FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT

September 28th, 2011, Wednesday

Watercooler Chat

Waiver Wire

The wide receiver position in fantasy leagues does not appear to be exceptionally deep this season, so if you are in search of help you may have to look high and low. Normally when looking high you might find depth with teams like the Saints and Patriots, but with both turning to their tight ends more in 2011, searching low may be the way to go.

One of the low places to look could be in Seattle where the Seahawks saw the return of their premiere wide out Sidney Rice. There is some concern at the quarterback position for fantasy owners with (Tarvaris) Jackson under center, but in Rice’s first game back he was targeted 10 times and caught eight passes for over 100 yards. Remember Jackson and Rice have some familiarity playing together in Minnesota and tat already appears to be apparent with two connecting often on Sunday. Rice may struggle to turn in those big games from week to week, but he looks to be a safe WR3 or flex with plenty of upside.

Another struggling passing game where owners may find some light could be in Minnesota with wide receiver Michael Jenkins. The former Falcon was never the go-to receiver, but he is showing lots of potential with the Vikings and is quickly becoming (Donovan) McNabb’s favorite target (17 targets this season ties for team lead). Surprisingly Jenkins is showing sure hands this season nabbing 15 of those targets and with his great speed he has big play capability. He’s a fantasy diamond in the rough, but if you are desperate for help he’s a low risk, high reward as a WR3 or flex play.

“Take of the Week”

There’s no question that if he’s available on the waiver wire, one of this weeks’ best take (out) is Packers running back James Starks. After a disappointing performance last Sunday against the Bears, Starks could be in line for a prime start against the Bronco’s shaky defense. The latest news reports are indicating running back Ryan Grant (bruised kidney) could miss week 4, if he misses that could open the door to a big game for Starks.


Watch List

With the loss of stud receiver Kenny Britt, the Titans have a big void to fill in their passing attack. This week the time inked a deal with former Rams receiver Donnie Avery. Now I am not saying Avery is the answer and will fill that void, but if Avery is healed from his past knee injuries, once he returns to football shape he could give the Titan’s their big-playmaker and deep threat they lost with Britt’s injury. And with a savvy veteran like (Matt) Hasselbeck under center, Avery’s fantasy status could also benefit.

Time for the ”dump”

The Raiders are playing good football at the moment, showing lots of balance with a strong ground game and steady passing attack. With all that is going well in Oakland, there seems to be a missing component or contributor to the success; wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. DHB has hardly been in the mix and even with all the great speed he possesses, he just can’t seem to get out of the starting gate. In three weeks DHB has only caught five passes and was only targeted three times last Sunday (finished with one catch). As the Raiders continue to roll and get better, the more likely it appears DHB will be left behind. If you invested any confidence in Heyward-Bey this summer, now may be the time to part ways and look elsewhere for help at receiver.

Just My take.

By David Ortega

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

December 7th, 2010, Tuesday

Monday Morning Huddle
(Tuesday Edition)

It has been a while since I have taken the time to do any extensive ink (or in the digital age, pixel ) work for my usual Monday piece. And well I thought it was time to shake off the cob webs and get things kick started once again. Now I know this piece was intended for a Monday delivery, but better late Tuesday than never. With pen in hand or keyboard to be literal let’s get to what makes football great or at least interesting;

Top Stories

The Impact of No Favre
Could there really be a possibility that the great one they call Brett Favre may actually have to sit out a game on Sunday. Now this is big news considering the last time Brett did not start a game on Sunday the first Bush President was in office; now that’s quite a while.

As most that follow the great game of American football may have suspected the 41-year old gunslinger was banged up pretty good on Sunday suffering a sprained shoulder. Now there have been a few mixed reports, but the gist of it is he’s injured and the shoulder injury is his throwing shoulder. It has yet to be determined and won’t be until Thursday when Favre returns to practice if he will play, but his absence from the lineup appears hardly anything to be of concern for fantasy owners.

Last Sunday when Favre went down early in the first quarter, backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson took the field in relief and showed folks and fans alike a lot to behold. Jackson had great mobility and awareness in the pocket. He also showed great confidence in his receivers and showed no fear heaving the pigskin downfield.

For most a healthy Brett Favre under center would be the preference, but after watching Jackson complete 68 percent of his throws and connect with fantasy favorite wide receiver Sidney Rice, I would think he’ll do. Jackson also gives the offensive line a little more help with his speed, quickness and mobility. His ability to extend plays could lead to some big plays down the field; which every fantasy owner loves.

No More Josh in Denver
I really don’t believe there is anyone in Denver that could say they were surprised by the move; maybe folks outside of Colorado may have raised an eyebrow. After the recent scandal of Spygate II and another umimpressive effort, the writing was definitely on the wall (more like graffiti on a bill board).

Less than two seasons ago McDaniels ushered in a new Era and borught with him a new attitude; unfortunately an attitude that many of the team’s best players didn’t agree with. In less than two full seasons McDaniels managed to trade away a franchise quarterback, an elite wide receiver, and what we are now seeing a versatile, talented, and productive running back. Most impotantly after starting out his NFL coaching career with an impressive 6-0 record, he was unable to recreate any of that magic at any point since losing the next 17 of his 22 games coached.

Enough with the bad, what McDaniels did manage to do well while on the Broncos sidelines was rejuvenate and elevate a couple of careers. It doesn’t appear to be any kind of coincidence to see quarterback Kyle Orton and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd enjoying career years when you think about what Josh did his last season in New England with Matt Cassel (3,693 yards passing and 21 touchdowns in 2008).

McDaniels departure will leave a lot of questions for the franchise to address and answer, but for concerned fantasy owners there should be no cause for alarm. The Bronco’s featured running back Knowshon Moreno has been on a tear of late averaging well over 100 yards of total offense over his past four starts. With the offense playing as well as it has don’t expect interim coach Eric Studesville to tinker with the radio too much. Except for maybe a slight more conservative approach (which could mean more touches for Moreno), I would look for a lot of the same from Orton (3,487 yards passing,20 touchdowns), Lloyd (60 receptions, 9 touchdowns), and the boys on offense.

With their defense ranked 27th overall and allowing nearly 28 points per game, if any changes are to be made that’s likely the best place to start.

Diamonds in the Rough

WR-Anthony Armstrong

The Redskins have had, to say at the very least a tumultuous season and they don’t even have Brett Favre on their roster. Nonetheless their season has not been without its’ fair-share of high noon drama. From Haynesworth to McNabb, from McNabb to Shanahan, and from Shanahan to the carousel of running backs the Redskins carry, there seems to be little inviting for fantasy owners to consider. Once you look past McNabb, Moss, and Cooley, there’s just not much left; with the exception of wide receiver Anthony Armstrong.

The rookie receiver has really made strides this season as a playmaker with four games this season with at least 80 yards receiving; including six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown last week. On the year Armstrong has caught 31 passes for 642 yards, but only two scores. He certainly has big play potential as evident on Sunday as he consistently beat the Giants secondary downfield.

In his last two games he has had 17 targets and since week 10 he is second only to Chris Cooley (36 targets) with 29 targets. After a nice performance this past week, this Sunday will be a nice test for the rook and could ultimately determine if he is fantasy playoff worthy. If the rookie should prove his worthiness on a consistent level this week, with some favorable matchups coming up with the Cowboys (week 15) and Jaguars (week 16) he could be a diamond in the rough ready to shine.

RB-James Stark

The Green Bay Packers have been utterly crippled at the running back position this season, but they don’t let that stop them from telling everyone they are 8-4 and still in the hunt to win the NFC North. Ranked 23rd in rushing this season the Packers have been going through a complete laundry list of running backs (which includes fullback John Kuhn) trying to find the answer for replacing the injured Ryan Grant who was placed on IR back in week one.

Last Sunday against the 49ers stout 10th ranked run defense that only allows 3.6 yards per carry, the Packers may have found what they were looking for; rookie running back James Stark. In his first action this season, Starks debuted in impressive fashion with 18 carries for 73 yards on the ground. It might be a little quick to jump on this ship, but Starks 18 carries tied for the most by a Packer running back in any game this season. Another impressive note to consider, leading up to the Sunday matchup with San Francisco running back Brandon Jackson was expected to be the “main guy.” Starks was so impressive on Sunday running hard and making positive yards with every opportunity that Jackson was limited to just four carries himself.

Great expectations might be a small stretch, but Starks looks like a shiny rock ready to flash some bling-bling in the fantasy playoffs.

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 6th, 2010 Monday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

SIDNEY RICE SHOWS OLD FORM
In only his third game back from injury the Vikings receiver Sidney Rice flashed some of the that Pro Bowl form from last season making a couple circus grabs for a pair of scores on Sunday. On the day Rice finished with five receptions for 105 yards receiving to go with his two touchdown catches.
My Fantasy Read:
Rice looked like his old self making plays last Sunday. Looking ahead to the fantasy playoffs, whether it’s Favre or Jackson under center Rice looks to be a safe play the rest of the way.

BRONCOS DEFENSE SHUTS DOWN BOWE
The Broncos have not had a lot to stand up and cheer about, in particular the defense and the secondary. Over the past month the Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has been a beast terrorizing opposing defenses. On Sunday he was completely shadowed and shut down by cornerback Champ Bailey who held the Chief’s receiver without a catch. Bowe was targeted just three times and had two receptions called back, one on pass interference and the other he failed to get his feet down.
My Fantasy Read:
It was an impressive effort for Bailey and the league’s heavily scrutinized 22nd ranked pass defense. This week the Broncos will face the struggling Arizona Cardinals. With Bailey playing this well, a new quarterback under center, Larry Fitzgerald owners have cause to be concerned.

STEVIE JOHNSON STRUGGLES IN WEEK 13
The Bills breakout receiver this season came off one of his worst moments last week, dropping the game winner to playing one of his worst games this past Sunday. Johnson grabbed just passes on four targets that included one drop. The Vikings steam rolled the Bills in the first half, forcing them to become more one dimensional. Lots of pressure in the second half really disrupted the Bills ability to effective throw the ball, add five turnovers that crippled their day and it’s easy to see why the passing game struggled.
My Fantasy Read:
Johnson has been having a big season, but Sunday they were dismantled completely by their own mistakes and missed opportunities. This week Johnson and Bills passing game should be able to bounce back against the Browns 20th ranked pass defense; as long as they clean up the mistakes.

ARMSTRONG HAS BIG AFTERNOON
The Redskins 1st year receiver Anthony Armstrong has been up and down most of the season, but on Sunday he was definitely on the rise coming up with some big catches late in a game that had been long decided. Armstrong snagged six balls on 10 targets for 97 yards and a touchdown. It was only his second score of the 2010 season.
My Fantasy Read:
Over the past two weeks Armstrong has been the busiest wide receiver on the field with 17 targets, but his inconsistency could be a concern (just two grabs in week 12). The upside is the speedy wide out consistently gets open downfield and McNabb still has the arm to get him the ball. He’s a risky play, but if the matchup is right he could be nice sleeper in deeper leagues.

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

August 2nd, 2009 4:37pm PST

THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

Tarvaris Jackson goes down with strained MCL….
The Vikings quarterback suffered a mild sprain on Saturday and is listed day-to-day. Jackson is expected to battle with Sage Rosenfels for the team’s starting quarterback position. Just a fantasy note, although the injury is not considered serious, you would have to think this time missed may be just enough for Rosenfels to create some separation and win the job over Jackson.

Gonzalez lining up to fill big shoes in Indianapolis…
With Peyton Manning’s blessing according to Colts.com, it looks like the 3rd year receiver will play the flanker position (Harrison’s old spot) in the offense. There’s no mistaking Reggie Wayne will garnish the most fantasy value, but this will certainly elevate Gonzalez’s stock even more so come fantasy draft day.

Rice working his way up the charts in Baltimore…..
The Raven’s 2nd year running back has been impressive throughout the teams OTA’s and looks like a strong candidate to hold onto the starting job into the season. At 205-lbs Rice is not the biggest back, but he has shown tremendous lower-body power which could earn him a few more short-yardage touches. With Rice’s stock on the rise, McGahee’s fantasy stock continues to slide.

Marshall impressive, but could still use the work…
The Bronco’s explosive receiver has been impressive during the practices he has participated in, but needs more time on the field to learn the new offense. If the team can get things ironed out with their unhappy receiver, play the “Moss” role in McDaniels offense Marshall could be looking at a huge 2009 season.

RB Chris Wells suffer right sprained ankle during practice….
The Cardinal’s rookie running back suffered a sprained ankle during practice this past week. He’s expected to miss at least a week of practice and that could be just enough for Tim Hightower to hold court into the team’s season opener. Regardless who is the starter Wells by most counts will have the bigger upside and could eventually overtake the starting spot by mid-season.

WR Derrick Mason unretires and rejoins team….
The Raven’s veteran receiver Derrick Mason has decided not to leave the game behind and has rejoined the Ravens. He fit back into his usual possession receiver spot in the team’s passing game rotation. Mason does not offer great value in most traditional scoring leagues, but should be a decent grab in PPR leagues. His return will help quarterback Joe Flacco’s value some, but not a great deal.

RB Tomlinson says he’s 100 percent and ready….
The Charger’s starting running back says he’s not just 100% percent healthy, but he’s ready for a record setting season. If he can stay healthy, LT has an outside shot at catching Emmitt Smith’s league rushing record. If the hype is right in San Diego, due to his recent let downs over the past couple of seasons, Tomlinson is could an undervalued gem during the coming fantasy drafts.


Check back every week for more “Around the League”

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

July 5th, 2009 7:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Notes

Can Favre find Greatness Again?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By David Ortega


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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

June 8th, 2009 8:37pm PST

[Tuesday edition]

Favre Story to Reach Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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