FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY FANTASY WATCH

September 9TH, 2011, Friday

Friday’s Fantasy Watch

The 2011 NFL season got started off with more than a bang last night. The matchup between the Saints and Packers was more like an explosion with a 42-34 final. The contest was played more like a chess match with each team matching the other move for move.

Unfortunately for the Saints, their last move may not have been their best resulting in check-mate for the Pack. But still football fans and fantasy die-hards alike had to be pleased with what they saw. If last night was just a small preview of what is to come this NFL season, then everyone better hold on tight; this could be one wild ride!

Week one is under way and though we saw plenty of fireworks on Thursday night with over 700 yards passing and ten touchdowns scored, there is still a lot more to come on Sunday. With fantasy owners checking the injury reports and latest news-wires, there are some of us madly searching and keeping our eyes open for those hidden gems that could be the difference.

ON MY WATCH

TIM HIGHTOWER, RB (Redskins)
It’s probably a little too soon to start making too many bold predictions, but it’s never out of style to take a leap of faith, especially when you play a game called “fantasy” football. Maybe this is not a big leap, more like a hop, but one player on my watch for Sunday will be Redskins running back Tim Hightower. I saw enough of the kid during the preseason to make a believer of me; his 170 yards rushing and 6.8 rushing average were enough for me.

He’ll face a questionable Giants defense, ranked 8th last season against the run, but banged up and missing a few important cogs on Sunday. Umenyiora (knee) has been ruled out, Tuck (stinger) is uncertain, and team recently lost middle linebacker Jonathan Goff (torn ACL) for the season. This could be a very sweet matchup for Hightower.

MATT HASSELBECK, QB (Titans)
There was probably no one more excited about the signing of running back ChrisJohnson than quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. The 12 year veteran endured some rough times in Seattle, but now in Tennessee with a better offensive line and strong running game with the return of CJ2K, Hasselbeck could suddenly find some of that 2007 form when he threw 28 touchdowns.

This Sunday the former Seahawk will square off against the Jacksonville Jaguars secondary and a pass rush (26 sacks last season) that ranked near the bottom a year ago. With CJ2K in the backfield, that should be able to keep the wolves at bay and allow Hasselbeck time to work the ball to some reliable receivers in (WR) Kenny Britt and (TE) Jared Cook. We wouldn’t look for big numbers on Sunday, but a pair of scores and two bills in the air could make any fantasy owner’s day.

These two may not be in your lineups on Sunday, but if you’re facing tough decisions and not sure where to look for help keep your eyes on these two. They both could provide the relief you might need down the road.

By David Ortega

FSH: IDP NOTES

September 22nd, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Gary Brackett, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Gary Brackett suffered an undisclosed injury late in the fourth quarter of Monday night's game at Miami, according to the Indianapolis Star.
My Fantasy Read on Brackett: The Colts middle linebacker has been steady in the middle thus far racking up 17 total tackles. The Colts can’t afford to lose him for any extended period and fantasy owners love his production….

Jermaine Phillips, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Bucs have placed Jermaine Phillips in injured reserve with a broken thumb.
My Fantasy Read on Phillips: The loss will hurt the Buc’s secondary which is already thin, but Phillips real lost value was going to come in week 5 when he was expected to move to linebacker. Owners will have to plan for the future….

Justin Tuck, DE, New York Giants
According to the Newark Star-Ledger, Justin Tuck is still questionable to start in the Giants Week 3 matchup with the Bucs.
My Fantasy Read on Tuck: The Giant’s defensive end is suffering from the shoulder injury he sustained when he was tripped in Sunday Night’s epic battle with the Cowboys. Tuck is a highly productive end, if he plays even at less than 100 percent he should be able to give owners something…..

Kelvin Hayden, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Kelvin Hayden suffered an undisclosed injury in the fourth quarter of Monday night's game at Miami, according to the Indianapolis Star
My Fantasy Read on Hayden: The Colts can’t afford to have another starter missing on defense. Hayden is a solid covering corner, but he needs to stay on the field. His recent healthy woes have made him a risky IDP play and now it looks like he’s dinged up again….

Terrell Suggs, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun is reporting that Ravens' linebacker Terrell Suggs may be out of shape. Suggs was not effective in the first half of Sunday's game, and he didn't play much in the second half.
My Fantasy Read on Suggs: Normally a big playmaker and IDP especial Suggs does look a little off, but note he’s still being productive with 1.5 sacks on Sunday. If he’s out of shape, with playing he will only get better. Owners keep him in your lineups…..

Lawrence Timmons, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Lawrence Timmons is progressing in his recovery from a sprained ankle, and head coach Mike Tomlin stated that the linebacker should be able to play in a full capacity in Week 3 at Cincinnati, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
My Fantasy Read on Timmons: The third year linebacker is expected to add more playmaking ability to an already talented unit. While his production was modest last week, expect bigger things on Sunday. If he’s available, he’s worth a waiver wire pick up….

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

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: 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!"