FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (STUDS AND DUDS)

October 21st, 2009 10:37pm PST

Earners and Bums
(Studs & Duds)

Don ‘Shula’ Lombardi
“The Collector”
(courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)

With six weeks of the 2009 fantasy football season complete, it’s time again for “The Collector” to take his weekly stroll along Fantasy Football Boulevard to see who is earning their keep and who needs a swift kick in the behind.

The Collector knows who your every week cash-cows (Brees, Brady, Peterson) are; they’re going to have their great weeks and those not so great weeks, but after checking the books and tallying the weekly balance sheets it’s time to once again see who this weeks Earners (Studs) are and who are the Bums (Duds)


The Earners (Studs)
(Note: Not your normal stars/check the wire. Min 16 fantasy points)


The Viking’s quarterback Brett Favre is quickly becoming a huge cash cow with 278 passing yards and three touchdowns (12 touchdowns in 2009) in week six. (29 fantasy points)

The Bronco’s quarterback Kyle Orton keeps the money coming in with 229 yards passing and two touchdowns in week six. (22 fantasy points)

The Panther’s second running back Jonathan Stewart brought home the bacon last Sunday with 17 carries for 110 yards rushing and a touchdown. (15 fantasy points)

The Patriot;s running back Laurence Maroney scored some big green on Sunday with 123 yards rushing and a 45-yard touchdown scamper. (19 fantasy points)

The Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice was the big man on campus last Sunday with a jail-break performance catching six passes for 176 yards receiving. (17 fantasy points)

The Giant’s rookie wide receiver Hakeem Nicks cashed in big last Sunday catching five passes for 114 yards with a touchdown. (17 fantasy points)

The Bronco’s tight end Tony Scheffler racked in big green this past Monday night catching six passes for 101 yards receiving and a touchdown. (16 fantasy points)

The Bums (Duds)
(Note: We expect more from these guys/be careful starting. Less than 5 fantasy points)

The Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck coming off a great week five was not-so-great last weekend completing only 10 passes and not throwing a touchdown. (zero fantasy points)

It’s not that so much is expected of the rookie Mark Sanchez, but no one should ever be this bad, 10 of 29 passing and five interceptions. (minus six fantasy points)

The Giant’s running back Brandon Jacobs disappears in Sunday’s ambush and brings home empty pockets with just 33 yards rushing. (3 fantasy points)

The Steeler’s former starting running back Willie Parker struggles in week six with just seven carries for 26 yards with a fumble. (zero fantasy points)

The Seahawk’s wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh was almost M.I.A. on Sunday finishing with just four catches for 34 yards receiving. (3 fantasy points)

The Bill’s wide receiver Terrell Owens was a non-factor and disappointment on Sunday finishing the day with only three catches for 13 yards. (one fantasy point)

The Jet’s tight end Dustin Keller could not connect with his quarterback much on a Windy Sunday in the Meadowlands; he finished with two catches and 16 yards. (one fantasy point)

[based on traditional fantasy scoring]

By David Ortega


Check back for more weekly “Earners and Bums"

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

October 21st, 2009 9:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

The Weekly Waiver Wire


Wayne “The Wire” Bosco

(Courtesy of the Fantasy Football Gang)

The Bye weeks continue in the NFL and the Waiver Wire just keeps getting busy. As the fantasy football season progresses, you weekly moves take on more importance; your studs are on the bye, your lineup is depleted and you need some serious help. Never fear because Wayne is always here to lend a helping hand, offer some good advice or just take up 10-15 minutes of your day with some senseless rants about a few guys he believes may have something to say this week!

So once again grab a cold one (better make it two) and tae a lot of notes, and just remember Wayne is working hard, so you don’t have to and because he’s got nothing better to do!

Week Seven

After spending the first five weeks of the season dormant, the Saints wide receiver Lance Moore has awaken from his slumber. Slowed by injuries, Moore has played very little in 2009 missing a few games and being limited, but on Sunday it was a different story. Finally looking healthy Moore resembled more of his 2008 self catching six passes for 78 yards, including a 12-yard score. With the Saints flying high and Brees getting the ball to everyone, Moore looked very good on Sunday and could be one of those options down the road with a big game here and there. He’s definitely going to figure into the Saints passing attack and if available needs to be on someone’s roster.

With the Panther’s return to doing what they do best, run the ball running back Jonathan Stewart will figure into this equation. Last week against the Buccaneers Stewart saw his fair share of carries with 17. He gained 110 yards on the ground and scored a rushing touchdown. With the inconsistent play from the passing game it's safe to expect the Panthers to run the ball. As long as Carolina is committed to the run, expect Stewart to have good value always with plenty of chances to score. Coming off the injury bug Stewart should be available and would be a good bye week fill-in.

The Raiders have had more than their share of offensive woes in this young season, but just last Sunday there was a ray of some hope. With injuries sidelining Darren McFadden, running back Justin Fargas has had opportunity this season. This past week Fargas earned 23 carries and totaled 98 yards. In one game Fargas doubled his carries for the season and with the Raiders in search of any kind of offense, expect head coach Tom Cable to start with Fargas. The former SC Trojan running back is not going to blow up, but he's a solid runner and a decent fill-in to cover a bye or injury.

When Fred Taylor went down, the Patriots turned to Sammy Morris, now that Morris is down they'll look to running back Laurence Maroney. In his first extended action of the season or the past decade (injured in 2008) or so Maroney jumped all over the chance and made the most of his time in the spotlight. As the team’s featured snowplowing machine this past Sunday Maroney touched the ball 19 times and totaled 133 yards of offense. With numbers like this the Patriots will more than likely stay with the hot hand and keep feeding the horse. With the schedule sitting right in the middle of the byes, Maroney becomes an appealing fill-in option with the Bucs up next.

“Wayne’s Word”

Enough with the running back theme, looking for a hot tip or just some helpful advice, either way Wayne has the latest insight for this week. Another worthy spot where you can find some good help is the tight end position and with this week’s hottest pickup Wayne offers you these words;

Over the past several weeks the Vikings tight end Visanthe Shiancoe has quickly become quarterback Brett Favre’s most reliable target. Shiancoe is not being heavily targeted, but he’s not dropping many of Favre’s rockets. In the past three weeks the tight end has seen 11 passes thrown his direction and he’s managed to snag everyone; more importantly he’s making the most of his opportunities. Shiancoe has four touchdown receptions in his last three games and has five for the season. With Favre spreading the ball so well, expect him to keep looking for Shiancoe in the critical moments and in scoring position. As long as Shiancoe remains a favorite of Favre’s his numbers figure to improve. His fantasy scoring for the past three games is 7-points, 10-points, and 16-points.

Playing the Fantasy GM

Don-Pietro "The GM" Zamboni

Trade’em away or cut your ties
With the season one third of the way in, it’s time to start shaping your team for it’s championship run; and that means time to trim the fat. After six weeks of football we’ve seen plenty to know what needs to be done. You have a few studs that still have some appeal, but it looks like they could be heading for a cooling trend. Before their plate cools off, it’s time to make a move and trade away your stud for some potential upside that could come into play when the stretch run starts.

The GM Game
When the 2009 season opened up running backs Fred Jackson, Willie Parker, and LaDanian Tomlinson had the look of promise, but six weeks later a lot of that has changed. With injuries piling up and bye weeks coming into play a fantasy GM has to get creative to make his team better. These players may offer more value in a trade than in your lineup;

Trimming the fat….

Out of the gate running back Fred Jackson looked like he was going to be a beast in Buffalo, but since the return of Marshawn Lynch to the lineup in week four Jackson has seen his number dip significantly. He’s averaging only 14 touches and 56 yards per game in his last three starts. With the memories of what Jackson did in the first three weeks (291 rushing yards) still somewhat fresh, now is the time to part ways and get good value for him.

Like Jackson, the Steelers running back Willie Parker may offer some value for what he has done (in the past) and not what he is doing. Parker is an explosive runner that has the potential for big games, but playing behind Mendenhall, it may be a while before we see a big game. Your better off dealing him away to an owner that can afford to wait for Fast-Willie to come around. Parker is still not healthy and likely drafted as a mid RB2, you can’t afford to have him just riding your bench and taking a roster spot. He’s not going to give much value injured, but you may still be able to deal him away as insurance for Mendenhall or if the market is dry just cut your losses.

Now Tomlinson is a different story. With L.T. being injured and off to a slow start this season, you have already addressed your needs at running back. His Monday night performance (100 total yards) was not brilliant, but there were a few runs we saw that made you think, if the Chargers had stayed with the ground attack more perhaps he could have had a big night. Signs or not, Tomlinson is still a name and still has a market and will also be worth more to you in a trade, than in your lineup. The Chargers defense is not going to hold many leads and this is River’s team now. The offense will flow through the pass and while L.T. will contribute his value will be limited. Right now would be a great time to make a deal to trade L.T. with a strong game under his belt. Someone will be willing to acquire the former NFL MVP and you should be able to get good value. Make the deal now and fill the holes at other positions in your lineup.

Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

September 28th, 2009 9:57pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Week three Injury round-up


(Monday, Sept 28th update)

Bears:
According to the Associated Press linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer should be able to play in week 4 after leaving Sunday’s game with a rib injury.
Bills:
According to head coach Dick Jauron, both defensive backs Leodis McKelvin (broken leg) and Donte Whitner (injured thumb) will be out indefinitely. McKelvin is expected to be for an extended period while Whitner is having surgery to repair the thumb. He will be evaluated on a weekly basis.
Colts:
According to the National Football Post defensive end Dwight Freeney will undergo an MRI on Monday to exam his right quadriceps. Freeney is noted as saying he “felt something pop.”
Dolphins:
Quarterback Chad Pennington will miss the remainder of the 2009 season after suffering a torn capsule in his shoulder according to ESPN. The Associated Press is reporting that Pennington will seek a second opinion.
Lions:
Running back Kevin Smith left Sunday’s game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury. According to Profootballtalk.com a league sourced says his injury will be “week to week.”
Niners:
Running back Frank Gore left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury and did not return. According to an NFL Network report he suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss at least two weeks.
Patriots:
Running back Laurence Maroney suffered a thigh injury in Sunday’s win over the Falcons. He says he will be fine although he did not play in the second half. Defensive tackle Vince Wolfork also suffered an ankle injury, but his injury is not expected to be long term.
Rams:
Quarterback Marc Bulger injured his shoulder Sunday against the Packers and left the game early. The early report is a bruised rotator cuff according to the team. His availability for week 4 is questionable. Wide receiver Laurent Robinson suffered a broken leg in Sunday’s loss against the Packers. He will miss the remainder of the season.
Redskins:
According to the Associated Press the team expects defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to be fine after being forced out of Sunday’s game with a strained glut muscle. Haynesworth will undergo an MRI on Monday according to the team.
Titans:
The Nashville Tennessean reports that defensive back Vincent Fuller suffered a fractured arm on Sunday and underwent surgery Monday. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Defensive back Courtland Finnegan suffered a hamstring injury as well in the team’s week 3 loss, but the extent of his injury is unknown.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 2nd, 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……

News From Across the Wire...

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
An undisclosed source close to the situation stated that it is highly unlikely that the Broncos will deal receiver Brandon Marshall to the Jets, according to Newsday.
My Fantasy read on Marshall: Based on what we are seeing and hearing out of the Bronco’s camp, don’t expect to see Marshall moved. When and will he play is a bigger concern. He’s still a huge risk and very tough to take early. Avoid if you can, but if you’re in position he offers best value as a WR3 at the moment…..

Adam Vinatieri, K, Indianapolis Colts
Adam Vinatieri passed his physical Wednesday after undergoing surgeries on his right hip and right knee during the offseason, according to the National Football Post.
My Fantasy read on Vinatieri: Recent reports indicate the Colts kicker should be ready for the opener. Vinatieri is a PK1 in any format and as long as he’s good to go for week, he should be drafted as your number one…..

Craig Davis, WR, San Diego Chargers
Craig Davis has returned to practice with the Chargers, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He has been dealing with knee tendinitis.
My Fantasy read on Davis: The Chargers fourth receiver is buried behind Jackson, Chambers, and Floyed. He’s been somewhat of a disappointment thus far in his career and as the number four in San Deigo, he won’t offer much fantasy value even in deeper leagues…..

Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are reportedly monitoring the Patriots' tight ends, according to the Boston Globe.
My Fantasy read on Celek: The Eagles could be looking to add depth and some blocking skill to the position. Celek is a solid pass receiver, although not the best blocker. He’s coming off a strong post season and could be a hot red-zone target for fantasy……

Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers
According to Adam Schefter on Twitter, the Niners and top pick Michael Crabtree are not even close to signing a deal.
My Fantasy read on Crabtree: The Niner’s rookie is going to be a late bloomer this season, if he even blooms. He’ll miss all of camp and is coming off foot surgery. He’s going to be a risky flier this season, that probably won’t reap any rewards until the second half…..

Sammy Morris, RB, New England Patriots
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe believes that Sammy Morris has slipped to fifth on the Patriots' depth chart at running back.
My Fantasy read on Morris: The Patriots are full in the backfield and this could be the year Morris is out. He could catch on somewhere down the road, but even then he’ll offer very little if any fantasy value……

Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings
According to SI.com, Brett Favre will not play in Friday's preseason finale against Dallas.
My Fantasy read on Favre: The almost 40-year old gun slinger proved enough last week, he’s got plenty left. He’ll avoid any injury risk and focus on shaking the rust during practice over the next ten days. Expect Favre to be a solid QB2 in fantasy to start the season, but we’ll have to see how the aging gladiator holds up……

James Davis, RB, Cleveland Browns
James Davis is considered the favorite to hold the No. 2 role at running back behind Jamal Lewis, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
My Fantasy read on Davis: Davis has looked very good this preseason and could be a threat to steal carries away from the starter Jamal Lewis. Davis has shinned this preseason and could be a sleeper in Cleveland (whatever that means). He looks good enough to keep watch, but on the offense you might want to relax before leaping…..

Brian Leonard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Brian Leonard is believed to be the favorte over DeDe Dorsey for the No. 3 role at running back, according to the Bengals' official website.
My Fantasy read on Leonard: The Bengal’s back-up runner is not glamorous or explosive, but he’s solid and consistent which may be enough for this offense. Right now Leonard has little fantasy value, but in deeper leagues he could worth considering as a late round flier……

Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans
Matt Schaub is progressing well in his recovery from a sprained left ankle, according to the Texans' official website. Head coach Gary Kubiak said, "He has made a lot of progress in the last 24 hours. He is out here with the group watching things. He is on a regular treatment schedule and trying to get ready for New York."
My Fantasy read on Schaub: An injury will always make a fantasy owner nervous, but with Schaub you have to hold your breath. If you took him as your number one, better have your crying towel ready, could be a long and tenuous season. He’s progressing and as long as he’s healthy enough to play, he’ll produce with the best, just hope the line can keep his jersey clean……

Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots
There is belief that Wes Welker could miss Week 1 while recovering from an undisclosed injury, according to the Boston Globe.
My Fantasy read on Welker: This is not good news for owners that took Welker as a high to mid number two receiver. He’s still going to get you those needed catches in PPR leagues, but he’s not the biggest guy so better hope the injury isn’t anything that will linger……

Jerious Norwood, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Jerious Norwood (knee) is being held out of the team's final preseason game only as a precautionary move, according to AtlantaFalcons.com
My Fantasy read on Norwood: So much for the plan to limit Turner’s number of carries. If Norwood is not 100 percent for week one, expect “the beast” to be the focal point of the running game until Jerious is full speed. Even with the few extra carries, once he’s healthy Norwood is only a mid to low RB3 in most formats…..

Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers plan on using a 60-to-40 run-to-pass ratio in their offense this season, according to CBS Sports.
My Fantasy read on Gore: We heard it all last year, the offense will feature Gore. The fact is, even if the team does go run heavy, back-up Glenn Coffee has earned his way into some of those carries. Gore should be better this season, but behind that line he’s just a solid RB2 and should be drafted as such…..

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
Tom Brady will not play in the team's final preseason game this Thursday, though not because his throwing shoulder is hurt, according to the Boston Globe.
My Fantasy read on Brady: The Patriot’s and their field general is just being safe. Brady looked pretty good this preseason, as he shakes his rust he will only get better. With 13 weeks to keep getting better, he’s still one of fantasy’s top passers and will get you plenty of W’s…..

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels believes rookie running back Knowshon Moreno is healthy enough to play in the team's preseason game on Thursday night, according to the Denver Post.
My Fantasy read on Moreno: The Bronco’s rookie won’t play in the team’s preseason finale, but he looks ready for action week one. Behind the Bronco’s offensive line, he’ll offer good value as a RB3, but if he’s as good as advertised, expect greater things…..

Chris Baker, TE, New England Patriots
Chris Baker has emerged as the Patriots' top tight end this preseason, according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy read on Baker: The Patriots new tight end could become a nice late round steal in most drafts. After disappearing in New York last season, Baker has quietly re-emerged and could be a red-zone target for the Pats and fantasy owners…..

Laurence Maroney, RB, New England Patriots
Laurence Maroney still looks "tentative at the line" this preseason, but has made a "positive impression with improved skills as a pass-catcher," according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy read on Maroney: The Patriots runner has been non-existent in fantasy since the 2007 post-season. He’s likely to part of a committee and will have limited fantasy value, owners may want to look elsewhere for help…..

Chris Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Republic reports that rookie running back Chris Wells will likely start for the team at some point this season.
My Fantasy read on Wells: This has been the though most of the preseason, we just need to see the kid on the field to make that impression stick. Wells will fit best as a RB3 draft pick, but might not have any impact until the second half of the season…..

Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Carson Palmer (sprained ankle) will not play in the Bengals' final preseason game against the Colts on Thursday night, but will be ready for Week 1, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
My Fantasy read on Palmer: No surprises here. The only thing to watch is how he looks in practice and his timing with his receivers. Palmer is coming off an injury shortened 2008 and is predicted to be one of this year’s sleepers. Expect a strong 2009 campaign for the former USC Trojan……

Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans
Nate Washington (hamstring) might be available to play in Week 1, according to the Nashville Tennessean.
My Fantasy read on Washington: Very few are talking about the Steeler’s number three receiver, because in Tennessee he is the Titan’s number one. He has decent fantasy value, but on a Titan’s team that will run first, he’s a high pick WR3 in most formats with some upside value (not much, but some)…….


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....