FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 26th, 2010 11:30pm 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 week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Thomas looks for big day in big dance....

The Saints running back Pierre Thomas did not have a big day on the ground against the Vikings number two run defense, but he was effective at time and totaled nearly 100 yards of offense. Against the Colts (ranked 24th against the run) he'll face a less formidable front and should be a huge part of the Saints ground attacked.

Wayne set to breakout on Super Sunday...

The Colts big play receiver and one of Peyton Manning's go-to playmakers, Reggie Wayne was pretty much held in check against the Jets on Sunday catching just three passes for 55 yards. Wayne has just 118 yards receiving in the post season and with the Saints not having any corner of the same calibre as the Jets Darrelle Revis, expect Manning to get his 100-catch receiver involved early and often in the big dance on Super Sunday.

Bush will need to bounce back....

The Saints are going to need a full compliment of weapons to keep pace with the great Peyton Manning. One of the keys will be running back Reggie Bush who can add that estra dimension when he runs well. He'll need to clean up his play for the big dance on Super Sunday; no room for error.

IDP Notes....

Colts will need to apply pressure….

Against the Jets in the AFC championship the Colts defense did a great job slowing down the leagues number one rushing offense, but they were unable to get to the rookie quarterback. Defensive ends Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney will have to bring their best game to apply the needed pressure on Saints quarterback Drew Brees. Mathis and Freeney (23 sacks combined) will have to do a better job of getting to Brees (sacked 20 times in 2009) if they hope to slow the Saints offense.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 19th, 2010 9:30pm 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 week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Favre ready to continue his magic....

The 2009 season has been a magical return of the Golden Boy, much to the dismay of many cheeseheads. In his 20th season, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has had a magnificent run and has carried his great play right into the playoffs. Last week Favre connected on 15 of 24 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns. The Saints defense is going to have to find a way to disrupt his rhythm or fans will see a lot of the same on Sunday.

Wayne could have a tough day on Sunday...

In their first matchup, mind you Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne did exit early, but while on the field his three catches for just 33 yards were a non-factor. On Sunday he's likely to be shadowed a lot by the Jets cover corner Darrelle Revis. As great as Peyton Manning can be, if he does not have too much bravado to look the other way it could be a quiet day for Wayne. Fantasy owners have to be prepared for a quiet afternoon from Wayne.

Bush could be huge factor in passing game....

The Saints running back Reggie Bush had a huge game on the ground in the divisional round averaging 18 yards from scrimmage each time he touched the ball. There's no question the Vikings priority will be to close the gaps and contain Mr. Bush, but where he could be a huge factor on Sunday is in open space. Don't be surprised to see head coach Sean Payton utilize his running back even more in the passing game to compensate for the Vikings 2nd ranked run defense.

Jones likely to take a back seat on Sunday.....

The Jets have been able to run the ball effectively this post season, but perhaps to the dismay of running back Thomas Jones. In two games this post season Jones has carried the ball 29 times, but it has been rookie Shonn Greene who has seen the bulk of the work load with 44 attempts. The rookie has managed a heft six yards per tote, while Jones has been a pedestrian 2.6 yards per carry. With the rookie running well, Jones is likely to take a back seat against the Colts 24th ranked run defense on Sunday.

IDP Notes....

Colts must use their speed to neutralize Jets ground attack….

All season the Colts have used an explosive passing game and the will of Peyton Manning to get the job done, but on Sunday they will need their 18th ranked run defense to step up. Ranked 24th against the run and allowing more than four yards per carry, the undersized defense will have to use their speed (Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney) on the edges to swarm and disrupt the Jets ground assault. These two pass rushing specialists (23 sacks combined this season) will have to be equally effective against the run game.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK

January 12th, 2010 10:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

Wildcard Weekend

Warner and Cards have plenty of firepower...

It was a historic match of wills on Sunday with no one willing to blink first when the Cardinals and Packers battled in their NFC tilt. It was also one that many did not figure the Cardinals would have enough weapons to succeed. On the Fox Sports pregame, one by one the analysts all picked the Packers and I'm sure they felt confident as Rodgers led his team all the way back. What they didn't realize was Kurt Warner and company had plenty of firepower on Sunday. Even minus an injured (WR) Anquan Boldin, Warner completed 29 passes (only four incompletes); including his last 11 passes to seven different receivers for 379 yards and five touchdowns. The Cardinals offense was also able to generate 156 yards on the ground with one rushing touchdown. Now that's a lot of offense and firepower.

Ravens and Jets use power running game.....

With a banged up Joe Flacco, the Ravens used the ground game more out of necessity than just preference. Albeit that is one of the team's signature calling cards the power run game, but on Sunday against the Patriots they ran the ball 46 times. The Jets did not differ much in their game plan toting the rock 38 times, undoubtedly to take some pressure off their rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. There's little question looking ahead for both of these teams coming matchups, the key for success will be a dominant ground attack. The Ravens totaled 234 yards rushing, averaged nearly five yards a carry, and scored four times on the ground. The Jets found the roads in Cincinnati clear as they rambled for 171 yards rushing, averaging more than four yards a carry, and scoring twice on the ground. With the Colts and Chargers up next for these two teams, expect the goal to be similar results.

Cowboys showing great balance and peaking at the right time.....

It was hardly what many would have expected, that is if you weren't from the state of Texas. If you took a good look at the two teams (Cowboys-Eagles), there really shouldn't have been much of a surprise with the results. Not only has Dallas been playing well offensively averaging nearly 25 points per game and over 430 yards of offense in its last four games, but the defense has suddenly awaken from its slumber. Over the same stretch the defense has recorded nine takeaways and 16 sacks, while only allowing 31 total points combined (had two shutouts). When they travel to Minnesota, they will be riding an impressive four game winning streak and looking very capable of pulling off the upset.

More fantasy Notes

With the Raven's Joe Flacco ailing one of the biggest keys for the Colts defense will be its speed rush on the end. Defensive linemen Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are going to pose all kinds of issues for the Ravens offensive tackles. Freeney led the team with 13.5 sacks this season, while Mathis chipped in with 9.5 of his own. In their first matchup this season, a game in which the Colts won 17-15, both Freeney and Mathis were limited with injuries. This won't be the case for Flacco and the Ravens on Saturday night.

While running back Adrian Peterson is all world all day, the Vikings dynamic rusher could take a back seat in Sunday's game plan against the Cowboys. It will be critical for the Vikings to start fast and dictate tempo in this matchup, especially against a team as hot as the Cowboys. When the offense has gone through Favre first, the running game has benefitted later and the team has had great success. When Favre throws three or more touchdowns the Vikings are 6-0, and when he completes better than 68 percent of his passes (minimum 24 attempts) the team is 7-0. The Vikings finished the 2009 season 12-4 with Peterson only eclipsing the century mark rushing three times, but he did score 18 rushing touchdowns.

Brees and Saints must start fast on Sunday if they hope to keep Kurt Warner and the Cardinals offense finding a rhythm. The Saints have struggled the past several weeks averaging just over 14 points a game. The team still finished number one in scoring and yards for the 2009 season, but Brees and company will be facing a red hot Warner and Cards offense. The Saints signal caller will need his best weapons Marques Colston (9-touchdowns), Robert Meachum (9-touchdowns), and Reggie Bush (47 receptions, 3-touchdowns) ready to make plays in the Superdome on Saturday.

By David Ortega

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

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: 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…..