Showing posts with label Nate Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nate Washington. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

FSH NOTEBOOK: TARGET PRACTICE

September 28th, 2011, Wednesday

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In These Hands We Trust

In week 3 there were no hands better than the pair that comes with Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker. Against the Bills, Welker was targeted a league high 20 times in week 3 finishing the game with 16 catches and over 200 yards receiving. While Welker was raking in passes like crazy, Roddy White (Falcons) and Anquan Boldin (Ravens) were seeing many chances as well, but with a lot less success.

White only corralled 9 balls on 17 tries against the Buccaneers, while Boldin was less successful snagging only 7 of 14. The good news for owners, these two look like they have the confidence of their quarterbacks and should be strong candidates to rebound in week 4 with plenty more chances.

A couple of other receivers that have the confidence of their quarterbacks and could quickly become fantasy football household names include wide receiver Nate Washington (Titans), David Nelson (Bills), and Brandon Pettigrew (Lions).

Through the first three weeks of the season Washington (27 targets) and Nelson (27 targets) both rank in the Top 20. Pettigrew is not far off ranking fourth among tight ends with 22 targets. After last weeks’ breakout game against the Vikings with 11 receptions and 112 yards receiving, Pettigrew is quickly becoming a favorite of (Matthew) Stafford.

Top 10 in week 3

1. Wes Welker, Patriots (20 targets)
2. Roddy White, Falcons (17 targets)
3. Anquan Boldin, Ravens (14 targets)
4. Reggie Wayne, Colts (13 targets)
5. Andre Caldwell, Bengals (12 targets)
6. Eric Decker, Broncos (12 targets)
7. Andre Johnson, Texans (12 targets)
8. Michael Jenkins, Vikings (11 targets)
9. Calvin Johnson, Lions (11 targets)
10. 6 players tied at 10 targets



Radar Watch


If the Broncos can quarterback Kyle Orton to look downfield more, wide receiver Eric Decker could suddenly become a fantasy favorite. Decker was among the leaders in week 3 with 12 targets, but the results were only 7 catches for 48 yards. Like Decker, wide receiver Pierre Garcon is going to need more help from the quarterback position if he is going to improve on his 10 targets from week 3. Both look like diamonds in the rough just waiting to shine.

Tight end Todd Heap is healthy this season and was finally utilized a little more extensively in week 3 seeing 10 balls (targets) in his direction. Heap has shown lots of ability in the past, if quarterback Kevin Kolb can make more of an effort to get his tight end involved, Heap has the potential of being a fantasy gem going forward.

One of my waiver wire mentions this week is wide receiver Michael Jenkins (Vikings). He’s not going to suddenly break out of the gate in week 4, but his 17 targets are good indicator he’s one of McNabb’s favorite and will see a steady stream of passes in his direction every week.

My last mention here is Lions rookie wide receiver Titus Young. Last week he broke out with a nice 5 catch, 89-yard performance on seven targets. This week his 4 catches and 51 yards receiving might suggest a slight regression, but to the contrary Young was targeted eight times. As long as Young continues to see his share of throws, he’s going to get better; much better.


Top 10 through week 3 (unofficial)

1. Wes Welker, Patriots (43 targets)
2. Roddy White, Falcons (34 targets)
3. Andre Johnson, Texans (32 targets)
4. Reggie Wayne, Colts (32 targets)
5. Jason Witten, Cowboys (32 targets)
6. Brandon Marshall, Dolphins (31 targets)
7. Steve Smith, Panthers (31 targets)
8. Steve Johnson, Bills (30 targets)
9. Mike Thomas, Jaguars (30 targets)
10. Anquan Boldin, Ravens (28 targets)
11. Calvin Johnson, Lions (28 targets)
12. Darren Sproles, Saints (28 targets)

Saturday, October 31, 2009

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 1st, 2009 8:07am PST

Sunday Morning Gametime

What’s the Latest
[ News and Notes]


Brian Westbrook not expected to play….
According to the NFL Network Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is not expected to play today against the Giants. Rookie running back LeSean McCoy will get the start.

Nate Washington expected to play today.…
The Titans are expected to have their deep threat receiver Nate Washington available on Sunday against the Jaguars. With the team switching to Young at quarterback today, they’ll need their best players on the field.

Jermichael Finley is not expected to play today…..
The Packers second year tight end is listed as doubtful for today and not expected to play. Tight end Donald Lee could be a sleeper pick in today’s matchup with Finley out.

The Vikings rookie receiver expected to play….
Just as ESPN’s John Clayton reported earlier this week, wide receiver Percy Harvin will play today against the Packers.

The Lions rookie quarterback Matt Stafford likely game-time…
The Lions head coach Jim Schwartz says Stafford will be a game-time decision. If the rookie plays he’ll have a favorable matchup against a very poor Ram’s defense.

Jerricho Cotchery is expected to play today….
According to NFL.com wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery is expected to play today against the Dolphins. Cotchery has been slowed with a hamstring injury he suffered during practice three weeks ago.

Vikings receiver Bernard Berrian not expected to play….
According to Fox Sports Berrian is not expected to play today, but this is not official. Even if the Vikes wideout is on the field, Rice and Harvin are now the preferred fantasy plays in Minnesota.

Mario Manningham not so sure ….
According the NFL Network, after coming out on the field for warm ups and catching some balls, the Giant’s receiver did not sound too confident about playing. Fantasy owners would be advised to look at other available possibilities.

Check back every week for more “Sunday Morning Gametime”


Wednesday, October 7, 2009

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (QWIK FIXX)

October 8th, 2009 11:37pm PST


THE FANTASY QWIK FIXX


Target Practice: Week Five in the NFL

We are always in search of knowledge and more importantly that all important commodity information. If you are planning on setting a winning fantasy football lineup for week 5, then you better be in the know and certain which players are going to perform this week.

Now that we are a quarter of the way into the season, we can start to discuss trends, note tendencies, but more notably recognize that numbers don’t lie. This week’s focus for the fantasy fanatics is more target practice. If you are looking for much needed help heading into week 5, you’ve targeted the right place and we’ve got your fix.

Who’s worried….
The numbers are down somewhat at the moment, but fantasy owners should not panic when it comes to the Falcon’s wide receiver Roddy White. In his first three games this season he has been targeted 26 times, indicating it’s just a matter of time before he’s back on track. Taking into account White’s late arrival to camp, he’s sure to have shaken the rust by now, so owners can expect to see better production from him soon.

His first two games were quiet, just 61 yards receiving, but over the past two weeks it appears the Bronco’s playmaking receiver Brandon Marshall is starting to come to life. In the past two weekends Marshall has grabbed nine balls for 158 yards and scored two touchdowns. For the season Marshall has been targeted consistently (28 times) and it finally looks like he’s starting to heat up. Fantasy owners can now look forward to seeing more great things from “Baby T.O.”

One of the newer additions to the Titan’s passing game this season is former Steeler’s receiver Nate Washington. He was brought in to give quarterback Kerry Collins and the Titan’s a legitimate deep threat in the aerial attack and while things haven’t quite panned out as planned fantasy owners shouldn’t get too nervous. While Washington does only have 14 receptions for 135 yards, he’s had plenty of opportunity with 31 targets this season indicating the prospect of a much better second quarter of the season.

Another pass catcher off to a disappointing start that should not be overlooked is the Bear’s tight end Greg Olsen. With just 10 receptions and only 94 yards, it becomes very easy for owners to give up on the former Miami Hurricane; mistake. In the team’s first four games, Olsen has been consistently targeted and has seen a total of 25 balls thrown his direction. The numbers aren’t there yet, but give it time he and his quarterback will soon be on the same page.

Keep your Eye on these targets…
If you caught the matchup between the Bengals and Browns this past Sunday, sure it was a marathon of a lot of nothing, but after taking a closer look it’s hard to avoid the emergence of rookie receiver Mohamed Massaquoi. The kid snagged eight balls for about a buck and a half, but the more compelling factor were the 13 balls thrown his way. With Derek Anderson now in the huddle, Massaquoi looks like he’ll be the favorite by far.

After seeing only one pass in his direction in week one, the Jaguars receiver Mike Sims-Walker is quickly regaining some of the notoriety he earned in small stints a year ago. In his past three starts Walker has seen a total of 30 balls thrown his way and he has delivered with fantasy-like production; 19 receptions, 278 yards, 3 touchdowns.

Here is the breakdown for fantasy pass catchers (targets) this season;
Through four weeks:

Top-30 Targeted Pass-catchers

Player.........................................Target
  1. Smith, Steve-WR, NYG................45
  2. Moss, Randy-WR, NE...................44
  3. Burleson, Nate-WR, SEA...............41
  4. Johnson, Calvin-WR, DET.............40
  5. Wayne, Reggie-WR, IND..............40
  6. Houshmandzadeh, T.J.-WR, SEA ...38
  7. Johnson, Andre-WR, HOU............38
  8. Ochocinco, Chad-WR, CIN............36
  9. Smith, Steve-WR, CAR...............36
  10. Gates, Antonio-TE, SD................35
  11. Holmes, Santonio-WR, PIT...........35
  12. Cotchery, Jerricho-WR, NYJ..........34
  13. Clark, Dallas-TE, IND..................33
  14. Mason, Derrick-WR, BAL.............33
  15. Ward, Hines-WR, PIT.................33
  16. Carlson, John-TE, SEA................32
  17. Cooley, Chris-TE, WAS...............32
  18. Manningham, Mario-WR, NYG.......32
  19. Sims-Walker, Mike-WR, JAC........31
  20. Washington, Nate-WR, TEN.........31
  21. Gage, Justin-WR, TEN...............30
  22. Ginn Jr., Ted-WR, MIA...............30
  23. Murphy, Louis-WR, OAK.............30
  24. Winslow, Kellen-TE, TB..............30
  25. Clayton, Mark-WR, BAL..............29
  26. Driver, Donald-WR, GB..............29
  27. Fitzgerald, Larry-WR, ARI...........29
  28. Jackson, Vincent-WR, SD...........29
  29. Moss, Santana-WR, WAS...........29
  30. Daniels, Owen-TE, HOU.............28

Check back every week for more “Fantasy Fixx”


Wednesday, September 16, 2009

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 14th, 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……

News From Across the Wire...




Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers could be caving to holdout draft pick Michael Crabtree and making him an improved offer, according to CBS Sports.
My Fantasy read on Crabtree: This recent report would indicate the team is reaching out, but with every success they have on the field without the kid, this can’t bode well for his contract dollars. It doesn’t sound like anything is imminent, so don’t expect to see Crabtree signed anytime soon….

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson is already being listed as a game-time decision for this Sunday with a sprained ankle, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
My Fantasy read on Tomlinson: The Charger’s won’t lose much with LT out and Sproles in the lineup. LT did not look particularly sharp Monday night and this injury now appears to be more of a setback than first thought. With the Ravens on the slate, a less than 100 percent LT might not be a smart play for week two…..

Dallas Clark, TE, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Star reports that with wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez out several weeks with injury, Dallas Clark will play an ever larger role in the Colts' passing attack.
My Fantasy read on Clark: With Gonzalez going down for a while, expect not only Clark to see more looks in the passing game, but also Reggie Wayne to continue his strong play……

Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans
After being extremely limited by a hamstring injury in the team's Week 1 contest against the Steelers last Thursday, Nate Washington should "(play) the number of plays a starter would play" in the team's game against the Texans this weekend, according to the Nashville Tennessean.
My Fantasy read on Washington: This is great news for fantasy owners. With the Texan’s coming to town after being lit up for over 270-yards passing by a rookie quarterback, Washington and the Titans should be primed for a big afternoon…..

Felix Jones, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Felix Jones will be limited in practice this week as he deals with a bruised quad, according to the Dallas Morning News.
My Fantasy read on Jones: With Jones dinged, if he’s not able to go expect to see Barber anchor the load on the ground with Tashard Choice picking up more of the duties in the passing game…..

Reggie Bush, RB, New Orleans Saints
Even with Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas both expected to see a good amount of carries in Week 2, Reggie Bush is not likely to see his amount of touches decrease, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
My Fantasy read on Bush: The Saints multipurpose back was relatively quiet with seven carries for 14 yards on Sunday. With two capable runners in the backfield in Bell and Thomas, expect to see Bush’s duties relegated mostly to the passing game and special teams…..

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





Wednesday, September 9, 2009

FSH: THURSDAY NIGHT PREVIEW

September 10th, 2009 5:37am PST



THURSDAY NIGHT SPECIAL PREVIEW



Tennessee Titans
vs

Pittsburgh Steelers

It’s taken fans over seven months to wait, but it’s finally here “The NFL season” kickoffs Thursday night when the defending Super Bowl Champion Steelers host the Tennessee Titans. And how appropriate is that, the Steelers participated in last season’s final game and now they will participate in this year’s opener.

Deservedly so, the Steelers will be in the spotlight Thursday night when the 2009 season kicks off. With one of the leagues premiere elite quarterbacks in Ben Roethlisberger (2 Super Bowl rings), there’s no question that the house will be rocking as the Steelers will look to repeat their impressive run of a year ago.

The Titan’s on the other side of the field will be filled with emotion, but they will also enter the 2009 schedule with a heavy heart. The team will be mourning the loss of former Titan quarterback Steve McNair, who passed away during the offseason, by wearing the number 9 on the back of their helmets in his memory. Nonetheless head coach Jeff Fischer will undoubtedly have his team prepared for what should be an epic battle.

The Match-up….

With an offseason of preparation the Steelers did not do much to change last season’s winning formula, except get healthy. Big Ben has looked in form this preseason in limited action. Although some may worry about his off-the-field distractions, it doesn’t seem to be affecting Big Ben.

At the ripe age of 27 and entering his 6th season, Big Ben already has two rings on his resume and has proved time and time again that he is clutch. The healthy return of Fast Willie Parker will be a huge upgrade to the Steelers offense that likes to control the clock and move the ground on the ball. If FWP can stay healthy, expect to see the Steelers offense to get back to doing what it does best, run the ball and stretch the field with Big Ben’s arm in the vertical game.

The Titans are coming off a season that was filled with great high hopes following their impressive start, but one that came crashing down when all the air was let out in their only post season appearance against Ravens last season. The most notable changes the team made this offseason came on the offense. The team signed former Steeler receiver Nate Washington (questionable) and free agent tight end Algee Crumpler (named starter).

The additions should help boost a lethargic passing game (ranked 27th last season), but there is no questions like the Steelers, the Titans prefer the ground game. Last season the Titans punched it in 24 times with the run and Thursday night they will face a Steeler defense that allowed a meager seven touchdowns (tied for second fewest). Still the Titans will try to establish ground superiority, but at some point expect to see Collins test drive his new aerial attack.

My Take….

Thursday night should be a classic matchup of two teams that like to get dirty in the trenches and pound the ball inside. With two throw back quarterbacks that have big-arms, the season opener promises to be a good one. Expect to see both quarterbacks take plenty of shots downfield as each offense will try to loosen up the defense.

The Titans will try to run early to set up some play action, but Steelers have a lot of playmakers on defense and plenty of speed up front. Expect the Steel Curtain to put a lot of pressure on Collins early and get the crowd going. With designed pressure and a suffocating run defense, turnovers will come into play here. I like the Steelers to take the early lead, apply the pressure and put this one to bed by the early part of the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Steelers 28, Titans 17

Fantasy Notes:

The Gamers:
Willie Parker won’t see too many holes, but without big Albert Haynesworth in the middle, he’ll be able to squeeze through a few times. Expect 20+ carries and at least one big run (possibly to the house)!

Hines Ward is the steady play in the pass game. Roethlisberger is going to look downfield to Holmes quite often, but he’ll find Ward underneath more. Ward won’t rack up big yards, but he’ll get some catches (6-7 recepts) and could find the end-zone.

The Steelers defense will play big in front of the home crowd. Expect a couple of turnovers, a few sacks, and possibly a score!

White and Johnson are going to split carries (10-12 each), but against a stingy defense playing at home, neither is going to find much luck.

The Titan’s will likely see Collins throw more than he likes and with lots of pressure and no time, the short routes will be most popular. Expect Crumpler and Johnson to see their numbers called quite often, in a take what the defense gives you (not much) result.


IDP Watch:

Notable must plays
Steelers: Harrison and Woodley have a nose for the ball and Polamalu is always a playmaker.
Titans: Bulloch will be tracking FWP all night, while Finnegan is going to be busy with Ward. Expect Vanden Bosch to say hello to Big Ben.


Check back this Monday for our “Monday Night Preview”



Wednesday, September 2, 2009

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 2nd, 2009 9:30pm 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...





Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
An undisclosed source close to the situation stated that it is highly unlikely that the Broncos will deal receiver Brandon Marshall to the Jets, according to Newsday.
My Fantasy read on Marshall: Based on what we are seeing and hearing out of the Bronco’s camp, don’t expect to see Marshall moved. When and will he play is a bigger concern. He’s still a huge risk and very tough to take early. Avoid if you can, but if you’re in position he offers best value as a WR3 at the moment…..

Adam Vinatieri, K, Indianapolis Colts
Adam Vinatieri passed his physical Wednesday after undergoing surgeries on his right hip and right knee during the offseason, according to the National Football Post.
My Fantasy read on Vinatieri: Recent reports indicate the Colts kicker should be ready for the opener. Vinatieri is a PK1 in any format and as long as he’s good to go for week, he should be drafted as your number one…..

Craig Davis, WR, San Diego Chargers
Craig Davis has returned to practice with the Chargers, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He has been dealing with knee tendinitis.
My Fantasy read on Davis: The Chargers fourth receiver is buried behind Jackson, Chambers, and Floyed. He’s been somewhat of a disappointment thus far in his career and as the number four in San Deigo, he won’t offer much fantasy value even in deeper leagues…..

Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are reportedly monitoring the Patriots' tight ends, according to the Boston Globe.
My Fantasy read on Celek: The Eagles could be looking to add depth and some blocking skill to the position. Celek is a solid pass receiver, although not the best blocker. He’s coming off a strong post season and could be a hot red-zone target for fantasy……

Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers
According to Adam Schefter on Twitter, the Niners and top pick Michael Crabtree are not even close to signing a deal.
My Fantasy read on Crabtree: The Niner’s rookie is going to be a late bloomer this season, if he even blooms. He’ll miss all of camp and is coming off foot surgery. He’s going to be a risky flier this season, that probably won’t reap any rewards until the second half…..

Sammy Morris, RB, New England Patriots
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe believes that Sammy Morris has slipped to fifth on the Patriots' depth chart at running back.
My Fantasy read on Morris: The Patriots are full in the backfield and this could be the year Morris is out. He could catch on somewhere down the road, but even then he’ll offer very little if any fantasy value……

Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings
According to SI.com, Brett Favre will not play in Friday's preseason finale against Dallas.
My Fantasy read on Favre: The almost 40-year old gun slinger proved enough last week, he’s got plenty left. He’ll avoid any injury risk and focus on shaking the rust during practice over the next ten days. Expect Favre to be a solid QB2 in fantasy to start the season, but we’ll have to see how the aging gladiator holds up……

James Davis, RB, Cleveland Browns
James Davis is considered the favorite to hold the No. 2 role at running back behind Jamal Lewis, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
My Fantasy read on Davis: Davis has looked very good this preseason and could be a threat to steal carries away from the starter Jamal Lewis. Davis has shinned this preseason and could be a sleeper in Cleveland (whatever that means). He looks good enough to keep watch, but on the offense you might want to relax before leaping…..

Brian Leonard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Brian Leonard is believed to be the favorte over DeDe Dorsey for the No. 3 role at running back, according to the Bengals' official website.
My Fantasy read on Leonard: The Bengal’s back-up runner is not glamorous or explosive, but he’s solid and consistent which may be enough for this offense. Right now Leonard has little fantasy value, but in deeper leagues he could worth considering as a late round flier……

Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans
Matt Schaub is progressing well in his recovery from a sprained left ankle, according to the Texans' official website. Head coach Gary Kubiak said, "He has made a lot of progress in the last 24 hours. He is out here with the group watching things. He is on a regular treatment schedule and trying to get ready for New York."
My Fantasy read on Schaub: An injury will always make a fantasy owner nervous, but with Schaub you have to hold your breath. If you took him as your number one, better have your crying towel ready, could be a long and tenuous season. He’s progressing and as long as he’s healthy enough to play, he’ll produce with the best, just hope the line can keep his jersey clean……

Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots
There is belief that Wes Welker could miss Week 1 while recovering from an undisclosed injury, according to the Boston Globe.
My Fantasy read on Welker: This is not good news for owners that took Welker as a high to mid number two receiver. He’s still going to get you those needed catches in PPR leagues, but he’s not the biggest guy so better hope the injury isn’t anything that will linger……

Jerious Norwood, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Jerious Norwood (knee) is being held out of the team's final preseason game only as a precautionary move, according to AtlantaFalcons.com
My Fantasy read on Norwood: So much for the plan to limit Turner’s number of carries. If Norwood is not 100 percent for week one, expect “the beast” to be the focal point of the running game until Jerious is full speed. Even with the few extra carries, once he’s healthy Norwood is only a mid to low RB3 in most formats…..

Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers plan on using a 60-to-40 run-to-pass ratio in their offense this season, according to CBS Sports.
My Fantasy read on Gore: We heard it all last year, the offense will feature Gore. The fact is, even if the team does go run heavy, back-up Glenn Coffee has earned his way into some of those carries. Gore should be better this season, but behind that line he’s just a solid RB2 and should be drafted as such…..

Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
Tom Brady will not play in the team's final preseason game this Thursday, though not because his throwing shoulder is hurt, according to the Boston Globe.
My Fantasy read on Brady: The Patriot’s and their field general is just being safe. Brady looked pretty good this preseason, as he shakes his rust he will only get better. With 13 weeks to keep getting better, he’s still one of fantasy’s top passers and will get you plenty of W’s…..

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Denver Broncos
Broncos coach Josh McDaniels believes rookie running back Knowshon Moreno is healthy enough to play in the team's preseason game on Thursday night, according to the Denver Post.
My Fantasy read on Moreno: The Bronco’s rookie won’t play in the team’s preseason finale, but he looks ready for action week one. Behind the Bronco’s offensive line, he’ll offer good value as a RB3, but if he’s as good as advertised, expect greater things…..

Chris Baker, TE, New England Patriots
Chris Baker has emerged as the Patriots' top tight end this preseason, according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy read on Baker: The Patriots new tight end could become a nice late round steal in most drafts. After disappearing in New York last season, Baker has quietly re-emerged and could be a red-zone target for the Pats and fantasy owners…..

Laurence Maroney, RB, New England Patriots
Laurence Maroney still looks "tentative at the line" this preseason, but has made a "positive impression with improved skills as a pass-catcher," according to the Boston Herald.
My Fantasy read on Maroney: The Patriots runner has been non-existent in fantasy since the 2007 post-season. He’s likely to part of a committee and will have limited fantasy value, owners may want to look elsewhere for help…..

Chris Wells, RB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Republic reports that rookie running back Chris Wells will likely start for the team at some point this season.
My Fantasy read on Wells: This has been the though most of the preseason, we just need to see the kid on the field to make that impression stick. Wells will fit best as a RB3 draft pick, but might not have any impact until the second half of the season…..

Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Carson Palmer (sprained ankle) will not play in the Bengals' final preseason game against the Colts on Thursday night, but will be ready for Week 1, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
My Fantasy read on Palmer: No surprises here. The only thing to watch is how he looks in practice and his timing with his receivers. Palmer is coming off an injury shortened 2008 and is predicted to be one of this year’s sleepers. Expect a strong 2009 campaign for the former USC Trojan……

Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans
Nate Washington (hamstring) might be available to play in Week 1, according to the Nashville Tennessean.
My Fantasy read on Washington: Very few are talking about the Steeler’s number three receiver, because in Tennessee he is the Titan’s number one. He has decent fantasy value, but on a Titan’s team that will run first, he’s a high pick WR3 in most formats with some upside value (not much, but some)…….


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