FSH NOTEBOOK: SFFL WEEK 14

Sunday Edition
December 9th, 2012

  

Suicide Fantasy Football

Week 14

With the season winding down, my team is gearing up each week to make a run. Last week we posted a score of 118.52 points led by Bryce Brown’s (34.30 fantasy points) big game on Sunday night against the Cowboys and Cecil Shorts (20.70 fantasy points) effort against the Bills. 

The climb to the top is still steep, but there is light at the end. My SSFL team has climbed inside the top 10, for the moment and there’s no time to look back now.

Here’s my week 14 picks;

My Line-up 

Quarterback:
The Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman is having a solid 2012 with 23 touchdowns and 3,003 passing yards. Freeman is a top 10 quarterback this week facing the Eagles 31st ranked pass defense. In his last two starts his numbers have been modest, but this week he faces a defense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to quarterbacks. This is the ideal week to start Freeman is you don’t have better options.

Running Backs:
On Thursday I played Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno and 119 yards rushing with a touchdown I was not disappointed. His 26.70 points have my fantasy team on the right track for week 14.

My other ball carrier this week is the Jets running back Shonn Greene. The Jets running game has not been much to get excited about this season, but this may be one of its best matchups this season facing the Jaguars (ranked 31st against the run). Greene is not a candidate for a huge output today, but he could record his third 100 yard effort this season and find himself making a trip or two to the end zone.

Wide Receivers:
With the Giants on the slate this week for the traveling Saints, I am expecting quarterback Drew Brees to attack the secondary deep and often. There’s no question his best weapon this season has been wide receiver Marques Colston (61 receptions, 828 yards receiving). Facing the Giants 22nd ranked pass defense, Colston should be able to take advantage of a secondary that allows the 4th most fantasy points to wide receivers.

On the other side out wide I am rolling with the Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings. This is Rodgers most trusted and reliable receiver, so you know the quarterback will have plenty of confidence looking his direction. Facing the Lions in what looks to be an aerial fest, I expect Jennings to see as many if not more than the 8 targets he saw last week, especially with Jordy Nelson on the sidelines.

Tight End:
I took a shot with the Raiders tight end Brandon Myers, coming off a career game a week ago. The Raiders offense has typically been pass happy, but on Thursday night the Broncos took away one of quarterback Carson Palmer’s favorite targets limiting Myers to just one catch for 7 yards.

Place Kicker:
The Buccaneers offense has been a bit of surprise this season and with a nice matchup at home against the Eagles defense. I expect to see the Bucs set up many scoring chances today, but will not be surprised to see them lean on kicker Conner Barth to convert a handful of opportunities.

Team Defense:
With the Buccaneers at home this week facing a rookie quarterback making only the third start of his career, I like their defense to play well. The Buccaneers are number one against the run and should keep rookie quarterback Nick Foles in third and long most of the afternoon. The Eagles are prone to mistakes and give up the most fantasy points to opposing defenses; I’m starting the Buccaneers.


These are my picks for week 14.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: BY THE NUMBERS

Tuesday Edition
October 30th, 2012  

By the Numbers

When you know all the facts, there’s no escaping the truth and numbers seldom lie. Taking a look at how players are performing in fantasy scoring is typically in direct proportion to their opportunity. The more chances afforded a player the more likely he will produce. If you are a gambler, you like to play with the odds that are in your favor.

Here’s the week 8 breakdown of the numbers….

Targets (the past four weeks)

Over the past month, some names of notable mention include Mike Williams (TB), Titus Young (DET), and Cecil Shorts (JAX). These are not your regular household names, but increased involvement has made them more than relevant over the past several weeks. 

A couple of names that could be joining the conversation soon could include Jeremy Kerley and Andre Roberts. Both are top 30 WR’s over the past four weeks, but could see a production boost if their target numbers continue. At the moment, neither is nothing more than a possible flex option fill, but keep watching.

Weekly Target average:

1. Brandon Marshall, WR (13.66 targets per game)
2. Reggie Wayne, WR (13.00 targets per game)
3. Marques Colston, WR (12.66 targets per game)
4. Steve Smith (CAR), WR (12.66 targets per game)
5. Wes Welker, WR (11.50 targets per game)
6. Larry Fitzgerald, WR (11.25 targets per game)
7. Percy Harvin, WR (10.25 targets per game)
8. Victor Cruz, WR (10.00 targets per game)
9. Jeremy Kerley, WR (9.25 targets per game)
 T-10. Andre Roberts, WR (9.00 targets per game)
Mike Wallace, WR (9.00 targets per game)

Some additional PPR numbers…

Top targeted RB’s past four weeks

1. Darren Sproles, NO (6.66 targets per game)
2. Fred Jackson, BUF (6.00 targets per game)
3. Darren McFadden, OAK (5.66 targets per game)
3. Ryan Matthews, SDC (5.66 targets per game)
3. Rashad Jennings, JAX (5.66 targets per game)
3. Ronnie Brown, SDC (5.66 targets per game)

Top targeted TE’s past four weeks

1. Jason Witten, DAL (12.33 targets per game)
2. Rob Gronkowski, NEP (8.75 targets per game)
3. Tony Gonzales, ATL (8.66 targets per game)
4. Brandon Pettigrew, DET (7.33 targets per game)
5. Antonio Gates, SDC (7.00 targets per game)
5. Heath Miller, PIT (7.00 targets per game)

Touches (the past four weeks)

An important factor in a running back’s success is developing a rhythm and building momentum during the game; for some the more touches the better they get. These are the most active in the backfield over the past month.

While his numbers have not been strong the past couple of weeks Alex Green gets plenty of work, enough to keep him in the top 25 (over the past month). Like Green in Green Bay, Shonn Greene in New York has been seeing plenty of action himself. His workload has help him produce at a top 5 level for the past weeks and has shot him up the board inside the top 15 for the season. With Richardson returning in week 8 and running well, with this average fantasy owners can expect to see his production also rise.

Average Carries with Catches:

1. Darren McFadden, RB (28.66 touches per game)
2. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB (25.00 touches per game)
3. Arian Foster, RB (22.66 touches per game)
4. Adrian Peterson, RB (21.25 touches per game)
5. Alex Green, RB (20.75 touches per game)
6. Chris Johnson, RB (20.25 touches per game)
7. Stevan Ridley, RB (19.25 touches per game)
8. Shonn Greene, RB (20.00 touches per game)
9. Alfred Morris, RB (18.25 touches per game)
10. Trent Richardson, RB (18.25 touches per game)

Passing Attempts (the past four weeks)

What we have learned through 8 weeks in the season, regardless of what the Cowboys and quarterback Tony Romo would like to do, the boys in big D tend to throw the ball. Romo’s numbers are bordering mediocre with only 4 touchdowns and 5 interceptions over the past month, but it’s hard to deny his upside with all the weapons he has and when he’s putting it up 40 plus times a game. 

If you looking for that back-up for insurance or if you are currently struggling with a Philip Rivers or Cam Newton, going by the numbers with his 40 plus attempts per game rookie quarterback Andrew Luck is worth a look performing at a top five fantasy level the past four weeks.

 Average passing attempts:

1. Matthew Stafford, DET (46.66 passing attempts per game)
2. Tony Romo, DAL (44.00 passing attempts per game)
3. Tom Brady, NEP (41.50 passing attempts per game)
4. Drew Brees, NOS (41.33 passing attempts per game)
5. Andrew Luck, IND (41.50 passing attempts per game)
6. Matt Ryan, ATL (39.33 passing attempts per game)
7. Andy Dalton, CIN (39.00 passing attempts per game)
8. Philip Rivers, SDC (39.00 passing attempts per game)
9. Matt Hasselbeck, TEN (37.25 passing attempts per game)
10. Michael Vick, PHI (37.00 passing attempts per game)


These are the week 8 facts, By The Numbers.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY NIGHT GAME NOTES

January 9th, 2011, Sunday

Sunday Night Game Notes

Notable Injury News

(for fantasy owners)

In Saturday’s win over the Saints, according to the Everett Herald Seahawks wide receiver Ben Obomanu suffered a separated shoulder during action, but was able to return to the field. Obomanu finished the game with five receptions for 43 yards. Although he was able to return to the game his status for next Sunday could be in question.

The Jets wide receiver and wild-cat operator Brad Smith suffered a groin injury Saturday night against the Colts according to the Star-Ledger. Smith was able to return and finish the game, but was not much of a factor on offense or in special teams; clearly he was not 100%. His status for next Sunday against the Patriots may not be in question, but if he’s not healthy his effectiveness could be limited.

According to ESPN, the Packer’s head coach Mike McCarthy said wide receiver Donald Driver suffered a bruised knee in the team’s win over Philadelphia on Sunday. Driver led the team with five catches for 56 yards in the win. His injury does not sound serious, so he should to be okay for next Saturday’s matchup with the Falcons.

“Sunday’s Heroes”

This Weekend’s Heroes

Wildcard weekend left nothing to the imagination with plenty of fireworks in the first weekend tilt Saturday between the Saints and Seahawks; of course it was quarterback Matt Hasselbeck providing most of the sparks. The Seahawks 35 year-old signal caller was more than brilliant completing 22 of 35 passes and throwing four touchdowns against the Saints 4th ranked pass defense. Hasselbeck started out on a shaky note, throwing a pick early on this third pass of the game, but from that moment on he was pin-point and explosive on his way to 272 yards passing. The remarkable day concluded with the Seahawks and their 12th man sending the defending Super Bowl champs home early and setting up their divisional matchup with the Bears next Sunday.

Saturday night’s showcase was complete with a dramatic finish, but the story of the game was tag-team of running backs LaDanian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene (70 yards rushing). The two Jets ball carriers combined for 35 carries, over 150 yards on the ground, and lots of time off the clock. Tomlinson (4 receptions, 17 yards receiving) was the fantasy stud totaling 82 yards rushing and two scores, but it was the effectiveness of both backs that did in the Peyton Manning and the Colts. The ball control offense of New York ate up more than 15 minutes of time on their opening two possessions of the second half. The Jets kept it close throughout and shorten the game dramatically, giving their special teams a chance at the end to win it; and they did.

Sunday morning had the look and feel of a possible bruising matchup with the Chiefs defense playing well early and the Ravens offense struggling, but this AFC first round matchup was all about the Raven’s defense. Ray Lewis (three tackles, one sack, one forced fumble) and the defense needed a few plays to get warmed up, but the defense definitely came to play once they showed up. On their second drive of the game the Chiefs only needed two plays to score; the drive was 46 yards and took just 49 seconds. That would be their only score as the Ravens defense would soon dominate from that point on. The 46 yards allowed on the only scoring drive of the day for Kansas City would amount to almost one-third of their total net yards gained for the day (161 yards). The Ravens defense would bring pressure and sack Cassel three times also forcing five total turnovers for the game. It was a great win for the Ravens 10th ranked defense; next up the rubber match with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It was what every Packer fan had been waiting for since the end of the Favre Era, the coming of age of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. After losing his first two playoff appearances, both in overtime the Cheesehead finally nabbed that elusive first post season victory. It was not the easiest of tasks taking on Michael Vick and the Eagles, but Rodgers for the most part looked composed, self-assured, and sharp as an arrow with his throws. Fantasy owners relished the performance as Rodgers connected on three pass plays for scores while completing 18 of 27 (67%) passes for 180 yards. It was a big day for the six year starter and a well deserved win. The Packers will travel to the Georgia Dome next to face the NFC’s top seed, the Atlanta Falcons.

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE SATURDAY FANTASY REPORT

January 1st, 2010 Saturday

The Saturday Fantasy Report

Week 17 Matchups to watch…

Carolina @ Atlanta
….the Falcons will be staking their claim on their first division title since 2004 and there’s no question they will be riding the legs of Michael Turner (1,304 yards, 11 touchdowns). The Panthers rank 23rd against the run and have allowed 19 rushing touchdowns (2nd most in the league) this season. They will have their hands full trying to slow down the Falcons ground game (ranked 11th). In their first meeting this season Turner toted the rock 28 times for 112 yards and crossed the goal line three times.

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland
…..running back Peyton Hillis has been a fantasy sleeper that has been awoken in 2010. He emerged as the Brown’s featured starter in week 3 and has not looked back. Hillis has rushed for over 1,100 yards this season and ranks second on the team with 60 receptions. There’s no doubt he has brought a fantasy championship to many owners with his stellar play this season, but in week 17 he could be running into a brick wall. On Sunday he’ll face the NFL’s number one rush defense (Steelers), the same club that limited him to just 41 yards on 12 carries back in week 6. The Steelers defense has not allowed a single 100-yard rusher all season and tomorrow doesn’t look like they’ll start.

Oakland @ Kansas City
….the Chiefs ranked number one in the league in rushing and on Sunday against Raiders they figure to do more of what they do so well. With the one-two punch of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, the Chiefs will attack the Raiders 29th ranked run defense. Charles has been tremendous this season with nearly 1,400 yards on the ground and over 450 yards receiving. He figures to get a full work load on Sunday against a Raider defense that he victimized for 100 total yards in week 9. The Raiders did a good job of slowing down Charles in their first meeting (53 yards rushing), but the Chiefs explosive back has been running very well recently averaging over 8 yards per carry in his last two games.

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
…..the Saints are still looking for a division title and it never hurts to send a message. Last Monday they showed the Falcons they are still the defending champions and on Sunday they figure to show the Buccaneers as well. Drew Brees and company will roll their 2nd ranked passing offense into the Superdome on Sunday to face the Bucs 6th ranked pass defense. Brees has been solid once again in 2010 with 32 touchdowns, 7-300 yard games, and over 4,400 yards passing. In his first matchup with the Bucs, Brees torched his advisory for 263 yards and three scores; make no mistake Brees won’t leave Sunday to chance.

Buffalo @ New York Jets
….the Jets figure to rest some players on Sunday, but running back Shonn Greene doesn’t look to be one of them. With the league’s 31st ranked run defense in town, Rex Ryan is expected to rest Tomlinson and give his back-up some tune up work for the playoffs. In their first meeting this season against the Bills, both Jets running backs turned in 100-yard efforts. Greene may not hit the dual century mark, but he figures to rack up a lot on the ground.

While the Jets ground game could get loose against the very questionable Bill’s defense, the Jets defense could also have their hands full with shutdown corner Darelle Revis expected to sit. It not official, but with Revis out the Bills passing game, including wide receiver Stevie Johnson could receive a huge upgrade. Johnson did score in the first matchup, but was relatively quiet for the game with just three catches. Since their first meeting Johnson has emerged as the team’s number one receiver and is enjoying a breakout season (77 receptions, 1,001 yards, 10 touchdowns). He will likely be featured on Sunday.

These are just my takes on how I see it on Sunday…

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY FANTASY WATCH

December 31st, 2010, Friday

Friday Fantasy Watch

Shonn Greene: Greene set to get some work

The Jets could be giving some players the day off this Sunday, but running back Shonn Greene does not appear to be one. With reports of running back LaDanian Tomlinson resting on Sunday Greene figures to get the brunt of the load against the Bills.

The Bills are ranked dead last against the run and while he has been splitting carries down the stretch, Greene has actually been the more effective runner in the Jets backfield. Greene rushed for 70 yards on 12 carries last week against the Bears with a touchdown and could see a more productive afternoon this Sunday.

Sunday’s projections against the Bills.
(20 carries, 115 yards rushing, 2 catches, 15 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Matt Forte: All Signs Indicate A Day Off

The Bears have been giving some of their back-up running backs extra reps in practice this week indicating that Forte could share more of the load this week. Forte has been the primary ball carrier this season, but with the division locked up and not much more to gain it would make sense to rest some of the starters.

Forte is having a productive season and has been particularly strong down the stretch, but if Sunday’s contest against the Packers is decided early it’s very possible Forte could see an early exit.

Sunday’s projections against the Packers.
(12 carries, 45 yards rushing, one catch, 10 yards receiving)

Jacoby Jones: Could Be In For Another Strong Outing

The Texans are likely to be without wide receiver Andre Johnson (ankle) this Sunday against the Jaguars. With Johnson listed as doubtful, wide receiver Jacoby Jones is expected to start in his place. Jones has started six games this season and has 46 receptions this season; including 17 in his last three games.

Jones started last Sunday in place of the injured Johnson and turned in a solid performance with five catches for 115 yards on seven targets. This week the Texans meet the Jacksonville and Jones will line up against the leagues 26th ranked pass defense. The Texans are playing for pride this week and will likely ride their sixth ranked passing offense; expect Jones to be a big part of the passing attack.

Sunday’s projections against the Jagaurs.
(5 catches, 105 yards passing, one touchdown)

Just my take.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

December 30th, 2010, Thursday

My Weekly Survivors

It looks like we picked the worst time to have a bad week in our season long chase for a Suicide fantasy football championship. With the season winding down and fewer chances to make a move to the top last week was one to forget.

Week 16 did not go so well with a few of our picks tanking big time. With Marion Barber returning to the field last week, Tashard Choice saw very few touches and totaled only two points. On Monday night Marques Colston turned in one of his quietest games with just two catches for 21 yards (two points). Ben Watson kept our hard luck with the tight ends going another week with a poor fantasy outing last Sunday against the Ravens (2 points). The only highlights of our week 16 team picks were quarterback Matt Schaub (16 points) and place kicker Neil Rackers (11 points).

This week we enter the season finale with all hopes of a run at the top now a distant memory. With one lineup left to submit a lineup and currently residing in the 8th spot, a top five finish still looks possible. This week will offer some unique challenges with the possibility of some players sitting (resting), but like every week we’ll just have to dig a little deeper to find this week’s stars on Sunday.

Here are my picks for week 17….

QB-Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers still have a lot left to play for, so Big Ben should be a busy man on Sunday making plays. In their first meeting versus the Browns back in week 6, Roethlisberger passed for 257 yards and tossed three touchdowns. The Steelers have won five of their last six and a win on Sunday will deliver a division title; expect Big Ben to play a big part.
(Projected: 20 fantasy points/ 250 yards passing, two touchdowns, 25 rushing yards)

RB- Shonn Greene, New York Jets
The Jets have clinched a playoff berth, but have no shot at the division. With Sunday’s meeting with the Bills having very little impact on their playoff seeding it sounds like several Jets could be rested; including LaDanian Tomlinson. With LT likely to see the bench on Sunday it could be a very productive day for running back Shonn Greene (766 yards rushing in 2010).
(Projected: 17 fantasy points/ 105 yards rushing, 2 catches, 10 yards receiving, one touchdown)

RB-Ryan Matthews, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers’ running back is healthy again, running well, and has seen his most extensive action of this season over the past three weeks. Mathews is averaging 16 touches per game in his last three games and 3.9 yards per carry. With Mike Tolbert ruled out is should be all Mathews against the Broncos’ 31st ranked run defense.
(Projected: 17 fantasy points/ 85 yards rushing, 3 catches, 30 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Mario Manningham, New York Giants
The Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham has been on fire over the past couple of weeks and could be even bigger with Hakeem Nicks not expected to play this Sunday. Manningham has posted consecutive 100 yard receiving games and this week he’ll face the Redskins 31st ranked pass defense in week 17; he looks like a good bet to make it three straight.
(Projected: 17 fantasy points/ 7 catches, 110 yards, one touchdown)

WR-Jacoby Jones, Houston Texans
The Texans have the sixth ranked passing offense in the league making their receivers look very attractive in week 17 against the Jaguars 26th ranked pass defense. With Andre Johnson inactive last week, wide receiver Jacoby Jones got the nod to start and turned in strong performance with five catches for 115 yards. If Johnson sits, Jones looks to be a good play against a weak secondary. If Johnson decides to go, he would be the preferred play here.
(Projected: 14 fantasy points/ 4 catches, 85 yards, one touchdown)

TE-Kellen Winslow Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Winslow leads the team in catches this season with 63 and is coming off a big Sunday with seven grabs and two scores. With the Bucs still in the post season hunt, quarterback Josh Freeman will be sure to look his way often. In their first matchup this season against the Saints, Winslow did not total a lot of yards, but was targeted 10 times and caught 7 passes. He figures to be busy in the rematch.
(Projected: 14 fantasy points/ 6 catches, 80 yards, one touchdown)

PK-Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts rank 3rd in the league in scoring this season averaging just over 27points per contest, but at home in their last two games have totaled 69 points. With the Titans in town this Sunday, the Colts look like a good bet to post another 30 point effort. Vinatieri has been gold this season making 23 of 25 field goals and he is perfect at home on 13 tries.
(Projected: 12 fantasy points/ three field goals, three extra points)

Last week’s results

(Week 16 Points=41, Total Season Points=1,192, 8th place)
QB-Matt Schaub, Houston Texans
RB- Tashard Choice, Dallas Cowboys
RB-Mike Tolbert, San Diego Chargers
WR-Santana Moss, Washington Redskins
WR-Marques Coltson, New Orleans Saints
TE-Ben Watson, Cleveland Browns
PK-Neil Rackers, Houston Texans

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT GAME NOTES

December 12th, 2010, Sunday

Sunday Night Game Notes

Notable Injury News

(for fantasy owners)

The Packers starting signal caller Aaron Rodgers, one of this season’s highest scoring fantasy quarterbacks left Sunday’s game with the Lions early with what has been diagnosed as a concussion. Due to the leagues more strict and proactive stance toward safety, by rule Rodgers was not able to return. He left the game in the second quarter. There’s been no additional reports regarding the level of his concussion, but owners should be aware this was his second this season; check his status later in the week.

The Seahawks lost their 2nd year wide receiver Deon Butler for the remainder of the season after he suffered a broken leg in Sunday’s matchup with the Niners. Butler finished the contest with five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. He will likely be placed on IR and miss the rest of the season. For the Butler the season ending injury is devastating, but for the Seahawks passing game recovery is likely only a week away with the likely return of receivers Mike Williams and possibly Ben Obomanu.

The Jets running back Shonn Greene saw his duties end early Sunday when his left the Jet’s week 14 contest with the Dolphins with an undisclosed injury. Greene was down for an extended period before making his way off the field under his own power. There hasn’t been any updated word on the injury, but his meager contribution of 17 yards rushing on Sunday makes him a very unappealing fantasy option for week 15 anyway. Check back later in the week for a status update on his injury.

The Saints lost the services of running back Chris Ivory on Sunday in their 31-13 win over the Rams in the Superdome. Ivory suffered a hamstring injury that appears to not be serious, but since the Saints were up big and have Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas back there was no need to risk further aggravation. Ivory is expected to be fine for the Saints week 15 matchup with the Ravens. While Ivory is likely to be the primary ball carrier for the team going forward with Bush and Thomas healthy he’s likely to lose some touches lowering his fantasy value.

FSH: MY WEEKLY FANTASY

November 7th, 2010, Sunday

My Weekly Fantasy

Sunday’s Fantasy Lineup

Some quick notes for today’s lineups….

My Quarterbacks:

With Aaron Rodgers as my top signal caller, today I like my quarterback’s matchup against the Cowboys. Rodgers will be at home this evening facing a secondary that was completely decimated last week by David Garrard (threw four touchdowns) and the Jaguars. I am expecting nothing less than Rodgers best game this season today……with Drew Brees as my other big arm, although on the road today against Carolina I would expect another solid outing, especially after passing for over 300 yards last week against the Steelers……taking a quick peek around the league a notable watch for me, Matt Cassel today against the Raiders. I don’t look for big yardage, but with Asomugha likely out Cassel could sneak in a couple of scores to Dwayne Bowe.

My Runningbacks:

This week will be a bit of a gamble for me with the bye week playing havoc. The Jets roll into Detroit today and after coming off a disappointing loss to the Packers last week I would expect Rex Ryan and company to get back to what they do; pound the ball. I like Shonn Greene to see some work today and produce against the Lions 26th ranked run defense……..with the Chiefs having great success on the ground, I will remain on the shoulders of running back Thomas Jones. His games are not as sexy as Jamaal Charles, but with a steady diet of 20 touches each week he should get plenty of yards against the Raiders 25th ranked run defense.

My Wide Receivers:

This week I will be a buyer of Johnson & Johnson, going with both Calvin (Lions) and Steve (Bills). Megatron will have a tough matchup, but with Stafford back he’ll get plenty of opportunity and at 6’5”, he’s just too big to stop…..the Bills receiver has an appealing matchup against the Bears today and with at least one touchdown in each of his last five games, he’s got the hot hand. His 10 targets in each of his last two starts are also very attractive…….another play I will be making is wide receiver James Jones who will likely start in place of the ailing Donald Driver. Two weeks ago Jones saw 8 targets and caught four balls for over 100 yards. Tonight’s matchup could be similar results against a battered Cowboys secondary that was torched a week ago for four scores.

My Tight Ends:

The tight end position happens to be one of my weakest with the loss of Jermichael Finley. And with Chris Cooley and Marcedes Lewis on bye, I could be rolling with Owen Daniels (if healthy) and the newcomer, Colts tight end Jacob Tamme. After watching Manning quickly christen the kid with 9 targets and a scoring pass, I am expecting to see repeat results against the Eagles today……Daniels however remains a risky play. He’s gametime, so unless I hear positive feedback this morning, I may have to sit him down and insert his back-up.

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

October 3rd, 2010, Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

It was another fun-filled Sunday of NFL excitement last weekend and Monday night was no disappointment either. Some fantasy newsmakers included a few old names like WR-Lance Moore (2-touchdowns), WR-Brandon Lloyd (166 yards receiving), WR-Roy Williams (2-touchdowns) and a few new ones owners will need to get to know soon; Chad Henne (363-yards passing), Kyle Orton (476-yards passing), Peyton Hillis (144 yards rushing), and Jabar Gaffney (12 receptions). With this week being the start of the bye weeks, with only 14 games on the slate fantasy owners will now put their drafting skills to the test. Did you cover your byes with reliable bench support, were you able to find sufficient talent through waivers?

With the kick off to week four just a few short hours from now, these are the players I will be keeping my eye on today (the question is will you be starting any of these?)….

Sunday Games:

The Bills are always a tough matchup for their divisional rivals, but with a struggling offense the Jets should be able to loosen the play-calling belt some today. I will be keeping my eye on several of the gang-green; quarterback Mark Sanchez (Can he make it three straight solid performances), Braylon Edwards (Can he show some humility and just make plays), and Shonn Greene (Against a suspect run defense today, can Green finally show some of last year’s post season magic?).

Speaking of the Bills, even with all this trade talk I will be watching running back Marshawn Lynch. I would expect the team to try and showcase their talent up for trade, but I am not expecting to see a whole lot against a very stingy Jets runs defense ranked 4th in the league.

Tonight when the G-men play host to Da’Bears, I will be keeping a close watch on quarterback Eli Manning. In three weeks he has passed for a truckload of yards (810-yards, 270-yds/game), but also has six interceptions. Against the Bears secondary, he should have some success if his line can do a good job of protecting him.

The Niner’s have not been a favorite this season at 0-3 and looking every bit the part of a winless team, but against the Falcons Alex Smith and company could find some hope. The Falcons defense is ranked 22nd against the pass and with Frank Gore pounding the middle, wide receiver Michael Crabtree could be an interesting play today. Crabtree has been dormant all season, but at some point he’s got to awake.

In Seattle there has been a lot of recent talk about running back Justin Forsett separating himself as the team’s number one back. Today he’ll have a chance to prove the rumors true against a weak Rams 25th ranked run defense. I will definitely be watching closely today.

Another interesting development I will be watching with great interest is the running back situation in Washington. I heard the rumors and made the move this week to pick up running back Ryan Torain, but I won’t be starting him today. I will be keeping an eye on this development to see if he will actually carry more of the running load for the Redskins on the early downs (which is what I am hearing).

FSH: MY 2010 FANTASY RB'S

September 8th, 2010, Wednesday

Running with the wind

Top Fantasy Running Backs:

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

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

Rising to the top….

Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens…

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

Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars…

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

Ready to breakaway…

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

2010 Sleepers…

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

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

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

My 2010 top 10 Running Backs

1. Chris Johnson, TEN

2. Adrian Peterson, MIN

3. Ray Rice, BAL

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX

5. Frank Gore, SF

6. Shonn Greene, NYJ

7. Steven Jackson, STL

8. Michael Turner, ATL

9. Ryan Grant, GB

10. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT

11. DeAngelo Williams, CAR

12. Joseph Addai, IND

13. Pierre Thomas, NO

14. Knowshon Moreno, DEN

15. Clinton Portis, WAS

16. Cedric Benson, CIN

17. LeSean McCoy, PHI

18. Ryan Matthews, SD

19. Justin Forsett, SEA

20. Matt Forte, CHI