FSH: THE FANTASY SPORTS ZONE (TARGET PRACTICE)

December 15th, 2009 7:45pm PST

Fantasy Football

Target Practice

In these hands we trust

We're not over the hump yet, with Week 15 next on the slate all fantasy leagues have now moved into post season mode. It's most important to note that in the post season, it's one and done; no time to be guessing.

After watching the Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall set the NFL record for 21 receptions last Sunday, it's easy to see that he's turned his 2009 campaign completely around. His is clearly on his way to a career year with catches and scores and if fantasy owners were wondering he has had no fewer than nine targets since Week 8. With 56 targets over his last four games, his stock value is sky rocketing and there's no question he's going to help some fantasy owners move on in the post season.

Despite the bumps in the road the Patriots have encounterd over the past couple of weeks, wide receiver Wes Welker just keeps on ticking. The small package of dynamite has been a huge fantasy stud this season and his 136 targets this season (missed one game) rank 2nd only to Andre Johnson. In Welker's past four games he has caught 41 passes for nearly 500 yards and the secret to his success; Welker has 54 targets over the stretch.

As you can see, persistence pays with these fantasy studs and as history shows us it pays for others too;

(last four games)

Brandon Marshall (Broncos)-56 targets/37 receptions.

Wes Welker (Patriots)-54 targets/41 receptions.

Andre Johnson (Texans)-53 targets/27 receptions.

Calvin Johnson (Lions)-48 targets/19 receptions.*

Steve E. Smith (Giants)-42 targets/24 receptions.

Sidney Rice (Vikings)-43 targets/23 receptions.

Santonio Holmes (Steelers)-42 targets/27 receptions.

Roddy White (Falcons)-52 targets/20 receptions.

*Lions passing game ranks at the bottom of the sea.

So when you start looking for that winning combination for Sunday, pay attention to the numbers; numbers don't lie.

What have you done for me lately

Over the past four Weeks...

(unoffical numbers)

A few names you'll want to remember!

Brandon Marshall (Den).......56 targets

Sidney Rice (Min)...............43 targets

Derrick Mason (Bal)............42 targets

Steve E. Smith (NYG).........42 targets

Santonio Holmes (Pit).........42 targets

Austin Miles (Dal)..............38 targets

Michael Crabtree (SF).........37 targets

Pierre Garcon (Ind)............36 targets

Donnie Avery (Stl).............35 targets

Anquan Boldin (Ari)...........35 targets

Terrell Owens (Buf)...........33 targets

Season Target leaders Top 10

1. Andre Johnson (Hou)............145 targets

2.Wes Welker (NE).................136 targets

3. Roddy White (Atl)...............133 targets

4. Brandon Marshall (Den).......132 targets

5. Steve E. Smith (NYG)...........131 targets

6. Larry Fitzgerald (Ari)...........130 targets

7. Reggie Wayne (Ind)..............128 targets

8. Randy Moss (NE).................119 targets

9. Tony Gonzalez (Atl).............116 targets

10. Santonio Holmes (Pit)...........116 targets

Check back every week for more from the “Fantasy Sports Zone”

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 15th, 2009 11:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest

[My Take]

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

Player Notes From Across My Wire...

Moreno could carry big load...

The Broncos running back did not have a big day on the ground last week against the Colts quick and tenacious defense, but with Buckhalter out he shouldered most of the load (23 carries). This could be much of the same this weekend when the Broncos play host to the lowly Raiders ranked 30th against the run. Fantasy owners should keep in mind that Moreno's 23 carry work-load last Sunday was a season high, one he may very easily surpass this week.

Colston and Saints gearing up for a big game....

The Saints will undoubtedly be watching game film this week and taking note of the Cowboys huge struggles in the secondary with the deep ball. The Saints don't boast as big a lineup as the Chargers, but wide receiver Marques Colston standing 6'4" will pose the same threat the Cowboys faced this past weekend. It's a pretty good bet Brees will be calling some post and go routes for Colston on Saturday night.

Warner looking to rebound against Lions....

Without a trust worthy ball carrier, it's becoming pretty clear the Cardinals are going to have to rely on Warner and the passing game once again. On Monday night the running backs coughed up the ball three times and gained just 85 yards on the ground. The Cardinals will need the ground game going into the playoffs, but it's a safe bet this week against the Lions Warner and company will have a big hand in decided this one.

IDP Notes....

Orakpo paid huge dividends for fantasy owners….

The Redskins rookie pass rushing linebacker Brian Orakpo has not been quite the impact player the team thought they drafted coming into Week 14 with just seven sacks, but all that changed on Sunday. Orakpo was more than a disruptive force recording four sacks on the afternoon and forcing one fumble. Fantasy owners that stayed the course were rewarded big time by the kids’ effort.

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

FSH: FOOTBALL TALK

December 15th, 2009 11:37pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

Week 14

Brady and Moss not N'sync (yet)....

Even though Tom Brady has passed for more than 300 yards in two of his last four games, over that stretch Moss has not caught more than five passes for more than 67 yards in any one of those games. Even though the two seem to be slightly disconnected, they have managed to hook up 69 times, including nine times for scores this season. With Moss coming off one of his worst games to date, it would be too premature to write off "The Freak." The Patriots are still in the hunt for the post season and will be one of the AFC's more dangerouse teams with Moss and Wes Welker (105 receptions this season). Brady and his deep threat may be out of step, but it's just a matter of time before these two again find their rhythm.

Warner and Cards got plucked Monday night....

The Cardinals were expecting to lock up the division on Monday night, but instead they found themselves right in the middle of a buzz-saw. One of the Cardinals short-comings this season has been their struggling ground game and now suddenly it has a case of fumble-itus. On Monday night the backfield coughed up the ball three times and in its last three games has rushed for less than 86 yards. With the unreliable rushing attack, this could be a big indication that the Cardinals will have to turn to Warner and the passing game going forward. Warner has had his struggles, but before the Monday night fiasco he had thrown 14 touchdowns in his previous five starts. Expect Warner to lead the way down the stretch and throughout the post season.

More fantasy Notes

Although the Colts don't appear to have much to play for from this point going forward, don't expect Peyton and company to ease off the gas. This is a team capable of doing as much damage in a single half as most teams do in a full game. That will be the concern of many fantasy owners looking toward Week 15, but one they may not need be so worried about. The Jaguars defense(ranked 26th against the pass) is in shambles with injuries and poor play. This Colts team is lead by Peyton and the passing game and he could easily post winnable fantasy numbers by half, so owners should not consider sitting him this week.

The Cowboys defense struggled terribly against the vertical attack of the San Diego Chargers and remember the Saints are no breeze either. With (WR) Marques Colston and (TE) Jeremy Shockey presenting very easy to find targets with their huge stature, and the Saints very animated about their pursuit to keep winning fantasy owners can bet Brees will be "bringing it" to the Boys on Saturday. The Saints quarterback has turned into a touchdown maker with 13 scoring throws in his last four starts. His (Brees) recent play make Colston, Meachem, and Shockey inviting plays this week too.

The Eagles are facing a tough divisional matchup on Sunday against the Redskins, but don't expect them to wander to far from the formula that is working well. On Sunday night against the Giants, without Brian Westbrook and rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin McNabb has made the most of what he has and got the most from his best weapon; DeSean Jackson. The Eagles second year receiver has been electric this season with eight touchdowns of 50 yards or more. Jackson leads the club with 947 yards receiving and will undoubtedly be targeted heavily against the Redskins. Fantasy owners can expect Reid to keep the plan simple; put the game in the hands of his playmakers. McNabb has been solid the past five weeks throwing eight touchdowns and averaging 290 yards passing per game.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: ON THE COVER

December 14th, 2009 10:00pm PST

This Week on the Cover….

Eagles are Riding the Lightning!

While the Giants and Cowboys have suddenly found themselves stumbling along the way, the Eagles and wide receiver DeSean Jackson have soared to the top.

The Eagles used their dynamic playmaking receiver (Jackson) and needed all of his talents to hold off the struggling Giants. With injuries disrupting the rhythm this season, quarterback Donovan McNabb and Jackson have managed to find great chemistry. On Sunday night it was in full display with Jackson grabbing six passes for 178 yards and one touchdown.

With Jackson's great speed it made easy for McNabb to attack the Giants secondary as he completed 17 of 26 for 275 yards. Although there have been injuries with Westbrook out and Maclin exiting early, the Eagles second year receiver (Jackson) teamed with his signal caller have managed to keep the Eagles soaring. McNabb is tied for the NFL lead for most pass plays of 40 yards or more at 14 this season.

On Sunday night Jackson used some highlight reel material to get the Eagles surging late in the first half against the Giants. It was his 72-yard punt return for six that opened up a 13 point lead for the Eagles (that would eventually evaporate). But the always electric Jackson then added a late and decisive 60-yard touchdown reception to all but close out the Giants effort to come back.

Jackson has been explosive this season and in just 12 games he has managed to tie the NFL record for the most touchdown of 50 yards or more in a season with eight. With three games left, you know there is more work to do and more highlights to watch if you're an Iggles fan!

Check back everyday for more football!

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

December 14th, 2009 11:31pm PST

[Late Night Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

What I saw in Week 14

Johnson looks like a record setter....

The Titans running back has been better than good this season, through 13 games this season Chris Johnson has been spectacular. Johnson has already totaled more than 2,000 yards from this season and scored 13 times. With over 1,600 yards on the ground Johnson has an outside shot at the record books and a chance to become another member of the 2,000-rushing yard club.

Reggie Bush makes a Cameo....

The Saints running back Reggie Bush has not been much of a factor this season having missed some time due to injuries and the emergence of Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell as a solid one-two punch. Finally healthy and with Bell sidelined Reggie played a more prominent role on Sunday getting 12 touches for 79 yards and two scores. It was by far Bush's most productive game this season, something fantasy owners would like to see more of next week.

Ray does in the Lions....

The Ravens have found themselves one gem of a feature back in Ray Rice. The second year ball carrier has been everything the team could hope for and more. On Sunday he totaled over 200 yards with two score and his season numbers rank with the best. This season Rice has run for over 1,000 yards, caught 68 balls for another 650 yards, and scored eight times; not many better.

Quick Notes:

Vikings did much better job against pass on Sunday with the return of cornerback Antoine Winfield. This will be something to remember and watch as we near the playoffs.

The Cowboys had all kinds of trouble defending the deep ball against the Chargers giant receivers. Next week they see the Saints with their midget receiving corp; Colston (6'4") Robert Meachem (6'2"), and Jeremy Shockey (6'5"). This season Jay Cutler has passed for over 3,000 yards, 19 touchdowns, but also has 22 picks.

The Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton has just over 2,900 yards with 16 touchdown passes, but only eight picks. Who got the better deal here?

10 Things I Remember

Week 14

1. The Texans quarterback Matt Schaub was full throttle right out of the gate on Sunday opening up with a 64-yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson; Schaub would not stop to the tune of 365 yards passing and two touchdowns

2. The Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall was impressive, although his team was not. Marshall set the NFL record with 21 receptions on Sunday.

3. The Colts tight end Dallas Clark was not electric on Sunday, but he was more than efficient for fantasy owners catching three touchdown passes.

4. The old man Derrick Mason proved once again he can still make plays and be a playmaker with his 5 catches for 94 yards, including a 62-yard catch and run for six.

5. Ricky Williams carries the load for Miami in a critcal Week 14 win keeping post season hopes alive. Williams carried the ball 28 times for over 100 yards.

6. Carson Palmer could not get the passing game off the ground against the Vikings. Palmer completed just 15 passes for only 94 yards; not fantasy worthy.

7. Wes Welker may not be a big man, but he is "da man!" Welker hauled in another 10 grabs surpassing 100 for the season for the third straight season.

8. Brian Orakpo proved that defensive rookies need love too. His stat line on Sunday; six tackles (including five solo), four sacks, and one forced fumble=stud.

9. Thomas Jones just missed his seventh 100-yard game on Sunday against the Buccaneers. He finished with 24 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns; ah yes life after 30 is not too bad.

10. In relief of the injured Bruce Gradkowski, quarterback JaMarcus Russell entered the game just in time to be sacked six times and throw one pick to a chorus of boos.

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