FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY FANTASY WATCH

January 14th, 2011, Friday

Friday Fantasy Watch

James Jones: Jones Could Have a Huge Night

The Falcons will definitely be looking to roll coverage toward wide receiver Greg Jennings wherever he is on the field and even though Donald Driver looks ready to go, third year receiver James Jones could end up being the big play man for the Pack. Last week Jones dropped a sure long touchdown grab against the Eagles.

Even though Jones has struggled with drops throughout the season, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has continued to show confidence in his speedy wideout. Jones finished the regular season with 50 grabs and five touchdowns. In their only meeting this season Jones did register five catches against the Falcons; he could be a big play Saturday night.

Saturday’s projections against the Falcons.
(5 catches, 90 yards receiving, one touchdowns)

Hines Ward: The VeteranCould Be Clutch on Saturday

You won’t have to tell the Ravens to pay attention to the Steeler’s Mike Wallace. The 2nd year wideout has emerged into a big play specialist a will likely be the focus of the Raven’s secondary on Saturday. With Wallace drawing so much attention, veteran wide receiver Hines Ward could end up being the big playmaker.

In two games this season Wallace has been relatively quiet with seven catches for 100 yards (no touchdowns), and while Ward was less effective this season against the Ravens, he is still one of Big Ben’s favorite targets. In the team’s two final games this season Ward led all receivers with 14 targets. He’s lost a step or two after 13 seasons in the NFL, but he still has that veteran savvy to find the end-zone.

Saturday’s projections against the Ravens.
(6 catches, 65 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Tony Gonzales: Tony G Could Be A Hot Ticket

The Falcons have plenty of speed and the dangerous Roddy White to stretch the field and with the Packers will likely countering with Charles Woodson (on White) tight end Tony Gonzales could be a vital component in the Atlanta’s red-zone passing game.

Gonzales finished the year with 70 receptions and just 656 yards receiving, but was second on the team with six touchdowns. Against the Packers in their first matchup Tony G was busy hauling in six passes for 51 yards and a score. He could very well be looking at similar numbers Saturday night against the Packers 5th ranked pass defense that will bend (allow the short stuff) and not break (taking away White deep).

Saturday’s projections against the Packers.
(7 catches, 70 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Just my take.

By David Ortega

FSH: MY WEEKLY FANTASY

October 24th, 2010, Sunday

My Weekly Fantasy

Sunday’s Fantasy Lineup

Some quick notes for today’s lineups….

My Quarterbacks:

With Kyle Orton matching up with the Raiders today, I am going to stick with my bigger guns; Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. Orton does not have the most difficult matchup today against the Raiders, who have allowed 12 passing touchdowns this seaso, but they just don’t give up a lot of yards…..Like Orton in Denver the Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers should enjoy some home cooking today and he’ll have a most favorable match-up against the Patriots (ranked 29th against the pass). Brees is at home today against the Browns and you have to always like Drew in the Dome….Rodgers has a marquee match-up tonight at Lambeau against the Vikings. In his last meeting at home against the Vikes, Rodgers passed for nearly 300 yards and threw three touchdowns.

My Runningbacks:

Across the board, one start that I like today will be the Bronco’s Knowshon Moreno today against the Raider’s 30th ranked run defense. Moreno is finally healthy and should return to good form today against a defense that allows five yards a tote and nearly 150 yards a game on the ground….an every week must-start, Steven Jackson owners should be licking their chops today as the Rams running back, though on the road should have a big day today. Jackson faces the Buc’s defense that is being torched for more than 150 yards a game on the ground…..the Browns have a tough road matchup today in the Superdome, but you can bet they will be using Peyton Hillis and their ground game to do everything they can to keep the ball out of Drew Brees hands. They might not have a lot of luck with that, but Hillis will still have a very productive day.

My Wide Receivers:

The Packers are not going to see many yards on the ground tonight against the Vikings stout run defense, so that just means more work for Greg Jennings and the receiving corp. The Vikings are ranked 6th against the pass this season, but they don’t put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks (six sacks this season) and they allow nearly a 65% completion percentage of passes….the Eagles Jeremy Maclin has been hot since Kolb’s insertion into the lineup. In his last two games Maclin has 13 receptions for 254 yards…..amazingly enough, Dwayne Bowe was a waiver wire pick-up this week and a starter today. Bowe is coming off a huge game with two scores and faces the (Jaguars) league’s 28th ranked pass defense; he should have a nice encore performance today.

My Tight Ends:

The Falcons had been playing steady and consistent play-off like football before their throttling last week at the hands of the Eagles. This week at home in the Georgia Dome, I expect Matt Ryan and company to right the ship. One of Ryan’s keys will be his tight end Tony Gonzales. Tony G. is not likely to see a large chunk of yards, but with three touchdowns already this season he’s a great red-zone candidate today…..on the other side of the field, I like the Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham (22 receptions, 2-touchdowns) to have plenty of opportunity to find the end zone. In the last three games the Falcons have allowed 16 receptions and 146 yards to the opposing tight end position.

FSH: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

October 21st, 2010, Thursday

My Weekly Survivors

With some last minute changes across the line-up, week six turned out to be a bounce back week. Ryan Torain and LaDanian Tomlinson both anchored the backfield last week with two rushing touchdowns each. Torain even added 100 yards on the ground, while Hakeem Nicks was a major disappointment last week finishing with just three catches for eight yards.

A quick note, despite his production Nicks is a must play every week. His numbers were down, but even though he only had three catches he was still targeted seven times. He will get his more times than not.

Not every week is going to be a major success as we have seen, but sometimes with the right matchups our big guns fire load. This is what we hope to see this weekend with our lineup for Week 7.....

QB-Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers are back “home, sweet home.” In two games at home Rivers has passed for 575 yards and tossed five touchdowns. Even with a few of his best weapons dinged, he’ll let it fly downfield against the league’s 29th ranked pass defense. (Projected: 29 points/ 285 yards passing, three touchdowns)

RB-Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
In the NFL there is no bigger stud in any backfield than running back Adrian Peterson. Sunday night he’ll take his talents to Lambeau and show the Packers defense a “what for.” Peterson is averaging better than 20 carries a game and almost five yards per carry. He’ll see plenty of work against Green Bay’s 21st ranked run defense that is allowing well over four yards a tote. (Projected: 25 points / 110 yards rushing, 25 yards receiving, two touchdowns)

RB-Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
This week Mike Turner “the speed burner” is going to have his way. Turner is only averaging 18 carries a game, but he should see plenty more on Sunday against the Bengals in a game that likely won’t yield a lot of points. Expect to see the Falcons feature the ground game and Turner to get lots of work against the Bengals 18th ranked run defense. (Projected: 16 points/ 105 yards rushing, one touchdown)

WR-Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
It’s been somewhat of a quiet start this season for Larry Fitz, but the two weeks off should have done him some good. The Cards don’t have a difficult matchup this week against the 30th ranked pass defense, if they can protect their quarterback. If given time, Larry Fitz and his signal caller could have a big day. (Projected: 15 points/ 90 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs passing game finally found it’s wings last week against one of the league’s worst pass defenses. This week Bowe and company will face another poor secondary, when the meet the Jaguars (ranked 28th against the pass). Bowe broke out with a huge game last week and could follow up with a nice encore this Sunday. (Projected: 16 points/ 105 yards receiving, one touchdown)

TE-Tony Gonzales, Atlanta Falcons
There’s not been a lot of chatter about Tony G in recent weeks, but here’s some love for him. It won’t be a big day with a lot of yards and catches, but Tony G. will make the most of his opportunity and find paydirt against the Bengals on Sunday. Gonzales has three touchdown receptions this season and in their last two games the Bengals secondary have been beat by tight end for 12 catches and 135 yards. (Projected: 11 points/ 55 yards receiving, one touchdown)

K –Matt Prater, Denver Broncos
The Bronco’s offense continues to struggle in the redzone, fortunately Prater has been solid this season connecting on 11 of 12 kicks this season. Sunday he’ll have a few more opportunities against the Raiders. (Projected: 11 points/ three field goals, two extra points)

My Previous starts

Week 1 (Total points-77)
QB Donovan McNabb (WAS)
RB Matt Forte (CHI)
RB Carnell Williams (TB)
WR Jeremy Maclin (PHI)
WR Jabar Gaffney (DEN)
TE Zach Miller (OAK)
K Joe Nedney (SF)

Week 2 (Total points-68)
QB Michael Vick (PHI)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT)
WR Nate Washington (TEN)
WR Greg Jennings (GB)
TE Chris Cooley (WAS)
K Nick Folk (NYJ)

Week 3 (Total points-87)
QB Tony Romo (DAL)
RB Darren McFadden
RB Ray Rice (BAL)
WR Austin Collie (IND)
WR Dez Bryant (DAL)
TE Brent Celek (PHI)
K Lawrence Tynes (NYG)

Week 4 (Total points-58)
QB Eli Manning (NYG)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
RB Frank Gore (SF)
WR Mark Clayton (STL)
WR Brandon Marshall (MIA)
TE John Carlson (SEA)
K Jeff Reed (PIT)

Week 5 (Total Points-72 points)
QB Drew Brees (NO)
RB Steven Jackson (STL)
RB Thomas Jones (KC)
WR Donald Driver (GB)
WR Calvin Johnson (DET)
TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX)
K Mike Nugent (CIN)

Week 6 (Total Points-83 points)
QB Peyton Manning (IND)
RB Ryan Torain (WASH)
RB LaDanian Tomlinson (NYJ)
WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
WR Kenny Britt (TEN)
TE Dallas Clark, (IND)
K Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 16th, 2009 11:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy week……

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Forte and ground game won't catch a break...

The Bears ground has been quite nothing to speak of lately. Bears running back Matt Forte has found it difficult all season to get out of the backfield. In 13 games this season Forte has rushed for more than 100 yards one time this season and carried the ball more than 25 times just once. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see a whole lot of work on the ground this Sunday against the Ravens.

Gonzo could play huge role Sunday....

The Falcons will be traveling north-ward to play the Jets this Sunday and with shutdown corner Darrelle Revis likely to be fixated on Roddy White, this could be a good week for Tony Gonzalez owners. The Pro Bowl tight end has enoyed some recent success with Chris Redmen under center. With White locked down, look for Redman to target his big tight end frequently.

Thomas should keep the chains moving....

Who says life after 30 has to be all down hill. Quarterback Brett Favre is the epitome of just the opposite, while Jets running back Thomas Jones has also become living proof. In his post 30-Era the Jets ball carrier has 11 100-yard rushing games and scored 26 touchdowns; not bad for an old man. This week against the Falcosn weak run defense he'll only add to those impressive numbers.

IDP Notes....

Woodson is Packers defensive MVP….

What does the Packers cover corner not do for this defense. Charles Woodson has only been a special kind of player this season leading the defense with eight interceptions, including two returns for six. Woodson has also totaled 61 tackles, four forced fumbles, two quarterback sacks, and one imposing presence on the island. He's not only a must start every week, he's a keeper in almost all formats.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: FRIDAY FOOTBALL DIARY

September 11th, 2009 9:07pm PST

[Written Friday September 11, 2009)
Friday Football Diary


Dear Diary

Let me start by saying let us not forget our fallen heroes; those that have served and those we have lost along the way in their fight for our freedom. This is the freedom that gives each of us and all of us a platform to share our voice and opinions.

To all those that give so much you are recognized for your heroism, selflessness, and courage. Thank you to all military personnel, peace officers, teachers, doctors, and volunteers, you are what make us all proud to be Americans. Today we remember all of you, because you are what makes tomorrow possible!

And to think, if not for the so many I have never met, that fight so fearless for my freedom, I might never be able to sit here and talk football as I do.

How lucky am I!

With week one in the NFL bearing down, I just keep getting luckier as I go. We are less than 36 hours from week one really getting underway and I am excited like a small child waiting for Christmas morning. Let’s face it Thursday night was just a teaser the real gifts come Sunday morning.

I am so ready, are you?

When Sunday does arrive, I can tell you there are several things that I will be paying close attention too;

10 Things I will be watching

1. Brett Favre: In the morning games I will of course be watching Favre like so many others. It will be interesting to see how far along and ready he is for the real deal in the dawg pound. I expect to see a lot of blitzes and plenty of pressure.
2. Donovan McNabb: With his most complete corp of receivers in years, I will be keeping my eye on McNabb as he and the Eagles look to take flight in Carolina on Sunday.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew: Now the lone number one back in Jacksonville, Jones-Drew is going to be featured in the offense. Going up against a Colts defense he normally abuses, he could have a big opening Sunday.
4. Matt Hasselbeck: It’s not the Bonanza Days all over again, but 2009 could be the return of Hass. Coming off a season of injury, Hass is healthy and his weapons have greatly improved with the addition of free agent TJ Houshmandzadeh and rookie wideout Deon Butler.
5. Tom Brady: After a season off the air, it’s the return of the Brady Bunch show on Sunday’s. With Tom Brady back and still having his best weapon, Sunday’s will be more than exciting to watch. The knee looks fine and Brady looks ready to pick up where he left off in 2007.
6. Terrell Owens: The T.O. show has not been cancelled for 2009, it’s just been relocated and moved to another channel. You know I will be tuned in and watching with my popcorn ready.
7. Tony Gonzalez: Last year’s best tight end is in a new uniform, but I am expecting much of the same in 2009. He might not finish with as many catches or yards this season, but he will still be a top four tight end this season and I plan to watch.
8. LaDanian Tomlinson: L.T. normally torches the Raiders for big numbers and with so many nay-sayers this offseason, I am anxious to see how the little train that could comes out of the gate.
9. Aaron Rodgers: After watching this kid quite a bit this past preseason, my eyes will be focused on Rodgers and the Pack Sunday night. With so many weapons at receiver, I expect to see Aaron light up the Lambeau night sky.
10. Matt Cassel: I find this watch to be pretty interesting. It’s hard to be a fluke for 16 games, so it’s going to be interesting to see how good Cassel really is playing for Haley and the Chiefs. His week one matchup will be brutal against the Ravens.

Check back every week for more “Friday Football Diary”

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

September 1st, 2009 9:37pm PST

[Tuesday Edition]

My Pre-Season 2009 Tight End Rankings

Witten tops the boards in 2009….
Certainly few could argue Tony G or Antonio as the top slot, but with T.O. gone in Dallas, fantasy owners have to love Jason Witten this year. He’s clearly Tony Romo’s go-to guy and he’s as clutch as they come. Without the “Owens influence” in Texas, expect to see Witten targeted even more in the red-zone and fantasy’s top tight end this season.

Despite the change of scenery Tony G. is still a player and will have another productive season for the Falcons. With the tight end position not being as deep as the other skills position, even with a drop in production Gonzalez will still perform among the elite.

Look for Daniels, Clark, and Cooley to close the gap with the top three. If the Bear’s tight end Greg Olsen and his new best friend (Cutler) can find magic early, the Bears tight end could join the top group as well. In New Orleans in that offense, Shockey will always be an attractive option that comes with great risk. 2009 will not offer anything different, although he’s healthy now and should be a decent low TE1 or high TE2.

Some men over-the-middle to watch would include Tony Scheffler (Denver) and Visanthe Shaincoe (Minnesota). Both could be featured even more this season in their team’s respective passing games, in particular the red-zones. Boss and Celek with be two of this year’s upstarts that will likely offer most value as scoring threats this season. Both will make solid TE2 options with upside.

With uncertainty and inconsistency surrounding the quarterback position, Zach Miller’s value could take a slight hit. He’s going to be the Raider’s best receiver, but their offense will struggle and his numbers will suffer. Kellen Winslow is another tight end that by name sounds good, but in Tampa he could die a slow fantasy football demise.

Here are my 2009 rankings, break’em-down, spit on them, love them, or agree, it all makes some good water-cooler chatter for the hump day;

2009 Top 20 Fantasy Tight Ends:

1. (Dal) Jason Witten
2. (SD) Antonio Gates
3. (ATL) Tony Gonzalez
4. (Hou) Owen Daniels
5. (Was) Chris Cooley
6. (Ind) Dallas Clark
7. (Chi) Greg Olsen
8. (NO) Jeremy Shockey
9. (Min) Vishante Shiancoe
10.(Den) Tony Scheffler

11.(Ten) Bo Scaife
12.(NYG) Kevin Boss
13.(Phi) Brent Celek
14.(Sea) John Carlson
15.(SF) Vernon Davis
16.(Oak) Zach Miller
17.(NYJ) Dustin Keller
18.(Jax) Marcedes Lewis
19.(Pit) Heath Miller
20.(TB) Kellen Winslow Jr

By David Ortega


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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

August 10th, 2009 10:37pm PST

This Season’s Note-Worthy Tight Ends

Tight ends may not be scarce as once thought….
If you play in traditional fantasy football leagues, you like every other owner faces the same annual dilemma when dissecting the tight end position. In a league where the elite are too few and the talent pool drains quickly, fantasy owners are left scrambling to find a decent option to fit the bill.

Aside from the Big-Three; Jason Witten (Cowboys), Antonio Gates Chargers), and Tony Gonzalez (Falcons) fantasy owners face the excruciating task of knowing when to make a move for the reliable hands over the middle. This has been a choice that has not been such an easy task, since the position has offered little depth in seasons past.

With the start of a new season all that could suddenly change with some rising stars starting to show their full potential and a few up and comers that are adding quality depth to the position. With names like Chris Cooley, Dallas Clark, and Owen Daniels emerging in 2008 as big time pass receivers, the starting rotation gets a little deeper.

The good news in 2009 for fantasy owners, in addition to the aforementioned players you should be able to look for these other names to be among the most talked about at the “man over the middle” position;


2009 Note Worthy Tight ends

Greg Olsen (Chi)…..with a big time quarterback should see his production jump in 09.
Bo Scaife (Ten)….will undoubtedly be a featured pass receiving option in 2009.
Brent Celek (Phi)….emerged as a dynamic and reliable receiver in postseason.
Jeremy Shockey (NO)…always a risk, but his talent with that offense.
John Carlson (Sea)….won’t lead the team in catches, but will be effective in red-zone.
Tony Scheffler (Den)….a talented and skilled pass receiver with very good hands.
Zach Miller (Oak)….inconsistency at the QB position could hurt his value.
Visanthe Shiancoe (Min)….has potential and started to blossom in 2nd half last season.
Kellen Winslow (TB)….if healthy, this tremendous talent could be featured in Tampa.
Dustin Keller (NYJ)….an up and coming talent that showed lots of promise a year ago.
Mercedes Lewis (Jax0…..caught 41 passes last season and continues to improve.
Heath Miller (Pitt)….Mr. Reliable in a very conservative offense, but very serviceable.
Randy McMichael (Stl)….lots of talent and possibility, but marred with inconsistency.


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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 27th, 2009 10:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

All the buzz of the draft is still humming with everyone from your brother to my sister offering their take on how their home town teams did this past weekend. Even with a lot of the focus on Radio City Music Hall there was still much happening away from the glam and glitter of the big stage in the NYC. Here’s my take on the latest….

My Take...

TE TONY GONZALEZ IS NOW A FALCON
Last week the Falcons acquired Tony G. in a trade with the Chiefs. The deal sent a draft pick to the KC and Matt Ryan nabbed himself one heckuva target over the middle.
Early Fantasy Read: Ryan is only a second year quarterback, so no one will be projecting pro bowl just yet, but Tony G. will have a huge impact on the passing game. Roddy White emerged as one of the league’s top flight and 2009 could be big with defenses forced to watch Gonzo.

RB EDGERRIN JAMES RELEASED BY THE CARDS
The Cardinals released running back Edgerrin James on Tuesday, a move that was highly anticipated. This followed the team’s drafting of running back Chris Wells (Ohio State).
Early Fantasy Read: The departure for James means he’ll be looking for work and should be able to find some, but maybe not in a leading role. The absence of Edge could mean a competition for the starting tailback position between Wells and Tim Hightower, but regardless who wins both will see their share of carries.

RB THOMAS JONES COULD BE ON THE TRADE BLOCK?
The Jets were not just aggressive going after a quarterback, but the team traded away several picks to move up the board to grab rookie running back Shonn Greene. The move could signal the last days in New York for the unhappy Thomas Jones.
Early Fantasy Read: An unhappy camper in the big apple, Jones could be traded or released if the Jets feel they have what they need in Greene. Greene was the team’s top rated back in the draft and could very easily enter camp as their starter leaving Jones in the cold.

WR JAVON WALKER’S STOCK CONTINUES TO FALL
With the Raiders selecting Darius Heyward-Bey as high as they did in the draft, he figures to be slotted in as a possible starter dropping Walker further down the charts. It doesn’t help that the Raiders also took a second wideout (Louis Murphy-Florida) with the 124th overall selection
Early Fantasy Read: Walker is slowly but surely falling out of favor in the bay area, unless he bounces back with strong showings at the minicamps and this summer’s training camp, there’s no reason to think he’ll even be with the team come September (even with guaranteed money).

TE TONY SCHEFFLER COULD BE TRADED
There was a lot of talk on the second day of the draft indicating that the Eagles could still have interest in Scheffler and reaffirming that the Broncos are still shopping the fourth year tight end.
Early Fantasy Read: It’s no secret that McDaniels passing system in New England seldom incorporated the tight end position, putting more value in their blocking skills. The team drafted a rookie tight end, considered a solid blocker and one that develop the needed pass receiving skills. The pick could indicate Scheffler will likely be on the move and Philly could be a good fit for him being familiar with the West Coast offense.


IDP Notes:

Here are some football notes from the past couple of days noting some key defensive players and my read for all of the IDP Nation….


DB ELLIS HOBBS TRADED TO THE EAGLES
The Eagles dealt away a couple of picks on the second day to New England to acquire cornerback Ellis Hobbs. The move give the Eagles some lateral movement if they decide to deal an unhappy Sheldon Brown.
Early Fantasy Read: Hobbs is a talented and versatile corner that can contribute right away on defense and in the return game. He played well in Foxboro last season and could easily earn a starting nod opposite his former teammate Assante Samuel.

DL JULIUS PEPPERS NOT LIKELY TO BE MOVED
With no deal getting done during the draft it looks more and more like Julius Pepper is going to remain a Panther in 2009.
Early Fantasy Read: Peppers may not be happy about remaining in Carolina, but there’s no question he’ll be a more consistent IDP play for owners coming off his strong performance in 2008.

LB DJ WILLIAMS TO PLAY WEAK-INSIDE LINEBACKER
With the team moving to a 3-4 defense under Mike Nolan this season, Williams will move to the inside.
Early Fantasy Read: Williams is extremely athletic and quick. If he can play within the scheme and not get caught out of position, he could be a very highly productive IDP for owners in 2009.

DB SHELDON BROWN CREATING BUZZ
The unhappy Sheldon wants out of Philly if the team is not willing to renegotiate a new deal, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll hold out. Nonetheless he’s being very vocal in the local press about his unhappiness.
Early Fantasy Read: If Brown remains in Philly, he’s likely going to see more time as a nickel back behind Samuel and Hobbs, so the idea of a trade becomes more logical. Brown will have more value as a starter on another team, than playing nickel with the Eagles.


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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

April 14th, 2009 11:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

The countdown has already started and we are only 10 days away from "D" day. There's going to be plenty of rumors to note, news to follow, and plenty of fantasy to talk about as draft day gets closer. This week has been plenty active with no shortage of information to share. Here's "My take" on some of the recent happenings around the league....

My Take...

TE TONY GONZALEZ RUMORED TO BE LEAVING KC?
Surprisingly there are rumors floating around indicating that the 33-year old All-pro tight end could be traded. It sounds a little far-fetched considering the recent moves the team has made and the direction they seem to be headed. Gonzalez was the league’s best receiving tight end in 2008 and should be once again among the top options whether in KC or anywhere else.

WR MILES AUSTIN TO STAY PUT IN DALLAS
There was talk that the Jets had interest, but it sounds like the Cowboys made it clear that Miles fits into the team’s future plans. Miles has great speed and show big play ability last season, but disappeared down the stretch in 2008. Consistency will be the focus for the Cowboys 4th year receiver. With Williams and Crayton currently projected as the teams starters it will be an uphill battle for Miles to emerge as a reliable fantasy option, but he is expected to have a chance to compete for the number two spot.

QB ALEX SMITH DOES NOT LOOK SHARP IN OFFSEASON
The Niners may need to look to the draft for their future if Alex Smith is any indication of what the bay area has to look forward to. It may be a wee-bit too early to pass judgement just yet, but Smith has been with the team for four years now. If he doesn't start showing the team something soon, it's not likely they're ever going to see anything worth watching. Fantasy owners can consider him an unworthy fantasy option.

RB DESHAUN FOSTER STILL LOOKING FOR A HOME
The free agent running back is still looking for a place to play in 2009 and recent word has indicated the Bills could offer a temporary home. With Marshawn Lynch serving a three-game suspension to start 2009, the team is going to be pressed for help in the backfield.

WR TORRY HOLT STILL NOT SIGNED
With things seemng to be moving slowly in the Holt-camp, it doesn't seem likely that the former Ram will sign with anyone prior to the draft. With certain teams having very specific needs at the wideout position, depending on how they all fare in the draft will determine which teams may come calling after the draft. Teams like Jacksonville, Oakland, Cleveland (if they trade Edwards), and Cincinnati will be front runners to target some of the big name wideouts in the draft, but look for Chicago and Tennessee to consider a receiver later in the draft. Holt has lost his elite status in fantasy, but it's too early to know whether he can be a reliable option in 2009.

TE DUSTIN KELLER LOOKING TO STAY ON THE FIELD
The Jets tight end has plans to bulk up this offseason, so he can be an everydown player. This would be a big benefit to not only the Jets, but fantasy owners alike. Keller had a pretty good rookie campaign in 2008 with 48 receptions, including three for touchdowns. Keller is already expected to be a little better in 2009, but the more he plays, the more productive he'll be (and his numbers could prove it). Even if he's on the field more, he's still a low-end tight end option for now (he's only in his second year folks).

RB FELIX JONES APPEARS HEALTHY AGAIN
According to the sources close to the team, running back Felix Jones is running with his trademark explosiveness. Last November Jones had surgery to repair his turf toe and it now sounds like he's completely healthy and ready to resume a big role in 2009. Jones showed flashes of brilliance in 2008 and figures to be a very productive fantasy option, even sharing the stage with Marion Barber.

OT ORLANDO PACE LOCKED FOR THE NEXT TWO SEASONS
The Bears added a new quarterback (Jay Cutler) and have now locked up some protection for him, at least for the next two seasons. Pace is still a very good NFL offensive tackle, but at 33 his age and health will be the team's main concern. If he can stay injury free, the Bear's quarterback should have penty of time to make plays in the windy city.

OT JASON PETERS A DRAFT DAY TRADE CANDIDATE?
It sounds like the Bills and Peters are nowhere near getting a new deal signed. Peters is one of the leagues premiere talent at the offensive tackle position, with the Bills unable to agree to terms, it's likely he could be traded on draft day to one of those teams targeting an O-lineman. Expect the Bills to be one of those teams that shake things up come April 25th.


IDP Notes:

The clock keeps ticking and draft day keeps approaching. There's going to be plenty of movements as the days get shorter and closer to the April 25th draft. Here's some more activity to mull over as I offer "my take" and we football fans patiently wait for "D" day......

LB DERRICK JOHNSON TO MOVE INSIDE
The Chiefs are expected to move Johnson inside to play alongside of Zach Thomas. He'll be a key playmaker on defense and should be a solid IDP play in 2009. Over the past four seasons the Chief's linebacker has averaged 87 tackles per season and under Clancy Pendergast's new 3-4 defense he'll still be very productive.

CB LEON HALL AT RISK FOR SUSPENSION
The Bengal's best corner has managed to find some offseason trouble and could see the first half of his 2009 season at risk. There's been no word yet, but it almost certain given the circumstances (arrested for DUI). Hall has eight interceptions and has averaged 71 tackles in his first two seasons. He could be a risky pick in any fantasy drafts, but once he returns (if suspended), he'll be worth adding.

DB DONTE WHITNER THE LATEST NFL CASUALTY
It seems the NFL can't go more than a couple of days without someone making the news and not necessarily good. The Bills safety Donte Whitner was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. There have been some mixed messages coming from some of the reports, but it sounds like Whitner could be facing some sort of disciplinary action from the league when all is said and done. Whitner has been a very good fantasy option for IDP owners, but his stock will drop some if he misses time for suspension.

DL JASON TAYLOR LIKELY TO SIGN AFTER DRAFT
The former Redskin will likely stay a free agent until after the draft. He likely decided on a suitor based on how the Patriots and Dolphins draft. If he's offered only the league minimum in New England, expect to see Taylor return to Miami. Taylor is still athletic and a talent on the edge, but at 34 his tank is no longer full. If he signs with another team, fantasy owners could see his role limited as a pass rusher and see his value drop some.


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