FSH: FANTASY FIXX

June 23rd, 2009 10:37pm PST

THE FANTASY FIXX

The Biggest Bear.


Matt Forte#22, RB-(Chicago Bears)….
The Bear’s offense is in for a major lift this season with the addition of quarterback Jay Cutler, but no one is likely to benefit more than running back Matt Forte. Last season as a rookie Forte was among the league leaders in rushing (ranked 7th) and led all running backs with 63 catches last season. His 1,700-yards and 12 touchdowns in 2008 made him the top rookie in fantasy last season.

With the addition of a big time passer, Forte should be able to find more running lanes allowing him to improve on his 1,200-yards from a year ago. The versatile back was a three-down player for the Bears offense in 2008 and fantasy owners can expect the same this season. Even with Cutler under center, Forte should also remain just as involved in the Bear’s more conservative passing game. He may not hit the 60 catch barrier, but could find more room to roam with opposing safeties sitting back because of Cutler’s big arm.

What to expect in 2009…
With a big arm in the huddle for 2009, the Bears running game which was solid last season could gain some fresh legs this coming season. Forte is likely to have another solid campaign with the presence of Cutler to take some of the pressure off. Forte played in all 16 games and finished with nearly 380 touches in 08. He be the Bears focal point on offense this year and should finish in the top 10 among fantasy backs. (2009 predictions: 295 carries, 1,360-yards rushing, 11 rushing touchdowns, 50 receptions, 505-yards receiving, 3 touchdowns)


Looking to soar again.

Kevin Curtis#80, WR-(Philadelphia Eagles)….
The Eagle’s speedy wideout was severely hampered a year ago with a sports hernia injury that put him out for seven weeks. He was never the same the rest of the way in 2008 finishing the year with just 33 catches and two touchdowns. In 2007 Curtis had emerged as a big time pass receiving threat and one of McNabb’s favorite targets finishing with 77 receptions for over 1,100-yards.

Despite the shortened season due to injury Curtis did have some flashes with a six catch and seven catch game. He lacked his normal burst and did not have many big number games, but it appears he’s recovered from the hernia surgery last year and the follow up procedure he had in April. Now healthy Curtis could be looking to returning to his 2007 form. The Eagles have some weapons on offense that could enable for a big season from Curtis.

What to expect in 2009…
The team made a move in the draft this past April to add some help to the passing game. With last year’s rookie sensation DeSean Jackson having a full year under his belt and incoming rookie Jeremy Maclin bringing added talent, defenses will have a tough time trying to key on Curtis. The speedster has great chemistry with McNabb and could once again surprise fantasy owners with a big 2009 campaign. (2009 predictions: 69 receptions, 1,045-yards receiving, 7 touchdowns)


Check back every Monday for more “Fantasy Fixx”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 21st, 2009 9:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

More OTA’s and more football highlight Monday’s activities around the league. Here’s the latest I am hearing and reading with my take on things around the league…


My Take...

RB RONNIE BROWN LOOKING GOOD IN CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The word around the Dolphin’s minicamp is that Ronnie Brown is looking very good on the field. Just two years removed from major knee surgery, Brown could be looking to bounce back in 2009. Brown had a decent 2008 campaign, but with an aging Ricky Williams not looking very sharp during the offseason, the stage could be set for a monster season this year. Fantasy owners should be looking to draft Brown near the top this summer.

WR GREG JENNINGS REPORTEDLY CLOSE TO SIGNING
My Fantasy Read: The Packer’s leading receiver is reportedly close to resigning with the team according to Jennings. This would be very good news for the Packers, as Jennings emerged as the team’s top pass-receiving threat a year ago with nearly 1,300-yards and nine touchdowns. A happy Jennings heading into training camp can only mean good things for fantasy owners as well. Jennings will likely be a possible top-10 grab or close to it in fantasy drafts this summer.

WR KEVIN CURTIS SAYS HE’S ONCE AGAIN HEALTHY
My Fantasy Read: In 2007, Curtis was a healthy Eagle and put up big numbers with McNabb chucking the pill. Last season a sports hernia surgery slowed down Curtis’ 2008 campaign. Now healthy and with some additional help on the “O” side of the ball Curtis could be looking to return to his 70-catch, 1,000-yard form. Curtis will be a solid middle round WR2 selection this coming summer.

RB AHMAD BRADSHAW CONSIDERED PRIMARY BACKUP
My Fantasy Read: The read on Bradshaw is he’ll be Jacob’s primary backup and should see plenty of touches to be fantasy worthy. He’s not going to be the big dog on any fantasy team this season, but should make a solid RB3 selection and great handcuff for Jacobs. Last season Bradshaw finished with just 67 carries, but this season he should absorb the majority of the 182 carries Derrick Ward has a year ago.

WR ISSAC BRUCE NOT EXPECTED TO START IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: One of the NFL’s leading receiver’s is likely to make the Niner’s roster this season, but according to the SF Chronicle he likely won’t start. The Niner’s drafted Michael Crabtree this offseaosn and he is expected to step in at split-end with Josh Morgan moving to flanker. The 16 year veteran wideout (Bruce) will move to the slot and should still be a serviceable WR3 in deeper leagues. Last season Bruce led the team with 61 catches and he could very well be one of its’ top receivers again.


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

FSH: ON THE COVER

June 8th, 2009 8:50pm PST

This Week on the Cover….


Where Eagles Fly!

The big story coming out of Philly in the post draft offseason, "did the Eagles do enough" to satisfy quarterback Dononvan McNabb? Last year the Eagles came one game away from getting back to the big dance and once they did exit, the call was for help on offense.

Well there were no big trades made, but on draft day the Eagles were one of the early aggressors maneuvering themselves in position to make a grab for wide receiver Jeremy Maclin at number 19 in the 2009 draft.

Coming off a strong 2008 campaign, McNabb was lobbying for more help on the offense and with Maclin joining an already talented group, the Eagles passing game could be looking to soar even more in 2009. Kevin Curtis is recovering from recent surgery, but is expected to be healthy by training camp and looking to return to his 2007 form. The Eagle’s leading receiver from a year ago, DeSean Jackson will be looking to improve his 60-catch, 900-yard rookie campaign.

To compliment his aerial attack, McNabb will be counting on a healthy and always versatile Brian Westbrook to lead the backfield. Joining the group, the newest up and coming pass receiving tight end Brent Celek. The Eagles tightend came on strong in the post season with 19 receptions, including three touchdowns.

The green birds have plenty of wings in the coup entering minicamps, but head coach Andy Reid and his staff will be looking for the best of the bunch to lead the way in 2009. Players like Hank Baskett, Jason Avant, and Reggie Brown could be fighting this summer just to find a spot.

The prognosis for McNabb and company, come September they will be ready to go where Eagles fly!


Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 1st, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

The draft is nearly a week old and many of the faces we saw last weekend are now in camp with their new teams getting ready for the upcoming NFL season. While we still have a ways to go, it will be interesting to follow the progress of the many that are expected to make noise in 2009. Well there's not a lot of noise being made just yet, but here are some newsmakers worth noting and my take on what to expect....

My Take...

WR KEVIN CURTIS HAS A SECOND SURGERY
The Eagles wideout underwent a second procedure on his sports hernis. According to Andy Reid, it was merely a follow-up. Curtis is expected to be ready for training camp. With the addition of Jeremy Maclin, Curtis could be looking to rebound big this season and return to his 2007 form when he caught 77 passes for over 1,100-yards.

WR ANQUAN BOLDIN HOPEFUL FOR TRADE
The Cardinal's disgruntled receiver has not made any committments to reporting to training camp in July. He's still unhappy about not getting a new deal and it sounds like his stance of wanting out of Arizona remains. Regardless if Boldin leaves or stays, he'll still be a top 15 wide receiver in fantasy in 2009. His value could rise or fall a little depending on where he ends up.

WR TORRY HOLT LOOKING TO REBOUND IN 2009
The Jaguar's new receiver is hoping to rebound in 2009 after a sub-par performance last season with the Rams. Holt is a hard worker, but it's hard to imagine he'll return to form and produce the same type of numbers he did as part of the "Greatest Show On turf." The Jags are a more conservative offense, run first then pass. Holt may have a good campaign this coming season, but his biggest impact will be making big catches on third down and helping develop some of the younger talent in camp.

QB KURT WARNER EXPECTED TO BE READY
The Cardinal's quarterback is recovering from his arthroscopic hip surgery, but he's expected to be ready at the start of training camp in July. Warner had a big year in 2008 and with Larry Fitzgerald the best receiver in the game today, he should be a solid once again in 2009.

WR DJ HACKETT COULD BE HEADED TO DC
The Redskins invited Hackett to their three-day minicamp and have offered him the veteran-minimum one year deal. Last season Hackett was a complete bust in Carolina not seeing much action and only playing in nine games. He only started two games and caught just 13 passes, but if he ends up in DC, he could turns things around playing under his old offensive coordinator and now Redskin's head coach Jim Zorn.


IDP Notes:

The "Bad Boys" of the NFL are keeping busy these days like their offensive counterparts. Here are just a few noteworthys with my take what you can expect from the Dark-side.....

LB DERRICK BROOKS SEEING LITTLE INTEREST
The former Buccaneer has not received many calls since his release by the team. Brooks was hopeful to play another season, but that looks like a stretch for the 15-year veteran. He could end up finding work by the time training camps start, but he'll hardly be worth drafting in IDP leagues.

LB KARLOS DANSBY A LATE ARRIVAL
The Cardinal's linebacker was a late arrival to minicamp, but he is with the team practicing. There was some thoughts that his late arrival could be a reflection of his desire to get a long-term deal done. It will likely get done soon enough, so IDP owners can relax and expect big numbers from Dansby in 2009.

DL JASON TAYLOR STILL PLAYING THE WAITING GAME
It looks like Taylor will have to wait a while before he even finds out where he'll end up. Recent reports are the Dolphins are in no rush and while the Patriots may have some interest nothing seems imminent. It's too early to be concerned about Taylor's draft value in IDP leagues. It does seem certain he will play in 2009, but owners will have to remain patient.

LB SHAWNE MERRIMAN RETURNS TO THE FIELD
The Chargers pass rush specialist returned to the field on Friday for the first time since having surgery to repair his torn LCL and PCL. Merriman is expecting a big season and if he's healthy, he likely will. He could be one of the top grabs at the linebacker position in most IDP leagues this summer.


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