FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Monday Edition
October 22nd, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

MNF Quick Notes

The Lions take their show on the road this week in a classic NFC North division matchup with the Bears. Typically this is one of your black and blue kind of fights, but with a gunslinger like Matthew Stafford it can turn into a real shootout. Stafford has been erratic at times, but that won't deter him tonight. The Lions simply struggle to move the ball on the ground and will have to rely on Staffords big arm to make plays downfield to his array of weapons; including Calvin Johnson aka Megatron.

The Bears have some new toys on offense and some old reliables such as running back Matt Forte. The Bears ball carrier can be Mr. Versatility, and will likely be a big focal point of the game plan tonight. Forte's ability to run will pave the way for the Bears passing game downfield. Forte can be counted on for at least 20 touches tonight and a big performance.

The Bears offense is not new with Forte in the backfield, but it is improved with the addition of wide receiver Brandon Marshall. He and his quarterback (and former teammate in Denver) Jay Cutler are finding that old groove and should be able to do more dancing tonight. The Lions don't have the skill players in the secondary to stop Marshall; he's looking at a busy and productive evening.

There's little doubt the Bears secondary will have all eyes on Calvin Johnson, but another receiver to watch is Nate Burleson. Unheralded and often overlooked Burleson is capable of holding his own opposite Megatron. The Lions number two receiver won't stretch the field often, but he could be key in the red zone.

These are my takes for tonights Monday Night Matchup.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 1st, 2011 Thursday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Matthew Stafford: A Young Lion Ready to Roar
The past three weeks for quarterback Matt Stafford and the Lions have not been too kind; the team is 1-2 and Stafford has turned the ball over nine times. After staring out strong this season and coming off a three touchdown and no interception effort against the Broncos in week 8, Stafford has been inconsistent and unlucky. His accuracy may be in question, but with a 65% completion rate, it’s more about decision making than accuracy.

Stafford has also been playing with a fractured index finger on his throwing hand, so his nine picks and any inaccuracy from the pocket would be understandable (although he has refuted any notion). Whether is has been his hand or not, something has been wrong with Stafford as of late. Maybe it’s a confidence issue with some of his throws or lack of, but this Sunday night against the Saints it could all change.

Stafford will shed the protective glove and splint he has been wearing over the past several weeks and hoping to return closer to the form that has led him to 26 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards passing. In week 13 he faces a secondary ranked 27th against the pass and a defense that has also allowed 18 touchdowns to just six picks. With an array of weapons like Megatron, Pettigrew, Burleson, and Scheffler, Stafford could be looking at a huge night of passing with lots of success.

My analysis: The Saints defense played from in front most of Monday night allowing the Giants and quarterback Eli Manning to spray the ball around the field to the tune of 400 yards in the air. One thing to note is the defense also had to rely on a lot of blitzing to create pressure, something the Lions will surely be looking for. This Sunday night’s matchup is likely to take on the same look and could lead to a very big passing night for Stafford. The Lions, just like the Giants of late struggle with the ground game (ranked 22nd) and will rely heavily on attacking the Saints suspect secondary. Start Stafford with a lot of confidence.


By David Ortega

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (SUNDAY HEROES)

October 11th, 2009 10:37pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

Week Five
“Sunday’s Heroes”

Week Five in the NFL…

It was another weekend of NFL action with Sunday gladiators batting brilliantly and bringing honor to the Gridiron. With all of the Sunday action concluded, we recognize those warriors that rose above the rest to stand tall once more amongst the defeated.

In San Francisco before a hostile crowd, Falcon’s running back Michael Turner found great success on the ground. Turner toted the rock 22 times for 97 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns.

On the road facing the St. Louis Rams, the Viking’s running back Adrian Peterson found some success of his own. Peterson only carried the ball 15 times, but he rushed for 69 yards and scored two touchdowns in the team’s victory.

The Cowboy’s running back Tashard Choice needed only eight carries Sunday to do his damamge. Choice gained 92 yards on the ground for a hefty 11.5-yards per carry average and scored on a 36 yard run to help the cause.

The Giant’s starting quarterback Eli Manning was perfect on Sunday against the Raiders and needed only 10 passes to do so. Manning was 8 out of 10 passing for 173 yards and two touchdowns. He also finished the game with a perfect passer rating of 158.3.

The Seahawk’s starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck made his return on Sunday and what a difference he made. Hasselbeck was nearly flawless completing 18 of 30 passes for 241 yards and four touchdowns to lead his team.

The Eagle’s quarter Donovan McNabb also made his return from injury on Sunday. With an extra week of preparation Mcnabb showed no signs of rust completing 16 of 21 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. McNabb also added 30 yards on two scrambles to go along with his 157.2 passer rating.

Typically known as a running team, Steeler’s quarterback Ben roethlisberger is quickly changing the team’s identity. The big-time arm threw for 277 yards on 23 of 30 passing and also tossed three touchdowns.

The Bronco’s playmaking receiver Brandon Marshall scored a touchdown for his third consecutive game. Playing a big part in the Bronco’s win on Sunday, Marshall caught eight passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns.

The Seahawk’s top free agent acquisition from the offseason continues to come on strong lately. Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh caught five passes for 77 yards and scored twice to help lead his team.

The Cardinal’s wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald showed folks on Sunday some of what makes him great. Fitz caught five passes for 79 yards and scored two touchdowns to help the Cards win.

The Seahawk’s other receiver Nate Burleson continued to show why he is one of the leagues best at his position. Burleson caught six passes on Sunday for 98 yards and added two scores in the Seahawks victory.

In the weekly night cap, one of the Colt’s rookie receiver Austin Collie made huge contributions in the team’s win. Collie grabbed eight Manning passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns in the winning effort.


These were just a few of Week five’s Gridiron Gladiators. Check out the rest of Sunday’s Heroes from today’s action;

Sunday’s Heroes

300-Passing Club

Name,Team....................Comp Att Yds TD Int Rate
Matt Schaub,HOU..............35 50 371 2 1 96.3
Tony Romo,DAL................20 34 351 2 0 113.7
Kyle Orton,DEN.................35 48 330 2 1 96.7
Matt Ryan,ATL.................22 32 329 2 1 110
Peyton Manning,IND...........36 44 309 3 1 109.2
Kurt Warner,ARI...............26 38 302 2 0 109.8

100-Rushing Club

Name,Team.................Att Yds Avg TD
Cedric Benson,CIN..........27 120 4.4 1
Jamal Lewis,CLE............31 117 3.8 0
Ahmad Bradshaw,NYG......11 110 10 2

100-Receiving Club

Name,Team ................Rec Yds Avg TD
Miles Austin,DAL...........10 250 25 2
Roddy White,ATL...........8 210 26.2 2
Jeremy Maclin,PHI..........6 142 23.7 2
Kellen Winslow,TB..........9 102 11.3 2
Andre Johnson,HOU........8 101 12.6 2


Check back every week for more “Sunday Heroes”

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!"