FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Tuesday Edition
November 20th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

McGahee OUT, Hillman Set to Take the Reins
The Denver Broncos running game took a huge hit on Sunday with running back Willis McGahee going down with a torn MCL. McGahee is expected to miss the remainder of the regular season and the team will turn to rookie running back Ronnie Hillman to pick up the slack. Hillman is going to share time with running back Lance Ball, but the rookie will offer the greater upside. Hillman has burst and explosion and can give the Broncos running game the big play component it may be lacking. Hillman is definitely one of week 12’s sleeper plays and waiver wire favorites.

Felix Likely A Game-Time Call for Thursday
The Cowboys running back Felix Jones is currently nursing a couple of sore knees, but will likely get the call again to start this Thursday. Jones has started the last five games for the Cowboys will get the start again if he can go. Jones is likely to be a game-time call, but early signs indicate he will likely play. Jones did score this past Sunday, but again struggled on the ground with just 43 yards rushing on 14 carries. He’s no more than a very low flex option in deeper formats.

Garcon Limited, Questionable for Thursday
The Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon made his return last Sunday against the Eagles, but was relatively ineffective and a fantasy non-factor finishing the game with three catches for just 5 yards. Garcon is still dealing with a foot injury and is expected to be game-time for Thursday’s matchup against the Cowboys. Even if Garcon is a go, it’s hard-pressed to think he can offer much fantasy value facing the Cowboys secondary that allow the 8th fewest fantasy points to receivers. 

Starks Falling Down the Fantasy Tree
The Packers running back James Starks has had a hard go of it on the ground as of late totaling just 135 yards on 42 carries for a 3.2 yards per average in his two recent starts. That’s not going to get it done and with head coach Mike McCarthy expressing displeasure with Starks recent lack of production, his (little) fantasy value takes a big hit. Starks will have limited value in deeper leagues and going forward it sounds like we can expect to see more of a committee approach in the backfield. With Cedric Benson possibly due back in couple of weeks Starks continues to lose any fantasy value he may have offered.

Dwyer Looks Like the Favorite for Now
After watching the Steelers ground game against Ravens this past Sunday night, it looks apparent that running back Jonathan Dwyer has to be the favorite in the teams’ backfield. Both Dwyer and Mendenhall (33 yards) saw double digit carries in the game, but Dwyer (55 yards) was the more effective runner. With Big Ben still ailing expect the Steelers to stick more with the ground game opening up plenty of opportunities for Dwyer going forward.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY'S FANTASY HEADLINES

Monday Edition
October 29th, 2012  

David's Daily Digest

Monday’s Fantasy Headlines

Manning the Great
There weren’t too many folks that believed we’d be seeing the old Manning return this season and maybe we haven’t, but the 2012 version looks pretty good. Sunday night against the Saints Peyton recorded his 5th straight 300-yard passing game and his three touchdowns passing were his fourth straight game with as many. Manning may not have that old form, but the form he’s working with should do just fine for fantasy owners going forward.

A Young Man’s Game
The Detroit Lions 2nd year receiver Titus Young has his coming out party on Sunday and it could not come at a better time. Young set his season highs in receptions (9), receiving yards (100), and touchdowns (2) on Sunday in the Lions win over the Seahawks. Young has quietly become a bigger part of the offense and with Nate Burleson (injury) sidelined for the remainder of the season and Megatron drawing mega coverage, Young will continue to benefit greatly and get better.

It’s Gronk Time Again
The Patriots big tight end Rob Gronkowski looked more like the Gronk from 2011 on Sunday recording his second consecutive two-score game; last season he had a total of seven multiple score games. With the bye week ahead Gronk and company will have time to heal and can be expected to continue their great play in the second half of the season.

The Rookie Finds His Legs
The Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson may not be completely healthy, but on Sunday against the Chargers he found his running legs. Richardson broke loose for 122 yards and a score on 24 carries. If this kid can get healthier, he’s in line to have more Sunday’s like this.

The Old Man Has Some Juice Left
The Broncos offense may be going a bit retro with Willis McGahee leading the backfield, but the former Miami Hurricane is showing he’s got plenty left in his tank. Sunday night against the Saints McGahee rambled his way to 122 yards on the ground and adding his fourth rushing touchdown of the season. With Peyton under center playing as well as he is, McGahee should continue to find holes and produce numbers for fantasy owners.

Dougie Fresh Gettin Down
The Buccaneers have found a ground game this season in rookie running back Doug Martin who recorded his first 100-yard rushing game last Thursday night. Martin also showed his versatility with a 79-yard receiving effort in the Bucs upset over the Vikings. Martin is quickly developing into a complete back in both the run and pass game, I’d expect to the see the Bucs getting him involved early and often.

A Lions Roar Heard on Sunday
The Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has had a rough and inconsistent start to his 2012 season, but Sunday may have just been the jump started needed to get things rolling. Against a stout Seahawks defense Stafford was better than good torching the secondary for 352 yards, completing 34 of 49 passes. Stafford added three passing scores to go with a rushing score. If Stafford can continue to find this form going forward, he should pay-off big for fantasy owners that used a high draft selection to get him.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Friday Edition

September 28th, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 4 Running Backs

Week 4 has some interesting twists and matchups, but with three weeks in the books (nearly a quarter of the regular season), we have a much better feel of what to expect….or do we?

Cedric Benson, GB

There’s absolutely no reason to believe that (head coach) Mike McCarthy’s Packers are going to change anything about how they attack opposing defenses, but I definitely think he’s not too smart for his own good. The Packers throw the ball and just about better than anyone else in the league, but facing the league’s worst run defense this week, they will run; enter Mr. Benson. Cedric is not off to a hot start this season, but he’s shown he can still be productive when called on; in week 2 he toted the rock 20 times for 81 yards. This week against the Saints (allowing 5 yards per carry) Benson should have little trouble finding running room; he’s a good low end RB2 this week.

Alfred Morris, WAS

The Redskins main guy in the backfield, rookie running back Alfred Morris is enjoying a solid 2012 campaign, ranked 9th in rushing with three touchdowns and a solid 4.3 yards per carry average. On Sunday he’ll line up in the backfield set to take on the Buccaneers stout number one ranked run defense. Morris is not going to find too many holes on Sunday, but facing the Bucs shaky secondary (ranked last in the league) the Redskins should still enjoy plenty of success moving the ball, putting Morris in line to add to his three scores this season. He’s not going to tally big numbers on the ground, but Morris should still be a safe low end RB2 play this week.

Stevan Ridley, NE

Ranked 11th in rushing this season (233 yards rushing), with five receptions for another 51 yards, the Patriots running back Stevan Ridley is finding plenty of ways to stay productive on Sunday. He’s only managed to cross the goal line once this season, but facing the Bills 15th ranked run defense (17th overall), I like Ridley’s chances to find pay-dirt at least once on Sunday. I am not too high on this kid this week, but I think Ridley will manage 80-plus yards with a score; a safe RB2 this week.

Willis McGahee, DEN

Despite the injury concerns surrounding Broncos running back Willis McGahee, he is expected to play and should play well this Sunday against the league’s 23rd ranked defense. The Raiders have issues in the secondary and could be in for a long afternoon trying to cover the Bronco’s receivers. With success in the air, holes should be open for McGahee to find and even a couple of trips into the red zone. I expect to see McGahee get at least one in the end-zone this week against the Raiders run defense that has already yielded four touchdowns on the ground this season; start him.

Maurice Jones-Drew

The Jaguars offense has been far from fantasy stellar this season, but they have not been all that bad, especially running back Maurice Jones-Drew (ranked 3rd in rushing). Mo-Jo may have held out, but it looks like he kept in pretty good shape tallying 314 yards thus far this season on the ground. MJD has also kept himself active in the pass game with 8 receptions in three games. He’ll face the leagues 31st ranked run defense (Bengals) that is allowing a whopping 5.8 yards per carry and over 150 yards on the ground per contest. It’s never easy to predict big games, but it’s easy to say Mo-Jo is a solid RB1 this week.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 16th, 2011, Friday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Trends for your Championship run…

Ryan Grant’s stock on the rise…With running back James Starks currently slowed down with a bad wheel (ankle), even if he plays Grant figures to see the bulk of the work load on Sunday against the Chiefs 26th ranked run defense. Grant is coming off his best game of the season and looks to be strong bet to find pay-dirt for his second consecutive game and a nice chunk of yardage.

McGahee should be on your radar….depsite coming off a tough 34-yard rushing effort against the Bears in week 14, the Broncos running back Willis McGahee has eclipsed the century mark in two of his last three starts. On Sunday he’ll face the league’s 13th ranked run defense that was pummeled a week ago for 170 yards by the Redskins running game. Fantasy owners should look for McGahee to gash the Pats for some good numbers on the ground and at least one trip to the end-zone.

AJ Green ready to come alive…..after a quiet week 14 with just five catches for 59 yards, the Bengals rookie receiver looks primed to have a big game on Sunday against the Rams. Even with the leagues 8th ranked pass defense the Rams secondary was lit up a week ago by the Seahawks Tarvaris Jackson; 21 of 32 for 224 yards. Green is a much greater talent that what the Rams faced a week ago and seems to be the hot target for quarterback Andy Dalton; 18 targets in the last two weeks with many more on Sunday.

Garcon could be the man on Sunday…..while the Colts will be searching for their first win of the season at home on Sunday against the Titans, I am expect to see Dan Orlovsky to continue to heavily seek out Colts receiver Pierre Garcon. In the last two games that Orlovsky has started Garcon has caught 14 passes for 196 yards with two touchdowns on 24 targets. With Reggie Wayne on the other side, Garcon should once again be the man in the Colts passing attack.

By David Ortega

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH)

October 2nd, 2009 1:37pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

“Diamonds in the Rough”

(Fantasy Sleepers)

Players you should watch and few to grab!

As we continue to follow the games from week to week, we see the subtle sparkle of those players on the verge of shinning bright. Every Sunday provides the hope of a new football savior rising tall above the rest taking your fantasy team to greater heights.

With week four fastly approaching the search for these potential candidates continues. As we find every week, there are some interesting matchups that could prove to be the key for some of this weeks gems glittering like diamonds in the sky.Now that we've entered the fourth week of the NFL, let’s have a look at some of this week’s best possibilities;

In San Francisco….
This week the Niners have two sleepers that could emerge as two of this weeks’ best fantasy plays and it’s no accident it comes against the lowly Rams. Quarterback Shaun Hill has been steady this season averaging 180 yards passing and a touchdown per game while completing 63 percent of his passes. On Sunday he’s facing the Rams 25th ranked pass defense, so his numbers could greatly improve this week.

Another Niner that should benefit from their week four matchup with the St. Louis Rams is running back Glenn Coffee. This Sunday he’ll get a chance to start against the Rams soft run defense (ranked 27th) for an injured Frank Gore. Coffee looked dynamite in the preseason rushing for 249 yards (5.9 yds/carry) and facing a Rams defense that allows 4.3 yards per carry this Sunday will make him a fantasy favorite for this Sunday.

In Indianapolis….
It has not taken the Colt’s rookie receiver Pierre Garcon very long to make an immediate impact. With so many weapons in Indy, it’s easy to forget some of the secondary pieces, but Garcon is doing his best to make sure folks remember his name. He has scored in each of the Colts past two games and last Sunday he was targeted six times finishing the day with three catches for 64 yards and a score. Garcon is coming along slowly, but already he’s shown the knack for the big play and in an explosive Manning led offense, he’s a good prospect to produce.

In Baltimore….
Whenever you have a running back by committee it’s always a tough call, but after three games of solid play expect Willis McGahee to remain a major contributor. Thus far this season, McGahee has flourished in relief coming off the bench. The former Hurricane has scampered his way to 190 yards on the ground with five touchdowns. The Ravens runner has also shown some versatility as a pass receiver with six catches and another score. He’ll undoubtedly be a big part of the rushing attack this Sunday against the Patriots and should see plenty of opportunity in the Redzone.

In Cleveland….
The Browns offense has been nothing more than a stigma in 2009, but this Sunday at home they’ll have a shot at redemption with a new quarterback against a familiar foe. While Derek Anderson will not be anyone’s fantasy favorite this Sunday, his presence could once again elevate wide receiver Braylon Edwards to the forefront of fantasy wideouts (at least for one week). Anderson has historically put up large numbers against the Bengals and Edwards has typically been the recipient. The last time these two played together at home against the Bengals (in 2007) Edwards finished the game with eight receptions for 146 yards with two scores.

Worth keeping your eye on for now….

In the same Ravens-Patriots matchup in week four, another running back could catch some eyes. Last week against the Falcons running back Fred Taylor produced the team’s first 100-yard rusher this season while toting the rock 21 times. Against the Ravens this Sunday he may not hit the century mark, but he’ll likely be the featured back once again and worth watching going forward.

Off to a slow start this season wide receiver Brandon Marshall has unquestionably fallen far from the fantasy apple-tree. His sweet success in Denver may seem to be a thing of the past, but after last Sunday’s nice five catch, 67-yards receiving, and a touchdown performance, let’s not be too hasty. The Bronco’s “Patriot’s West” offense is still a work in progress, but Marshall is clearly a big key to its success in the future. On Sunday he was targeted eight times and it appears going forward he will become more prominent in the passing game. He’s not a must play yet, but each week he’s a step closer, so keep watching.

Remember to check back for more "Diamonds in the Rough!"

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH)

September 25th, 2009 11:37pm PST

“Diamonds in the Rough”

(Fantasy Sleepers)

Players you should watch and few to grab!
Continuing with our weekly watch of potential breakout candidates, those that can stop the bleeding, and the gems needed to get you over the hump in your drive for a fantasy football championship, let’s take a look at what week three in the NFL may bring.

Now that we've entered the third week of the NFL some of this season's bumps and bruises are starting to take their toll. In places like Dallas and Philadelphia new faces are getting a chance to shine in the spotlight.

In Dallas….
Perhaps the biggest spotlight will shine in Texas in the house that Jerry built under his mammoth size suspended video screen. With normal starting running back Marion Barber likely to be sidelined, it's not back up Felix Jones folks should watch (we know what he can do), but rather the number three running back Tashard Choice. The Cowboys other choice in the backfield has shown ability in the past and with his good size, speed, and versatility fantasy owners can expect to see him featured in the team's gameplan as much as (Felix) Jones.

In Philadelpia…
With an ailing Brian Westbrook and the hapless Chiefs in town, we could see a couple of sleepers emerge from the Eagles offense alone. In week two quarterback Kevin Kolb put the ball in the air 51 times, while he won't follow that game plan this week he could still have equal success. Against a suspect defense and plenty of playmakers Kolb figures to be at least a decent fantasy insert.

Looking at the same matchup, a key factor to watch will be the health of running back Brian Westbrook (questionable). If Westy is limited or doesn't play, this could be a great opportunity for the rookie LeSean McCoy. The rookie runner has seen only limited carries, but facing a soft interior Chief's defense (ranked 21st against the run) he could find some running room. The versatile back should also see plenty of chances in the short passing game as the Eagles will try to get McCoy into open space. If this one goes one way in favor of the Eagles early, expect the team to feature more McCoy late.

Lastly the third spotlight on an Eagles offense that posted over 460-yards of offense in week 2 is wide receiver Jason Avant. Against the Saints last Sunday the Eagle's receiver was targeted 8 times catching seven of those for 79-yards. Avant also found the endzone last week and will have ample chances this week against the Chiefs defense to score.

Worth keeping your eye on for now…

Although this week is not a favorable matchup for the kid, with running back Jamal Lewis likely to be shelved this Sunday, rookie running back James Davis could see his first extensive action this week against the Ravens. We aren’t expecting a big game, but we think he’ll do some nice things and definitely be worth eying down the road.

After playing well in the Raven’s first two contests, former starting running back Willis McGahee has turned into a touchdown machine this season with four in his first two games. It’s Ray Rice who will be starting, but this could be a very good week to get McGahee into your lineup with the Ravens facing a questionable Brown’s run defense (ranked 31st).

Two more potential diamonds waiting to shine in Minnesota are wide receivers Percy Harvin and Sydney Rice. Harvin has already emerged as one of quarterback Brett Favre’s favorite receivers. Both Harvin (2 touchdowns) and Rice (leads team with 10 targers) appear to be main staples in the VIkes passing game and with the Niners (ranked 3rd against the run) in town, Favre may have to rely more on both this week.


Remember to check back for more "Diamonds in the Rough!"

FSH: MORE FANTASY TALK

September 7th, 2009 11:37pm PST

Rice will answer the Call

The Second year back is ready…..
When camp opened this summer there was a lot of speculation surrounding the Baltimore Raven’s backfield. Ray Rice was entering his second season with the team, Willis McGahee was still in the mix, and LeRon McClain having moved to full back still figured into the equation. With three capable runners heading into the preseason, many might figure this will have more of the same look of last season with another committee effort.

Last year running back Ray Rice was just a rookie trying to fit in and find his place in a crowded backfield. It was his freshman season and it wasn’t much for fantasy owners to scream about (454-yards rushing, 4.2-yards per carry), but the real hidden gem in his game was his versatility. As a rookie he snatched 33 passes out of the backfield for another 273-yards receiving. The rookie back also showed good ball security losing only one fumble in 140 touches.

Rice was touted as an early favorite to win the job a year ago, but that never materialized with McGahee holding onto the job for much of the season. Looking back at last season, it was pretty clear that Rice’s versatility would make him a favorite again in 2009. It was early in camp that the signs were there with Rice taking most of the first team snaps. Since the beginning of camp, Rice has been slated as the favorite to start and through the team’s first three preseason games he has in fact been the starter.

The preseason tends to offer little new information about a player’s talent and ability, since most teams choose to show very little and keep things simple. One thing we can see is how players look, running, cutting, blocking, etc.

In his three appearances this preseason Rice has not been particularly spectacular on the ground limited to a 3.6-yards per carry, but he’s shown fantasy owners that he is clearly the team’s starter heading into week one. What we have also seen from Rice is how the team is likely to utilize the second year back. Finishing the preseason with 12 receptions, Rice was the team’s leader and appears to be a favorite for third down duties.

Although Rice did not see a whole lot of goal-line carries (just one) in the preseason, it may be too early to expect McGahee to hold those duties. McClain would be the logical choice having held the job a year ago, but Rice’s pass-catching ability will make it very tough to keep him off the field.

A combination of keeping both McClain and Rice on the field together in the red-zone could make great sense as well. What it spells is Rice figures to dominate a lot of playing time in 2009 with McGahee likely in just to play a relief role from time to time. Rice has the tools and has worked hard in the offseason. He’s impressed his coaching staff with his lower body strength and it appears he’s ready to start reaping the rewards of his hard labor.

With names like McGahee and McClain sharing time in the backfield, some fantasy owners may look past Rice in the early rounds. Drafting a running back in a committee situation is always a great risk and Rice is no exception to the rule, but he’ll offer great value as an mid RB3 pick and could go higher in PPR leagues. (2009 Predictions: 220 carries, 950-yards rushing, six rushing touchdowns, 46 receptions, 425-yards receiving, one receiving touchdown)

By David Ortega


Check back for more “Fantasy Talk”

FSH: THE ATL REPORT

June 13th, 2009 6:37pm PST

THE "ATL" REPORT

Around the League

WR Brandon Marshall holding out to get paid….
The Broncos often troubled receiver doesn’t appear to be too happy with the team at the moment. He was reported to have met with the team owner in a private meeting, but left the facility with no updates of his return. Marshall is looking for a new deal and it is speculated he could potentially become a hold-out this summer.

Retired QB Brett Favre looking more like Vikings Starter….
The retired Favre reportedly had surgery and could be meeting with the Vkings staff to discuss plans for the summer. It certainly looks like the retired free agent could be ready to don the purple uniform of the Vikings. Nothing official has been released, but if Favre plays it certainly appears that he will be the Viking’s starter.

Seahawks WR Deion Branch returns to the field….
Branch suffered a torn ACL at the end of the 2007 season and has not been the same since. It is not likely that he ever will, but he’s shown he can still play at a top level finishing with 22 catches in the teams last five games. He’s expected to be healthy by training camp, but will still take a back seat to newly acquired T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

WR James Thrash has been cut by Redskins…..
The Redskins receiver has never lived up to expectation since his arrival in 2004. Injuries have caught up with the 13-year veteran who only caught nine passes last season. He’ll likely remain a free agent well into training camps and may likely consider retiring if he doesn’t draw any interest.

Broncos name Kyle Orton starter for 2009....
As expected the Broncos have announced that quarterback Kyle Orton will be the team’s 2009 starter. Orton was acquired in the offseason as part of the Jay Cutler deal with Chicago. It was expected he was brought in to start and in McDaniel’s complex “Patriot’s West” offense, Kyle could be a huge sleeper pick this summer in fantasy.

Raven’s RB Willis McGahee running with 2nd team….
The former Miami Hurricane has been a starter virtually all of his career, but with surgery on both his knee and ankle this offseason, McGahee is a late arrival to minicamp. He’ll continue to work with the 2nd team and could be a long shot to win his starting job back from 2nd year running back Ray Rice. Rice will be the favorite heading into training camp to start this season for the Ravens.

Falcons release QB Michael Vick….
It was only a matter of time, but last week the Falcons finally announced the release of quarterback Michael Vick. It is likely behind closed doors the team was talking to several other teams around the league, trying to find a serviceable deal to trade the fallen NFL-star. The fact that Atlanta was unable to trade Vick is a good indicator there may not be a whole lot of interest in the former all-pro quarterback (at least not at his hefty price). Now that he’ll be available at a considerable discount he could resurface at some point in the future, but it’s not likely he’ll have any fantasy value this season.


Check back every week for more “Around the League”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 13th, 2009 10:30pm PST


David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

We may be smack in the middle of the NFL offseason, but with the draft barely weeks old and many teams starting up their OTA’s it sure feels like football season. And what would football season be without more news, updates, predictions, quick takes, long takes, and of course my take….

My Take...

RB LEON WASHINGTON WANTS NEW DEAL
My Fantasy Read: Now who doesn’t want a new deal. The interesting thing is Thomas Jones is also looking for more money. This bodes well for Washington, because if the Jets have to pick their poison they’re likely to go with youth. Washington is not an every down back, but with the addition of rookie runner Shonn Greene he could become a reliable weekly fantasy option splitting carries.

QB BRIAN GRIESE COULD BE OUT SOON
My Fantasy Read: Word is Griese could be let go by Tampa Bay by the end of the week. This is could very well likely be his last stop. Griese has been pretty much a journeyman backup the last several seasons. He’s only started 11 games in the last three seasons and at 34 years of age, he’s not a good candidate to see much action in 2009.

RB LERON MCCLAIN CHANGING POSITION
My Fantasy Read: McClain had to be one of last season’s surprise sleepers, but this year he’s more likely to put fantasy owners to sleep. This season he’ll move over to fullback which will likely cut into his carries but he still may be a serviceable fantasy back. McClain will still figure in as the team’s short-yardage and goal-line carrier.

RB JERIOUS NORWOOD TO SEE BIGGER ROLE
My Fantasy Read: Every year we are hearing the same thing. We expect so and so to have a bigger role, because we’d like to keep our other player healthy. Micheal Turner carried the ball 375 times last season (which is high), and he’ll be the bread and butter once again. Turner is going to get the ball as much as the team needs him to carry, so Norwood is going to settle for leftovers once again.

RB FRED JACKSON AGREES TO 4-YR DEAL
My Fantasy Read: The good news is Jackson can be a very productive runner, even in a back-up role. The presence of T.O. is going to make the rest of the Bills offense better and Jackson will be one of those beneficiaries (especially in the passing game). The bad news for Marshawn Lynch owners, Jackson just signed a 4-year deal, so your boy will lose some touches.

RB WILLIS MCGAHEE SLOW TO RETURN TO THE FIELD
My Fantasy Read: The Raven’s former featured back could have a tough time cracking the lineup this season if his health continues to remain an issue. With last year’s rookie Ray Rice implanted as the number one tailback while McGahee rehabs from knee surgery, he’ll have a great opportunity to hold the job. Remember last season McGahee began the season in the doghouse.



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

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

March 29th, 2009 9:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

With the month of March closing fast the NFL draft is now less than a month away. AS NFL teams continue to take a look at this year's class of prospects it's important to stay in tune with NFL player movement and notes for your upcoming fantasy draft this summer. Several players are going to come to the forefront while others will sneak up on us as it always happens every year. Here's a look at some of my recent notes regarding a few of those players...

My Take...

WR-TORRY HOLT TALKING WITH TITANS?

The Titans lack real experience at the position. Holt is not going to set any new records in Tennessee, but Kerry Collins could benefit greatly with an experienced clutch veteran receiver like Holt. The younger receivers like Justin Gage and Nate Washington could also blossom under the tutelage of Holt. There has only been noted interest by Tennessee, along with the Jaguars. Holt is no longer an elite receiver in fantasy and will fall considerably in drafts this summer, but he'll have more value with Collins throwing the pill in his direction.

QB-PHILIP RIVERS STILL YET TO RE-SIGN

There is little or no chance of Rivers pulling a primadonna antic like holding out, but it would weigh heavily in the team's best interest to get him resigned soon to avoid any unpleasantness. Over the past couple of seasons Rivers has proven his toughness and in 2008 he emerged as one of the league's best passers. With LT returning to the lineup this upcoming season, Rivers figures to have another productive year and could be a top five fantasy quarterback once again.

RB-WILLIS MCGAHEE WILL VOLUNTEER

The Raven's one-time featured back lost some carries and production in 2008. His work ehtic and toughness were questioned at the start of last season and he did very little to dismiss such talk. McGahee will have his work cut-out this offseason if he is to prove himself worthy as the team's featured back in 2009. With Ray Rice and LeRon McClain figuring to battle once again for playing time, McGahee is taking part in voluntary workouts, apparently doing whatever he can to separate himself from the competition. The jury may still be out on the former Miami Hurricane, but he's definitely worth keeping your eye on for this coming season.

RB-LARRY JOHNSON PLEADS GUILTY

The Chiefs best running back Larry Johnson pleaded guilty to disturbing the peace and received a suspended two years on probation. Johnson has found himself no stranger to off-the-field trouble and will now meet with the team this week to discuss a grievance being pursued by the team that could ultimately send LJ packing. If his one game suspension last season is found to violate his contract, the team will undoubtedly release Johnson. LJ fell from grace over the past two seasons and heading into the 2009 fantasy season he becomes a huge risk. Fantasy owners will have to wait to see the outcome of this grievance.

WR-MARVIN HARRISON STILL HOMELESS

Now that he has been a free agent for several weeks, there appears to be very little if any interest in the aging veteran receiver. At 37, Harrison has lost a lot of his appeal and after his significant decline in production last season it does not look promising for him to land anywhere before summer camps open in July. Fantasy owners can expect some movement to occur only after camps have opened and injuries (as they will) happen, but even then it still a not a sure thing.

RB-MARION BARBER EXPECTED TO SHARE ROLE

According to team notes, the Cowboys are very fond of their entire backfield of Marion Barber, Felix Jones, and Tashard Choice. Barber is still expected to be the main guy in Dallas, but the team will make every effort to get all three involved one way or the other. The good news for fantasy owners is Barber will still be a possible late RB1 or early RB2 selection, but he has a better chance of remaining healthy and productive throughout the 2009 season.

IDP Notes:

More notes of interest for those that venture toward the "Darkside." For those that play in custom leagues that implement IDP, every point counts and when you don't study your defense, you can lose many valuable points on draft day by making poor decisions. Here's more football fodder and "my take" for fantasy players to digest....

DL-JASON TAYLOR TO RETURN TO PHINS?

Apparently the once longtime Dolphin has a chance to returning to his former team. Taylor's named has been tossed around quite a bit the last week or so as the former all-pro enjoys his free agency. Currently word is he'll be in Miami for his annual celebrity golf event with a chance to mix and mingle with many of his former teammates. Taylor still loves Miami and if there was ever a chance of him returning this is as good as it gets, but we'll still have to wait and see. A return for Taylor could be just what the team's defense needs to help linebacker Joey Porter. If healthy Taylor still has the ability to be an effective pass rusher and could be a nice mid-level defensive lineman pick in fantasy drafts.

DL-PHILLIP DANIELS EXPECTS TO RESIGN WITH SKINS

The Redskins defensive lineman spent the entire 2008 season sidelined with an ACL injury. At 36, even in a reserve role with the team, fantasy owners can't expect much production, at least not enough to justify a fantasy draft pick. He'll only offer value, if any as a possible late season fill-in, granted that he can stay healthy.

DL-DARWIN WALKER COULD RETURN TO PANTHERS

Reports are indicating the current free agent and former Panther could return to the team for another year, but whether he does or not he'll very little impact. Walker has yet to play a full season the last two years, starting in just nine games and recording only one sack. Walker is not longer the impact defensive lineman he was in Philly. If he returns he'll likely be situational and not much of a contributor that fantasy owners should be concerned with.

LB-ROOSEVELT COLVIN NOT LIKELY TO RETURN

The Patriots former linebacker and now unrestricted free agent according to many sources will likely not be back with the team in 2009. Colvin spent most of his 2008 season on the sideline playing in only four games. There has been no indication, but after playing in only 15 games the past two seasons it's not likely Colvin will land anywhere in 2009 suggesting his career could be close to an end.

DL-ROD COLEMAN SIGNS WITH SAINTS

Depsite their limitations with available cap space heading into the offseason, the Saints have managed to stay busy. Defensive lineman Rod Coleman will likely come cheap after missing all of 2008 and much of 2007 injured. When healthy Coleman can be a monster in the middle, as a run stuffer and pass rusher. If healthy he could be a solid addition to the d-line and upgrade a defense that ranked near the bottom in 2008. Fantasy owners should wait to see how Coleman looks this summer before buying into his koolaid.

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