FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY GAMETIME

October 16th, 2011 Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

My quick notes:

Who to Watch

The Falcons may get caught up in a shoot-out today, something they have not been proficient at this season, but I am expecting a more explosive team that we have yet to see. With their explosive rookie receiver Julio Jones OUT today, it will be a no-brainer for quarterback Matt Ryan to decide where to go with the ball; expect a big game from wide receiver Roddy White, 10+ targets today will net him some big numbers and lots of fantasy points.

The Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin makes his return today against the Patriots and you have to love his matchup against the league’s worst secondary. Expect Romo to take a couple of shots deep to Austin and connect; Miles should be big today for fantasy owners.

With the Falcons and Panthers putting up huge numbers today, fantasy owners better keep their eyes on Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton and wide receiver Steve Smith. The Falcons have had their issues in the secondary and with pressure on the quarterback. Newton has been a fantasy beast this season and week six will prove to be no different. Smith will of course benefit greatly today from Cam’s success.


Who to Avoid

For most fantasy owners this may go without saying, but after coming off a very poor week five performance and loss the Bills, expect the Eagles defense to take out their frustrations on Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman. They may concede a few yards on the ground to the Redskins running game, but when they have their opportunities they will get to Grossman and force some mistakes.

The Colts backfield is in for a long day against one of the league’s stingiest defenses. The Bengals are ranked 7th against the run allowing just 3.2 yards per carry and today they could improve on both of those numbers; avoid running backs Delone Carter and Donald Brown. They won’t see a lot of opening or yards on the ground today.


My Picks Today

My “Four Horsemen”

I haven’t been having my best season thus far, but I am looking for week six to really get things turned around.

Tony Romo; win or lose today in Foxboro, the Cowboys gunslinger is going to put up some big numbers today against the league’s 32nd ranked pass defense. Romo will see the return of wide receiver Miles Austin and he’ll also have (TE) Jason Witten and (WR) Dez Bryant to throw to today.

Ryan Torain; the Eagles defense struggles with the ground game and could see a lot of Torain early and often. As long as the Redskins take care of the ball and keeps this close, Torain could see a hefty workload and some very good rushing numbers. He should make at least one trip to the house today.

Roddy White; the Falcons could be gearing up for a shoot-out today in the dome, something that will favor White fantasy owners. Roddy is averaging just 11 yards per catch and has just two scores; against the Panthers 14th ranked secondary expect those numbers to improve.

Aaron Hernandez; The Cowboys secondary is very thin and has been quite suspect this season ranked 13th against the pass. With receivers like Welker and Branch to contend with expect Brady to exploit matchups with his tight ends, especially Hernandez. The Patriots often like to split Hernandez wide and in the slot; he could be hugely effective in the red-zone today.

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

December 23rd, 2009 10:45pm PST

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

"Fantasy Football is like nuclear warfare, there are no winners, only survivors." ~Frank Gifford meant pro football, but that was before he played fantasy.

"Its not the size of the dog in the fight, but size of the fight in the dog and a good draft position always helps." ~okay, not quite what he said, but it's applicable here.

"When it comes to winning fantasy football, a lot of good luck can help too"~some lucky fantasy owner who will win a fantasy league he had no business winning.

In these hands we trust

When you are setting your line-up, your survival this weekend won't have to rely on any luck if you know in whose hands to trust. Over the course of the season there are the constant, those that are regularly targeted and then there are the "hot hands."

Players like Wes Welker and Andre Johnson continue to top the board with the most targets this season, but fantasy owners need to take note of players like Deion Branch, Dwayne Bowe, Devin Aromashodu, and Greg Camarillo who each had 10 targets last Sunday. A couple of other players that could play into bigger roles this week would include the wide receiver Malcom Floyd (17 targets), tight end Jermichael Finley (17 targets), and tight end Heath Miller, who have seen more action the past two Sundays.

Before you make your decisions make sure you know what you have and what is what;

"The Hot Hands"

(last two games)

Brandon Marshall (Broncos)-

37 targets/ 28 receptions, 273 yards, 3-Tds.

Andre Johnson (Texans)-

26 targets/ 20 receptions, 389 yards, 2-Tds.

Miles Austin (Cowboys)-

21 targets/ 13 receptions, 210 yards, 2-Tds.

Santonio Holmes (Steelers)-

21 targets/ 9 receptions, 170 yards, 0-Tds.

Heath Miller (Steelers)-

19 targets/ 12 receptions, 177 yards, 0-Td.

Jermichael Finley (Packers)-

17 targets/ 14 receptions, 144 yards, 1-Td.

Chris Chambers (Chiefs)-

14 targets/ 9 receptions, 164 yards, 1-Td.

It is worth mentioning that if you are looking for the hot hands, fantasy owners should also note those that have cooled a bit. Last Sunday Pierre Garcon (Colts), Kenny Britt (Titans), and Terrell Owens (Bills) who each were targeted just twice.

Don't forget to keep these player names and numbers in mind when putting the final touches on your Week 16 lineups.

What have you done for me lately

Over the past four Weeks...

(unoffical numbers)

A few names you'll want to remember!

Brandon Marshall (Den).......57 targets

Miles Austin (Dal)..............44 targets

Calvin Johnson (Det)..........43 targets

Tony Gonzalez (Atl)...........43 targets

Steve E. Smith (NYG)..........41 targets

Santonio Holmes (Pit).........41 targets

Sidney Rice (Min)...............40 targets

Michael Crabtree (SF).........40 targets

Anquan Boldin (Ari)............37 targets

Derrick Mason (Bal)............37 targets

Santana Moss (Was)............35 targets

Hines Ward (Pit)................34 targets

Donnie Avery (Stl)..............33 targets

Chad Ochocinco (Cin)..........33 targets

Davone Bess (Mia)..............33 targets

Season Target leaders Top 10

1. Andre Johnson (Hou)............156 targets

2.Wes Welker (NE)..................147 targets

3. Roddy White (Atl)...............143 targets

4. Brandon Marshall (Den).........141 targets

5. Steve E. Smith (NYG)...........138 targets

6. Larry Fitzgerald (Ari)............136 targets

7. Reggie Wayne (Ind)..............135 targets

8. Randy Moss (NE).................126 targets

9. Tony Gonzalez (Atl).............126 targets

10. Santonio Holmes (Pit).........123 targets

11. Steve Smith (Car)..............123 targets

Remember to always check back for more fantasy.

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

December 21st, 2009 8:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

Keep track of which players are making noise

[fantasy points based on traditional scoring]

QB-Ben Roethlisberger goes nuts on Sunday....

The Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a fantasy game like very few have ever seen passing for more than 500 yards, completing 29 passes, and throwing three touchdowns to lead the Steelers and undoubtedly earn a few fantasy owners a win. (38 fantasy points)

QB-Aaron Rodgers has a huge Sunday.....

The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had himself a very nice Sunday outing passing for over 380 yards against the Steelers and throwing three touchdowns, unfortunately he was matched up against Big Ben. (33 fantasy points)

RB-Jerome Harrison has nearly a record day.....

The Browns running back Jerome Harriosn nearly had one for the record books, although his performance will rank among the very best all-time. Harrison carried the ball a game-high (and season high) 34 times for 286 yards on the ground (8.4 yards per carry). Harrison also added three scores to lead the Browns to a rare win. (47-fantasy points)

RB-Jamaal Charles continues to run wild....

The Chiefs running back is quickly cementing himself as a 2010 preseason fantasy favorite with one strong performance after another. Charles carried the ball 25 times on Sunday against the Browns and rushed for 154 yards including a score. It was his fourth straight game with a rushing touchdown. (21-fantasy points)

WR-Steve Smith: Dynamite in small package....

The Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith turned in a dominant performance Sunday night against the Vikings secondary. Smith caught nine passes for 157 yards and a touchdown to lead the Sunday night upset. (21-fantasy points)

WR-Andre Johnson; simply a beast....

The Texans Pro Bowl receiver Andre Johnson had another big Sunday catching nine balls for 196 yards receiving in the Texans Week 16 victory over the Rams. (19-fantasy points)

Notable IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

The Patriots outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain had a huge impact Sunday recording three sacks in the teams win over the Bills. Banta-Cain finished the afternoon with six total tackles in the winning effort.

The Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware returned to action on Saturday night against the Saints after being knocked out of a Week 14 matchup with the Giants with a neck sprain. For the Cowboys his return was huge and for the Saints unfortunate. Ware led a huge defensive effort recording two sacks and two forced fumbles in the Cowboys win that ended the Saints perfect season.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 28th, 2009 9:30pm 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 week……

Player News From Across the Wire...

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Times is reporting that Seahawks' quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will not practice on Wednesday. Hasselbeck is dealing with soreness in his ribs, but is expected to be fine for the game this week.
My Fantasy read on Hasselbeck: The Seahawks offense needs Hasselbeck under center and the team needs to right the ship. He’ll face a tough matchup this Sunday against Dallas and with his previous injury history, that’s a risky play…..

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
According to the Twitter page of Panthers' beat writer Charles Chandler, wide receiver Steve Smith doesn't seem too enthused about Jake Delhomme being named the starter for next week. "I just work here. If Jake's the guy, Jake's the guy. It's not my call," Smith said after practice on Wednesday.
My Fantasy read on Smith: Not only was Smith bummed, but so were his fantasy owners. Delhomme has been awful this season and as his ship sinks, he takes Smith with him. Delhomme still targets Smith heavily, so it’s tough to bench the speedy receiver, play at your own risk (unless you have better options)…..

Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans
The Houston Texans' official website is reporting that wide receiver Andre Johnson was limited in practice on Wednesday with his bruised lung. Johnson is still being called day-to-day by the team.
My Fantasy read on Johnson: Johnson and Schaub are the future of this offense. The team won’t any unnecessary risks with Dre if he is not healthy to play. Expect a game-time decision, but we wouldn’t expect to see him play…..

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson sat out for the second straight day on Wednesday, according to mLive.com. Johnson is still dealing with a sore knee, and his status for the weekend is unknown.
My Fantasy read on Johnson: Johnson has been banged up and dinged all season, but with a great matchup against the Rams this week if he’s on the field he is almost a must-start (but check his status later in the week)…..

Donnie Avery, WR, St. Louis Rams
Donnie Avery is dealing with hip and rib injuries, but head coach Steve Spagnuolo expects him to be ready to go for Sunday's game at Detroit, according to the Rams' official website.
My Fantasy read on Avery: Even at less than 100 percent, just Avery’s presence give the passing game an upgrade. Avery will be a very risky play this week not being the biggest receiver. He may tolerate a lot of pain, but you have to worry about how fragile he may or may not be.


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

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (QWIK FIXX)

September 25th, 2009 3:37pm PST

THE FANTASY FIXX

Target Practice: Week Three in the NFL

The weekly trick in fantasy football is having knowledge, but more importantly information. Everyone knows you have to start your studs every Sunday. The difference between winning and losing from week to week, is knowing where to find those hidden gems. If you are looking for much needed help heading into week 3, you’ve targeted the right place and we’ve got your fix..

Who’s worried….
It took just the second week of action for players like Marques Colston and Terrell Owens to get untracked. Both wideouts have yet to be heavily targeted this season, but they still produce when they touch the ball. Owens registered a nice 43-yard catch and run for a score, while Colston posted two trips to the endzone.

Looking at others like Steve Smith of Carolina (30 touches this season leads NFL WRs) and Andre Johnson, after their slow starts each also broke out in week two with a big games. Smith tallied eight catches for 131-yards, while Andre hauled in 10 passes for 149-yards and two scores. Being patient with these studs paid handsomely for fantasy owners in week two.

Another stud that got back on track in week two and undoubtedly served all of his fantasy owners well was Dolphin’s running back Ronnie Brown. After totaling just 53-yards in week one, Brown broke loose for 136-yards on the ground and two touchdowns leading the ‘wildcat’ attack.

Another fantasy thorough bred that is drawing a lot of attention from the fantasy community is Bill’s running back Fred Jackson. While many folks were thinking this kid could be put back on the shelf once Marshawn Lynch returns to the line-up from suspension, that’s not looking like the case these days.

In the first two weeks of the season, Jackson leads (tied with Cedric Benson) all running backs with 54 touches this season and has been highly productive. With 220-yards rushing, 11 receptions, and one receiving touchdown it would be hard to imagine Jackson losing the starting job even when Lynch is back.

Keep your Eye on these gems…
While running backs Matt Forte (43 touches) and Darren McFadden (33 touches) continue to labor in first gear, the high number of chances is a great indicator it’s just a matter of time sooner or later. With Seahawks (allowed 256-rushing yards in week 2) on the slate for the Bear’s running back sooner could come this weekend.

The Raiders running back could have a little more trouble this Sunday with the improved Bronco’s defense (allowing opponents 2.9-yards per carry) up next, but in week 4 he’ll see the Texans (allowing 215-yards/game).

If both receivers Steve “no the other one” Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. have yet to make it on your fantasy radar this season, put them on it now. After two weeks both receivers have emerged as more than relevant options and rank among the top 10 passing targets this season with 23 each. At that many chances, expect to hear their names called often each week.

Very quietly in a crowded Denver backfield it looks like the rookie (Knowshon Moreno) is slowly gaining some momentum as the team’s featured runner. After two games Moreno leads the team’s backfield with 27 touches, but more importantly he picked up 19 of those last week in what was his most productive day as a Bronco. Fantasy owners can and should expect to see more of the same in coming weeks, with his production only getting better from week to week.

Here is the breakdown for fantasy receivers (targets) and fantasy running backs (touches) this season;

Through two weeks:

Top-20 Receiver (Targets)

Player/Team……………………..No of Targets
Steve Smith, CAR…………………30
Santonio Holmes, PIT…………..25
Andre Johnson, HOU……………24
Randy Moss, NEP…………………24
Steven Smith, NYG……………….23
Ted Ginn Jr., MIA………………..23
Calvin Johnson, DET……………22
DeSean Jackson, PHI……………21
Nate Burleson, SEA………………21
Roddy White, ATL………………..20
Reggie Wayne, IND………………20
Laurent Robinson, STL…………19
T.J. Houshmandzadeh, SEA….19
Donald Driver, GBP………………18
Earl Bennett, CHI…………………17
Mario Manningham, NYG……..17
Isaac Bruce, SFO…………………..17
Hines Ward, PIT…………………..17
Julian Edelman, NEP……………16
Wes Welker, NEP…………………16
Larry Fitzgerald, ARI……………16
Torry Holt, WR JAC…………...16
Antwaan Randle El, WAS………16
Chad Ochocinco, CIN……………16
Muhsin Muhammad, CAR…….16
Louis Murphy, OAK……………..16


Top-20 Tight Ends (Targets)

Player/Team……………………..No of Targets
Kellen Winslow, TBB…………20
Brent Celek, PHI……………….18
Chris Cooley, WAS…………….17
Tony Gonzalez, ATL…………..17
John Carlson, SEA…………….16
Owen Daniels, HOU…………..16
Antonio Gates, SDC……………16
Jerramy Stevens, TBB………..14
Dallas Clark, IND………………14
Jason Witten, DAL…………….14
Vernon Davis, SFO…………….13
Todd Heap, BAL………………..13
Dustin Keller, NYJ……………..12
Greg Olsen, CHI…………………12
Robert Royal, CLE………………12
Heath Miller, PIT……………….12
Randy McMichael, STL……….12
Derek Schouman, BUF………..11
Marcedes Lewis, JAC…………..11
Benjamin Watson, NEP……….11
Jeremy Shockey,NOS…………..11

Top-20 Running Backs (Touches)

Player/Team……………..No of Plays (includes intended receiver)
Fred Jackson, BUF…………….58
Cedric Benson, CIN……………54
Michael Turner, ATL………….52
Kevin Smith, DET………………51
Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC…..50
Frank Gore, SFO………………..48
Mike Bell, NOS…………………..46
Matt Forte, CHI………………….45
Adrian Peterson, MIN…………45
Chris Johnson, TEN……………44
DeAngelo Williams, CAR……..41
Steven Jackson, STL……………41
Tim Hightower, ARI……………40
Larry Johnson, KCC…………….40
Clinton Portis, WAS…………….40
Darren McFadden, OAK………39
Ronnie Brown, MIA…………….39
Leon Washington, NYJ………..38
Steve Slaton, HOU……………….37
Ray Rice, BAL……………………..37

Check back every Monday for more “Fantasy Fixx”

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (QWIK FIXX)

September 16th, 2009 10:37pm PST

The Most Targeted in the League

When you are setting your weekly lineups and tossing names around, sometimes it pays to have a little information. After one week of play, many owners could be getting a little nervous about some of their stud receivers not living up to par. No need to send in the Calvary, if you’re looking for help we’ve got your Fixx right here.

Not to Worry….
For those owners concerned about the Falcons Roddy White and his meager 42-receiving yards, don’t be. White was targeted 10 times on Sunday and there will be more days like that, but with better results. Roddy has emerged as a big time receiver and nearly connected with Ryan a couple of times on a couple of deep balls.

In the Northwest, the Seahawks new go-to man T.J. Houshmandzadeh was relatively quiet finishing his day with a mere 48-receiving yards on six grabs. Here is another prime example of not to worry, Housh was thrown to eight times and figures to see even more in the coming weeks. With Hasselbeck looking sharp in the second half, there are only better days ahead for the Seahawk’s wideout.

Certainly fantasy owners did not expect to see Saints quarterback Drew Brees pass for well over 300-yards and only connect with wideout Marques Colston for only 30 of those yards. Colston finished Sunday’s contest with only two catches, but the good news was he was targeted four other times. Devery Henderson actually finished as the team’s top target with eight, but that’s expected in the Saints high-powered offense. Brees is going to spread the ball around from week to week, but Colston will always get his share.

Notables to Watch…
While we won’t need to worry about some of our studs, other receivers we should be watching are the Seahawks Nate Burleson. Last season Burleson missed all but one game, so he was likely overlooked in many leagues. Owners open your eyes; Nate saw 11 balls his way on Sunday and pulled in seven for 74-yards. He’s a strong number two receiver and can serve as a solid fantasy WR3 in deeper leagues and a great bye week fill.

In a quiet move during the offseason, the Rams acquired wide receiver Laurent Robinson. It was a move that didn’t amount to much at the time, but once camps opened and the preseason began the team began to collect its’ dividends. Robinson was quickly moved into the starting lineup of a bad Rams offense, but one that is going to play from behind a lot and throw the ball much. In week one Robinson caught five balls for 87-yards, but had 10 passes thrown his direction. This is something owners can expect to see a lot more of as the season progresses.

Week One Top-25 (Targets)

Player/Team………………………………No of Targets in Wk 1

1. Randy Moss - WR – NEP………………16
2. Wes Welker - WR – NEP……………….16
3. Reggie Wayne - WR – IND…………….14
4. Tim Hightower - RB – ARI…………….14
5. Steve Smith - WR – CAR……………….13
6. Calvin Johnson - WR – DET………....13
7. Earl Bennett - WR – CHI………………13
8. Nate Burleson - WR – SEA……………11
9. Justin Gage - WR – TEN……………….11
10. Larry Fitzgerald - WR – ARI………….11
11. Santonio Holmes - WR – PIT…………11
12. Derrick Mason - WR – BAL…………..10
13. Hines Ward - WR – PIT………………..10
14. Roddy White - WR – ATL……………..10
15. Laurent Robinson - WR – STL………10
16. Muhsin Muhammad - WR – CAR…..9
17. Tony Gonzalez - TE – ATL…………….9
18. T.J. Houshmandzadeh - WR - SEA ..9
19. Antwaan Randle El - WR – WAS……9
20. Robert Royal - TE – CLE………………9
21. Antonio Gates - TE – SDC…………….9
22. Kellen Winslow - TE – TBB…………..9
23. Mark Clayton - WR – BAL…………….9
24. Kevin Smith - RB – DET……………….9
25. Louis Murphy - WR – OAK…………..9
    
    

Check back every Monday for more “Fantasy Fixx”

FSH: MORE FANTASY TALK

August 30th, 2009 8:37pm PST

My Pre-Season 2009 Wide Receiver Rankings

Andre is the Big man on Campus….
With two 100-catch seasons over the past three seasons, Andre Johnson has emerged as thee elite receiver in the game today. While many can argue Fitzgerald and Moss as the top choice, Johnson has been truly unstoppable and dominant at times.

Last season Andre hauled in a league high 115 passes and also led all receivers with 1,575-yards. He recorded seven games last season with at least 10 grabs and eclipsed the 100-yard mark in eight times. He will once again be the Texans top target and with a healthy quarterback under center, Johnson should have little trouble duplicating his 2008 numbers.

Some interesting notes to consider when looking at our top twenty, Calvin Johnson (Megatron) has the potential of moving up if Stafford becomes the arm Lions fans hope he can be. The Saints wideout Colston is another player with tremendous upside and could easily finish top five. After Fitzgerald’s phenomenal run in the postseason, there’s going to be more separation between him and fellow wideout Anquan Boldin.

In Denver there’s no question with all the distractions surround their star receiver, Marshall’s fantasy stock continues to slide. At present time, his counterpart receiver Eddie Royal looks to be the safer bet although a recent injury to backup receiver Jabar Gaffney could help expedite this dysfunctional situation. Even with all of his tremendous talent Marshall still remains a risky play.

In San Diego, we like Vincent Jackson to continue his well play as the team’s go to receiver and the Eagle’s DeSean Jackson looks to pick up where he left off a year ago. Notables that could work their way to top twenty and should be considered top twenty worthy would be; Bernard Berrian playing with a hall-of-fame arm and Wes Welker always a Brady favorite.

These are our 2009 WR Rankings, break-them-down, criticize, argue, or agree, no matter it all makes for more great water-cooler babble for a Monday morning;

1. (Hou) Andre' Johnson
2. (NE) Randy Moss
3. (Ari) Larry Fitzgerald
4. (Car) Steve Smith
5. (Ind) Reggie Wayne
6. (Atl) Roddy White
7. (GB) Greg Jennings
8. (Det) Calvin Johnson
9. (NO) Marques Colston
10.(Ari) Anquan Boldin

11. (KC) Dwayne Bowe
12. (Buf) Terrell Owens
13. (Sea) T.J. Houshmandzadeh
14. (Den) Brandon Marshall
15. (Den) Eddie Royal
16. (SD) Vincent Jackson
17. (Phi) DeSean Jackson
18. (Cin) Chad Johnson
19. (Was) Santana Moss
20. (Cle) Braylon Edwards

More notables;
Bernard Berrian
Wes Welker
Roy Williams
Santonio Holmes
Lance Moore
Anthony Gonzalez
Hines Ward


By David Ortega


Check back for more “Fantasy Talk”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 17th, 2009 9:30pm 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...

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, New York Giants
Ahmad Bradshaw carried the ball five times for 35 yards and a touchdown in Monday's 24-17 preseason win over the Panthers. He also caught two passes for 17 receiving yards.

Roscoe Parrish, WR, Buffalo Bills
Roscoe Parrish exited Monday's practice early after landing hard in the end zone while catching a pass, according to the Bills' official website.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
Brandon Marshall and his agent met with Broncos coach Josh McDaniels on Monday, and reiterated that Marshall wants a new contract or to be traded.

Clinton Portis, RB, Washington Redskins
Clinton Portis has been a standout in training camp with the Redskins, according to the Washington Post. Head coach Jim Zorn said, "He has worked hard, run hard, and he is learning as well."

Troy Williamson, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Troy Williamson fared well in tonight's 12-9 preseason loss at Miami, as he hauled in a game-high four reception for 74 yards.

Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Carson Palmer has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason game while nursing a mild-to-moderate ankle sprain, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

Greg Olsen, TE, Chicago Bears
After missing the team's preseason opener against the Bills last weekend with a hip ailment, tight end Greg Olsen was back at practice on Monday, according to the Brad Biggs.

Marc Bulger, QB, St. Louis Rams
Marc Bulger has suffered a "small fracture" in his right pinkie finger, and will be shutdown for a minimum of two weeks, according to the team.

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook fully practiced with the Eagles Monday, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. He had been participating in individual and installation drills over the previous two days as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery.

Marvin Harrison, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Marvin Harrison is not ready to hang up his cleats and wants to play in 2009, according to Adam Schefter.

Anthony Gonzalez, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Gonzalez returned to practice Monday, according to the Colts' official website.

Kelley Washington, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Kelley Washington is believed to be the leading candidate for the No. 4 role at receiver with the Ravens, according to the Baltimore Sun. He is competing with Justin Harper.

Bernard Berrian, WR, Minnesota Vikings
Bernard Berrian did not practice Monday while nursing his hamstring injury, according to the Star Tribune.

Terrell Owens, WR, Buffalo Bills
Terrell Owens returned to practice Monday after missing camp last week with a sprained toe, according to ESPN.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
Jonathan Stewart will miss tonight's exhibition game against the Giants, according to the Gaston Gazette.

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith has been ruled out for tonight's preseason game against the Giants, according to the Gaston Gazette.

Zach Miller, TE, Oakland Raiders
Raiders' head coach Tom Cable punched defensive assistant Randy Hanson in the face earlier in training camp, according to NFL Fanhouse.

Michael Clayton, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Michael Clayton returned to practice Monday, according to the Pewter Report. He has been nursing a hamstring injury.

Roy Williams, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Roy Williams returned to practice Monday, according to ESPN. He is dealing with a sprained left wrist, which he sustained during Sunday's early practice.

Percy Harvin, WR, Minnesota Vikings
After sitting out the team's preseason debut last Friday with a shoulder injury, rookie receiver Percy Harvin is expected to suit up when the Vikings play the Chiefs this Friday, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Donovan McNabb, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
After apparently lobbying for the team to sign Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb said on Monday that the team should look into signing Plaxico Burress, according to Pro Football Talk.

LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Chargers' running back LaDainian Tomlinson will play in the team's second preseason game on Saturday. This will mark the first time in his career that Tomlinson has played in two game in the same preseason.

Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions
According to the Detroit News, the Lions are going to have a tough time keeping rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford out of the starting lineup when the season begins. Stafford showed a level of calmness and poise in his first preseason outing, and he is scheduled to start the team's next preseason game against the Browns.

Brett Favre, QB, (No Team)
According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, there is a strong believe amongst the players at Vikings camp that Brett Favre will play for the team at some point this season.

My Fantasy Reads…

It’s never good news when your team and one of its’ top stars are at a stalemate, but it appears, WR Brandon Marshall and the Bronco’s are at odds again. The (net) sound bites we are currently reading indicate a holdout seems imminent…..

The Redskins running back Clinton Portis looks poised for a big year in 2009, if he can stay healthy. After his breakdown in the second half last season, his stock is going to be down come draft time and he may be undervalued. Fantasy owners would be wise to handcuff his backup Ladell Betts, but make no bones an injury-free Portis has the potential to be top-five back this season……

The Rams quarterback could be a heavy (long shot) sleeper possibility in 2009 and could very come dirt cheap. Even in quarterback leagues Bulger is a forgotten arm and coupled with his current injury, he’s likely to be avoided like the plague……

Westbrook returned to full practice with the team this week and even though he appears healthy he will still remain a fantasy risk. Westbrook has a history of injury, but his high production will make him a risky RB2 option…..

With Harrison gone, Gonzalez should become a more productive fantasy option, but look for Reggie Wayne to be the biggest fantasy beneficiary. He could be poised for a huge 2009 season…..

Berrian is not expected to miss any extended time, but hamstring injuries can be tricky. The Vikings leading receiver is a mid level RB3, but could move up the charts with more stable play or an upgrade at quarterback……

The Panther’s Steve Smith is a top flight fantasy receiver. The team is likely playing it safe by holding the All-pro receiver out, so owners should not be too concerned. Smith will be back out there and worthy of his high draft slot……


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