FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Sunday Edition
October 21st, 2012  

Sunday Morning Gametime

Some quick fantasy notes for Sunday week 7, who is out there (playing today) and who is not (ruled OUT);

The Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw will play today against the Redskins and should be the focal points of the Giants 9th ranked running attack. Bradshaw is coming off back-to-back 100 yard performances; including 200 yards in week 5.

The Saints will be without tight end Jimmy Graham today, paving the way for back up Dave Thomas. Thomas has only two catches this season, so it’s a stretch to expect him to suddenly blossom into one of Brees’ go-to receivers. Graham’s absence mean Marques Colston and Lance Moore should see more targets today.

Running backs Rashard Mendenhall and Issac Redman will be sidelined tonight against the Bengals, opening the door for Jonathan Dwyer who will get the start. Dwyer has only 24 carries this season and is averaging a pedestrian 2.9 yards per carry, but does face the Bengals 21st ranked run defense tonight. Bengals have allowed 8 rushing touchdowns this season.

Running back Trent Richardson will play today versus the Colts and will wear a flak jacket to protect his injured ribs. Richardson has 340 yards rushing with four touchdowns this season and faces the Colts 29th ranked run defense. The Colts allow 159 yards on the ground and have given up 8 rushing touchdowns through six games.

The Packers tight end Jermichael Finley is expected to be on the field today versus the Rams. Last week against the Texans Finley caught just two passes for 12 yards in a game where Rodgers completed 24 for 338 (yards). Finley’s been much of a now show this season with one touchdown through six games. With so many weapons at his finger tips Rodgers is not likely to force any extra throws to his tight end today, but as always with the explosive Packers passing game Finley is always a favorite in the red zone.

The Saints will have Lance Moore back today and with Jimm Graham sidelined he could be very active right away. Moore has always been a Brees favorite in the red zone with 10 touchdowns in his last 18 games played. Moore is also second on the team this season with 19 receptions for 287 yards.

Terrell Suggs will be active today versus the Texans, but coming off his Achilles injury and not having some of the other keys players on defense his presence may only be a temporary emotional lift. The Texans have too many weapons on offense and the Ravens just may not have the horses to keep up; the Ravens defense could struggle quite a bit today.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition
October 21st, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes

It’s a bit of a stretch, wide receiver Donnie Avery could be a huge factor today against the Browns. Andrew Luck has played extremely well at home this season and play opposite wide receiver Reggie Wayne has to open some good looks for Avery. The speedy wideout is second on the team with 47 targets and is coming off a season high 12 targets.

The Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is the hot hand in big D with 21 receptions for 200 yards with two touchdowns in the team’s past two games. Bryant has been targeted 28 times and figures to remain the focal point of the passing attack, as long as he is on the field. A groin injury could make him a risky play, but he is expected in the lineup today.

The Texans playmaking wide receiver Andre Johnson has been relatively quiet this season, but today could offer a big change to that. The Ravens 22nd ranked pass defense rolls into town minus their heart and soul, lineback Ray Lewis. Even with the addition of Terrell Suggs, the Ravens defense is still in trouble without one of their best corners Lardarius Webb; Johnson could be looking at his 2012 breakout game.

The Packers offense flourished a week ago against a very tough Texans defense and not saying the Rams will fold like a house of cards, but they will have their hands more than full trying to slow Aaron Rodgers and company. A less than household name wide receiver Randall Cobb could come up as one of the catalyst to lead the Packers charge. With Jennings sidelined the past three weeks Cobb has tallied 18 receptions and 250 yards receiving on 22 targets.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 14th, 2011, Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Foster Sounds-Off, Expects to Play
Just when we thought he might be down, the Texans running back Arian Foster (hamstring) says he expects to play on Sunday after returning to practice on Wednesday. With back-up Ben Tate running effective last weekend against the Colts, if Foster does play he could see his workload tapered back a bit this week against the Dolphins. It’s hard to sit your studs and fantasy owners would have to figure if Foster is out there, he’s healthy enough to produce.

Roddy White remains the Favorite
Despite all the hype surrounding the arrival of rookie wide receiver Julio Jones in Atlanta, it appears fantasy owners can take solice in knowing that Roddy White remains the number one. On Sunday against the Bears, White was targeted a team high 13 times (tied for most targets in week 1). Jones will see his share going forward, but White is still quarterback Matt Ryans’ favorite.

IDP Notes

Sugar Ray is “Sweet” as Ever
This may be his 16th season in the league, but Raven’s linebacker Ray Lewis is playing as sweet as ever. Against the Steelers on Sunday Lewis turned in a gem with six tackles, including one for a loss, one forced fumble, and a pick as the defense was just dominant. As long as he remains healthy, Lewis looks solid in the middle and a great fantasy play against the Titans in week two.

Suggs is a Beast on Sunday
There was no one who was badder, and no one who was better than the Ravens’ defensive end Terrell Suggs. The former Arizona State Sun Devil dominated the line of scrimmage this past Sunday recording three sacks (leads the NFL) and two forced fumbles. He could have another stellar game against a Titan’s offensive line that struggled last week and yielded a pair of sacks.

Just my Tuesday takes.

By David Ortega

FSH: IDP NOTES

September 22nd, 2009 10:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football just for all of the IDP Nation….

IDP News From Across the Wire…

Gary Brackett, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Gary Brackett suffered an undisclosed injury late in the fourth quarter of Monday night's game at Miami, according to the Indianapolis Star.
My Fantasy Read on Brackett: The Colts middle linebacker has been steady in the middle thus far racking up 17 total tackles. The Colts can’t afford to lose him for any extended period and fantasy owners love his production….

Jermaine Phillips, S, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
According to the St. Petersburg Times, the Bucs have placed Jermaine Phillips in injured reserve with a broken thumb.
My Fantasy Read on Phillips: The loss will hurt the Buc’s secondary which is already thin, but Phillips real lost value was going to come in week 5 when he was expected to move to linebacker. Owners will have to plan for the future….

Justin Tuck, DE, New York Giants
According to the Newark Star-Ledger, Justin Tuck is still questionable to start in the Giants Week 3 matchup with the Bucs.
My Fantasy Read on Tuck: The Giant’s defensive end is suffering from the shoulder injury he sustained when he was tripped in Sunday Night’s epic battle with the Cowboys. Tuck is a highly productive end, if he plays even at less than 100 percent he should be able to give owners something…..

Kelvin Hayden, CB, Indianapolis Colts
Kelvin Hayden suffered an undisclosed injury in the fourth quarter of Monday night's game at Miami, according to the Indianapolis Star
My Fantasy Read on Hayden: The Colts can’t afford to have another starter missing on defense. Hayden is a solid covering corner, but he needs to stay on the field. His recent healthy woes have made him a risky IDP play and now it looks like he’s dinged up again….

Terrell Suggs, DE, Baltimore Ravens
Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun is reporting that Ravens' linebacker Terrell Suggs may be out of shape. Suggs was not effective in the first half of Sunday's game, and he didn't play much in the second half.
My Fantasy Read on Suggs: Normally a big playmaker and IDP especial Suggs does look a little off, but note he’s still being productive with 1.5 sacks on Sunday. If he’s out of shape, with playing he will only get better. Owners keep him in your lineups…..

Lawrence Timmons, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Lawrence Timmons is progressing in his recovery from a sprained ankle, and head coach Mike Tomlin stated that the linebacker should be able to play in a full capacity in Week 3 at Cincinnati, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
My Fantasy Read on Timmons: The third year linebacker is expected to add more playmaking ability to an already talented unit. While his production was modest last week, expect bigger things on Sunday. If he’s available, he’s worth a waiver wire pick up….

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411…..

FSH: FANTASY MONDAY MAYHEM

August 24th, 2009 11:37pm PST

Monday Mayhem

The fantasy season is merely around the corner and somewhere in a mid-west town there are a group of guys, tossing a few back cold-ones, sifting through the latest magazines, and toiling over their next pick in their fantasy draft. This is not unlike what many of us just experienced this past weekend, but in this draft we are not just talking about Tom Brady or Larry Fitzgerald. In this draft, we are ditching the team concept and it’s all about the “me.” There may not be any “I’s” in team, but there is a big one in “IDP.”

Like their offensive counterparts, IDPs offer another intriguing aspect of the fantasy game that has become so popular. What makes these Gridiron Galdiators so much fun to watch, is their enthusiasm to make the big plays and destroy the Tom Bradys of the league. Like the “big-catch”, perhaps the second most exciting play in the game is the “big-hit.”

It’s no coincidence that the biggest fantasy IDP studs are also some of the league biggest and most fierce hitters. 2009 will not be short of it’s share of big hits, Malachi crunches, and quarterback sandwiches and leading the way will be our list of the “Nasty Boys” of the NFL, otherwise known as this year’s IDP Studs!


2009 IDP Studs

Last season may be best described as the “Year of the Linebacker” with many rising to the top of the IDP Nation. Players like Harrison, Ware, Lewis, and Porter led a huge surge of defensive playmakers that will once again reign supreme in the trenches in 2009. Fantasy owners engaging in more custom style leagues that include IDPs can expect to see linebackers dominate the boards early. A big pass rushing defensive end may also draw some early attention, but hard hitting safeties will find their way toward the top as well;


Top 10 Linebackers

1. Ware, Demarcus DAL LB
2. Jackson, D'Qwell CLE LB
3. Harrison, James PIT LB
4. Willis, Patrick SFO LB
5. Ruud, Barrett TBB LB
6. Beason, Jon CAR LB
7. Dansby, Karlos ARI LB
8. Briggs, Lance CHI LB
9. Lewis, Ray BAL LB
10. James, Bradie DAL LB

Top 10 Defensive Backs

1. Wilson, Gibril OAK S
2. Weddle, Eric SDC S
3. Woodson, Charles GBP CB
4. Collins, Nick GBP S
5. Reed, Edward BAL S
6. Atogwe, Oshiomogho STL S
7. Gamble, Chris CAR CB
8. Winfield, Antoine MIN CB
9. Wilson, Josh SEA CB
10. Bell, Yeremiah MIA S

Top 10 Defensive Lineman

1. Suggs, Terrell BAL DE
2. Tuck, Justin NYG DE
3. Allen, Jared MIN DE
4. Mathis, Robert IND DE
5. Cole, Trent PHI DE
6. Smith, Justin SFO DE
7. Peppers, Julius CAR DE
8. Abraham, John ATL DE
9. Ogunleye, Adewale CHI DE
10. Williams, Mario HOU DE
    

Players of notable mention that should be kept on your 2009 radar will include; LB-Shawne Merriman, DL-OSI Umenyiora, and LB-DJ Williams. All three had their 2008 seasons cut prematurely, but all figure prominently this coming year.

Remember to check back for more "Fantasy Monday Mayhem!"

FSH: IDP NOTES

July 14th, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

The strong never sleep, so for those that can keep up with the “what is happening” around the league, here’s more football for all of the IDP Nation….

DL TERRELL SUGGS SIGNs LONG TERM DEAL
My Fantasy Read: The Raven’s locked up one of the leagues best defensive playmakers on Wednesday when they signed Terrell Suggs to a long-term (six-year) deal. Suggs was solid in 2008 with more than 50 solo tackles and eight sacks, to go with two interceptions. His nine passes-defensed also showed his versatility as a three down defensive player. As long as he is a Raven he’ll remain a fantasy favorite and 2009 should be another solid season for IDP owners.

CB DARIUS BUTLER SIGNS WITH PATRIOTS
My Fantasy Read: The 2nd round rookie signed a four-year deal with the team and will join a busy secondary with the likes of Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden. Butler has been impressive throughout the mini-camps, but will need to make noise this summer to be a factor on the field and in fantasy this season. He might need a little seasoning for most IDP leagues.

DL KEVIN WILLIAMS FATE STILL IN LIMBO
My Fantasy Read: The Vikings immovable mountain in the middle is still awaiting a conclusion to his four-game suspension case. Currently his hearing has been delayed until July 22nd. He along with teammate Pat Williams will have to wait until then to learn their fate, if a decision is reached. A big turning point to this whole situation could be the involvement of other major sports weighing in on the behalf of the NFL. Right now it’s not looking too good for the William’s boys to avoid the four game penalty, something fantasy owners will have to consider in the many upcoming fantasy drafts.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football 411……