FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 12th, 2009 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 season……

Player News From Across the Wire...

Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets
Mark Sanchez had another rocky game on Monday night, completing just 12-of-24 passes for 172 yards, adding both a touchdown and interception, in New York's 31-27 loss in Miami.
My Fantasy read on Sanchez: The rookie has been roughed up a bit his last two outings, but Monday night he should plenty of posie and resolve leading the Jets to a late go ahead score. He's not ready to be an everyday fantasy starter (more like a decent QB2), but he's definitely a keeper in dynasty leagues.....

Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins
Young signal caller Chad Henne was rock-solid for the Dolphins on Monday night, completing 20-of-26 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns, as Miami edged the Jets 31-27 on Monday Night Football.
My Fantasy read on Henne: Henne looked superb down the stretch and really showed he had a big arm and great accuracy with some of his throws. It may be a bit premature to make any definitive claims, but the Fish may have found their QB of the future....

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Matt Hasselbeck reported no ill effects on Monday after playing through the later stages of a rib injury on Sunday, according to the Seattle Times.
My Fantasy read on Hasselbeck: It's hard to deny that this guy is not only gutsy, but ver good with four touchdowns passes last Sunday. Looking ahead Hasselbeck should be a fantasy starter, so long as his health holds up.....

Brandon Jacobs, RB, New York Giants
Brandon Jacobs said on Monday that he expected to produce more in 2009 than he has so far, and that "frustration is very much upon me," according to the New York Daily News.
My Fantasy read on Jacobs: It's no surprise to see the running game off to a slower start. Teams are going to stack the line until they see Eli and Giant's passing game beat them consistently, so Jacob's frustration may not last much longer. Expect a big second half from the big diesel.....

Derek Anderson, QB, Cleveland Browns
Despite his dreadful Week 5 performance, in which he completed just 2-of-17 passes for 23 yards, Derek Anderson will remain the Browns' starting quarterback, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
My Fantasy read on Anderson: The Browns really struggled with strong winds and dropped balls, Anderson's numbers were horrible. The best thing about last Sunday, he can't do any worse, we just don't know how much better he can be or if he will be.....

Kyle Boller, QB, St. Louis Rams
It has been revealed that Rams quarterback Kyle Boller suffered a "mild" concussion on Sunday, and will undergo testing on Tuesday to determine his availability for Week 6, according to the Associated Press.
My Fantasy read on Boller: After Bulger's relief appearance, it's more than likely back to the bench for Boller. He won't offer any value as a fantasy quarterback sitting on the sideline, but with fragile Marc it may just be a matter of time before he's back under center......

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
MLive.com reports that Calvin Johnson's knee injury is not "significant."
My Fantasy read on Johnson: From the initial reports it wasn't believed to be a serious injury. Expect to see Megatron back on the field in week 6....

Roy Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Roy Williams (ribs) says he will be able to resume playing in Week 7, according to the Dallas Morning News.
My Fantasy read on Williams: With the bye week coming up, that should give Williams plenty of time to rest and heal. It should be noted that the recent play of Miles and Williams inconsistency could lead to fewer targets down the road; something worth watching......

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 5th, 2009 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 season……

Player News From Across the Wire...

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
Matt Hasselbeck, who is recovering from a fractured rib, is expected to return to practice Wednesday, according to the Seattle Times.
My Fantasy read on Hasselbeck: Right now the Seahawks are hopeful he can play Sunday, a lot will depend on how it goes in practice this week and how much Hass can do…..

Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants
The Giants are stating that Eli Manning will not seek a second opinion on his injured right foot after a contrary report stated that he will, according to Ralph Vacchiano's (NY Daily News) twitter page.
My Fantasy read on Manning: Are you kidding, there’s no way little brother will be out-staged by his big brother. There are recent reports the injury is not as serious as feared and it looks like Manning will likely play Sunday against the Raiders….

Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Cleveland Browns
Head coach Eric Mangini praised Mohamed Massaquoi after the rookie hauled in eight receptions for 148 yards in Week 4 against Cincinnati, according to the Browns' official website. Mangini said, "I told him he put his big boy pants on. It was great to see."
My Fantasy read on Massaquoi: It looked more like Massaquoi and Anderson had great chemistry. With Anderson under center, don’t be surprised to see him target Massaquoi quite a bit going forward…..

Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions
Kevin Smith is day-to-day while still recovering from a shoulder injury, according to the Detroit Free Press.
My Fantasy read on Smith: Smith played plenty on Sunday and while he struggled on the ground he found the endzone twice. If he’s less than 100 percent, this Sunday could be more of a struggle against the visiting Steelers….

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson is day-to-day after injuring his quad during Sunday's game at Chicago, according to the Detroit Free Press.
My Fantasy read on Johnson: The Lions best pass receiving option should be fine for Sunday against the Steelers. Coming off his best game this season, expect to see him heavily targeted against the Steelers questionable secondary…..

Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
Darren McFadden is expected to be on the shelf for 2-4 weeks due to a torn meniscus in his right knee, according to Jerry McDonald's (Contra Costa Times) twitter page.
My Fantasy read on McFadden: It may be too early to say, but if this injury lingers toward the full four weeks McFadden and Bust could quickly become synonymous……

Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams
Marc Bulger tested his bruised right rotator cuff today by doing some light throwing, according to ESPN.
My Fantasy read on Bulger: If there’s any chance Bulger can play I would expect to see him in the lineup on Sunday. Boller did not look good and with the Vikings it may not matter who is under center, but Bulger probably gives the Rams a better chance to compete…..

Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Updating an earlier item, ESPN is now reporting that the 49ers and holdout draft pick Michael Crabtree are indeed set to renew contract negotiations.
My Fantasy read on Crabtree: It’s not surprising now that Crabtree can see the team doesn’t need him to be successful. I imagine a deal could get done relatively soon. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Crabtree join the team just before their week six bye, so that he might be ready to play in week 7…..

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions
Lions coach Jim Schwartz said on Monday that quarterback Matthew Stafford is "day-to-day" after injuring his knee on Sunday, and that he has not been ruled out for Week 5, according to NFL.com.
My Fantasy read on Stafford: Stafford may not have been ruled out yet, but it’s highly unlikely the team would risk his health, plan on Culpepper starting unless Matt undergoes some miracle recovery….

Roy Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Roy Williams has three ribs with damaged cartilage after taking a massive hit from Denver's D.J. Williams on Sunday, according to the Dallas Morning News.
My Fantasy read on Williams: After seeing the hit on Sunday, it would be a big surprise to see Williams able to go Sunday in week 5……

Devin Hester, WR, Chicago Bears
Bears coach Lovie Smith said on Monday that Devin Hester is "fine" after sustaining a minor neck/shoulder injury on Sunday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
My Fantasy read on Hester: The Bear’s receiver is not considered a true number one wideout or reliable fantasy option. Even if he is okay to play, he’s less likely to start for fantasy owners unless you need a fill-in for the bye…..

Kevin Boss, TE, New York Giants
Kevin Boss is dealing with a sprained ankle in the wake of New York's Week 4 win over the Chiefs, according to Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News.
My Fantasy read on Boss: The Giant’s tight end had an MRI on his ankle, but results are not known. He’s likely uncertain for Sunday so owners should check his status later in the week…..

Mike Bell, RB, New Orleans Saints
The Saints expect running back Mike Bell (knee) to be ready for Week 6, according to the New Orleans Times Picayune's Jeff Duncan.
My Fantasy read on Bell: With the bye week to rest, Bell should be ready to rejoin the rotation when the Saints return to action in week 6 against the Giants….

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook (ankle) participated in Eagles practice on Monday, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
My Fantasy read on Westbrook: Seeing Westy practice this early in the week is a great sign and indication he should be ready for his favorable matchup in week 5 against Tampa Bay…..

Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Donovan McNabb (ribs) practiced on Monday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Jeff McLane.
My Fantasy read on McNabb: It’s a good sign for fantasy owners to see mcNabb back on the field practicing. All signs seem to indicate he’ll make his return in week 5 and he should be a safe play at home against the Buccaneers….

Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Times-Picayune's Jeff Duncan reports that the Saints have yet to trail through four games in 2009.
My Fantasy read on Brees: It’s been a combination of a balanced offensive attack early and then turning the dogs loose. With the bye week ahead, the Saints will rest and prepare for their week 6 matchup with Giants…..


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

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

September 15th, 2009 9:37pm PST

What we saw on Sunday

Week One Fantasy Highlights….
In case you missed most of the action on Sunday, I’ll be the first to tell you that you missed quite a bit. If you don’t have the Sunday ticket, you need it, get it!

Week one was everything many of us thought it would be, with Drew Brees once again dropping bombs or should we say throwing bombs in the Superdome, to Adrian Peterson running “All-Day” through the defenses, to Peyton and Reggie convincing many fantasy owners to say “Marvin who?”

Some notable surprises in week one actually came last Thursday with the Steelers offense abandoning the run and basically going aerial on the strength of Big Ben’s arm and 363-passing yards. Is he an elite quarterback now? If not, he’s as close as you can get without being one. Then there’s his counterpart Santonio Holmes (9 catches, 131-yards) who proved his miraculous toe-dancing Super Bowl winning catch was no fluke.

I found the hard running of Mike Bell (28 carries) in New Orleans to be refreshing, although you’ll have to question how committed to the run will head coach Sean Payton actually be. The Cowboys offense appeared to be quite healthy in the post traumatic T.O. era, with Romo airing it out for 353-yards and three touchdowns. Fantasy owners ask, who’s going to replace Owens; Willliams (3 catches, 86-yds, 1-Td), Crayton (4 catches, 135-yds, 1-Td), and Witten (5 catches, 71-yds). The offense looks to be in good hands.

Another surprise we saw Sunday, but then was it really a surprise to see the Raven’s running back Ray Rice run as well as he did? Rice gained 108-yards on 19 carries and he also added a couple of grabs for another 12-yards. Speaking of an early 2009 surprise, how about Todd Heap’s five grabs for 74-yards and a score.

Just a year ago both quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco were rookies, but now seasoned vets, each commanded their respective offenses to week one victories. Ryan was more than respectable with 229-yards passing and two touchdowns, while Flacco was impressive completing 26 of 43 passes for 307-yards and three scores.

While there were impressive performances, there were also those that had you scratching your heads; like the Rams under-use of Steven Jackson (just 16 touches) and both the Broncos and Bengals offenses lack-luster performances. The absence of Terrell Owens from the Bill’s offensive gameplan was disappointing for fantasy owners, but less a mystery if you watched the game. The Patriots just had no answer for Bill’s running back Fred Jackson.

There were just a handful of the many things we saw in week one, but more importantly than what we saw, what does it all mean?

Fantasy Notes:

First of all, fantasy owners should not panic, remember this was only one game and it was the first game of the season. Just because Steven Jackson didn’t have a huge Sunday, there’s no need to go into desperation mode. It’s quite obvious the Rams need to get their best weapon involved in the passing game as well as the run.

For owners that held onto Brandon Marshall, it appears the rough seas are beginning to calm and it will only be a matter of time before the beast is unleashed. Carson Palmer was not particularly sharp on Sunday, but he did show some good velocity on a few throws. The time missed in preseason showed, but it’s something very correctible.

In New Orleans, head coach Sean Payton is going to have a tough call to make when Pierre Thomas returns; now there’s a three-headed monster (Bush, Bell, Thomas). The Raven’s have a similar dilemma, but it appears they might have already solved their quandary. In Tampa the Buc’s were boasting a running back tri-fecta, but with Graham seeing only one carry that could become the trend; stay with the hot hand and odd man out.

All is well in New Orleans, New England, and Indianapolis with all three aerial attacks firing their big guns in week one. The Cowboys and Steelers, two teams historically known for ball-control ground games, could also be entering the new age aero-dynamics. While these teams are putting their strongest arms forward, teams like the Vikings, Texans, Panthers, and Jaguars are struggling just to lift theirs.

Offenses that struggle to move the ball and pick up first downs, generally don’t accumulate too many yards on offense or points for that matter. Week one offenses that could be a cause for concern for fantasy owners;

Five worst offenses
Team Total yards Total First downs (rank)
1. Carolina Panthers 169-yards 14-first downs (24th)
2. Houston Texans 183-yards 11-first downs (30th)
3. Kansas City Chiefs 188-yards 11-first downs (30th)
4. San Francisco 49ers 203-yards 13-first downs (26th)
5. Green Bay Packers 226-yards 12-first downs (28th)


By David Ortega

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

September 14th, 2009 7:37pm PST

[Evening Edition]

A Wild Week one

The first Sunday of the 2009 NFL season was nothing short of "worth the wait" filled with a miracle finish and plenty of surprises.

For Denver fans week one is going to be one to remember; a miraculous catch and run that not only snatched victory away from the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals, but one that had to leave a bitter taste. The Bengals had just taken the lead with less than a minute to play when the most unlikely occurence happened to seal their fate. With only a wing and a prayer, the Broncos got an improbable tipped pass falling into the arms of Stokley (Mr. Johnny on the spot) who took the pass 87-yards for the winning score. It wasn’t drawn up that way, but it proved to be just as effective and painful for Bengal’s fans.

The Bengals weren't the only team to be surprised on Sunday, ask the Texans and their quarterback Matt Schaub. Rex Ryan and his Jets defense brought a variety of looks and blitzes to confuse and pressure Schaub. On the other side protected with an effective run game (190 yards), rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez played very well making plays with his arm and torching the Texans secondary for 272-yards. In his pro debut Sanchez his Jeyts to an impressive week one 24-7 win over the Texans.

Another week one surprise that actually came on the heels of a surprise announcement leading up to Sunday was the return of Cadillac Williams. Williams is returning from two major knee surgeries in two years. The Bucs running back's return was not just a surprise, but also a success. While the Bucs dropped their opener, Williams ran the ball very well gaining nearly 100 yards on just 13 carries. William's day was highlighted with one-yard touchdown run in the 1st quarter.

With quite a few memorable moments and surprises in week one, we are left with plenty to remember. So what will you recall, here's what I will remember from opening weekend;

What I remember from Week one.

1. Brandon Stokely's memorable game winning touchdown reception in the closing seconds to defeat the Bengals.
2. Adrian Peterson's manly 64-yard touchdown run over the entire Brown's defense.
3. Drew Brees career high six touchdown passes against the lowly Lion's defense.
4. DeSean Jackson's 85-yard punt return for a touichdown to cap off the Eagle's week one rout of the Panthers.
5. Santonio Holmes nine catch, 131-receiving yards, and one touchdown reception performance on Thursday night.
6. Roy William's 66-yard touchdown reception against the Bucs on Sunday. He looked very fast.
7. Matt Hasselbeck's three touchdown pass performance against the Rams. Looks like the back feels fine.
8. Mike Bell's solid performance of 28 carries for 143-yards on the ground.
9. Patrick Willis leading the Niner's defense to a surprise week one upset over the Cardinals. Willis recorded 13 tackles with an interception.
10. For Denver fans, Cutler's four interception performance in his regular season debut with the Bears; not the start he hoped for.


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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 8th, 2009 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 season……

News From Across the Wire...

Justin Fargas, RB, Oakland Raiders
Justin Fargas missed Monday's practice with the Raiders, according to the Contra Costa Times. He is dealing with a hamstring injury.
My Fantasy read on Fargas: McFadden is already the favorite to win the job, expect this setback to open the door for D-Mac and possibly keep Fargas sidelined longer as he heals. Fargas is likely low man on the totem pole, so even when he does return, he’ll see limited touches being a part of the Raider’s backfield rotation…..


Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Carson Palmer practiced with the Bengals Monday, according to Joe Reedy's (Cincinnati Enquirer) twitter page.
My Fantasy read on Palmer: Expect this to be a rebound season for Palmer, whose 2008 campaign was cut short. He looks like he’ll be ready for week one and should have a good matchup facing a questionable Bronco’s defense…..

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions
Brandon Pettigrew will be the Lions' starting tight end for Week 1 at New Orleans, according to the Detroit News.
My Fantasy read on Pettigrew: The Lions were a bad team in 2008 and one offseason will not turn things completely around, but with some talent they should improve. Pettigrew should be a part of that improvement movement, but he’s not worth drafting early. He’ll be one to watch and could be a flier worth chancing later in the year……

Tim Hightower, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Tim Hightower will start over rookie Chris Wells in Week 1 against the 49ers, according to the Arizona Republic.
My Fantasy read on Hightower: the announcement was expected with Wells falling behind in camp due to injury. As Wells gains experience he could eventually supplant Hightower as the starter. Hightower could be a worthy start early, but with limited value, he’ll be an early “play with caution”……

Roy Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Roy Williams practiced Monday with the Cowboys, according to the Dallas Morning News. He has been nursing a shoulder injury.
My Fantasy read on Williams: It’s too early to gauge the impact of the injury, but it’s a good sign that he is practicing. If he’s healthy to play, Williams is expected to be the Cowboys number one wideout, but second receiving option. He’s a decent WR3 in fantasy now, but has lots of room to improve…….

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins
Clinton Portis practiced on Monday, according to the Washington Times.
My Fantasy read on Portis: There has not been a lot said about Portis this preseason, since some of his grumblings early in camp. Portis is a good RB2 early, but watch his carries as he'll wear down and can breakdown......

Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers
Greg Jennings, who has been recovering from a concussion, has been deemed fit to play in Sunday's season opener against the rival Bears at Lambeau Field, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
My Fantasy read on Jennings: If Jennings is cleared he will play and is a must start. The team's other reciever Donald Driver has looked good this preseason, but Jennings is now the man in the passing game....

Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints
Pierre Thomas was seen walking with a limp in the Saints' locker room Monday, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. He is dealing with a sprained MCL, and also suffered a cut from a fence which required stitches.
My Fantasy read on Thomas: Fantasy owners may want to worry about this one. Not only is it likely that Thomas sits week one, but Mike Bell will have even more opportunity to impress and steal touches. Thomas' once rising stock is starting to teeter.....

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Seattle Seahawks
T.J. Houshmandzadeh sat out Monday's practice, according to the Seattle Times.
My Fantasy read on Houshmandzeh: Not a lot of concern here. The team is likely resting its’ best pass receiver as they prepare for week one. TJ is a must start.......

Jerious Norwood, RB, Atlanta Falcons
Jerious Norwood missed Monday's practice after injuring his knee in the third preseason game, according to the Falcons' official website.
My Fantasy read on Norwood: This doesn't sound good for Norwood and it seems possible he could miss week one. No concern here, Norwood is likely on your bench and should stay there week one......

Cadillac Williams, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cadillac Williams has been named the Buccaneers' starting running back for Week 1 against Dallas, according to their official team website.
My Fantasy read on Williams: The move comes as a big surprise, but the real impact is the Buc's backfield now looks like a crowded committee. If this moves holds true, starting any Bucs running back is going to cause a mammoth fantasy headache......

Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Anquan Boldin sat out the Cardinals' practice on Monday, according to the Arizona Republic. Boldin has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, and he missed the final two preseason game.
My Fantasy read on Boldin: This is not a good sign considering Boldin was slowed with a hamstring last season. As tough as the Cardinal's receiver is, he's not likely to sit, but these are the kind of injuries that could linger and he could become a risky play early on......

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions
ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting on his Twitter page that the Lions have announced that rookie Matthew Stafford will be their starting quarterback this season. Stafford beat out veteran Daunte Culpepper for the job.
My Fantasy read on Stafford: To no surprise the team chose Stafford. With all things being equal, the team sided with the future. For those in deep leagues that grabbed Stafford, hang on Lucy. The kid is going to take his lumps and likely won't be ready to start fantasy for some time.....

Matt Cassel, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs' beat writer Josh Looney is reporting on his Twitter page that quarterback Matt Cassel is in full pads at Monday's practice. Cassel is suffering from a strained MCL that he suffered earlier in the preseason.
My Fantasy read on Cassel: The Chief's camp has been quiet, so despite his return it could be too early to read. Cassel has a sprained MCL and could be a riskt start, but he should have been drafted as a mid backup QB anyway, so he should be on your bench regardless......

Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
The Contra Costa Times is reporting that Raiders' coach Tom Cable has decided who will be the team's number one running back this season. Cable said he would not announce the decision until he has had a chance to inform Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas, and Michael Bush of his decision.
My Fantasy read on McFadden: All the signs would indicate that McFadden will get the nod, especially with Fargas still nursing a hamstring. Many think this could be a breakout season for D-Mac, but remember before you sell the farm he's part of a committee and a Raider....

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
The Denver Post is reporting that the Broncos still do not intend to trade wide receiver Brandon Marshall despite rumors that the team may be in talks with the Jets. Marshall returned to practice on Sunday.
My Fantasy read on Marshall: Good news out of the Broncos camp, Marshall has returned to practice and with a good attitude. While nothing is guaranteed, its sounding like Marshall has a shot at playing. If he plays, he needs to be in your lineup....


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

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

August 30th, 2009 3:07pm PST

THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

OL Andre Smith finally signs with Bengals….
The Bengals have signed their top draft choice, but it is unlikely he will have any kind of immediate impact. The rookie draft pick was speculated to be a huge risk at draft time and clearly the team can already see what they bargained for. Smith addition won’t make the Bengal’s offense better, but his absence to this point does not appear to be detrimental by any means….

WR Brandon Marshall suspended for rest of preseason.…
The Bronco’s have suspended their star wideout for the remainder of the preseason for the conduct detrimental to the team. With this recent action, Marshall fantasy stock will plummet with the outspoken and hard-headed receiver now becoming a huge fantasy risk. He’s not a worthy WR1 pick until he can get out of McDaniel’s doghouse….

QB Carson Palmer is expected to return to practice…..
The Bengal’s have more good news out of camp with the expectation of Palmer returning to practice. With his receivers, Ochocinco and Henry showing good form, Carson looks like a strong candidate to bounce back in 2009. He’s likely to be greatly undervalued in most drafts coming off an injury filled 2008….

RB Reggie Bush expected to have breakout season…
The fantasy verdict is likely still out on Bush, although there is no arguing his tremendous talent level. Many in the Saints camp feel Reggie is poised to have a big season this year, but with the recent injury history we’d be a little hesitant to jump on that bandwagon….

WR Roy Williams shoulder not viewed as serious….
The Cowboy’s new number one receiver since the departure of T.O. is expected to be fine following a shoulder injury during practice this past week. It was originally feared that Williams may have suffered a broken collarbone, but x-rays were negative. Williams is still a decent WR2 and is expected to be ready for week one….

QB Matt Cassel suffers knee injury, X-rays are negative….
The Chiefs escaped a major scare this past weekend went quarterback Matt Casseel went down with a knee injury. X-rays were negative and it looks like Cassel will be fine, but his return is unknown and fantasy owners would be wise to avoid drafting him as their starter. He has greater value as your number two quarterback….

WR Hakeem Nicks has impressive outing ….
The Giant’s rookie receiver had been relatively quiet leading into Saturday’s preseason contest, but against the cross-town rival Jets, Hakeem Nicks spoke loud and clear. The rookie caught six passes for 144-yards and according to head coach Tom Coughlin, has earned “prime consideration” to move up the charts and likely see more air-time. Nicks is a long shot to have a big impact, but with the Giants lacking a clear go-to, he’s got a shot to be a great value as a late round pick in fantasy drafts…..

WR Dwayne Bowe is back where he belongs….
The Chief’s wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has finally moved out of the doghouse and into the penthouse as the team’s number one receiver. There was really very little concern, but it’s nice to see Bowe back on track to be a superstar. He’ll clearly be targeted heavily in Haley spread offense passing game and should be a worthy low-end WR2 in fantasy drafts……

QB Tom Brady still sore, but shoulder is fine….
The Patriots were given a scare of their own on Friday night when Tom Brady was pummeled by the Redskin’s defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. Tests on Brady’s shoulder came back negative, but there’s been no official word as to the seriousness of the injury. According to the Boston Globe, it appears Brady’s shoulder is sore, but he will be fine. If you draft Brady high, better back him up and be ready to make a week one change, just in case…..


Check back every week for more “Around the League”