FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 19th, 2010 9:30pm 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...

Favre ready to continue his magic....

The 2009 season has been a magical return of the Golden Boy, much to the dismay of many cheeseheads. In his 20th season, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre has had a magnificent run and has carried his great play right into the playoffs. Last week Favre connected on 15 of 24 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns. The Saints defense is going to have to find a way to disrupt his rhythm or fans will see a lot of the same on Sunday.

Wayne could have a tough day on Sunday...

In their first matchup, mind you Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne did exit early, but while on the field his three catches for just 33 yards were a non-factor. On Sunday he's likely to be shadowed a lot by the Jets cover corner Darrelle Revis. As great as Peyton Manning can be, if he does not have too much bravado to look the other way it could be a quiet day for Wayne. Fantasy owners have to be prepared for a quiet afternoon from Wayne.

Bush could be huge factor in passing game....

The Saints running back Reggie Bush had a huge game on the ground in the divisional round averaging 18 yards from scrimmage each time he touched the ball. There's no question the Vikings priority will be to close the gaps and contain Mr. Bush, but where he could be a huge factor on Sunday is in open space. Don't be surprised to see head coach Sean Payton utilize his running back even more in the passing game to compensate for the Vikings 2nd ranked run defense.

Jones likely to take a back seat on Sunday.....

The Jets have been able to run the ball effectively this post season, but perhaps to the dismay of running back Thomas Jones. In two games this post season Jones has carried the ball 29 times, but it has been rookie Shonn Greene who has seen the bulk of the work load with 44 attempts. The rookie has managed a heft six yards per tote, while Jones has been a pedestrian 2.6 yards per carry. With the rookie running well, Jones is likely to take a back seat against the Colts 24th ranked run defense on Sunday.

IDP Notes....

Colts must use their speed to neutralize Jets ground attack….

All season the Colts have used an explosive passing game and the will of Peyton Manning to get the job done, but on Sunday they will need their 18th ranked run defense to step up. Ranked 24th against the run and allowing more than four yards per carry, the undersized defense will have to use their speed (Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney) on the edges to swarm and disrupt the Jets ground assault. These two pass rushing specialists (23 sacks combined this season) will have to be equally effective against the run game.

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

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

January 19th, 2010 10:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

the Divisional Round

The Saints flex some firepower of their own....

In the Wildcard round it was the Cardinals flexing a lot of offensive muscle, but on Saturday night they got a heavy taste of their own medicine. The Saints from out of the gate were relentless moving the ball through the air and on the ground. With the resurgence of a deadly passing attack and the return of the explosive running of Reggie Bush the Saints were firing on all pistons and there was very little the Cardinals defense could do to stop it. New Orleans rang up 45 points, 27 first downs, and 418 yards of offense and when the day was over, it was just a good old fashion butt whooping. One of the keys to the Saints explosion was the emergence of Reggie Bush as an explosive big play power runner. Bush totaled over 200 all purpose yards and scored twice (rushing and special teams); he's going to be an "X" factor the Vikings defense will have to deal with.

Upstart Jets may have the recipe for disaster....

You don't have to ask the San Diego Chargers, the already know first hand that Rex Ryan and his New York Boys have a winning recipe; a relentless running game, a sound defense, and minimize the mistakes. The Jets have averaged 40 running plays and 170 yards on the ground in two post season games, led by the running of rookie running back Shonn Greene. Their rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has not been overly spectacular, but that's because he hasn't had to be. In two games Sanchez (23 turnovers) has been solid making plays when needed and taking care of the ball; he has only turned the ball over once this post season. The defense has been equally up to the task recording five sacks and four takeaways. With the Colts up ahead the Greene (263 yards rushing in the postseason) and the Jets ground game will definitely test the leagues 24th ranked run defense. There's no doubt that Jets head coach Rex Ryan and cornerback Darrelle Revis will be ready to test the incomparable Peyton Manning.

More fantasy Notes

The Vikings running back Adrian Peterson gained just 63 yards on the ground against a tough Cowboys defense, but he did have 26 carries. With the Saints 21st ranked rushing defense allowing 4.5 yards per carry, expect the Vikings to lean more on "All-Day" this week. Sunday could be close to a 30 carry effort and a big day on the ground for one of the NFL's elite runner.

The Vikings secondary is going to get tested on Sunday. If you remember back to Week 13 the Cardinals Kurt Warner obliterated the defense for 285 yards and three touchdowns. The Saints proved their high-octane offense is just as explosive if not more so, expect to see quarterback Drew Brees (4,388 yards passing, 34 touchdowns) to attack the secondary with his lethal collection of receiving weapons; Colston, Shockey, Henderson, Bush, Moore, and Meachum.

If you are a betting fan, you can feel safe wager on the chances of the Jets running the ball a lot on Sunday against the Colts. With the league’s MVP standing across the field, that will be the only place head coach Rex Ryan will want to see Manning. The Jets are averaging 40 run plays in the post season and they are safe lock to hit that number on Sunday, if the defense can keep Peyton Manning and company in check.

By David Ortega

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

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 19th, 2010 6:30pm 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...

Bush running with purpose....

The Saints running back Reggie Bush was limited most of the season by injury or design and the results appear to be fresh legs and an explosive runner. On Saturday not only was Bush healthy, but he looked powerful running with purpose. Against the Cardinals on Saturday Bush totaled 216 all purpose yards and scored twice. Expect the Saints to make Bush a huge factor in the NFC title game.

Clark could be big this weekend...

After watching the Chargers target their star tight end 11 times on Sunday with a great deal of success against the Jets, don't be surprised to see the Colts take a page from their playbook. Clark tied for the team lead with 100 receptions this past season and his seven catches last weekend also led the team. Expect Manning to target his tight end a great deal in the title game.

Rice rising to the occasion....

The Vikings wide receiver had a breakout season with the hall of fame quarterback Brett Favre throwing him the ball; 83 receptions, 1,312 yards receiving, and eight touchdowns. The Vikings best receiver was targeted seven times on Sunday and blew up for 141 yards and three scores on six grabs. He'll be a favorite against an opportunistic Saints secondary.

Greene will lead gang ground attack.....

The Jets have been using a stout running attack (averaging 40 rushing attempts per game) in the playoffs and rookie running back Shonn Greene has been leading the way. In two games Greene is averaging 22 carries and 131 yards rushing per game with two scores. This weekend against the Colts 24th ranked run defense, Greene and company will try to find the holes and force their will.

IDP Notes....

Vikings defense must dial up the pressure again….

On Sunday against the Cowboys the Vikings defense played one of it's best games bringing lots of pressure and wrecking havoc. The defense recorded six tackles and three takeaways, limiting the Cowboys to less than 250 yards of offense. When they meet the Saints this coming weekend they will need to do a lot of the same if they hope to derail the leagues tops offense; Saints scored over 30 points (ranked 1st) and averaged more than 400 yards per game (ranked 1st). The key for the Vikings (48 sacks, most in the NFL) will be pressure against arguably one of the leagues best offensive lines (20 sacks allowed, 4th fewest).

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

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

January 18th, 2010 - 8:25pm PST

[Late Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

The Divisional Round

Much like the Wildcard round, this past weekend of post season action took on a similar flavor with the NFL saving its best for last or at least it’s most competitive. The first three games of the weekend followed the similar pattern of a non-competitive one sided match with the Saints, Colts, and Vikings all advancing with lopsided wins.

It was only the Sunday afternoon match that offered any kind of a well contested matchup. The New York Jets, better than a touchdown underdog to the San Diego Chargers would not only challenge the favorites, but gave NFL fans an exciting game to remember.

The upstart Jets, handed a gift in week 16 by the Colts earned their way into the playoffs with a win over the Bengals in the season finale. Their victory over the Bengals for a second consecutive weekend earned them a trip to San Diego to face the Chargers in the divisional round.

The Chargers entered the contest as thee hottest teams in the NFL with 11 straight victories and while they were having all kinds of regular season success, one had to wonder if they could overcome their recent struggles in the post season.

The Chargers having been passing their way past opponents most of the season led by quarterback Philip Rivers (4,254-yards passing, 28 touchdowns), but on Sunday they seemed to have employed a game plan that did not incorporate the vertical game. The Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis has been heralded as probably the best shutdown corner in the game today and it appeared on Sunday the Chargers showed great respect; maybe too much respect.

In all three previous playoff games, the winners all stuck to what got them there, but it seemed the Chargers refrained from taking too many shots downfield. With a low risk offense there weren't many points scored and that played right into the Jets hands. Let’s not take anything away from the Jets defense that played extremely well (2-sacks, 2-turnovers), but for much of the game they were hardly challenged; conservative play-calling may have been the undoing for the Chargers.

The Jets used their solid defense effort and a stout running game (169 yards rushing) to keep the game close and in the 4th quarter a 53 yard touchdown run by rookie running back Shonn Greene took all of the wind out of the Chargers sails. Greene has suddenly emerged as a rushing force in the playoffs and will surely be featured against the Colts in the title game.

The Jets rookie quarterback was not spectacular by any stretch, but he limited his mistakes and his 12 of 23 passing for 100 yards proved to be enough. The Chargers did exploit one deficiency in the Jets secondary, tight end Antonio Gates had a field day much of the afternoon catching intermediate and short passes; something the Jets will likely see from Colts tight end Dallas Clark.

With Jets win over San Diego, the stage is set for a rematch between New York and the team that seemingly gifted their entry into the post season (the Colts). In their first meeting the Colts appeared to have laid down sitting most of their starters in the second half, but it was still a competitive game at that point.

This weekend fans will see if the Colts made a poor calculated mistake by taking the afternoon off in Week 16 or if the Jets will just prove to be just another casualty that Indy will quickly dispose of on their way to Florida.

More Injury notes from Sunday...

RB-Pierre Thomas (Saints)...expected to be fine.

WR-Robert Meachum (Saints)....x-rays on ankle negative.

TE-Jeremy Shockey (Saints)....expected to play.

DL-Shaun Ellis (Jets)....fractured arm, will play.

DL-Ray Edwards (Vikings)....expected to play.

Quick Notes:

The Vikings Brett Favre has been playing real well the last couple of weeks. In his last three starts he has passed for 871 yards, thrown 10 touchdowns, and completed 69 percent (66 of 95) of his passes. Favre seems to be peaking at the right time once again and could be on the verge of a magical run.

The Jets running back Shonn Greene has been on a roll the last several weeks and he has been rewarded for his efforts. Greene is averaging over 105 yards rushing over his last four games and over 5.7 yards per carry with two touchdowns. As a result of his success on the ground the Jets rookie has averaged 18 carries per game over that stretch, including 22 per game in the post season.

The Saints wide receiver Marques Colston has been Drew Brees go-to receiver since the two began playing together in 2006. This season has not been any different, with Colston leading the team with 70 receptions and nine touchdowns. On Saturday in their wildcard matchup Colston was targeted nine times and again led the team with six catches for 83 yards and a score. This weekend expect Colston to be heavily targeted once again.

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

FSH: DIVISIONAL ROUND INJURY NOTES

January 17th, 2010 10:57pm PST

Sunday Football Notes

Divisional Playoffs

Injury round-up

(Updated Sunday Jan. 17th)

Offensive Player Injuries

Pierre Thomas-RB (Saints)

The Saints running back Pierre Thomas (ribs) did not appear to be symptomatic from his rib injuries as he totaled 70 yards on 17 touches in Saturday's blowout victory over the Cardinals. With Reggie Bush running well, we could see more of the same split in the coming round.

Thomas Jones-RB (Jets)

The Jets running back Thomas Jones (knee) showed no ill-effects in Sunday's tilt with the Chargers, but clearly to a back seat to the hot hand of rookie Shonn Greene. Jones tallied just 14 touches to Greene's 24. Expect much of the same in the next round.

Robert Meachum-WR (Saints)

The Saints wide receiver Robert Meachum (ankle) was sporting a walking boot following Saturday's win over the Cardinals. The injury is not thought to be serious and the boot is only a precaution. Meachum should be ready for the Vikings next weekend.

Jeremy Shockey-TE (Saints)

According to the New Orleans Times-Pcayune, the Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (toe, ankle) not only tweaked an ankle in Saturday's win over the Cardinals, he also aggravated a toe injury. Despite the laundry list of injuries Shockey is still expected to play next weekend against the Vikings although likely at less than 100 percent.

Defensive Player Injuries

Ray Edwards-DL (Vikings)

According to the Star Tribune the Vikings defensive lineman Ray Edwards (knee) suffered a sprained knee in Sunday's win over the Cowboys. Edwards left the game momentarily, but returned. The Vikings will need another big effort from him in the NFC Championship against the Saints. Edwards recorded three sacks and a forced fumble on Sunday.

Shaun Ellis-DL (Jets)

According to the NY Daily News the Jets defensive lineman Shaun Ellis (hand) suffered a fracture to his hand early in Sunday's contest against the Chargers. Ellis is going to play next week against the Colts and have surgery following the game. He likely wear a club as he did Sunday. While he could be a liability on defense, with Manning's lack of mobility Ellis could still be an effective pass rusher.

Antoine Winfield-CB (Vikings)

The Vikings playmaking cornerback Antoine Winfield (foot) was limited on Sunday in the win over the Cowboys. He was primarily used in nickel packages and short-yardage only. With the ailing foot it will be more of the same when the Vikes take on the Saints.

By David Ortega

Check out more “Injury Notes” every week!