FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

November 23rd, 2009 7:27pm PST

[Late Night Edition]

What I saw in Week 10

Chargers Bolt past the Broncos....
It did not take long for the Chargers to seize control of this one and with a wounded Broncos offense (Orton injured entering the contest) it did not take long for San Diego to put it away. Rivers was precise completing 17 of 22 passes and throwing one touchdown, but the Chargers used a committee of running backs to charge past the Broncos defense. Tomlinson led the way with 73 yards and a touchdown, while fullback Mike Tolbert got into the act with 58 yards of his own and a score. In the end, the Chargers came ready and took it to the Broncos on both sides of the ball to the tune of a 32-3 drubbing.

Brady and Patriots pass by the Jets....
It was like day and night from their earlier matchup in week two. This time around Tom Brady looked more comfortable and much more in sync with his receivers. Against the Jets defense Brady completed 28 passes for over 300 yards and a score. On the other side rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez continued his struggles with five more turnovers on Sunday (19 turnovers this season).

Saints-Colts: Steady as they go....
The Saints continued their winning ways on Sunday by completely throttling the hapless Buccaneers. Powered by three touchdowns and 187 yards passing from quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints blitzed (three sacks, four turnovers) 38-7. The Saints offense also got a huge boost on the ground from running backs Mike Bell (75 yards rushing, two touchdowns) and Pierre Thomas (92 yards rushing, 3 receptions).

Apparently the Colts love living dangerously taking another matchup down to the wire; on Sunday against the Ravens Manning and company had to rely on the defense. Manning was his usual self passing for 299 yards, but his uncharacteristic two picks helped keep this one close. Wide receivers Reggie Wayne (89 yards receiving) and Pierre Garcon (108 yards receiving) were pivotal in the offense, but big plays on the defense were the biggest difference makers. Gary Bracketts nine tackles and late interception were key in the Colts 17-15 victory and remaining undefeated.

The Jury is Still Out

Can the Cowboys win the East; A tough question to answer. After their four game winning streak ended with a dismal performance against the Packers a week ago, there was some doubt. Even after their win on Sunday against the Redskins, we can't be sold on the Cowboys just yet. A win is a win, but Sunday’s play against the Redskins was border-line awful. Quarterback Tony Romo was not sharp completing only 15 passes for 158 yards, one touchdown and a pick. With the passing game struggling to get air the Cowboys were very fortunate to have their ground game in check. Running backs Marion Barber (99 yards rushing) and Felix Jones (49 yards rushing) were able to move the chains, but only seven points at home on Sunday is enough to raise questions.

What I Remember from Sunday

1. Brett Favre still has a golden arm; completed 22 of 25 passes for 213 yards and threw four more touchdowns on Sunday.
2. After recording a donut the week earlier, wide receiver Nate Burleson bounced back with a solid day; six catches for 100-yards.
3. Kurt Warner needs just one half to down the Rams; as it turned out Warner’s 203 yards passing, two touchdown passes, and 21 points on offense was just enough.
4. Terrell Owens has finally arrived or at least fantasy owners are hoping to see more of what he did Sunday; 9 receptions, 197 yards, and a touchdown.
5. How good is Sidney Rice; two touchdowns on Sunday. His last five games he has 33 receptions, 642 yards receiving, and two touchdowns!!
6. After quarterback Aaron Rodger’s 344 yards passing, two touchdowns and a 6-4 record, does anyone in Green Bay think about old “what’s his name?”
7. What a difference one man can make in the bay area. Look at Vernon Davis now with Mike Singletary in charge; six receptions, 108 yards receiving, and a touchdown.
8. Running back LaDanian Tomlinson looked good for the second straight game rushing for 73 yards and a touchdown.
9. No one is working as hard as running back Steven Jackson. In his last four games he is averaging 132.5 yards rushing per game and over five yards a carry.
10. He may not have been worth the wait yet, but how good is Michael Crabtree; four catches for 77 yards and a score. Season totals; 22 receptions, 292 yards, one touchdown.

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

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL HEADLINES

November 22nd, 2009 9:37pm PST

Sunday Night FF Headlines

Who is now making Fantasy News?

Keep track of which players are making noise

[fantasy points based on traditional scoring]

BRADY QUINN THROWS FOR A BUNCH...

The Browns saw a little of what they thought they were drafting a year ago in Brady Quinn on Sunday. Although it came at the expense of one of the leagues worst, fantasy owners will take it; Brady tossed four touchdowns and passed for 304 yards. (36 fantasy points)

MATT CASSEL LEADS THE CHIEFS....

The Chiefs pulled off a shocker on Sunday and the arm of Matt Cassel played a big part. Cassel completed only 15 passes, but it was enough for 248 yards, two scores, and of course the win in overtime. (19 fantasy points)

JASON SNELLING GETS CHANCE AND SCORES....

With both Turner and Norwood sidelined running back Jason Snelling had a rare opportunity to be productive. Snelling carried the ball 25 times for 76 yards, added 13 receiving yards, and scored two rushing touchdowns in a rare start. (20 fantasy points)

SIDNEY RICE CONTINUES TO SIZZLE FOR VIKES....

The Vikings receiver continues to have a big 2009 campaign. Following a big receiving day last week, Rice did not disappoint fantasy owners on Sunday catching six balls for 89 yards and two touchdowns. (20 fantasy points)

ALEX SMITH HAS BIG DAY IN LOSS....

With his team trailing most of the afternoon, Smith took advantage in the second half and led a mini charge. Trailing by as much as 30-10, Smith passed for almost all of his 227 yards and threw three second half touchdowns to make the game close at the end. (25 fantasy points)

Some IDP Fantasy Newsmakers…

KEVIN BURNETT LEADS THE BOLTS CHARGE....

The Chargers linebacker was a big IDP play on Sunday recording eight total tackles and registering two sacks on the afternoon.

MICHAEL BOLEY WRECKS HAVOC ON SUNDAY....

The Giants linebacker was a one man wrecking crew on Sunday against the Falcons. IDP owners had to be delighted with his 13 total tackles and two sacks effort in week 11.

LANCE BRIGGS BRINGS THE HEAT ON A COLD SUNDAY NIGHT....

The Bears playmaking linebacker, just kept making plays all evening. Briggs helped to keep this one interesting turning in an 11 total tackles and one sack effort in the losing cause.

By David Ortega

Check back every Sunday for more “Sunday Night FF Headlines!”

FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (SUNDAY HEROES)

November 22nd, 2009 8:37pm PST

The Fantasy Sports Zone

Week 10

“Sunday’s Heroes”

Week 11 in the NFL…

The Bills made some big changes during the past week and on Sunday they left their conservative ways in the past. Wide receiver Terrell Owens had a monster Sunday hauling in a season high nine catches and 197 yards receiving. Owens big day was highlighted with a franchise record 98 yard catch and run for six.

The Lions were finally able to see the upside of rookie quarterback Matt Stafford, albeit came against one of the leagues worst defenses. Nonetheless Stafford showed off his big arm with a huge passing day throwing five touchdowns and passing for over 400 yards.

Since his 40th birthday, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre continues to age like fine win. On Sunday against the Seahawks Fave completed 88 percent of his passes, threw for 213 yards, and tossed four more touchdowns (21 for the season) to lift the Vikings to 9-1 this season.

Despite an inept offense, the Rams running back Steven Jackson continues to have a monster season. Against the Cardinals he rushed for his 4th consecutive 100-yard rushing game; it was the 6th time this season Jackson has rushed for over 100 yards.

With the Jets focused on taking Randy Moss out of the game, the Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker was dominant on Sunday. The little man on the other side was open all day (so it seemed) and caught 15 balls for 192 yards.

These were just some of Week 11’s Gridiron Gladiators. Check out the rest of Sunday’s Heroes from today’s action;

Sunday’s Heroes

300-Passing Club

Matt Stafford (Det)..........422 yards, 5 touchdowns
Ben Roethlisberger (Pit)…..398 yards, 3 touchdowns
Eli Manning (NYG)...........384 yards, 3 touchdowns
Aaron Rodgers (GB).........344 yards, 2 touchdowns
Brady Quinn (Cle)...........304 yards, 4 touchdowns
Tom Brady (NE)..............310 yards, 1 touchdown

100-Rushing Club

Ryan Grant (GB)..............129 yards, 1 touchdown
DeAngelo Williams (Car)....122 yards, 0 touchdowns
Bernard Scott (Cin)..........119 yards, 0 touchdowns
Ricky Williams (Mia).........119 yards, 2 touchdowns

Steven Jackson (STL)........116 yards, 1 touchdown
Tim Hightower (Ari).........110 yards, 0 touchdowns
Thomas Jones (NYJ).........103 yards, 0 touchdowns

100-Receiving Club

Terrell Owens (Buf)..........9-rec, 197 yards, 1 touchdown

Wes Welker (NE)...........15-rec, 192 yards, no touchdowns

Calvin Johnson (Det)........7-rec, 161 yards, 1 touchdown

Derrick Mason (Bal).........9-rec, 142 yards, no touchdowns

Hines Ward (Pit)...........10-rec, 128 yards, 1 touchdown

Greg Jennings (GB).........5-rec, 126 yards, 1 touchdown

Mario Manningham (NYG)..6-rec, 126 yards, no touchdowns

Chris Chambers (KC)........4-rec, 119 yards, no touchdowns

Mohamed Massaquoi (Cle)..5-rec, 115 yards, 1 touchdown

Vernon Davis (SF)............6-rec, 108 yards, 1 touchdown

Pierre Garcon (Ind)..........6-rec, 108 yards, no touchdowns

Kevin Smith (Det)............4-rec, 104 yards, 1 touchdown

Anquan Boldin (Ari)..........8-rec, 103 yards, 1 touchdown

Nate Burleson (Sea)..........6-rec, 100 yards, no touchdowns

Check back every week for more “Sunday Heroes”

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

November 22nd, 2009 8:57pm PST

Sunday Night Football Notes

Week 11 Injury round-up

(Some of Sunday’s Busted, Bruised, and Broken; Updated Sunday Nov. 22nd)

Offensive Players

Ben Roethlisberger-QB (Steelers)
The Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a head injury in the team's week 11 matchup with the Chiefs. Big Ben left the game and did not return.

Kurt Warner-QB (Cardinals)
The Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner suffered an apparent head injury at the end of the first half. Warner left the field for the locker room and did not return to the game. Late reports indicated he suffered a “mild” concussion.

Matt Stafford-QB (Lions)

The Lions rookie quarterback Matt Stafford suffered a shoulder injury late in Sunday’s game against the Browns. Stafford could be seen coming off the field in agonizing pain. Following the game X-rays did not reveal any fracture, but reports indicate he is “iffy” for Thursday.

Ladell Betts-RB (Redskins)
The Redskins runng back Ladell Betts left Sunday's game early with a knee injury. Betts was checked by trainers on the sidelined, but did not return. Late reports indicated a torn MCL.

Brandon Jacobs-Rb (Giants)
The Giants running back Brandon Jacobs came out of Sunday's game late with an apparent knee injury. It was announced Jacobs would return who did not, but it sounds like the injury won't keep him out of Thursday's game with Denver.

Ryan Grant-RB (Packers)

It was revealed following the Packers win on Sunday over the Niners that running back Ryan Grant suffered a mild stinger. Grant exited the game briefly, but was able to return. The injury does not appear serious, but on a short week it’s worth monitoring.

Defensive Players

Aaron Kampman-LB (Packers)
The Packers outside linebacker Aaron Kampman left Sunday's game walking off the field with a limp. He was looked at by trainers then carted off to the locker room for X-rays.

Al Harris-DB (Packers)
The Packers cornerback Al Harris suffered an injury to his left knee and left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter. He was carted off and taken to the locker room for X-rays.

Assante Samuel-DB (Eagles)

The Eagles cornerback Assante Samuel suffered a stinger in Sunday night’s matchup against the Bears. Samuel left the game in the third quarter following the injury and did not return.

Brian Dawkins-DB (Broncos)
The Broncos safety Brian Dawkins suffered a neck injury in the first half of Sunday's matchup with the Chargers. He left the game and did not return.

Fabian Washington-DB (Ravens)
The Ravens defensive back Fabian Washington sprained his knee in Sunday's contest against the Colts and is scheduled for an MRI on Monday.

Richard Seymour-DL (Raiders)
The Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour left Sunday's game with a lower back injury and did not return to the game.

By David Ortega

Check out more “Sunday Night Football Notes” every week!

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 22nd, 2009 - 8:27Am PST

SUNDAY GAME-TIME

CEDRIC BENSON IS DOUBTFUL...

It appears the Bengals will likely roll the dice against the Raiders today without running back Cedric Benson (hip). It's not much of a gambel against the 2-7 club, so we'd expect to see Benson sit today.

TURNER LIKELY TO BE A SCRATCH....

ESPN reporting that running back Michael Turner (ankle) is looking more and more like a scratch today against the Giants. Owners would be wise to consider other options for today.

HEAP VERY QUESTIONABLE FOR TODAY....

According to ESPN's John Clayton, Raven's tight end Todd Heap (chest) struggled through practice this week and is "very" questionable for Sunday against the Colts. Given Heap's history of injury, it appears more likely he could sit.

QUARTERBACK KYLE ORTON EXPECTED TO BE GAME-TIME....

The Bronco's quarterback has not practiced all week and is expectedt to be a game-time decision. The current word indicates it is highly doubtful he will play and if he does he'll be a huge risk. Owners are advised to avoid.

HALOTI NGATA IS EXPECTED TO PLAY TODAY FOR RAVENS....

According to ESPN the Raven's defensive tackle Haloti Ngata ( is expected to play today, but he will test the ankle today before giving it a go.

HAYNESWORTH NOT BEING EXPECTED TODAY....

The Redskins 100 million dollar man defensive tackle ALbert Haynesworth (ankle) is listed as questionable, but currently it is being speculate he won't be ready to go today against the Cowboys.

WHITE WILL PLAY TODAY FOR FALCONS....

The early word is wide receiver Roddy White (knee) will play today against the Giants as expected. His was listed as questionable, but hasn't missed a start this season.

Check back every Sunday for more "Game-Time"....