FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 1st, 2011 Saturday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Austin close, but will miss Sunday
We already knew that Austin would be sitting this Sunday against the Lions, but its good news for fantasy owners to hear that he is getting close. Austin said he could play in week 5, if the Cowboys had a game. The bad news with him sitting, the boys will be short-handed again and could see a lot of the same (as we saw on Monday night) from their make-shift receiving corp; not good for quarterback Tony Romo fantasy owners.

Vick expecting to Play on Sunday
The Eagles dynamic quarterback announced earlier this week he will be on the playing field this Sunday despite all of his recent injuries; should fantasy owners be worried? The Niners are stingy against the run this season, so the Eagles will have to throw, but fortunately for Vick fantasy owners they do not do a great job at getting after the quarterback (they are OK). Also, an anemic 49er offense will allow the Vick and the Eagles to be patient with the run and pass.

Newton coming down to Earth?
It’s funny, after his astronomical start this season, the prospects of Cam Newton continuing his electrifying play look more and more difficult with each week. After his struggles last week (even though the Panthers won) against the Jaguars last Sunday, he will be facing a tough Bears defense (8 sacks this season) that could present a lot of problems for him in the pocket. With players like Urlacher and Briggs bringing the heat, Newton could be looking at a long day; owners may want to reconsider their options.

McNabb looking to get out of the Gate
The Vikings are 0-3 and quarterback Donovan McNabb has only thrown two touchdown passes in his three starts. If things don’t turn around soon for McNabb, he will soon find himself holding a clip-board on the sideline. Fortunately for McNabb and the Vikings they will get the Chiefs (ranked 30th against the pass) defense on Sunday, that have allowed 13 pass plays of 20 yards or more. This won’t guarantee a huge fantasy day for McNabb (look for other options), but success in the air could compliment a big day from the Vikings ground game.

Starks gearing up to start against the Broncos.
The Packers will be without running back Ryan Grant on Sunday when they host Denver, but they will have James Starks who will likely be the featured back in their ground game. Before fantasy owners jump on board the Starks bandwagon, they had better take a look at last Sunday’s matchup between the Broncos and Titans; CJ2K was limited to only 21 yards on 13 carries. Johnson may be feeling the hangover from his hold-out, but then Starks is no CJ2K. Starks should still produce decent numbers (65-75 yards on the ground), but if you are looking for a big game, you might want to look elsewhere.

By David Ortega

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

November 22nd, 2009 9:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

Keep track of which players are making noise

[fantasy points based on traditional scoring]

BRADY QUINN THROWS FOR A BUNCH...

The Browns saw a little of what they thought they were drafting a year ago in Brady Quinn on Sunday. Although it came at the expense of one of the leagues worst, fantasy owners will take it; Brady tossed four touchdowns and passed for 304 yards. (36 fantasy points)

MATT CASSEL LEADS THE CHIEFS....

The Chiefs pulled off a shocker on Sunday and the arm of Matt Cassel played a big part. Cassel completed only 15 passes, but it was enough for 248 yards, two scores, and of course the win in overtime. (19 fantasy points)

JASON SNELLING GETS CHANCE AND SCORES....

With both Turner and Norwood sidelined running back Jason Snelling had a rare opportunity to be productive. Snelling carried the ball 25 times for 76 yards, added 13 receiving yards, and scored two rushing touchdowns in a rare start. (20 fantasy points)

SIDNEY RICE CONTINUES TO SIZZLE FOR VIKES....

The Vikings receiver continues to have a big 2009 campaign. Following a big receiving day last week, Rice did not disappoint fantasy owners on Sunday catching six balls for 89 yards and two touchdowns. (20 fantasy points)

ALEX SMITH HAS BIG DAY IN LOSS....

With his team trailing most of the afternoon, Smith took advantage in the second half and led a mini charge. Trailing by as much as 30-10, Smith passed for almost all of his 227 yards and threw three second half touchdowns to make the game close at the end. (25 fantasy points)

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

KEVIN BURNETT LEADS THE BOLTS CHARGE....

The Chargers linebacker was a big IDP play on Sunday recording eight total tackles and registering two sacks on the afternoon.

MICHAEL BOLEY WRECKS HAVOC ON SUNDAY....

The Giants linebacker was a one man wrecking crew on Sunday against the Falcons. IDP owners had to be delighted with his 13 total tackles and two sacks effort in week 11.

LANCE BRIGGS BRINGS THE HEAT ON A COLD SUNDAY NIGHT....

The Bears playmaking linebacker, just kept making plays all evening. Briggs helped to keep this one interesting turning in an 11 total tackles and one sack effort in the losing cause.

By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more “Sunday Night FF Headlines!”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 8th, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

The 2009 NFL draft is approaching fast, but as there is so much to discuss concerning the two days in April, there's just as much taking place now to scrutinize. Player activity and movement continues to stir the pot and here's my take on the latest...

My Take...

WR TERRELL OWENS REPORTS FOR WORKOUTS
The Bills high-profile receiver, who normally works out with a personal trainer has reported to voluntary workouts with the team. It may be too early to read too deep into this one, but it definitely is a good sign for the Bills, quarterback Trent Edwards, and fantasy owners. T.O. is one of the hardest working players off-the-field and in the gym and he's still in great playing shape. This step toward bonding with his new team could be a good sign of big things to come in 2009.

RB BRIAN WESTBROOK IS "FEELING GOOD"
The Eagle's work-horse running back says he's feeling good and expects to be healthy and ready to go in 2009. Last season injuries impacted Westbrook's effectiveness and production, but even at less than 100% (missed two games) he was still able to run for more than 900-yards, catch 54 passes, and scored 14 touchdowns. When healthy, Westbrook is a dynamic skill player on offense and fantasy juggernaut, take note and heed his words, he's "feeling good."

OT WALTER JONES STILL REHABBING
The Seahawks offensive tackle coming off micro-fracture surgery on his left knee, has yet to be cleared to practice. At 35, Jones is at the tail end of his career where injuries typically play a big part. His absence will definitely be a cause for concern and have the team looking at addressing this specific need, especially as we get closer to the draft. Last season the Seahawks allowed 36 sacks and if Jones is unable to return from his serious knee injury the team will have to look at possible replacements in the draft.

QB MATTHEW STAFFORD COULD BE A LION
The word on the football street is the Lions are making plans to sign Georgia's quarterback Matthew Stafford. While this news could be very telling, the truth seems to be that the team is merely getting possible prospects lined up to sign prior to the draft. Stafford would seem to be the likely choice, but there is no guarantee that this is set.



IDP Notes:

Defense wins championships and knowing who is where and how they fit will be a key when selecting your IDP studs in your coming fantasy draft this summer. Just like their offensive brethren, there's more happening on the defensive side of the ball worth noting. Here's my take on the latest notes this week....

DL MARCUS STROUD SIGNS EXTENSION WITH BILLS
The Bills surprisingly gave their defensive lineman a two year extension, but fantasy owners will be hoping he can give something more in return in 2009. After battling through injuries in the 2006 and 2007 season, in 2008 Stroud returned to action but was not greatly impressive with just 29 solo tackles and just two sacks. This signing won't guarantee production for IDP owners, but is should guarantee that Stroud figures to play well into his 30's.

DL TANK JOHNSON TO SIGN WITH BENGALS
The troubled defensive lineman wasn't able to make things work in Dallas, so he'll try his luck in Cincinnati; home of the wayward son. Tank Johnson played in all 16 games in 2008 for the Cowboys, but started in just one and recorded only one sack. He's a long shot to have any kind of great impact in Cincinnati and he hasn't been a productive player on defense since his sophmore season in Chicago. IDP owners will want to avoid this pick in their coming drafts. The Bengals may be giving Tank another shot, but fantasy owners will want to "wait and see."

LB LANCE BRIGGS JOINS OFFSEASON PROGRAM
The Bear's linebacker had one of his best seasons in 2008 with 110 total tackles and three interceptions. Hoping to improve in 2009, Briggs will be participating in the team’s voluntary offseason program this week. The former Arizona Wildcat was the team's defensive MVP and best IDP stud. Even though he's not used much as a pass rusher, he's still a playmaking linebacker that can be very productive in fantasy.


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