FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

April 19th, 2010 9:57pm PST

[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle

Movement, Movement, Movement

Again with the recent headlines (last week) circulating from the world of football there has been more changes that will have a big impact on the coming fantasy season. This past week the wide receiver position has been the pick of the litter and with that, there could be more to come.

Recent Moves...
The last couple of weeks there have been some big moves made in the NFL, some surprising and others not so much, but either way these moves are going to have a big impact on fantasy going forward.

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers needing some damage control unloaded their former Super Bowl MVP wide receiver Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets. Holmes was dealt for only a 5th round pick, undoubtedly it was a business decision to move forward without the risky proposition (Holmes) who will face a four game suspension at the start of the 2010 season. A new home, a new quarterback, and a suspension will no doubt hurt Holmes fantasy value greatly at fantasy drafts, but owners mustn’t forget his 79 catches and 1,200 yards in 2009. Lining up with Edwards and Cotchery, Santonio could be a huge second half play this coming season.

In Denver the Broncos finally say good-bye to their two time Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall (three straight seasons with at least 100 receptions). While the move could be heavily criticized, it appeared to be the best for all concerned; Marshall wanted out and the Broncos wanted to move on. Denver dealt the outspoken receiver to the Dolphins for a pair of second round picks (one this season, one in 2011) and could be looking to make a run at one of the top WR draft prospects in this year's draft. With Marshall moving south to the sunshine state (Florida) his stock may take a slight hit, but quarterback Chad Henne could see a rise in his value. Henne comes off a season where he threw 12 touchdowns. Last season Marshall had 10 alone. It would be safe to expect to see Henne improve his numbers this coming season.

Players to watch...

With the draft now just days away, don't expect activity in the NFL to slow down. Just Monday the Broncos continued to stay busy trading tight end Tony Scheffler away to the Lions as part of a three team deal that included the Eagles. The Broncos received a 5th round pick (from the Eagles), while the Lions sent Ernie Sims to Philly in exchange for the acquisition of Scheffler.

This was just some early movement for draft week, but a couple of names to keep on your radar with the draft coming up quickly would include; Jets running Leon Washington (signed tender), Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell (rumored to be on trade block), Bear's tight end Greg Olsen (not happy in windy city), and surprise, surprise (according to ESPN's Adam Schefter) the Dolphin's running back Ronnie Brown. This of course is all speculation, but as the draft approaches, we could see conversations heat up and rumors fly. Stay tuned for the NFL draft 2010.

by David Ortega

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FSH: WHAT'S THE LATEST

April 19th, 2010 11:07pm PST

What's the Latest

Marshall goes to Miami...

Well it came as little surprise the trading of Brandon Marshall (10 touchdowns in 2009), but how quickly it was done and to whom he was traded may have raised a few eyebrows. Marshall (10 touchdowns in 2009) had lobbied last season (with Denver) for a trade and last week the Broncos obliged by trading the two-time Pro Bowl receiver to Miami for a pair of second round picks.

For the Dolphins they acquire a legit go-to receiver and raise the fantasy stock value of their 3rd year quarterback Chad Henne. Last season Henne through just 12 touchdowns, but with Marshall's large frame that should instantly add a few more to the total for 2010.

Niners pick up Ginn...

With the arrival of Marshall to Miami, it became time for the Phins to part ways with wide receiver Tedd Ginn Jr. The Dolphins already had Ginn on the block, but once they pulled the trigger on other deal this move was much easier to execute. The Niners gave a 5th round pick for Ginn and get not only some added depth at the receiver spot, but some playmaking ability on special teams.

Ginn is an exceptional special teams talent. In three seasons with the Dolphins he has three returns for touchdowns, including two in 2009. He will add a dimension to the Niners that was missing last season. He also has the talent and ability to challenge for the starting job opposite wide receiver Crabtree.

Big Ben likely to face punishment...

Despite no criminal charges being filed, the whole sticky mess that Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has gotten himself into will cost him dearly. According to "The National Football Post" NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said today that Big Ben has violated the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Big Ben was under investigation for allegedly sexually assaulting a 20-year old Georgia woman. He was not charged, but is now likely to face a league suspension for his involvement with the whole incident. There has yet to be any speculation for the length of the penalty, but considering the sensitivity and nature of this particular situation four games would not come as a surprise.

The Washington Post is reporting the suspension could come down as early as Wednesday.


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FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

June 2nd, 2009 8:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

OTAs, OTAs, OTAs, with so much minicamp activity, sure there’s plenty to talk about. Did you see what Harvin is doing in Minnesota? Did you hear about Larry Fitz? Don’t worry he’s okay, but with so much happening around the league, here’s my take on a little sumthin, sumthin…..

My Take...

QB VINCE YOUNG NOT HAPPY IN TENNESSEE
My Fantasy Read: Recently the Titan’s former starting quarterback told a TV station in Baltimore that he’d like to move on if he’s not the starter this season. Amazing that he would feel so brazen to make such a statement, not what you would expect from a player that has been somewhat of a disappointment so far as a pro. Young had shown promise early in his career starting 28 games in his first two seasons, but with Collins resigned and just one start last seasons, fantasy owners are going to have to wait awhile before we see the old Young.

RB LEON WASHINGTON REPORTS TO CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The dynamic special teams returner and backup running back reported to the Jet’s minicamp on Monday. Washington in the final year of his rookie deal is looking for a new contract. It is expected the team will eventually sit down with the kid, but it’s a better move to be in camp than away. Washington had 200 touches last season and totaled 2,336 all-purpose yards. With Thomas Jones getting older, “little” Leon could see an expanded role in the running and short passing game, making him one of the more attractive backups in fantasy.

WR TEDD GINN JR GREATLY IMPROVING THIS OFFSEASON
My Fantasy Read: There are some reports coming out of the Dolphins camp that Ginn Jr has been especially impressive this offseason during team OTAs. Last season Ginn Jr showed flashes as the team’s most talented and gifted receiver. In his first full season as the team’s number one wideout, Ginn Jr led the Dolphins in many of its’ receiving statistical categories. He looks like a solid bet to be even better in 2009 and can be a top-twenty five producer in most fantasy leagues at the receiver position.

WR CHAD OCHOCINCO LOOKING FOR AN UNBELIEVABLE 2009
My Fantasy Read: Just when you thought he might be done, just ask him and he’ll tell you; just like he told the NFL Network he plans to report to the Bengals in unbelievable form. Despite a down year in 2008, Ochocino is still a talented wideout with a lot of great catches left. One of the biggest contributing factors to his fall from football glory was the absence of his field general Carson Palmer. With a healthy Palmer back, Ochocinco could be one of the bigger steals in upcoming fantasy drafts.

RB PIERRE THOMAS EXPECTING TO CARRY THE LOAD
My Fantasy Read: With Deuce McAllister now gone, it appears the lead role as the Saints starting running back belongs to Pierre Thomas. In his two seasons with the Saints, the 5-foot eleven inch running back has averaged 4.8-yards per carry and scored 10 rushing touchdowns. Thomas is confident that he can fulfill the role as the team’s ground and pound runner. Even though he’ll be sharing some touches with the spectacular Reggie Bush, when given the opportunity Thomas can be a solid and consistent weekly play for fantasy owners.


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