today against a defense that allows five yards a tote and nearly 150 yards a game on the ground….an every week must-start, Steven Jackson owners should be licking their chops today as the Rams running back, though on the road should have a big day today. Jackson faces the Buc’s defense that is being torched for more than 150 yards a game on the ground…..the Browns have a tough road matchup today in the Superdome, but you can bet they will be using Peyton Hillis and their ground game to do everything they can to keep the ball out of Drew Brees hands. They might not have a lot of luck with that, but Hillis will still have a very productive day.

My Wide Receivers:

The Packers are not going to see many yards on the ground tonight against the Vikings stout run defense, so that just means more work for Greg Jennings and the receiving corp. The Vikings are ranked 6th against the pass this season, but they don’t put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks (six sacks this season) and they allow nearly a 65% completion percentage of passes….the Eagles Jeremy Maclin has been hot since Kolb’s insertion into the lineup. In his last two games Maclin has 13 receptions for 254 yards…..amazingly enough, Dwayne Bowe was a waiver wire pick-up this week and a starter today. Bowe is coming off a huge game with two scores and faces the (Jaguars) league’s 28th ranked pass defense; he should have a nice encore performance today.

My Tight Ends:

The Falcons had been playing steady and consistent play-off like football before their throttling last week at the hands of the Eagles. This week at home in the Georgia Dome, I expect Matt Ryan and company to right the ship. One of Ryan’s keys will be his tight end Tony Gonzales. Tony G. is not likely to see a large chunk of yards, but with three touchdowns already this season he’s a great red-zone candidate today…..on the other side of the field, I like the Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham (22 receptions, 2-touchdowns) to have plenty of opportunity to find the end zone. In the last three games the Falcons have allowed 16 receptions and 146 yards to the opposing tight end position.

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

September 30th, 2010, Thursday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In these hands we trust

Through the first three weeks of football we have seen some familiar names making plays in the passing game, but what fantasy owners need to be watching besides the headlines are those players quietly and steadily getting ready to break out. Aside from the normal names we see, this past weekend there were a couple of players to suddenly steal some fantasy love; last Sunday against the Falcons it was the re-emergence of Saints receiver Lance Moore with a seven targets and a big day receiving (149 yards receiving and two scores), the Bronco’s receiver Jabar Gaffney suddenly became a very relevant consideration with a big day in Denver (12 receptions with 140 yards receiving) and 14 targets, and the Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams becoming a household name in Big D again with a very productive afternoon (117 yards receiving with two touchdowns) with his steady dose of six targets.

The Usual Suspects…

The usual faces thus far this season topping the list include Roddy White (41 targets) Brandon Marshall (37 targets), and Larry Fitzgerald (34 targets), but one surprise in this mix to watch, both T.O. (33 targets) and Ochocinco (34 targets) seemed to be getting their fair share of touches, so at some point the numbers will have to follow, right?

Some early season starlets…

Through the first three weeks of the 2010 season, 2nd year Colts’ receiver Austin Collie (31 targets) has emerged as Peyton Manning’s go-to receiver. Even when the injured Pierre Garcon returns, it’s hard to imagine number 18 not continuing to look his way. The Niner’s running back Frank Gore has been showcasing his versatility this season and leads all running back with 29 targets and 22 receptions.

Your Target watch….

We can easily see who has done what this season and why, but a few names that might be flying under the radar at the moment that you should keep your eye include; TE-Jermaine Gresham, WR-Michael Crabtree, and TE-Todd Heap.

Jermaine Gresham only has one touchdown and 99 yards receiving through the first three weeks, but quarterback Carson Palmer is looking his way too often for his numbers to stay dormant. With 21 targets, he’s going to see plenty of opportunity going forward to start making more of a difference.

The Niner’s offense is in flux at the moment, but Singletary will soon grab hold of the reigns and get this ship righted. Through the team’s first three games wide receiver Michael Crabtree has only six catches, but 19 targets. If this passing game is going to get off the ground, Crabtree will be a big part going forward.

With all the focus and attention centered on wide receiver Anquan Boldin, quietly tight end Todd Heap is one of his best pass receiving seasons of his career. He is currently on pace to put up close to career numbers in receptions and yards. With 22 targets already in this young season, he looks like a great bet to do just that.

Season Target Leaders...
(Unofficial numbers)

Top 20

1. Roddy White, ATL (41 targets)
2. Brandon Marshall, MIA (37 targets)
3. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI (34 targets)
4. Chad Ochocinco, CIN (34 targets)
5. Terrell Owens, CIN (33 targets)
6. Austin Collie, IND (31 targets)
7. Santana Moss, WAS (30 targets)
8. Miles Austin, DAL (29 targets)
9. Anquan Boldin, BAL (29 targets)
10. Frank Gore, SFO (29 targets)
11. Andre Johnson, HOU (29 targets)
12. Steve Smith, NYG (29 targets)
13. Calvin Johnson, DET (28 targets)
14. Dallas Clark, IND (27 targets)
15. Mark Clayton, STL (27 targets)
16. Malcom Floyd, SDC (26 targets)
17. Jabar Gaffney, DEN (26 targets)
18. Antonio Gates, SDC (26 targets)
19. Darrius Heyward-Bey, OAK (26 targets)
20. Reggie Wayne, IND (26targets)