FSH: WHAT'S THE LATEST

April 5th, 2010 11:07pm PST

What's the Latest

The Rams release Bulger...

After much debate it seems clear what the Rams intend to do on this coming draft day. According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Monday April 5th, 2010 the Rams announced the release of their former starting quarterback Marc Bulger, who took over the reins when Kurt Warner left town in 2004. Bulger had some early success with the Rams, but with just three total wins over the past two seasons it's time for a change in St. Louis.

Given Bulger's current contract situation (he was due to earn $8.5 million this season) the move comes as little surprise. And without a current clear-cut starter on the roster, this opens the door to the notion that the Rams will go quarterback with their number one overall pick in this year's draft.

After his solid performance at his pro day many experts are sold on the Rams taking Oklahoma's Sam Bradford with the number one overall pick. Given their dire need at the position and the hopes to rebuild fast (ala Atlanta) Bradford looks to be a solid investment, but the team will still need to add some pieces up front to protect this investment if they hope to cash in.

Redskins trade for McNabb...

Only if you were busy hunting for eggs on Sunday might you have missed the recent NFL news that rocked the East. Long time Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb was traded to the Washington Redskins. The six-time Pro Bowler in a surprise move was dealt to a divisional for a second round pick (37th pick overall) in this year's draft and either a third or fourth round pick in next year's draft. With McNabb 33 years of age, the Redskin's new head coach Mike Shanahan is hoping to extend this quarterback's playing career with the same kind of success he was able to enjoy with another Pro Bowl quarterback (John Elway). Elway was 34 when Shanahan arrived in Denver.

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

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

January 19th, 2010 10:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

the Divisional Round

The Saints flex some firepower of their own....

In the Wildcard round it was the Cardinals flexing a lot of offensive muscle, but on Saturday night they got a heavy taste of their own medicine. The Saints from out of the gate were relentless moving the ball through the air and on the ground. With the resurgence of a deadly passing attack and the return of the explosive running of Reggie Bush the Saints were firing on all pistons and there was very little the Cardinals defense could do to stop it. New Orleans rang up 45 points, 27 first downs, and 418 yards of offense and when the day was over, it was just a good old fashion butt whooping. One of the keys to the Saints explosion was the emergence of Reggie Bush as an explosive big play power runner. Bush totaled over 200 all purpose yards and scored twice (rushing and special teams); he's going to be an "X" factor the Vikings defense will have to deal with.

Upstart Jets may have the recipe for disaster....

You don't have to ask the San Diego Chargers, the already know first hand that Rex Ryan and his New York Boys have a winning recipe; a relentless running game, a sound defense, and minimize the mistakes. The Jets have averaged 40 running plays and 170 yards on the ground in two post season games, led by the running of rookie running back Shonn Greene. Their rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has not been overly spectacular, but that's because he hasn't had to be. In two games Sanchez (23 turnovers) has been solid making plays when needed and taking care of the ball; he has only turned the ball over once this post season. The defense has been equally up to the task recording five sacks and four takeaways. With the Colts up ahead the Greene (263 yards rushing in the postseason) and the Jets ground game will definitely test the leagues 24th ranked run defense. There's no doubt that Jets head coach Rex Ryan and cornerback Darrelle Revis will be ready to test the incomparable Peyton Manning.

More fantasy Notes

The Vikings running back Adrian Peterson gained just 63 yards on the ground against a tough Cowboys defense, but he did have 26 carries. With the Saints 21st ranked rushing defense allowing 4.5 yards per carry, expect the Vikings to lean more on "All-Day" this week. Sunday could be close to a 30 carry effort and a big day on the ground for one of the NFL's elite runner.

The Vikings secondary is going to get tested on Sunday. If you remember back to Week 13 the Cardinals Kurt Warner obliterated the defense for 285 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints proved their high-octane offense is just as explosive if not more so, expect to see quarterback Drew Brees (4,388 yards passing, 34 touchdowns) to attack the secondary with his lethal collection of receiving weapons; Colston, Shockey, Henderson, Bush, Moore, and Meachum.

If you are a betting fan, you can feel safe wager on the chances of the Jets running the ball a lot on Sunday against the Colts. With the league’s MVP standing across the field, that will be the only place head coach Rex Ryan will want to see Manning. The Jets are averaging 40 run plays in the post season and they are safe lock to hit that number on Sunday, if the defense can keep Peyton Manning and company in check.

By David Ortega

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

FSH: MORE FANTASY TALK

January 12th, 2009 11:37pm PST

MORE FOOTBALL TALK

Better than the Wild Wild West

While most of the matchups may have lacked some drama, for the fantasy football enthusiast there were plenty of fireworks the entire weekend, espcially during Sunday's Wildcard Weekend finale. The NFL definitely saved its best for last.

On Saturday it was a pair of mismatches with the both the Jets and Cowboys running games kicking into high gear. The Jets rookie running back Shonn Greene set the stage in the early game shredding the Bengals defense for 135 yards and a score. Not being outdone the Bengals running back Cedric Benson churned out 169 yards of his own including a 47-yard scoot for six.

In the night cap, it was the Felix Jones show. The Cowboys second year running back broke the game open in the 4th quarterback with a 73 yard touchdown run. He would finish the night with 148 yards on the ground, but would not be the only fantasy stud for the evening. To the surprise of many, DeSean Jackson (14 yards receiving, one touchdown) was not the Eagle's receiver with the big night. Rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin had a huge night catching seven balls for 146 yards and a touchdown.

These were the few bright stars on Saturday, but Sunday was filled with comets, quasars, and multiple explosions. In the morning game on Sunday, Ray Rice helped ignite the Ravens ground attack with 22 carries for 159 yards, including an 83 yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage. While that was a small explosion of a sort, it was nothing more than "the calm before the storm."

"nothing like a Sunday afternoon shootout"

As if we had thought we seen everything, enter Kurt "Wyatt Earp" Warner and Aaron "Doc Holiday" Rodgers. These two gunslingers put on a show for the ages and filled enough highlight reels to cover the entire 2009 post season. After more than 1,000 yards of offense, over 60 first downs, and 10 touchdowns, you would have expected after four quarters we would have a winner, right? Not in this classic, it would require OT.

From out of the gate "Wyatt" (Warner) came blazing, firing his six shooter and extending the Cardinals out to a 17-point first half advantage. Is "Doc Holiday" your Huckleberry, maybe so, but Aaron Rodgers was the answer to the Cardinals early fireworks. After a slow start in the first quarter (4 of 7 passing, 33 yards, 1-Int) the Packers signal caller got hot and just kept heating up especially in the second half; 19 of 28 passing, 318 yards, four touchdowns.

On the other side Wyatt just keep his guns blazing all afternoon. The Cardinals 38 year old quarterback was better than good, he was nearly perfect completing 29 of 33 passes. To make better sense of what he did, think about the fact he threw more touchdowns than balls that hit the turf (incompletions). Warner finished the evening with 379 yards passing, five touchdowns, and a passer rating of 154.1; These numbers are staggering against one of the leagues better secondaries.

When the dust settled, there was only one man left standing, the new sheriff in town and his name is Kurt Warner.

Check back every week for "More Football) Talk”

FSH: TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK

January 12th, 2010 10:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

Wildcard Weekend

Warner and Cards have plenty of firepower...

It was a historic match of wills on Sunday with no one willing to blink first when the Cardinals and Packers battled in their NFC tilt. It was also one that many did not figure the Cardinals would have enough weapons to succeed. On the Fox Sports pregame, one by one the analysts all picked the Packers and I'm sure they felt confident as Rodgers led his team all the way back. What they didn't realize was Kurt Warner and company had plenty of firepower on Sunday. Even minus an injured (WR) Anquan Boldin, Warner completed 29 passes (only four incompletes); including his last 11 passes to seven different receivers for 379 yards and five touchdowns. The Cardinals offense was also able to generate 156 yards on the ground with one rushing touchdown. Now that's a lot of offense and firepower.

Ravens and Jets use power running game.....

With a banged up Joe Flacco, the Ravens used the ground game more out of necessity than just preference. Albeit that is one of the team's signature calling cards the power run game, but on Sunday against the Patriots they ran the ball 46 times. The Jets did not differ much in their game plan toting the rock 38 times, undoubtedly to take some pressure off their rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. There's little question looking ahead for both of these teams coming matchups, the key for success will be a dominant ground attack. The Ravens totaled 234 yards rushing, averaged nearly five yards a carry, and scored four times on the ground. The Jets found the roads in Cincinnati clear as they rambled for 171 yards rushing, averaging more than four yards a carry, and scoring twice on the ground. With the Colts and Chargers up next for these two teams, expect the goal to be similar results.

Cowboys showing great balance and peaking at the right time.....

It was hardly what many would have expected, that is if you weren't from the state of Texas. If you took a good look at the two teams (Cowboys-Eagles), there really shouldn't have been much of a surprise with the results. Not only has Dallas been playing well offensively averaging nearly 25 points per game and over 430 yards of offense in its last four games, but the defense has suddenly awaken from its slumber. Over the same stretch the defense has recorded nine takeaways and 16 sacks, while only allowing 31 total points combined (had two shutouts). When they travel to Minnesota, they will be riding an impressive four game winning streak and looking very capable of pulling off the upset.

More fantasy Notes

With the Raven's Joe Flacco ailing one of the biggest keys for the Colts defense will be its speed rush on the end. Defensive linemen Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are going to pose all kinds of issues for the Ravens offensive tackles. Freeney led the team with 13.5 sacks this season, while Mathis chipped in with 9.5 of his own. In their first matchup this season, a game in which the Colts won 17-15, both Freeney and Mathis were limited with injuries. This won't be the case for Flacco and the Ravens on Saturday night.

While running back Adrian Peterson is all world all day, the Vikings dynamic rusher could take a back seat in Sunday's game plan against the Cowboys. It will be critical for the Vikings to start fast and dictate tempo in this matchup, especially against a team as hot as the Cowboys. When the offense has gone through Favre first, the running game has benefitted later and the team has had great success. When Favre throws three or more touchdowns the Vikings are 6-0, and when he completes better than 68 percent of his passes (minimum 24 attempts) the team is 7-0. The Vikings finished the 2009 season 12-4 with Peterson only eclipsing the century mark rushing three times, but he did score 18 rushing touchdowns.

Brees and Saints must start fast on Sunday if they hope to keep Kurt Warner and the Cardinals offense finding a rhythm. The Saints have struggled the past several weeks averaging just over 14 points a game. The team still finished number one in scoring and yards for the 2009 season, but Brees and company will be facing a red hot Warner and Cards offense. The Saints signal caller will need his best weapons Marques Colston (9-touchdowns), Robert Meachum (9-touchdowns), and Reggie Bush (47 receptions, 3-touchdowns) ready to make plays in the Superdome on Saturday.

By David Ortega

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

FSH: MORE FROM THE HUDDLE

January 11th, 2010 11:07pm PST

More From the Huddle

Last weekend was filled with a lot of excitement and surprise with the Jets and Ravens advancing, but it was also a fantasy frenzy for those that follow the other game. Looking ahead remember these players who will continue to make huge impacts....

What I remember from the Wild Weekend

1. It looks like Kurt Warner, the old man in the desert is just starting to heat up in time to make a post season run; 379 yards passing and five touchdowns.

2. The Cowboys have a three-headed attack with Barber, Jones, and Choice, but Felix is the Cat with the biggest bag of tricks; 16 carries for 148 yards, one reception for 30 yards and a 73 yard touchdown run.

3. Red means stop, but the Jets rookie running back only sees green. Shonn Greene broke the ground game open on Saturday with 135 yards and a score and could be looking to do the same in the Divisional Round.

4. No Boldin means more Steve Breaston. The Cardinals third year receiver was targeted nine times, caught the ball seven times for 125 yards with a score and had one carry for another 28 yards.

5. With Warner firing haymakers, expect Whisenhunt to go to the well often. Rookie running back Chris "Beanie" Wells carried the ball 14 times for 91 yards on the ground; one of his best efforts on the ground this season.

6. Despite the lack of a passing attack the Ravens second year runner Ray Rice was dominant on the ground. Rice carried the ball 22 times and rumbled his way to 159 yards with two scores, including an 83 yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage.

7. The Cowboys are quietly one of the hottest teams in the post season and quarterback Tony Romo may be the hottest; in his last seven starts, four 300-yard passing games, 13 touchdowns, only two interceptions, a 5-2 record, including a 244 yard effort with two touchdown passes to defeat the Eagles last Saturday night.

8. He doesn't play like a rookie. The Jets quarterback was poised, precise, and very good on Saturday against a pretty good Bengals defense. Sanchez completed 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and a score, and led an offense that racked up 353 yards of total offense; not bad for a rookie.

9. The Jets shutdown corner Darrelle Revis could very well be the team's MVP this season (if he's not already). All he does is shut down receivers; Chad Ochocinco caught just two passes for 28 yards. That's just one more catch than Revis who picked off his 7th pass this season (reg and post).

10. The Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin continues to prove he is big-time; on Saturday against the Eagles he caught seven passes for 82 yards, including a six yard touchdown reception.

Remember to check back for more "From the Huddle!"

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

January 11th, 2010

[Late Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

A Wild Fantasy Weekend of Football

If you are still engaged in fantasy football or just following the stats, this past weekend was filled with more than its share of game-breakers and money makers. It was a day of back-ups coming to the forefront on Saturday and some good old fashion gun slinging on Sunday during the Wildcard frenzy.

In both of Saturday's matchups a couple of backup running backs made huge statements and were major fantasy impact players. In the earlier tilt between the Jets and Bengals, rookie running back Shonn Greene burst onto the scene with his first carry going for 12 yards. From then on it was off to the races for Greene. The rookie averaged 6.4 yards per carry and broke more runs for 9, 9, 8, 15, 14, and a 39 yard score.

In the night cap, it was running back Felix Jones' turn. On 16 carries, the Cowboys number two running back powered his way to 148 yards on the ground for a hefty 9.3 yards per carry average. Jones highlighted the Cowboys evening by breaking free for a 73 yard touchdown run that put the final nails in the coffin ending the Eagles hopes.

Unlike the ground game that was prevalent on Saturday, it was the vertical game that filled the highlight reel on Sunday. In the showdown at the Cardinal coral, both quarterbacks Kurt Warner and Aaron Rodgers light up the scoreboard like a Christmas tree. Aaron Rodgers was relentless throwing the pigskin 42 times, completing 28 passes for 422 yards and four scores. Rodgers also added a one yard touchdown keeper to his stats.

On the other side Kurt Warner was equally impressive completing 29 of 33 passes for 379 yards and tossing five touchdowns. The two quarterbacks combined for 801 yards in the air, 10 touchdowns, and 90 points; now that's a Wildcard weekend at its best.

More Injury notes from Sunday...

QB-Joe Flacco (finger)....banged up, questionable for Saturday.

RB-Marion Barber (knee).....expected to start vs Vikings.

WR-Anquan Boldin (ankle, knee)....hopeful to play Saturday.

TE-Todd Heap (back)....x-rays negative, expects to play.

LB-Shawne Merriman (foot)...healthiest he's been all season.

LB-David Harris (ankle)....should be healthier for Sunday.

What I saw this past weekend

The old man has plenty of fire....

Just when many figured the Cardinals run would not even get out of the gate against the Packers, Kurt Warner shows up and turns it up. Maybe someone should have told him he was 38 years of age, because on Sunday he did not play like it. The Cardinals signal caller was nearly flawless throwing five touchdowns and only four incompletions on the day. Warner passed for 379 yards, led the Cards to 51 points on the board and a trip to New Orleans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Who says the old man is finished, it looks like he is just getting started.

The Jets go Gang Greene on Cincy...

The Jets have one of the leagues very best rushing attacks in the game today and they are often led by their veteran runner Thomas Jones, but on Saturday it was all Shonn Greene that did in the Bengals. The rookie running back from the University of Iowa blew up for 135 yards on the ground Saturday, including a 39 yard scamper to pay dirt. With Thomas Jones (knee) ailing some, the rookie was able to pick up the slack and punch out the opposition.

Romo proving the critics wrong....

Not only was the third time a charm for the Cowboys over the Eagles this season, but it was also a charm for Cowboy's quarterback Tony Romo. In his third post season appearance, Romo finally led his team to a post season victory. The Cowboys quarterback completed 23 of 35 passes for 244 yards and threw two touchdowns in the win over the Eagles. Romo has been one of the hottest quarterbacks in the second half of the season with 13 touchdown passes and only two interceptions in his last seven starts. After leading the Cowboys to their fourth straight win this season and first playoff win since 1996, Romo could have critics changing their minds about his play on the big stage.

Quick Notes:

The Cowboys running back Felix Jones is becoming more prominent in the team's offensive game plan. In his last two games he has averaged over 17 touches and totaled 272 yards from scrimmage with two rushing touchdowns.

The Raven's running back Ray Rice has been on a roll the last five weeks totaling more than 100-yards from scrimmage in four of his past five starts. Rice is averaging nearly 125 yards rushing with three touchdowns over that span.

The Jets ground game keeps turning green. Over the past three games, rookie running back Shonn Greene has averaged nearly 17 carries per game and totaled 292 yards on the ground with one score that came on Saturday against the Bengals.

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"

FSH: MORE FANTASY TALK

January 6th, 2010 9:37pm PST

MORE FOOTBALL TALK

Wild Card Weekend: A Second Take

This Weekend NFL fans will see what looks like a rematch of last weekend when the Eagles-Cowboys, Packers-Cardinals, and Jets-Bengals tango. In the first two matchups it will be a complete repeat with the Eagles and Packers again hitting the road. The difference in the Jets and Bengals, unlike last week's contest in the Big Apple this one will be in Cincinnati.

The Cowboys will be shooting for the Tri-fecta on Saturday when they face the Eagles for the third time this season. With quarterback Tony Romo (311 yards passing and two touchdowns last week) playing well and the Cowboys defense (four sacks last Sunday) coming to life, the boys from Texas look like favorites to complete the sweep.

The Packers and Jets may have only seen a mirage of the teams they will face this weekend. Green Bay's defense barely faced the Cardinals starting quarterback Kurt Warner who exited early and Sunday night it looked like the Bengals starters took all of the night off against the Jets.

The Cards offense was stagnate with Matt Leinart under center last weekend, but you can bet the Packers secondary will have their hands full with Warner in the huddle on Sunday. The question for Cincy will be trying to muster some offense against the Jets stingy defense and shut down corner Darrelle Revis. Last Sunday Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco was held without a catch and quarterback Carson Palmer managed only one completion for no yards and an interception.

It's not often a team gets a chance during the playoffs to exact some revenge for an earlier loss in the season, but this wild weekend will present three opportunities with the Bengals, Cardinals, and Eagles all looking for that chance.

Check back every week for "More Football) Talk”

FSH: FOOTBALL TALK

January 6th, 2010 9:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

Week 17

Vikings flex some muscle on Sunday...

So much for the worry, on Sunday against the Giants the Vikings offense appeared to have cured all of their offensive ills. Quarterback Brett Favre was back to form completing 25 of 31 passes and throwing four touchdowns, while the ground game pounded out 129 yards, including a score by Adrian Peterson. The defense was also stellar forcing two turnovers, recording three sacks, and limiting the Giants to only 181 yards.

Cardinals don't show much in finale ....

With nothing to play for in Week 17, the Cardinals limited quarterback Kurt Warner to a cameo appearance last Sunday. Warner only threw six passes, but he'll need to throw a lot more if the Cards hope to get past a very good Packers pass defense (ranked 5th) that leads the NFL with 30 interceptions this season. Warner is a savvy veteran quarterback with plenty of weapons and he'll have wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (13 touchdowns) available, but Anquan Boldin (84 receptions) could be a different story with a banged up ankle.

Bengals show very little in finale.....

Whether it was by design or not, the Bengals showed very little in their season finale against the Jets. The performance was so poor it could have many fantasy owners concerned about even considering any starters this weekend. Against the Jets stout defense the Bengals managed only 72 total nets yards, turned the ball over three times, and surrendered three sacks. With quarterback Carson Palmer going one for eleven passing and the offense mustering just five first downs, offense could be a problem on Saturday.

More fantasy Notes

"Inside the Matchups"

The Bengals could have a big problem on Saturday in their rematch with the Jets in the AFC Wildcard round of the playoffs. Last week shutdown corner Darrelle Revis (six interceptions) did a huge number on wide receiver Chad Ochocinco not allowing a single catch in five tries. Whether Ocho plays or not, the Bengals figure to half a tough time completing passes in the direction of Revis. Revis has been stellar all season up against the best and leads the NFL's number one ranked pass defense.

The Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (94 receptions) did not have a big season in the end zone, but he was consistent and one of quarterback Tony Romo's most reliable. Last week against the Eagles Witten was effective catching six passes for 76 yards, including a score. In his last five matchups with the Eagles Witten has been an effective target, so there's little doubt that Romo will be looking his way a great deal on Saturday night.

The Patriots may have suffered a big loss last Sunday with the injury to Wes Welker, but they will still have the NFL's 2007 MVP, quarterback Tom Brady. It was not a Brady-like season, but the Patriots quarterback still finished the year with strong numbers; 4,398 yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and 96.2 passer rating. With Welker out, it will be a lot of Randy Moss (13 touchdowns) and Julian Edelman (10 receptions last week) on Sunday against the Ravens 8th ranked pass defense.

By David Ortega

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

December 29th, 2009 9:37pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

Week 16

Ego's aside, the Vikings need to let Favre lead...

The proof is definitely in the pudding and if you cared to take a taste last night watching Monday night football, you would come to the same conclusion. The Vikings need to cater the offense around what Favre can do. In a methodical run first offensive approach the Vikings mounted no offensive threat; 82 total yards (53 rushing, 36 passing) and four first downs. In the second half the Vikings were a different team with more purpose led by Brett Favre. In the second half he led the team to 30 points, completing 21 of 31 passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns. Another big stat; first half rushing, 14 carries for 53 yards and second half rushing, 19 carries for 70 yards and two scores.

So much for poor play in December....

The Cowboys entered the month of December being highly criticized for their so-called past failures during the holiday season. And the one player being most scrutinized for these shortcomings was their quarterback Tony Romo. After dropping their first two games in December the critics were relentless, and Romo was caught in the middle, but he could hardly be faulted for poor play. Since the two losses the Cowboys rebounded with impressive wins over the Saints and Redskins. When you look over Romo's play the past month, seven touchdowns, 300 yards passing per game, and no turnovers he's been as good as good gets. He's been as big a reason for the Cowboys success this season and being in their current position. In their Week 17 season finale they'll face the Eagles for all the marbles; NFC East Division title and a shot at the second seed in the NFC (a first round bye). So much for Romo's poor play.

Riding Warner into the post season.....

The Cardinal's head coach Ken Whisenhunt may be conservative by nature coming from his early coaching roots in Pittsburgh, but he's no gambler. It appears he likes the sure thing like the rest of us. Against the Rams he let his veteran quarterback Kurt Warner sling the rock early and often to build the early lead. In the first half Warner tossed the pigskin 23 times for 216 yards and connected on two scores to put the Cards out front 17-0 at the half. With the big lead Warner only needed 15 passes in the second half, conversely the ground game was quiet with 13 runs in the first half and got most of its work in the second half (16 run plays). We'd expect to see more of this formula going into the post season.

More fantasy Notes

"Late Season Heroes"

With the chance to play more, the Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart has the most of his opportunity. With starter DeAngelo Williams (ankle) sidelined, Stewart has started the last two weeks and totaled 315 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdowns. He's also added four receptions for another 30 yards and a score. With a meaningless season finale it's hard to imagine Williams suiting up if his ankle is less than 100 percent, against the Saints (who may rest some starters) Stewart could have another field day.

The Cowboys may have found that missing piece that will help their passing game stay off the ground in the post season. Over the past five weeks Austin has returned to that form that burst onto the scene in weeks 5 & 7. In his last five games the Cowboys big play threat is averaging over seven catches and 110 yards per game with a total of four touchdowns. He's easily Romo's favorite downfield threat.

Jerome Harrison has emerged as a late season hero with his big performances over the past two weeks. The Browns running back has rushed for over 430 yards in his last two games as the team’s starter and added four touchdowns. While his big numbers have come against poor run defenses, the totals are still staggering and enough to move him (if he's the starter in Cleveland) up the rankings some for next season.

Continuing his bounce back season the Ravens tight end Todd Heap has really come on the last couple of weeks as a big-time red-zone target. In his last two games Heap has been targeted four times in the red-zone and has scored on all four plays. For the season Heap has 51 receptions, 551 yards receiving, and six touchdowns; all big improvements from last season. Expect to see his number called again on Sunday against the Raiders.

There's no question that one of this season's biggest late season hero has been the Chief's running back Jamaal Charles. For those owners that were lucky to nab him just before the fantasy playoffs, they were able to ride his hot foot right through their league post season. In weeks 14-16 (most fantasy leagues playoffs); Charles averaged 19 fantasy points (399 yards rushing, 76 yards receiving, & two rushing touchdowns). Not a bad late run for a backup running back when the season started.

By David Ortega

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”