FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 29th, 2009 10:30pm 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……


My Take...

WR BRANDON MARSHALL TO STAY IN DENVER
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s are apparently going to attempt to play hard ball with their standout receiver. The word is they have no intention of moving their prized star player. This could become a test of wills. Don’t be surprised to see Marshall hold out and try to force the team’s hand. Depending on how far this goes will determine the direction of Marshall’s fantasy value.

WR BRIAN ROBISKIE COULD MAKE IM
My Fantasy Read: The Brown’s rookie receiver could see himself inserted into the starting lineup come week one. Much like the Royal-Marshall pairing in Denver, Robiskie could easily benefit greatly being paired opposite the team’s number one receiver Braylon Edwards. Robiskie is a good size receiver, but could play more a role like that of Welker in New England. The rookie will likely hold more value in PPR leagues this season.

WR DARIUS HEYWARD-BEY STILL SLOWED BY HAMSTRING
My Fantasy Read: When speed kills, injuries kill speed. The Raiders top pick in the April draft has been sidelined much of the offseason workouts nursing a hamstring injury. The rookie is hoping to be ready for training camp, but like all things we’ll have to wait and see. What appeared to be a questionable draft pick for the Raiders is looking more and shakier these days.

WR PLAXICO BURREESS LOOKING MORE LIKE A NO-GO
My Fantasy Read: There hasn’t been much said lately of possible landing spots for the troubled free agent receiver. With teams like the Bears losing interest and new reports indicating the league could suspend Burress indefinitely, it’s starting to look more like a no-go in 2009. Burress is likely to be done for the 2009 and has virtually no fantasy values. With a possibility of suspension and more time away from the field the ex-Giant receiver will see his fantasy value plummet this fall.


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FSH: THE ATL REPORT

June 6th, 2009 6:37pm PST


THE "ATL" REPORT

Around the League

RB Joseph Addai expected to be ready for camp….
The Colts are expecting to have their starting running (recovering from ACL surgery) back in time for training camp. Last season Addai was less than stellar and a fantasy disappointment. With the team drafting a rookie running back (Donald Brown), if Addai suffers any setbacks during his recovery, he could see a considerable amount of his playing diminish in 2009.

Ray Rice looking to lead the Ravens in 2009….
The Raven’s second year back figures to be the favorite in camp to take the starting job. Last season LeRon McClain led the team in rushing, but he’ll move over to fullback to open holes for Rice. With the Ravens being a predominant running team (ranked 4th last season), Rice should be considered a favorite as a decent RB2 in fantasy drafts.

Westbrook likely to sit during Training Camp….
The Eagle’s starting running back Brian Westbrook recently underwent surgery to repair his injured ankle. His recovery period puts him on track to return in time for training camp, but it is expected the team will limit his activity and that he’ll likely not even participate much in the preseason. The big concern will be how Westbrook responds once he returns to the field. Any setbacks and the door could open up for running backs Lorenzo Booker or LeSean McCoy to cut into Westy’s playing time.

Buc’s Rookie QB expected to take back seat in 2009
The Bucanneers are not making any plans to have rookie quarterback Josh Freeman see any action this season. It’s pretty obvious Freeman will be a work in progress, so the team is in no hurry to throw him to the wolves. Freeman won’t have any fantasy value in 2009, but may be worth looking at in some dynasty leagues.

Plaxico Burress still hopeful to play in 2009?….
Burress may be one of very sharing that opinion at this point. With much of his legal trouble still very much in the air, it looks like the prospect of playing could be a long shot at best. If Plax can evade any legal punishment this summer, he’ll still have to face possible punishment from the league. There are a few teams showing interest in Burress, but it doesn’t look likely he be joining any new teams anytime soon.

Cowboys TE Martellus Bennett expected to see more time….
The word around the football web is the Cowboys are planning to get their second year tight end more involved with the offense in 2009. The team is planning more two-tight end sets, which will get Bennett more time on the field. He is no threat to unseat the Cowboys incumbent leading receiver Jason Witten, but there should be more opportunities for other Cowboy receivers with Owens now long gone. Bennett is a bit of a freak with tremendous athletic ability and size. If he can refine his skill, he could be a very valuable pass receiving threat, as well as a relevant fantasy play in 2009.

Faver has surgery to repair throwing arm….
Pro Football Talk.com is reporting that Brett Favre has had surgery to repair the torn biceps. While this would indicate his intent on playing this season, there’s still no guarantee that he will. Favre still needs to recover from the procedure, something easier said considering the quarterbacks age. This has been the story that won’t go away and it doesn’t look like it has any chance of ending anytime soon.


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FSH: THE ATL REPORT

May 2nd, 2009 11:37pm PST

THE "ATL" REPORT

Around the League

Retired Brett Favre in the News….
Once again the man with the golden arm is making news. His recent request and granting of his release from New York has raised speculation that Favre could come out of retirement once again. The current word is Minnesota could be the hot spot for the future hall of famer due to his strong ties with Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. That will remain to be seen.

Alex Smith expecting to compete in camp….
The Niners former first round draft pick expects to be ready to compete when training camp starts this summer. Smith is coming off shoulder surgery last November, but is expected to be able to throw with no restrictions by the time training camp opens. Healthy or not Smith will be a long shot to win the starting job over Shaun Hill and likely have little fantasy value in 2009.

Jets keeping options open when it comes to Plax….
While it’s hard to imagine why any team would have any interest now, the Jets appear to be keeping an eye on the Plaxico Burress situation. It sounds like the team could be considering the former Giants receiver if he manages to avoid jail, but it’s not likely. The Jets will also have to consider the possibility of Burress facing a possible suspension from the league. Plaxico is not a fantasy consideration at this time.

Westbrook quiet in Camp (avoids media?)….
The Eagles running back did not talk to the media on Friday during the Eagles mini-camp, although it was noted he was “moving around well.” After an injury laden 2008 season with a severe ankle injury, the Eagles will be planning to limit Westbrook’s reps throughout their mini-camps and likely training camp. Westbrook has been one of the most productive backs in the league the past couple of seasons because of his versatility but his recent injuries are starting to make him a risky play for fantasy owners.

Lorenzo Neal drawing interest from Raiders….
The bruising full back still has plenty left in the tank to open holes. If the Raiders can sign the 17-year veteran, there’s no question his addition could help bolster a pretty good rushing attack (ranked 10th in 2008). Neal was an effective lead blocker for LeRon McClain in Baltimore last season and can do the same for the Raider’s backfield. Neal has no fantasy value as a player, but his presence will elevate those around him in the run game.

Dansby and Cards to start talks of a new deal….
The Cardinal’s linebacker and leading tackler in 2008 fired his first agent when a deal did not get done earlier this offseason. His new agent will be working hard to get a new deal done soon. It’s not likely the two sides won’t get a deal done; Dansby is one of the best players on the Cardinal’s defense. He should once again be a strong IDP play in fantasy leagues in 2009.

Mini-camps opened and many no shows….
With mini-camps opening all over the league, it’s an opportunity to catch some of this year’s top drafted classmen in action with their new team. In New York quarterback Mark Sanchez is drawing a lot of interest, just as is quarterback Matthew Stafford the Lion’s top pick. Perhaps the most notable players in camp are those that are not in camp. Here’s a list of some of those that were the classic no-show;

SD-(WR) Malcom Floyd (did not show)
STL-(DL) Leonard Little (hamstring injury)
PIT-(WR) Hines Ward (recovering from surgery)
MIN-(WR) Percy Harvin (illness)
PHI-(WR) Kevin Curtis (recovering from surgery)
ARI-(WR) Anquan Boldin (hamstring injury)
WAS-(WR) James Thrash (neck injury)
PIT-(LB) Larry Foote (did not show)
CAR-(DL) Julius Peppers (did not show)
SEA-(DL) Patrick Kearney (recovering from surgery)
NYJ-(RB) Thomas Jones (did not show)


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FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 2nd, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

Last week was anything but quiet in the halls of the NFL. The Giants depart ways with a troubled receiver and possible major distraction, while the Bears and Broncos decide to pull off one big surprising deal. All of these happenings are certainly going to have some effect on the upcoming fantasy season and I have my thoughts on what to expect…

My Take...

QB JAY CUTLER TRADED TO BEARS
In a surprising move the Broncos dealt their problem child away to the Chicago Bears, where they will hope the disgruntled quarterback will resume his pro bowl level of play. Cutler was traded in exchange for the Bear’s starter, Kyle Orton and draft picks. There’s no question the Bears offense receives a huge upgrade at the QB position. But without much of a supporting cast, Cutler a top five fantasy quarterback is likely to fall out of the top ten unless Lovie Smith can find some help.

RB CARNELL WILLIAMS EXPECTED BACK IN JULY
The Buc’s running back is expected to return to the field in July. This is his second major knee injury in as many seasons. While it looks as though Williams will be at full strength when training camps open in July, the odds are stacked long against him returning to the field in Tampa. With the team signing running back Derrick Ward to back-up Earnest Graham and his history of injuries, his chances seem remote at best. Fantasy owners should also note, the Cadillac could be garaged (on the PUP list) to start the season.

QB KYLE ORTON A BRONCO
While the move was a surprise, there’s probably no one happier in Denver than Kyle Orton fantasy owners. The former Purdue Boilermaker was impressive in his collegiate days throwing the rock in a pro-style spread offense and now he’ll return to a similar offense that is very quarterback friendly. Orton’s skill level may be limited, but he should be a more productive fantasy starter for owners in 2009 and worth a mid-level quarterback selection in most drafts.

WR BRANDON MARSHALL HAS HIP SURGERY
The Bronco’s receiver had hip surgery, but this will be the least of his worries. It would seem he'll be one of the most affected by the whole Cutler-for-Orton deal, but fantasy owners should take note that the impact won’t be nearly as great as first conceived. With Marshall expected to get hit with an eight game suspension, by the time he returns to the field the smart fantasy owners that passed over him, may be looking to play “let’s make a deal” later in the season. Marshall will likely have his biggest impact around fantasy playoffs, but that is a long time from now and a lot can still happen.

WR PLAXICO BURRESS IS RELEASED
The biggest impact here is not how this will affect Plaxico. He’s out of football for sometime it now appears. Two players that will be most affected will obviously be one, quarterback Eli Manning who will have to search high-n-low to find a new go-to, but the other affected will be running back Brandon Jacobs. Without a legitimate threat on the outside, opposing teams are going to stack the line and make it difficult for Jacobs to repeats his solid 2008 performance. Fantasy owners will need to watch the Giants offseason moves, because it’s going to take more than a rookie pick to fill this void.


IDP Notes:

There’s certainly been no shortage of news from the other side of the ball this offseason, with impact players trying to come back and some possibly looking to be moved. Nevertheless, with new updates everyday there’s just as much to watch, follow, and note on the defense. Here are some of this week’s IDP notes….


LB SHAWNE MERRIMAN HEALTHY AGAIN
The Chargers linebacker is saying he is “feeling great” and “looks amazing.” According to many folks in the Merriman-camp, the Charger’s “Lights-out” playmaker is already back at full strength. This is good news for IDP owners, but it the real proof will be when Merriman returns to full-contact.

DL AARON KAMPMAN RUMORED TO BE ON THE MOVE
It is being reported that the Packers could be looking to trade Kampman, who may not necessarily fit their new 3-4 system on defense. With many teams now converting to the popular 3-4 scheme, there are fewer ideal places for Kampman to go. There’s no question he’s still a big time pass rusher on the edge in the 4-3, but may lack the same kind of impact as an inside presence in the 3-4 defense. IDP owners will want to wait and see if he’s moved before weighing in on any preseason judgment.

LB ADALIUS THOMAS REHABBING WELL
One of the Patriot’s big playmaking defensive players is progressing well with his rehab of a broken forearm. Thomas is a talent and impact player on defense and looks to be back in time for training camp. Expect Thomas to be a popular IDP pick in fantasy drafts coming off five sacks in only nine games last season and 39.5 over his past five seasons.

DL JASON TAYLOR WAITING TO DECIDE
The former Redskin is going to wait until after the NFL draft to decide where he’ll play according to some reports. While Taylor is still athletic and seems to have plenty left in the tank, he’s a better fit in a system where he’ll platoon as a pass rush specialist. It’s looking like Miami and New England could be possible suitors. He could flourish with either team.


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