FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 24th, 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 week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Brandon Jacobs is a go for Thursday….

The Giants running back has not been having quite the season fantasy owners had hoped for, but good news for Thursday night. Jacobs looks like he'll be a go and facing the Broncos he's going to have a great matchup. Jacobs has only rushed for 656 yards this season and three touchdowns, but the Broncos run defense over the past four weeks has been horrid allowing nearly 170-yards per game.

Warner bruised, but not broken….

The Cardinals quarterback suffered a mild concussion on Sunday against the Rams, but it sounds like he'll be a go for Sunday. Warner was knocked out of the game just before the end of the first half, but not before he rang up over 200-yards passing and two scores. This season Warner has passed for over 2,700 yards and 20 touchdowns, but he'll be facing a much improved Titan's defense (four sacks Monday night against Texans).

Cartwright looks fit to start Sunday….

With Clinton Portis already ruled out and Ladell Betts being injured on Sunday against the Cowboys, Cartwright becomes the man in D.C. Last Sunday Cartwright was effective out of the backfield catching seven passes and totaling 140 yards. He'll start Sunday against the Eagles, but should be a safe play in PPR leagues.

Rookie quarterback Matt Stafford unlikely….

With Stafford not practicing in a short week, it's highly unlikely fantasy owners will see him on Thursday against the Packers. Not only is this bad news for owners with Stafford coming off a huge 400-plus yards passing and five touchdown effort, but his absence will greatly affect the performance of wide receiver Calvin Johnson (if he plays). Without the rookie, Megatron (less than 100 percent) will be a very risky play against the Packs 7th ranked pass defense.

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

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

November 18th, 2009

Watercooler Chat

The Weekly Waiver Wire

Wayne "The Wire" Bosco

(Courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)

Always with the keen eye for talent or at least an opinion on something, Wayne is at the ready to lend a suggestion of a few fantasy gems that could become relevant this week in fantasy. Here are some of his Week 11 waiver wire darlings....

Week 10 Wire

If you missed the bus last week, you might have caught a break if fantasy owners were paying attention to the injury reports on running back Ladell Betts. Even with Portis listed as doubtful last week there were questions about Betts health and it wasn't until late in the week that he appeared a solid go for Sunday. Well there are no questions this week and after his Sunday performance against the Broncos, you had better be quick on the move to snag him off the wire this week.

Another new darling to add to your list this week comes from the St. Louis Rams, rookie wide receiver Brandon Gibson. Elevated into action beacuse of the injury to Keenan Burton last week, Gibson quickly made his presence felt catching seven balls for 93 yards. The Rams rookie was targeted frequently and appears to be in line to start Sunday. Facing an inconsistent Cardinals secondary that is ranked 30th, if Bulger is able to find time Gibson could be a nice pick up for week 11.

There aren't too many games this season that Browns running back Jamal Lewis is going to circle on his calendar, but Sunday could be one of the few. This week he and the Browns travel to Detroit to face the Lions and their 19th ranked defense that is allowing 4.7 yards per carry. Last Monday night the offense really struggled with Quinn returning under center, expect Mangini to lean heavily on the ground game to take some pressure off.

Waynes Word

Here's Wayne's word for the week. With Brian Westbrook down, but not out just yet the door has been swung wide open for rookie running back LeSean McCoy. The Eagles rookie runner has been more than a capable replacement when give the opportunity. In his last two starts for Philly McCoy has averaged 92 yards from scrimmage and this season he's carrying a four yard plus per carry average. McCoy also gives the team the versatility out of the backfield with 23 receptions this season. With Westy out for at least the next couple if not several weeks, McCoy is a nice replacement option and even has a little more value in PPR leagues.

Playing the Fantasy GM

(The GM Game)

Don-Pietro “The GM” Zamboni

Favre is a must-start...

Sometimes when you are the man in charge you just have to grab the reigns and make the call. One of those big decisions is to know when to sit a player and when to start a player, much like real coaches and GMs operate. When the season started many fantasy owners likely expected their week one or week two pick up of quarterback Brett Favre was more for insurance than anything else. Now that we are 10 weeks into the season, those owners are having to re-evaluate their rosters.

At 39 years of age it was conceivable to believe that Brett Favre's best days had past him and that even with a talented team like the Vikings he would only best serve as a fantasy back up. There must magic at 40, or 40 is really the new 30. Since turning 40 on October 10th, Favre has elevated his play. As of Oct 18th this season, in his last four starts the Vikings quarterback is averaging 300-yards passing per game and has throw eight touchdowns with only two turnovers.

In that span, Brett Favre is averaging 23 fantasy points per game, better than Drew Brees (18 pts/game), Peyton Manning (22 pts/game), and Matt Schaub (19 pts/game). As well as he is playing he should now be considered a number one fantasy quarterback and he's a must start. With a remaining schedule that includes; the Bears (16 passing touchdowns allowed) twice, the Cardinals (ranked 30th against the pass), the Seahawks (ranked 22nd), and the Bengals (ranked 21st) Favre is a must-start everyweek! Start him!

Check back every week for more Watercooler Chat!

By David Ortega

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

November 18th, 2009 10:30pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

What to Make of Week 10

The Colts defense could be in trouble

With Tom Brady making minced meat of the Colts secondary on Sunday night, you know opposing offensive coordinators were taking notes. With Joe Flacco (12 touchdowns) and Matt Schaub (17 touchdowns) next on the teams slate, the Colts look hard pressed to keep their unblemished record in tact. In the teams last two games the secondary has allowed 686 passing yards and four touchdown passes

LT and San Diego Charging Fast

After falling to the Broncos on Monday night about a month ago, the Chargers have reeled off four straight wins and are now tied with Denver at 6-3. Their most recent win on Sunday over the Philadelphia Eagles will set up a Sunday showdown with Denver at Invesco Field. The Chargers have been using a potented passing game led by quarterback Philip Rivers who has thrown nine touchdown passes during the streak.

Looking Under the Microscope

It's hardly rocket science figuring this one out, but last week when running back Ronnie Brown went out with injury his backup Ricky Williams stepped in. For most of the year it has been a one-two punch with Brown (648 yards, 8 touchdowns) landing most of the big blows. With Miami missing one phin, Williams powered the running game with 20 carries and 102 yards on the ground. As early as Wednesday afternoon it was reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter that Brown was placed on the injured reserve.

With Brown out, Williams nows moves into the number one position and for some fantasy owners a huge stroke of luck. Williams is hardly a second rate back and this season has shown he's got pleny left. When he gets the carries Ricky is averaging more than five yards a pop and his seven touchdowns show he's still got a nose for the goal line. This Thursday owners will get a big taste of what Ricky Williams will be cooking in the second half of the season when he faces the Panthers 25th ranked run defense.

More Fantasy Notes

With Clinton Portis ailing it appears fantasy owners can place their bets on the Redskins backup running back Ladell Betts. Last Sunday starting in place of the injured Portis, Betts carried the ball 26 times for 114 yards and a score. With Portis again highly doubtful and the Redskins traveling to Big D, expect to see more of Betts doing the same against a shaky Cowboys run defense. Although the Boys are ranked 10th against the run, they are allowing more than four yards a carry and Betts looks like he could be a beast heading into this one.

Over the past couple of weeks the Cardinal's potented passing attack has been getting healthier. With Larry Fitzgerald and Kurt Warner now starting to look more in sync the passing attack looks unstoppable. In the past two weeks Fitz has caught 16 passes for nearly 200 yards, while Warner has averaged 300 yards passing with seven touchdowns. Add to the mix a healthy Boldin (eight catches on Sunday) and the Cardinals are ready to fly away with the West.

Check back every week for more “Football Talk”

FSH: ON THE COVER

November 16th, 2009 9:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

All Betts are off

After their fast 6-0 start the Denver Broncos now face the possibility of losing their stronghold on the AFC West division with a huge week 11 matchup with bitter division rivals the San Diego Chargers.

It’s funny how fast things can change in the NFL, just three weeks ago coming off a Monday night win over the same Chargers, the Broncos were sitting atop the West with a three and a half game lead and facing a week seven bye.

With so much going in their direction there hardly seemed much for the Broncos to worry about, but that was nearly a month ago. Now three games later the Broncos are now tied with the Chargers because of a week 10 loss to the Washington Redskins.

On Sunday in D.C. even without injured running back Clinton Portis the Redskins rallied and found a way. With running back Ladell Betts pounding the Broncos run defense for 114 yards rushing, Washington racked up over 170 yards on the ground on their way to a surprising 27-17 upset over Denver.

The win for Washington was only it’s third this season, but the loss for McDaniels and company was also their third and they are now tied with identical 6-3 records with San Diego. The Broncos now have a divisional showdown next Sunday at Invesco field at Mile High against the Chargers with first place in the division on the line.

Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 15th, 2009 - 7:47Am PST

SUNDAY GAME-TIME

JETS LINEBACKER LISTED AS DOUBTFUL...

Linebacker Vernon Gholston did not participate Friday in practice and is listed as doubtful for today. Head coach Rex Ryan confirmed the linebacker is "very doubtful" to go today.

FALCONS RECEIVER WILL GO TODAY....

According to Adam Schefter via Twitter, the Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (knee) will play today despite the nagging knee injury that has him limited in practice.

COLTS ROOKIE NOT ON INJURY REPORT....

It appears rookie running back Donald Brown looks a go for Sunday. His name did not appear on the team's official week 10 injury report.

PANTHERS RUNNING BACK EXPECTED TO BE GAME-TIME....

Running back DeAngelo Williams (knee) is expected to be a game-time decision today. According to NFL Network's Jason LaConfora the Panthers won't know until pregame warm-ups.

BETTS WILL START TODAY AGAINST BRONCOS....

According to Jason LaConfora via Twitter, the Redskins running back LaDell Betts (ankle) will start today for the injured Clinton Portis against the Broncos.

WESTBROOK SAYS HE'S "READY-TO-GO"....

The Eagles running back Brian Westbrook (concussion, ankle) declared himself ready for Sunday following Friday's practice and even received an endorsement from head coach Andy Reid who said Westbrook is "playing."

SAINTS SAFETY QUESTIONABLE TODAY…..

Darren Sharper has a sprained MCL and is questionable for today against the Rams. According to the NFL Network Sharper will test the knee in pregame, but did not sound to confident about playing giving himself a 40-60 chance.

Check back every Sunday for more "Game-Time"....

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 24th, 2009 9:30pm 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...

TE OWEN DANIELS ABSENT FROM MANDATORY CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The Texan’s playmaking tight end is looking to sign a new deal. He’s signed his one year tender, but apparently is willing to sit out to get his new deal. Daniels is one of the leagues up and coming pass receiving tight ends. Over the past two seasons he has caught 133 passes and is easily becoming a fantasy favorite. The Texans are likely to get a deal done soon, but it might cost Daniels some pocket change.

TE GREG OLSEN WORKING WELL THIS OFFSEASON
My Fantasy Read: The word out of the Bear’s camp is the former Miami Hurricane (Olsen) and his new quarterback is developing quite a rapport. Olsen is easily one of the teams more skilled receivers and it’s no surprise Cutler is building chemistry with his tight end. The Bear’s offense is not likely to duplicate the 2008 Broncos, but Olsen could be looking at a big 2009 campaign and will be highly sought after in fantasy drafts this summer.

RB LADELL BETTS FIGURES PROMINANTLY IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: In some recent posts on the wire, it appears the Redskins are going to try and get Betts more involved in 2009. It’s no surprise considering the amount of work Portis has seen in recent years and how he broke down some last season. Betts has had only 197 touches the last two seasons after totaling nearly 300 in 2006 (Portis was injured in 06). Betts is more than a capable backup and could still a considerable amount of work from Portis, making him worth drafting in fantasy leagues this summer.

RB CORRELL BUCKHALTER SHOWING SOME BURST
My Fantasy Read: There is no clear read coming out of the Bronco’s backfield just yet, although the rookie would seem to be the most appealing option, but it seems the former Eagle is drawing much praise showing lots of burst this offseason. This may bode well for Buckhalter who is likely to assume the same type of role in Denver that he had in Philly (playing behind Westbrook). The Bronco’s have a host of options currently and it’s very likely their running game could be by committee, limiting any value Buckhalter might have

WR DENNIS NORTHCUTT BEING PERMITTED TO SHOP
My Fantasy Read: In non-relevant fantasy news, the agent of Dennis Northcutt confirmed his client has been given permission to seek a trade. Apparently the Jaguars are not too interested in retaining Northcutts’ services and it’s likely few other teams will be. It’s very likely Northcutt will ultimately just be released by the Jags. He could eventually latch on somewhere, but he’s not likely to have any fantasy impact at least at the start of the 2009 season.


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