FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 29th, 2010 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

ROBERT MEACHEM BLOWS UP MONDAY NIGHT
One of the Saints big play deep threats has been on and off all season, but Monday night he came up big with his best game of the season. Meachem racked up 10 catches for 101 yards receiving off 13 targets (his most targets in a single game all season).
My Fantasy Read:
The Saints still have a lot to play for with a division title still up for grabs. Although he’s coming off a solid Monday night, Meachem is too inconsistent to be relied upon. Brees has the ability to spread the ball around to any of his receiving options making Meachem a risky play at best.

JOSH FREEMAN HAS A FANTASY SUNDAY
The Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman saved his best for last (or at least week 16). Last Sunday against the Seahawks Freeman was brilliant completing 21 of 26 passes, throwing five touchdown, and passing for 237 yards in the team’s week 16 win.
My Fantasy Read:
The Buccaneers are still battling for a post-season berth, so Freeman could be a preferred option under center with names like Brady, Vick, and Cutler expected to see limited action on Sunday.

MATT CASSEL IS COOL ON SUNDAY
With a division title hanging in the balance the Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel was cool in the clutch leading his team to their 10th win of the season and their first division title since 2003. Cassel completed 24 of 34 passes for over 300 yards (only the second time this season) an tossed three touchdowns (27 this season).
My Fantasy Read:
Even with the division wrapped up, the Chiefs are not expected to rest their starters this weekend. Although there is not a lot to gain with a win, Cassel will start and should be one of the more reliable starters this weekend.

DANNY WOODHEAD FINDS PAY-DIRT
The Patriots running back Danny Woodhead took advantage of some extra work last Sunday rushing for 93 yards with a touchdown on 13 carries. Woodhead was also effective in the pass game snagging three balls on four targets for 32 yards. His 125 total yards of offense was his most productive game of the season.
My Fantasy Read:
The Patriots’ small package of dynamite continues to be a valuable asset to the offense, but with Woodhead only averaging 10-12 touches per game he typically has limited fantasy value as a flex option. With the Patriots wrapping up the division and home field this past week Woodhead could see some extended action this coming Sunday.

DOMINIC RHODES GETS SOME WORK ON SUNDAY
The Colts running game received a much needed boost last Sunday from running back Dominic Rhodes. It was only his second game back with the Colts, but Rhodes took advantage of the opportunity rushing for 98 yards on 17 carries.
My Fantasy Read:
It was a nice afternoon for the returning Colt, but with Joseph Addai (12 carries for 45 yards) returning to action Rhodes is only going to see fewer touches going forward. His fantasy stardom looks short lived.

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

February 1st, 2010 - 8:25pm PST

[Late Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

Next up the Big Dance!

Despite the roller-coaster ride of the 2009 season we should not be surprised to find what were arguably the two best teams in the NFL this past season. Both the Saints and Colts started out on a record setting pace with each team winning their first 13 games this season (the Colts won their first 14).

Now that the dust has finally settled and we have two left standing nothing could be more appropriate than Drew Brees versus Peyton Manning. The Saints signal caller on the cusp of greatness taking on the great Mr. Manning who continues to write his own legacy. With his fourth NFL MVP award, Manning will try to secure his second NFL title and cement himself as one, if the not the greatest ever.

While his counterpart would appear to have much to play for, Drew Brees is not without his own personal motivation. Brees has become the face of a franchise that not only represents a city, but represents so much more. Following the Katrina disaster the Saints have led a march of great hope and resolve and the face out front of this march has been Drew Brees. Brees has often been compared to the great names in today's game; Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Brett Favre, and though he lacks the hardware (Lombardi Trophies and MVP awards) he has the numbers. His first appearance should not legitimize his greatness; he has been great since he arrived to New Orleans. His first appearance in the Big Dance should be the next chapter to his own legacy.

What to Expect

While both teams have two very quick and opportunistic defenses, there is little doubt that this game is going to be all about the two gunslingers calling the signals. The Saints (4th) and Colts (2nd) offenses finished the 2009 season ranked in the top five passing and both clubs were in the top seven in scoring.

While the Saints were second in the league with 39 takeaways, they are going to find it difficult to capitalize on Manning who has just one turnover in 83 passes this post season. Like his counterpart Brees has been steady taking care of the ball with no turnovers in 63 passes.

The Saints led the league in scoring and finished number one in yards per game; they will surely test the Colts defense all game long. And when Manning takes the field with his number two ranked passing offense (9th overall) the Saints defense will face their ultimate test this season. Don't expect too many punts or a lot of stops, this one could easily turn into a regular shootout at the O.K. corral with the quarterback with the ball last deciding this classic matchup of a pair of gunslingers.

Injury notes for Sunday...

RB-Pierre Thomas (Saints).....ribs-probable.

RB-Joseph Addai (Colts).....shoulder-probable.

WR-Robert Meachum (Saints)....ankle-probable.

TE-Jeremy Shockey (Saints)....knee-questionable

DB-Darren Sharper (Saints).....knee-probable.

DL-Will Smith (Saints)....groin-probable.

DL-Dwight Freeney (Colts)....ankle-questionable

Quick Notes:

The Saints wide receiver Robert Meachum has resumed full participation in practice and looks to be ready for the big dance. Meachum could be a big key in the Saints passing game on Sunday. He tied with Colston for the team lead with nine touchdowns this season and finished the year with 45 catches for 722 yards receiving (16.0 yards per catch).

The Colts have made their name on the passing of Peyton Manning all season, but it wouldn't surprise to see Joseph Addai taking on a larger role in the run game this Sunday. In the AFC title game Addai finished with 80 yards averaging five yards a carry against a pretty good Jets run defense; Saints rank 21st against the run.

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"

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: FOOTBALL DIARY

December 19th, 2009 1:45pm PST

Football Diary

[Saturday Edition]

Dear Diary

The Pursuit of Excellence

One down and one more to go! Earlier this week on Thursday night the Colts continued their pursuit of excellence remaining undefeated. It took a late 4th quarter drive by Peyton Manning the Colts to hold off the upstart Jaguars, but that has been characteristic of this team all season long. Now tonight we'll get to see act two with the Saints and the Cowboys.

Like the Colts the New Orleans Saints have been making it fashionable to pull out late game comebacks and rallys, and for fantasy owners it has truly been a committee responsible for the work. Drew Brees (3,832-yards, 32 touchdowns) is the only constant in the Saints offensive attack and has proven to be one of the best fantasy players the past couple of seasons. This season in the team's run for perfection, Brees has used a committee of receivers to get the job done that include' Marques Colston (9 touchdowns), Robert Meachem (8 touchdowns), Devery Henderson (43 receptions), Jeremy Shockey (48 receptions), Dave Thomas (22 receptions), and Reggie Bush (39 receptions).

The committee does not stop there with both running backs Mike Bell (598 yards rushing) and Pierre Thomas (713 yards rushing) being significant contributors on the ground this season. Not only is it difficult for fantasy owners to know which Saints dice to roll, but tonight for the Dallas Cowboys their defense will face a monumental task in trying to stop this Saints offense.

Brees has been spectacular that past couple of weeks, passing for 296-yards, 419-yards, and 371-yards, while throwing a total of 10 touchdowns. The Cowboys secondary had fits trying to cover the Charger's receivers last week and they won't catch any kind of a break this week. This one could get ugly fast.

Fantasy Notes:

The Broncos super-stud receiver Brandon Marshall has gone from the doghouse to the outhouse and has now arrived in the penthouse. In his last three starts he has 34 receptions for 380 yards and three touchdowns and will have a good matchup on Sunday against the Raiders. In the first meeting Marshall caught five balls for 67 yards and a score.

The Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles has been running the ball well over the past month. In his last five games Charles is averaging 91 yards rushing and over five yards a carry. He has also scored a touchdown in his last three starts and has five totaled in his last five starts. He has a favorable matchup this week against the Browns 29th ranked run defense.

10 Things on

My Sunday Watch-List

1. The only chance the Bills will have Sunday, they have to get the ball into the hands of Terrell Owens, can they?

2. Last week against the Steelers Josh Cribbs and Chris Jennings combined for 160 yards on the ground; how will they do against the Chiefs?

3. The Jets running back Thomas Jones has been solid in 2009 and will undoubtedly be featured on Sunday against the Falcons; will he top 100-yards for the sixth time this season?

4. Last week an injured Matt Schaub stepped up and tossed for 365 yards. Can the Texans quarterback do it again?

5. The Titans running back Chris Johnson has been on a tear with Vince Young under center. Young will play Sunday and I will be watching Mr. Johnson.

6. On Monday night Kurt Warner and the Cardinals passing game could not get off the ground. I expect to see great redemption on Sunday against the Lions 32nd (last) ranked pass defense.

7. The Broncos rookie running back Knowshon Moreno has yet to top 100-yards this season; he should get plenty of carries to do just that on Sunday against the Raiders.

8. With Westbrook and Maclin, can McNabb and Jackson light up the Niners secondary just as they did the Giants last week?

9. Last week the Steelers dropped their five game in a row, can Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense make it a six-Pack!

10. And like all of the NFL nation I too will be watching Ochocinco and the Bengals on Sunday as we all remember Slim!!

Check back every week for more “Football Diary”

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH)

December 17th, 2009

The Fantasy Sports Zone

"Diamonds in the Rough"

(fantasy sleepers)

Players that you may want in your lineup this week!

It's Fantasy playoffs time everywhere you look. After 14 weeks of NFL action most every head to head fantasy league should now be full swing into the post season. With most traditional formats following the one game elimination process, fantasy owners have no room for error and if Week 15 finds you searching for help, here are some gems for this weekend...

This Week's Gems....

In Denver....

The Bronco's rookie running back Knowshon Moreno is closing in on 1,000 yards rushing for the season. Through 13 games he has compiled 837 yards on the ground and five touchdowns. Over his last three starts the rookie running back has averaged 21 carries and with the Raiders up next, he figures to get at least that many chances. The Raiders are ranked 30th against the run and allow over four and a half yards per carry. In their first meeting Moreno logged 21 carries for 90 yards and a score; don't expect anything less this time around.

In New Orleans....

The Saints are an interesting play week in and week out for fantasy owners. Every week we know that Brees and the passing game are going to take off, but the question always remains; who will catch the rock. It's been pretty much a guessing game all season long, but on Saturday against the Cowboys they'll be no second guessing. Last week against the Chargers the Cowboys secondary struggled mightily with the deep ball, so you can bet the Saints will do what they do best and attack deep. While it's been a merry-go-round with Brees and his recievers, clearly the Marques Colston (nine touchdowns) and Robert Meachem (8 touchdowns) have been his best deep threats this season. Expect Drew to go vertical quite a bit and both to be the beneficiaries of a couple of deep tosses. This week both should be safe plays with each finding the endzone.

In Arizona...

The Cards should have very little trouble on Sunday against the 2-11 Detroit Lions. One of the keys for the offense will not only be the arm of quarterback Kurt Warner, but the legs of rookie running back Beanie Wells. This should be a game where the offense has little trouble, so depsite Well's recent woes with holding onto the ball the Cards should be able to stay committed to the run. When Wells wasn't losing the ball last Monday night against a tough Niner's run defense he carried the ball 15 times for 79 yards and a score. The Lions ranked 24th against the run and allow well over four yards a carry; you do the math.

Worth Noting for this week....

While Josh Cribbs was stealing all the headlines in the Browns upset win over the defending Super Bowl Champion Steelers, running back Chris Jennings was quietly turning in a solid performance of his own. Cribb's effort may have overshadowed Jennings 20 carries for 73 yards and a score, but nonetheless the rookie running back was impressive. He's more than likely still floating on the open market and with a matchup against the Chiefs 28th ranked defense looks like he could be a great sleeper pick for Week 15.

Check back every week for more "Diamonds in the Rough"

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

December 12th, 2009 - 9:05pm PST

Watercooler Chat

Time to Wave good-bye

Although the waiver wire for most leagues has expired, it does not mean our good buddy Wayne "the wire" Bosco doesn't have some friendly advice or tid-bits to share for Week 14.

Wayne says...

Matt Schaub (shoulder injury) is an attractive play this week if he were healthy, fantasy owners with other options may want to consider. The Seahawks can get good pressure and you have to worry how many hits Schaub will be able to take. Although its his left shoulder that is injured, a hard hit could land him on the sideline, so owners will have to play this one with caution.

Percy Harvin has become quite the featured receiver in Minnesota the past couple of weeks, scoring in each of his last three games and averaging 86 receiving yards. Although he's listed as questionable for Sunday, it would be tough for owners to sit him. Now that he's a starter (started three of his last four games) he's easily become one of Favre's favorites and could be considered a weekly must start. Fantasy owners will need to check his status for Sunday.

Mike Bell is listed as questionable on Sunday, but there are reports indicating he should play. Bell has only missed two games this season, so it does sound like owners can expect to see him on the field. However, owners should not count on big production from the Saints running attack. In the teams last two games the ground game has only produced 165 yards, while leaning heavily on its passing attack; likely something we'll see more of going forward.

Waynes Weekly "Friendly Word for the wise"...

Now that you are engaged in fantasy post season action, now is not the time to slip or err in your judgement. The Dallas Cowboys have an entire host of dynamic running backs in their backfield, but with so much talent it's very difficult to gage where primary production will come from. Last week all three backs (Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice) tanked for fantasy owners and only Jones and Barber have provided any worthwhile production this season.

With the Chargers next on the schedule this could be a good week for the Cowboys ground game to produce, but owners may have a tough time figuring who will be the hot hand. If you have other options it may be wise to consider; Barber and Jones have usually been a coin flip and Choice has not seen enough touches of late to be a consideration. A simple case of too much talent for fantasy owners own good.

Player Watch for Week 14

Besides your weekly must -plays there are a handful of players that should be taken into consideration this week when setting your lineup. Keep these players on your watchlist, you just may want to give hard look come Sunday;

(Start) Robert Meachem has been the hot hand in New Orleans and with the Saints set to face the leagues 29th pass defense (Falcons), he looks like a good play for Week 14.

(Sit) Matt Forte The Bears running back has not had a great sophomore season and faces a tough matchup this Sunday against the Packers number four ranked run defense. In their first meeting this season the Packers shut down Forte and limited him to 55 yards on 25 carries.

(Start) Terrell Owens The Bills aerial attack has shown a little life recently and Owens has been a major recipient with 28 targets in his last three games. Sunday the Bills visit KC and the leagues 28th ranked pass defense; Owens is primed for a big game.

(Sit) LaDanian Tomlinson This season has not been one of LT's best, but over the past month he's been as productive as any back with six touchdowns and 272 yards. This Sunday all of that could come to a screeching halt facing the leagues 9th ranked run defense.

Check back again next week for more “Watercooler Chat”

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

December 7th, 2009 9:27pm PST

[Late Night Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

What I saw in Week 13

Brees is too much for defenses....

When the chips are down and your backs against the wall, if you can call for help there's no one better to call than quarterback Drew Brees. With their perfect season on the line Brees pulled out all the stops and used every one of his weapons completing passes to seven different receivers. Brees passed for 419 yards, completing 35 of 49 passes and tossed two touchdowns to help the Saints remain undefeated.

Warner returns to form Sunday night....

Coming back from a concussion that sidelined him last week the Cardinal's quarterback Kurt Warner showed no ill-effects, but rather his old pro bowl form passing for 285 yards and tossing three touchdowns. With Warner back to his old self completing 22 of 32 passes including a couple of 30 yard touchdown throws to his favorite targets the Cards easily handed the Vikings their second loss of the season; perhaps a blueprint they will follow in the post season.

Jackson needs lots of help in St. Louis...

The Rams struggles on offense this season are well documented, but there's no question irregardless running back Steven Jackson keeps on trucking. On Sunday Jackson rushed for over 100 yards, it was his seventh time this season and the fifth time in his last six games. Jackson rankeds second in the league in rushing with 1,232 yards this season, but only four touchdowns.

10 Things I Remember Week 13

1. The Falcons have just two reliable pass catchers, White and Gonzalez. The two combined for 17 receptions and 176 yards on Sunday.

2. Jonathan Stewart is a capable ball carrier when he has the opportunity. Starting in place of the injured DeAngelo Williams he rushed for 120 yards with a score.

3. Philip Rivers is playing like an elite quarterback. On Sunday Rivers passed for 373 yards and tossed two touchdowns.

4. The Bengals have a top tier running back with Cedric Benson; in Week 13 he carried the ball 36 times for 110 yards.

5. The Jets running back Thomas Jones not looking done yet rushing for 109 yards on 23 carries against the Bills.

6. The Saints have another explosive weapon with wide receiver Robert Meachem; eight catches for 142 yards and a two touchdowns.

7. Quietly Brandon Marshall is working his way back to fantasy relevance. On Sunday he caught seven passes for 94 yards with a touchdown.

8. The Raiders rookie receiver Louis Murphy has possibly given fans something to cheer about; four catches for 128 yards and two touchdowns.

9. The Colts have another weapon of their own with wide receiver Pierre Garcon; six catches for 136 yards receiving.

10. Despite the December gloom, the Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw the ball well passing for nearly 400 yards with three touchdowns.

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"