October 29th, 2010 Saturday (evening)
What's the Latest
Some quick news and notes for Sunday
Brett Favre Expected to start Sunday...
Despite the broken ankle and 41 years of age, it sounds like Brett Favre’s streak of consecutive starts will remain safe for at least one more week. According to some sports wires, the word is Favre expects to start after making it thru two days of practice. Even if Favre can limp his way onto the field, he’s a high risk just to make it through the Sunday.
Vernon Davis is listed as questionable...
The Niner’s tight end Vernon Davis has been nursing an ankle injury all week, but did participate in practice on a limited basis Friday. Davis did travel with the team to London, but remains a questionable play for Sunday against the Broncos. If Davis can play, he should be in most lineups facing a Bronco’s defense that has allowed 11 passing touchdowns.
Steven Jackson uncertain for Sunday...
The Rams star running back Steven Jackson (finger) returned to practice on a limited basis Friday. Jackson is nursing a broken finger, but has made it clear via twitter he expects to start Sunday. Even though head coach Steve Spagnuolo has not offered much on the subjects, it seems safe to expect to see Jackson on the field Sunday. If Jackson is good to go Sunday, he could be in line for a productive day against the Panthers 24th ranked run defense.
Pierre Thomas will not play Sunday….
The New Orleans Saints have already ruled out running back Pierre Thomas for Sunday night’s matchup with the Steelers. With Thomas and Reggie Bush likely out, Chris Ivory is expected to make his third straight start. Ivory has had some success as the team’s starter, but Sunday night against the leagues number run defense does not look inviting for owners.
October 28th, 2010, Thursday
David’s Daily Digest
My Fantasy Notes:
AHMAD BRADSHAW LEADS THE GIANTS GROUND GAME
The Giants small giant in the backfield Ahmad Bradshaw has emerged this season as the team’s featured runner. In his last four starts he’s averaged more than 22 touches per contest and now leads the NFL in rushing with 708 yards. For the season Bradshaw is averaging better than 116 yards from scrimmage per game.
My Fantasy Read:
The Giants have found their lightening in a bottle with Bradshaw and so far this season he has been striking opposing defenses with regularity. With the bye in week8 he remains a solid number one fantasy back going forward.
MARSHAWN LYNCH MAKING A QUICK IMPACT
It did not take long for Lynch to make an impression in Seattle and work his way into the lineup. He’s only played two games with his new team, but has two starts, 41 rushing attempts and 133 yards rushing. Last Sunday against the Cardinals Lynch collected 24 of those attempts for 89 yards (his best output this season) and looks to be the main ball carrier for Seattle going forward.
My Fantasy Read:
In two games with Seattle Lynch is averaging nine fantasy points per game (traditional scoring). Lynch looks in line to see a steady load of work every week, but owners may want to wait until production picks up to ride they try to ride his coat tail.
CHRISTOPHER IVORY COOLS OFF IN WEEK 7
After his breakout performance in Week 6 against the Buccaneers where he ran for over 150 yards, the Saints running back Chris Ivory cooled down considerably last Sunday against the Browns. Facing Rob Ryan’s tough Brown’s defense Ivory was held in check gaining just 48 yards on the ground on 15 attempts.
My Fantasy Read:
The Saints face the Steeler’s number one ranked run defense (allowing 2.8 yards per carry) this Sunday night and even though both Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush look like scratches, Ivory could be a tough play. The Steelers have yet to allow a single runner to eclipse 50 yards rushing this season, owners may want to consider other options.
RYAN TORAIN CONTINUES TO SEE A STEADY LOAD
The Redskins current featured running back Ryan Torain has been making the most of his opportunity and the team has not been shy with feeding him the ball. In his last two starts Torain has reached at least 20 carries and responded with two consecutive 100 yard rushing performances. On the season Torain has tallied 381 yards on the ground and averaged better than 4.5 yards per carry.
My Fantasy Read:
With Portis still sidelined, Torain is getting all the work in the backfield and flourishing. He’s averaged 112 yards rushing with two touchdowns his last two starts. On Sunday he faces the Lions 27th ranked run defense that is allowing 4.9 yards per carry and nearly 140 yards on the ground per game. He should be a very good start this week.
October 28th, 2010, Thursday
My Weekly Survivors
Last week was one of my best weeks with solid fantasy performances from my running backs. With Adrian Peterson (131 yards rushing) and Michael Turner (121 yards rushing) anchoring my backfield the two combined to score 49 fantasy points. The Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe continued his hot ways adding a pair of touchdowns for the second consecutive weekend.
Despite a few duds like wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (30 yards rushing) and tight end Tony Gonzales (27 yards receiving), all in all it was a nice day from my fantasy squad moving my team into the top ten.
Week eight does not provide any relief with too many favorable matchups, but with a little luck, this could be another moving week for my fantasy team. Here are the picks I like for week 8….
QB-Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos
The Broncos travel to London this Sunday and fortunately for them the bay area team they face won’t be the Raiders. The Niners who will also be making the Trans-Atlantic trip to London, will be bringing with them their 15th ranked pass defense and a chance for Kyle Orton and Broncos passing game to rebound. Orton has been off of late, but Sunday should be able to take advantage of a secondary that has allowed 11 passing touchdowns this season.
(Projected: 23 points/ 275 yards passing, two touchdowns)
RB-Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys
There’s no doubt that the Cowboys will be looking to rebound this week and try and secure their first home win this season. One of the keys for Dallas this Sunday will be their ground game led by running back Felix Jones. Jones will be matching up with Jacksonville, the leagues 25th ranked run defense. The Jaguars allow 4.6 yards per rush and nearly 130 yards rushing per game.
(Projected: 19 points / 105 yards rushing, 35 yards receiving, one touchdowns)
RB-Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs offense has been on a roll scoring 73 points in its’ last two games and a big reason for the success has been the running game. Along with Thomas Jones, running back Jamaal Charles has been a huge contributor to the ground game success. In his last two starts Charles has totaled 188 yards of offense averaging over 5-yards each time he touches the ball. This week the Chiefs face the worst run defense in the league and one that has allowed eight rushing touchdowns this season.
(Projected: 17 points/ 85 yards rushing, 30 yards receiving, one touchdown)
WR-Brandon Lloyd, Denver Broncos
The Broncos passing game has been held in check the past couple of weeks, but on Sunday they may catch a break facing a Niners secondary that could have some matchup problems. The Broncos will try to spread the field and I expect to see Orton and Lloyd connect a few times downfield against a defense that has allowed 22 pass plays of 20 yards or more this season. Lloyd has cooled off some the past couples of weeks, but this could be a good week to heat up a bit.
(Projected: 17 points/ 110 yards receiving, one touchdown)
WR-Deion Branch, New England Patriots
Last week the Vikings secondary was torched all evening against the Packers and this week they won’t find any relief facing Tom Brady and company. I like wide receiver Deion Branch’s matchup on Sunday. Not the big hitter he once was, I expect to see Brady target his nimble wideout all afternoon chewing up small chunks of yardage. Branch has quickly become Brady’s favorite with 20 targets in the past two weeks.
(Projected: 18 points/ 125 yards receiving, one touchdown)
TE-Tony Moeki, Kansas City Chiefs
Quietly the Chiefs are claiming their stake on the AFC West title with solid play on both sides of the ball. One of the keys to the team’s passing game has been the balance between the run and the pass. While wide receiver Dwayne Bowe has been making all the noise, tight end Tony Moeaki has been business as usual leading the team with 21 receptions. It’s no longer any secret that the Bills defense has struggled mightily this season trying cover the tight end position; 7 touchdowns allowed this season.
(Projected: 10 points/ 45 yards receiving, one touchdown)
K –Stephen Gostkowski, New England Patriots
The Patriots will play host to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday and while they are expected to be able to attack the secondary and move the ball, once in the red-zone they could struggle. The Patriots ground game is middle of the road and the Vikes always play tough against the run. If the Pats struggle and become one dimensional they could have to settle for a few more extra kicks on Sunday.
(Projected: 11 points/ three field goals, two extra points)
My Previous starts
Week 1 (Total points-77)
QB Donovan McNabb (WAS)
RB Matt Forte (CHI)
RB Carnell Williams (TB)
WR Jeremy Maclin (PHI)
WR Jabar Gaffney (DEN)
TE Zach Miller (OAK)
K Joe Nedney (SF)
Week 2 (Total points-68)
QB Michael Vick (PHI)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT)
WR Nate Washington (TEN)
WR Greg Jennings (GB)
TE Chris Cooley (WAS)
K Nick Folk (NYJ)
Week 3 (Total points-87)
QB Tony Romo (DAL)
RB Darren McFadden
RB Ray Rice (BAL)
WR Austin Collie (IND)
WR Dez Bryant (DAL)
TE Brent Celek (PHI)
K Lawrence Tynes (NYG)
Week 4 (Total points-58)
QB Eli Manning (NYG)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
RB Frank Gore (SF)
WR Mark Clayton (STL)
WR Brandon Marshall (MIA)
TE John Carlson (SEA)
K Jeff Reed (PIT)
Week 5 (Total Points-72 points)
QB Drew Brees (NO)
RB Steven Jackson (STL)
RB Thomas Jones (KC)
WR Donald Driver (GB)
WR Calvin Johnson (DET)
TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX)
K Mike Nugent (CIN)
Week 6 (Total Points-83 points)
QB Peyton Manning (IND)
RB Ryan Torain (WASH)
RB LaDanian Tomlinson (NYJ)
WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
WR Kenny Britt (TEN)
TE Dallas Clark, (IND)
K Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)
Week 7 (Total Points-93 points)
QB Philip Rivers (SD)
RB Adrian Peterson (MIN)
RB Michael Turner (ATL)
WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
WR Dwayne Bowe (KC)
TE Tony Gonzales (ATL)
K Matt Prater (DEN)
October 27th, 2010, Wednesday
What’s Tweetin
The latest news around the NFL from Twitter….
Tweeted earlier today….
@SI_PeterKing RT @rjohnston4: I agree with your premise, I just don't believe sesearch shows big hits = brain disease exists ... Read what this doc says.
2 hours ago
@SI_PeterKing RT @michaelpilla: Ur close 2 saying football should be outlawed...Don't think it should be. Just think helmet hits must be policed closely.
2 hours ago
@SI_PeterKing RT @tyzimmer: Shouldn't the dangers be obvious? ... Not enough players know dementia, ALS, depression far more likely for ex-NFLers.
2 hours ago
@SI_PeterKing My story in SI this week on why the league needs to be vigilant about the big hits: http://bit.ly/bjdLtM .
3 hours ago
@SamRyanCBS A terrible tragedy for the Notre Dame football family. http://tinyurl.com/38omcbl
3 hours ago
@BonnieB_ESPN Just finished laying out criteria 4 scholarship I'm starting at @UofMaryland. Giving back is SUCH an empowering feeling! #Terps
5 hours ago
@SFFcom Best expected to play in week 8: Update: CBSsports.com is reporting that Detroit Lions RB Jahvid Best took part is... http://bit.ly/b6O6ZQ
6 hours ago
@Adam_Schefter RT @TomSilverstein: 2010 Packers: 10 on IR (5 starters) through 7 games. GBP Super Bowl teams of '96-'97: 12 on IR (4 starters) combined.
6 hours ago
@mortreport RT @antonionannoshi: @mortreport do you know if Anthony Gonzalez is going this Monday or Blair white will get the start? > Gonzalez ready
7 hours ago
@Adam_Schefter Packers have claimed NT Howard Green off waivers from the N.Y. Jets and placed LB Brad Jones on injured reserve.
8 hours ago
@mortreport Redskins did announce signing of RB James Davis to practice squad. Davis was waived by Browns.
8 hours ago
@BonnieB_ESPN U of MD's launching a new marketing initiative. Guess who's the "face" of the TV campaign? So humbling! #Terps http://plixi.com/p/53245688
9 hours ago
@mortreport RT @Toreno13: @mortreport If Favre hobbles out for 1st play, hands ball off, then goes to bench...streak alive?>> Yes but he won't do that.
9 hours ago
@Adam_Schefter Rams HC Steve Spagnuolo signed his former safety from Philly, the 49ers castoff Michael Lewis.
10 hours ago
@wingoz Steelers HC Mike Tomlin's response to NFL applauding James Harrison for his play vs Fins? it would be tough to care less about their opinion
10 hours ago
@michaelombardi Did you know Lovie Smith of the Bears is 3-15 in his replay challenges since 2009? Here is my column http://bit.ly/98eCGn
10 hours ago
@Adam_Schefter Saints coach Sean Payton said RB Reggie Bush did some running today, however he did not practice.
11 hours ago
@SFFcom Favre won't practice, hopeful to play: Update: NFL.com is reporting that Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre will not... http://bit.ly/b6O6ZQ
11 hours ago
@wingoz The Carolina Panthers have placed reserve linebacker Jamar Williams on season-ending injured reserve with a neck injury
11 hours ago
@SFFcom QB Troy Smith to start for 49ers: Update: ESPN.com is reporting that the San Francisco 49ers have named QB Troy Sm... http://bit.ly/b6O6ZQ
12 hours ago
@SFFcom No timetable for WR Collie to return: Update: ESPN.com is reporting that Indianapolis Colts WR Austin Collie has n... http://bit.ly/b6O6ZQ
12 hours ago
@wingoz Brett Favre says he may not know til before kickoff if the streak will continue at New England. 291 straight starts in reg season.
12 hours ago
@Adam_Schefter Vikings QB Brett Favre on whether he will play Sunday: "I would say right now I don't know....I'm willing to give it a try."
12 hours ago 
October 27th, 2010, Wednesday
Fantasy Football
Target Practice
In these hands we trust
Week seven marked a week of the big names with familiar faces like Ochocinco, Colston, and Boldin topping the list of most targets on Sunday. Of the top targeted receivers in week seven, nine of the top eleven scored a touchdown with two finding the end-zone twice. Four of the most targeted pass catchers finished the day with double figure receptions and three others caught nine balls apiece. So who were these usual suspects on Sunday…
The Usual Suspects…
On Monday night against the Giants, the Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (13 targets) quickly re-emerged as a fantasy favorite. It was no surprise with Romo injured and out, Witten quickly became Jon Kitna’s safe check down. Witten now has 50 targets for the year.
The Bengal’s Carson Palmer put the ball in the air 50 times on Sunday and wide receiver Terrell Owens (13 targets) was one of his benefactors. Owens finished his day with nine receptions for 88 yards and a score. Owens now has 73 targets (2nd in the NFL) for the season.
Making his case for being the best receiver in the game today, the Falcon’s are doing all they can to support wide receiver Roddy White’s cause. Last week the Falcon’s flyer was targeted 13 times, finishing the game with 11 receptions for 201 yards receiving and two touchdowns. White leads all receivers with 82 targets this season.
Your Target watch….
When you look over the list of the most popular pass catchers (targeted the most) another intangible statistic that should not be over-looked is target efficiency. There’s no question, opportunity lends itself to greater production, but sometimes some players don’t need much to make a splash…
Against the Eagles secondary, Titan’s wide receiver Kenny Britt was targeted 10 times and made the most of every chance he got hauling in seven of those passes for 225 yards and three touchdowns.
The Bills third year wide receiver Steve Johnson was targeted a season high 10 times on Sunday and found great success with his increased opportunity. Johnson caught eight of those throws for 158 yards and scored once.
The Bengal’s passing attack has been coming to life quite a bit in recent weeks and one recipient that has emerged on most fantasy radars is rookie receiver Jordan Shipley. Shipely is returning from a concussion that had him sidelined for a while and last week the former Longhorn bounced back in great fashion. He was targeted a mere six times, but made the most of every throw hauling in all six for 131 yards and scoring once. It was by far his most productive day as a pro.
Season Target Leaders...
(Unofficial numbers)
Last week’s Top 12
- Chad Ochocinco, CIN (16 targets)
- Mike Williams, SEA (16 targets)
- Marques Colston, NO (15 targets)
- Jeremy Maclin, PHI (14 targets)
- Hakeem Nicks, NYG (14 targets)
- Anquan Boldin, BAL (13targets)
- Terrell Owens, CIN (13 targets)
- Roddy White, ATL (13 targets)
- Jason Witten, DAL (13 targets)
- Patrick Crayton, DAL (12 targets)
- Johnny Knox, CHI (12 targets)
- Roscoe Parrish, BUF (12 targets)
