FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

September 7th, 2009 6:37pm PST

[Evening Edition]

A Wild Off-Season Filled with Change

Changes that will impact Fantasy…
Like every year in the NFL, the offseason can quite often and usually does impact fantasy in a great many ways. This past offseason has been no different with many changes taking place that will in one way or another impact fantasy;

My 10 Notable offseason Changes

1. Bronco’s Trade Cutler to Bears…
One of the offseason biggest and most surprising moves was the trading of quarterback Jay Cutler to Chicago. Once you get past the “how and why” you then have to examine the fantasy ramifications. Cutler’s influence in Chicago figures to greatly improve the tema’s passing game and increase the fantasy value of some of its’ skilled players such as wide receiver Devin Hester and tight end Greg Olsen.

2. Brett Favre un-retires and signs with Vikes….
This story began well into the offseason and just wouldn’t die. As it turned out it had more life than a cat with nine lives and now that Favre is in Minneapolis, the Vikings passing game receives a perceived upgrade. The secondary affect is not so much what Favre can or can’t do, but what defenses think he might do. His presence will open holes for the leagues best runner and his arm should make a few of his targets viable fantasy options.

3. The Patriots trade Cassel to the Chiefs.…
Was it a surprise, probably more of one to Josh McDaniels more than anyone else? The was the move that preluded the Cutler fiasco in Denver, but we have yet to see the payoff for Kansas City. The signing of Todd Haley as the team’s head coach is what gives this move its’ value. After a successful 2008 campaign, Cassel will lead a wide open spread offense attack in Kansas City. The move would seem to give Cassel more value as a starter, but owners will have to wait and see.

4. The Jets trade up for Mark Sanchez….
A gutsy play for a first year coach, but already the rookie pick is drawing a lot of attention and looks like a brilliant move. It’s too early to tell, but Sanchez has taken great strides this preseason and appears set to lead a team that hopes to win now.

5. The Bills sign Terrell Owens……
This move actually began with the release of Owens from Dallas. While his absence from Texas will have its’ own repercussion, his arrival in Buffalo figures to offer more benefit. The T.O. affect is well chronicled and it’s certain his presence will add value to quarterback Trent Edwards and even benefit their number two receiver Lee Evans. Of course it is expected that T.O. will likely have initial success in town.

6. The Chiefs trade Gonzo to Atlanta.…
When you add an offensive minded coach and trade for a your arm under center, the obvious move is to rid your team of its’ leading receiver. Well that’s what the Chiefs did when they traded tight end Tony Gonzalez to the Falcons. His arrival in Atlanta will only elevate the play of second year quarterback Matt Ryan, while the Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe becomes the only draft able fantasy option on that squad. Already a star on the rise, Gonzo’s arrival will just help receiver Roddy White firmly entrench himself as one of the leagues best.

7. Mike Shanahan gets fired….
This was the ill-fated move that began all the turbulence that new head coach Josh McDaniels is now trying to smooth. Fortunately for fantasy owners, the Broncos owner Pat Bowlen just replaced one offensive minded coach with another. If and when McDaniels can get things settled in Denver, fantasy owners can expect to see several worthy candidates by draft time and early into the season.

8. The Colt’s release Marvin Harrison….
This was an expected move by the team once the offseason began. Many analysts and experts viewed the aging veteran as salary cap casualty, so this one was easy to read. Harrison’s departure opens the door for fourth year receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who is very likely to have his best season as a pro in 2009. There is likely to be a trickle affect as well, so many of Peyton’s weapons could see a rise in production this season.

9. The Seahawks sign TJ Houshmandzadeh….
With a healthy Matt Hasselbeck back in 2009, this move could turn out to be much bigger for the Seahawks than first projected. In Cincinnati Houshmandzadeh was a top-10 receiver, now in Seattle he will be the team’s definitive number one and go to receiver in the west coast offense. As good as TJ has been in the past, he could staring at his best season yet in the Northwest.

10. The Bronco’s draft Knowshon Moreno…..
This move may have been the one that made the least sense at the time. After last season’s debacle down the stretch, it was quite apparent to many in Denver, the defense would need a lot of fixing in the offseason. So the first thing the franchise does is bring in an offensive minded coach and then the second thing they do is draft a running back with their first pick. There’s no doubting Moreno’s talent, but is he worth taking him over a top-rated defensive impact player? Only time will answer that one.

Sure there were plenty more changes to speak of, but these are my most notable for now. I’m sure I will have more to reflect on as the 2009 season progresses, but these will do for now.

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

July 22nd, 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...

WR RONALD CURRY GOES TO THE RAMS
My Fantasy Read: After seven seasons with the Raiders, Curry who had signed this offseason with the Lions was traded to the Rams. Curry was a major disappointment in 2008 finishing with just 19 catches. In back to back seasons from 2006-2007 Curry collected more than 50 balls. Now with the Rams he will be the veteran wideout the team is lacking, but will remain a big question mark for fantasy owners. It would seem Curry has the talent, but after last season does he have the drive?

RB KEVIN JONES COULD RETURN TO ACTION IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: Last year the former Lions running back was signed to give the Bear’s offense added depth in the backfield, but after injuries shortened his 2008 campaign the door was for the rookie Forte. Jones is healthy in 2009 and could see plenty of action, even with Forte designated as the team’s featured runner. Even if Jones plays, he’s likely to not do enough damage to considered fantasy relevant, but might be a smart handcuff for Forte in some deeper leagues.

RB KEVIN FAULK EXPECTED TO PLAY BIG ROLE
My Fantasy Read: The Patriots own Mr. Versatility has really blossomed into quite the productive runner over the past couple of seasons; 109 touches in 2007 and 141 touches in 2008. His six touchdowns a year ago were also a career high. Faulk figures to be heavily involved in the team’s offense, primarily in the short passing game, but it’s not to far-fetched to think he could easily eclipse 150 touches in 2009. Faulk will likely be limited to a RB3 in most fantasy formats, but he’ll have his moments this season that will make him more than relevant

WR MARVIN HARRISON: QUIET ON ALL FRONTS
My Fantasy Read: A recent report from the NFL Network indicated there is very little or no buzz about the former Colts receiver. Harrison was released earlier in the offseason and since has not been heard from. It has literally been quiet on all fronts, no rumors connecting his name with other teams and no comments coming out of his camp suggesting he will play this season. With camps right around the corner, Harrison is an unlikely candidate to start the 2009 season with a new team and therefore has no fantasy value at this time.


Check back 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: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 4th, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

With many NFL mini-camps open fantasy owners will have a great opportunity to see many of the up and coming stars fitting in with their new teams. It’s a chance to get an idea of who’s going to have the best shot to make an impact in 2009. Here’s my take on some more recent notes from around the NFL....

My Take...

RB RYAN TORAIN COULD BE AT RISK
The Bronco’s top rookie running back from just a year ago could be at risk to make the team. Torain is still recovering from ACL surgery. If he manages to stay with the club it sounds like he could end up on the PUP list to start the season.
Early Fantasy Read: Torian is likely to have very little fantasy value if any, even if he manages to hang on. With a crowded backfield it’s unlikely that Torian will see any meaningful carries in 2009.

RB LADANIAN TOMLINSON IS A FULL PARTICIPANT
The Charger’s starting running back is a full participant at the team’s mini-camp over the weekend. There’s little doubt LT will be the number tailback in San Diego, but how much he‘ll be used will be left to debate. Durability and health have been the issue with LT the past couple of seasons.
Early Fantasy Read: LT has usually been viewed as a top fantasy running back, but Sproles in the backfield to share time and health being the priority, his fantasy value could take a hit. He’ll likely drop a few spots, but should still be considered a top 10 back.

WR T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH SHOWING GREAT CHEMISTRY
The Seahawks newest playmaker has been showing great chemistry in camp with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. T.J. is expected to be the team’s number one go-to receiver and appears he’s well on his way.
Early Fantasy Read: Housh is a stud receiver that has posted some of the best numbers over the past couple of seasons. His early success with Hass is a good sign that he’ll keep his elite receiving status in fantasy leagues.

QB DAUNTE CULPEPPER IS THE STARTER TODAY
The veteran quarterback is slated to be the team’s starter heading into Lion’s training camp.
Early Fantasy Read: It’s too early to buy into anything at this time, as the Lion’s top rookie pick quarterback Matthew Stafford is just getting started. It’s a good bet that Stafford will win the job at some point this coming season, limiting Culpepper’s value to little or none in most fantasy leagues.

WR MARVIN HARRISON NOT LIKELY TO RETURN TO INDY
Never say never, but it appears quite clear that the Colts have no immediate plans to re-sign the franchise’s leading receiver. Harrison was released by the team earlier this offseason.
Early Fantasy Read: Harrison is at the tail end of his career and not quite the player he used to be, but given the right situation he could still have some value. He’s a risky fantasy draft pick, but definitely a wait and see play for 2009.


IDP Notes:

The "Bad Boys" of the NFL continue to keep busy making noise and raising interest. They may be bad boys, but some of these players will be key in IDP leagues for 2009. Here are just a few more note worthys with my take what you can expect from the Dark-side.....

DB ANTONIO CROMARTIE IS FULLY RECOVERED
The Chargers playmaking defensive back appears to be healthy and ready to return to form in 2009. Cromartie suffered a fracture hip in 2008.
Early Fantasy Read: There’s no question the injury had a huge impact on Cromartie’s play last season, but just a year prior he was a standout in the league with 10 interceptions. He still has tremendous ability and talent and should be a top IDP selection in most fantasy drafts.

DB NICK COLLINS FINALLY REPORTS TO CAMP
The Packers free safety was a late arrival to camp. This is the final year of Collins rookie contract and there are some reports swirling that Collins is looking for a new deal.
Early Fantasy Read: Collins was a highly productive IDP play in 2008 with 72 tackles and seven interceptions and should be again in 2009. It would be surprising to see the Packers not give him a new deal.

DL SHAUN ROGERS APPEARS TO BE NOW “ON BOARD”
Rogers finished 2008 as one of the leagues top defensive tackles with 76 tackles. Earlier in the offseason, an unhappy Rogers was asking to be traded. Apparently the 9-year veteran was able to meet with HC Mangini and is now “in a more positive state of mind.”
Early Fantasy Read: Last season Rogers was a beast in the middle in the teams first eight games, but failed to record a sack over the last eight. He’s still considered one of the leagues best defensive tackles and now that he’s on board fantasy owners can expect another productive season.

LB LARRY ENGLISH MOVING TO THE OUTSIDE
The rookie linebacker is going to move from his normal defensive end position to outside linebacker. He’s expected to play behind Merriman and Phillips, but will still see a lot of snaps as a pass rusher.
Early Fantasy Read: English was solid as a defensive end in MAC division, but he’ll be asked to rush from the upright position on the outside. Even as a package player English could be an IDP impact player in 2009.


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

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....