FSH NOTEBOOK: BY THE NUMBERS

Saturday Edition
November 10th, 2012  

By the Numbers

One thing you learn as a sports fan, when you follow the game as I do, numbers seldom lie. It’s not an exact science, but rather a good measuring stick when trying to predict the outcome of matchups. As I said it’s not exact, but the numbers come from somewhere like tendency, consistency, and repetitiveness, all good points a fantasy owner can use to make tough decisions.

With week 10 under way and the brunt of the schedule in less than 24 hours, here are some of my fantasy favorites for Sunday; By The Numbers…

Quarterback Matthew Stafford;
The Lions quarterback has been looking more and more like the 2011 version over the past several weeks, completing better than 65% of his passes in his last three starts. Stafford is also averaging 300 yards passing over the same span. And even though he did not toss a touchdown last week, he was highly efficient completing 67% of his throws and setting up four easy rushing touchdowns. He’s got a tough matchup this week against the Vikings, but their secondary allows better than 60% completions and has surrendered 14 touchdowns this season. Stafford playing much better now, so he should be solid on Sunday.

Quarterback Josh Freeman;
The Buccaneers play caller has been on a roll for the past four weeks throwing 11 touchdowns and just one interception. Freeman is playing exceptionally well and has a great tandem in Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams to target on the outside. Only recently has he been looking more over the middle for his tight end Dallas Clark. Completing just 57% of his throws in his last four starts Freeman is stretching the field averaging well over 16 yards a completion. His 1,257 yards passing in his last four starts is an average of 314 yards passing per game. The Chargers don’t do a great job getting to the quarterback (just 13 sacks) and allow better than 63% passes completed. Freeman should give the Chargers secondary plenty of fits this Sunday.

Wide Receiver Brian Hartline;
Hartline leads the club with 41 receptions and 662 yards receiving this season. His 71 targets ranks among the leaders in the league. Hartline is far and away quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s go to receiver, but the crafty possession receiver has yet to find the end zone in his last four starts. Hartline is coming off a nice 100-yard receiving effort last week (his third of the season) and his 12 targets last Sunday tied for his second most this season. He’s matchup against the leagues number 26th ranked pass defense (Titans) this week that has also allowed 20 touchdowns; expect a lot more targets once again and a visit to pay dirt.


For help in deeper leagues; possible sleepers.…

Running back Bernard Pierce;
The Ravens play host the Raiders this Sunday, who last week were torched by the Buccaneers Doug Martin for over 250 yards on the ground. With a premiere back like Ray Rice, the Ravens can be expected to pound the Raiders mercilessly. It can be expected and is likely that the Ravens will also use back up runner Bernard Pierce to pound the Raiders into submission. The Raiders allow better than 4.5 per carry and could have a tough time keeping this one close. The Bucs ran it nearly 30 times last Sunday against the Raiders and we could very well see the Ravens do the same. Pierce is likely to see some extended duty late in the game this week, when it’s time to put this one to bed. The Raiders have also allowed 10 rushing touchdowns this season, so it would not surprise to see Pierce get a cheap one late.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAYS TAKE

Thursday Edition

September 27th, 2012 

Thursdays Take

Starts

The Ravens quarterback has looked solid this season and with a favorable matchup tonight against the Browns tonight he should continue his hot hand. The Browns defense has been torched for eight touchdowns and nearly 270 yards per game this season, expect Flacco to use his no huddle to keep the defense off balance  and with sound ground game he should be effective over-the-top; he’s a must start tonight.

The Ravens running back Ray Rice has been a solid fantasy play and one of the most consistent options dating back to last year. Rice has totaled 395 yards of offense and scored three times this season, facing the league’s 22^nd ranked run defense tonight he should be good for another 100 yards plus night and a score. His 14 receptions through three games this season also make him a most attractive option in PPR leagues; he’s so good that he’s almost good enough to start during his bye week (but we wouldn’t).

The rookie running back Trent Richardson is off to a slow start this season, but now that his health is back he should see plenty of opportunity tonight against a Ravens defense that is ranked 18^th in the league. The Ravens are surrendering more than 100 yards per game on the ground, but their 3.3 yards per carry average mean Richardson is going to have to work for his. The rookie also has 11 catches this season, so he’ll also be productive in the pass game. He’s not in line for a monster game, but he should be more than serviceable as a low end RB2 this.

Sits

Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden could have plenty of success completing passes for lots of yards, but facing a tough foe like the Ravens defense he's likely to take a number if hits and sacks. The Ravens could jump out quick in this one and force Weeden to have to put the ball up early and often. Expect too many turnovers tonight to be a good fantasy play; leave him on your bench.

Browns’ wide receiver Greg Little has been more than inconsistent and a disappointment as a fantasy option this season, but then again being a part of the Browns offense expectations were never that high. His recent struggles include drops (2^nd in NFL in 2011) and it sounds like he may see little time on the field tonight, if any. He appears to be one fantasy option worth avoiding at this time.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Monday Edition

September 17th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

My Week 2 Takes

Andrew Luck: The Colts QB More Than Just Luck

The Colts rookie quarterback is growing up fast. After a tough debut a week ago in Chicago quarterback Andrew Luck rebounds not just with a solid performance in week 2 against the Vikings, but gets his first career win. Luck is still short of being an every week fantasy QB, but with his three touchdown passes and over 550 yards passing in two games with each performance he’s getting closer.

Alex Smith: The Look of a Winner

The Niners have the defense and a punishing ground attack, but what they have lacked in the air may have finally arrived this season. Thus far this season quarterback Alex Smith has looked steady and efficient, but Sunday night against the Lions he looked like a winner. He didn’t just manage the game, he made plays; his first touchdown pass to Vernon (dropped right in on the money), his second toss to Vernon (gave his playmaker a chance to make a play). Before Monday night’s game, Smith ranked tied-for-second in the NFL with 4 touchdown passes and his 115.9 passer rating ranks 3^rd. He’s not an elite fantasy option, but in deep leagues he’s safe play under center.

Robert Griffin III: Better Than Advertised

After two games and nearly two wins (should have beat the Rams), it’s clear that head coach Mike Shanahan and the Redskins may have caught lightning in a bottle. Quarterback Robert Griffin III is a special player and could be much better than most expected. After two weeks of NFL play RGIII is a top five rated passer and a fantasy stud; (standard scoring) in two games he has scored 28 and 32 fantasy points. Now that’s impressive.

Ray Rice: Best Fantasy RB in the Biz

After another Sunday of just dominating on the gridiron and the fantasy football charts (99 rushing yards, 6 receptions and 53 yards), running back Ray Rice stakes his claim as the best in the biz. What makes Rice such an appealing fantasy option is his consistency; standard scoring 20 fantasy points in week one and 14 points in week two. With nine receptions already, in PPR leagues he’s even better.

Darren Sproles: A Small Package of Dynamite

The small package that is Darren Sproles continues to electrify football fans and fantasy owners on Sunday with high output of production. The scat back was solid in week 2 (huge in PPR leagues) with 13 grabs for 128 yards. He’s not an RB1 fantasy back, but he’s a worthy start as a flex or RB2 in deeper leagues because of his productivity and play making ability; 9 fantasy points in week one and 12 in week two.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Thursday Edition

August 16th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

 

A Look Back at 2011

The Big Ballers

(And this year’s 1^st Rounders)

These players are far from any secret in the fantasy world, but if we are going to start any conversations regarding fantasy football it’s starts with these guys; Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Calvin Johnson, and Ray Rice. Rodgers like Brees, is becoming one of the more consistent elite passers putting up huge numbers, but probably his most impressive stat is his durability; has only missed two games in past four seasons (just one due to injury).

Megatron and Rice rule at their respective position by simply out-performing the competition. Johnson has ruled the air with 2,800 yards receiving and 28 touchdown receptions the past two seasons, while Rice handles the ground work with 3,700 total yards (rushing & receiving) with 21 touchdowns over the same span.

A couple of other names that need to be grouped here would included Arian Foster (scored in 8 of his last 9 games in 2011), Tom Brady (39 passing TD in 2011), and LeSean McCoy (20 touchdowns in 2011). Without question you don’t need much argument to justify a first round selection with any of these picks.

All of these players have the pedigree to be considered early fantasy draft picks and heading into the new season, there’s no reason to think these fantasy studs won’t pull their weight once again. These proven commodities in the fantasy world are consider safe picks, but while these ballers get the job done quite easily, there is a short list of names from a year ago that have made enough noise to draw early round consideration as well.

Surprises from 2011

There was some talk and a little preaching about a certain Graham in New Orleans emerging as a big target and red zone weapon for Drew Brees and Saints offense, but few had any idea tight end Jimmy Graham would blow up in 2011 as he did; 99 receptions, 1,300 yards. His numbers were like another wide receiver. His strong showing from a year ago has many folks talking about a repeat performance and at 6’7” and a world of athletic talent it seems very possible.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski was equally impressive with his strong 2011 showing (90 rec, 1,327 yards, 17 touchdowns) and as big a surprise. At 6’6’ he give Brady lots to work with and last season did they work it well.

Like the tight-end twins, a few other surprises that could impact the early rounds of drafts this season would include Saints running back Darren Sproles. Although not a feature back his 1,300 combined yards, 86 receptions, and 9 touchdowns could keep him from slipping too far past the first round (especially in PPR leagues).

A pair of wideouts that could be very interesting in the coming fantasy drafts would include Packers wideout Jordy Nelson (15 receiving touchdowns) and Giants receiver Victor Cruz (1,536 receiving yards). With the Packers high-octane passing game there certainly seems to be plenty of balls to go around and Nelson could easily see an increase in his 94 targets from a year ago making him an attractive early receiver option. On the other side Cruz is coming off a big season and with the absence of wide receiver Mario Manningham (signed with the 49ers), there could be more room for this talent to blossom even more.

The 2012 season is just a few short weeks away and we still have plenty more to talk about, don’t you just love Fantasy Football?

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY GAMETIME

September 25th, 2011 Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

Fantasy owners have had two exciting weekends of football action and plenty to cheer about with record setting passing numbers being set in consecutive weeks. With such prospects week three is promising to be every bit as exciting as its predecessors. Cam Newton at home today against Jacksonville, a showdown between Tom Brady (Patriots) and Ryan Fitzpatrick (Bills), and Matt Schaub (Texans) squaring off with Drew Brees (Saints) highlight today’s ledger of games.

Perhaps the biggest game on the schedule today is not the rematch of the Eagles and the Giants, with the G-men looking for revenge after last season’s collapse in week 15 (although this will be a good one), but the divisional matchup between the Bears and Packers. Last season these two met in the NFC championship with the Packers moving on to the Big Dance and again this season these two meet with two teams heading in apparent opposite directions. The Packers are off to a 2-0 start and looking strong to defend their Super Bowl title, while the Bears are still reeling from their debacle last week at the hands of the Saints.

It’s just one loss (to the Saints) for the defending NFC North champs, but with quarterback Jay Cutler having already hit the turf 11 times this season (most sacks in the league) he could be facing a very long day against the Packers defense (7 sacks this season). After their impressive win over the Falcons in week one, back to back losses now would soon put a halt to their momentum and really have the Bears scrambling to right what would become a slowly sinking ship. If the Bears are going to get back on track in a hurry, they will need to protect Cutler and may have to call on Matt Forte to grind out some yardage on the ground to do so.

Last season against the Packers in their first meeting, Forte only ran for 29 yards (at home) and was limited to just 13 touches. He was much more effective in the second much rushing for 91 yards on 15 carries and catching 8 balls for another 60 yards. Expect to see the Bears try and get Forte involved early and often on the ground and in the short passing game; he could be very productive today, but will have to earn his keep.


Watch-list

With the likelihood of running back Arian Foster sitting, it looks like Ben Tate will not only get the start, but see a hefty work load today against the Saints. Tate has run well in two weeks this season and should see his success continue on the ground today against a Saints run defense that is allowing over four yards per carry. The key will be for the Texans to keep this one close, so they can be patient on the ground and feed Tate.

Keep your eye on the Jaguars ground attack led by running back Maurice Jones-Drew. The Jags travel to Carolina today and will face a run defense that is getting chewed up at nearly five yards per clip. Jones-Drew has yet to hit the century mark in a game this season, but today could be his first against the Panthers.


The Steelers will get the Colts in the Sunday night capper and expect the men of steel to get back to basics and back to the ground and pound. The Colts are really struggling on offense, so Big Ben and company will get plenty of opportunities and possessions to move the ball with running back Rashard Mendenhall. I would expect Mendenhall to tote the rock at least 20 times today and facing the Colts 29th ranked run defense he should easily improve his 3.6 yards per carry average.

After last week’s flub at the hands of the Titans, expect the Ravens to return to their old bully selves and get back to some smash mouth today against the Rams. Running back Ray Rice only carried the ball 13 times last week in the loss, but could see nearly double today against the league’s worst run defense (Rams). The Rams have allowed 355 yards on the ground in two games and could be in for a long day trying to slow down Rice and company.

Today’s Fantasy notes:

Today’s 20 Fantasy Running Backs (Week 3)

1. Ray Rice (Ravens)
2. Michael Turner (Falcons)
3. Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers)
4. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jaguars)
5. Adrian Peterson (Vikings)
6. Chris Johnson (Titans)
7. LeSean McCoy (Eagles)
8. Fred Jackson (Bills)
9. Matt Forte (Bears)
10. Peyton Hillis (Browns)
11. Ben Tate (Texans)
12. Jahvid Best (Lions)
13. Shonn Greene (Jets)
14. Frank Gore (49ers)
15. Darren McFadden (Raiders)
16. Daniel Thomas (Dolphins)
17. LeGarrette Blount (Buccaneers)
18. Ryan Matthews (Chargers)
19. Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants)
20. Thomas Jones (Chiefs)



My Picks Today

My “Four Horsemen”

Philip Rivers; The Chiefs are down and it could be time for Rivers to put them out. Rivers is facing a defense that has allowed 89 points in two games, including 8 passing touchdowns; expect a big game from this Charger today.

Michael Turner; The Falcons running back averaged 24 carries in both games last season and scored three times in the two meetings. I look for similar numbers today.

DeSean Jackson; Last week it was the Maclin show, this week it will be Jackson’s turn to torch the opposing secondary. Today’s foe, the Giants secondary has been burned for 11 pass plays of 20 yards or more. I am expecting Jackson to add to that total.

Dustin Keller; He is the team’s leading receiver with 11 catches and should be targeted plenty today against the Raiders (ranked 21st against the pass). Keller also has two touchdowns this season and should add number three today.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE MORNING HUDDLE

September 14TH, 2011 Wednesday

The Morning Huddle

When I started writing this it was morning, but you do what you can. Yesterday I offered a few thoughts and observations from under center, this morning we’ll take a peek into the backfield. There were a few surprises on Sunday of week one that deserve mention; Earnest Graham’s eight catches out of the backfield against the Lions and Reggie Bushs’ near 100 yards of total offense with a score (and nine catches). These were a few of the more interesting performances in week one that should garner some attention, especially in PPR leagues. It doesn’t appear that neither back is going to emerge as a fantasy stud, although with his upside Bush could provide some nice totals from time-to-time, both look to be effective weekly rentals to fill a possible void in PPRs.

One more performance that should also be noted is running back Ben Tate. The Texan’s back-up ball carrier ran extremely effective in week one gaining over 100 yards (116) on 24 carries with a touchdown. Tate averaged nearly five yards a pop and carried much of the load down the stretch. The impact of his effectiveness is with Arian Foster still a little “iffy” there does not appear any urgency to bring him back sooner than later. If Tate can effectively carry the load like he did in week one, the Texans can be more cautious about bringing Foster back and wait until he is 100% healthy. This would make Tate a temporary solution, but if you were able to handcuff him with Foster, he could be a very productive solution as well.

Week one offered a few interesting plot lines for fantasy owners, but it also gave us some re-assuring answers. So let’s take a look at what was said after one week of the NFl…

Breaking Down the Running Backs

In most fantasy drafts, there’s little doubt about how high Ravens’ running back Ray Rice was taken and if you made that pick you could not have been happy with his week one matchup. Playing the Steelers did not offer any comfort or any hope for a big day, but as a fantasy owner you take the good with the bad and know there will be more good days down the road. Well that may have been your thought process heading into Sunday, but after Rice’s big day (149 yards of offense and two scores) you have to be licking your chops looking ahead. Rice was spectacular averaging over five yards per carry and adding four grabs out of the backfield. If you weren’t thinking that Rice was among the elite ball carriers in fantasy, you may have to start that conversation after week one.

Another eyebrow raising ball carrier in week one was the Eagles running back LeSean McCoy. Sharing the backfield with one of the leagues’ most dangerous players (Vick) has to offer some advantages and on Sunday against the Rams, it looked like McCoy took hold. The Eagles running back gained 122 yards on the ground and scored twice. He only caught two balls on the day, but we expect to see him be more involved in the passing game as the season moves forward. As long as McCoy continues to line up behind Vick, fantasy owners can expect more days like this.

Looking back over the day, there are plenty more names that deserve some kudos, but one name I would like to point out is Rams’ running back Carnell Williams. Cadillac Williams rose from the ashes of the past and turned in a nice fantasy day rushing for 91 yards, catching 5 passes for another 49 yards. He did not find the end zone, but with starter Steven Jackson going down, he’s a lock to see plenty of work on Monday night against the Giants. Williams will not be a long term solution for fantasy owners, but he is looking like a gem as a handcuff for Steven and great week 2 plug-in, if you need help.

Please note, my rankings are not solely based on how the backs played last week. They take into consideration how they were expected to perform, their draft position, and how they will fare going forward.

Top 20 Running backs (Week 1)

1. Ray Rice (Ravens)
2. LeSean McCoy (Eagles)
3. Matt Forte (Bears)
4. Darren McFadden (Raiders)
5. Maurice Jones-Drew (Jaguars)
6. Arian Foster (Texans) DNP*
7. Adrian Peterson (Vikings)
8. Jamaal Charles (Chiefs)
9. Chris Johnson (Titans)
10. Michael Turner (Falcons)
11. Peyton Hillis (Browns)
12. Frank Gore (49ers)
13. Steven Jackson (Rams)**
14. Tim Hightower (Redskins)
15. Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants)
16. Chris Wells (Cardinals)
17. Fred Jackson (Bills)
18. Mike Tolbert (Chargers)
19. Cedric Benson (Bengals)
20. Jahvid Best (Lions)

*Foster is likely to sit week 2 against the Dolphins.
**Jackson is expected to miss Monday night against the Giants

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL NOTES

September 7TH, 2011 Wednesday

FANTASY FOOTBALL NOTES

We are less than one day away from the official start of the 2011 NFL season. Even though most fantasy drafts should be complete by this point, it’s still worth taking a look and quick peek into most backfields to see what ball carriers will rise, fall, and emerge this season. Here’s my run on this year’s running backs.

Let’s just put the argument to rest, when you start at the top, you have to start with Adrian Peterson. He seems to be the consensus number one is most every league I have seen. He’s a feature back, has no serious injury concerns heading into the season, and has scored 54 touchdowns in four seasons. AP will lead the pack, but running backs Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles, Arian Foster, and Ray Rice are not far behind.

From there you will get into the MJD’s, LeSean McCoy’s and Peyton Hillis’ who will round out the top 20 to 25. Once we get into the third and fourth tier of running backs , the talent pool will shallow out, and that’s when you have to start doing some digging.

DEEP IN THE BACKFIELD

It’s been what seems like a very short and very quick preseason, but in the four weeks of action one running back in a crowded backfield in Washington has really caught my eye; Tim Hightower. He’s certainly not the cream of the crop, but he has been impressive thus far and in a Shanahan “run-system” he could really fare well. Hightower averaged nearly seven yards per carry facing mostly first string defenses and his versatility as a pass catcher (63 receptions in 2009) could find him spending quite of bit of time on the field. He’s not going to be a feature back, but he looks like a good call to see the lion’s share of work; at least early in the season.

Another ball carrier that has turned my head is the Bronco’s third year running back Knowshon Moreno. Now most folks figure with the arrival of John Fox, the Bronco’s offense is going to become more of a ground attack, but the addition of Willis McGahee does not necessarily mean a time-share. In Carolina Fox had two relative young backs to feed the rock, but in Denver McGahee enters his 9th season and does not figure to step into an expanded role. Moreno has been impressive this preseason and has a well balanced skill-set in the run and pass game. He may lose a few short-yardage and goal line carries to McGahee, but he still figures to see plenty of work. If he can stay healthy, he’s easily a top 15 back this season.

The Packers have the luxury of healing in the offseason, but for running back Ryan Grant that may not be enough. Last season 2nd year back James Starks stepped up and played well for the Pack in the post season and could very well figure into the team’s plans this season. From what I have read, heard, and seen I would not be surprised to see Starks starting at some point this season and more likely sooner than later.

Along with these potential diamonds in the rough, a couple of kids I would watch heavily leading into week one, Bernard Scott of the Bengals and rookie Stevan Ridley of the Patriots. Both teams don’t have a clear cut dominant runner that they will lean on heavily and both these kids could just be hungry enough to work their way into the spotlight.

If Benson can’t keep his name out of the paper in non-related football news, Scott’s time could come much sooner than expected. The team sounds like they are very high on Ridley; the power back just needs to keep “doing the right things” and his time will come.

There aren’t too many names that I am necessarily down on this year, but as good as Saints running back Mark Ingram is, I am not buying all that cool-aid that is being sold. Ingram is going to be productive this season, but I am just not so sure that Pierre Thomas is done. As long as Thomas is healthy, he’ll remain an integral part of the offense as well. That’s just my thoughts on that subject and these are my takes in the backfield.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY WATCH

January 7th, 2011, Friday

Friday Fantasy Watch

Marques Colston: Practices and Will Be Ready To Go

The Saints will have their best receiver in action on Saturday against the Seahawks in the NFC’s first Wild-Card Weekend matchup. Colston (knee) has been practicing this week and is fully expected to start against the Seahawks 27th ranked passing defense.

Colston is the Saints big threat in the passing game leading the team this season with 131 targets, 84 receptions and over 1,000 yards receiving. With tight end Jimmy Graham looking doubtful, the Saints big play receiver (Colston) will likely become more of the focal point in the passing game in the red-zone. Colston scored seven times during the 2010 regular season and with his size and ability he's a good threat to score Saturday.

Saturday’s projections against the Seahawks.
(6 catches, 85 yards receiving, two touchdowns)

Peyton Manning: The Sheriff Will Have His Guns Blazing

The Jets will be in town on Saturday to face the Colts and even with Revis Island open for business, don’t expect the Sheriff to stay grounded. Quarterback Peyton Manning has had his struggles this season, but that appears to be in the past. In his last four starts Manning has played very well committing only two turnovers.

With the post season set to start, the only way the Colts are going deep this year will be riding the arm of Peyton Manning. Manning will be looking for a repeat performance of a year ago against these same Jets; Peyton completed 26 of 39 passes for more than 370 yards with three scores. He may not have all of his weapons, but he will still have plenty of bullets to fire Saturday night.

Saturday’s projections against the Jets.
(27 of 42 passing, 325 yards passing, two touchdowns, one interception)

Ray Rice: The Ravens runner Will Lead The Charge

The Ravens will rely on their defense to slow down the Chiefs ground charge while running back Ray Rice will be expected to lead theirs. The Ravens will need a big game from Rice early to keep the Chiefs off balanced and allow the passing game to open up.

The Ravens will rely on Rice for their ground game, but even when quarterback Joe Flacco drops back in the pocket, Rice still figures to play a big part of the offense. Rice was second on the club with 63 receptions and finished the season with 556 yards receiving; he totaled nearly 1,800 yards of offense this season. If the Ravens are going to get past the Wild-Card round and defeat the Chiefs, it will take a whole lot of Rice.

Sunday’s projections against the Chiefs.
(20 carries, 95 yards, 6 catches, 40 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Green Bay Defense: The Return of the Sack Pack

After their dismantling of the Bears’ offense in week 17, it looks very clear for Green Bay; if they are to stop Vick the defense must play well. The Packers defense looked smothering bringing a ton of pressure a week ago against Jay Cutler and the Bears on their way to six sacks and two turnovers.

The defense will more than have its’ hands full on Sunday with Mike Vick running around. In order for the defense to have any kind of success against Vick they will have to bring constant pressure; back in week one the Packers sacked Vick three times. Pressure on the edge will be huge Sunday; players like Clay Matthews Jr and Charles Woodson will be the key to the Packers success.

Sunday’s projections against the Eagles.
(5 sacks, three turnovers)

Just my take.

By David Ortega

FSH: WHAT'S TWEETIN

October 17th, 2010, Sunday

What’s Tweetin

The latest news around the NFL from Twitter….

@TheRedzoneorg Ravens RB Rice is "100% playing and starting"

@michaelombardi Mike Vick will be the third Qb today for the Eagles game vs the Falcons.

@AlbertBreer Just talked to Ravens S Ed Reed, who told me he's been "cleared to move around" and start practicing. He eligible to come off PUP this week.

@SamRyanCBS My #NFL picks Bears, Dolphins, Chargers, Pats, Giants, Eagles, Steelers, Saints, Texans, Broncos, 9ers (1st win), Cowboys, Colts, Titans

@TheRedzoneorg Panthers may look to move Steve Smith http://tinyurl.com/39hb6sv #NFL #Saints

@JasonLaCanfora Coach Sparano of the Dolphins walking around the periphery of Lambeau Field this brisk AM

@michaelombardi Make sure to check out my Tom Brady interview which is running in the ten oclock hour EST on GAME DAY Morning on NFL Network...

@Fantasytaz MIke you would play a hobbled M Williams over Holmes? RT @PFF_MikeClay: @DeF_21 sit holmes and garcon

@SI_PeterKing Jaws on Pats passing game: "No Moss, no problem.''

@SI_PeterKing Peter King
RT @mattb625: Does Colt McCoy stand a chance today against the Steelers D? ... I think you can answer that question. You don't need me.

@Sportschick Am I no longer one of ur girls... lol RT @KatrinaCampins LOVE RT @djirie: Love my girls!!!! Xoxo RT (cont) http://tl.gd/6h78o1
Favorite Retweet Reply

@Sportschick Both solid plays but I like Cutler today...RT @AdamKelley11 @Sportschick Big Ben or Cutler this week??

FSH: SUNDAY SPORTS SECTION

October 3rd, 2010, Sunday

The Sunday Sports Section

What’s the Latest

The Rams will start Steven Jackson today although the word is his play could be limited, but if there were any doubt about his effectiveness he would probably sit.

The Saints will be without running back Pierre Thomas who will be inactive. With Thomas out veteran running back Ladell Betts is expect to get the start today for the Saints.

The Broncos are not going to have the services of running back Knowshon Moreno who will continue to nurse a hamstring injury. With Moreno on the sidelines it looks like Laurence Maroney could get the start, but he will likely be splitting the load with Correll Buckhalter.

These are just a few notes leading up to week for of the NFL…

Today’s In & Out

Actives/inactives and notes from Twitter for today’s games ….

@Adam_Schefter Texans WR Andre Johnson told people in his organization Saturday that he planned to play today against Oakland despite his ankle injury.

@SI_PeterKing RT @jeffduncantp: Quick updates from the Dome: As expected, John Carney will be the kicker for the #Saints today ... Goodbye, Mr. Hartley.

@FantasyDaddy Pierre (huh huh) Thomas is out today. Betts starting #Saints

@mortreport Active/Inactives overview: Inactive-LB Sean Weatherspoon (Ankle), Michael Jenkins (Shoulder), Calvin Pace (Foot), Pierre Thomas (Ankle), Roman Harper (Hamstring)Robiskie (Hamstring), & Delhomme is #3...Actives-Ray Rice (Knee), Steven Jackson (Groin), Jahvid Best (Toe) and Nick Mangold (Shoulder)

@Adam_Schefter Broncos RB Knownshon Moreno officially inactive, as is CB Andre Goodman.

@espn_nfcwest Julius Jones inactive for Seattle as team keeps Brandon Stokley up for this game. Marcus Trufant active.

@Adam_Schefter A note for @tunasweasel: Jets RB Joe McKnight active for the first time.

@Jay_Glazer Steve jackson coach spags told me he's going to be cautious w him but he starts, as does j best and ray rice. Pierre thomas out.

@Rachel__Nichols Ravens starting DE Cory Redding out with a concussion

@SigmundBloom John Carney is kicking for the Saints today. Craig Dahl starting at safety for the Rams for IDP leaguers. Sean Weatherspoon out.

@mortreport Seneca Wallace starting...Delhomme #3...Robiskie inactive

FSH: MY 2010 FANTASY RB'S

September 8th, 2010, Wednesday

Running with the wind

Top Fantasy Running Backs:

2009 was a record setting season for the Titan’s running back Chris Johnson, the class of the NFL runners. The speedster from East Carolina University shredded opposing defenses last season to the tune of 2,006 yards becoming just the sixth player in NFL history to do so. He was no secret a year ago, but fantasy owners can bet opposing defenses this season will be game planning to stop his attempt at a repeat.

Joining Johnson perched atop the fantasy list of running backs this season is the Vikings man among boys, running back Adrian Peterson. With another impressive NFL campaign (over 1,300 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns in 2009) under his belt, is there any reason to doubt that “All-Day” will be better in 2010? The word on the “fantasy street” Peterson could be utilized more in the passing game this season.

Rising to the top….

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens…

In his second season the Raven’s running back Ray Rice started 15 games and catapulted his way to top of fantasy galore. Rice toted the rock 254 times in 2009 for over 1,300 yards and added another 702 yards receiving on 78 receptions. His eight touchdowns were nothing to scream about, but his overall production ranked him second in total yards only to Chris Johnson. With all the weapons added this offseason to the Raven’s offensive lineup, Rice should be set for an encore performance in 2010.

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars…

The Jaguars small ball of thunder, running back Maurice Jones-Drew started all 16 games a year ago turned in his biggest season in the NFL with over 1,760 yards of offense and 16 touchdowns. Mojo is a dynamic and versatile scat back with big play potential. Over the past two seasons he has recorded more than 50 receptions in each and has shown great toughness and durability missing just one game since arriving to the NFL four seasons ago.

Ready to breakaway…

The Jets running back Shonn Greene has stepped into the starting gig behind one of the league’s best offensive lines. In 2009 the Jets ran the ball over 500 times, so even with the arrival of a potential Hall-of-Famer (LaDanian Tomlinson) Greene should see plenty of action to be a highly productive fantasy option. The Jet’s starting running back won’t turn many heads in PPR leagues, but he should still be a solid number one running back option in most fantasy leagues running behind a line that produced 21 scores on the ground in 2009 .

2010 Sleepers…

It’s not taking long for this year’s rookie class to make some noise in NFL backfields, already in Buffalo running back C.J. Spiller showed enough to get the starting nod in week one. He’ll be one to watch not only this weekend, but this season. Another running back drawing attention and worth keeping an eye on will be the Lion’s Jahvid Best. Like Spiller, Best won the starting gig this season with his strong play during the preseason. Neither offenses (Bills, Lions) are built quite like best in the league, but both backs should be featured quite a bit and could earn their way onto several fantasy rosters by midseason.

A third running back with Sleeper potential this season is the Bronco’s running back Knowshon Moreno. The 2^nd year back will start this season and if he can stay healthy he shouldn’t have any real competition in the backfield to steal any production. Moreno was a slight disappointment a year ago, but this season he should be featured quite a bit more and could have a big sophomore campaign.

These are just a few of the noteworthy backs for 2010. Here’s how my top 20 round out for the upcoming season.

My 2010 top 10 Running Backs

1. Chris Johnson, TEN

2. Adrian Peterson, MIN

3. Ray Rice, BAL

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX

5. Frank Gore, SF

6. Shonn Greene, NYJ

7. Steven Jackson, STL

8. Michael Turner, ATL

9. Ryan Grant, GB

10. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT

11. DeAngelo Williams, CAR

12. Joseph Addai, IND

13. Pierre Thomas, NO

14. Knowshon Moreno, DEN

15. Clinton Portis, WAS

16. Cedric Benson, CIN

17. LeSean McCoy, PHI

18. Ryan Matthews, SD

19. Justin Forsett, SEA

20. Matt Forte, CHI