FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

April 19th, 2010 9:57pm PST

[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Movement, Movement, Movement

Again with the recent headlines (last week) circulating from the world of football there has been more changes that will have a big impact on the coming fantasy season. This past week the wide receiver position has been the pick of the litter and with that, there could be more to come.

Recent Moves...
The last couple of weeks there have been some big moves made in the NFL, some surprising and others not so much, but either way these moves are going to have a big impact on fantasy going forward.

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers needing some damage control unloaded their former Super Bowl MVP wide receiver Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets. Holmes was dealt for only a 5th round pick, undoubtedly it was a business decision to move forward without the risky proposition (Holmes) who will face a four game suspension at the start of the 2010 season. A new home, a new quarterback, and a suspension will no doubt hurt Holmes fantasy value greatly at fantasy drafts, but owners mustn’t forget his 79 catches and 1,200 yards in 2009. Lining up with Edwards and Cotchery, Santonio could be a huge second half play this coming season.

In Denver the Broncos finally say good-bye to their two time Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall (three straight seasons with at least 100 receptions). While the move could be heavily criticized, it appeared to be the best for all concerned; Marshall wanted out and the Broncos wanted to move on. Denver dealt the outspoken receiver to the Dolphins for a pair of second round picks (one this season, one in 2011) and could be looking to make a run at one of the top WR draft prospects in this year's draft. With Marshall moving south to the sunshine state (Florida) his stock may take a slight hit, but quarterback Chad Henne could see a rise in his value. Henne comes off a season where he threw 12 touchdowns. Last season Marshall had 10 alone. It would be safe to expect to see Henne improve his numbers this coming season.

Players to watch...

With the draft now just days away, don't expect activity in the NFL to slow down. Just Monday the Broncos continued to stay busy trading tight end Tony Scheffler away to the Lions as part of a three team deal that included the Eagles. The Broncos received a 5th round pick (from the Eagles), while the Lions sent Ernie Sims to Philly in exchange for the acquisition of Scheffler.

This was just some early movement for draft week, but a couple of names to keep on your radar with the draft coming up quickly would include; Jets running Leon Washington (signed tender), Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell (rumored to be on trade block), Bear's tight end Greg Olsen (not happy in windy city), and surprise, surprise (according to ESPN's Adam Schefter) the Dolphin's running back Ronnie Brown. This of course is all speculation, but as the draft approaches, we could see conversations heat up and rumors fly. Stay tuned for the NFL draft 2010.

by David Ortega

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FSH: (WEDNESDAY) WATERCOOLER CHAT

August 12th, 2009 10:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

LaDanian Tomlinson: Where does he rank?

After two sub-standard and disappointing seasons for his measure, there is a lot of talk in many fantasy circles asking “where does LT rank?” Before 2008, LT was hands down the number one rated runner in fantasy, but in more recent times there has been chatter that he could be done.

That hardly seems the case when you look over his numbers the past two seasons; 1,500-total yards of offense with 12 touchdowns in 2008 and 1,950-total yards and 18 touchdowns the previous year. Certainly there has been a slight decline, but LT’s numbers still make him a legit RB1 in most fantasy formats.

With training camp underway and every indication that Tomlinson is well and his injuries behind him, how does he rank this season. Our numbers put him in as a top-ten runner, but certainly in the Charger’s offense, if he is healthy he always has the opportunity to be much better.

The telling sign may not come early either with Tomlinson historically doing his most damage in the second half. Fantasy owners may have to run the risk and ride the storm before they see any reward, but injuries will be what to watch for with Tomlinson. A healthy LT through the first half of the year is a good sign for second half domination.

Where does he rank? As we suspect Tomlinson should still be considered a top-ten back with potential to move up the ladder. If his assertions this summer are any indication, owners should be in for a big treat throughout the season. With Rivers blossoming into one of the leagues best quarterbacks, Tomlinson could have a much easier time shredding softer defenses covering the pass.

Play it as you may, but if you LT falling down the charts just know, he’s a much better value pick as the draft progresse, so don’t let him fall too far.


Playing the GM…

Should the Jets trade Thomas Jones

There’s been some scuttle-butt swirling around and even if a credible newspaper decides to refute the story, once it’s out, it has a life of its own. This could be exactly what is happening in the Jets camp concerning running back Thomas Jones. A recent story leaked out that the team could be shopping him and whether there is any truth to the story, if I am the GM, it could be something worth considering.

The GM Game…
If you have Leon Washington holding out wanting more coin and you know Thomas Jones has already indicated his desire to get paid, what options are you left with. If I am Mike Tannebaum I have to consider this move since Jones will be turning 31-years of age. The team just auctioned away some of its future to grab rookies quarterback Mark Sanches and running back Shonn Greene, so the youth movement has already began.

For all intended considerations, Greene is built very similar to Jones and could easily figure to be his replacement. With Washington holding out, getting him resigned becomes a priority and this may mean Jones will have to accept his current deal or alternative options.

Although Jones was very productive in 2008 rushing for more than 1,300-yards and 13 touchdowns, the Jets have to wonder how long he can continue. He’s not likely to improve upon those numbers this season in New York will a full back-field that will more than likely include both Washington and Greene, but he could still prove to have some value on the open market. It just might be get what you can, while you can.

Potential landing spots that could give Jones the most trade value could be places like Seattle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Miami. These teams will enter the 2009 season a little thin in the backfield and lacking some proven quality depth. At 31, Jones won’t go anywhere, including these stops to start, but his experience and toughness will serve any new team well and give them added depth. Obviously trading away Jones, you have to consider what you will get; the Jets offense needs help at the receivers spot. Draft picks would be a consideration as well, since the team has to be looking to continue rebuilding.

The Jets have a pretty good team defense and a solid running game (ranked 9th in 2008), so a trade may not necessarily be on the current agenda, but if a move is made down the road this could make a lot of sense for a team trying to rebuild without having to take too many steps backward.

And considering the sense of this, Thomas Jones should be considered a risky fantasy option with his current stock slowly sliding down the board.


Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

August 3rd, 2009 10:37pm PST

The Most Notable Back-ups to Watch

Back-up Running Backs that Could Make an Impact….
Just like any year in fantasy football or any competitive team sport for that matter, depth is going to key for you team to go further. Perhaps the most key and arguably the most critical position for any fantasy football team is the backfield.

Certainly a big arm can make a huge world of difference, but while some fantasy owners try to ride the bandwagons of Brady and Brees in 2009, there will be those that stock up talent and depth in the backfield leaving the rest to scrounge for the bottom of the barrel.

Not to fear my fantastically football challenged. While the talent pool may quickly seem watered down once you get through the perennial starters in the league, there are a great number of back-ups that are worth taking note. These are in some cases the hidden gems that may possibly serve as football gladiator saviors for the upcoming fantasy season.

The most heralded of this year’s non-starter without question is the Saints Reggie Bush. While he is not the starter, he is less likely a back-up and in many circles considered a starter off the bench. With Pierre Thomas filling the McAllister role, the dynamic Bush will more than likely play the more versatile role we saw his first couple of seasons.

Aside from the dynamic Mr. Electric, there are a handful of running backs in the league that will sit far enough down the depth charts and could be overlooked. There are going to be quite a few hidden gems that on surface may lack shine and could get passed over, fantasy owners should take note.

The running back by committee trend is still alive and well and finding those places where the wealth is spread generously may not be elusive as first thought. In 2008 the Ravens, Falcons, Patriots, Panthers, and Giants all ran the ball over 500 times. And while the Broncos, Chiefs, and the Jets did not have as many carries, they did move the ball well on the ground averaging over 4.5-yards per carry.

If you are looking for added depth and can’t grab Reggie as your late running back pick in your fantasy draft, here are the next best picks to follow that will surely add that needed dimension to carry your team further;

2009 Best of the “Runner-ups to Reggie”

1. Jonathan Stewart (Car)…..with 10 touchdowns in 2008, he won’t be overlooked.
2. Derrick Ward (TB)…could emerge as the starter at some point.
3. Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)…should see lots of work behind Jacobs.
4. Leon Washington (NYJ)…with an aging Jones, Leon will see more action.
5. Felix Jones (Dal)…could play much bigger role in offense this season.
6. Kevin Faulk (NE)….almost 1,000-yards of offense in 2008.
7. Ladell Betts (NO)…had a big 2008, but will step down behind Colston.
8. LeRon McClain (Bal)…could see enough red-zone to be relevant in 2009.
9. Fred Jackson (Buf)….early opportunity could open door down the road.
10. Peyton Hillis (Den)…quietly becoming a fave in Den, could be a huge sleeper.
    

Note Worthy:

Darren Sproles (Ari)…if LT breaks down, could play a much larger role.
Chris Wells (Ari)…..has big upside, expected to be eventual starter.
TJ Duckett (Sea)…could play similar role as McClain in Baltimore.
Jamaal Charles (KC)…a better fit in the spread offense, could do very well.
Jerious Norwood (Atl)…expected to see more work in 2009.
Tasard Choice (Dal)….needs an ooportunity, too much talent in front.
Michael Bush (Oak)…if he gets the chance, could prove to be a deep sleeper.


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FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

July 13th, 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 season……

My Take...

QB ALEX SMITH STILL IN THE MIX IN FRISCO
My Fantasy Read: The Niners head coach is putting a large vote of confidence in his 5th year quarterback, but it still remains to be seen if Alex Smith has enough to overtake Shaun Hill this summer. Smith played well during the OTAs, but he’ll have to show a lot more in training camp. He’s a long shot to win the job and won’t hold much fantasy value otherwise.

RB LEON WASHINGTON A POSSIBLE NO-SHOW?
My Fantasy Read: It’s sounding more and more like Washington could hold out this summer. With entire Jets backfield unhappy rookie running back Shonn Greene could slide to the forefront this summer. That could be a bit of a stretch but something worth watching, as the Jets will no doubt be a run first team this season with first year head coach Rex Ryan and a rookie quarterback.

WR DERRICK MASON RETIRES AFTER 12 SEASONS
My Fantasy Read: The Raven’s leading receiver the last two seasons announced his intent to retire this offseason and while nothing has been made official the imminent loss of Mason could be huge for the Ravens offense. Last season Mason proved to be rookie quarterback Joe Flacco’s security blanket, but with a lot of inexperience at the position his absence this season will be sorely and noticeably missed by fantasy owners.

RB FRED TAYLOR EXPECT TO START FOR PATRIOTS
My Fantasy Read: The Patriots appear to have a full house in there backfield and on paper it would seem to be a crap shoot to figure out exactly who will be relevant and who won’t. Early indications are Laurence Maroney could be odd man out, with Fred Taylor tabbed as the team’s starter. Even if Taylor starts, he’s likely to lose a lot of work to the team perennial versatile scat-back Kevin Faulk and significant fantasy value along the way.


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FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 2nd, 2009 8:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

OTAs, OTAs, OTAs, with so much minicamp activity, sure there’s plenty to talk about. Did you see what Harvin is doing in Minnesota? Did you hear about Larry Fitz? Don’t worry he’s okay, but with so much happening around the league, here’s my take on a little sumthin, sumthin…..

My Take...

QB VINCE YOUNG NOT HAPPY IN TENNESSEE
My Fantasy Read: Recently the Titan’s former starting quarterback told a TV station in Baltimore that he’d like to move on if he’s not the starter this season. Amazing that he would feel so brazen to make such a statement, not what you would expect from a player that has been somewhat of a disappointment so far as a pro. Young had shown promise early in his career starting 28 games in his first two seasons, but with Collins resigned and just one start last seasons, fantasy owners are going to have to wait awhile before we see the old Young.

RB LEON WASHINGTON REPORTS TO CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The dynamic special teams returner and backup running back reported to the Jet’s minicamp on Monday. Washington in the final year of his rookie deal is looking for a new contract. It is expected the team will eventually sit down with the kid, but it’s a better move to be in camp than away. Washington had 200 touches last season and totaled 2,336 all-purpose yards. With Thomas Jones getting older, “little” Leon could see an expanded role in the running and short passing game, making him one of the more attractive backups in fantasy.

WR TEDD GINN JR GREATLY IMPROVING THIS OFFSEASON
My Fantasy Read: There are some reports coming out of the Dolphins camp that Ginn Jr has been especially impressive this offseason during team OTAs. Last season Ginn Jr showed flashes as the team’s most talented and gifted receiver. In his first full season as the team’s number one wideout, Ginn Jr led the Dolphins in many of its’ receiving statistical categories. He looks like a solid bet to be even better in 2009 and can be a top-twenty five producer in most fantasy leagues at the receiver position.

WR CHAD OCHOCINCO LOOKING FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE 2009
My Fantasy Read: Just when you thought he might be done, just ask him and he’ll tell you; just like he told the NFL Network he plans to report to the Bengals in unbelievable form. Despite a down year in 2008, Ochocino is still a talented wideout with a lot of great catches left. One of the biggest contributing factors to his fall from football glory was the absence of his field general Carson Palmer. With a healthy Palmer back, Ochocinco could be one of the bigger steals in upcoming fantasy drafts.

RB PIERRE THOMAS EXPECTING TO CARRY THE LOAD
My Fantasy Read: With Deuce McAllister now gone, it appears the lead role as the Saints starting running back belongs to Pierre Thomas. In his two seasons with the Saints, the 5-foot eleven inch running back has averaged 4.8-yards per carry and scored 10 rushing touchdowns. Thomas is confident that he can fulfill the role as the team’s ground and pound runner. Even though he’ll be sharing some touches with the spectacular Reggie Bush, when given the opportunity Thomas can be a solid and consistent weekly play for fantasy owners.


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FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 13th, 2009 10:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

We may be smack in the middle of the NFL offseason, but with the draft barely weeks old and many teams starting up their OTA’s it sure feels like football season. And what would football season be without more news, updates, predictions, quick takes, long takes, and of course my take….

My Take...

RB LEON WASHINGTON WANTS NEW DEAL
My Fantasy Read: Now who doesn’t want a new deal. The interesting thing is Thomas Jones is also looking for more money. This bodes well for Washington, because if the Jets have to pick their poison they’re likely to go with youth. Washington is not an every down back, but with the addition of rookie runner Shonn Greene he could become a reliable weekly fantasy option splitting carries.

QB BRIAN GRIESE COULD BE OUT SOON
My Fantasy Read: Word is Griese could be let go by Tampa Bay by the end of the week. This is could very well likely be his last stop. Griese has been pretty much a journeyman backup the last several seasons. He’s only started 11 games in the last three seasons and at 34 years of age, he’s not a good candidate to see much action in 2009.

RB LERON MCCLAIN CHANGING POSITION
My Fantasy Read: McClain had to be one of last season’s surprise sleepers, but this year he’s more likely to put fantasy owners to sleep. This season he’ll move over to fullback which will likely cut into his carries but he still may be a serviceable fantasy back. McClain will still figure in as the team’s short-yardage and goal-line carrier.

RB JERIOUS NORWOOD TO SEE BIGGER ROLE
My Fantasy Read: Every year we are hearing the same thing. We expect so and so to have a bigger role, because we’d like to keep our other player healthy. Micheal Turner carried the ball 375 times last season (which is high), and he’ll be the bread and butter once again. Turner is going to get the ball as much as the team needs him to carry, so Norwood is going to settle for leftovers once again.

RB FRED JACKSON AGREES TO 4-YR DEAL
My Fantasy Read: The good news is Jackson can be a very productive runner, even in a back-up role. The presence of T.O. is going to make the rest of the Bills offense better and Jackson will be one of those beneficiaries (especially in the passing game). The bad news for Marshawn Lynch owners, Jackson just signed a 4-year deal, so your boy will lose some touches.

RB WILLIS MCGAHEE SLOW TO RETURN TO THE FIELD
My Fantasy Read: The Raven’s former featured back could have a tough time cracking the lineup this season if his health continues to remain an issue. With last year’s rookie Ray Rice implanted as the number one tailback while McGahee rehabs from knee surgery, he’ll have a great opportunity to hold the job. Remember last season McGahee began the season in the doghouse.



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