FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition
October 21st, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes

It’s a bit of a stretch, wide receiver Donnie Avery could be a huge factor today against the Browns. Andrew Luck has played extremely well at home this season and play opposite wide receiver Reggie Wayne has to open some good looks for Avery. The speedy wideout is second on the team with 47 targets and is coming off a season high 12 targets.

The Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is the hot hand in big D with 21 receptions for 200 yards with two touchdowns in the team’s past two games. Bryant has been targeted 28 times and figures to remain the focal point of the passing attack, as long as he is on the field. A groin injury could make him a risky play, but he is expected in the lineup today.

The Texans playmaking wide receiver Andre Johnson has been relatively quiet this season, but today could offer a big change to that. The Ravens 22nd ranked pass defense rolls into town minus their heart and soul, lineback Ray Lewis. Even with the addition of Terrell Suggs, the Ravens defense is still in trouble without one of their best corners Lardarius Webb; Johnson could be looking at his 2012 breakout game.

The Packers offense flourished a week ago against a very tough Texans defense and not saying the Rams will fold like a house of cards, but they will have their hands more than full trying to slow Aaron Rodgers and company. A less than household name wide receiver Randall Cobb could come up as one of the catalyst to lead the Packers charge. With Jennings sidelined the past three weeks Cobb has tallied 18 receptions and 250 yards receiving on 22 targets.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY'S HEROES

September 27th, 2011, Tuesday

Sunday’s Heroes (Week 3)

Who is Making Fantasy Headlines in 2011
[Points based on standard scoring]

JOE FLACCO CATCHES FIRE IN WEEK 3
The Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco blew up in week 3 against the Rams passing for nearly 400 yards, while completing 27 passes and throwing three touchdowns. All three of his scores went to rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith, who Flacco showed great chemistry with. Flacco has been up and down so far this season, but with Smith emerging, we could see Joe playing more like he did on Sunday. He’s still a QB2 for now, but looks to be a great bye week filler.
(31 fantasy points)

SCHAUB COMES ALIVE IN LOSS
It took three weeks, but finally the Texans quarterback Matt Schaub comes alive and tallies a big number on Sunday. For fantasy owners, it’s been what we have been waiting for as Schaub passes for 373 yards and throws three touchdowns in a loss to the Saints. The Texans appear to be a more balance team this season, but will still need the occasional big game from Schaub; it’s nice to see he has it. His line on Sunday included 22 of 39 passing and a passer rating of 103.9. Going forward fantasy owners can expect similar Sundays, although there may be a few when he is more efficient with less yardage. He’s a low end QB1, but a good start week to week.
(30 fantasy points)

LESEAN IS THE REAL MCCOY
The Eagles running back LeSean McCoy is making his bid to be considered one of the top fantasy running backs in the 2011 season. On Sunday against the Giants McCoy added another 128 yards rushing (345 on the season ranks second in the NFL) and his 4th rushing touchdown this season. McCoy also has 9 receptions this season, including one for a touchdown giving him five total scores for 2011. With a hefty 6.1 yards per carry average McCoy is as good as any top fantasy back in the league right now; he’s a must-start and a keeper.
(19 fantasy points)

RUN DMC BUSTS A MOVE IN WEEK 3
The Raiders are playing well right now and no one can argue that Raider running back Darren McFadden is playing best of all. After his outstanding week 3 performance rushing for 171 yards and scoring twice, Run DMC leads the NFL with 393 yards on the ground and already has three trips to pay-dirt. DMC is averaging 24 touches per game, as long as this kid can hold up, he’s money baby!
(29 fantasy points)

WELKER SHOWS HIS HOT HAND
Is anyone surprised by how good this guy is? We shouldn’t be, since we have seen him doing it for a couple of seasons, but what is surprising is how defenses just can’t find a way to slow down Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker. Last Sunday against the Bills Welker nabbed 16 balls for 217 yards and two scores. He now leads the NFL with 31 receptions and has scored four times this season. Did anyone forget that he caught a league high 123 passes in 2009 and has three consecutive seasons with more than 100 catches. He’s healthy now and is an every-week start, period!
(33 fantasy points)

JULIO JONES IGNITES AGAINST THE BUCS
The Falcons rookie wide out Julio Jones finally ruffled his feathers some last Sunday against the Buccaneers and caught flight for 115 yards in the air off of six grabs. It was Jones first big productive game this season, coming off of seven targets. With his blazing speed Jones will remain the deep threat and likely be a hit and miss from week to week. With his big play potential he’s an attractive WR3 or flex play for now.
(11 fantasy points)

The IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

OLD DAWG STILL HAS PLENTY OF TRICKS
The Ravens 3-year old linebacker Ray Lewis shows no slowing down with another stellar effort on Sunday against the Rams. Lewis recorded another 10 tackles, his fist sack of the season, and a forced fumble. He continues to defy the odds and play like an LB1 fantasy IDP.

SEAN LEE IS PLAYING LIKE A FREAK
The Cowboys middle linebacker Sean Lee has been electrifying this season on the defensive side of the ball. On Monday night, Lee was all over the field recording 8 total tackles, intercepting a pass, and recovering the game winning fumble. Lee has a nose for the ball and great instinct; he’s an outstanding IDP play and must-start every week.

JARED ALLEN GOES QB HUNTING
The Vikings defensive lineman is on a tear this season and last Sunday against the Lions, he was a beast recording three sacks. Allen also added a forced fumble for good measure in the week 3 matchup against the Lions. Allen is among the leaders this season with 4.5 sacks and figures to be in the market to add to his total every Sunday.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 14th, 2011, Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Foster Sounds-Off, Expects to Play
Just when we thought he might be down, the Texans running back Arian Foster (hamstring) says he expects to play on Sunday after returning to practice on Wednesday. With back-up Ben Tate running effective last weekend against the Colts, if Foster does play he could see his workload tapered back a bit this week against the Dolphins. It’s hard to sit your studs and fantasy owners would have to figure if Foster is out there, he’s healthy enough to produce.

Roddy White remains the Favorite
Despite all the hype surrounding the arrival of rookie wide receiver Julio Jones in Atlanta, it appears fantasy owners can take solice in knowing that Roddy White remains the number one. On Sunday against the Bears, White was targeted a team high 13 times (tied for most targets in week 1). Jones will see his share going forward, but White is still quarterback Matt Ryans’ favorite.

IDP Notes

Sugar Ray is “Sweet” as Ever
This may be his 16th season in the league, but Raven’s linebacker Ray Lewis is playing as sweet as ever. Against the Steelers on Sunday Lewis turned in a gem with six tackles, including one for a loss, one forced fumble, and a pick as the defense was just dominant. As long as he remains healthy, Lewis looks solid in the middle and a great fantasy play against the Titans in week two.

Suggs is a Beast on Sunday
There was no one who was badder, and no one who was better than the Ravens’ defensive end Terrell Suggs. The former Arizona State Sun Devil dominated the line of scrimmage this past Sunday recording three sacks (leads the NFL) and two forced fumbles. He could have another stellar game against a Titan’s offensive line that struggled last week and yielded a pair of sacks.

Just my Tuesday takes.

By David Ortega

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 NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY NIGHT GAME NOTES

January 9th, 2011, Sunday

Sunday Night Game Notes

Notable Injury News

(for fantasy owners)

In Saturday’s win over the Saints, according to the Everett Herald Seahawks wide receiver Ben Obomanu suffered a separated shoulder during action, but was able to return to the field. Obomanu finished the game with five receptions for 43 yards. Although he was able to return to the game his status for next Sunday could be in question.

The Jets wide receiver and wild-cat operator Brad Smith suffered a groin injury Saturday night against the Colts according to the Star-Ledger. Smith was able to return and finish the game, but was not much of a factor on offense or in special teams; clearly he was not 100%. His status for next Sunday against the Patriots may not be in question, but if he’s not healthy his effectiveness could be limited.

According to ESPN, the Packer’s head coach Mike McCarthy said wide receiver Donald Driver suffered a bruised knee in the team’s win over Philadelphia on Sunday. Driver led the team with five catches for 56 yards in the win. His injury does not sound serious, so he should to be okay for next Saturday’s matchup with the Falcons.

“Sunday’s Heroes”

This Weekend’s Heroes

Wildcard weekend left nothing to the imagination with plenty of fireworks in the first weekend tilt Saturday between the Saints and Seahawks; of course it was quarterback Matt Hasselbeck providing most of the sparks. The Seahawks 35 year-old signal caller was more than brilliant completing 22 of 35 passes and throwing four touchdowns against the Saints 4th ranked pass defense. Hasselbeck started out on a shaky note, throwing a pick early on this third pass of the game, but from that moment on he was pin-point and explosive on his way to 272 yards passing. The remarkable day concluded with the Seahawks and their 12th man sending the defending Super Bowl champs home early and setting up their divisional matchup with the Bears next Sunday.

Saturday night’s showcase was complete with a dramatic finish, but the story of the game was tag-team of running backs LaDanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene (70 yards rushing). The two Jets ball carriers combined for 35 carries, over 150 yards on the ground, and lots of time off the clock. Tomlinson (4 receptions, 17 yards receiving) was the fantasy stud totaling 82 yards rushing and two scores, but it was the effectiveness of both backs that did in the Peyton Manning and the Colts. The ball control offense of New York ate up more than 15 minutes of time on their opening two possessions of the second half. The Jets kept it close throughout and shorten the game dramatically, giving their special teams a chance at the end to win it; and they did.

Sunday morning had the look and feel of a possible bruising matchup with the Chiefs defense playing well early and the Ravens offense struggling, but this AFC first round matchup was all about the Raven’s defense. Ray Lewis (three tackles, one sack, one forced fumble) and the defense needed a few plays to get warmed up, but the defense definitely came to play once they showed up. On their second drive of the game the Chiefs only needed two plays to score; the drive was 46 yards and took just 49 seconds. That would be their only score as the Ravens defense would soon dominate from that point on. The 46 yards allowed on the only scoring drive of the day for Kansas City would amount to almost one-third of their total net yards gained for the day (161 yards). The Ravens defense would bring pressure and sack Cassel three times also forcing five total turnovers for the game. It was a great win for the Ravens 10th ranked defense; next up the rubber match with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It was what every Packer fan had been waiting for since the end of the Favre Era, the coming of age of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. After losing his first two playoff appearances, both in overtime the Cheesehead finally nabbed that elusive first post season victory. It was not the easiest of tasks taking on Michael Vick and the Eagles, but Rodgers for the most part looked composed, self-assured, and sharp as an arrow with his throws. Fantasy owners relished the performance as Rodgers connected on three pass plays for scores while completing 18 of 27 (67%) passes for 180 yards. It was a big day for the six year starter and a well deserved win. The Packers will travel to the Georgia Dome next to face the NFC’s top seed, the Atlanta Falcons.

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 5th, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

MANNING LOOKS READY FOR THE POST-SEASON
It’s been a bumpy ride this season for the older Manning experiencing one of his worst seasons taking care of the ball with 18 turnovers. Despite all the mistakes and injuries suffered this season Manning has managed to deliver another strong fantasy passing season (4,700 yards passing, 33 touchdowns), along with a seventh AFC South title in eight seasons.
My Fantasy Read:
Never count out Peyton Manning. He may have hit a bad spell, but all of that is in the past. In his last four starts he is 4-0 with nine touchdowns, 250 yards passing per game, and just two turnovers. Last season in the post season he torched the Jets in the divisional round, passing for nearly 400 yards with three touchdowns. He may not have as big a game, but you can bet he’ll be ready for Saturday.

RAVENS DEFENSE READY TO FACE JAMAAL CHARLES
The Chiefs boast the number one ranked run defense, but they will be facing one of the nastiest and most fierce defenses entering the post season. The Ravens enter Saturday with the leagues 5th ranked run defense allowing less than 100 yards rushing per game this season.
My Fantasy Read:
The Chiefs have enjoyed great success on the ground this season, but this week could be very different as they draw a Raven’s defense that has been on a roll. In their past three games the Ravens have allowed just 186 yards on the ground to opposing ball carriers at a 2.8 yards-per-carry clip. They have also allowed just five rushing touchdowns all season (tied for the fewest in the league with Pittsburgh). Charles is going to really earn every yard (which doesn’t figure to be a great deal) he gets on Sunday against Ray Lewis and company.

BREES READY FOR SECOND TIME AROUND
Quarterback Drew Brees and company met the Seahawks back in week 11 and won by a score of 34-19; of course that game was played in the comforts of the Superdome. Brees, who typically plays well at home, torched the Seahawks secondary for 382 yards and four touchdowns. This Saturday Brees will get the Saints title defense started on the road in Seattle. In his last six starts on the road the Saints are 5-1 and Brees has thrown 12 touchdowns while averaging over 290 yards passing per game.
My Fantasy Read:
At 7-9 the Seahawks are lucky to be playing at home, but that’s the reward for winning your division (regardless how tough). Unless there is a downpour (just light showers) in the forecast, the Seahawks secondary is in for a long day. Even though Brees has been prone to mistakes with seven turnovers in his last six road games, the Hawks 27th ranked pass defense will need a lot more help to slow down the explosive Saints’ quarterback on Saturday.

MIKE VICK SET FOR REMATCH WITH PACK
Michael Vick has enjoyed a Cinderella-type comeback this season, returning to his play-making form and evolving into a superb pocket passer this season. After being dinged up some down the stretch Vick sounds like he is close to fully healed and ready to take on his first post-season opponent since the 2004 season.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packers defense did a number on the Eagles offense back in week one registering six sacks and stymieing their passing game. It was Vicks first real opportunity to play; he rushed for over 100 yards and completed 16 of 24 passes for 175. Vick is going to see a lot of heat on Sunday, while this may cause some problems he’s still going to make plays; just too much talent and ability to shut down.

AIR-RODGERS LOOKING TO FLY PAST EAGLES
The Packers signal caller had his cob-webs cleared a few weeks back, but since his return he has been on point completing over 67 percent of his passes and passing for more than 600 yards in his past two starts. Air-Rodgers also has five touchdowns in his past two starts with only one turnover. The back-to-back wins to finish the season were enough to earn a berth to the dance and now Rodgers (28 touchdowns and 3,922 yards passing in 2010) looks ready to carry the Pack deep into the post season.
My Fantasy Read:
Sunday’s matchup with the Eagles has all the makings of being an old-fashion shoot out. The Packers don’t figure to have too much success running the ball against the Eagles, and with their defense having its’ own hands full with Vick; the offense is going to need to set the pace. Air-Rodgers has enjoyed a strong 2010 campaign with the league’s 5th ranked passing attack so he’ll be looking to target often an Eagles’ secondary that has allowed 31 passing touchdowns and 54 pass plays of 20 yards or more. It figures to be a monster passing day for the Cheese-head.

FSH: SUNDAY SPORTS SECTION

September 19th, 2010, Sunday

The Sunday Sports Section

What’s the Latest

The Viking’s wide receiver Percy Harvin is expected to start on Sunday and should be a focal point in the team’s passing game. Harvin had been struggling with migraines, but the latest issue has been his hip.

The Cardinal’s struggling ground game is not likely to receive a boost from running back Chris Wells who is not expected to play. Wells is dealing with a knee injury that will likely keep him sidelined today.

It looks like the Browns will be making a quarterback change today with Jake Delhomme likely sidelined be sidelined with an ankle injury. The latest news indicates back up Seneca Wallace is expected to make the start today against the Chiefs.

The Rams running back Steven Jackson and wide receiver Laurent Robinson both practiced Friday and are expected to start today against the Raiders.


Today’s In & Out

Some early actives and inactives for today’s games…

In…

• Raven’s tight end Todd Heap and linebacker Ray Lewis are both active today.
• The Buccaneer’s tight end Kellen Winslow (knee) has been cleared and is expected to play today against the Panthers.
• The Vikings declared Percy Harvin as active today matchup against the Dolphins.
• The Bear’s wide receiver Earl Bennett will be active today against the Cowboys.
• Quarterback Michael Vick will get the start today against the Lions.
• The Panthers will have cornerback Chris Gamble who has been declared active today.

Out today;

• Bengal’s Running back Brian Leonard is inactive for today’s game against the Ravens.
• Viking’s cornerback Cedric Griffin will not play today against the Dolphins.
• Dolphin’s linebacker Channing Crowder has been declared inactive for today’s game.
• Bils’s linebacker Paul Posluzny (knee) will not play today against the Packers.
• Eagle’s quarterback Kevin Kolb and linebacker Stewart Bradley are listed as inactive today.
• Lions’ middle linebacker DeAndre Levy is inactive today against the Eagles.
• Falcon’s safety Erik Coleman has been declared inactive today against the Cardinals.

FSH: FRIDAY FOOTBALL DIARY

November 21st, 2009 7:45pm PST

Friday Football Diary

[Saturday Edition]

Dear Diary

Every week there is always a matchup on the slate that is going to draw a little more interest and this Sunday won't be any different.

A tale of two teams

With the San Diego Chargers in town, the reeling Denver Broncos losers of three straight hope to right their ship fast with some good old fashion home-cookin. And Sunday they will need to as the same Chargers come into Invesco Field as winners of four straight and tied for the AFC West lead with a record of 6-3.

The biggest keys for both teams sudden change of direction has to be their passing games. With the Broncos suddenly grounded the last couple of weeks, the offense has struggled badly to generate any kind of scoring. In their last three games Denver has been outscored 34-85.

Conversely it has been the arm of Philip Rivers that has powered the Chargers offense during their winning stretch. Rivers (2,476 yards, 16 touchdowns) has emerged as one of the leagues elite passers over the past couple of seasons and this year he has been the team's biggest difference maker. During the streak Rivers has thrown nine touchdown passes.

Fantasy Notes:

In his last start quarterback Kyle Orton looked sharp and played well passing for 193 first half yards with a couple of scores against the Redskins. Unfortunately for Denver, Orton was injured in the close of the first half last week and may not be available on Sunday. If back up quarterback Chris Simms has to start or play any, it could be a long day for (WR) Brandon Marshall, (TE) Tony Scheffler, (WR) Eddie Royal, and (RB) Knowshon Moreno fantasy owners.

The Chargers are shinning their crystal balls because their future is looking up. With the recent resurgence of LaDainian Tomlinson (two touchdowns last week) in the mix, (QB) Philip Rivers, (WR) Vincent Jackson, and (tight end) Antonio Gates become even more dangerous playmakers and preferred starts for fantasy owners.

10 Things

On my Sunday's Watch-List

1. Peyton Manning (has eight 300-yard passing games in 2009) has been torching opposing secondaries all season, can he toast the Ravens or will Ray Lewis and the bad boys from Baltimore (defense ranked 7th overall) ride the Colts into the ground.
2. Last week the Redskins fed the rock 26 times to running back Ladell Betts, who finished with over 100-yards on the ground, can he punish the Cowboys 9th rated run defense this Sunday?
3. The Browns have been struggling all season with the leagues worst ranked offense and this week they will face the Lions (ranked 31st on defense), one of the leagues very worst defenses (ironically only Cleveland is worse). Something has to give, but likely nothing worth any interest to any fantasy owners.
4. The only chance the Niners have of beating Green Bay is getting to quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and the only chance Green Bay of winning is how well they protect Rodgers. So far this season Rodgers has been sacked 41 times; it doesn't look promising for the Pack, but that's why they play the games.
5. Last week Jamaal Charles recorded his first 100-yard rushing game as a starter this season for Kansas City, but this Sunday he is a long shot to nad his second facing the Steelers number ranked run defense that allows a mediocre 3.4 yards per tote.
6. The Bills passing offense has been non-existent this season ranked 30th in the league, but Sunday they will face Jacksonville's 25th ranked pass defense minus one of its' best corners Rashean Mathis.
7. The Giant's offense has been stuggling as of late managing 20 or fewer points in its' last three straight losses, but behind Brandon Jacobs (617 yards) and Ahmad Bradshaw (515 yards) they hope to right the ship against the Falcons soft run defense ranked 25th in the league.
8. On Sunday the Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner (18 touchdowns) returns to his old stomping grounds of St. Louis, with a new set of aerial weapons (Fitzgerald, Boldin, and Breaston) could this be an encore performance against the leagues 26th ranked pass defense?
9. In week six head coach Josh McDaniels took his new look Broncos (in some funky looking throwbacks) into San Diego for a surprising and convincing road win, on Sunday his team (three straight losses) will need a new look if they are to hope for a repeat at Invesco Field.
10. In their first meeting this season the Jets held Tom Brady to 216 yards passing and no touchdowns, a feat they will likley not repeat. Brady has passed for over 300 yards in four straight and thrown 13 touchdowns along the way.

Check back here every Friday for more "Football Diary"

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

October 11th, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

WR-Wes Welker solid Sunday in tough loss……
Overshadowed by the stunning road loss the Patriot’s receiver was solid returning to old form. After being slowed by a knee injury, Welker responded in week five with eight catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.

RB-Ray Rice a dual threat in Sunday loss….
The Raven’s running back was dynamite Sunday against the Bengals. Rice rushed the ball 14 times for 69 yards and caught seven passes for another 74 yards. He also scored on a 48-yard pass play.

QB-Matt Cassel has strong outing, but comes up short.....
The Chief’s quarterback enjoyed one of his better passing days this season completing 23 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns without a pick.

QB-Tom Brady post decent numbers in loss …
The Patriots quarterback was not spectacular, but he was effective for fantasy owners. Brady passed for 215 yards and threw two touchdowns without an interception.

RB-Steven Jackson still produces even in loss..…
The Ram’s running back continues to produce against defenses that continually stack the line. Sunday against the Vikes Jackson totaled 109 yards of offense, but still hasn’t scored.

WR-Eddie Royal serves up some big cheese Sunday..…
The Bronco’s receiver was finally featured in the pass game and he responded with a big receiving day. Royal caught 10 passes for 90 yards in the Bronco’s big win.

QB-Marc Bulger sneaks in for quick preview..…
The Ram’s quarterback came in late Sunday in relief and was effective. Bulger was 7 for 7 passing for 88 yards and a touchdown.

WR-Donnie Avery finally shows some life….
The Ram’s second year receiver finally came to life on Sunday with a nice day catching five passes for 87 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown reception.

RB-Rashard Mendenhall plays big in win…
The Steeler’s running back enjoyed great success on the ground against the Lions on Sunday with 15 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown. Mendenhall also added a couple of grabs for 16 yards.

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

LB-Ray Lewis has field day against Bengals…
The Raven’s defensive leader was a tackling machine on Sunday recording 10 tackles to lead the team.

DE-Jimmy Wilkerson gets to the quarterback…
The Buccaneer’s defensive end could not be contained as he recorded three sacks on Sunday to go with six solo tackles.

LB-James Harrison unstoppable against Lions…
The Steeler’s linebacker and last season’s Defensive Player of the Year broke out Sunday against the Lions. Harrison finished the game with three sacks and eight total tackles. Harrison has six sacks in his last three games.

LB-Keith Brooking has big day in win…
The Cowboy’s linebacker had a big day on the defensive side of the ball. Brooking recorded 11 total tackles (8 solo) and had one sack in the team’s victory.

DE-Julius Peppers is disruptive on Sunday……
The Panther’s defensive end was very disruptive on edge Sunday recording two sacks and four solo tackles.

DE-Andre Carter creating chaos on the edge……
The Redskins defensive lineman was chaos on the field this past Sunday. Carter turned in two and a half sacks to go along with six total tackles in the team’s loss.

LB-DeMarcus Ware breakouts against Chiefs……
The Cowboys dynamic pass-rushing linebacker was solid on Sunday. Ware recorded two sacks along with six total tackles.

DB-Leigh Bodden tries to buck the Broncos……
The Patriots cornerback was a busy man on Sunday chasing Denver ball carriers. Bodden finished the afternoon with 11 total tackles (10 solo) and defended two passes.

By David Ortega

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