FSH: FOOTBALL TALK

February 24th, 2010 9:07pm PST

Football Talk

Looking Back: 2009 Sleepers

The Pleasant surprises

When the fantasy football season opened last August, there were several players that finished 2009 that were not very high on most folks radar; in fact a couple weren't even part of the conversation.

Quarterback

When the Titans closed out their 2008 campaign 13-3 it was pretty clear that quarterback Kerry Collins had earned the starting gig, while Vince Young stood on shaky ground. The former Longhorn and first round draft selection had hit a wall in 2008 and regressed in his development, there were many doubters that believed he could return.

When 2009 opened and the Titans struggled losing their first six games, opportunity came knocking. With the call came the return and re-emergence of Young as a playmaker, a team leader, and a winner. Young led the Titans to an 8-2 record in 10 starts passing for nearly 1,900 yards with 10 touchdown passes. Young also added nearly 300 yards on the ground with two more scores. In his return Young showed much more poise and greater promise. With the starting job now his to lose, 2010 could be shaping up to be a big year for the native Texan.

Running Back

For some all they need is opportunity and that is all it took for Fred Jackson to make a statement in 2009. With running back Marshawn Lynch suspended for the first three games in 2009, Jackson took advantage. The Bills running back turned in three solid performances to open the season and earn the starting job. Jackson would finish 2009 having started 11 of the 16 games he played, rushing for over 1,000 yards, and catching 46 passes for another 371 yards. His only knock was his low touchdown total of four, but that could change this coming season if the Bills decide to shake things up in the backfield.

Wide Receiver

With no T.O. and Roy Williams the new number one, when the season opened not many folks had even heard of Miles Austin. It didn't take long for the former Monmouth Hawk to show the NFL world just who he is; 81 receptions, 1,300 yards receiving, and 11 touchdowns should say it all. Austin exploded in week five against the Chiefs with 10 catches and 250 yards receiving and he never looked back from there. With his breakout season in 2009, Austin should be ranked in the early rounds this coming fantasy draft.

Tight end

While my pick here could easily have been Vernon Davis of the Niners for his spectacular season in 2009, he was always a talent that was just waiting to erupt. In Green Bay Jermichael Finley was the real surprise. While his numbers seem somewhat modest (55 receptions, 676 yards receiving, and five touchdowns) he did miss three games to injury. Finley emerged as a strong fantasy option down the stretch and his impressive performance in the post season will likely make him a much targeted fantasy option come draft time.

Noteworthy

Vernon Davis was truly a worthy mention with his big 2009 campaign (78 receptions and 13 touchdowns). Like Davis in San Francisco, the Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles was noteworthy as well. Charles turned in his first 1,000 yard campaign in 2009 with only 10 starts. He finished the season with four straight 100-yard games and scored eight touchdowns (7-rushing, 1-receiving) to lead the Chiefs ground attack. Not to be forgotten is the Vikings wide receiver Sydney Rice who topped 80 catches and 1,300 yards, but fell just short of Austin with eight touchdowns.

A couple of other names worth mentioning because 2010 could be even better would include the following;

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers (RB)

Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers (RB)

Davone Bess, Dolphins (WR)

Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars (WR)

Jabar Gaffney, Broncos (WR)

Hakeem Nicks, Giants (WR)

Recapping:

2009 Studs

Drew Brees

Chris Johnson

Andre Johnson

Dallas Clark

2009 Duds

Matt Cassel

Brian Westbrook

Terrell Owens

Jeremy Shockey

By David Ortega

Check back for more notes, thoughts, and “Football Talk.”

FSH: MONDAY NIGHT MATCH-UP

October 5th, 2009 4:37pm PST


Monday Night Matchup

VS

Ah Sweet Revenge!!

It took nearly two seasons in the making, but it’s finally upon us. Brett Favre will finally meet his former team the Green Bay Packers and have yet another opportunity to set an NFL record.

In his first 18 seasons of action, Favre has managed to cast aside to the defeated pile all 31 other NFL teams. Tonight he’ll have a chance to face that elusive 32nd NFL team and win will put his name in the NFL books as the only quarterback in history to defeat every team in the league.

We may not have ever imagined that we’d see this, but as soon as the Packers let Favre walk out the door, you know many of us not just Brett were looking forward to this day. While this is merely just one game of a 16-game schedule for both team, there’s little doubt there will be plenty of emotion and motiviation on the field.

A night of revenge for Favre or an evening of affirmation for Aaron Rodgers, regardless the outcome of this one matchup will hardly prove one or the other, but you can bet it will entertaining and provide plenty to talk about tomorrow!

Monday Night's Fantasy Notes:

Packers:
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers (four passing touchdowns) is off to a slow start this season, but with wideouts Greg Jennings (eight receptions) and Donald Driver (two touchdowns) expect the passing game to attack the leagues 4th ranked pass defense. Running back Ryan Grant (206 yards rushing) has also been very quiet this season, but he’ll have a tough time finding any holes against the leagues 9th ranked run defense if the passing attack can’t get started early.
Vikings:
The Vikings will feature perhaps the leagues very best football player let alone running back Adrian Peterson (Leads NFL with 357 yards rushing). The Packers (ranked 23rd against the run) will try to slow down “All-Day” with eight and nine man front and Viking quarterback Brett Favre (five touchdowns to one interception) may have to take a few more chances downfield. Favre has started to play much better coming off his first 300 yard passing game this season. His ball has more zip these days and wideouts Sidney Rice (nine receptions), Bernard Berrian (102 receiving yards), and Percy Harvin (two touchdowns) could see more action tonight.

Prediction: Vikings 28, Packers 23.

Remember to check back each week for "Monday Night Matchup"

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH)

September 25th, 2009 11:37pm PST

“Diamonds in the Rough”

(Fantasy Sleepers)

Players you should watch and few to grab!
Continuing with our weekly watch of potential breakout candidates, those that can stop the bleeding, and the gems needed to get you over the hump in your drive for a fantasy football championship, let’s take a look at what week three in the NFL may bring.

Now that we've entered the third week of the NFL some of this season's bumps and bruises are starting to take their toll. In places like Dallas and Philadelphia new faces are getting a chance to shine in the spotlight.

In Dallas….
Perhaps the biggest spotlight will shine in Texas in the house that Jerry built under his mammoth size suspended video screen. With normal starting running back Marion Barber likely to be sidelined, it's not back up Felix Jones folks should watch (we know what he can do), but rather the number three running back Tashard Choice. The Cowboys other choice in the backfield has shown ability in the past and with his good size, speed, and versatility fantasy owners can expect to see him featured in the team's gameplan as much as (Felix) Jones.

In Philadelpia…
With an ailing Brian Westbrook and the hapless Chiefs in town, we could see a couple of sleepers emerge from the Eagles offense alone. In week two quarterback Kevin Kolb put the ball in the air 51 times, while he won't follow that game plan this week he could still have equal success. Against a suspect defense and plenty of playmakers Kolb figures to be at least a decent fantasy insert.

Looking at the same matchup, a key factor to watch will be the health of running back Brian Westbrook (questionable). If Westy is limited or doesn't play, this could be a great opportunity for the rookie LeSean McCoy. The rookie runner has seen only limited carries, but facing a soft interior Chief's defense (ranked 21st against the run) he could find some running room. The versatile back should also see plenty of chances in the short passing game as the Eagles will try to get McCoy into open space. If this one goes one way in favor of the Eagles early, expect the team to feature more McCoy late.

Lastly the third spotlight on an Eagles offense that posted over 460-yards of offense in week 2 is wide receiver Jason Avant. Against the Saints last Sunday the Eagle's receiver was targeted 8 times catching seven of those for 79-yards. Avant also found the endzone last week and will have ample chances this week against the Chiefs defense to score.

Worth keeping your eye on for now…

Although this week is not a favorable matchup for the kid, with running back Jamal Lewis likely to be shelved this Sunday, rookie running back James Davis could see his first extensive action this week against the Ravens. We aren’t expecting a big game, but we think he’ll do some nice things and definitely be worth eying down the road.

After playing well in the Raven’s first two contests, former starting running back Willis McGahee has turned into a touchdown machine this season with four in his first two games. It’s Ray Rice who will be starting, but this could be a very good week to get McGahee into your lineup with the Ravens facing a questionable Brown’s run defense (ranked 31st).

Two more potential diamonds waiting to shine in Minnesota are wide receivers Percy Harvin and Sydney Rice. Harvin has already emerged as one of quarterback Brett Favre’s favorite receivers. Both Harvin (2 touchdowns) and Rice (leads team with 10 targers) appear to be main staples in the VIkes passing game and with the Niners (ranked 3rd against the run) in town, Favre may have to rely more on both this week.


Remember to check back for more "Diamonds in the Rough!"

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

August 18th, 2009 9:37pm PST

[Wednesday Edition]

Favre is Back!!!

Did he ever really leave?
Well it has finally happened. Whether you were anxiously waiting to hear this story break and just praying this whole made-for-television daytime drama would finally go away, the day has come and gone and yes folks, Brett Favre is back.

Sure there was a lot of grandstanding and drama, but what else would you be doing during the offseason, mowing the lawn? So Brett was a little indecisive and had us all guessing while he toyed with the idea; something many of suspected all along. It just made sense and don’t think the two-years was an accident.

On Tuesday in Minnesota, Brett Favre inked a two-year deal with the team worth upward toward $25 million. No only did Favre sign, but he was able to join his new teammates for an afternoon practice. There seem to be plenty of signs indicating that Mr. Favre could play as early as this Friday in the Vikings next preseason game.

Just days ago football folks were breaking down the play of then starting quarterback Sage Rosenfels and discussing his chances of starting. Now that Brett is in town and signed, what will all this mean to not only Rosenfels, but backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson?

At the high price tag that the team has inked Favre, there is no question that he was not brought in to hold a clip board and coach from the sideline. The Vikings have done their homework and with Favre’s injury behind him, he’ll bring veteran savvy and experience to an offense that features the leagues best runner and great potential otherwise. Favre is the Viking’s new starting quarterback and the hefty investment has to be an indicator that someone in Minnesota believes he can still play the game at a high level.

The Favre Affect:

So Favre is a Viking now what?

Now that we have crossed that bridge and come to terms with what has been brewing all along, its time to talk about what it all means. With Favre under center, Rosenfels becomes virtually irrelevant other than a handcuff or insurance for the soon to be 40-year-old golden boy. If you do draft Favre, he had better not be your number one quarterback, at his age coming off an arm injury he’s a high risk even at your number two.

Brett’s immediate impact will not have great affect on his value, but he suddenly brings great creditability to a passing offense that wasn’t expected to provide too many fantasy options.

Without the Favre, you are only looking at Berrian and Shiancoe as possible fantasy receivers. Harvin could be a consideration, but more in leagues that reward special teams yardage and touchdowns. With Favre, it’s a whole new ball game; not only do you include Harvin, but you must include the Sydney Rice and Bobby Wade.

Harvin is expected to make a splash this season as an all-around option that will include special teams. With Favre’s arm strength coupled with Harvin’s speed, he could be a sneaky sleeper as a touchdown maker. Wade, who led the team in receptions a year ago should once again see a lot of action in the slot and could flourish with Favre calling the signals.

Rice has a great chance to have a big year. Just as in Green Bay, Rice and Berrian give Brett two explosive targets on the outside. At his size with Favre’s gun, that in recent reports has lost very little zip, Rice is going to be an easy target for the gunslinger to find.

Take note: my pick, Rice could be another fine sleeper for 2009.

Looking deeper into the Favre affect in Minnesota, with four quarterbacks currently in camp one must go. There has been some talk and speculation that Favre’s arrival could mean the departure of Tarvaris Jackson. It would make sense from the Vikings perspective, with Rosenfels under contract he makes a very serviceable experienced back-up and gives the team flexibility to move Jackson who still has market value.

The kid, John David Booty fills the number three spot as the potential arm of the future that can be brought along slowly; remember Favre signed for two years and Rosenfels signed a multi-year deal as well.

There’s no question that Favre’s arrival comes with no guarantees, but from an outsiders view, you have to think if it is what it appears to be, the Vikings have definitely improved their chances this season. This won’t be the 1998 Vikings offense, but with Peterson in the backfield and Favre under center, this could be the best this team has seen since.

Last season the Vikings passing game passed for 3,217-yards and threw 22 touchdowns, conceivably very achievable numbers for Brett to match this season. The big difference with Brett throwing for these kinds of modest fantasy numbers, his presence should keep defenses honest and make Peterson possibly better. Can you imagine?

Certainly a lot of questions will follow the 19-year veteran throughout training camp and well into season, but if you’ve been reading or watching the recent happenings from the Vikings camp, players and coaches seem to like what they are seeing and from a fantasy perspective, we are liking what we are hearing.

Welcome back Brett!

By David Ortega


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