FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 27th, 2011 Sunday

David’s Daily Digest

IDP Time Continues

As we continue to take a look at the IDP side of fantasy one thing to point out, when it comes to scoring on the defensive side of fantasy consistency tells the tale. Pass rushing linebackers tend to have the big games during the fantasy season, but it’s the run-stuffers that get it done week in and week out. The team leading tacklers are the back bone of any fantasy defense, because their consistent play will help you win championships….

The Run-Stuffers…..

LB-Jerod Mayo
The Patriots leading tackler not only led his team, but Jerod Mayo led the entire league with 114 solo tackles and 175 combined. It was the second time in his three seasons that he has registered more than 100 solo tackles and in all three seasons Mayo has combined for more than 100. Mayo will be at the top of many fantasy IDP drafts lists this summer.

LB-Stephen Tulloch
The Titans five-year middle-linebacker Stephen Tulloch came into his own this past season. After a very strong 2009 campaign Tulloch came back in 2010 to finish the year with 111 solo tackles (2nd in the league) and 160 combined (2nd in the league). 2010 marked the first season Tulloch started all 16 games and fantasy owners can be sure he will be starting all 16 in 2011. He’s another IDP name that will be near the top of most draft lists in 2011.

LB-Brian Urlacher
The Bears biggest Monster of the Midway returned to the gridiron in style in 2010 after missing nearly all of the 2009 season. Urlacher led the team with 96 solo stops and 125 combined last season and he showcased his athletic ability with four sacks, 10 pass-defenses, one interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He likely won’t go first in IDP drafts this summer, but his versatility will keep him in the top-ten.

LB-Patrick Willis
The Niners team leading tackler Patrick Willis stepped up his game with six sacks in 2010, but his overall totals took a slight dip. Despite the fall in tackling numbers with 128 combined in 2010, Willis remains a top tier selection on most draft boards and will likely go near the top once again.

LB-Paul Posluszny
The Bills linebacker Pau Posluszny has quickly become a rising star in this league in just four seasons. In just 14 games in 2010 he totaled 151 tackles and looks primed to be a run-stuffing force for years to come. His name is one that will be heard a lot on fantasy draft day, especially near to the top of all drafts.

Reliable names worthy of mention…

While players like James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley grab the headlines with hard hits and quarterback sacks, linebacker Lawrence Timmons clogs the middle and leads the team with tackles (135 combined tackles in 2010).

Another linebacker lacking the headlines of notoriety, but still getting the job done in the middle is the Vikings Chad Greenway (144 combined tackles in 2010).

Ray Lewis was solid again in 2010 (139 combined tackles) and should be a worthy second tier linebacker grab in IDP fantasy drafts this summer.

The Broncos have a steady player in the middle on defense with linebacker D.J. Williams (119 combined tackles in 2010). With two straight seasons with more than 100 combined tackles Williams is quickly becoming an IDP fantasy favorite; he’s a high second tier linebacker pick in fantasy drafts.

These are just a handful of the run-stuffers that will be ranked later this summer when we start looking at fantasy drafts for 2011. Check back soon as we continue to review the defensive side of fantasy.

By David Ortega

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 18th, 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…

Shawne Merriman, LB, San Diego Chargers
Shawne Merriman is not participating in Tuesday's afternoon practice with the Chargers, according to the twitter page of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Aaron Maybin, DE, Buffalo Bills
Contract talks between the Bills and rookie Aaron Maybin's rep have reportedly broken down, according to the Associated Press.

Kelvin Hayden, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Kelvin Hayden is going to be on the shelf for 3-4 weeks after injuring his hamstring, according to the Associated Press.

Terrell Suggs, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Suggs sat out Tuesday's practice while nursing his strained left heel, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Jermaine Phillips, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the Pewter Report, Jermaine Phillips has been working out at safety due to the four-game suspension of Tanard Jackson.

Drayton Florence, CB, Buffalo Bills
Drayton Florence is expected to be on the shelf for 2-5 weeks while recovering from a sprained knee, according to the Bills' official website.

Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts
Phillip B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star does not believe Bob Sanders will be ready to go for Week 1 against Jacksonville. He is recovering from off-season knee surgery.

Shawn Springs, CB, New England Patriots
Shawn Springs returned to practice Monday, according to the Boston Globe. He missed time for an undisclosed reason.

Jared Allen, DE, Minnesota Vikings
Jared Allen limped off the field during Monday's practice with an apparent right ankle injury, according to the Star Tribune.

Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers
As expected, Patrick Willis returned to practice Monday, according to the Associated Press. He missed 22 practices with an ankle and Achilles injury.

B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
B.J. Raji practiced with the Packers Monday, according to Tom Pelissero's twitter page.

Robert Mathis, DE, Indianapolis Colts
Robert Mathis was held out of Monday's practice while nursing a bruised thigh, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Raheem Brock, DE, Indianapolis Colts
TSN is reporting that Colts' defensive tackle Raheem Brock is expected to miss at least three weeks after suffering a broken hand. Brock suffered the injury during the team's first preseason game on Friday night.

Larry English, LB, San Diego Chargers
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Chargers' rookie linebacker Larry English is expected to return to practice this week. English has missed time with a strained hamstring, but he could play in the team's next preseason game on Saturday.

Kirk Morrison, LB, Oakland Raiders
The Contra Costa Times is reporting that Kirk Morrison worked as the second-team middle linebacker at Raiders' practice on Sunday. Morrison was behind Ricky Brown, who worked with other first teamers Jon Alston and Thomas Howard.

Terence Newman, CB, Dallas Cowboys
Terence Newman returned to practice Monday, according to ESPN. He has been dealing with a mildly strained groin.

Shaun Ellis, DE, New York Jets
Updating a previous report, Jets' defensive end Shaun Ellis has been suspended by the league for the team's first game of the season and fined an additional $100,000 stemming from his November arrest for marijuana posession, according to ProFootballTalk.com.


My Fantasy Read….

The Charger’s playmaking linebacker is coming off injury and playing in a contract year, expect “Lights-out” to go all out and be a terror on the field. He could have a huge impact season in 2009 and should be drafted high…..

The Bill’s top rookie pick Aaron Maybin is quickly turning into a fantasy bust for 2009. Unless Maybin finds his way back on the field soon, it’s hard to imagine him making any kind of impact anytime soon this season. It’s likely best to avoid the rookie in fantasy drafts……

With Jermaine Phillips moving back to his normal position, at least for the first four games, his fantasy stock will be on the rise. Playing safety collecting tackles, Phillips is a decent option as a mid-level defensive back……

The bad news surrounding the Colts defensive back Bob Sanders (knee) will also less of an impact in IDP leagues than it will in leagues that employ team defense. Sanders is the anchor for the Colts defense, his absence will be felt…….

Despite all the time missed, the Niner’s linebacker Patrick Willis is a stud IDP’er and should be ready to go for week one. Fantasy owners draft away……

Defensive lineman Robert Mathis is slated to start this season for the Colts, but although he may see a few extra snaps this season, he’ll likely be a part of a regular rotation. His fantasy value will increase some, but not a great deal. Draft accordingly….

The Raider’s linebacker Kirk Morrison is still expected to be the man in the middle on defense. Last season the Raider’s middle linebacker was among the leaders in tackles and should be solid once again……


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

FSH: ON THE COVER

August 17th, 2009 9:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

The Baddest Man in the NFL!

It’s time to get Nasty
Fantasy has normally been all about the “O”, but in these days and times the fashionable trend has been to play in leagues that employ IDPs. The individual defensive player has become common place in fantasy and in this week’s edition it time to talk about the bad boys of the NFL.

So who is the “Baddest Man” in the NFL?

Last season there were several candidates that threw their hat in the ring with player like; Joey Porter (17.5-sacks), John Abraham (16.5-sacks), D’Qwell Jackson (154-tackles), and DeMarcus Ware (20-sacks). While these bad boys got dirty and made the big plays on the defense that their teams needed to be successful, there was one player that stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Last season, there was no one as bad or nasty as the Steeler’s linebacker James Harrison (voted the AP Defensive Player of the Year). Harrison finished his 2008 campaign with a team high 16.5 sacks coupled with over 100 tackles. The defensive stalwart also led the league with seven forced fumbles and added an interception to boot.

With the 2009 Fantasy season dead ahead, it’s time to starting looking for your bad boys to fill your rosters. Harrison will likely top many boards, but other names to watch will include; Patrick Willis (SF), Jon Beason (Car), Barrett Ruud (TB), and DJ Williams (Den).


Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

August 16th, 2009 10:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who’s making Fantasy News this Past Week?

WR Brandon Marshall returns to practice field…..
The Broncos and their fans were happy to see wide receiver Brandon Marshall back on the field Sunday. The stud wideout has been sidelined nursing a hamstring injury, but appears to be recovered. With injuries and legal woes behind him fantasy owners can pencil him down as a low-end WR1 or high WR2 in their respective fantasy drafts.

WR Steve Breaston’s injury not considered to be serious….
It sounds like the Cardinals number three receiver will be fine after spraining his PCL and bruising a bone on his right leg. Breaston is a great handcuff for either Boldin or Fitzgerald, but is a decent option in deeper fantasy leagues and those that employ three starting wideouts.

RB Chris Wells returns to practice sees no action…
For fantasy owners looking to draft Wells, his return to practice was a good sign. Although he did not see any action, no need to panic. The team is likely bringing him along slowly. Wells does not look in line to start right away, but will figure into the mix soon enough. Owners should be careful not to over-value the Cardinal’s rookie who is a much better RB3 in most drafts.

QB Drew Brees leaves camp to attend services…
The Saints quarterback left camp on Sunday to attend the funeral services for his mother (Mina Brees) who recently passed. He’s expected to rejoin the team on Wednesday. Thoughts and prayers are with the Brees family.

LB Patrick Willis expected to return to practice Monday…
The Niner’s linebacker tweaked an ankle early in camp, but will return to practice on Monday. Willis is considered a top tier linebacker in IDP leagues totaling over 140 tackles in 2008. He’ll once again be a stud this season and should go high on most draft boards.

QB Sage Rosenfels misses practice due to ankle injury…
The Vikings quarterback admitted to tweaking his ankle during the team’s first preseason game on Friday. As a result Rosenfels sat out of Sunday’s practice. The injury is not considered serious, so he should be back out there soon. Rosenfels appears to have the upper hand in the QB race and is the favorite to win the job, so expect to see him battling soon enough. Right now he’s the safer pick in Minnesota.

DB Brian Dawkins returns to training camp…
The Bronco’s veteran defensive back was back to practice, although he was not participating in any live action. At 35 years of age and a broken hand, despite his reputation Dawkins is a risky IDP pick-up in any early drafts. Owners would be wise to wait until he is fully recovered and back on the field.

PK Garrett Hartley expects to be suspended…
The Saint’s place-kicker is saying he expects to miss around four games to start the season for testing positive for a banned stimulant. With Hartly out, the Saints replacement kicker will be a hot pickup in the late rounds of fantasy drafts that have yet to conclude.

By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more “Sunday Night FF Headlines!”

FSH: IDP NOTES

August 11th, 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…

Roy Williams, S, Cincinnati Bengals
Roy Williams is listed as the No. 1 strong safety on the Bengals' latest depth chart, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Michael Huff, S, Oakland Raiders
Michael Huff missed another day of camp while nursing a rib injury, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Derrick Brooks, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Updating an earlier report, Derrick Brooks is on the Raiders' radar, according to Brad Biggs' (National Football Post) twitter page.

D'Qwell Jackson, LB, Cleveland Browns
D'Qwell Jackson has reportedly been a standout so far in camp with the Browns, according to ESPN. He is notably reacting quickly to the ball against the run and pass.

B.J. Raji, DT, Green Bay Packers
Unsigned first round draft pick B.J. Raji has left the metropolitan Green Bay area, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Robert Mathis, DE, Indianapolis Colts
Robert Mathis is listed as a starting defensive end for the Colts' preseason opener against Minnesota, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Terrell Suggs, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Suggs is expected to miss the Ravens' preseason opener against the Redskins Thursday while still dealing with a strained left Achilles' tendon, according to ESPN.

Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Lofa Tatupu missed Tuesday's practice because he needed a rest, according to Slam! Sports. Tatupu has missed two practices in the last three days.

Chris Draft, LB, St. Louis Rams
According to the Twitter page of the St. Louis Rams, linebacker Chris Draft sat out Tuesday morning's practice after after taking a thumb to the neck. In Draft's absence, Larry Grant received additional reps.

Bob Sanders, S, Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Star is reporting that Colts' safety Bob Sanders has a meeting scheduled with orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews. The team wants to consult Andrews to find out when Sanders will be able to return to the field.

Rocky Boiman, LB, Tennessee Titans
Rocky Boiman has signed a deal to return to the Titans, according to the Tennessean. Contract terms were not disclosed.

Geno Hayes, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' linebacker Geno Hayes sat out practice on Tuesday with a minor hamstring injury, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Hayes is being listed as day-to-day by the team.

Casey Hampton, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
According to the Associated Press, Steelers' defensive lineman Casey Hampton left Sunday's practice with a knee injury. The injury is not expected to be serious.

Aaron Maybin, DE, Buffalo Bills
According to the Buffalo News, Bills' first-round pick Aaron Maybin is not close to signing a contract with the team. Maybin has missed all of training camp due to the holdout, and it doesn't look like he will join the team anytime soon.

Alphonso Smith, CB, Denver Broncos
Alphonso Smith is listed as the main return man on kickoffs and punts on the Broncos' new depth chart, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Jim Leonhard, S, New York Jets
Jim Leonhard is listed as the No. 1 strong safety on the Jets' latest depth chart, according to their official team website.

Erik Coleman, S, Atlanta Falcon
Erik Coleman has been moved from free safety to strong safety by the Falcons, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Quintin Mikell, S, Philadelphia Eagles
Quintin Mikell is listed as the No. 1 strong safety on the Eagles' latest depth chart, according to their official team website.

Amobi Okoye, DT, Houston Texans
Amobi Okoye has been deemed fit to play in the Texans' preseason opener, according to their official team website. He has been nursing a knee ailment.

Vonnie Holliday, DE, Miami Dolphins
According to FoxSports.com, the New England Patriots are bringing in former Dolphins' defensive end Vonnie Holliday for a workout. The Patriots are looking for depth behind starting ends Ty Warren and Richard Seymour.

Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers
Patrick Willis missed Monday's morning practice while nursing an ankle ailment, according to the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat.

Kris Jenkins, DT, New York Jets
Kris Jenkins will miss the Jets' preseason opener due to his calf ailment, according to the New York Daily News.

Trent Cole, DE, Philadelphia Eagles
Updating an earlier report, it has been determined that Trent Cole is dealing with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, according to the Philadelphia Daily News.

My Fantasy Read….

It looks like Roy Williams gets a second life in Cincy, but at his age and with recent injury woes, he’ll be a low-value option….…while Brooks keep searching for a team and the Raiders could end up being his destination, he’ll have very little value to start the 2009 season….…Jackson in Cleveland is an IDP stud and coming off an 154 tackles last season, he’ll be one of the first fantasy player taken in drafts….…Mathis is a solid IDP option with 11 ½ sacks in 2008, but the move to the starting lineup should increase his total tackles and fantasy value…….the Colts defensive back Bob Sanders is key, with him out the team defense (ranked 11th in 2008) will lose some fantasy value…….Maybin was expected to be an impact player on defense this season, but his absence significantly hurts his fantasy value…….it sounds like the Niner’s linebacker Patrick Willis is fine and should return next week. He’s one of fantasy’s best IDP studs with back to back 100-plus solo tackle seasons……..no question the big man in the middle Kris Jenkins makes the Jets defense better. Owners should take note; Jenkins has struggled in the past with back injuries although he’s only missed one game the past three seasons. It’s his calf this time, but it’s still worth monitoring.


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