FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 19th 2017

Tuesday Evening Edition

My Week 2 Takes (Fantasy Recap)

(Week 2 Fallout)

Well I bought into Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford last week, but unfortunately he wasn't selling anything on Sunday; Bradford sat out week 2 with a knee injury. A loss for fantasy owners as his receivers (Thielen & Diggs) were not the same in absence of Bradford. Backup quarterback Case Keenum was admirable on Sunday, but just not to the level or as efficient as that of week 1 Bradford.

Like week 1 there were quite a number of attention grabbers, concerns, mysteries, and plenty of take notice.

The attention grabbers would include; Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz has two 300-yard passing games to start the season, the Broncos run defense holding Ezekiel Elliott to just  8 rushing yards on 9 carries, and Cardinals wide receiver JJ Nelson has scored in each of the first two weeks.

A couple Week 2 concerns would include the Seahawks & Giants offenses. In Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson (No.20 fantasy quarterback) is off to a slow start having thrown just one touchdown pass in the first two weeks and only completing 56 percent of his passes (lowest of his career).

In New York it looks worse with the Giants having scored just 13 points in two games. Only the Bengals and Niners are worse. That is not good company to keep. And in the center of this is quarterback Eli Manning who really looks like a fish out of water at the moment. His slide is having a horrific impact on his pass catchers; WR Sterling Shepard leads the group with just 9 grabs and 67 yards, rookie tight end Evan Engram has the only score. Right now the entire offense is a must avoid until further notice.

A mystery of week 2 is the disappearance of Titans running back DeMarco Murray; 10 touches on Sunday, just 28 total yards. Through two weeks Murray has 24 touches totaling 69 rushing yards and 19 receiving yards. Apparently Murray is nursing a nagging hamstring injury that is likely to keep him slowed for a while. What else may keep Murray slowed for a while is back up Derrick Henry. The Titans other running back tore loose for 92 yards on Sunday and will be expected to soak up the bulk of the carries for the meantime until Murray is healthy.

Recapping the rest of week 2, here are five things that we learned;

#1.

You have to wonder, was Trevor Siemian listening to Peyton Manning and was he really paying attention? Last season it would have been an easy answer, no. But on Sunday Siemian showed a lot more, which has to make you think, "Oh right!

Mike McCoy is calling plays now." He was the mastermind that tinkered with Tim Tebow and he also helped Peyton Manning begin his comeback tour in 2012. Whatever deficiencies we saw in Siemian last season, McCoy might just be the mentor to help him overcome and succeed this season. After two weeks, I'd have to say they are on the right track and Siemian is roster worthy is larger leagues (14-16 teams).

#2.

After watching the Patriots dismantle the Saints defense on Sunday, it quickly became obvious that running back Mike Gillislee is more than just short-yardage or the LeGarrette Blount role. Gillislee is the primary ball carrier in the offense, dominating the backfield with 18 carries on Sunday; next closest was Dion Lewis with 4 rushing attempts. James White, Rex Burkhead, and Dion Lewis will continue to rotate in and out of the passing game, but Gillislee is the back to own in most formats. In PPR, I may give the nod to White, leads backfield with 13 targets and 11 receptions.

#3.

Is it time to move on from Adrian Peterson, is a question I read yesterday and I just thought I'd give my take; absolutely. We've seen enough in two weeks to see there is no package in place in the New Orleans that fits Peterson's skill set. He's not only not being utilized, he's not getting on the field. Out of a possible 127 offensive snaps, Peterson has only been on the field 24 times (roughly 19%); time to move on.

#4.

There's a candy in Denver or at least a Now and Later. After two weeks, it's apparent in Denver running back CJ Anderson is the "Now." He's been solid rushing for 199 yards and averaging 4.4 yards per carry thus far. He's currently the No.5 fantasy running back in PPR. And while he's looked solid, his backup Jamaal Charles has also looked good as the change of pace. In limited touches Charles has gained 86 yards rushing at 4.5 yards a clip. As long as he remains healthy, Charles has a great chance at becoming the Later in the Broncos rushing offense (especially as well as the line is playing). CJ is a current RB1 now and must-start. Charles is someone to watch and worthy of a roster spot in deeper leagues.

#5.

Tom Brady is King. As if we all didn't already know this. Well in case some forgot or started to believe he was beginning to lose his fight with father time afer a week one loss, Brady showed everyone once again why he is the G.O.A.T. On the road, in the SuperDome, squaring off against one of the league’s best passers (Drew Brees), Brady made his case as the best completing 77 percent of his passes and throwing for 447 yards, while tossing three touchdowns in the Patriots week 2 road win. Brady is still King.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Tuesday Edition

August 14th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

The NFL Returns: Fantasy Football is Back

The Pre-Season is Here

With replacement referees on hand and one week in the books the NFL is back and with it Fantasy Football. Sure it’s only the preseason and it may be early, but it’s not too early to start talking fantasy football. If you check out the internet, you can catch mock-drafts galore and plenty of cheat sheets for your league’s upcoming draft. And for some fantasy drafts never come early.

When camps opened just a few short weeks ago, that was just a teaser to whet the appetite. With games now being played and a chance to view some of our favorite players, the fantasy faithful mouths are watering and we are ready for some football.

The 2012 campaign is well under way and as with each new season come new questions, especially for the fantasy world as we prepare for our upcoming drafts.

Just a few questions some may be asking;

Can Denver be the new Peyton’s Place?

My Take: So far the risk looks like it could pay off huge in 2012. Peyton Manning has been looking strong, especially for a guy that took a year off, but to keep things in perspective we have not seen a large enough sample to make a complete assessment. He does however, look good and appear to be heading in the right direction.

How will the arrival of Tebow impact the Jets?

My Take: The Jets are hoping to cash in on some big pay-offs, especially in the red-zone, but that’s no secret. Tebow was not regarded as much of a passer in Denver, yet he was still able to find pay-dirt on the ground.

Which Rookie will have the greatest impact?

My Take: RGII and Andrew Luck would appear to be the popular picks and after watching their first preseason performances, there’s much to be excited about. It’s still too early to decide, but either way, these two are likely to be later round fantasy picks for most (if selected at all).

Can Rodgers repeat in 2012?

My Take: There’s enough evidence to believe that Rodgers will produce strong numbers in 2012, but you have to keep things in perspective; 4,600 yards, 48 total touchdowns (45 pass/3run) and just six turnovers last season was ridiculous. He’ll post similar yardage (maybe more), but his 45-6 ratio will be a tough act to follow; more like 38-9.

How will Payton’s absence affect Brees?

My Take: The Saints have been hit hard this off-season by the league with suspensions, but even without the normal captain of the ship, Brees and company should be fine. Last Season Head Coach Sean Payton missed some time and spent a number of games in the booth, leaving Brees with the keys to the offense. Coming off his record setting season, I think Brees is going to be just fine driving the Saints offensive machine again in 2012.

Will Moss or Owens be relevant in 2012?

My Take: I am sure this is not a burning question for too many, but just a couple of thoughts; in San Francisco even if Moss is looking good and has regained some of that old form, it’s still quarterback Alex Smith under center. That’s a tough knock, but Smith has been around a while and we’ve yet to see anything to indicate all he needs is a big-time receiver. And at 35 after a year off, would you still call Randy big-time?

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 21st, 2011 Friday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Is it Tebow Time in Fantasy?
The consensus in Denver may suggest yes it is Tebow time, but if you are a fantasy owner with options you may want to steer the conservative route for the moment. After watching quarterback Tim Teebow inject some life into the Broncos offense two weeks ago, it’s not a long stretch to think he could have a big impact this week in Florida. There will be a lot of pressure going back to Florida so his passing numbers could suffer a bit, but he’s a gamer and will more than likely make it up with his legs. He’s probably better served on your bench for now, but if you had Kyle Orton and need a spark this week too, maybe it is Tebow time.

Carson Palmer unlikely to Start
After six months with a TV clicker in his hand it would be a stretch to expect quarterback Carson Palmer to walk right on the field and have a huge positive impact. This is likely why the Raiders appear to be pulling back the reigns a bit. The most recent update is suggesting that Palmer is not expected to start against the Chiefs on Sunday. This makes great sense with a week 8 bye coming up, the extra time would allow Palmer to get closer to football shape, learn the system and quickly develop some rapport with his receivers. He could be a good stash, but fantasy owners won’t likely see any return on this investment for several weeks.

Where does Brandon Lloyd rank now?
With Sam Bradford iffy for Sunday, I still wouldn’t worry too much about wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. The former Bronco is familiar with McDaniels system and should be on the field plenty against the Cowboys. The Rams aerial attacking has been lacking all season and Lloyd is definitely a huge upgrade. It’s a lot to ask for a huge game out of the gate, but Lloyd should be good for a decent outing and might even find the end-zone against the Cowboys secondary (especially if Bradford plays).

Is Kyle Boller Fantasy worthy?
There are too many available options ahead of Kyle Boller to consider if you need a quarterback this week in fantasy. With the Carson Palmer ERA on hold for the moment, the Raiders are going to try and not let Boller lose their matchup with Kansasy City this week, so they will likely be featuring a heavy-run game-plan. Running back Darren McFadden (must-start) and Michael Bush (a good flex option) should see plenty of action on Sunday.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 11th, 2011 Friday

David’s Daily Digest

The Most Notable Fantasy Players of 2010

I am just continuing with my takes on some of 2010s’ most notable fantasy players. These are the studs that raised eyebrows, caught our attention, and will be part of the chatter come fantasy draft 2011.

QB-Matt Ryan
The Falcons third year quarterback really came of age in 2010 passing for over 3,700 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions. His 91.0 passer rating along with his other significant passing numbers (yards, TDs) including completion percentage were all career highs. Ryan raised the level of his play this past season and has clearly taken a huge step toward the top tier of fantasy quarterbacks in league. He’s a top 10 gunslinger in 2011.

QB-Kyle Orton
The Bronco’s signal caller had a breakout 2010 season in his own right. Orton was well on his way to setting career highs in yards passing, touchdowns and passer rating if not for injuries and a sudden change of gears at the end of the regular season. Orton finished the season having started just 13 games, had he started all sixteen he could have easily posted some huge fantasy numbers. With Tebow part of the “starting quarterback in Denver” conversation and talks of trade, Orton’s stock value will remain on the decline. Fantasy owners will have to re-evaluate once the camp opens and we see what the plan is with Orton.

TE-Marcedes Lewis
Last season the Jaguars’tight end finally came of age as a real primary pass receiving threat, especially in the red-zone. Lewis set career high in receptions (58), yards (700), and led the club with 10 touchdown grabs (ranked tied for 1st in the league for TE’s). He also finished the season as a top five fantasy tight end. He will definitely be valued much higher in 2011 than he was last summer; with his size and skill Lewis is a legit top 10 fantasy tight end.

TE-Rob Gronkowski
The Patriots traded their deep threat receiver Randy Moss in the early parts of the 2010 season and found a star in their rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski. The rookie was even expected to be their number one pass receiving tight end, but by year’s end he was playing like it. Gronkowski finished his 1st season catching 42 balls for 546 yards and 10 touchdowns (tied for the most touchdowns for TE’s). With the Patriots loving their two tight end sets, Gronkowski shouldn’t have too much trouble replicating these numbers in 2011; his catches and yards were a little down for fantasy numbers, but he’s still a top 15 fantasy tight end.

TE-Jacob Tamme
Another player that turned a few heads in 2010 was the Colts 3rd year tight end Jacob Tamme. The Colts back up emerged from the unknown when starter Dallas Clark went down with a season ending injury. Clark is a great talent at the position, but the kid (Tamme) did an admirable job filling for the injured veteran. Tamme caught 67 balls for 631 yards and scored four times. Tamme is now on the map and his stock has risen, but with Clark expected to return at some point next season it’s not a stock worth investing heavily. Tammeis more than a capable backup, but that’s exactly what it looks like he’ll be in 2011; he’s a late round fantasy pickup for now.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 22nd, 2010 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

AARON RODGERS RETURNS, BUT A BIG RISK
With this being championship weekend in most fantasy formats, now is not the time to be taking chances. The exception may be when you are talking about a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers; you just might have to roll the dice. This is exactly what the Packers may be facing this week as well with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Rodgers makes his return after missing one game because of a concussion suffered in week 14. His return is good news for Green Bay, but he will be facing one of the league’s toughest pass rushes (Giants). Rodgers has thrown 23 touchdowns this season, but he has also been sacked 27 times.
My Fantasy Read:
Rodgers when healthy is among the best quarterbacks in the league, but with two concussions already this season another hard hit could easily land him back on the bench. He’s a risky play against the Giants (42 sacks) this week, but one that is well worth it.

JACOBY FORD SEEING MORE ACTION
The Raiders speedy receiver has shown big play capability throughout the season and last Sunday against the Broncos was just another example. Ford took an end around run 71 yards to the house to help elevate the Raiders to a 39-23 win. Ford’s workload has been somewhat up and down this season but last week the rookie was targeted five times, caught three balls for 47 yards to go with his long touchdown run.
My Fantasy Read:
Ford is starting to see a steady diet of looks and touches each week. He has only 22 catches this season, but seven are for 20 yards or more. He has three total touchdowns this season and is averaging nearly 19 yards per catch. As explosive as this kid is (two pass plays over 45 yards, 71 yard touchdown run) he can only get better.

BRANDON LLOYD SHOULD BE A SAFE PLAY
The Tebow experiment is well under way and while it may not have been a complete success, it was not all that bad, especially for Brandon Lloyd fantasy owners. Tebow only threw 16 passes in the game, but the good news for owners five went to Lloyd. The Broncos’ top receiver would finish Sunday with four catches for 79 yards and a very fortunate 33 yard touchdown reception.
My Fantasy Read:
With Tebow under center Lloyd is not going to scare any opposing fantasy owners, but still he should remain a safe play this week against the Texans 32nd ranked secondary. With a game under his belt, expect Tebow to put the ball in the air a few more times this Sunday and we know where he will be looking (Lloyd).

JONATHAN STEWART COULD STRUGGLE THURSDAY
The Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart has been running ragged over the past several weeks averaging 115 yards rushing per game over his last four. Stewart has also been seeing plenty of work with 78 carries in his last four games. Last Sunday against the Cardinals was his best game of the season with 137 yards on 27 carries.
My Fantasy Read:
Stewart has been hot of late, but he has also been facing some of the bottom half ranked run defenses; Cards-30th, Browns-25th, Seahawks-21st. Thursday night he’ll face the league’s best run defense (Steelers) that has not allowed a single 100-yard rusher this season. The Patriots BenJarvus Green-Ellis’ 87 yards in week 10 is the best any runner has done this season against the Steel-Curtain.

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

December 20th, 2010, Monday

Monday Morning Huddle
(Late Evening Edition)

The week 15 experiment didn’t go so well for most teams that were forced to making a quarterback change; Matt Flynn, Rex Grossman, and Tim Tebow all lost their first starts of the 2010 season. Such is the way of the NFL as injuries will always play a big part, but in Denver through defeat comes hope and maybe a glimpse of the future. While Tebow did not win in his debut as a starter, he may have won enough faith in his staff to give him another look; a look at what could possibly be the promise of what is to come?

Maybe, maybe not…

Top Stories

Are the Broncos Ushering in the Future?
It was a little bit of the good, the bad, and the ugly on Sunday when rookie quarterback Tim Tebow made his first start of his NFL career. Although it wasn’t a victory, it’s safe to say it was not a total loss either.

Tebow had an ugly looking 40 yard quarterback keeper, aided by some poor tackling for a touchdown in the first half of Sunday’s matchup against the Raiders. Later in the half he also had an bad looking balloon pass that fell right into the arms of Brandon Lloyd in the back right corner of the end-zone for another score.

Now for some of the good, Tebow did not commit a single turnover on Sunday while completing 8 of 16 passes for 138 yards. The former Florida Gator (Tebow) also took fans back to his college days showing off his running skills while he scampered his way to 78 yards on the ground.

It was not the most prolific performance by a quarterback, but clearly Tebow did add a much needed spark to the offense (23 points). It was enough to impress the coaches and earn a second start, but if the Broncos are hopeful of different results they must open up the playbook and let Tebow play.

With running back Knowshon Moreno questionable for week 16, unless the coaching staff is willing to take off the handcuffs (from Tebow), aside from there quarterback wide receiver Brandon Lloyd (4 catches, 79 yards in week 15) appears to be the only safe fantasy play next Sunday against the Texans.

Just my thoughts.

Fantasy Spotlight

After all the flack this guy took in the media, in the pre-game shows, criticism all week long, and from all of the guys at the NFL Network, this week’s fantasy shout out has to go to Redskin’s quarterback Rex Grossman. On Sunday against the Cowboys, he did a whole lot more than anyone would have given him credit for before the start of the game.

It didn’t all start out pretty for Grossman on Sunday. On the Redskins second possession already trailing in the game 3-0, Grossman was intercepted on an ill-advised throw. That would not be the only bad throw he would make the rest of the game, but the Redskins quarterback would finish the game completing 25 of 43 passes for 322 yards and four touchdowns before he was threw.

The Redskins would fall behind by as much as 27-7, before Grossman would rally the troops and throw three second half scores to tie the game up at 30. While it was a nice statistical game in the box score and for fantasy owners, it should also be noted it was a typical Grossman game; he led his team to four touchdowns and 30 points, but also had three turnovers and they lost.

He’s our Fantasy Spotlight Player of the Week!

Diamonds in the Rough

RB-LeGarrette Blount

Clearly it’s safe to say that rookie running back LeGarrett Blount is no longer a secret. After five straight starts, three 100-yard games this season, 164 carries, and 777 yards rushing he’s working his way up the fantasy boards for 2011. Blount wasn’t even a consideration when the season started and didn’t see his first action until the third week of the season. After seven weeks of play, he had only toted the pill 21 times in three appearances. Since that time he has caught the fantasy world by storm averaging nearly 85 yards rushing per game and 4.7 yards per carry. Blount was a relative unknown buried on the Bucs depth chart when the 2010 fantasy season, but looks to be their starting tailback for 2011 fantasy season (if there is no lockout).

WR-Mike Williams

Like his teammate (Blount), rookie wide receiver Mike Williams has made the most of opportunity this season. Williams didn’t waste any time turning heads as early as the Bucs training this season, and though he has had some ups and downs, he has remained a relatively consistent option in the passing game. Williams has started all 14 games for the Bucs this season while collecting 58 balls and scoring eight touchdowns. As he and 2nd year quarterback Josh Freeman continue to develop their rapport and improve their chemistry, Williams has a chance to become a star in the league. Looking ahead to next season’s fantasy draft, Williams is going to be a much earlier pick for owners as he continues to improve and impress.

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

December 13th, 2010, Monday

Monday Morning Huddle
(Evening Edition)

Monday mornings at the watercooler always offer a football fan time to reflect and discuss with their colleagues and other fellow fans the events of the past weekend and an indepth look back at the full slate of NFL games just played. No one can dissect and evaluate NFL Sunday, better than the fan. Their loyalty, undying devotion, and willingness to always support their team helps the avid football fan to maintain an less than objective and unbiased opinion about any football related subject that concerns their team.

….And if you think they are bad, try listening to a fantasy football owner, it’s easy to see where their loyalty lies. There is only one “I” on my fantasy football team; me.

Top Stories

The Loss of Aaron Rogers Could Be Huge.
On Sunday the Packer’s not only lost their game to the Detroit Lions, but during the contest they lost their starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Packer’s signal caller was took a hard hit on a scramble and then suffered another jolting hit on a sack the following play, Rodgers left the game with an apparent concussion, his second of the season.

While the injury itself did not look too severe, this being the second time Rodgers was knocked out of a game this season has to raise some concerns for the organization which now must wait for Rodgers to undergo some standard protocol testing and evaluation before he can be medically cleared to return to action.

If you are the Packers, there has to be much to be concerned about with the potential loss of Rodgers. On Sunday the team was unable to muster any real scoring threats and managed just one field goal for the day without Rodgers. This is not good news for a Packer’s team that still trails the Chicago Bears in the NFC North division race. It does not get any better for fantasy owners counting on Rodgers or any one of his receiving threats (Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and James Jones) to help them move deeper into the fantasy playoffs.

In the absence of Rodgers on Sunday, none of the Packers’ receivers were very productive and now look to be high risk plays without their starter. It also goes without saying if you own Rodgers, Matt Flynn may not exactly look like the best answer as a possible replacement; better check the wire and look elsewhere.

Just my take.

Even Tim Tebow Can’t Help Studesville and The Broncos.
The good news for fantasy owners, it sounds like the Bronco’s interim head coach Eric Studesvilles has no intention of making a quarterback change; he’ll stick with Orton. After watching the Broncos starter Kyle Orton play the last couple of weeks that may not necessarily be the best news, but it may be the only alternative for now.

Orton and the Broncos offense have slumped the past couple of weeks scoring just 19 points in their past two games. Orton has only completed 28 of his last 69 passes and this past Sunday he added three picks. As a result of his poor play, not only have the Broncos been losing, but fantasy favorite wide receiver Brandon Lloyd has struggled with fewer chances and a few drops.

Fantasy owners can hope the two will very soon snap out of this slump, but any thoughts connected to ushering in the so-called second coming from Florida as the answer is nothing less than reaching for the stars. A change now would likely be more detrimental to the offense and it would likely have an unfavorable affect on some of the Bronco’s key offensive skill players; Lloyd, Eddie Royal, and Knowshon Moreno.

Tim Tebow may have been the Bronco’s 1st round pick, but he has not seen much action this season playing back-up behind Orton. Inserting him at this point of the season might be more like serving him to the wolves. There’s a huge learning curve going from the collegiate level to the NFL, so to expect anyone (including Tebow) to step on the field and have instant success is far-fetched.

For some folks it may makes sense to make the switch to Tebow thinking he is the future, but that is probably something best figured out this coming off season. At this point for an interim coach trying to make an impression to either keep this job or be considered for one in the future, the safe move may be sticking with Orton for the time being; for fantasy owners hopeful of something more from the Denver offense it’s probably the only move.

Just my thoughts.

Fantasy Spotlight

There were a lot of fantastic performances over this past weekend; Tom Brady passing for 369 yards in a blizzard, Jason Witten’s two touchdowns catches on Sunday night, and DeSean Jackson’s 210 yards receiving on four grabs, but the one that stands out above the rest was the performance of the Raiders running back Darren McFadden.

Entering Sunday’s matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars McFadden star was beginning to shine bright again after seeming to have dimmed a bit in recent weeks. In weeks 11 and 12 McFadden hit a dry spell not scoring once or totaling more than 71yards of offense in each of the two games, but in week 13 the spark returned.

The timing could not be better with most fantasy leagues heading into their post season action starting in week 14. Even if fantasy owners were starting to get discouraged with McFadden, his effort of 127 yards of offense against the Chargers had to be enough to turn the light green and roll with him into your league playoffs.

For the fantasy owner the payoff could not have been any bigger regardless what format you play. McFadden was a one man wrecking crew and his performance undoubtedly won several fantasy league matchups. McFadden carried the ball just 15 times, but managed to ramble his way to 115 yards on the ground, scoring twice on runs of 51 yards and 36 yards. McFadden also contributed to the Raiders passing attack, grabbing three balls for a total of 86 receiving yards, including a 68 yard grab and score. For the afternoon “Run DMC” totaled 209 yards of offense and scored three times.

He’s our Fantasy Spotlight Player of the Week!

Diamonds in the Rough

RB-Ryan Torain

The Redskins saw the return of running back Ryan Torian to their starting lineup on Sunday and while his return was successful on a personal level, it was not enough to return Washington to the victory column. Torain had been sidelined for the past five weeks with a hamstring injury and while it had been speculated he could start, no one was expecting a return quite like this.

Not only did Torain play, but he started the game and rushed for 121 yards in the first quarter of Sunday’s contest with the Bucs. Torain would finish the day with 24 carries and 172 yards on the ground. He also added a pair of grabs for 10 yards. Torain has been the Redskins most effective runner this season. His 100-yard effort was his third of the season and his 24 carries were his season high. Before the start of the 2010 campaign, very few even knew who he was; a carry-over from the Denver camp.

Redskin’s head coach Mike Shanahan had drafted Torain when both were in Denver. In 2008 Torain was projected to be the Bronco’s starter at some point during the season; that opportunity came in week 10, but a knee injury would end his season and his career in Denver. Torain would miss the entire 2009 season, but in 2010 with the arrival of Shanahan to Washington the former 5th round pick out of Arizona State would get a second chance.

This season the unpolished diamond (Torain) was likely a popular waiver wire acquisition for most, but looking at the 2011 fantasy season he’s going to be ranked much higher. His 172 yards has certainly got the attention of fantasy owners, so with three games left against the Cowboys (ranked 17th against the run), Jaguars (18th), and the Giants (7th). How this diamond in the rough finishes this season will certainly determine how great his value is going into fantasy drafts next season.

WR-Deon Butler

The Seahawks not only lost to the Niners on Sunday, but they also lost a gem of a young receiver in 2nd year wide out Deon Butler. The former Penn State Nittany Lion suffered a broken leg Sunday ending his season. On Monday Butler was placed on the Injured Reserve.

Butler is one of the team’s up and coming young receivers and part of their youth movement; earlier in this season the team released wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh and traded wide receiver Deion Branch. Butler had not been flashing any big numbers this season, but he did enjoy his best outing of the season against the Niners on Sunday. His five catches and 68 yards receiving were both season highs and his touchdown was his fourth of the season.

This diamond was starting to show a little shine before the abrupt halt to his 2010 season. Before the injury Butler had started 8 games for the Seahawks this season and his 36 receptions were second on the team. His four touchdowns are also tied for most on the club.

Butler is not going to crack any top 20 rankings lists for the 2011 fantasy season, but with a lot of promise going into next season this diamond in the rough will be a fantasy sleeper to watch.