FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

April 5th, 2010 9:37pm PST

[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

A shake up in the East

Head Coach Mike Shanahan is wasting little time making his presence felt known in the NFL. The former head coach of the Denver Broncos returned to the league this offseason as the new head coach of the Washington Redskins and in a very short time he is doing his best to shake things up in the NFC East.

On Easter Sunday ESPN's very own Adam Schefter broke the story that the Eagles had traded their Pro Bowl quarterback Donovan McNabb to division rival Washington. The Eagles will receive draft picks in exchange for their former signal caller. With the arrival of McNabb Shanahan is quickly building a fantasy roster that includes recently acquired RB Willie Parker, RB Clinton Portis, RB Larry Johnson, WR Santana Moss, and TE Chris Cooley.

With Shanahan's pedigree to build an offense, it's easy to imagine many of the players elevating their fantasy value this summer and in the 2010 season. The biggest difference will undoubtedly be the acquisition of McNabb under center. The presence of the six-time Pro Bowler gives the Redskins a bona fide and proven commodity at quarterback, something their offense has lacked the past several seasons.

McNabb brings with him the experience of a winner and solid numbers to back it; since 2005 he has thrown 82 touchdowns to 34 interceptions while passing for 13,442 yards. Since 2006 the Redskins starter last season Jason Campbell has thrown 55 touchdowns to 38 interceptions while passing for 10, 860 yards. The move is a huge upgrade for the Redskins offense, but you would have to question the Eagle's motive for making the deal.

With the season vet arriving to town, if you are in the Jason Campbell corner you might be thinking new team colors this season. It's hard to imagine Campbell taking too fondly to the role of back-up entering his sixth season, but with McNabb entering his 12th season how long would he really have to wait. Campbell's conundrum has been the continual changing of the offensive guard in town; four systems in four seasons and now the Shanahan Era has begun (the one with the most promise).

An interesting dilemma if you are the Redskin's front office having two starters, but where to go from here remains to be seen. McNabb will hardly lose any fantasy value making the transition from Philly to DC, but if Campbell remains’ in town as Donovan's successor he'll have very little value to the fantasy world (except as insurance for D-Mac).

Fantasy Notes

The Impact:
With Donovan McNabb calling the signals in a Mike Shanahan system, tight end Chris Cooley figures to make the greatest leap. Two seasons ago Cooley finished with 83 catches and if you remember former Bronco's tight end Shannon Sharpe enjoyed great success during the Shanahan days in Denver.

Santana Moss has a chance to be a solid number two fantasy receiver, but he will need a lot of help on the other side. Currently the Redskins have Malcolm Kelly or Devin Thomas slated opposite Moss. A move in the draft or the acquisition of a seasoned wideout would make sense (Hello Mr. Owens).

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more.....

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

October 30th, 2009 11:55pm Pst

WATERCOOLER CHAT

The Weekly Waiver Wire

Wayne “The Wire” Bosco
(Courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)

Even though we have reached Week 8 there’s no need to panic, as long as Wayne “the Wire” is working overtime relief is on its’ way. Last Sunday there was plenty of let down with some of last weeks waivering choices, but with a whole new slate of games this weekend Wayne’s got the scoop on a few options off the wire.

Again fantasy owners are going to have to manage the bye week with players like Chad Ochocinco, Tom Brady, and Big Ben on siesta. With the well running dry and most of the stones over-turned, owners can still find a couple of plays for Week 8 to fill their vacancies.

So once again grab a cold one (better make it two) and take note of these week 8 Waiver Wire options;


Week Eight

On Sunday the Jaguars will roll into Tennessee with the memory of a week 4 throttling over the Titans. The Jags passing fired on all cylinders and took advantage of a severely handicapped secondary. Even though Tennessee will have the services of Courtland Finnegan back, I like wide receiver Torry Holt this week. There's no doubt Finnegan is going to have hbis hands full with Sims-Walker, so expect to see Holt roaming free from time-to-time. Holt and his quarterback are developing a great rapport and over his last two games he's seen 21 balls in his direction. Holt has lost a step and he is no number one fantasy receiver, but this week he should be a good start.

Whenever you have a player matching up with the Rams, they instantly become a consideration. In seven games this season the Rams have allowed a 100-yard rusher twice with Ryan Grant missing that plateau by one yard. This week running back Kevin Smith will get his shot. Smith has not been particularly successful this season with the Lions typically falling behind, but this Sunday they should be able to stay with the run longer than usual. Smith has also shown his versatility as a pass receiver with 20 receptions this season. The Lion's running back may not hit the century mark on the ground, but he should easily total 100 yards on Sunday and find the endzone at least once.

With the well drying up these days there doesn’t seem to be much left, but if you look at the bottom you might find the Eagles rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin available as a waiver option this week. He’ll face a tough Giant’s defense on Sunday, but one that has had its’ struggle with the pass game the past couple of weeks. With a lot of attention being focused on receiver DeSean Jackson, Maclin could see some favorable coverage and with his steady diet of seven targets per game he could be very productive. The Giants have been burned deep quite a bit in recent weeks and Maclin has already shown some big play capability. Consider the rookie a nice fill in option to get through the week 8 byes.

“Wayne’s Word”

This week’s word for the week is David Garrard. With the Jaguars playing the Titans on Sunday, it’s hard to ignore what Garrard did in week 4; 300-yards passing, three touchdowns. Tennessee is a little healthier this time around, but not much better off than their previous matchup with Jacksonville. Garrard will have his full compliment of weapons, Jones-Drew, Sims-Walker, and Holt and with the Titans making a change at quarterback that could mean better field position. Garrard is still available in quite a few leagues and should make a healthy fill-in for Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and Carson Palmer fantasy owners.

Playing Fantasy GM.

Don-Peitro “The GM” Zamboni

Cut your losses now
Sometimes you just have to know when to call it a day and cut your losses. In the case of running back Larry Johnson, not performing on the field and now in hot water off the field; it’s time to go.

The GM Game

You’re always going to have those players you drafted with a lot of question and concern surrounding their fantasy value. When the season opened, players like LaDanian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, and Terrell Owens were going to be drafted based on their historical merit. Like Owens and Tomlinson, Johnson was not taken as high as in the past, but he was drafted much higher than he is performing. With so much value vested in this player, what’s a fantasy GM to do?

Hardly Worth the Risk….

With LJ we knew he’d be a risky play in 2009. During the offseason there was plenty of talk about trade or even release, but by the same token he was just two seasons removed from back-to-back 1,700-yard rushing seasons. From a fantasy perspective, before the 2009 campaign began, it appeared he had mended some of the fences and was ready to play. Here we are seven weeks in and our fears are realized; it just doesn’t fit. Johnson is not going to flourish in Haley’s offense and true to form, he doesn’t know how to stay out of his own way. Recent tweets and comments made to the media have the Chiefs running back in deep water, currently suspended, and the way things look likely unemployed. There are not too many teams that want to deal with this headache, fantasy owners can do themselves a favor by addressing the inevitable and clearing roster space now. Jamal Charles is no LJ, but he’s a better fit in the spread style offense head coach Todd Haley likes and as the team’s number one he should be more effective as a fantasy back.

Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

October 11th, 2009 7:27am PST

Sunday Morning Gametime

What’s the Latest
[ News and Notes]

Galloway to be inactive today against Broncos….
ESPN is reporting wide receiver Joey Galloway will be inactive. For fantasy owners not much concern there, Galloway has yet to find a rhythm with quarterback Tom Brady, but this move would also indicate Wes Welker is likely to go…..

Johnson could be fantasy sleeper today.…
The Chief’s running back has been seeing a steady diet of 20 touches per game the last three weeks. Today Johnson will face the Cowboys

Moreno could see a lot of work against the Patriots…..
The Bronco’s as a team are averaging 32 rushing attempts per game in 2009. Today rookie running back Knowshon Moreno (60 carries) will get the start with running back Correll Buckhalter ruled OUT…….

Hasselbeck is likely to play today against Jaguars…
The Seahawks quarterback practiced this week and is expected to play today, but could be a big risk if he suffers any kind of big hits today. Owners might be wise to look for better options…..

No Jones or Williams today for Cowboys….
With both running back Felix Jones and wide receiver Roy Williams OUT today, backups Tashard Choice and number two receiver Patrick Crayton could play bigger roles today against the Chiefs……

Steelers running back Mendenhall to start again….
With Willie Parker ruled OUT today, second year runner Rashard Mendenhall’s get the start today. Facing a mediocre Lion’s run defense, Mendenhall could be in line for another big day……

Finnegan questionable tonight, likely game-time….
With the Titan’s secondary banged up, they need Finnegan back for tonight’s matchup with the pass-happy Colts. The Colts are putting the ball up with great frequency this season, meaning Titan safety Chris Hope could be in line for a big day…..

Culpepper expected to start against Steelers….
Going up against the Steelers today, Culpepper has very little fantasy value as a starter. The Steeler’s defense has not been dominant against the pass, but with Culpepper’s tendency to hold the ball the Steelers could greatly improve on their eight sacks for the season…..

Check back every week for more “Sunday Morning Gametime”

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (CARRYING THE LOAD)

October 9th, 2009 10:37pm PST

THE FANTASY FIXX

Carrying the Load: Week Five

With so many teams employing the dreaded running back by committee, it becomes difficult to determine if there are any featured backs left and even trickier to decide is if either committee-back is truly worth a weekly start. These are never easy questions to answers, but with a little research, the proof is always in the numbers.

While his numbers have not been solid this season, make no mistake at least for the time being Kevin Smith is the featured running back in Detroit. His 93 touches ranks fourth this season and his three rushing touchdowns have kept him a decent fantasy start this season.

Running out of option in your backfield, consider a back like Ricky Williams. Over in Miami, while Ronnie Brown takes the brunt of the load running the ball, Williams is still seeing his fair share of work with 61 touches this season.

Thus far is this early season, we haven’t seen the production you would expect from an elite runner, but there’s no question Steven Jackson is getting all the chances to breakout. Through the first four weeks this season he leads all running backs with 103 plays. He’s had some good production this season, but faces a stiff test against the Vikings on Sunday. One important thing to note; if he stays healthy and keeps getting the rock, he’s eventually going to get numbers and better later than sooner.

The Busy man….

Last Sunday in his first start as a rookie running back Glenn Coffee saw plenty of opportunity with 31 touches. In his past two games Coffee has been the primary option in 57 plays and this week could see him featured as much against the Falcons 25th ranked run defense. Coffee has only averaged 64 yards on the ground the past two weeks, but Sunday he’ll see a defense that is allowing 4.7 yards per rushing attempt.

It’s still unknown if running back Jamal Lewis will be available on Sunday, but backup Jerome Harrison is seeing plenty of action in his absence. In Harrison’s past two starts for the Brown’s he’s had a total of 59 plays and totaled 237 yards of offense. With Lewis a big question mark, Harrison is in line to see plenty of work against the Bills 27th ranked run defense.

Despite the recent success of Raven’s running back Willis McGahee (7 total touchdowns) coming off the bench, normal starter Ray Rice continues to carry most of the load and be a safe option. This season Rice has seen 73 plays in four games and is averaging 107 yards of offense per game. With his six yards per carry average ranking him near the top in the league and 16 receptions this season, Rice’s great versatility makes it easier for the Ravens to put the ball in his hands.

Their time could be coming…

With his first career start expected this Sunday against the Patriots, rookie running back Knowshon Moreno looks primed for his time to come now. Normally splitting carries in the Denver backfield, Moreno has been limited to 64 plays in four games. With starter Correll Buckhalter sidelined, it appears the rookie is in line to see an increase in his workload this week.

It’s no secret that the Chiefs running back Larry Johnson has fallen for favor with fantasy owners, but despite his unimpressive start this season, something should be noted. Johnson ranks in the top 10 this season with 82 plays and in his last three starts he’s averaged 23 plays. If L.J. has anything left, he’s getting plenty of opportunity to show it and Sunday he’ll face the Cowboy’s 18th ranked run defense.

It hasn’t been a great start this season for running back Ryan Grant with only 257 yards rushing and a 3.8 yards per carry average. For the moment nothing has been attributed to his slow start, other than just not finding the holes. He may not be seeing the creases just yet, but Grant is getting plenty of opportunity to look with 78 plays this season. So long as the Packers keep feeding Grant the ball, he should eventually produce.

The Most Utilized

Plays included running or catching the ball, as well as being the intended receiver of a pass. Here is the breakdown for fantasy running backs logging the most work (plays) and staying busy this season;

Through four weeks:

Top-30 Running backs (Plays)

Rk Player Team………………….Plays
1 Steven Jackson, RB, STL..……103
2 Fred Jackson, RB, BUF ……….…95
3 Cedric Benson, RB, CIN…….…..94
4 Kevin Smith, RB, DET………..….93
5 Adrian Peterson, RB, MIN….….92
6 Chris Johnson, RB, TEN………..90
7 Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, JAX.89
8 Matt Forte, RB, CHI……………...87
9 Brandon Jacobs, RB, NYG……..86
10 Larry Johnson, RB, KC..…….….82
11 Ronnie Brown, RB, MIA………..80
12 Ryan Grant, RB, GB..………….…78
13 Clinton Portis, RB, WAS………..78
14 Steve Slaton, RB, HOU………….75
15 Ray Rice, RB, BAL..………………73
16 Glen Coffee, RB, SF…….……….69
17 Julius Jones, RB, SEA………….69
18 Michael Turner, RB, ATL………67
19 Joseph Addai, RB, IND.…………66
20 Jerome Harrison, RB, CLE……66
21 Knowshon Moreno, RB, DEN...64
22 Thomas Jones, RB, NYJ………..64
23 Darren McFadden, RB, OAK.….61
24 Leon Washington, RB, NYJ…...61
25 Ricky Williams, RB, MIA.……….61
26 Reggie Bush, RB, NO…………….59
27 Darren Sproles, RB, SD………….59
28 Tim Hightower, RB, ARI………..57
29 Willie Parker, RB, PIT……………56
30 DeAngelo Williams, RB, CAR…54

Check back every week for more “Fantasy Fixx”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

July 29th, 2009 11:30pm 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 ANQUAN BOLDIN REPORTS TO CARDS CAMP
My Fantasy Read: Following the advice of his new representation, the Cardinal’s disgruntled receiver showed no signs of such and reported to camp on Wednesday. With Boldin in camp it appears likely there will be no hold-out and the stud receiver should be back to work as usual opposite the explosive Mr. Fitzgerald. Boldin is going to drop slightly outside the top ten in some rankings, but in Arizona he’ll be a solid fantasy play in 2009.

RB LARRY JOHNSON WILL REPORT TO CAMP ON TIME
My Fantasy Read: Reports are the Chiefs troublesome running back Larry Johnson will report on time to camp on Friday. It also appears Johnson is excited about being with the team, although in a new system his role could change. Chan Gaily and Todd Haley are expected to run a more spread offense making Johnson a darkhorse sleeper candidate this season. If Sir Larry stays in KC this season, fantasy owners could be quickly reminded of his 104 catches from 2005-2007.

WR DARIUS HEYWARD-BEY A RAIDER NO-SHOW
My Fantasy Read: As if injury wasn’t enough to slow the progress of the Raiders prized rookie, but now a hold-out he’s sure to fall further behind the curve. There were some doubters regarding the Raiders huge leap with taking Heyward-Bey so high in the draft. Even SI’s Peter King suggests that Heyward-Bey seems like a boom or bust. We would have to say he’s starting to have all the makings of a bust this season.

QB BRETT FAVRE SAYS NO FOR THE TIME BEING?
My Fantasy Read: So the official unofficial report is Brett Favre will stay retired, at least for the moment. What would a Favre story be without a twist? So the latest is he’s not joining the Vikings at this time, so the team will move on with Rosenfels and Jackson. But, the word out of Mississippi is Mr. Favre will continue to throw. As long as there is activity this story won’t die, but fantasy owners shouldn’t even touch it with a tenth-round fantasy pick.


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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 30th, 2009 8:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

OTAs continue around the league as some old faces in new places make an impact. This is just some of the current happenings from around league this week as I try to break down some of it with my take on things …..

My Take...

WR TERRELL OWENS IMPRESSIVE WITH HIS NEW TEAM
My Fantasy Read: Is it really a surprise to hear how good Terrell Owens is looking in camp? The former Cowboy receiver works as hard as any player in the league with conditioning and keeping his body at peak performance. The word at the moment is T.O. is make superb catches and showing his great burst. There’s definitely a lot of promise there, but he and quarterback Trent Edwards have a ways to go, before fantasy owners will buy off Owens as a top fantasy pick in coming drafts.

WR MARVIN HARRISON DRAWING INTEREST FROM TAMPA
My Fantasy Read: The former Colts receiver would be entering his 14th season in the league, if he plays this season. After Antonio Bryant, the Bucs are very thin at wideout and Harrison could be key in helping develop some of the team’s younger talent. If Harrison does sign, he’s not likely to generate enough fantasy interest playing on a team that could feature a rookie starter or Luke McCown under center.

RB LARRY JOHNSON WORKING HARD TO KEEP JOB
My Fantasy Read: There’s going to be a lot of speculation surrounding the future of the Chiefs star running back Larry Johnson as training camp approaches. At the moment Johnson is doing all the right things on the field to impress the coaches and possible keep his spot on the roster. With fantastic runs during recent OTA practices, Johnson is turning the heads of his coaches, but he’ll have to do a lot more if he’s going to be there in August. He still remains a risky fantasy option in most drafts.

RB LAURENCE MARONEY FIELDING KICKOFFS FOR PATS
My Fantasy Read: There are recent reports circulating out of New England that indicate running back Laurence Maroney is returning kicks again. It makes sense with Hobbs gone that the team would ask Maroney to fill this position (one he held in the past). Maroney was a disappointment a year ago with an injury-filled 2008 season, but his new role won’t earn him any new takers in fantasy drafts. It looks like Maroney may fall down the backfield depth chart, limiting his fantasy value for this coming season.

TE RANDY MCMICHEAL HEALTHY AND HAPPY IN ST.LOUIS
My Fantasy Read: With a new system in place, a west coast system, a healthy Randy McMichael is smiling in St. Louis. The Rams tight end had struggled in the previous two seasons (missed 12 games in 2008 due to injury) in the old system. With a new west coast system in place, the talented but underachieving tight end could possibly emerge as one of the leagues more productive options; something that fantasy owners have been looking for from him since 2004 season (caught 73 passes for 791-yards).


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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

May 11th, 2009 9:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Notes

The Wait and See

The offseason has been anything but quiet this year, especially now with the whole Favre saga starting up again. Fortunately for those that enjoy controversy this one will make good sports chatter at the local bars, but Favre is not the only unfinished story worth noting.

With the Super Bowl months old and the NFL draft complete, teams are now focused on business at hand; mandatory minicamps, long-term deals, and getting the rest of their players on the field. There remain a handful of players that not only fans will be watching with great interest, but owners could be considering their futures with the team over the next couple of months.

In Arizona, wide receiver Anquan Boldin is still sitting on the fence. Many felt that the team would be inclined to deal him prior to the draft and while things have seemed to have cooled off, he’s still a possibility to be dealt.

The Panthers are not without their own stigma. A one-time dominant defensive end Julius Peppers (albeit he’s still very good) is an unhappy camper in the Carolina state and could be looking to change scenery. What will be interesting is if the Panthers oblige and what they can get in return. Before the draft sure would have made better sense. The team might have been able to parlay a few picks to fill the huge void that would be left.

We are still watching the goings on in Kansas City these days. With Larry Johnson on his best behavior, there’s still no guarantee that the team won’t release him. With nothing to lose, that could happen any day, but the thing to watch will be rumors of any free agent running backs coming to town for a visit. It hasn’t happened yet, but the “Edge” (Edgerrin James) is still unemployed.

Besides the former Cardinal’s runner (James), there remain a few names that could become hot topics over the next several weeks. Jason Taylor could be the next player we’re hearing about with rumors of the Patriots showing interest. There’s also Marvin Harrison, who does not sound like he’s ready for retirement.

A couple of other names that come to my mind that I believe will play in 2009 (but not necessarily with their current teams) and that fantasy folks may want to watch; Thomas Jones, Willis McGahee, Warrick Dunn, Drew Bennett, and DJ Hackett. I’m not going out on any limbs with predictions, but one of these or more than one of these players could find relevance somewhere this offseason.

Like the boys sitting in limbo, with all these players we’ll just have to wait and see!

By David Ortega

Check out more “Sunday Night Football Notes” every week!

FSH: JUST TALKIN SOME FOOTBALL

April 29th, 2009 10:30pm PST


Just Talkin Sum Football….
[My Take]

Edgerrin released: Where to Now?

(Photo by Matt York/ AP)

According to the Arizona Republic, on Tuesday Edgerrin James was released by the Cardinals. Certainly this takes no one by surprise. As far back as last season when James was replaced in the starting lineup by running back Tim Hightower, many speculated 2008 would be Edge’s last season in the desert. Even James knew that much. The move will save the team $5 million of cap space.

When the post-season ended for the Card’s it was highly speculated that the team would eventually release James, but few figured it come after the draft. So hearing this news becomes less of a shock for any football prognosticator and analyst, but where he ends up could be open to much debate.

(Photo by Getty Images)

With James now on the free market, there will be a few teams taking a look and by the sounds of it, he’s already drawing some interest. At 30 years of age (he’ll turn 31 in August) there’s not going to be too many landing spots offering him a starting gig, but it’s certainly possible he could find work as a back-up.

There is however one destination I could see James finding, where a starting gig could be waiting; Kansas City. Like the Cards, the Chiefs are still holding a rather expensive commodity in their backfield and could be looking to part ways soon.

Troubled star running back Larry Johnson is at the end of his welcome rope in KC and now that James is available, that could be all the Chiefs and head coach Todd Haley needs to make this move. Remember James played for Haley in Arizona.

What makes sense here to me, the reason Johnson is not gone yet, before the draft the Chiefs only had L.J. sharing a backfield with a handful of undersized running backs (Charles & Savage). The team still has Kolby Smith and did draft Javarris Williams (a rookie from a small school-Tennessee State), but neither of these two are familiar with the new offense.

Earlier this offseason, the Chiefs won a grievance against Johnson that basically opened the door to his release from the team without any cap hits. What has likely stopped the team from making this move is the lack of better options in the backfield.

Without Johnson, the teams lacks an inside runner that can handle the punishment. Smith may get a shot this offseason to earn some carries and with Williams likely a long shot to even make the team as a seventh round pick, the choices are far and few between. Charles and Savage have quickness and speed to bounce it outside, but both backs are too small to be everydown runners.

James is familiar with Haley’s system and can give the Chiefs a larger inside runner it will need in the red-zone and for short yardage. Charles and Savage, with their smaller sizes and quickness would give the team a needed change of pace.

The biggest invitation to making this move today is the price tag. James, now a free agent would likely come with a huge discount, while L.J. still commands a rather hefty salary (nearly $4 million in 2009). Unless Johnson is willing to renegotiate, this far-fetched idea may start to look very good, very quickly to the Chiefs front office.

These are just my thoughts, while we’re talking some football, but why not?

Check back everyday for more football!