FSH: MORE FROM THE HUDDLE

February 23rd, 2010 11:07pm PST

More From the Huddle

Fantasy Radar

Like (Knowshon) Moreno and (LeSean) McCoy, there are several rookies that could make the leap to the forefront of fantasy football in 2010. While Moreno and McCoy are not locks, they have a stronghold to be featured backs this coming season and make a serious impact in fantasy.

Others that may strike some serious interest coming fantasy time should include the Titan's wide receiver Kenny Britt. In his rookie campaign Britt caught 42 passes and showed some bog play potential with four pass plays of 40 yards or more. With an entire offseason to work with quarterback Vince young, Britt figures to improve next season and could be challenge for the number one spot. He'll be a starter and should warrant at least a nice high number three fantasy wide receiver rating.

Taking a deeper look at the receivers, after a nice post season run in Indianapolis rookie Austin Collie looks ready to challenge for a starting role in 2009. Collie led all rookies (tied with Percy Harvin) with 60 receptions this past season and also scored seven times. Playing with Manning under center Collie will be a solid fantasy option and could rank much higher if he wins the starting gig opposite Reggie Wayne.

Much like Collie, the Vikings receiver Percy Harvin made a big impression in 2009. The Vikings rookie caught 60 balls and ranked 3rd among all rookies with 12 pass plays of 20 yards or more this past season. Whether it's Favre returning or Sage Rosenfels under center, Harvin is going to offer great value in fantasy this coming season. He's already proven to be a playmaker and figures to only get better.

There are going to be more 2009 rookies that fantasy owners will need to take a hard look at this summer, as we move past the Combine and closer to the 2010 NFL Draft I will continue to offer my thoughts on many of this season's potential Sophomore Sensations!

By David Ortega

Check for more notes, thoughts, and football banter "From the Huddle"

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

August 16th, 2009 10:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who’s making Fantasy News this Past Week?

WR Brandon Marshall returns to practice field…..
The Broncos and their fans were happy to see wide receiver Brandon Marshall back on the field Sunday. The stud wideout has been sidelined nursing a hamstring injury, but appears to be recovered. With injuries and legal woes behind him fantasy owners can pencil him down as a low-end WR1 or high WR2 in their respective fantasy drafts.

WR Steve Breaston’s injury not considered to be serious….
It sounds like the Cardinals number three receiver will be fine after spraining his PCL and bruising a bone on his right leg. Breaston is a great handcuff for either Boldin or Fitzgerald, but is a decent option in deeper fantasy leagues and those that employ three starting wideouts.

RB Chris Wells returns to practice sees no action…
For fantasy owners looking to draft Wells, his return to practice was a good sign. Although he did not see any action, no need to panic. The team is likely bringing him along slowly. Wells does not look in line to start right away, but will figure into the mix soon enough. Owners should be careful not to over-value the Cardinal’s rookie who is a much better RB3 in most drafts.

QB Drew Brees leaves camp to attend services…
The Saints quarterback left camp on Sunday to attend the funeral services for his mother (Mina Brees) who recently passed. He’s expected to rejoin the team on Wednesday. Thoughts and prayers are with the Brees family.

LB Patrick Willis expected to return to practice Monday…
The Niner’s linebacker tweaked an ankle early in camp, but will return to practice on Monday. Willis is considered a top tier linebacker in IDP leagues totaling over 140 tackles in 2008. He’ll once again be a stud this season and should go high on most draft boards.

QB Sage Rosenfels misses practice due to ankle injury…
The Vikings quarterback admitted to tweaking his ankle during the team’s first preseason game on Friday. As a result Rosenfels sat out of Sunday’s practice. The injury is not considered serious, so he should be back out there soon. Rosenfels appears to have the upper hand in the QB race and is the favorite to win the job, so expect to see him battling soon enough. Right now he’s the safer pick in Minnesota.

DB Brian Dawkins returns to training camp…
The Bronco’s veteran defensive back was back to practice, although he was not participating in any live action. At 35 years of age and a broken hand, despite his reputation Dawkins is a risky IDP pick-up in any early drafts. Owners would be wise to wait until he is fully recovered and back on the field.

PK Garrett Hartley expects to be suspended…
The Saint’s place-kicker is saying he expects to miss around four games to start the season for testing positive for a banned stimulant. With Hartly out, the Saints replacement kicker will be a hot pickup in the late rounds of fantasy drafts that have yet to conclude.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

August 15th, 2009 3:07pm PST


THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

QB Kyle Orton struggles badly in preseason opener….
The Bronco’s projected starting quarterback played very poorly in the team’s preseason opener and coupled with Chris Simms impressive play it appears we may have a quarterback controversy brewing in the Mile High City. Following his dismal performance, Orton may have just lost all of his fantasy stock. He still has a chance to be a sleeper and now could come very cheap as a late round pick-up.

RB Peyton Hillis sees plenty of action in opener.…
The Bronco’s starting Full-back and H-back saw plenty of carries and touches in the team’s Friday night preseason opener. Many folks are not giving Hillis much fantasy consideration, but he could easily figure in the mix and work nicely as a late round RB3 pick-up.

WR Michael Crabtree remains a hold-out…..
The Niner’s rooke receiver remains at home holding out for a big payday. While he continues to wait for the team to blink, his fantasy value is continuing to dwindle. Crabtree becomes a very risky fantasy pick-up at this point. Even if he signs in the near future, his value is very skewed, except for dynasty and keeper leagues, where he still has considerable value.

QB Sage Rosenfels takes hold of the position…
The Viking’s starting quarterback Sage Rosenfels played very well in the team’s preseason opener and may have just created a bit more separation between he and back Tarvaris Jackson. Rosenfels completed 10-of-13 for 91 yards and is the current favorite to win the starting job. Rosenfels isn’t likely to be a fantasy stud in 2009, but he has enough upside to consider a fantasy sleeper.

RB LaDanian Tomlinson expects to play tonight….
The Charger’s starting running back is saying he expects to play tonight, which is a big surprise, considering he hasn’t seen preseason action in years. The team is always concerned with keeping LT fresh and healthy, so if he does play it will likely only be a few plays. Tomlinson appears healthy and despite his fall down the ADP charts, he’s still a top-10 fantasy back and worthy of an early selection.

QB Mark Sanchez looks impressive in preseason debut….
The Jet’s rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez made a nice bid to be the team’s starter with his impressive play in his first NFL action. Sanchez was limited to just a few snaps on Friday night, but he made the most of his opportunity completing 3-of-4 passes for 88 yards. Following that performance Sanchez looks like the favorite to win the job, but he’ll have little fantasy value to start the season.

RB Knowshon Moreno will likely sit the preseason….
The Bronco’s rookie running back suffered a mild MCL sprain and is expected to miss 1-2 weeks. The rookie is McDaniel’s prized pick, don’t expect to see the team rush him back soon, but he should be ready for the team’s season opener. With the temporary setback, Moreno is best viewed as a mid to low RB3 in fantasy drafts.

TE Brent Celek banged up in preseason opener….
The Eagles tight end suffered a minor shoulder injury in the team’s preseason opener and missed practice on Saturday. The injury is not being reported as serious, so he’s expected to return to the practice field soon. With L.J. gone, Celek will be the reliable target over the middle for McNabb. He’s viewed as a mid TE2, but after his impressive post season run, he could very well be a fantasy sleeper in wait.

QB Tom Brady shakes the rust and throws a pair….
Despite all the time missed from recovering from major knee surgery, Tom Brady stepped into his first action since Week one of 2008 and threw a pair of touchdowns. Brady is quickly removing any doubt as to whether he’ll be ready to return to form in 2009. He’s still a slight risk at a high draft spot, but he comes with tremendous upside.


Check back every week for more “Around the League”

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

July 5th, 2009 7:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Notes

Can Favre find Greatness Again?

What can Brett bring to the plate in 2009….
There really is no reason to believe that Favre can make one more curtain call and find the magic that eluded him a year, is there? After watching the “Golden Boy” struggle down the stretch in 2008, are the Vikings really counting on the son-to-be 40-year old retired quarterback to take their team to the next level?

It would seem that is the current concensus, since all signs point to Favre signing with the team and joining the Vikings by the time training camp opens. Favre had offseason surgery to repair a torn bicep and by what was evident last season arm strength is going to be a big concern for the Vikes heading into camp. Without any time on the field during the minicamps, it would seem pain-free or not, it’s going to be an uphill climb for the leagues former three-time MVP.

There’s little argument that Favre would seem to still have the tools, but after playing 17 seasons in the NFL can his body recover for one more run? His recent surgery appears to have gone well and if the timetable is correct he’s expected to be ready for training camp. With the likes of Dr. James Andrew and former Viking center Matt Birk adding their takes on the prospect of Favre playing, there seems to be little doubt (as if there ever was any).

Perhaps the only big question to ask is not if he’ll play, but rather how he will play?

Remember Favre is now 39-years of age, coming off a poor finishing 2008 and offseason surgery. For many years fans in Wisconsin believed the Golden Boy was superman, but that would hardly seem to be the case now.

We also mustn’t forget that the Vikings also have a couple of other guys that have proven that they can play at this level. I would hardly believe that Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson plan to step aside and hand Favre the job.

Favre, may be coming to Minnesota, but anything is hardly written in stone. He’ll likely be in camp more like trying to win the job, rather than inheriting any mantle. Don’t expect this to be any kind of cake walk for Brett and if there is anything true to why the Vikings traded for Rosenfels, there is nothing to say he might not just win the job outright.

Either way fantasy football buffs and fans alike will be paying attention to this one when camps open at the end of this month, as will I.

By David Ortega


Check out more “Sunday Night Football Notes” every week!

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

June 8th, 2009 8:37pm PST

[Tuesday edition]

Favre Story to Reach Conclusion

Vikings Ready to Move on; Give Favre Deadline....

Sure this story has been like beating a dead horse back to life. Well not really, but it is so over done, yet we are compelled to follow it to its end. And that appears to be sooner rather than later.

In recent news retired Jets quarterback had surgery to repair his torn biceps on his throwing arm, a great indicator of his intent to play. Now we are hearing that the Vikings are only going to give the former Packer legend to Friday to decide if he’s going to return to the field of action.

Favre has not participated in any workouts. He just had surgery and no time to heal. It’s going to be a tough for him to make this decision, but it’s easy to read here. The Vikings have a couple of capable starters and need to make decisions soon on which direction the team is going to head.

While there are many unconfirmed reports floating, it makes sense that the Vikings would ask that Favre to decide soon, but will he oblige? Favre has become some sort of an enigma these days, with no one really understanding his motivation. Sure he enjoys the game, but at some point you have to hang’em up, don’t you?

We can speculate all we want about whether or not an aging Favre is a better pick for the Vikes, but it may just as simple as “Favre is done.” Rehab is not a quick process and at age 39, nothing moves as fast as it used to. This whole surreal daytime drama seems more like it has already been determined, but there are probably quite a few people who believe Favre will be back in purple this season. This may be the case, but as usual only time will tell.

And once again the wait will continue, at least until week’s end when we will either see the Vikings blink or call the whole thing off. If they don’t blink, you have to figure that the team is going to roll with Sage Rosenfels as their starter for 2009. It may not be the most popular pick of all things considered, but the Vikings appear to have a pretty good nucleus.

Remember when people looked at quarterback’s Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson, they did not exactly scream Super Bowl Champion (but both are). Let’s face it, if the team is good (and the Vikings are), Rosenfels may be just enough of what they need to go one step farther in 2009. So you have to ask why all this.

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

FSH: WATERCOOLER CHAT

May 27th, 2009 10:15pm PST

WATERCOOLER CHAT

All is Quiet in the Arizona Desert

Despite the lack of noise coming from the desert area, don’t be fooled to think this whole matter is close to be over. In recent reports the Cardinal’s unhappy camper Anquan Boldin in a surprising move has fired his agent Drew Rosenhaus. With the infamous Rosenhaus no longer part of the equation, could this mean progress is soon to follow or is this just the calm before the storm?

Either way all of this makes great “Watercooler Chat” will many of us football enthusiasts try to figure out the next move for both sides; Boldin and the Cardinals organization.

There have been a few whispers on a few talk radio shows, indicating that Rosenhaus hard line stance may have played a part in Boldin’s decision to seek new representation. Only a few weeks ago did Boldin offer the Cardinals an out indicating that he could live with a deal less than Fitzgerald’s.

Boldin has been one of the leagues most dynamic and talented wideouts averaging 81 receptions and 1,031-yards with 24 touchdowns over the past three seasons. His numbers are not quite at the top, but more than consistent to earn him big dollars.

With Boldin changing player representation, one has to wonder if he’s caving and trying to make a more positive gesture toward the franchise. He has yet to report to any of the team’s OTAs and until he does it remains a question as to whether the Cardinals are willing to renegotiate his current deal.

If Boldin were going to be traded, it seems one would have gotten done long ago. There’s not a whole lot of talk going around indicating that there are any pursuers, but all this could change once Q signs on with someone.

The Cardinals have remained firm in their stance, but with a new agent, and a willingness to get his rear end into camp, would that be enough to get management to meet half way. Boldin seems to have changed his tune according to some and this move of firing Rosenhaus appears to be an indication, but all remains quiet on both fronts.


Let’s Play GM…

To Favre or Not to Favre: Recipe for a PR Disaster?

While many of us speculate what may or may not happen, quite a few voices are weighing in and sharing their thoughts. Hall of fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton has expressed his displeasure and many NFL analysts don’t seem to be very thrilled.

Since the New York experiment there haven’t been too many people raving about the Jets move signing Favre last season. He’s been a Packer most of his career, could he really fit in purple? And what happens if all this just becomes a painful repeat performance of last season?

Whether you agree with Favre’s decision or not, it’s his to make, but one might have to ask if you’re the Vikings, “is this the right decision for your team?”

The GM Game…
You just spent the offseason orchestrating a deal to acquire a new quarterback (Sage Rosenfels) when you already had one pegged as your starter for the future (Tarvaris Jackson). With Rosenfel now in purple, a clear indication of the team’s disatisfaction with the development of Jackson, it appeared the team was moving in a distinct direction.

Rosenfels may not be the long term answer but he offers more upside now. In three seasons Jackson has proven his inconsistency was not the answer and it could be time to move on. The Vikings said the right things with the arrival of Rosenfels, that both he and Jackson would compete for the job, but clearly Jackson’s days as the starter appear numbered.

Sage is no Drew Brees, but last season he showed enough spunk and fight to convince this franchise they could win with him. With the leagues best running back your quarterback only need to play a supporting role, limit mistakes, and be efficient. It wasn’t the most popular move, but the signing certainly had a lot of sense to it.

Now this whole Favre thing resurfaces and surely the Vikings can’t be serious, can they? The Golden Boy sure seems like an immediate upgrade with his strong arm, but wait he’s not healthy and his arm isn’t strong.

It sure seems like this move could be a reach especially when you look back at how Favre finished his 2008 campaign, pretty ugly throwing just two touchdowns and nine interceptions in the Jets last five games. Why would a team sign a 39-year old quarterback following a finish like that, especially when he isn’t even healthy. Oh yeah, it’s Brett Favre.

It all sounds good, he’s a fan favorite, but just a year ago we saw this whole unretirement play out and the finish was not pretty. In fact some people lost their jobs as a result. There’s no question Favre has been a special player throughout his career, but it’s a mighty risky gamble to think he could return in 2009 to work his magic again.

Maybe a few years ago and a healthy Favre, you could get better odds. Today if I’m the Viking’s GM or owner for that matter, unless I have a healthy Brett under center, it doesn 't sound like a good idea so I will have to pass.


Keep checking back for more football....

By David G. Ortega