FSH: MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL

January 2nd, 2008 9:45am PST


MORE DAILY DIGEST
Player News & Notes


Sproles expected to play bigger role...
....with the Charger's starting running back (Tomlinson) being hampered by a groin injury, expect to see Sproles heavily involved in the offense on Saturday. Sproles, at his size is more than a capable replacement, and with eight all-purpose touchdowns this season he's proven he's a playmaker. Fantasy owners should consider him a solid RB2 option this week.

Warner ready for Saturday after tune-up...
....the Cardinal's quarterback needed a strong finish in Week 17 coming off one of his worst performances as a professional. Against the Patriots in Week 16, Warner passed for a mere 30-yards and completed just six passes. Last Sunday the 11th year veteran bounced back strong passing for 263-yards and throwing four touchdowns. This Sunday he hopes to continue the hot play against the league's 25th ranked pass defense.

Rhodes expected to play Saturday...
....the Colt's back up running back was able to practice this week and could play a big role Saturday splitting time with Joseph Addai. The two running backs had very similar rushing numbers this season, but Rhodes was clearly a more viable pass-receiving option for Manning with 45 receptions. Expect to see Rhodes out of the backfield quite a bit against the Chargers.

James likely to be Number One against Falcons...
....the Cardinal's running back became a distant memory for much of the season after starting the first seven games. Leading up to Week 17 James had carried the ball just 11 times in his last eight games. That all changed last Sunday when James was the featured back toting the rock 14 times for 100-yards. It now appears he will likely start against the Falcons on Saturday and could be a safe RB2 option for fantasy owners.

Jackson emerging with the Elite Crowd...
.....the Charger's wide receiver had his best season as a professional setting career highs with 59 receptions and seven touchdowns. Jackson finished with 1,098-yards receiving (ranks 11th in NFL) and undoubtedly will be targeted heavily by his quarterback on Saturday. Jackson caught only two passes in the team's earlier match-up this season, but was still able to find the end-zone.

Mathis could be licking his Chops...
.....while the Charger's offensive line, in particular left tackle Marcus McNeil will have to worry about the Colt's defensive end Dwight Freeney, they should also be concerned with stopping Robert Mathis. Mathis finished the regular season tying his career high in sacks with 11.5 and in the first meeting this season with San Diego he recorded two sacks. Both McNeil and the Charger's other offensive tackle Jeromey Clary will have their hands full all night.



MORE FANTASY



WILDCARD WEEKEND:
Fantasy Football Playoff Rankings

Looking for more fantasy football, even when the regular season has ended, fantasy fun keeps on going?


Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning (Ind)...
Is there any surprise here? Manning has just been one of the league's elite quarterbacks since his arrival from the University of Tennessee in 1998. After a slow start this season, Manning has been "En Fuego" completing 64 of 78 passes (82% completion) while passing for 1,054-yards with eight touchdown passes and no interceptions in his last four starts. This Saturday Manning will face the league's 31st ranked pass defense.

2. Kurt Warner (Ariz)
3. Philip Rivers (SD)
4. Donovan McNabb (Phi)
5. Joe Flacco (Bal)
6. Matt Ryan (Atl)
7. Chad Pennington (Mia)
8. Tarvaris Jackson (Min)


Running backs

1. Michael Turner (Atl)...
The league's second leading rusher this season figures to be a big part of the Falcons game plan on Saturday. Turner finished the season with 1,699-yards rushing and 17 rushing touchdowns, so he'll be key in slowing down the Cardinal's offense. He's expected to carry a large load and facing the NFL's 16th ranked run defense, he should find some success and the end zone.

2. Adrian Peterson (Min)
3. LeRon McClain (Bal)
4. Brian Westbrook (Phi)
5. Joseph Addai (Ind)
6. LaDanian Tomlinson (SD)
7. Darren Sproles (SD)
8. Edgerrin James (Ari)
9. Ronnie Brown (Mia)
10. Willis McGahee (Bal)


Wide Receivers

1. Larry Fitzgerald (Ari)...
With the Cardinal's other great receiver a little banged up Fitzgerald has really turned it up the last several weeks. In his last five games Fitz has grabbed 24 balls for 421-yards and has six touchdowns. He's definitely become Kurt Warner's go-to-receiver in the red-zone and will be targeted heavily on Saturday against the Falcon's 25th ranked pass defense.

2. Roddy White (Atl)
3. Reggie Wayne (Ind)
4. Vincent Jackson (SD)
5. Anquan Boldin (Ari)
6. DeSean Jackson (Phi)
8. Mark Clayton (Bal)
9. Michael Jenkins (Atl)
10. Marvin Harrison (Ind)


Tight Ends

1. Dallas Clark (Ind)...
One if the corner-stones in Peyton Manning's arsenal, Clark is one of the league's elite tight ends. He finished the season with 77 receptions and 848-yards receiving. Clark was key in the Colts big turnaround and winning nine straight games. In his last four games Clark caught 30 passes for 335-yards and three touchdowns. He will be a key component attacking the Chargers deep middle on Saturday night.

2. Visanthe Shiancoe (Min)
3. Antonio Gates (SD)
4. Brent Celek (Phi)
5. Anthony Fasano (Mia)
6. Todd Heap (Bal)
7. David Martin (Mia)
8. Brandon Manumaleuna (SD)
9. Daniel Wilcox (Bal)
10. LJ Smith (Phi)


IDP Studs


1. Karlos Dansby, LB (Ari)...
The Cardinal's linebacker has been a main staple this season for the defense. Dansby finished the season with 119-total tackles, including four sacks. He's sure to see a heavy dose of Michael Turner on Saturday to keep busy.

2. Brian Dawkins, SS (Phi)...
The Eagle's safety has always been a playmaker and last week in a do-or-die must-win situation against the Cowboys, Dawkins delivered as he usually does. He finished with five tackles, one sack, and two forced fumbles. IDP owners can expect to find the defensive back around the ball much on Sunday.

3. Ray Lewis, LB (Bal)...
After 13 seasons in the league, there is still no slow down in Raven's linebacker Ray Lewis. This was the third straight season with over 100-total tackles and the first time since the 2003 season, that Lewis did not miss a game. In the team's earlier meeting with Miami this season Lewis finished with 10 tackles and he will be key on Sunday stopping the "Wildcat" offense. IDP owners can expect the Raven to be ready for a big afternoon.

4. Freddie Keiaho, LB (Ind)...
The Colt's 3rd year linebacker has really elevated his play this season. Keiaho played well in the team's first meeting with the Chargers this season recording ten tackles. He'll likely see a fair share of LT and Sproles on Saturday. Either way the Colts linebacker will be busy for IDP owners.

5. Eric Weddle, FS (SD)...
The Charger's 2nd year safety finished the season as the team's leading tackler with 127. In his last two games Weddle totaled 21-tackles. The Colts aren't expected to pound the ball up the middle much on Saturday, but that shouldn't slow Weddle down too much. Against the pass-happy Broncos he collected 11 stuffs and in the first meeting with the Colts he totaled 10-tackles.

Check back soon for more fantasy news & notes...

By David G. Ortega

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST (Fantasy News)

December 31st, 2008 10:50pm PST

David's Daily Digest
Fantasy Playoff News

Boldin to play Sunday against the Falcons.....
.....the Cardinal's receiver Anquan Boldin (shoulder) was limited Wednesday and could be questionable on the injury report, but it is highly unlikely that he will miss Saturday's playoff matchup with the Falcons. Boldin is one of the toughest receivers in the game today and is expected to start. Less than 100% he's still a worthy consideration as a WR2.

Smith limited in practice Wednesday.....
.....the Eagle's tight end L.J. Smith (shoulder, knee) was limited in practice Wednesday. His status is uncertain for Sunday's matchup with the Vikings. If Smith is unavailable, back up Brent Celek will get the start. Celek is a decent consideration this week coming off a three catch and touchdown performance.

LT held out of practice...
.....the Charger's running back LaDanian Tomlinson (groin) was held out of practice Wednesday likely to rest the injured groin. It would be hard to imagine LT missing Saturday's matchup, but with the injury he could be limited. With Tomlinson less than 100%, running back Darren Sproles has to be a consideration as a viable RB2 option especially against the Colts

Westbrook limited Wednesday...
....the Eagle's running back Brian Westbrook (ankle, knee) was limited in practice Wednesday. The Eagles are likely keeping it easy for the running back resting him up for Sunday's playoff matchup. Westbrook has been strong down the stretch of the regular season and should be good to go against the Vikings. He figures to be a must start in fantasy this week.

Jacobs does not practice...
....the Giant's running back Brandon Jacobs sat out of practice Wednesday. With an extra week to prepare the Giants are likely resting Jacobs up for the divisional playoffs.

Raven's Rice expects to play...
....the Raven's rookie running back Ray Rice (calf) has been sidelined for the past three weeks, but he's determined to be on the field Sunday against the Dolphins. The Ravens currently employ the RBBC program, so if Rice does play it's difficult to gauge what his role will be. McClain has been receiving the lion's share, fantasy owners should avoid Rice.

Clayton held out Wednesday...
....the Raven's receiver Mark Clayton (knee) was held out of practice Wednesday. The 4th year receiver has had moments of brilliance this season and has been the team's only legit deep threat. He's likely resting for Sunday's 1st round playoff matchup with Miami and is expected to start, but is a bit of a risky WR2 option.

Berrian limited Wednesday...
....the Viking's receiver Bernard Berrian (ankle) was limited Wednesday. He's not expected to practice a whole lot this week, but should be available to start. Berrian is the team's big-playmaking receiver, but against a good Eagle defense on Sunday, he's not necessarily a good option this week.

Gates does not practice Wednesday...
....the Charger's tight end Antonio Gates (ankle) was held out of practice Wednesday. Gates was likely held out to rest and is expected to start Saturday night against the Colts. He should be in fantasy lineups this week.

Mason does not practice Wednesday...
....the Raven's veteran receiver Derrick Mason (shoulder) was held out of practice Wednesday by the team to rest. Mason, the team's leading receiver with 80 receptions and 5 touchdowns is expected to start Sunday against the Dolphins. He's a safe WR2 option this week against the Phins 25th ranked pass defense.


IDP NEWS...

Vanden Bosch does not practice Wednesday.....
....the Titan's defensive tackle Kyle Vanden Bosch (hip) is still recovering from surgery. He's expected to be ready for the team's divisional matchup. When healthy Vanden Bosch is a decent IDP option.

Williams expecting to play Sunday....
....the Viking's defensive tackle Pat Williams (shoulder) is confident he will play this weekend. Williams has a fractured right shoulder blade, but he says he no longer has any pain. The defensive tackle is one of the team's run stuffing anchors and while he'll occupy a lot of space and tie up blockers, he has little value in IDP leagues.

Haynesworth misses practice...
.....the Titan's monster in the middle, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (knee) missed practiced Wednesday. Haynesworth suffered a sprained MCL and is progressing slower than expected, but he is still expected to be available for the divisional playoffs. How close to 100% he will be, will remain to be seen.

Milloy expected to play Saturday....
.....the NFL Network confirmed that Falcons safety Lawyer Milloy (back) will play Saturday against the Cardinals. Milloy suffered the injury in Week 16 against the Vikings. He's been limited this week in practice, but is expected to start. Milloy is stronger against the run, but should still be a decent IDP start against the pass heavy Cards.

Sanders practices for second day....
.....the Colt's defensive back Bob Sanders (knee) practiced for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. He is expected to start Saturday night in a classic matchup against the Chargers. Sanders is the emotional and spiritual leader of the defense. He'll be key against the run and should be in starting line-ups for IDP leagues.


Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...

By David G. Ortega

FSH: THE SUNDAY HEROES (WEEK 17)

December 30th, 2008 9:47pm PST


Week 17...
SUNDAY'S HEROES

Week 17 was more than exciting, in many ways it was mind blowing watching the Cowboys self-destruct, the Jets collapse (although their fate had already been handed to them) and the Bronco's complete meltdown. Amongst these shocking developments, there was still some great individual play by many fantasy studs on Sunday.

Here are this week's fantasy Studs!

The Fantasy Notebook (notable mentions) for Week 17....

What we think we know:

• With the Playoffs set to begin in just days, it's not so clear who the front runners really are. While the Titans and the Giants will enjoy coasting through with home cooking, there are many teams with tremendous playmakers standing in their way. The Panthers with running back DeAngelo Williams battled the Giants tough in Week 16 and came just a missed field-goal away from enjoying the same luxury. While if not for the Colts slow start this season, the Titans running backs Smash N' Dash (Chris Johnson & LenDale White) ) too could be in a different predicament.
• The Chargers not only routed the Broncos on Sunday night, but they may have just sent a message to the other five AFC teams in the post season jaunt, that they should not be overlooked as a serious contender. With Rivers throwing 34 touchdowns this season and LT scoring three times in the team's finale, the Colts (Saturday night's opponents) had better be ready.
• Perhaps the feel good story is the Atlanta Falcons return to the playoffs, but fans should not get too carried away. While the Cardinals will have their hands full with Michael Turner (NFL's 2nd leading rusher), the Falcons defense could have lots of trouble with quarterback Kurt Warner. Warner passed for over 4,500-yards this season with 30 touchdowns.
• With the big win over the Cowboy's in the team's season finale, the Eagles enter the playoff picture as perhaps the biggest sleeper. Only weeks ago did many think this team was dead in the water, with changes imminent; McNabb out and Reid on his way. Interesting how winning can seem to cure all and fix a broken ship. McNabb has looked great down the stretch and Westbrook is playing well. With defensive coordinator Jimmy Johnson running the defense, this team is going to present big problems for opponents in the playoffs.
  
  

Fantasy Spotlight:

***Branch finds the end-zone twice on Sunday...
The Seahawk's receiver showed up to play on Sunday. Branch caught six passes against the Cardinals for 90-yards and found pay-dirt twice in the team's Week 17 loss to Arizona.

***Warner closes out the regular season with big day...
The Cardinal's quarterback completed a successful tune-up last Sunday completing 19 of 30 passes for 263-yards with four touchdowns in the team's Week 17 win over the Seahawks.

***Moore has big day for Saints...
The Saint's receiver had falling off a bit the past couple of weeks, but in Week 17 he rebounded in big fashion. Moore finished the game with eight receptions for 91-yards and two touchdowns.

***Williams scores twice in Week 17...
The Buccaneers running back finished off his 2008 campaign on a down note injuring his left knee Sunday. Prior to injuring his knee, Williams carried the ball 12 times for 78-yards with two touchdowns.

***McClain hits the end-zone twice in Raven's win...
The Raven's running back carried the ball 25 times on Sunday for 70-yards and scored two touchdowns in the team's win over the Jaguars.

***LT scores three times in Chargers win...
The Charger's running back was electric Sunday night gauging the Denver defense for 96-yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns to lead the team's Week 17 win.


Another Sunday and another week in the NFL, here are your week 17 "Sunday's Heroes!"

AFC / NFC

300-PASSING CLUB

QB-Drew Brees (NO)
.....the Saint's quarterback nearly made history on Sunday. Brees came up 16-yards shy of setting the record passing for 386-yards on the afternoon. He completed 30 of 49 throws while tossing four touchdowns in the teams Week 17 loss.

QB-Matt Schaub (Hou)
.....the Texan's quarterback had a big Sunday completing 27 of 36 passes (75% completion) for 328-yards and two touchdowns in the team's Week 17 win over the Bears.

QB-Jay Cutler (Den)
.....the Bronco's quarterback completed 33 of 49 passes for 316-yards with a touchdown, but also threw two interceptions in the team's Week 17 loss to the Chargers.

QB-Aaron Rodgers (GB)
.....the Packers quarterback finished off the 2008 season on a good note, passing for 308-yards in the team's Week 17 win. Rodgers completed 21 of 31 passes with three touchdowns.

100-RUSHING CLUB

RB-Michael Turner (Atl)
....the Falcons running back toted the rock 25 times for 208-yards and a touchdown in the team's Week 17 win.

RB-DeAngelo Williams (Car)
....the Panther's running back carried the pigskin 25 times on Sunday for 178-yards in the team's win over the Saints.

RB-Michael Bush (Oak)
.....the Raider's running back carried the ball 27 times for 177-yards and two touchdowns in the team's win on Sunday.

RB-Steven Jackson (Stl)
.....the Ram's running back scampered his way to 161-yards rushing on 30 carries with two touchdowns against the Falcons in Week 17.

RB-Fred Jackson (Buf)
.....the Bill's running back carried the ball 27 times for 136-yards on the ground in the team's Week 17 loss to the Patriots.

RB-Willie Parker (Pit)
....the Steeler's running back rushed for 116-yards on 23 carries and scored a touchdown in the team's Week 17 win over the Browns.

RB-Darren Sproles (SD)
.....the Charger's running back carried the ball just 14 times, but rushed for 115-yards and scored one rushing touchdown in the team's Week 17 win. Sproles also added a receiving touchdown.

RB-Cedric Benson (Cin)
....the Bengal's running back broke loose for 111-yards rushing on 25 carries with a touchdown in the team's win on Sunday.

RB-Ryan Grant (Buf)
.....the Packer's running back was effective Sunday carrying the ball 19 times for 106-yards in the team's season finale victory.

RB-DeShawn Wynn (GB)
.....the Packer's running back needed just seven carries to eclipse the century mark. Wynn finished the day with 106-yards and a touchdown.

RB-Adrian Peterson (Min)
.....the Viking's running back finished off the day with 21 carries for 103-yards and a touchdown in the team's Week 17 win.

RB-Edgerrin James (Ari)
.....the Cardinal's running back after being used sparingly over the past several weeks, returned to action in Week 17 and needed just 14 carries to gain 100-yards.

100-RECEIVING CLUB

WR-Andre Johnson (Hou)
....the Texan's receiver pulled in ten passes on Sunday for 148-yards with two touchdowns in the team's win over the Bears.

WR-Steve Smith (Car)
....the Panther's receiver caught five passes on Sunday for 134-yards in the team's victory over the Saints.

WR-Larry Fitzgerald (Ari)
....the Cardinal's receiver grabbed five passes for 130-yards receiving in the team's Week 17 win.

WR-Mark Clayton (GB)
....the Raven's receiver caught four passes on Sunday for 128-yards in the team's Week 17 win over the Jaguars.

WR-Marques Colston (NO)
....the Saint's receiver hauled in seven passes for 123-yards and a touchdown in the team's Week 17 loss.

WR-Donald Driver (GB)
....the Packer's receiver caught six passes for 111-yards receiving and a touchdown in the team's Week 17 victory.

WR-Dwayne Bowe (KC)
....the Chief's receiver pulled in ten passes on Sunday for 103-yards in the team's loss to the Bengals.

WR-Terrell Owens (Dal)
....the Cowboy's receiver caught six passes on Sunday for 103-yards in the team's Week 17 loss to the Eagles.

WR-Calvin Johnson (Det)
....the Lion's receiver hauled in nine grabs for 102-yards receiving and two touchdowns in the team's loss to the Packers.

WR-Greg Jennings (GB)
....the Packer's receiver caught five passes for 101-yards in the teams victory over the Lions.


Check back for more NFL news, notes, updates, and analysis...

FSH: THE WEEKEND INJURY WRAP UP (WEEK 17)

December 30th, 2008 9:47pm PST



Week 17...
NFL Injury News

• The Buccaneers running back Carnell Williams suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee on Sunday, the same injury he suffered in his right knee a year ago. He is not expected to need the same 15 months he took to recover from the right knee injury.
• The Charger's running back LaDanian Tomlinson left Sunday Night's game in the third quarter with a groin injury. Up to that point, LT had run very well. HC Norv Turner expects LT to be fine "he should be all right."
• The Giants defensive back Sam Madison suffered a fractured ankle on Sunday and was placed on the injured reserve. He will miss the team's playoffs.
• The Cowboy's quarterback Tony Romo suffered rib cartilage damage in Sunday's loss to the Eagles. Romo collapsed following the game as a result of the injury. No further updates available. The Jets quarterback Brett Favre underwent an MRI Monday and results showed a tear in his biceps. The injury will only require arthroscopic surgery to repair
• The Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a scary moment on Sunday. Big Ben was carted off the field after he suffered a concussion. He was sent to the hospital for observation, appeared fine and left not long after arriving. The Steelers field general is expected to be ready for the playoffs with the extra week of rest.
• The Raider's rookie running back Darren McFadden re-injured the same ankle he hurt during the week of practice. McFadden was limited to just two carries and one reception as a result.
• The Cardinal's tight Leonard Pope suffered a left knee injury Sunday and may not be available this week against the Falcons.
• The Charger's tight end Antonio Gates is continuing to nurse an ankle injury. Despite the injury, Gates was effective Sunday night catching three passes for 49-yards.

Sunday's Game Notes:

• The Meltdown of the Denver Broncos was completed Sunday night as the team fell hard to the Chargers 52-21. San Diego was in control all night moving the ball at will on the ground and in the air. Philip Rivers put the finishing touches on a great season throwing two touchdowns and completing 15 of 20 passes. Rivers finished the season with 34 touchdowns, a new franchise record and LaDanian Tomlinson looked more like his old-self scoring three times. The loss left the Broncos 8-8, filled with many holes and even more questions heading into the off season.
• The Broncos weren't the only team to let destiny slip through their fingers. The Jets completed their own collapse on Sunday, losing their fourth game in the last five to finish 9-7 and miss the playoffs. The marriage of New York and Brett Favre was not without its turbulence, but at 8-3 it had the look of a match made in heaven. In the team's final five games Favre turned the ball over 9 times to lead the demise, while the defense was not much better allowing 660-yards (132-yards per game) on the ground.
• Some will fall and some will rise. As in the case of the Miami Dolphins who completed one of the most unexpected and biggest turnarounds in the history of the NFL. Just a year ago this franchise was drowning in less-than-mediocrity searching for a single win and finishing a disastrous 2007 campaign with the worst record in its history at 1-15. What a difference a year makes, the Dolphins are now 11-5 and the AFC East Champs. With the arrival of head coach Tony Sparano and the acquisition of quarterback Chad Pennington, the team has drastically changed its fortune and on Sunday against the Ravens they'll have a chance to chase the impossible.
• This has to be the year of the impossible dream. A year ago, the Atlanta Falcons were a team floundering in obscurity lost in turmoil. With the sudden departure of head coach Bobby Patrino, like the last man overboard, the Falcons were left for road kill with no outlook heading into the 2008 season. So this is what many thought and the team would have you to believe, until the hiring of head coach Mike Smith and the drafting of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan. But of course this city has seen this before, a number one round quarterback selection, they would not be fooled again, or would they? On Sunday the Falcons defeated the Rams to finish of a successful 2008 season and now eleven wins and 16 passing touchdowns later, the city of Atlanta is hot again!
  

Check back for more NFL news, notes, updates, and analysis......

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT DIGEST (Fantasy News)

December 29th, 2008 9:50pm PST

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

Recap: Mile High Meltdown at Qualcomm

As if it were written in the stars, the fans of San Diego were treated to what many will call "Poetic Justice" when the San Diego Chargers helped the Denver Broncos complete one of the leagues biggest collapses in the history of the NFL. At 8-5, the Broncos held a three game lead over the Chargers with three games left to play and the unthinkable came to fruition Sunday night when the Chargers trampled their division foes 52-21.

The NFL's most recognizable referee or arms for that matter, can now breathe a huge sigh of relief. Maybe now Charger fans will withdraw all the death-threats and discontinue all the hate mail. The football gods have righted Hochuli's wrong-doing, all is now right in the football universe.

For the NFL another it was another over-hyped matchup that did not live up to snuff. This was supposed to be a showdown between two division rivals, but it looked more like a practice scrimmage for the AFC West Champion Chargers, as they completely dismantled the Broncos on both sides of the ball.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, who was just snubbed from making the Pro Bowl earlier in the week, showed the fans of San Diego and a national audience which starting quarterback truly deserves pro bowl honors. Rivers was scintillating all night with his unorthodox throwing motion, completing one precision deep ball after another, and perfectly executing the Chargers high-powered offense to a tune of 491-net yards.

Rivers finished the night completing 15 of 20 passes for 207-yards (10.4-yards per pass) with two touchdowns for a 141.0 passer rating to lead San Diego to their third straight AFC West title.

While running back LaDanian Tomlinson looked sharp shredding the Broncos defense for 96-yards and three touchdowns, the story was not so much how good the Chargers looked, but rather how bad the Broncos played.

Without question, this was an epic meltdown of monumental proportions by the Denver franchise. The Broncos were sitting atop the AFC West with a three game lead. They would finish the season l0sing their final three games down the stretch, being outscored 112-54. This was a complete reversal of how the team started the season, outscoring their opponents 114-84.

Sunday night just became the epitome of this team's identity, in particular its' team leader. There have been moments throughout the season that quarterback Jay Cutler has looked like a million dollar bonus baby throwing 25-touchdowns, but then there have been those moments when he has not.

Cutler tossed two more picks in the team's loss, including a drive ending pick in the end-zone just before the close of the first half. This was at a moment where San Diego leading 24-6, clearly had all of the momentum, but a Denver score would have been huge going into the locker room, especially receiving the ball to start the second half.

Cutler finished the season with 18-total interceptions. Only Brett Favre's 22 were higher.

While some Denver fans may have had high hopes for the 7-9 team from a year ago, their 28-points allowed per game in the team's first three wins should have been a cause for concern. Now 8-8, ranked 29th overall in total defense, and out of the playoffs, reality has set in.

Looking over all that has happened in the last day or so, it's easy to say the Broncos collapsed, but if you look at their numbers maybe they just lived up to their potential.

In the 2008 season, the Bronco's defense allowed; 28-points per game (ranked 30th), 228.5-yards passing per game (ranked 26th), 26-sacks (ranked 26th), 146.1-yards rushing per game (ranked 27th), 26-rushing touchdowns (ranked 31st), and 20-run plays for 20 or more yards (ranked T-29th).

Before the Denver faithful, turn their backs on the only Bronco's head coach to bring a championship to Denver, we must remember Shanahan came in as an offensive minded guru, who has time and time again proved himself as such. This season the team was ranked 2nd in total yards and T-9th in offensive touchdowns.

There's little question many changes will be needed in the off-season. Before you start calling for the coach's head, this team will need to be evaluated from the players, to the coaching staff, to the parking attendants, and concession stands.

The offense appears to have it's core pieces in place, although many fantasy leaguers will love trying to figure out who will get the carries in Denver next season. If Denver is going to rebound from this catastrophic collapse, change will be necessary and the first place they should start is on the defensive personnel side of the ball. That's my take.

By David G. Ortega


SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY DIGEST
Fantasy News


SUNDAY NIGHT STARS...


Rivers is Sensational in Season Finale...
....the Charger's quarterback was poised and precise all night, completing dissecting the Denver secondary. Rivers completed 75% of his passes for 207-yards with two touchdowns.

LT finds the End-zone with Ease...
....the Charger's running back looked elusive and quick darting through the Bronco's defense Sunday night. Tomlinson also broke off a 45-yard run early in the 3rd quarter on his way to 96-yards on the ground. Tomlinson would also score three times in the team's blowout win.

Sproles has Big Night in Team's Big Win.....
.....the Charger's other shifty running back saw plenty of action Sunday night. Sproles carried the ball 14 times and rushed for 115-yards with a touchdown. He also added 2 grabs for 17-yards and another score.

Cutler Throws Two Picks in Loss...
.....the Bronco's quarterback threw a lot of passes (49) for a lot of yards (316), but it just wasn't enough. Cutler did manage to throw one touchdown, but his two interceptions on the night proved somewhat costly.

Bell Totals over 100-yards in Loss...
....the Bronco's running back had a strong performance in the losing effort. Bell ran the ball just eight times, but managed 86-yards with two rushing touchdowns. Bell also grabbed four passes for 31-yards.

Royal Plays Well in Team's Loss...
....the Bronco's rookie receiver was a bright spot on the night for the AFC West runner-ups. Royal caught a total of 11 passes on the evening but for only 76-yards (6.9-yards per catch).


IDP NOTES...

Eric Weddle is IDP Stud in Chargers Victory.....
....the Charger's safety was a busy defensive back leading all tacklers on the night with 11-total, including 10 solo ventures. Weddle finished the season with 127-total tackles to lead the team.

Champ Bailey has Busy Night in Secondary....
.....the Bronco's defensive returned to the line up shortly after apparently injuring his elbow, but was ineffective covering the Charger's receivers. Aside from getting burned on several pass plays, Bailey finished the night with 7 tackles.

Stephen Cooper is Solid for Chargers...
.....the Charger's linebacker, like the whole defense was solid in the Sunday night win. Cooper stayed active registering six total tackles, with five solo in the team's win.

Jamie Winborn is Tackling Machine in Loss...
.....the Bronco's linebacker spent a lot of time on the field Sunday night chasing after Charger's running backs. Winborn finished the night with nine total tackles in the team's loss.


Check back soon for more "David's Daily Digest" and fantasy news...

By David G. Ortega