FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

July 5th, 2009 7:37pm PST


Sunday Night Football Notes

Can Favre find Greatness Again?

What can Brett bring to the plate in 2009….
There really is no reason to believe that Favre can make one more curtain call and find the magic that eluded him a year, is there? After watching the “Golden Boy” struggle down the stretch in 2008, are the Vikings really counting on the son-to-be 40-year old retired quarterback to take their team to the next level?

It would seem that is the current concensus, since all signs point to Favre signing with the team and joining the Vikings by the time training camp opens. Favre had offseason surgery to repair a torn bicep and by what was evident last season arm strength is going to be a big concern for the Vikes heading into camp. Without any time on the field during the minicamps, it would seem pain-free or not, it’s going to be an uphill climb for the leagues former three-time MVP.

There’s little argument that Favre would seem to still have the tools, but after playing 17 seasons in the NFL can his body recover for one more run? His recent surgery appears to have gone well and if the timetable is correct he’s expected to be ready for training camp. With the likes of Dr. James Andrew and former Viking center Matt Birk adding their takes on the prospect of Favre playing, there seems to be little doubt (as if there ever was any).

Perhaps the only big question to ask is not if he’ll play, but rather how he will play?

Remember Favre is now 39-years of age, coming off a poor finishing 2008 and offseason surgery. For many years fans in Wisconsin believed the Golden Boy was superman, but that would hardly seem to be the case now.

We also mustn’t forget that the Vikings also have a couple of other guys that have proven that they can play at this level. I would hardly believe that Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson plan to step aside and hand Favre the job.

Favre, may be coming to Minnesota, but anything is hardly written in stone. He’ll likely be in camp more like trying to win the job, rather than inheriting any mantle. Don’t expect this to be any kind of cake walk for Brett and if there is anything true to why the Vikings traded for Rosenfels, there is nothing to say he might not just win the job outright.

Either way fantasy football buffs and fans alike will be paying attention to this one when camps open at the end of this month, as will I.

By David Ortega


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FSH: THE ATL REPORT

July 4th, 2009 9:37pm PST


THE ATL REPORT

Around the League

WR Eddie Royal could be looking at “Welker” type year….
Last season Royal led all rookies with 91 catches for the Broncos. And this season under McDaniels in a new system, he’ll be expected to fill a role in the passing that could allow him to flourish in 2009. Already a big talent in the league, the Bronco’s wideout will play the “Wes Welker” role in the team’s new offense. In New England Welker averaged over 100 balls in each of the last two seasons under McDaniels, making Royal a solid bet to generate the same type of fantasy numbers in Denver.

Moreno could eventually be utilized as a three-down player….
The Bronco’s rookie running back selected 12th overall in the 2009 NFL draft is expected to eventually develop into quite a talent and a three-down player according to his head coach. Moreno has the physical tools and has shown the versatility to be such a player. With the team’s current crowded backfield, the team may not be in any hurry to push the kid too quickly, but fantasy owners can expect to see Moreno at some point rise above the competition.

Bears won’t put the shackles on Cutler in 2009….
The Bears aren’t expected to suddenly air-it-out in 209, but with the talent of Cutler under center, the team is expected to open up the playbook some and allow the former Bronco to play his game. Traditionally a more conservative offense, the Bears could see their passing game elevated, but Cutler will likely see his numbers drop some for a year ago (something for fantasy owners to keep in mind).

Browns could be planning to get Edwards more touches…..
After a whole offseason with speculation of trade and rumors of being moved out of Cleveland, it appears wide receiver Braylon Edwards is now going to stay put and be a featured part of the offense. The talk is the team will try to get Edwards involved with more quick hitches and slants to get the ball into his hands more. Edwards certainly has the talent and if this hype plays out the Brown’s receiver could be a big play in fantasy once again.

Broncos could field trade offers for Marshall…
Well according to Adam Schefter (a very reliable NFL source) of the NFL Network, the Broncos will not be actively shopping their disgruntled and often troubled superstar wide receiver, but will be open to listen to offers. Though Marshall is an incredible talent, he has quite the checkered past off the field and could be considered a major risk especially at the amount of coin he’s asking. There’s no telling where this could lead, but fantasy owners are most likely hoping Marshall stays put.

LB Derrick Brooks having tough time drawing interest….
The 36-year old linebacker is still not receiving many calls these days for employment. Brooks was cut in the offseason by the Bucs and although he would like to play in 2009, the prospect looks sketchy at best. With his best playing days now behind him, Brooks won’t offer much value, if any in fantasy this season.

The Edge is still in great playing shape…..
According to his agent Drew Rosenhaus, free agent running back Edgerrin James is in great playing shape. Not to dispute the claim, but it’s hardly something you can take at its word, since Rosenhaus does represent Edge and is hoping to help him find employment. Chances are Edge won’t see any opportunities anytime soon. He’s likely to be called on once team’s cycle through injuries as most do. He’s not a candidate for any fantasy drafts, but could be a possible mid-season pickup.


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FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

July 1st, 2009 10:30pm 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 season……


My Take...

TE TONY SCHEFFLER COULD SEE BIG ROLE IN DENVER
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s tight end may have been a big question mark heading into the offseason with McDaniel’s arrival, but it looks like there could be big plans in 2009 for the talented receiver. Even if the Marshall situation plays out and he stays, Scheffler has too much skill and talent for McDaniels to ignore. The Broncos tight end can present to many favorable options for the offense and figures to be a big part of the offense in 2009. He should easily be one of fantasy’s top targeted tight ends this summer.

RB LESEAN MCCOY ADDS DEPTH TO BACKFIELD
My Fantasy Read: The Eagle’s second round draft signed his new four year deal and now gives the offense plenty of depth in the backfield. McCoy is not a threat to take Westbrook’s job, but will battle with 2nd year back Lorenzo Booker to back up the Eagle’s starter. With the Eagles hoping to keep Westy healthy all season long, the number two spot could become a more lucrative playing option. Fantasy owners will want to eye this situation well into training camp before making a move on either McCoy or Booker.

RB MIKE BELL COULD BE SEE SOME ACTION THIS YEAR
My Fantasy Read: Knowing the history of the Saints and there trouble keeping their backfield healthy, the former Bronco could find himself some playing time in 2009. Thomas appears to be the number one back, with Bush playing a more versatile role in the passing game. Bell should have a chance at splitting some short-yardage carries and perhaps steal a few touchdowns. He’s hardly worth looking at in standard fantasy drafts, but as needs change during the season he could fill a role.

RB LADANIAN TOMLINSON LOOKING GOOD-TO-GO IN 2009
My Fantasy Read: The Charger’s perennial all-pro runner has looked sharp this offseason and it appears his nagging injuries from last season could be a thing of the past. Tomlinson has been sharp and running well and with the Chargers fooling around a bit with the wildcat, the team could be finding more ways to keep their best weapon more involved with the offense. L.T. has reached that coveted 30-years of age plateau, but appears ready to disprove the nay-sayers. His recent history could knock him down a peg or two on some fantasy boards, but he should still be considered a solid RB1 in 2009 fantasy.


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FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

June 29th, 2009 11:37pm PST

[Wednesday Edition]

Who is Number Two?

Fitz Tops the List....

Well, if you’re taking a poll it’s pretty easy to figure out who is the number one receiver in fantasy this summer. Just stop by your local pub or watercooler and you can get it straight from your local fantasy guru. The Cardinal’s wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is more than likely going to be the number one selected receiver in fantasy this season.

When you look at the fantastic numbers he posted in the playoffs a year ago, it really becomes tough to argue (546-yards, 30 receptions, 7 touchdowns in four games). In the regular season Fitz was no disappointment with over 1,400-yards and nearly 100 balls. Fantasy owners are going to be just relishing at the thought of what Fitz is going to do in 2009.

So Larry Fitzgerald is easily and arguably considered the top pair of hands in the NFL, so who is number two?

The Candidates…

Last season there were a handful of misfits that easily fit in this slot. In Houston the Texans boast easily one of the leagues up and coming superstars in wideout Andre Johnson. In 2008 Johnson posted ridiculous numbers posting 1,575-yards (ranked 1st) and 115 receptions (ranked 1st). Johnson is a monster and can be dominant at times, but his eight touchdowns last season fell a bit short of taking the top spot.

In Atlanta, the Falcons easily have one of the leagues best kept secrets with wide receiver Roddy White. In 2007, White broke out with a solid campaign (83 catches, 1,202-yards) and followed up those numbers with an even more impressive 2008 season. His 88 catches put him in the top 10 and his 1,382-yards ranked 4th in the league. The added help of an all-pro tight end should help the Falcon’s receiver to elevate his game once again, but his seven touchdowns are still a bit below par to snag the top honors.

Perhaps the only candidate that has the best shot of unseating the Cardinal’s stud receiver is the Patriot’s Randy Moss. Considered one of the league’s very best, Moss is only one season removed from a record setting 2007 campaign (98 receptions, 1,493-yards, 23 touchdowns). With the return of Tom Brady under center in 2009, Moss figures to have the best odds of repeating his spectacular 2007 season. Without Brady, Moss was still a solid top 10 receiver finishing with over 1,000-yards and 11 touchdowns.

Other receivers worth considering as the next dawg down after Mr. Fitzgerald are the Lion’s own Calvin “Megatron” Johnson (1,331-yards, 12 touchdowns), the Broncos own (if he stays) Brandon “Optimus-Prime” Marshall (104 receptions, 1,265-yards in 15 games), the Bills newest weapon Terrell Owens (three straight seasons with at least 10 touchdowns), the Panthers Steve Smith (1,421-yards in 14 games), and the Saints Marques Colston (98 receptions, 1,202-yards in 2007).

Regardless of who you choose in fantasy drafts, just remember they are all playing second fiddle to Larry Fitz. And while there may not be much room at the top beyond the Cardinal receiver, when you look at this bunch of misfits and a few others that did not get mentioned here, they are all number two and solid fantasy options for 2009.

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FSH: IDP NOTES

June 30th, 2009 11:30pm PST

IDP Notes:

LB BRIAN CUSHING RUNNING WITH FIRST TEAM
My Fantasy Read: The Texan’s rookie linebacker has stepped right in at strong-side and is expected to start this season. He’s been impressive thus far during the offseason, and will be a nice addition for the defense this season. Cushing has enough athleticism to be a three down player and figures to be an IDP impact player at the strong side.

DE DERRICK BURGESS FACING CLOUDED SITUATION
My Fantasy Read: The Raider’s defensive lineman could be spending more time off the field and on the sidelines. With the signing of Grege Ellis, Burgess isn’t expected to see a lot of time playing. The thought is the team could be trying to move the nine year veteran, but it’s looking more like he will remain and serve as a pass-rush specialist. Burgess won’t have much value in 2009, but could be a reserve pass-rushing DL for fantasy owners in IDP leagues.

DB MIKE BROWN SIGNS WITH KANSAS CITY
My Fantasy Read: The Chief’s looking to add veteran leadership and some playmaking ability have signed the former Bear safety Mike Brown. Last season, Brown bounced back to play 15 games, after missing a total of 43 games in the previous four seasons. Brown finished with 73 tackles and two interceptions a year ago and will hope to bring that type of production to a young Chief’s secondary. Brown should be a more than capable IDP play in 2009.


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