FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT

March 2nd, 2011 Thursday

Wednesday’s
Watercooler Chat

Before we get to far ahead of ourselves and start looking deep into the 2011 fantasy season with fingers crossed, we’re going to take a moment to recognized those players that made the 2010 well worth watching and playing fantasy. If we are going to look back at anything, there’s no better place to start than at the top; the 2010 top fantasy studs.

Every year fantasy owners do their homework to determine the best of the best before their respective drafts; these were the fantasy studs found in the early rounds (1-6) of most fantasy drafts that out-performed their expectations for 2010.

The 2010 Fantasy Studs

Roddy White, WR-Atlanta Falcons
Heading the list of studs from last season has to be the Falcons wide receiver Roddy White. A top fantasy prospect for 2010, the Falcons receiver posted career numbers with 115 receptions and yards, making him a favorite in traditional leagues as well as PPR. White also added another 10 receiving touchdowns following his career high 11 in 2009.

Calvin Johnson, WR-Detroit Lions
Megatron makes our list with a bounce back 2010 season after a 2009 campaign that was derailed with injuries and double/triple teams. Last season Johnson caught 77 passes for 1,120 yards and his 12 touchdowns ranked 2nd among the leaders making him a fantasy favorite.

Tom Brady, QB-New England Patriots
The Patriots signal caller is always a terrific fantasy bet, but after a 2009 season that saw a slight dip in production, few fantasy owners could expect the season Brady delivered in 2010 especially with the loss of his best weapon (Randy Moss). Brady still led the league with 36 touchdown passes and added 3,900 yards passing to the delight of many fantasy owners.

Philip Rivers, QB-San Diego Chargers
The Chargers field general was already a projected top 5 fantasy quarterback by most heading into 2010, but with a strong performance in 2010 he performed near best. Rivers had one of his best seasons as a pro in 2010 passing for 4,710 yards (a career high) and tossing 30 touchdowns. His strong play last season certified him place among the elite class and will put his name at the top of several fantasy draft lists in 2011.

The Noteworthy of 2010…

These “Studs” enjoyed banner success in 2010 and brought much happiness to many fantasy owners on Sunday;

Jamaal Charles (Chiefs), 1,457 yards rush, 45 rec, 468 yards rec, 8 TDs
Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs), 72 receptions, 1,162 yards receiving, 15 TDs
Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers), 1,273 yards rush, 23 rec, 167 yards rec, 13 TDs
Matt Forte (Bears), 1,069 yards rush, 547 yards rec, 9 TDs
Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants), 1,235 yards rush, 47 rec, 314 yards rec, 8 TDs
Jason Witten (Cowboys), 1,002 yards receiving, 9 TDs
Peyton Manning (Colts), 4,700 yards passing, 33 TDs
Hakeem Nicks (Giants), 79 receptions, 1,052 yards receiving, 11 TDs
Santana Moss (Redskins), 93 receptions, 1,115 yards receiving, 6 TDs

Checking back for more fantasy football notes....

By David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 27th, 2011 Sunday

David’s Daily Digest

IDP Time Continues

As we continue to take a look at the IDP side of fantasy one thing to point out, when it comes to scoring on the defensive side of fantasy consistency tells the tale. Pass rushing linebackers tend to have the big games during the fantasy season, but it’s the run-stuffers that get it done week in and week out. The team leading tacklers are the back bone of any fantasy defense, because their consistent play will help you win championships….

The Run-Stuffers…..

LB-Jerod Mayo
The Patriots leading tackler not only led his team, but Jerod Mayo led the entire league with 114 solo tackles and 175 combined. It was the second time in his three seasons that he has registered more than 100 solo tackles and in all three seasons Mayo has combined for more than 100. Mayo will be at the top of many fantasy IDP drafts lists this summer.

LB-Stephen Tulloch
The Titans five-year middle-linebacker Stephen Tulloch came into his own this past season. After a very strong 2009 campaign Tulloch came back in 2010 to finish the year with 111 solo tackles (2nd in the league) and 160 combined (2nd in the league). 2010 marked the first season Tulloch started all 16 games and fantasy owners can be sure he will be starting all 16 in 2011. He’s another IDP name that will be near the top of most draft lists in 2011.

LB-Brian Urlacher
The Bears biggest Monster of the Midway returned to the gridiron in style in 2010 after missing nearly all of the 2009 season. Urlacher led the team with 96 solo stops and 125 combined last season and he showcased his athletic ability with four sacks, 10 pass-defenses, one interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He likely won’t go first in IDP drafts this summer, but his versatility will keep him in the top-ten.

LB-Patrick Willis
The Niners team leading tackler Patrick Willis stepped up his game with six sacks in 2010, but his overall totals took a slight dip. Despite the fall in tackling numbers with 128 combined in 2010, Willis remains a top tier selection on most draft boards and will likely go near the top once again.

LB-Paul Posluszny
The Bills linebacker Pau Posluszny has quickly become a rising star in this league in just four seasons. In just 14 games in 2010 he totaled 151 tackles and looks primed to be a run-stuffing force for years to come. His name is one that will be heard a lot on fantasy draft day, especially near to the top of all drafts.

Reliable names worthy of mention…

While players like James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley grab the headlines with hard hits and quarterback sacks, linebacker Lawrence Timmons clogs the middle and leads the team with tackles (135 combined tackles in 2010).

Another linebacker lacking the headlines of notoriety, but still getting the job done in the middle is the Vikings Chad Greenway (144 combined tackles in 2010).

Ray Lewis was solid again in 2010 (139 combined tackles) and should be a worthy second tier linebacker grab in IDP fantasy drafts this summer.

The Broncos have a steady player in the middle on defense with linebacker D.J. Williams (119 combined tackles in 2010). With two straight seasons with more than 100 combined tackles Williams is quickly becoming an IDP fantasy favorite; he’s a high second tier linebacker pick in fantasy drafts.

These are just a handful of the run-stuffers that will be ranked later this summer when we start looking at fantasy drafts for 2011. Check back soon as we continue to review the defensive side of fantasy.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 23rd, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

It May Not Be Miller Time, but It’s IDP Time

After spending a little time looking back at the skill players of 2010 who get most of the attention from the fantasy world, I thought it was time to pay some props to the bad boys of the gridiron. Last season saw no shortage of the fantasy worthy individual defensive players and here are the linebackers that made their bones crushing quarterbacks….

The Pass-rushing Linebackers…..

LB-DeMarcus Ware
The Cowboys pass rushing linebacker DeMarcus Ware turned in another solid campaign last season registering 15.5 sacks and 66 total tackles. Ware has been a solid IDP’er throughout his career having not missed a single game in his six seasons at the pro level. His 15-plus sacks last season was the fifth straight time he has reached double figures in that category. He’ll be a top IDP fantasy draft pick in 2011.

LB-James Harrison
The 2008 defensive player of year had a very good year in Pittsburgh last season. James Harrison, noted quarterback hunter turned in another solid season in 2010 churning out 100 total tackles and recording 10 and a half sacks. Harrison also added six forced fumbles and two interceptions to help led one of the league’s most fierce defenses to the Super Bowl. As long as his wallet is fat it’s not likely the fines he keeps collecting will slow him down, he’s a top IDP pick in 2011.

LB-Clay Matthews Jr.
Man or beast, it doesn’t matter because either way Clay Matthews Jr is just that good. A runner up in the race for defensive player of the year, Matthews is coming off a fine 2010 campaign that saw him sack the quarterback 13-plus times and total 60 tackles. Matthews also chipped in a pair of forced fumbles with a pick to lead an upstart Packer’s defense to another NFL championship. Clay Jr was a force for the Packers defense in 2010 and should be once again in 2011; he’s unquestionably a top tier linebacker choice in fantasy.

LB-LaMarr Woodley
While Harrison gets all the notoriety for the vicious hits, his counterpart and teammate LaMarr Woodlyey quietly goes about his job racking up nice numbers for himself. In 2010 Woodley registered 10 sacks, 50 total tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He’ll never have the reputation of a Harrison, but Woodley is very good and should be a high second tier fantasy pick in 2011.

LB-Tamba Hali
The Chiefs found a rising star in linebacker Tamba Hali. In 2010 he led his team with 14 and a half sacks while forcing four fumbles; he also contributed 52 total tackles last season. Hali is coming off his best season and with a young up and coming defense he figures to only get better. Last year was the first time in his five seasons that Hali had double digit sacks; he has the look of a second tier IDP linebacker in 2011.

LB-Cameron Wake
The Dolphins Cameron Wake came from literally nowhere in 2010. His 2009 rookie was hardly worth a mention, but after starting all 16 games in 2010 he put together a very nice sophomore season; 14 sacks, 57 total tackles, and three forced fumbles. Cameron looked very talented on the edge a year ago and hardly has the appearance of a one year wonder; keep him in your sites as a late top tier or early second tier linebacker in fantasy

Others worthy of mention…

These are just a few names that should not be overlooked early on in fantasy IDP drafts, when looking for a good linebacker; the Chargers Shaun Phillips was solid with 11 sacks and 55 total tackles in 2011. Over in Baltimore the Ravens have a gem of a pass rushed in Terrell Suggs; 11 sacks and 68 total tackles a year ago. The Raiders Kamerion Wimbley also deserves some notoriety for his nine sacks and 58 total tackles last season.

This was just a glimpse at the IDP package for 2011, I will be following up with the other positions over the next couple of weeks as well as developing my early rankings for the 2011 season, so keep checking back.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY NIGHT GAME NOTES

February 20th, 2011, Sunday

Sunday Night Game Notes

Scouting the Combine

The annual football combine is less than a week away and the importance of the annual event for fantasy owners is getting to know their rookie class. With more than 300 participants expected to part take in the five day event, it’s going to be tough to sort through the 2010 class, but here are some of the notable collegiate arms that will be at the Combine and their numbers from 2010;

Passing yards

Ryan Mallet-Arkansas, 3,869 yards passing, 32 touchdowns (ranked 5th)
Taylor Yates-North Carolina, 3,418 yards passing, 19 touchdowns (ranked 14th)
Blaine Gabbert-Missouri, 3,186 yards passing, 16 touchdowns (ranked 21st)
Colin Kaepernick-Nevada, 3,022 yards passing, 21 touchdowns (ranked 27th)
Greg McElroy-Alabama, 2,987 yards passing, 20 touchdowns (ranked 29th)
Andrew Dalton-TCU, 2,857 yards passing, 27 touchdowns (ranked 35th)
Cameron Newton-Auburn, 2,854 yards passing, 30 touchdowns (ranked 36th)
Ryan Colburn-Fresno St, 2,817 yards passing, 23 touchdowns (ranked 38th)
Tyrod Taylor-Virginia Tech, 2,743 yards passing, 24 touchdowns (ranked 46th)
Jake Locker-Washington, 2,265 yards passing, 17 touchdowns (ranked 67th)

“Sunday’s Heroes”

2010 Fantasy Heroes

NFL Leading Passers (touchdowns)
Tom Brady (Patriots), 36 touchdowns
Drew Brees (Saints), 33 touchdowns
Peyton Manning (Colts), 33 touchdowns
Eli Manning (Giants), 31 touchdowns
Philip Rivers (Chargers), 30 touchdowns
Aaron Rodgers (Packers), 28 touchdowns
Matt Ryan (Falcons), 28 touchdowns
Matt Cassel (Chiefs), 27 touchdowns
Carson Palmer (Benglas), 26 touchdowns
Joe Flacco (Ravens), 25 touchdowns
Josh Freeman (Buccaneers), 25 touchdowns

NFL Leading Rushers (touchdowns)
Arian Foster (Texans), 16 touchdowns
BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Patriots), 13 touchdowns
Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers), 13 touchdowns
Adrian Peterson (Vikings), 12 touchdowns
Michael Turner (Falcons), 12 touchdowns
Peyton Hillis (Browns), 11 touchdowns
Chris Johnson (Titans), 11 touchdowns
Mike Tolbert (Chargers), 11 touchdowns
Brandon Jacobs (Giants), 9 touchdowns
Michael Vick (Eagles), 9 touchdowns

NFL Leading Receivers (touchdowns)
Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs), 15 touchdowns
Greg Jennings (Packers), 12 touchdowns
Calvin Johnson (Lions), 12 touchdowns
Brandon Lloyd (Broncos), 11 touchdowns
Hakeem Nicks (Giants), 11 touchdowns
Mike Williams (Buccaneers), 11 touchdowns
Antonio Gates (Chargers) 10 touchdowns
Rob Gronkowski (Patriots), 10 touchdowns
Stevie Johnson (Bills), 10 touchdowns
Marcedes Lewis (Jaguars), 10 touchdowns
Jeremy Maclin (Eagles), 10 touchdowns
Mike Wallace (Steelers), 10 touchdowns
Roddy White (Falcons), 10 touchdowns

NFL Leading Receivers (Receptions)
Roddy White (Falcons), 115 receptions
Reggie Wayne (Colts), 111 receptions
Jason Witten (Cowboys), 94 receptions
Santana Moss (Redskins), 93 receptions
Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals) 90 receptions
Andre Johnson (Texans), 86 receptions
Brandon Marshall (Dolphins) 86 receptions
Wes Welker (Patriots), 86 receptions
Danny Amendola (Rams), 85 receptions
Marques Colston (Saints), 84 receptions

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE SATURDAY FANTASY REPORT

February 19th, 2011 Saturday

The Saturday Fantasy Report

Continuing my look back at the 2010 season, here is my list of the best hands in the NFL from a year ago and over the past couple of season. These are your fantasy wide receivers that will continue to dominate the conversation during the offseason and are expected to be at the top of all fantasy drafts in 2011…..

The Elite Class of the Fantasy Wide Receivers

Roddy White (Falcons)
Without question the Falcons leading receiver over the past several seasons, Roddy White has emerged as one of the leagues very best. Over the past four seasons White’s number have been consistent and very good. Since 2007 he has averaged 92 receptions, 1,280 yards receiving per season while scoring 34 touchdowns. In 2010 White set a career high with yards (1,389 yard receiving) and touchdowns (11); he’ll be at the top of many fantasy drafts this summer.

Andre Johnson (Texans)
Like the Falcon’s leading receiver, the Texan’s wide receiver Andre Johnson has been just as consistent and just as good. Johnson has averaged more than 100 receptions, 1,450 yards receiving, and eight touchdowns over the past three seasons. His yards and catches were down due to injury, but this guys has been a monster over the past couple of season and figures to be huge again in 2011; he’s a top three wide receiver in 2011.

Reggie Wayne (Colts)
The Colts leading receiver has been doing it as well and for as long as anyone in this league. 2010 saw no slow down for Reggie Wayne as he set a career high with 111 receptions; his 1,355 yards receiving was his second best effort of his career. Over the past four seasons Wayne has averaged nearly 100 receptions and better than 1,300 yards receiving while scoring 32 touchdowns. Wayne has been a top 10 fantasy favorite for several seasons and should be again in 2011.

Greg Jennings (Packers)
The Packers number one receiver for the past several seasons was very good once again in 2010, with more than 1,200 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. He’s been consistent over the past four seasons averaging 69 grabs, over 1,100 yards receiving while scoring 35 touchdowns. His numbers are solid and entering his sixth season, he’s a top five fantasy receiver grab in 2011.

Just a step below….

Calvin Johnson (Lions)
Megatron has been a talent in this league since his arrival; in just four short seasons Johnson has already scored 33 times. With just a little more time to marinate and more consistency at the quarterback position he’ll achieve the elite fantasy stud he is destined to achieve; for now Megatron is still a top 10 wide receiver pick in most fantasy drafts.

Dwayne Bowe (Chiefs)
The Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe had a big 2010 season setting a career high with 1,162 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns. Bowe rebounded with his strong 2010 campaign after a disappointing 2009 season. He has shown strong play in the past and looked very good last season; he’ll figure into a top 20 fantasy wide receiver slot in 2011.

On The Rise

Hakeem Nicks (Giants)
The Giants second year wide out had a big coming out season finishing with 79 grabs, over 1,000 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns. Nicks was good in his rookie season and a whole lot better his second time around. His third season could be a charm; after a strong 2010 campaign, Nicks looks like a top 10 fantasy wide receiver candidate in 2011.

Stevie Johnson (Bills)
The Bills young receiver had a breakout 3rd season finishing 2010 with 82 receptions, over 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. If the Bills can sustain some stability at the quarterback position with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Johnson could be in for another good season. He looks to be a top 20 fantasy receiver in 2011.

Mike Wallace (Steelers)
The Steelers big play threat catapulted his fantasy stock a big step closer to the top tier. His 1,200 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns make him an easy fantasy favorite to go early in 2011. Look for Wallace to be a top 10 fantasy receiver this summer.


Just my take

By David Ortega