FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

July 27th, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

FANTASY FOOTBALL IS BACK!

Now that the NFL owners and players have ironed out their differences and ended this cumbersome lockout, it’s time to start talking fantasy football. We all knew we would end up here in the long run, but with the delay caused by the disruption there is going to be a lot of football activity over the coming weeks with NFL free agency, rookie signings, and possible trades all accelerated.

A lot has already taken place in the few short days since the end of the lockout, but there’s still plenty more that will happen. With players moving from one place to the next, it’s going to be a whole lot of fun to try and figure out what the impact will be with players like McNabb in Minnesota and Hasselbeck in Tennessee. And what about players like Tim Tebow or Tavaris Jackson, what will be there expectations as potentially new starters?

This week and weekend is expected to be a whirlwind of more activity, plenty of player moves to fuel the fantasy fire for the water-coolers on Monday. With that said I will add, it’s good to have football back and this season is already shaping up to be another great year of gridiron action.

After four months of basically inactivity, I am ready for some football!


By David Ortega

FSH: FOOTBALL FRIDAY

February 26th, 2010 11:07pm PST

Football Friday

An Off-Season of Change

Big Moves and Changes Could Highlight off-season

With names like Brandon Marshall (Broncos) and Anquan Boldin (Cardinals) headlining the list of possible players to be traded or on the move, this offseason is gearing up for a lot of possible "big trades" and changes to take place.

While Marshall and Bolding may be headlining the offseason trade rumors there are also several other possible fantasy impact players like Reggie Bush, Willie Parker, Thomas Jones, and Tony Scheffler that could be on their way out and sporting new looks in 2010. We have yet to hear any substantial talk concerning any of these players, but there are a lot of indicators suggesting a new home is likely this coming season.

There's been no heated discussions recently indicating any imminent moves, but with the Combine now underway, we could Boldin and Marshall's name surface in conversation. While these two seem to be the center of such talk, we have yet to hear of any popular destination.

Of course with Marshall's tie to Chicago (quarterback Jay Cutler) that could make sense, but a deal hardly seems likely since the Bears have very little to offer to Denver in return. Boldin has been the subject of trade for the past season and a half, but the asking price could be considerably steep for some of the interested teams. However recent reports indicate that the Cards are listening and it does not sound far-fetched to believe a deal could surface as soon as next week.

With the Combine underway and rumors continuing to surface, it may be just a matter of days before we start a lot of the anticipated off-season manuevering and posturing by those teams looking to make big changes.

Hot names to watch this offseason;

Michael Vick (could be released)

Kyle Orton (restricted free agent)

Brandon Marshall (could be traded)

Anquan Boldin (could be traded)

Derrick Mason (could resign with Ravens)

Terrell Owens (free agent)

Antonio Bryant (won't return to Buccaneers)

Reggie Bush (not likely to return to Saints)

Thomas Jones (expected to be released)

Brian Westbrook (released)

LaDanian Tomlinson (released)

Darren Sproles (expected to be released)

Tony Scheffler (could be traded)

Bo Scaife (restricted free agent)

Owen Daniels (restricted free agent)

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 22nd, 2010 9:37pm PST

[The Late Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

NFL Free Agency: Where will they Land?

The NFL offseason is in full swing and it's time to start looking at where some of this year's biggest names may land. With some big names available it will be interesting to see where some will end up and just what kind of impact they will have in fantasy this coming season.

Heading the list of this off-season’s free agents is wide receiver Terrell Owens. After one season in Buffalo it appears the outspoken receiver will not be returning to the frigid Northeast. Owens turned in one of his poorest seasons as a pro since his rookie days, but despite the drop off in production in the right place he can still be a factor.

Owens recorded five pass plays of 40 yards or more in 2009 ranking in the top 10. A home like Chicago, Cincinnati, Baltimore, or possibly even a return to San Francisco could be a good fit for a comeback season if you are T.O. The Ravens and Niners offer the most stable situations which run the less risk of T.O. dividing the locker room, while Chicago and Cincinnati may be high risks.

A recent report on Yahoo indicated Cincinnati is unlikely, but you never know about the others. If T.O. can find the right marriage for 2010, he could still be a productive low number two or high number three fantasy receiver.

Another big name that has recently entered the free agency market includes long time San Diego Charger LaDanian Tomlinson (released). Now that one of the league’s most dynamic scorers has found his way to the free market, where does he end up?

L.T departs San Diego after playing nine seasons for the franchise. With 138 career rushing touchdowns, over 12,000 yards rushing and at 30 years of age there may not be too many destinations rushing his front door, but it's hard to imagine Tomlinson not back on the field in 2010.

A couple of places that (pure speculation) could come calling for the right dollars and situation include; Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, or even New England. Albeit all three places would be looking for a role player (pass receiver out of the backfield) and not offering a huge contract, but all three are expected to contend for a Super Bowl in 2010. Most likely at the top of L.T.'s list these days is that missing ring.

Tomlinson is not likely to find a home as a featured rushing back, but his 530 career receptions make very versatile and suitable for many different systems in the league. In the right system (like New England) he could still possibly be a worthy low number three running back (especially in PPR leagues).

Here are some of the big names available this offseason (with my spin on where they could land);

Chad Pennington, Dolphins (back-up somewhere)

Kyle Orton, Broncos (likely retained by Denver)

Leon Washington, Jets (likely to stay in New York)

Willie Parker, Steelers (won't start in Pittsburgh, could move on)

Pierre Thomas, Saints (expected to stay in New Orleans)

Derrick Mason, Ravens (should return to Baltimore if he doesn't retire)

Miles Austin, Cowboys (will stay right where he is)

Brandon Marshall, Broncos (likely to be anywhere, but Denver)

Vincent Jackson, Chargers (will more than likely stay in San Diego)

Tony Scheffler, Broncos (Kansas City needs a tight end)

For a complete list of potential free agents (provided by the Associate Press)

http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81561ba1&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more fantasy talk everyday.....

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 14th, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

The countdown has already started and we are only 10 days away from "D" day. There's going to be plenty of rumors to note, news to follow, and plenty of fantasy to talk about as draft day gets closer. This week has been plenty active with no shortage of information to share. Here's "My take" on some of the recent happenings around the league....

My Take...

TE TONY GONZALEZ RUMORED TO BE LEAVING KC?
Surprisingly there are rumors floating around indicating that the 33-year old All-pro tight end could be traded. It sounds a little far-fetched considering the recent moves the team has made and the direction they seem to be headed. Gonzalez was the league’s best receiving tight end in 2008 and should be once again among the top options whether in KC or anywhere else.

WR MILES AUSTIN TO STAY PUT IN DALLAS
There was talk that the Jets had interest, but it sounds like the Cowboys made it clear that Miles fits into the team’s future plans. Miles has great speed and show big play ability last season, but disappeared down the stretch in 2008. Consistency will be the focus for the Cowboys 4th year receiver. With Williams and Crayton currently projected as the teams starters it will be an uphill battle for Miles to emerge as a reliable fantasy option, but he is expected to have a chance to compete for the number two spot.

QB ALEX SMITH DOES NOT LOOK SHARP IN OFFSEASON
The Niners may need to look to the draft for their future if Alex Smith is any indication of what the bay area has to look forward to. It may be a wee-bit too early to pass judgement just yet, but Smith has been with the team for four years now. If he doesn't start showing the team something soon, it's not likely they're ever going to see anything worth watching. Fantasy owners can consider him an unworthy fantasy option.

RB DESHAUN FOSTER STILL LOOKING FOR A HOME
The free agent running back is still looking for a place to play in 2009 and recent word has indicated the Bills could offer a temporary home. With Marshawn Lynch serving a three-game suspension to start 2009, the team is going to be pressed for help in the backfield.

WR TORRY HOLT STILL NOT SIGNED
With things seemng to be moving slowly in the Holt-camp, it doesn't seem likely that the former Ram will sign with anyone prior to the draft. With certain teams having very specific needs at the wideout position, depending on how they all fare in the draft will determine which teams may come calling after the draft. Teams like Jacksonville, Oakland, Cleveland (if they trade Edwards), and Cincinnati will be front runners to target some of the big name wideouts in the draft, but look for Chicago and Tennessee to consider a receiver later in the draft. Holt has lost his elite status in fantasy, but it's too early to know whether he can be a reliable option in 2009.

TE DUSTIN KELLER LOOKING TO STAY ON THE FIELD
The Jets tight end has plans to bulk up this offseason, so he can be an everydown player. This would be a big benefit to not only the Jets, but fantasy owners alike. Keller had a pretty good rookie campaign in 2008 with 48 receptions, including three for touchdowns. Keller is already expected to be a little better in 2009, but the more he plays, the more productive he'll be (and his numbers could prove it). Even if he's on the field more, he's still a low-end tight end option for now (he's only in his second year folks).

RB FELIX JONES APPEARS HEALTHY AGAIN
According to the sources close to the team, running back Felix Jones is running with his trademark explosiveness. Last November Jones had surgery to repair his turf toe and it now sounds like he's completely healthy and ready to resume a big role in 2009. Jones showed flashes of brilliance in 2008 and figures to be a very productive fantasy option, even sharing the stage with Marion Barber.

OT ORLANDO PACE LOCKED FOR THE NEXT TWO SEASONS
The Bears added a new quarterback (Jay Cutler) and have now locked up some protection for him, at least for the next two seasons. Pace is still a very good NFL offensive tackle, but at 33 his age and health will be the team's main concern. If he can stay injury free, the Bear's quarterback should have penty of time to make plays in the windy city.

OT JASON PETERS A DRAFT DAY TRADE CANDIDATE?
It sounds like the Bills and Peters are nowhere near getting a new deal signed. Peters is one of the leagues premiere talent at the offensive tackle position, with the Bills unable to agree to terms, it's likely he could be traded on draft day to one of those teams targeting an O-lineman. Expect the Bills to be one of those teams that shake things up come April 25th.


IDP Notes:

The clock keeps ticking and draft day keeps approaching. There's going to be plenty of movements as the days get shorter and closer to the April 25th draft. Here's some more activity to mull over as I offer "my take" and we football fans patiently wait for "D" day......

LB DERRICK JOHNSON TO MOVE INSIDE
The Chiefs are expected to move Johnson inside to play alongside of Zach Thomas. He'll be a key playmaker on defense and should be a solid IDP play in 2009. Over the past four seasons the Chief's linebacker has averaged 87 tackles per season and under Clancy Pendergast's new 3-4 defense he'll still be very productive.

CB LEON HALL AT RISK FOR SUSPENSION
The Bengal's best corner has managed to find some offseason trouble and could see the first half of his 2009 season at risk. There's been no word yet, but it almost certain given the circumstances (arrested for DUI). Hall has eight interceptions and has averaged 71 tackles in his first two seasons. He could be a risky pick in any fantasy drafts, but once he returns (if suspended), he'll be worth adding.

DB DONTE WHITNER THE LATEST NFL CASUALTY
It seems the NFL can't go more than a couple of days without someone making the news and not necessarily good. The Bills safety Donte Whitner was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. There have been some mixed messages coming from some of the reports, but it sounds like Whitner could be facing some sort of disciplinary action from the league when all is said and done. Whitner has been a very good fantasy option for IDP owners, but his stock will drop some if he misses time for suspension.

DL JASON TAYLOR LIKELY TO SIGN AFTER DRAFT
The former Redskin will likely stay a free agent until after the draft. He likely decided on a suitor based on how the Patriots and Dolphins draft. If he's offered only the league minimum in New England, expect to see Taylor return to Miami. Taylor is still athletic and a talent on the edge, but at 34 his tank is no longer full. If he signs with another team, fantasy owners could see his role limited as a pass rusher and see his value drop some.


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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

March 16th, 2009 11:07pm PST


[The Tuesday Edition]
MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE


Talkin Sum Football

Where will Holt land?...
Just this past weekend the Rams decided to part ways with veteran receiver Torry Holt for obvious cap reasons. Now a free agent, Holt could be a busy man and a popular among the free agent headlines. The former Rams receiver was nearly traded to the Titan's prior to his release, but that deal stalled when Holt would not restructure his contract.

The biggest reason for his release was his decline in production (64 receptions in 2008) and his inflated salary. While at 32, his age has to be a consideration, one thing that should not be overlooked when evaluating his 2008 performance was the play of his quarterback. In 2008 the Rams offense struggled with pass protection allowing 45 sacks and turning the ball over 23 times. Certainly there has been a decline in performance, but when your offense is this bad, numbers don't always tell the tale.

(Photo by Simon Bruty/SI)

Holt is still capable of being a productive receiver in the right situation. He has great hands, runs smart routes, he's just lost a step and no longer has that separation, but utilized more as a possession receiver I think he could still flourish.

A couple of places that could come calling where he could actually fit well could be Detroit, Minnesota, New York, and Denver. It's easy to see a talent like Holt should have little trouble finding new work, so long as his ego does not get in the way.

The Lions could be a suitable choice at the expense of winning now. With a veteran wideout on the squad, a player like Holt could help further the development of the Lion's young talented receiver, Calvin Johnson. In Minnesota, the Vikings made a big play for T.J Houshmandzadeh, but Holt could offer some help at the position at a tremendous discount. He'd also help with the development of the Vikings deep threat, Bernard Berrian.

With the loss of Amani Toomer and the status of Plaxico Burress up in the air, Holt could be a possible solution for the Giants as well. The team is loaded with a handful of young receivers (Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss) and Holt's veteran leadership would be priceless. In Denver, the team is going to have to deal with the impending situation that looms concerning it's own young receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall following his 4th arrest just a couple of weeks ago could be looking at an extended suspension.

With Marshall out, the team will have definite need at the position and could go shopping.

Fantasy Fixx

FF Radar
With so many players changing their zip codes and putting on new uniforms it can become very confusing and frustrating trying to keep up. One of the big questions fantasy owners will ask, "now that my guy has changed teams how will this impact his performance in 2009?"

A good question and concern for every owner and one that I will tackle throughout the NFL offseason as we patiently watch veteran players, young skilled talents, and last season's bust look to bounce back with a fresh start and new scenery.

A couple of notable players that have already found new residence and should be on fantasy owners radar, to no surprise quarterback Matt Cassel in Kansas City and the Vikings new quarterback Sage Rosenfels. Cassel was traded from New England to KC just a few weeks ago and is indirectly responsible for the current upheaval in Denver.

(Photo by John W. McDonough/SI)

Last season, when Tom Brady went down with a season ending injury in week one, many prognosticators had written off the Patriots as done for the season as well. Enter Mr. Cassel and his history of not having started a game since high school. Under the tutelage of his offensive coordinator (new Denver head coach) Josh McDaniels, Cassel flourished as a passer and team leader guiding his troops to 11 wins in 2008. The former Patriot also became relevant in fantasy leagues, passing for almost 3,700-yards and throwing 21 touchdowns. Now that he is in Kansas City, he'll have the opportunity to throw to a hall of fame tight end and one of the leagues up and coming superstar receivers. Keep him on your radar as a possible top 10 fantasy quarterback in 2009.

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Vikings pulled off a surprising deal when the trading period opened on Feb. 27th. The deal brought quarterback Sage Rosenfels to Minnesota and sent a 4th round pick to Houston. There's no question that Rosenfels was brought in to start, but the word heading into camp is Tarvaris Jackson will be given every opportunity to win the starting job. The smart money will be on Rosenfels who should be able to put up decent numbers in a run-first program. While in Houston he did not get many opportunities under center he did start five games in 2008 averaging 240-yards passing with four touchdowns (although he did have nine picks). Now that he is a Viking, he'll have the explosive Bernard Berrian on the outside and with Sidney Rice possibly resurfacing into the mix, Rosenfels could be a nice insurance sleeper pick for 2009. Keep him on your radar as a late round back-up selection.



WHAT'S IN THE MIX
...Latest News, whispers, and tid-bits...

Staying Focused...
With every team in the NFL trying to improve their squad for the 2009 season, there's no question that two teams have been pretty busy this offseason; the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots.

The Broncos apparently have tipped their hand by inviting Ohio State's Malcom Jenkins in for a private workout. The defensive back could be a solid pick for the Broncos who have the 12th selection in the NFL draft. This would be a great indication of the team's focus on repairing the 29th overall ranked defense in 2008. The team has already been plenty busy with numerous free agent signings this offseason, with the premise being on the defensive side. Some of the notable acquisitions include DB Brian Dawkins, LB Andra Davis, DB Renaldo Hill, DB Andre Goodman, and DL Darrel Reid.

(AP photo)

Like the front office in Denver, the Patriots have been very active this offseason with many releases as well as surprising acquisitions. The first big move made was the trading of quarterback Matt Cassel to Kansas City for the 34th overall pick. The team also signed free agent running back Fred Taylor in hopes of upgrading a ground game that was injury riddled and stagnate last season. Other signings include free agents DB Leigh Bodden, DB Shawn Springs, WR Joey Galloway, and WR Greg Lewis. There are many contradicting trade whispers circulating about linking the Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers with the Pats, another indicator that the NFL Professor (Belichik) is still in the lab working hard.

Check back every Monday for more Monday Morning Huddle!