FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

December 12th, 2010, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

Today’s injury notes

The Chief’s will be without their starting quarterback Matt Cassel today against the San Diego Chargers. Cassel suffered an appendectomy earlier in the week and did not make the flight with the team to the west coast.

The Raiders could be without their top cover corner Nnamdi Asomugha today when the team faces the Jacksonville Jaguars. Asomugha is listed as questionable as he is dealing with a lingering ankle injury.

The Bronco’s are set to meet the Arizona Cardinals later today, but they will be missing a couple of key players. Rookie wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has been ruled out with an ankly injury, while Bronco’s safety Brian Dawkins will also be sidelined today with a knee injury. Fullback Spencer Larson has also been ruled out of today’s contest with a hamstring injury.

The AP is reporting that the Eagles will be without cornerback Assante Samuel tonight when the Eagles meet the Dallas Cowboys. Samuel is nursing an knee injury and was not expected to make the trip with the team.

Today’s Matchup

The Bills are facing the Cleveland Brown’s today and their 20th ranked pass defense. Last week Fitzpatrick and company had a rough day throwing the pill against an aggressive Vikings defense. This week won’t be a whole lot easier, but look for the Bills to attack the Browns defense through the air with wide receivers Stevie Johnson and Lee Evans. The Brown’s have allowed 20 passing touchdowns this season and are allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete better than 60 percent of their passes.

The Arizona Cardinals offense has been awful over the past several weeks averaging just over 8 points in their last three games. Today the Cards will matchup with the Broncos 31st run defense and should be planning a lot of Tim Hightower on the ground. Last week against the Rams Hightower toted the rock 15 times for 81 yards. It’s a safe bet to expect similar and even better numbers for the Cards runner today.

The Packers offense is on a roll having scored at least 31 points in three of its’ last four games. Today quarterback Aaron Rodgers will face the Lions 16th ranked pass defense that has surrendered 21 passing touchdowns and allows over a 63 pass completion percentage. Wide receiver Greg Jennings (11 touchdowns) and Donald Driver (4 touchdowns) could be in line for a couple of big games.

With snow and wind in affect in the windy city (Chicago) today, an aerial shootout is highly unlikely for quarterbacks Jay Cutler and Tom Brady. The Bears have been running the ball and will be expected to stick with what works, so expect to see a lot of Matt Forte (748 yards rushing, 5 touchdowns) today against the Patriots.

Tonight’s matchup between the Cowboys and Eagles being played in the comforts of the new Cowboy’s stadium could end up being every bit of a shootout. The Eagles are scoring at a frantic pace, while under the new Garrett regime, the Cowboys offense is starting to click. With all the talk about Mike Vick and the passing game, today’s matchup could be a battle of the ground games between Tashard Choice and LeSean McCoy. Both versatile backs should see plenty of carries and both will get their fair share in the pass game as well.


By David Ortega

FSH: FRIDAY FANTASY WATCH

November 5th, 2010 Friday

Friday’s Fantasy Watch

As I am taking a look at the week nine matchups it occurs to me what a strange season this has been so far. No Sydney Rice or Vincent Jackson (yet), Larry Fitzgerald has pulled a disappearing act, Reggie Bush has missed the past six weeks, Brett Favre has lost his magic, and Aaron Rodgers has yet to live up to his NFL MVP hype.

It’s become a season filled with predominantly running backs by committees and few super star fantasy studs. Sure there are Roddy White, Adrian Peterson, and Andre Johnson players living up to the hype, but who are these Brandon Lloyd, Peyton Hillis, and Kyle Orton fellas? And where did they come from.

Each week with some of the best fantasy studs taking a back seat for an afternoon and some new name running to the forefront, it’s been tough from time to time this season to figure out who should be in your lineup. Believe me, I feel your pain.

And so as we enter week nine I will offer a couple of thoughts as we inch closer to kick-off (just over 24 hours away). Here are a couple of players on my watch for Sunday….

On My Watch

RB LeSean McCoy against the Colts defense…

Last week against the Indy defense running back Arian Foster (112 yards rushing) was very productive not only in the running game, but out of the backfield as well. With the Colts traveling to Philly this Sunday, Eagles running back LeSean McCoy will be on my radar.

The Colts were burned nine times for 65 yards out of the backfield by Foster and even back-up running back Derrick Ward snagged a couple of passes on the evening. As a matter of fact the Colts defense has allowed 18 receptions to running backs in its’ last two games.

McCoy has great versatility and there’s no doubt the Eagles offense will be utilizing all his skills and taking advantage of any mismatches coming out of the backfield. In week seven against a tough Titan run defense McCoy was limited to 48 yards rushing, but was able to contribute in the pass game with six receptions for 54 yards.

On Sunday against the Colts 28th ranked run defense that allows 4.9 yards per carry, McCoy should be able to find a few running lanes. He’ll also be an effective weapon out of the backfield as an eligible receiver. With the Colts defense allowing 11 catches to the Texan’s running backs a week ago, I’m sure Eagles head coach Andy Reid and company will find many ways to get the ball into McCoy’s hands.

I will be watching McCoy in your starting lineup on Sunday.

WR Dwayne Bowe against the Raiders defense….

For the past several weeks there hasn’t been any receiver as hot as the Chiefs Dwayne Bowe (21 receptions, 357 yards, 6 touchdowns in 2010). In his last three games Bowe has five touchdown receptions to go with over 200 yards receiving. He has become a man possessed and unstoppable in the red-zone.

Normally with a tough matchup like the Raiders 5th ranked pass defense I might steer clear, but with shutdown corner Nnamdi Asomugha listed as doubtful and not expected to play I like Bowe’s matchup on Sunday. The Raiders are going to have their hands full trying to cover Bowe with back-up corner Chris Johnson.

I wouldn’t expect the league’s number rushing attack to suddenly turn pass happy this Sunday, so I don’t look for big yardage from the Chief’s go-to receiver. I would however bank on Bowe making it four straight games with a score and I would not be surprised to see him make multiple trips against the Raiders.

Not only will I be watching Bowe, but he’s a must start in my lineup this week….

FSH: IDP NOTES

September 1st, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Brian Cushing, LB, Houston Texans
Houstontexans.com reports that rookie linebacker Brian Cushing may miss his fourth straight preseason game Friday with a knee injury.
My Fantasy Read on Cushing: The Texans rookie linebacker looks like a long shot to play in week one with any kind of effectiveness. Even as a starter, he’s behind the curve and would be a safer late round fantasy pick….

Eugene Wilson, S, Houston Texans
Eugene Wilson is considered day-to-day after sustaining a knee injury during Monday's preseason game against the Vikings, according to the Houston Chronicle.
My Fantasy Read on Wilson: It’s always unfortunate when players get injured, but it did not appear the illegal block by Favre was done with any malice. Wilson should be fine and return soon enough, although he’s not a big IDP favorite….

Curtis Johnson, DE, Indianapolis Colts
According to the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys have claimed linebacker Curtis Johnson off waivers from the Colts.
My Fantasy Read on Johnson: The Cowboys have plenty of talented starters. Johnson doesn’t figure to see any meaningful time and isn’t fantasy worthy….

Reggie Nelson, S, Jacksonville Jaguars
Head coach Jack Del Rio indicated that Reggie Nelson will be the Jaguars' starting free safety for Week 1 at Indianapolis, according to their official team website.
My Fantasy Read on Nelson: Nelson could be somewhat of a modest fantasy sleeper playing free-safety. He’s not a big tackler, but last season he started 15 games and had 5 picks to go along with 63 tackles…..

Charles Tillman, CB, Chicago Bears
According to the Chicago Tribune, there is "no chance" of cornerback Charles Tillman seeing any action in Thursday's exhibition against the Browns.
My Fantasy Read on Tillman: The Bears secondary is in need of help, but it sounds like the playmaking Tillman will not be to the rescue. He’s still a worthy draft selection, but better fit for the later rounds with his high injury risk…..

A.J. Hawk, LB, Green Bay Packers
According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, the Packers likely won't use A.J. Hawk as an every-down linebacker this season.
My Fantasy Read on Hawk: This news will definitely take a chunk out of his fantasy stock. With limited play, his production levels will be expected to tail off some, lowering his fantasy value. He’ll serve well as a fantasy back-up, but not a starter….

Rod Hood, CB, Chicago Bears
ESPN.com is reporting that cornerback Rod Hood has signed a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears. Hood was released by the Browns on Monday after going to the Super Bowl with Arizona last season.
My Fantasy Read on Hood: The Bears can use plenty of help in the secondary, but it may not come from Hood who’s just looking for a job. With the Bear’s luck in the secondary he’s not going to have much fantasy value to start, but could offer something later in the season…..

Osi Umenyiora, DE, New York Giants
The Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that Giants' defensive end Osi Umenyiora returned to practice on Tuesday. Umenyiora lef tthe team's facility yesterday after getting into an argument with defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan.
My Fantasy Read on Umenyiora: Umenyiora seemed to have a difference of opinion, but great news for fantasy owners to see him back at practice. Completely healed from his 2008 injury woes, he should be able to take his place back among the pass rushing elite…..

Tye Hill, CB, Atlanta Falcons
According to the team's Twitter page, the St. Louis Rams have traded former first-round pick Tye Hill to Atlanta. The Rams will receive Atlanta's seventh-round pick in next year's draft in return.
My Fantasy Read on Hill: Interesting move for the Falcons, but Hill has a chance to rebound from his dismal past in St.Louis. With a much better pass rush up front, Hill has a chance to be an effective corner. His fantasy value is still a big question and he should be avoided for the time being, but key an eye out…..

Danieal Manning, S, Chicago Bears
The Chicago Tribune reports that defensive back Danieal Manning (hamstring) will play in Thursday's exhibition game against the Browns.
My Fantasy Read on Manning: Manning is coming off a sub-par season a year ago and it doesn’t look like 2009 has more promise. He has limited fantasy value and would be better off avoided during drafts…..

Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Oakland Raiders
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting on his Twitter page that Raiders' cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has suffered a chipped bone in his left wrist. Asomugha is expected to miss two weeks with the injury.
My Fantasy Read on Asomugha: Despite the report from Schefter, the Raider’s beat writer David Wright is saying Asomugha is more likely to go in week one. Let’s face it, he only needs to knock the ball down. Expect the shut-down corner to start week one. Asomugha is a not considered a top rated fantasy defensive back, although he one of the best in the leauge….


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

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 6th, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Deltha O'Neal, CB, Houston Texans
The Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Texans have signed defensive back Deltha O'Neal to a contract. O'Neal tried out for the team on Wednesday, and apparently impressed enough to get a contract one day later.

Kris Jenkins, DT, New York Jets
Head coach Rex Ryan indicated that Kris Jenkins' strained calf is getting better, according to the New York Daily News.

Shaun Ellis, DE, New York Jets
Shaun Ellis tweaked his back during Wednesday's practice, according to the New York Daily News.

Larry English, LB, San Diego Chargers
Larry English missed Wednesday's morning practice while nursing a minor hamstring strain, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Kevin Carter, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the Boston Herald, Kevin Carter is expected to make a decision on Thursday whether he will sign with the Patriots.

Brian Dawkins, S, Denver Broncos
According to the Denver Post, safety Brian Dawkins is expected to be out until at least Sunday with a hand injury.

Nnamdi Asomugha, DB Oakland Raiders
Nnamdi Asomugha is nursing a strained hip flexor, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Samari Rolle, CB, Baltimore Ravens
Samari Rolle (neck) is nearing a return from the PUP list though he will be worked into the mix slowly, according to the Baltimore Sun. "He's really itching to get back," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "We should see him out here in the next day or two."

Trevor Pryce, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Trevor Pryce is trying to keep his 34 year old body in shape by playing soccer to help keep his footwork nimble, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Tyson Jackson, DE, Kansas City Chiefs
The National Football Post is reporting that the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms with third overall pick Tyson Jackson. Terms of the contract were not disclosed by the team.

Derrick Burgess, DE, New England Patriots
According to the team's official website, the New England Patriots have acquired linebacker Derrick Burgess from the Raiders in exchange for a third- and fifth-round pick in 2011. The team also released offensive lineman Al Johnson to make room for Burgess.


My Fantasy Read….

For those owners playing in leagues with team defense, keep your eye on Kris Jenkins. A healthy Jenkins will mean a strong Jets defense…..the Chargers rookie linebacker Larry English will be too good to not play a considerable amount, in fact he’ll be worth drafting in deep IDP leagues and could be a strong second-half option this season….Dawkins injury required surgery, so he’s going to miss much of camp, but the savvy veteran should have little trouble learning and understanding the new defense. At Dawkins age his production may not be the same, but he’s still a serviceable IDP option…..Nnamdi Asomugha is garnered as one of the leagues very best corners. He’s not going to see a lot of balls throw his way, so don’t expect big fantasy numbers…..Burgess is still a talented pass rusher and the Patriots seem to have a way of resurrecting careers. He’s worth keeping your eye on and could be an undervalued IDP option entering fantasy drafts.


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