FSH: WHAT'S THE LATEST

March 24th, 2010 11:07pm PST

What's the Latest

McNabb on the trading block?....
Amid mixed reports it does sound like the possibility of Donovan McNabb not being an Eagle in 2010 could exist. After McNabb posted some interesting comments on his website you kind of get the feeling he may be thinking the same.

Despite all of this mixed info (the Philadelphia Inquirer reports the Rams are making an offer, the AP reports a source close to the Rams situation says offer is untrue) is really is hard to imagine that the Eagles would depart ways with McNabb. Even with Vick and Kolb currently on the roster, it does not make sense for Philly to pull the strings on a McNabb trade. Kolb is the future, but D-Mac gives them the best chance to win now (and they appear to be set up to make a run).

The odd ball here has to be Vick who does not figure into any long term plans. The fact the team retained Vick and paid out some cabbage to keep him on the roster could indicate the team believes he has some market value. Trading Vick just makes more sense than anything else.

McNabb's numbers;
2,801 pass completions
4,746 passing attempts
59.0 completion percentage
32,873 yards passing
216 passing touchdowns
100 interceptions
86.5 career passer rating
28 rushing touchdowns

The Eagle's 2009 campaign ended prematurely with a disappointing loss to the Cowboys in the Wildcard round, but the season leaves the team with great hope in 2010. Westbrook has moved on, but the team has already restocked its backfield with the acquisition of running back Mike Bell.

Last season McNabb missed two games after suffering an injury in week one, but even with the slow start D-Mac bounced back in the middle of the season to lead the Eagles to six straight wins and a playoff berth. McNabb finished the 2009 season strong with 22 touchdown passes and a 92.9 passer rating.

If the Eagles can address their deficiencies along the line, with a talented receiving corp (Jackson, Maclin, Avant, & Celek) in place and new help in the backfield, a McNabb led offense looks primed to make another post season run.

Rumors or not, I would not count on seeing McNabb in anything other than his midnight green number five jersey in 2010.

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

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

December 12th, 2009 - 9:05pm PST

Watercooler Chat

Time to Wave good-bye

Although the waiver wire for most leagues has expired, it does not mean our good buddy Wayne "the wire" Bosco doesn't have some friendly advice or tid-bits to share for Week 14.

Wayne says...

Matt Schaub (shoulder injury) is an attractive play this week if he were healthy, fantasy owners with other options may want to consider. The Seahawks can get good pressure and you have to worry how many hits Schaub will be able to take. Although its his left shoulder that is injured, a hard hit could land him on the sideline, so owners will have to play this one with caution.

Percy Harvin has become quite the featured receiver in Minnesota the past couple of weeks, scoring in each of his last three games and averaging 86 receiving yards. Although he's listed as questionable for Sunday, it would be tough for owners to sit him. Now that he's a starter (started three of his last four games) he's easily become one of Favre's favorites and could be considered a weekly must start. Fantasy owners will need to check his status for Sunday.

Mike Bell is listed as questionable on Sunday, but there are reports indicating he should play. Bell has only missed two games this season, so it does sound like owners can expect to see him on the field. However, owners should not count on big production from the Saints running attack. In the teams last two games the ground game has only produced 165 yards, while leaning heavily on its passing attack; likely something we'll see more of going forward.

Waynes Weekly "Friendly Word for the wise"...

Now that you are engaged in fantasy post season action, now is not the time to slip or err in your judgement. The Dallas Cowboys have an entire host of dynamic running backs in their backfield, but with so much talent it's very difficult to gage where primary production will come from. Last week all three backs (Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice) tanked for fantasy owners and only Jones and Barber have provided any worthwhile production this season.

With the Chargers next on the schedule this could be a good week for the Cowboys ground game to produce, but owners may have a tough time figuring who will be the hot hand. If you have other options it may be wise to consider; Barber and Jones have usually been a coin flip and Choice has not seen enough touches of late to be a consideration. A simple case of too much talent for fantasy owners own good.

Player Watch for Week 14

Besides your weekly must -plays there are a handful of players that should be taken into consideration this week when setting your lineup. Keep these players on your watchlist, you just may want to give hard look come Sunday;

(Start) Robert Meachem has been the hot hand in New Orleans and with the Saints set to face the leagues 29th pass defense (Falcons), he looks like a good play for Week 14.

(Sit) Matt Forte The Bears running back has not had a great sophomore season and faces a tough matchup this Sunday against the Packers number four ranked run defense. In their first meeting this season the Packers shut down Forte and limited him to 55 yards on 25 carries.

(Start) Terrell Owens The Bills aerial attack has shown a little life recently and Owens has been a major recipient with 28 targets in his last three games. Sunday the Bills visit KC and the leagues 28th ranked pass defense; Owens is primed for a big game.

(Sit) LaDanian Tomlinson This season has not been one of LT's best, but over the past month he's been as productive as any back with six touchdowns and 272 yards. This Sunday all of that could come to a screeching halt facing the leagues 9th ranked run defense.

Check back again next week for more “Watercooler Chat”

FSH: ON THE COVER

October 19th, 2009 11:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

(Photo by AP/Bill Feig)
The Best Team in the NFL

Saints Keep Marching….

Is there really any argument at this point? At 6-0 and coming off a dismantling of the then 5-0 Giants, the Saints appear to be not only the class of the NFC, but the best team in the NFL.The two biggest differences this season leading the charge for the Saints is an improved running game giving the offense better balance and a much improved defense.

The running game is anchored by a solid 1-2 punch of Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell. Running back Reggie Bush adds more big play out of the backfield to an already explosive passing game. Quarterback Drew Brees is at the center of the Saints offensive juggernaut. Last week against the league's number one pass defense, Brees merely proved why he is one of the best, passing for 369 yards with four touchdowns. His awesome array of receiving weapons (Colston, Moore, Henderson, Meachum) looks to be unstoppable by simply overwhelming opposing defenses.

With a dynamite offense, this year’s Saints are much more balanced with an improved and solid defense. The Saints defense ranks 9th overall, but their biggest key stat this season has been the takeaway. The boys from the Bayou lead the league with 11 interceptions and their plus nine turnover ratio is best in the league.

Some may argue that the Saints are not the best yet in the league, but you can’t deny that right now they are SUPER and part of the January conversation.

Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

October 18th, 2009 8:17am PST

Sunday Morning Gametime

What’s the Latest
[ News and Notes]


Wes Welker removed from injury report will start….
It sounds like one of Brady’s favorite targets is getting healthy. Against a banged up Titan’s secondary Welker is a must play for fantasy owners….

Mike Bell expected to play today, but Thomas to start.…
The Saints will likely employ a committee today so it may not matter who starts, both backs should get plenty of work…..

Titans to be handicapped in the secondary today…..
Already without starter Nick Harper, the Titans will likely be missing cornerback Courtland Finnegan and defensive back Vincent Fuller. It could be a long afternoon for Tennessee today against Tom Brady….

Calvin Johnson to test knee this morning…
The Lions talented wideout did not practice all week and is listed as doubtful today. He is expected to test the knee this morning, but it’s a long shot that he will play…..

Culpepper could start today for the Lions….
The Lions are not expected to announce who will start today at quarterback until game-time, but it’s looking more like it will be Culpepper making his second consecutive start. He’ll have a tough matchup with the Packer’s corners; Woodson and Harris……

Bulger to start today for the Rams against Jags….
With Kyle Boller suffering a concussion last week and Bulger coming in and leading a late 4th quarter drive for a score, it makes sense that he will start. The Rams actually have a pretty good matchup today gainst the Jaguar’s 30th ranked pass defense…..

Vikings receiver Percy Harvin could be a game-time decision….
The Vikes explosive rookie is nursing a shoulder injury and will warm up this morning and see how it feels. He is listed as probable and more than likely will play…


Check back every week for more “Sunday Morning Gametime”

FSH: THE SATURDAY SPORTS PAGE

October 10th, 2009 2:37pm PST

Saturday Morning Sports Page

[afternoon edition]

NFL Week 5 Matchups

(Sunday’s Games)
Cinncinati @ Baltimore
The Bengal’s quarterback Carson Palmer (845 yards passing) and wide receiver Chad Ochocino (3 touchdowns receptions) will try to connect often this Sunday at Baltimore. The Raven’s 23rd ranked pass defense which has allowed 15 plays of 20 yards or more could have their hands full, if they don’t cut down the big plays.

Cleveland @ Buffalo
The Bills 25th ranked passing offense (180 yards per game) which has often looked in reverse committing turnovers (five in 2009) and miscues will try to get healthy Sunday. The Brown’s defense ranks 21st against the pass, recording seven sacks this season, but just one interception.

Washington @ Carolina
The Panther’s running back DeAngelo Williams is off to a very slow start this season with only 180 yards on the ground. The Redskins 22nd ranked run defense has been less than stellar this season allowing 4.3 yards per carry and 128 yard per game

Pittsburgh @ Detroit
The Steelers’ passing game has thrived this season led by quarterback Ben Roethliseberger, who has completed over 70 percent of his passes and averaged nearly 300 yards passing per game. The Lion’s secondary will be facing an uphill task on Sunday ranked 25th against the pass and having allowed 12 touchdown via the pass this season.

Dallas @ Kansas City
The Cowboys may look to lean on quarterback Tony Romo who has averaged 247 yards passing this season, but has only four touchdown passes. The Chiefs pass defense ranks 28th against the pass this season allowing eight touchdowns and 250 yards per game.

Oakland @ NY Giants
The Giants running back Brandon Jacobs has yet to have a big game this season, but is averagine 92 yards on the ground his last two starts. The Raider’s 26th ranked run defense could be in for a long day allowing 146 yards rushing per game.

Tampa Bay @ Philadelphia
The Buccaneer’s offensive line has done a pretty good job this season protecting the quarterback only allowing five sacks in the team’s first four games. In 2009 the Eagles defense has not been quite as dominant as the past, but in three games their defense has recorded 10 sacks and six interceptions.

Minnesota @ St.Louis
The Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has 84 carries this season for 412 yards rushing. The Rams 24th ranked run defense has been awful this season allowing 135 yards on the ground per game.

Atlanta @ San Francisco
The Falcons running back Michael Turner has 226 yards on the ground with two rushing touchdown on 65 carries in three games this season. Heading into Sunday’s matchup the Niner’s run defense ranks 4th in the league and is only allowing 3.1 yards per carry.

Houston @ Arizona
The Cardinal’s quarterback Kurt Warner (4 touchdowns) and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (17 receptions) have yet to really click this season. The Texans will bring the leagues 9th ranked pass defense into the desert with only two interceptions and five sacks this season.

New England @ Denver
The Bronco’s rookie running back Knowshow Moreno has 249 yards rushing (ranks 16 in rushing) this season. The Patriots have played pretty good defense this season (ranked 11th against the run), but they have seen the 4th fewest attempts this season and allowed 4.5 yard per clip.

Jacksonville @ Seattle
Over the past two weeks Jaguar’s quarterback David Garrard has completed nearly 68 percent of his passes while throwing for 537 yards with four touchdowns (3 pass, 1 run). The Seahawks defense has been able to get some pressure this season with nine sacks, but their coverage has been suspect allowing nearly 68 percent completions.

Indianapolis @ Tennessee
The Colt’s quarterback Peyton Manning has been on a tear averaging 334 yards passing per game. The Titan’s banged up secondary needs to get healthy soon, through the first four weeks it has allowed 10 passing touchdowns and 15 plays of 20 yards or more.

Fantasy Leaders through four Weeks

Passing (touchdowns)
Peyton Manning, Ind...............9-touchdown, 1,336-yards
Drew Brees, NO......................9-touchdowns, 1,031-yards
Joe Flacco, Bal.......................8-touchdowns, 1,103-yards
Matt Schaub, Hou...................8touchdowns, 1,047-yards
Eli Manning, NYG..................8-touchdowns, 1,039-yards
Jay Cutler, Chi..........................8-touchdowns, 901-yards
Brett Favre, Min.......................8-touchdowns, 837-yards

Rushing (yards per game)
Mike Bell, NO.................114.5-yards/game, 1-touchdown
Chris Johnson, Ten.......108.5-yards/game, 2 touchdowns
Adrian Peterson, Min...103.0-yards/game, 5-touchdowns
Ronnie Brown, Mia.........92.2-yards/game, 4-touchdowns
Cedric Benson, Cin..........91.8-yards/game, 2-touchdowns
Steven Jackson, Stl.........91.8-yards/game, 0-touchdowns

Receiving (Receptions)
Steve Smith,NYG.......................34-receptions, 411-yards
Randy Moss, NE.........................29-receptions, 331-yards
Dallas Clark, Ind........................26-receptions, 364-yards
Hines Ward, Pit..........................26-receptions, 355-yards
Reggie Wayne, Ind.....................26-receptions, 399-yards


By David Ortega

Check back every Saturday for more of the “Sports Page”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 5th, 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...

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Matt Hasselbeck, who is recovering from a fractured rib, is expected to return to practice Wednesday, according to the Seattle Times.
My Fantasy read on Hasselbeck: Right now the Seahawks are hopeful he can play Sunday, a lot will depend on how it goes in practice this week and how much Hass can do…..

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants
The Giants are stating that Eli Manning will not seek a second opinion on his injured right foot after a contrary report stated that he will, according to Ralph Vacchiano's (NY Daily News) twitter page.
My Fantasy read on Manning: Are you kidding, there’s no way little brother will be out-staged by his big brother. There are recent reports the injury is not as serious as feared and it looks like Manning will likely play Sunday against the Raiders….

Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Cleveland Browns
Head coach Eric Mangini praised Mohamed Massaquoi after the rookie hauled in eight receptions for 148 yards in Week 4 against Cincinnati, according to the Browns' official website. Mangini said, "I told him he put his big boy pants on. It was great to see."
My Fantasy read on Massaquoi: It looked more like Massaquoi and Anderson had great chemistry. With Anderson under center, don’t be surprised to see him target Massaquoi quite a bit going forward…..

Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions
Kevin Smith is day-to-day while still recovering from a shoulder injury, according to the Detroit Free Press.
My Fantasy read on Smith: Smith played plenty on Sunday and while he struggled on the ground he found the endzone twice. If he’s less than 100 percent, this Sunday could be more of a struggle against the visiting Steelers….

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson is day-to-day after injuring his quad during Sunday's game at Chicago, according to the Detroit Free Press.
My Fantasy read on Johnson: The Lions best pass receiving option should be fine for Sunday against the Steelers. Coming off his best game this season, expect to see him heavily targeted against the Steelers questionable secondary…..

Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden is expected to be on the shelf for 2-4 weeks due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, according to Jerry McDonald's (Contra Costa Times) twitter page.
My Fantasy read on McFadden: It may be too early to say, but if this injury lingers toward the full four weeks McFadden and Bust could quickly become synonymous……

Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams
Marc Bulger tested his bruised right rotator cuff today by doing some light throwing, according to ESPN.
My Fantasy read on Bulger: If there’s any chance Bulger can play I would expect to see him in the lineup on Sunday. Boller did not look good and with the Vikings it may not matter who is under center, but Bulger probably gives the Rams a better chance to compete…..

Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Updating an earlier item, ESPN is now reporting that the 49ers and holdout draft pick Michael Crabtree are indeed set to renew contract negotiations.
My Fantasy read on Crabtree: It’s not surprising now that Crabtree can see the team doesn’t need him to be successful. I imagine a deal could get done relatively soon. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Crabtree join the team just before their week six bye, so that he might be ready to play in week 7…..

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions
Lions coach Jim Schwartz said on Monday that quarterback Matthew Stafford is "day-to-day" after injuring his knee on Sunday, and that he has not been ruled out for Week 5, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy read on Stafford: Stafford may not have been ruled out yet, but it’s highly unlikely the team would risk his health, plan on Culpepper starting unless Matt undergoes some miracle recovery….

Roy Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Roy Williams has three ribs with damaged cartilage after taking a massive hit from Denver's D.J. Williams on Sunday, according to the Dallas Morning News.
My Fantasy read on Williams: After seeing the hit on Sunday, it would be a big surprise to see Williams able to go Sunday in week 5……

Devin Hester, WR, Chicago Bears
Bears coach Lovie Smith said on Monday that Devin Hester is "fine" after sustaining a minor neck/shoulder injury on Sunday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
My Fantasy read on Hester: The Bear’s receiver is not considered a true number one wideout or reliable fantasy option. Even if he is okay to play, he’s less likely to start for fantasy owners unless you need a fill-in for the bye…..

Kevin Boss, TE, New York Giants
Kevin Boss is dealing with a sprained ankle in the wake of New York's Week 4 win over the Chiefs, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
My Fantasy read on Boss: The Giant’s tight end had an MRI on his ankle, but results are not known. He’s likely uncertain for Sunday so owners should check his status later in the week…..

Mike Bell, RB, New Orleans Saints
The Saints expect running back Mike Bell (knee) to be ready for Week 6, according to the New Orleans Times Picayune's Jeff Duncan.
My Fantasy read on Bell: With the bye week to rest, Bell should be ready to rejoin the rotation when the Saints return to action in week 6 against the Giants….

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook (ankle) participated in Eagles practice on Monday, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
My Fantasy read on Westbrook: Seeing Westy practice this early in the week is a great sign and indication he should be ready for his favorable matchup in week 5 against Tampa Bay…..

Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb (ribs) practiced on Monday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane.
My Fantasy read on McNabb: It’s a good sign for fantasy owners to see mcNabb back on the field practicing. All signs seem to indicate he’ll make his return in week 5 and he should be a safe play at home against the Buccaneers….

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Times-Picayune's Jeff Duncan reports that the Saints have yet to trail through four games in 2009.
My Fantasy read on Brees: It’s been a combination of a balanced offensive attack early and then turning the dogs loose. With the bye week ahead, the Saints will rest and prepare for their week 6 matchup with Giants…..


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: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH)

September 17th, 2009 11:37pm PST

“Diamonds in the Rough”

(Fantasy Sleepers)

Players you should watch and a few to grab!
As the season progresses every week we’ll be watching for those potential studs in the making, not to be confused with the one night stand or the dreaded flash in the pan. Each year owners are constantly being burned by that player who blows up one week, then decides to hibernate the rest of the year. While there are no guarantees in life or fantasy football, we’re doing our homework so you don’t have to. After 16 games in week one, we’ve pinpointed a number of worthy candidates that appear ready to blossom at a moments notice.

In New Orleans….
While Mike Bell was never slated to start for the Saints, he's no longer a well kept secret in New Orleans. The former Denver Bronco and fourth year running back earned himself some playing time this preseason by impressing head coach Sean Payton with some purposeful hard-nose running. Once the Saint's projected starter Pierre Thomas went down, Bell was elevated to the starting lineup and answered the call with a big week one performance; 28 carries for 143 yards. Even with Thomas set to make his return, Bell should still be in line to see his share of carries. Bell was originally slated to be the team's designated goal line back, add to the mix a regular slot in the rotation and he’s a keeper. Bell is still not owned in many leagues and should be grabbed, he's going to be a regular producer.

In St.Louis…
The Rams offense has not been much to speak of since the Warner-Holt-Faulk days, but with an equally awful defense, the team is going to play a lot of catch-up this season. One bright spot has been the arrival of wide receiver Laurent Robinson. As early as the preseason Robinson began to show promise and in week one, while not spectacular he did turn in a credible job with five catches for 87 yards. The real secret that makes Robinson so appealing, it’s clear he has quickly developed chemistry with the Ram’s passer, but he’s quickly emerging as the team’s favorite and go-to receiver. Avery was the preseason favorite on the squad, but it was Robinson who led the team with 10 targets on Sunday. If you are in need, Robinson’s numbers look to only get better.

In Seattle….
It was T.J. Houshmandzadeh who made the biggest fantasy news this past offseason in Seattle, but perhaps something owners should have been paying attention to was the return of wide receiver Nate Burleson. The former Vikings wideout is coming off an injury shortened 2008 season and it’s easy to forget that in 2004 and 2007 he caught at least 50 balls, including nine touchdowns (each season). In the offseason Burleson showed great explosiveness and he’s always had very good hands. This will be his fourth season with Seattle and now healthy he’s primed to have a very good season. In week one he led the team with seven receptions and 11 targets. Overshadowed by the presence of Housh, Burleson could sneak his way to a nice 2009 season. He’s a nifty grab if you can get him now.

In Chicago…..
Well this certainly looked like a match made in heaven once the Bears acquired the rights to quarterback Jay Cutler via trade. The arrival of Cutler would unite the Bears new stud quarterback with his former teammate and go-to receiver at Vanderbilt, Earl Bennett. The 2nd year receiver played in 10 games last season, but failed to record a single catch. We can already see the Cutler affect after one game. In Week one Bennett not only caught seven passes, but he was looked for often. Bennett saw a total of 13 tosses in his direction. While his week one numbers were lacking, the fact Cutler will look to him so often is more than promising. Bennett entered the 2009 season virtually irrelevant, but Jay is quickly making him a mainstay. He’s worth grabbing now for future play that figures to improve.

Worth keeping your eye on for now….

One game does not make a career, but while the Jets rookie quarterback appears stead fast to be a playa in this league, give him a couple of starts before you commit the farm.

The Raiders appear to have something going with quarterback JaMarcus Russell and rookie wideout Louis Murphy. The rookie receiver with blazing speed already appears to be a favorite, but be cautioned when Chaz Schilenz returns the team could shake up the line-up.

The Titan’s passing game looked pretty healthy in week one against a good Steelers defense. This week they will face a suspect secondary that was lit up by a rookie last Sunday. Keep an eye on wideout Nate Washington who should be close to full-speed. Washington was signed in the offseason and has the tools to be an explosive downfield receiver, but he needs to be healthy.

Remember to check back for more "Diamonds in the Rough!"

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

September 15th, 2009 9:37pm PST

What we saw on Sunday

Week One Fantasy Highlights….
In case you missed most of the action on Sunday, I’ll be the first to tell you that you missed quite a bit. If you don’t have the Sunday ticket, you need it, get it!

Week one was everything many of us thought it would be, with Drew Brees once again dropping bombs or should we say throwing bombs in the Superdome, to Adrian Peterson running “All-Day” through the defenses, to Peyton and Reggie convincing many fantasy owners to say “Marvin who?”

Some notable surprises in week one actually came last Thursday with the Steelers offense abandoning the run and basically going aerial on the strength of Big Ben’s arm and 363-passing yards. Is he an elite quarterback now? If not, he’s as close as you can get without being one. Then there’s his counterpart Santonio Holmes (9 catches, 131-yards) who proved his miraculous toe-dancing Super Bowl winning catch was no fluke.

I found the hard running of Mike Bell (28 carries) in New Orleans to be refreshing, although you’ll have to question how committed to the run will head coach Sean Payton actually be. The Cowboys offense appeared to be quite healthy in the post traumatic T.O. era, with Romo airing it out for 353-yards and three touchdowns. Fantasy owners ask, who’s going to replace Owens; Willliams (3 catches, 86-yds, 1-Td), Crayton (4 catches, 135-yds, 1-Td), and Witten (5 catches, 71-yds). The offense looks to be in good hands.

Another surprise we saw Sunday, but then was it really a surprise to see the Raven’s running back Ray Rice run as well as he did? Rice gained 108-yards on 19 carries and he also added a couple of grabs for another 12-yards. Speaking of an early 2009 surprise, how about Todd Heap’s five grabs for 74-yards and a score.

Just a year ago both quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco were rookies, but now seasoned vets, each commanded their respective offenses to week one victories. Ryan was more than respectable with 229-yards passing and two touchdowns, while Flacco was impressive completing 26 of 43 passes for 307-yards and three scores.

While there were impressive performances, there were also those that had you scratching your heads; like the Rams under-use of Steven Jackson (just 16 touches) and both the Broncos and Bengals offenses lack-luster performances. The absence of Terrell Owens from the Bill’s offensive gameplan was disappointing for fantasy owners, but less a mystery if you watched the game. The Patriots just had no answer for Bill’s running back Fred Jackson.

There were just a handful of the many things we saw in week one, but more importantly than what we saw, what does it all mean?

Fantasy Notes:

First of all, fantasy owners should not panic, remember this was only one game and it was the first game of the season. Just because Steven Jackson didn’t have a huge Sunday, there’s no need to go into desperation mode. It’s quite obvious the Rams need to get their best weapon involved in the passing game as well as the run.

For owners that held onto Brandon Marshall, it appears the rough seas are beginning to calm and it will only be a matter of time before the beast is unleashed. Carson Palmer was not particularly sharp on Sunday, but he did show some good velocity on a few throws. The time missed in preseason showed, but it’s something very correctible.

In New Orleans, head coach Sean Payton is going to have a tough call to make when Pierre Thomas returns; now there’s a three-headed monster (Bush, Bell, Thomas). The Raven’s have a similar dilemma, but it appears they might have already solved their quandary. In Tampa the Buc’s were boasting a running back tri-fecta, but with Graham seeing only one carry that could become the trend; stay with the hot hand and odd man out.

All is well in New Orleans, New England, and Indianapolis with all three aerial attacks firing their big guns in week one. The Cowboys and Steelers, two teams historically known for ball-control ground games, could also be entering the new age aero-dynamics. While these teams are putting their strongest arms forward, teams like the Vikings, Texans, Panthers, and Jaguars are struggling just to lift theirs.

Offenses that struggle to move the ball and pick up first downs, generally don’t accumulate too many yards on offense or points for that matter. Week one offenses that could be a cause for concern for fantasy owners;

Five worst offenses
Team Total yards Total First downs (rank)
1. Carolina Panthers 169-yards 14-first downs (24th)
2. Houston Texans 183-yards 11-first downs (30th)
3. Kansas City Chiefs 188-yards 11-first downs (30th)
4. San Francisco 49ers 203-yards 13-first downs (26th)
5. Green Bay Packers 226-yards 12-first downs (28th)


By David Ortega

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

FSH: ON THE COVER

September 14th, 2009 11:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

The NFL is Back!!

Fantasy Studs & Duds debut….
This was what every fantasy football owner was waiting for; the arrival of the NFL and after 14 games played, disappointed they were not. Week one was filled with many spectacular moments, big plays, great performances, and memorable moments.

While there was much to celebrate surrounding the return of running back Carnell Williams to the Buccaneers starting lineup, there was also much disappointment with the debut of some familiar faces in new places. Players like Jay Cutler and Brett Favre did not raise as many eyebrows with approval as they did with concern, struggling to find there comfort level in their new uniforms.

Aside from the Bucs Cadillac running like a champ, the Saints found them a gem of their own in running back Mike Bell and his 143 yards rushing. In Seattle and New York both the Jones brothers (Julius, 28 and Thomas, 31) showed why they are starters for their respective teams. How many fantasy owners drafted these boys are their number three running back and had them sitting?

For many of the familiar fantasy studs, it was business as usual in week one with players like QB-Drew Brees(358-yards passing, 6 touchdowns), WR-Reggie Wayne (10 catches, 162-yards receiving, and a touchdown), and RB-Adrian Peterson (180-yards rushing, 3 touchdowns) doing what they do.

Some pleasant surprises for week one included;

Did you start these guys?

Joe Flacco (307 passing yards, 3 touchdowns)
Mark Sanchez (272 passing yards, one touchdown)
Mike Bell (28 carries, 143 rushing yards)
Ray Rice (19 carries, 108 rushing yards)
Carnell Williams (13 carries, 97 rushing yards, one touchdown)
Devery Henderson (5 receptions, 103 yards receiving, one touchdown)
Patrick Crayton (4 receptions, 135-yards receiving, one touchdown)
Tim Hightower (12 receptions, 121-yards receiving)

Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

September 14th, 2009 7:37pm PST

[Evening Edition]

A Wild Week one

The first Sunday of the 2009 NFL season was nothing short of "worth the wait" filled with a miracle finish and plenty of surprises.

For Denver fans week one is going to be one to remember; a miraculous catch and run that not only snatched victory away from the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals, but one that had to leave a bitter taste. The Bengals had just taken the lead with less than a minute to play when the most unlikely occurence happened to seal their fate. With only a wing and a prayer, the Broncos got an improbable tipped pass falling into the arms of Stokley (Mr. Johnny on the spot) who took the pass 87-yards for the winning score. It wasn’t drawn up that way, but it proved to be just as effective and painful for Bengal’s fans.

The Bengals weren't the only team to be surprised on Sunday, ask the Texans and their quarterback Matt Schaub. Rex Ryan and his Jets defense brought a variety of looks and blitzes to confuse and pressure Schaub. On the other side protected with an effective run game (190 yards), rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez played very well making plays with his arm and torching the Texans secondary for 272-yards. In his pro debut Sanchez his Jeyts to an impressive week one 24-7 win over the Texans.

Another week one surprise that actually came on the heels of a surprise announcement leading up to Sunday was the return of Cadillac Williams. Williams is returning from two major knee surgeries in two years. The Bucs running back's return was not just a surprise, but also a success. While the Bucs dropped their opener, Williams ran the ball very well gaining nearly 100 yards on just 13 carries. William's day was highlighted with one-yard touchdown run in the 1st quarter.

With quite a few memorable moments and surprises in week one, we are left with plenty to remember. So what will you recall, here's what I will remember from opening weekend;

What I remember from Week one.

1. Brandon Stokely's memorable game winning touchdown reception in the closing seconds to defeat the Bengals.
2. Adrian Peterson's manly 64-yard touchdown run over the entire Brown's defense.
3. Drew Brees career high six touchdown passes against the lowly Lion's defense.
4. DeSean Jackson's 85-yard punt return for a touichdown to cap off the Eagle's week one rout of the Panthers.
5. Santonio Holmes nine catch, 131-receiving yards, and one touchdown reception performance on Thursday night.
6. Roy William's 66-yard touchdown reception against the Bucs on Sunday. He looked very fast.
7. Matt Hasselbeck's three touchdown pass performance against the Rams. Looks like the back feels fine.
8. Mike Bell's solid performance of 28 carries for 143-yards on the ground.
9. Patrick Willis leading the Niner's defense to a surprise week one upset over the Cardinals. Willis recorded 13 tackles with an interception.
10. For Denver fans, Cutler's four interception performance in his regular season debut with the Bears; not the start he hoped for.


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