FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

December 6th, 2009 - 8:27Am PST

SUNDAY GAME-TIME

STEVEN JACKSON EXPECTED TO PLAY....

According to NFL.com, running back Steven Jackson (back) is expected to play today against the Bears at Soldier Field.

STEVE SLATON RULLED OUT FOR WEEK 13.....

The Texans running back Steve Slaton (neck) has been ruled out for today's game with Jacksonville according to the NFL Network.

HAYNESWORTH EXPECTED TO START TODAY.....

The Redskins defensive linemen Albert Haynesworth (ankle) gave coaches and his teammates the okay that he is ready to play today against the Saints.

AHMAD BRADSHAW EXPECTED TO PLAY TODAY.....

According to NFL.com, the Giants are expected to have running back Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) active today against the Cowboys.

REGGIE BUSH SET TO RETURN TODAY.....

The Saints are expected to have running back Reggie Bush (knee) back today against the Redskins. Bush makes his return after missing two games and joins a now crowded backfield with Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell.

RODDY WHITE TO START TODAY AGAINST EAGLES....

According to Jason La Canfora on Twitter, the Falcons playmaking receiver Roddy White (ankle) will start today against the Eagles.

MICHAEL TURNER RULED OUT FOR TODAY....

The Falcons running back Michael Turner (ankle) will not play today according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jason Snelling is expected to start.

Check back every Sunday for more "Game-Time"....

FSH: TUESDAY FOOTBALL TALK

November 3rd, 2009 9:37pm PST

TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

What to make of Week 8

Chambers out, but not closed….
The Chargers released the veteran receiver, but it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Though Chambers is a talented receiver in his own right, Rivers likes to go vertical and loves to throw to his gaint receivers. With Chambers standing at all, but 5’11” he was dwarfed by his receiving corp teammates. Buried on the depth-chart behind a pair of 6’5” wideouts, his release may have come at a good time. Just barely out on the open market Chambers has already been grabbed and could looking to reignite his fantasy value in a Chiefs uniform. Stay tuned for this one.


Rice is the man in Baltimore…
There is no longer any debate, discussion over. While many teams in the NFL embrace the running back by committee formula, the Ravens no longer appear to be a believer in that theory. Over the past several weeks there were tell-tale signs indicating that second year back Ray Rice was the featured ball carrier, but his 28 touches on Sunday against the Broncos proved his case without a shadow of a doubt. In his two previous starts Rice had his number called 21 and 22 times, but on Sunday he finished with 28 touches (23 carries, 5 receptions). As far as fantasy goes, his 874 total yards and five touchdowns also put him in rare company this season.


Miles Austin has arrived….
In case you haven’t been noticing the playmaking receiver in Dallas these days is not Roy E. Williams, not Terrell Owens, and not even tight end Jason Witten. From out of nowhere 4th year receiver Miles Austin has arrived under the big top in Big-D to lead the Cowboys aerial attack. Austin has caught 21 balls for 482 yards and five touchdowns in his last three games. Now implanted as one of the starting wideouts in Dallas fantasy owners can make ready for a big second half from a receiver who had only caught 18 passes in 37 career games prior to the start of the 2009 season.

Looking under the microscope

While there was so much debate in the offseason surrounding the Cutler trade to Chicago, the biggest question had to be who would Jay throw to. After looking over the past eight weeks of football it becomes clear; it’s not a former teammate, a surprise rookie, or a projected all-pro potential tight end. Over the past three weeks wide receiver Devin Hester appears to be blossoming into the role quite comfortably. Both he and his quarterback seem to be developing a very good chemistry with Cutler looking his way 27 times over the past three weeks. In the same span Hester has caught 21 of those balls for 265 yards and one touchdown. The 4th year receiver from the University of Miami still has some work to do with his route running, but there now seems to be little doubt about who Cutler will be throwing to these days.

More fantasy Notes

One of the biggest notes from this past weekend had to be the emergence of running back Ryan Moats in Houston. With starting running back Steve Slaton handing the ball away like a concert flyer (has fumbled seven times this season), the door has been swung wide open for Moats. On Sunday he seized the day rushing for 126 yards and scoring three times. His performance was so strong the question is raised “should Moats start?”


While some fantasy owners may have run out of patience, those that stayed the course with Bears running back Matt Forte reaped big rewards on Sunday. In Forte’s two previous starts he had totaled just 109 yards with zero scores. Sunday was a different story for the Bear’s back as he carried the ball 26 times, caught a couple of balls, totaled 121 yards and scored two touchdowns. Welcome back Matt Forte!


With his fumbling woes in 2009, the Texan’s running back Steve Slaton pulled the biggest disappearing act on Sunday finishing the day with just three touches for 11 total yards and one turnover.


By David Ortega

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

November 2nd, 2009 8:27pm PST

[Late Night Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

So What I Saw in Week 8

Sanchez is Kid Sensation!!….
The jets fell short on Sunday in their effort against the Dolphins, but no one can fault any of the blame on rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. The Jet’s quarterback was not perfect just missing down the stretch, but for the most part he was once again “Kid Sensation.” Sanchez completed 20 of 35 passes for 265 yards and also tossed two touchdowns; a nice game for the rookie quarterback.

Crabtree already producing….
The Niner’s rookie receiver is not re-writing any record books, but he is turning heads and already producing. Crabtree has only played in two games this season, but he’s already made 11 grabs for 137 yards. In two games Crabtree has seen 15 targets thus far and will likely see a bunch more, expect his production to continue.

It’s Moats time ….
With the Texan’s running back Steve Slaton (7 fumbles in 2009) struggling to hang on to the ball, Ryan Moats has found new opportunity. On Sunday against the Bills Moats carried the ball 23 times for 126 yards and scored three times on the ground. Just for good measure Moats added a couple of grabs for 25 more yards. His strong play on Sunday has some people calling for the switch in the backfield.

Keller breaks out on Sunday….
After five relatively quiet weeks of very little production, the Jets tight end finally busted out of his slump with a big pass receiving day against the Dolphins. Keller caught eight passes for 76 yards and scored only his second touchdown of the season. Keller saw 13 passes in his direction on Sunday, so his days in a slump could be ending soon.

Worst of the Worst

On Sunday there weren’t too many that were as bad as the Brown’s quarterback Derek Anderson. Against the Bears Anderson only completed six of 17 passes for a pedestrian 76 yards with two interceptions.

For Steve Slaton owners it couldn’t get any worse on Sunday. The Texans running back finished the game with just three touches for 11 yards and a lost fumble.

Coming off a huge game against the Rams a week ago, there was nothing but disappointment for Mike Sims-Walker fantasy owners yesterday. The Jaguars receiver caught just two passes for nine yards.

Jury is still Out

Fantasy owners waiting for running back Brian Westbrook to breakout this season, will have to wait at least another week. Westbrook was inactive on Sunday after suffering a concussion in week 7. So far the Eagles running back has rushed for only 197 yards this season and has scored as many times as games he has missed; two.


With so much promise surrounding the arrival of Jay Cutler to Chicago, many fantasy owners were expecting to see the rise of tight end Greg Olsen. In seven games this season Olsen has just 22 receptions and has yet to breakout. On Sunday he again was quiet catching just three passes for 40 yards.


10 Things I Remember From Sunday
(Week 8)

1. Ray Rice continues to prove he is a top featured back in the NFL with over 100-total yards on Sunday against the Broncos.
2. Steven Jackson is making his own argument as to who the number one running back in the NFL is; Jackson totaled 166 yards on Sunday.
3. Despite being under tremendous pressure all afternoon, Packer’s quarterback Aaron Rodgers (sacked six times) passed for 287 yards and threw three touchdowns.
4. No one can say Viking’s quarterback Brett Favre is not a fantasy starter; 244 yards passing and four touchdown passes (16 TD passes this season).
5. The second year running back in Tennessee, Chris Johnson dominates again on Sunday with third 100 yard rushing game this season; Johnson rushed for 228 yards.
6. The Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb continues to play like a number one fantasy quarterback with three touchdown passes and 240 yards in the air.
7. Quietly on Sunday the Bears running back Matt Forte returned to fantasy glory with 90 yards rushing, 31 yards receiving, and two rushing touchdowns.
8. The Bears wide receiver Devin Hester turns in another solid Sunday with seven receptions for 81 yards.
9. The Viking’s rookie receiver Percy Harvin had a productive receiving day against the Packers; five receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
10. The NFL’s leading receiver Steve Smith (Giants) continues to be a PPR beast with eight catches for 68 yards on Sunday.

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

October 26th, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

Keep track of which players are making

noise and scoring points
[fantasy points based on traditional scoring]

QB-Alex Smith was brilliant in the second half……
The Niner’s quarterback came in relief of a beleaguered Shaun Hill. In one half of football Smith completed 15 of 22 passes for 206 yards passing and threw three touchdowns to lead a second half comeback that fell just short. (25 fantasy points)

RB-Steve Slaton records another two-bagger on Sunday….
The Texan’s dynamic running displays his versatility in win on Sunday. Slaton not only rushed for 67 yards on 18 carries, but he also caught four balls for another 22 yards and scored twice; one rushing, one receiving. (18 fantasy points)

QB-Matt Schaub posts large numbers against Niners.....
The Texan’s quarterback plays well at home, a place that he has struggled some this season. Schaub completed 20 of 30 passes for 264 yards passing with two touchdowns throws. (22 fantasy points)

WR-Hakeem Nicks makes it four in a row…
The Giants rookie wideout scored a touchdown for the fourth consecutive games. On the night Nicks caught four passes for 80 yards and scored his fourth touchdown of the season. (14 fantasy points)

RB-Darren Sproles contribute in win over KC..…
Taking a back seat to the revamped L.T., Sproles still managed to chip in. The Charger’s back up runner carried the ball five times for 41 yards and snatched three passes for another 58 yards, including a 58-yard catch and run for six. (15 fantasy points)

QB-Carson Palmer looked Brady-like on Sunday..…
The Bengal’s field general breakouts on Sunday and has huge game passing for victorious cats. Palmer completed 20 of 24 passes (83.3 percent) for 233 yards in the air and tossed five touchdowns on the day. (39 fantasy points)

WR-Lee Evans awakes from his slumber….
The Bill’s leading receiver came out of his recent slumber with a nice showing Sunday. Evans caught five passes (season high) for 75 yards (season high) and a score in the Bills modest upset over the Panthers. (13 fantasy points)

WR-Mike Wallace makes a little noise on Sunday…
The Steeler’s number three receiver got into the act on Sunday against the Vikings. Wallace grabbed three passes for 72 yards and scored his second touchdown this season in the team’s win. Wallace also added 19 yards rushing. (14 fantasy points)

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

LB-James Farrior flys all over the field on Sunday…
The Steeler’s linebacker was a tackling machine on Sunday against the Vikings. Farrior total 15 on the afternoon and added a sack for good measure.

LB-DeMarcus Ware continues to bring the heat…
The Cowboys linebacker added another two sack effort on Sunday in the team’s win over the Falcons. Ware also added a forced fumble, his second of the season.

LB-James Harrison continues his recent tear…
The Steeler’s linebacker added two more sacks to his season total bringing it to eight; so much for a slow start. Harrison finished the game on Sunday with seven tackles to go with the pair of sacks.

LB-Shaun Phillips has solid efforts against Chiefs……
The Charger’s linebacker finally brought what the team had been missing, pressure. Phillips tallied six tackles on the afternoon and recorded two sacks in the Chargers win.

LB-Calvin Pace has big day in rout over Raiders……
The Jet’s linebacker recently returned from suspension is wasting little time catching up. On Sunday he recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles to go along with seven tackles.


By David Ortega

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

October 4th, 2009 7:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

QB-Carson Palmer has solid day passing……
The Bengals did not get the passing game quite off the ground as they would like, but quarterback Carson Palmer still finished strong. Palmer passed for 230 yards and tossed two touchdowns in the teams overtime win.

RB-Steve Slaton finds paydirt a couple of times….
The Texans running back didn’t have quite the day on the ground that many fantasy owners anticipated, but he did not disappoint with 89 total yards and two touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing).

TE-Chris Cooley is sure handed in victory.....
The Redskin’s tight end snagged five passes and shed would-be tacklers on his way to 65 yards receiving with a touchdown in the team’s win on Sunday.

WR-Antonio Bryant one of few bright spots Sunday…
The Buccaneer’s receiver in only his second game this season, finally showed some fantasy spark finishing the day with four catches for 44 yards and a touchdown.

RB-Pierre Thomas has another strong performance..…
Sharing backfield duties on Sunday Thomas has another strong outing for fantasy owners. Thomas carried the ball 19 times for 86 yards with a touchdown and added four catches for 46 yards.

WR-Derrick Mason was old Mr. Reliable on Sunday..…
The Raven’s veteran receiver caught seven passes for 88 yards and scored a touchdown in the team’s loss at New England.

RB-Carnell Williams runs well in loss to Redskins….
The Buccaneer’s running back Cadillac William’s averaged nearly 5 yards per carry, caught four passes, and total 99 yards of offense on Sunday in team’s loss.

WR-Brandon Marshall shows he is a difference maker…
The Bronco’s wide receiver not only made plays on Sunday catching four passes for 91 yards, but he made the play that was the difference in the Bronco’s win. Marshall scored on a 51-yard catch and scintillating run that proved to be the difference in the team’s win.

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

DB-Daneil Manning flies to the ball on Sunday…
The Bears defensive back spent the entire afternoon chasing down Lions’ ball carriers recording nine solo tackles and helping the defense stuff the run.

LB-D’Qwell Jackson plays like a beast in loss…
The Brown’s linebacker had a field day swallowing up opposing ball carriers and finishing the afternoon with 14 total tackles, including 13 solo. Jackson also added a forced fumble.

DL-Mario Williams was a busy lineman on Sunday…
The Texan’s defensive lineman was very productive for fantasy owners against the Raiders in week 4. Williams turned in four tackles, with a sack and a forced fumble.

LB-Keith Rivers gets the job done in the middle……
The Bengal’s second year linebacker was a gridiron gladiator on Sunday making stops all over the field. Rivers finished the day with 10 total tackles, including seven solo in the team’s win..

DL-Tommy Kelly filling holes all afternoon……
The Raider’s defensive lineman was a busy tackle in the middle on Sunday. Kelly finished the day with 13 total tackles, including nine solo in the team’s loss.

By David Ortega

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