FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 10th, 2010 Friday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

TASHARD CHOICE IS THE MAN OF CHOICE
After turning in an impressive showing last when he rushed for over 100 yards, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys call Tashard Choice’s number often with Marion Barber banged up. Last Sunday Choice carried the ball 19 times and scored once on a 20 yard scamper.
My Fantasy Read:
Choice is making a hard case to be more involved with the offense and from the sounds coming from Dallas that just may be the plan. Choice will face a tenacious Philly defense, but also one that only ranks12th against the run. Even splitting carries Choice should be a safe play this week in most formats as the Eagles have allowed 239 yards on the ground in their past games, including one rushing touchdown last week.

MOJO IS A ONE MAN SHOW
The Jaguars are reverting to playing straight up smash mouth football and led by their running back Maurice Jones-Drew, they look like they can be successful at it. Last Sunday MoJo toted the rock 31 times on his way to 186 yards rushing; his highest total of his career). It was also his fifth straight game with over 100 yards rushing.
My Fantasy Read:
The Jaguars have won four of their last five with MoJo averaging 25 carries per game. It looks like head coach Jack Del Rio is putting all his eggs in MJD’s bread-basket; fantasy owners won’t have to worry about the touches slowing down.

JAMAAL CHARLES STILL RUNNING BIG
The league’s leading ground game is anchored by the legs of running back Jamaal Charles and last Sunday he continued his running ways. Charles tallied over 100 yards on the ground for the third time this season while catching a pair of passes for another 20 yards.
My Fantasy Read:
Even with splitting carries with running back Thomas Jones, Charles sees enough action to be a safe fantasy one running back. In his last three games he’s averaging 21 touches per game and 146 yards of offense.

TOM BRADY; THAT’S MR. PERFECT TO YOU
Monday night the Patriot’s field general treated the fans of New England and a national audience to something special as he put on aerial butt whooping. Brady completed 21 of 29 passes for 326 yards and tossed four touchdowns (second time in as many weeks) while posting a passer rating of 148.9. This season Brady has posted a rating of 100 or higher eight times, including a current streak of four straight.
My Fantasy Read:
Brady is quickly making many “I think Joe Montana is the best quarterback” fans nervous with his brilliant play. Needless to say Brady looks to be golden with the fantasy playoffs now underway. With matchups against the Bears, Packers, and the Bills up next, can his fantasy owners say “championship!”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 2nd, 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……

Player News From Across the Wire...

Bo Scaife, TE, Tennessee Titans
Bo Scaife (knee) is probable for Sunday's game at Jacksonville, according to the Tennessean. He fully practiced Friday.
My Fantasy read on Scaife: Scaife’s return should bolster the passing game over the middle. He’s been out the past couple of games, but now that he’s back he’ll be involved in the passing game almost immediately……

Brandon Stokley, WR, Denver Broncos
Brandon Stokley fully practiced Friday, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy read on Stokely: The Bronco’s slot receiver has not been consistent in the pass game this season, other than the week one miracle catch he’s been relatively quiet. He looks like he’ll play, but don’t look for much….

Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears
Matt Forte fully practiced Friday and is probable for Week 4, according to Brad Biggs' (National Football Post) twitter page.
My Fantasy read on Forte: Forte sounds like a go and is a good start this week against the Lions 16th ranked run defense…..

Marion Barber, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Marion Barber fully practiced for the second straight day Friday, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy read on Barber: The Cowboys running back practiced and looks ready for Sunday. With a healthy Tashard Choice expect the two backs to share the load against a revamped Bronco defense…..

Todd Heap, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Todd Heap fully practiced for the second straight day Friday, according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy read on Heap: The Raven’s tight end has stepped it up this season and could be utilized quite a bit on Sunday. With two early touchdowns this season, he could be a primary option in the redzone this week…..

Laurence Maroney, RB, New England Patriots
Laurence Maroney (thigh) fully practiced on Friday, according to the Boston Herald. He is probable for Week 4.
My Fantasy read on Maroney: Maroney has been non-existent in the Patriot’s running game this season, don’t expect him to suddenly appears against a tough Raven’s defense….

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
Tom Brady fully practiced Friday, according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy read on Brady: Expect to see a healthy Brady on Sunday, but going up against a tough Raven’s defense points could be hard to find. The Pat’s offense will throw a lot of wrinkle and move the ball in the air, but reaching paydirt may be at a premium Sunday…..

Derrick Mason, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Mason has been added to the Week 4 injury report, according to the Boston Herald. He is listed as questionable with an illness.
My Fantasy read on Mason: Mason is under the weather, but we would expect him to be on the field Sunday. Check his status at game-time, if he plays he is still steady-Freddy in the Raven’s passing attack….

Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots
Wes Welker is questionable for Week 4 while still recovering from his knee injury, according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy read on Welker: The news coming out of Boston has not been good; Welker sounds like a risky play not only for this week, but going forward. He’s likely a game-time on Sunday, but if he sits monitor his status going forward, this could become problematic….

Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans Saints
Lance Moore (hamstring) is probable for Week 4 against the Jets, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy read on Moore: With so many weapons in the arsenal, Moore may have lost his place in the rotation. He’s been banged up and has missed time, so if he plays it’s unlikely to expect anything great right away…..

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Seahawks' beat writer Danny O'Neil is reporting on Twitter that quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will travel with the team to Indianapolis this weekend. Hasselbeck is not expected to play, however.
My Fantasy read on Hasselbeck: It looks like it will be Wallace again this week as Hasselbeck inches his way back to health. As long as Hasselbeck has his injury history and a shaky offensive line, he’ll remain a risky play once he returns…..

Randy Moss, WR, New England Patriots
Ravens' insider Jamison Hensley is reporting on Twitter that Patriots' wide receiver Randy Moss has been removed from the team's injury report. Moss will play in the game against the Ravens this weekend.
My Fantasy read on Moss: Moss is always a must-start and in particular this season with he and Brady clicking. With Welker banged up Moss is also being heavily used in the short passing attack…

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson is being listed as probable for Sunday, according to the Twitter page of beat writer Casey Pearce. LT hasn't played since Week 1 with his ankle injury.
My Fantasy read on Tomlinson: When healthy LT is normally a good start, but coming off an ankle injury and facing a tough Steeler’s ground attack, fantasy owners would be wise to look to better options…..

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins
The Washington Post is reporting that Redskins' running back Clinton Portis is being listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bucs. Coach Jim Zorn said that there is a fifty-fifty chance that Portis will play.
My Fantasy read on Portis: The Redskins running back is a must start if he plays against a weak Buccaneer defense, but owners will have to wait until Sunday….

Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions
Updating a previous report, Lions' running back Kevin Smith told the Detroit Free Press that he will play on Sunday. "It's football, so I'm sure I'll have to endure some pain, but it's good enough to go. I feel healthy enough to play at a high level," Smith said.
My Fantasy read on Smith: It sounds like Smith is confident to go, but we’ll still have to wait for the coaches decision on Sunday. There’s no doubt this will be a game-time call…..

Domenik Hixon, WR, New York Giants
Domenik Hixon has been ruled out of Sunday's game, according to the Twitter page of Giants' beat writer Ralph Vacchiano. Hixon is still dealing with a knee injury.
My Fantasy read on Hixon: The Giant’s receiver has fallen down the depth charts, even when he returns he'll offer very little fantasy value.....

Jamal Lewis, RB, Cleveland Browns
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Browns' running back Jamal Lewis was idle again on Friday. Lewis is unlikely to play in the team's Week 4 game this weekend.
My Fantasy read on Lewis: With the Browns running back definitely looking like he’ll miss Jerome Harrison is the favorite to start. The Bengals have a decent run defense this season, so Harrison is only a consideration in the deepest of leagues….

Kyle Boller, QB, St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting that Kyle Boller will start at quarterback for the Rams on Sunday against the 49ers. Boller has practiced with the first-team all week while Marc Bulger deals with his shoulder injury.
My Fantasy read on Boller: Bulger is out and Boller is in this week. With a shaky O-line the move could actually be a blessing in disguise with a more mobile Boller. The Rams backup will have a tough matchup on Sunday against a Niner’s defense that can bring pressure on the edges. He’s bettor off staying on your bench this week….

Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants
According to the New York Daily News, Giants running back Brandon Jacobs told ESPN Radio in New York on Friday that he would retire after this season if his numbers don't improve this season he will retire. Jacobs is averaging only 3.4 yards per carry after three games.
My Fantasy read on Jacobs: The Giant’s starter is in line for a big day on Sunday against a week Chiefs run defense. With Bradshaw ailing, Jacobs could see a heavier load…..

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants
Ahmad Bradshaw returned to the practice field on Friday, according to the Twitter page of the Newark Star-Ledger's Mike Garafolo. Bradshaw is expected to play Sunday after missing practice early in the week with an ankle injury.
My Fantasy read on Bradshaw: Coming off an ankle injury and missing practice, he’s likely to be limited on Sunday. In week 3 Bradshaw carried the ball 14 times, but he probably won’t see the same workload this week…..

Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star is reporting that Chiefs' receiver Dwayne Bowe took some reps with the first team on Friday. Bowe is expected to play after missing the team's Week 3 game with a hamstring injury.
My Fantasy read on Bowe: It sounds like Bowe will give it a go, but you have wonder if he’ll be limited or how effective he will be. There’s no question he’s the Chiefs best pass receiving target, so if he plays he’ll definitely see some looks…..

Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, running back Willie Parker sat out Friday's practice with his toe injury. Parker has missed all three team practices this week, and it doesn't appear he will play this weekend.
My Fantasy read on Parker: With Parker likely to miss MeWelde Moore looks like the favorite to see the brunt of the work Sunday night against the Chargers….

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 21st, 2009 8:30pm 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....

Zach Miller, TE Oakland Raiders
Zach Miller stated that he did not catch a pass in Week 2 because the Chiefs spent a great deal of attention on him in their defensive gameplan, according to the Contra Costa Times. He said, "They were paying extra attention to me, a little bit of bracket coverage, making sure a guy was trying to jam me or wall me. They made sure that I was not too involved."
My Fantasy read on Miller: The Raiders will face a tough Broncos defense in week 3. It would make sense to expect Mike Nolan’s defense to follow the same gameplan. Although the Bronco’s linebackers have yet to be tested this season, it’s always tough to leave your starters on the bench. Unless you have better options, Miller is the only consistent pass receiver the team has…..

Marion Barber, RB, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Morning News reports that Marion Barber's quad injury is just a strain, and not considered serious.
My Fantasy read on Barber: While the news is encouraging, the season is long and the team still has plenty to play. With a loaded backfield filled with talent, I wouldn’t expect the Cowboys to rush Barber back unless he’s 100 percent. Check the practice reports this week before inserting him in your line-ups….

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Updating an earlier report, Matt Hasselbeck is hopeful of playing in Week 3 against Chicago after suffering a fractured rib Sunday at San Francisco, according to the Seattle Times.
My Fantasy read on Hasselbeck: Considering Hasselbeck’s recent injury history and the fact that quarterback Donovan McNabb is missing action due to the same type of injury, it’s doubtful we’ll see the Seahawk’s quarterback on Sunday. Owners should start making other plans…..

Mike Bell, RB, New Orleans Saints
Joining in on the Mike Bell speculation on Monday, Fox Sports' Jay Glazer tweeted that Bell probably won't play this Sunday even though his knee injury is not as bad as the Saints had originally feared.
My Fantasy read on Bell: The Saints have two healthy backs, Thomas and Bush, if there’s a chance Bell is less than 100 percent on Sunday it would make sense to sit him or at least limit his touches. Owners shouldn’t expect a lot from Bell in week 3 unless his health improves…..

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos
After a disappointing Week 1 effort where he rushed for only 19 yards on eight carries, Knowshon Moreno carried the ball 17 times for 75 yards in the Broncos win over the Browns on Sunday.
My Fantasy read on Moreno: It looks like Moreno is emerging as the Bronco’s main rushing focal point. Although Buckhalter was as successful on the ground, Moreno had 19 touches to Buck’s 12. Expect to see this trend continue with Moreno’s production increasing along the way….

Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans Saints
Updating an earlier item, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Lance Moore's hamstring injury is not as serious as it could have been, and that he very well may play this Sunday against the Bills.
My Fantasy read on Moore: Whether he plays or not, he’s not likely to have the same type of impact as he did a year ago. With Devery Henderson playing as well as he is and Marques Colston returning to his number one option role, Moore may now be low man on the totem pole, even behind Robert Meachum….

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall caught only three balls for 34 yards in the Broncos win over the Browns on Sunday, according to the Denver Post.
My Fantasy read on Marshall: It looks like Marshall could be feeling the ill effects of missing much of training camp and not learning the offense. He still has a lot to catch up on, but McDaniels understands the talent Brandon posses, expect his production to gradually increase week to week….


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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

September 20th, 2009 9:57pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Week Two Injury Notes

(Sunday) 49ers: Running back Frank Gore suffered an ankle sprain in the team’s week 2 win over the Seahawks. The local press is reporting the injury is not likely to keep Gore out for next week. The Niners featured the run game early and had great success, expect see more of the same going forward, but with Gore dinged, backup Glenn Coffee could see more action.
Bills: Tight end Derek Schouman suffered a knee injury in the third quarter of Sunday’s game. The tight end was carted off the field in what was speculated to possibly be a season-ending injury. His status has yet to be updated. The middle of the field has been soft for the Bills passing game, with Schouman out the offense may turn to a player like Owens (with his size) to run more middle and crossing routes.
Cowboys: Running back Marion Barber strained a quad muscle late in the 4th quarter of Sunday night’s game against the Giants. He did not return and his status has not been updated. Barber was on his way to a monster game, so the injury as is always the case is very unfortunate timing. If the injury lingers, expect the Cowboys to feature Felix Jones who has already shown great big play capability.
Eagles: According to NFL.com Eagles coach Andy Reid indicated that running back Brian Westbrook’s ankle injury doesn’t appear to be serious. With Westbrook’s history, expect to see him listed this week as questionable, but check his status later in the week. Reid also pointed out that wide receiver DeSean Jackson suffered a strained groin. It appears to be a re-aggravation, check for his status later in the week.
Falcons: According to ProfootballTalk.com, the Falcons running back Jerious Norwood left Sunday’s game with a head injury and did not return. There have been no updates, but if this is a lingering injury so much for Michael Turner having his work load limited this season (he had 28 carries on Sunday).
Giants: Defensive lineman Justin Tuck left Sunday night’s game against the Cowboys with a shoulder injury and did not return. His status has not been updated. Wide receiver Domenik Hixon (knee sprain) also left Sunday night’s contest and did not return. His absence was not missed with the emergence of Mario Manningham and Steve Smith as reliable receivers.

Other Notable key injuries;

The Seahawks quarterback matt Hasselbeck suffered a stinger to his back in Sunday’s loss to the Niners. It was revealed as only a “rib bruise” after Hass had undergone a CT scan, but given his history with back injuries his status for week 3 has to be uncertain. During the Saints route of the Eagles, running back mike Bell suffered what was described as a slight knee sprain. If early reports are correct and it’s an MCL sprain expect to see the return of Pierre Thomas who barely played Sunday. The Saints wide receiver Lance Moore left Sunday’s game early with a hamstring injury and did not return. Clearly the Saints passing attack has more than enough weapons to compensate for the loss and already Devery Henderson and Robert Meachum are seeing more time on the field.

Sunday Night’s Fantasy Football Injury report;

More injuries:
Falcons: DL Peria Jerry (knee) was carted off Sunday, status is unknown.
Jets: DB Lito Sheppard (quad) status unknown.
Lions: LB Ernie Sims (shoulder) injured Sunday, status uncertain for week 3.
Packers: DB Nick Collins (shoulder) left Sunday’s game and did not return.P
anthers: WR Muhsin Muhammad (ankle) left Sunday’s game, but did return.
Texans: WR Andre Davis (concussion) did not play Sunday, questionable to return in week 3.
Texans: WR Kevin Walter (hamstring) did not play Sunday, likely to return in week 3.
Titans: TE Bo Scaife (knee) did not play Sunday, status unknown for week 3.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

April 6th, 2009 8:47pm PST



[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Talkin Sum (fantasy) Football

2009 Running Backs

When you look at the running back position for 2009, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of interest peaked in this year's NFL draft. There are only a couple of names that are expected to even be considered as first-round selections; Knowshon Moreno (Georgia), Chris Wells (Ohio State), and Donald Brown (Connecticut). Players like LeSean McCoy (Univ. of Pitt) and Rashad Jennings (Liberty) could also tease the first round or early second round of this year's draft.

With this year's draft appearing thin at running back, fantasy owners will remain stead with last year's performers. Leading the way will undoubtedly be the Vikings all-pro running back Adrian Peterson. With LaDanian Tomlinson falling from NFL supremacy at the running back position "All-Day" figures to be the unanimous number one running back selected in all fantasy drafts. Peterson led the NFL in rushing this past season and has led all running backs in rushing yards the past two seasons with 3,101-yards combined. Besides the knack for the big run with nine plays of 40-yards or more over the past two seasons, Peterson has a nose for the end-zone with 23 touchdowns in his first two seasons.

(Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Once you get past the first pick, this is where the congestion starts. Last year was a bit of an enigma with some backs coming out of nowhere and others seeming to disappear into the abyss. When you start looking at the top five running back and in particular numbers two-through-five there's not much separation between each.

My projected number two running back at this moment heading into the 2009 season is Carolina's running back DeAngelo Williams. The Panthers figure to return much of the same talent and look to do much of the same as they did in 2008. Enter Mr. Williams who carried the ball some 270 times, ran for over 1,500-yards, and scored 20 touchdowns in 2008.

After a stunning season as the Falcons featured running back, Michael Turner will not have to worry about splitting too many carries in 2009. Clearly the team's number option on the ground, Turner figures to get plenty of touches in 2009 bettering his chances of repeating his 1,700-yards rushing and 17 touchdown 2008 season.

Rounding out my early top five that many will argue, but I like two running backs that if healthy in 2009 could have big seasons; Marion Barber (Cowboys) and Steven Jackson (Rams). Despite the loss of Terrell Owens, Tony Romo still has tight end Jason Witten, wide receiver Roy Williams, and an array of secondary options that should keep the field stretched. Last season Barber broke out of the gates on fire, but his in-season injuries took their tolls and definitely impacted his performance down the stretch. With some help in the backfield, the Cowboys main priority will be to keep Barber at full-strength and running hard, for fantasy owners this will transcend into more fantasy production.

The same could be said with Steven in St. Louis. The Rams are making changes on offense and figure to give the o-line a tweak a two in the offseason and through the draft. With Holt gone, the team is bringing in more speed on the outside with the recent signing of wide receiver Laurent Robinson (good size and speed). Add rookie standout receiver Donnie Avery and a possibly improved line and Jackson figures to be back in "Action" for 2009.

(Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

There's still much to look at and debate as the draft approaches and teams continue to improve with free-agent signings and trades. For the moment, these are my top five, but we'll see what happens as the NFL offseason continues.


Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

March 29th, 2009 9:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

With the month of March closing fast the NFL draft is now less than a month away. AS NFL teams continue to take a look at this year's class of prospects it's important to stay in tune with NFL player movement and notes for your upcoming fantasy draft this summer. Several players are going to come to the forefront while others will sneak up on us as it always happens every year. Here's a look at some of my recent notes regarding a few of those players...

My Take...

WR-TORRY HOLT TALKING WITH TITANS?

The Titans lack real experience at the position. Holt is not going to set any new records in Tennessee, but Kerry Collins could benefit greatly with an experienced clutch veteran receiver like Holt. The younger receivers like Justin Gage and Nate Washington could also blossom under the tutelage of Holt. There has only been noted interest by Tennessee, along with the Jaguars. Holt is no longer an elite receiver in fantasy and will fall considerably in drafts this summer, but he'll have more value with Collins throwing the pill in his direction.

QB-PHILIP RIVERS STILL YET TO RE-SIGN

There is little or no chance of Rivers pulling a primadonna antic like holding out, but it would weigh heavily in the team's best interest to get him resigned soon to avoid any unpleasantness. Over the past couple of seasons Rivers has proven his toughness and in 2008 he emerged as one of the league's best passers. With LT returning to the lineup this upcoming season, Rivers figures to have another productive year and could be a top five fantasy quarterback once again.

RB-WILLIS MCGAHEE WILL VOLUNTEER

The Raven's one-time featured back lost some carries and production in 2008. His work ehtic and toughness were questioned at the start of last season and he did very little to dismiss such talk. McGahee will have his work cut-out this offseason if he is to prove himself worthy as the team's featured back in 2009. With Ray Rice and LeRon McClain figuring to battle once again for playing time, McGahee is taking part in voluntary workouts, apparently doing whatever he can to separate himself from the competition. The jury may still be out on the former Miami Hurricane, but he's definitely worth keeping your eye on for this coming season.

RB-LARRY JOHNSON PLEADS GUILTY

The Chiefs best running back Larry Johnson pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace and received a suspended two years on probation. Johnson has found himself no stranger to off-the-field trouble and will now meet with the team this week to discuss a grievance being pursued by the team that could ultimately send LJ packing. If his one game suspension last season is found to violate his contract, the team will undoubtedly release Johnson. LJ fell from grace over the past two seasons and heading into the 2009 fantasy season he becomes a huge risk. Fantasy owners will have to wait to see the outcome of this grievance.

WR-MARVIN HARRISON STILL HOMELESS

Now that he has been a free agent for several weeks, there appears to be very little if any interest in the aging veteran receiver. At 37, Harrison has lost a lot of his appeal and after his significant decline in production last season it does not look promising for him to land anywhere before summer camps open in July. Fantasy owners can expect some movement to occur only after camps have opened and injuries (as they will) happen, but even then it still a not a sure thing.

RB-MARION BARBER EXPECTED TO SHARE ROLE

According to team notes, the Cowboys are very fond of their entire backfield of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. Barber is still expected to be the main guy in Dallas, but the team will make every effort to get all three involved one way or the other. The good news for fantasy owners is Barber will still be a possible late RB1 or early RB2 selection, but he has a better chance of remaining healthy and productive throughout the 2009 season.

IDP Notes:

More notes of interest for those that venture toward the "Darkside." For those that play in custom leagues that implement IDP, every point counts and when you don't study your defense, you can lose many valuable points on draft day by making poor decisions. Here's more football fodder and "my take" for fantasy players to digest....

DL-JASON TAYLOR TO RETURN TO PHINS?

Apparently the once longtime Dolphin has a chance to returning to his former team. Taylor's named has been tossed around quite a bit the last week or so as the former all-pro enjoys his free agency. Currently word is he'll be in Miami for his annual celebrity golf event with a chance to mix and mingle with many of his former teammates. Taylor still loves Miami and if there was ever a chance of him returning this is as good as it gets, but we'll still have to wait and see. A return for Taylor could be just what the team's defense needs to help linebacker Joey Porter. If healthy Taylor still has the ability to be an effective pass rusher and could be a nice mid-level defensive lineman pick in fantasy drafts.

DL-PHILLIP DANIELS EXPECTS TO RESIGN WITH SKINS

The Redskins defensive lineman spent the entire 2008 season sidelined with an ACL injury. At 36, even in a reserve role with the team, fantasy owners can't expect much production, at least not enough to justify a fantasy draft pick. He'll only offer value, if any as a possible late season fill-in, granted that he can stay healthy.

DL-DARWIN WALKER COULD RETURN TO PANTHERS

Reports are indicating the current free agent and former Panther could return to the team for another year, but whether he does or not he'll very little impact. Walker has yet to play a full season the last two years, starting in just nine games and recording only one sack. Walker is not longer the impact defensive lineman he was in Philly. If he returns he'll likely be situational and not much of a contributor that fantasy owners should be concerned with.

LB-ROOSEVELT COLVIN NOT LIKELY TO RETURN

The Patriots former linebacker and now unrestricted free agent according to many sources will likely not be back with the team in 2009. Colvin spent most of his 2008 season on the sideline playing in only four games. There has been no indication, but after playing in only 15 games the past two seasons it's not likely Colvin will land anywhere in 2009 suggesting his career could be close to an end.

DL-ROD COLEMAN SIGNS WITH SAINTS

Depsite their limitations with available cap space heading into the offseason, the Saints have managed to stay busy. Defensive lineman Rod Coleman will likely come cheap after missing all of 2008 and much of 2007 injured. When healthy Coleman can be a monster in the middle, as a run stuffer and pass rusher. If healthy he could be a solid addition to the d-line and upgrade a defense that ranked near the bottom in 2008. Fantasy owners should wait to see how Coleman looks this summer before buying into his koolaid.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411....