July 22nd, 2009 10:30pm 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 season……
My Take...
WR RONALD CURRY GOES TO THE RAMS
My Fantasy Read: After seven seasons with the Raiders, Curry who had signed this offseason with the Lions was traded to the Rams. Curry was a major disappointment in 2008 finishing with just 19 catches. In back to back seasons from 2006-2007 Curry collected more than 50 balls. Now with the Rams he will be the veteran wideout the team is lacking, but will remain a big question mark for fantasy owners. It would seem Curry has the talent, but after last season does he have the drive?
RB KEVIN JONES COULD RETURN TO ACTION IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: Last year the former Lions running back was signed to give the Bear’s offense added depth in the backfield, but after injuries shortened his 2008 campaign the door was for the rookie Forte. Jones is healthy in 2009 and could see plenty of action, even with Forte designated as the team’s featured runner. Even if Jones plays, he’s likely to not do enough damage to considered fantasy relevant, but might be a smart handcuff for Forte in some deeper leagues.
RB KEVIN FAULK EXPECTED TO PLAY BIG ROLE
My Fantasy Read: The Patriots own Mr. Versatility has really blossomed into quite the productive runner over the past couple of seasons; 109 touches in 2007 and 141 touches in 2008. His six touchdowns a year ago were also a career high. Faulk figures to be heavily involved in the team’s offense, primarily in the short passing game, but it’s not to far-fetched to think he could easily eclipse 150 touches in 2009. Faulk will likely be limited to a RB3 in most fantasy formats, but he’ll have his moments this season that will make him more than relevant
WR MARVIN HARRISON: QUIET ON ALL FRONTS
My Fantasy Read: A recent report from the NFL Network indicated there is very little or no buzz about the former Colts receiver. Harrison was released earlier in the offseason and since has not been heard from. It has literally been quiet on all fronts, no rumors connecting his name with other teams and no comments coming out of his camp suggesting he will play this season. With camps right around the corner, Harrison is an unlikely candidate to start the 2009 season with a new team and therefore has no fantasy value at this time.
Check back for more Football to digest....
July 11th, 2009 4:37pm PST
THE ATL REPORT
Around the League
WR Jabbar Gaffney likely first in line in Denver….
Nothing is a given, but with Marshall sidelined while recovering from offseason surgery Gaffney has been getting the majority of reps starting opposite Eddie Royal. While it looks like a long shot for the Broncos to trade Marshall (that’s what we thought about Cutler), if they did make the move Gaffney is the front-runner. As it stands he’ll likely compete for the slot position, but won’t be expected to make a lot of noise in fantasy this season.
RB Kevin Jones could see substantial time this season...
The Bear’s running back is coming back from ACL surgery and has looked very good. With 2nd year back Forte expected to carry much of the load, an impressive Jones could pick up some substantial time as the primary back-up. Jones will hardly be worth drafting, but if he’s healthy he’ll make an excellent handcuff for the Bears featured back Matt Forte.
Rookie receiver Hakeem Nicks has impressed…..
In New York the Giants top rookie prospect has heads turning. With the release of Plaxico Burress and the offseason departure of Amani toomer, the team will spend the offseason finding and tailoring its new set of starting wideouts. Hicks was drafted to come in and compete this season for playing time. Thus far he has yet to disappoint and it looks like he could make an immediate impact this season. He’ll be “One to watch” this fantasy season.
RB Shaun Alexander still hopeful to play in 2009…
The aging veteran running back is still hopeful he can find work this season, but after his short stint with the Redskins last season, it looks doubtful that fantasy owners will see the leagues former MVP suiting up in 2009. Last season Alexander now 32-yaers old, only saw 11 carries for 24 yards and played in just four games. Injuries always play a huge factor in things, but should injury strike any number of teams this season on the list of options Alexander is likely to be near the bottom.
RB Michael Turner could see fewer carries in 2009….
The Falcons surprise running back wonder in 2008 carried the rock 377 times for nearly 1,700-yards. While he won’t be expected to duplicate the 377 mark, he’ll easily top 300 carries this season and could easily eclipse 1,500 yards again. Last season the Falcons as a team toted the pigskin 560 times (ranked 2nd in the NFL). There is no reason to expect to see that number drop by much, so Turner owners should be able to count on another solid fantasy season.
Brown’s Josh Cribbs a likely holdout this summer….
The Browns special teamer isn’t likely to crack any starting fantasy lineups in 2009, but versatile back will have some influence on special teams for fantasy leagues that employ team defenses and special teams. Cribbs did have one return for a touchdown in 2008, but other than his special teams contribution he offers little or no value to fanasy owners.
Check back every week for more “Around the League”
