FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FAST FIVE

October 14th, 2011 Friday

Friday’s Fast Five

My Five Calls for Week 6

1. White’s Week to Wreck Havoc
Fantasy owners have been waiting for Atlanta Falcon’s receiver Roddy White to breakout this season. He has 32 receptions (on 54 targets), but just 352 yards receiving and two scores. These are significantly sub-par numbers for our guy, Roddy. With their rookie stud Julio Jones sidelined this week, Matt Ryan and the Falcons passing offense should turn to old-reliable number 84. The Panthers secondary is ranked 15th this season against the pass and they have already been bit for the long ball (40 yards or more) four times this season. Roddy’s numbers are down and this could be the week he picks them up.

2. It’s Back to Basics for the Eagles
The Eagles offense has been riding the arms and legs of quarterback far too much this season and it has not paid off, 10 turnovers and a 1-4 record. With so many weapons, Jackson, McCoy, Maclin, and Celek, I am expecting Reid to reel in Vick some this week and ask his to share the rock more with some of his other playmakers. The Redskins are playing well defensively this season, so the Eagles will need to attack from all angles. McCoy is averaging almost six yards a tote this season and in two games last season he totaled 268 yards of offense; look for a productive Sunday from the league’s 5th leading rusher.

3. Tony Romo Should Breathe Easy on Sunday
This matchup Sunday has all the ingredients of a big passing day for Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. The Patriots defense is dead last in the league and has given up a ton of yards in the air this season, but the good news doesn’t stop there. In five games this season the Patriots secondary has been victimized for nine touchdowns and 32 pass plays of 20 yards or more. With his best receiving weapon returning this week and tight end Jason Witten underneath, Romo should be a huge fantasy play on Sunday; even in Foxboro.

4. Life Without Andre Could be Hard
The Texans quarterback Matt Schaub could be someone fantasy owners may want to avoid this week. On Sunday the Texans travel to Baltimore to meet Mr. Ray Lewis and the Ravens 8th ranked pass defense. Schaub will take the field without his best weapon and favorite target; expect the Ravens to crowd the line, stuff the run, and turn the Texans into a one dimension offense. Once that happens the dawgs will be turned loose and Schaub could be looking at a long afternoon.

5. Newton Rolling and Could Pick up Speed
The Panthers dynamic and electrifying rookie quarterback Cam Newton has been taking the league by storm and turning his team into a tough matchup week in and week out. Week six should be no different and if you are the Falcons you should be worried. The Falcons 29th ranked pass defense is coming off a beating from week 5 surrendering 396 yards and two touchdowns to Aaron Rodgers and Packers. Now Newton is no Rodgers, and he doesn’t have quite the same compliment of skill players, but he does have plenty of help and enough weapons to do a lot of damage. This matchup could easily turn into a shoot out with Newton providing plenty of fireworks of his own.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 14th, 2011 Friday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

No Jones Means More White
The Falcons offense has looked sporadic and inconsistent at times this season, even the Matt-Ryan to Roddy White connection that has been so effective the past several seasons has yet to really click. Through the first five weeks of this season White has been targeted 54 times (second most), but he has just two touchdowns, only one 100-yard receiving game, and only 352 yards receiving this season. With Julio Jones OUT this week, expect White to step up his game and really become the focal point of the Falcons passing attack against the league’s 15th ranked pass defense (Panthers).

Austin Says he’s ready for Sunday
The Cowboys explosive receiver turned in a couple of full practices this week, including Friday and looks ready to return to action this Sunday against the Patriots. With the Patriots defense giving up huge chunks of yardage each week to the passing game, expect Romo to target Austin early and often. For those fantasy owners that suffered through the absence of Austin expected to be rewarded on Sunday; he’s a must-start.

Graham Vaults to Starting Role
With starter LeGarette Blount (MCL strain) sidelined this week, enter Mr. Graham. The Buccaneers will roll with running back Earnest Graham on Sunday when they take the field and while yards could be tough to come by on the ground , with 23 receptions already this season Graham could still see a lot of production. Even as the starter Graham will not be a favorite in standard leagues, but will offer much more value in PPR.

Jones Could Be a Packer on the Rise
The Packers speedy receiver James Jones is starting to find his stride this season after a quiet start. In his last two games Jones has seen more action (50 snaps) than the previous three games (38 snaps) and his productive has been evident. Jones has a total of 11 targets in his last two games, catching eight balls for 188 yards and scoring twice. This Sunday against the Rams at home could be a jail break for the Packers passing game. With the defense preoccupied with trying to slow (Greg) Jennings and (Jermichael) Finley, Jones could emerge as a huge benefactor; this is not a popular pick, but I like Jones as a flex or possible start in deep leagues, especially if you are thin at WR.

Could this be Torain’s Week?
Despite head coach Mike Shanahan’s point blank declaration of who will be the man on Sunday in the Redskin’s backfield, the smart money is on running back Ryan Torain. Shanahan has already expressed his pleasure with the return of Torain last week and after his (Torain) play (135 yards rushing, one touchdown) last weekend the Redskin’s head coach was not disappointed either. Remember Shanahan actually drafted Torain when both were in Denver; Torain is his pick and regardless if he starts should see plenty of work. Going against the Eagles 28th ranked defense, Torain is worthy of a start in most deep leagues and could be a nice flex in shallow formats.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL NOTES

October 9th, 2011, Sunday

Fantasy Football

Player Watch

Armed with Arms

With the Pittsburgh Steelers set to host the Tennessee Titans today, I am looking for wide receiver Antonio Brown to finally breakout. Through the first four weeks Brown has gradually seen his role in the passing game increase. With 15 receptions and 223 receiving yards, Brown is quickly becoming a real threat. Brown leads the team in targets this season, has very good speed, and with the defense preoccupied with slowing down Mike Wallace, he could have some favorable matchups today. I am expecting Brown to post some solid numbers today and reach the end-zone once.

The Colts have had little to get excited about thus far this season, but on Monday night they gave the Buccaneers a real scare. With quarterback Curtis Painter breathing some life into the pass game, wide receiver Pierre Garcon has become a bigger part of the offense. Garcon has seen 16 targets the past two weeks, caught eight passes, and scored twice. Garcon should continue to see steady work today against the Chiefs and is a good candidate to find paydirt.

Monday night figures to be a big night in Detroit for Lions fans, but it could also be a big night for rookie wide receiver Titus Young. After their dramatic comeback against the Cowboys, there’s no doubt the Bears (their next opponent) will be game-planning to slow down Megatron. Young has yet to breakout this season, but he has been steady; 12 receptions this season. Against the league’s 26 ranked pass defense, Young could get some extra looks and they could payout big. I look for Young to post season highs in targets, catches, yards, and finally reach the end-zone for the first time this season.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 7th, 2011 Friday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Ryan Grant Cleared to Play
The James Starks (210 yards rushing) ERA could be put on hold for a bit with running back Ryan Grant cleared to play Sunday against the Falcons. For the better part of this young season Starks has looked like the dominant runner, until the old Grant showed up in week 3 (92 yards on 17 carries). Last week Grant was held out of action with a bruised kidney injury, but this Sunday he makes his return. His return and presence will affect Starks playing time, so fantasy owners should be advised if rolling with Starks.

Hernandez on track to Play Sunday
The Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has been practicing and appears to be ready to return to action this week; it was noted that Hernandez has been moving around the team facility without a limp. With the Patriots offense ranked number one in passing if Hernandez (14 receptions, 2 touchdowns) is active on Sunday, he is a must play against the Jets.

Manning’s Fire Keeps Growing
While big brother is sidelined this season with injury, the Giants quarterback Eli Manning is doing his best to carry the family name. In the past three weeks Manning has thrown eight touchdowns with just one pick. With the league’s 14th ranked pass defense (Cardinals) coming to town, Manning is looking to keep his fire burning.

Bradshaw Could see a big load on Sunday
The Giants are likely to be without running back Brandon Jacobs on Sunday when they face the Cardinals, with Jacobs out Ahmad Bradshaw is expected to see a larger work-load. Bradshaw is averaging better than five yards per carry, but has not carried the ball more than 15 times in any game this season; this Sunday that could change.

Daniels Figures to see More Action
With the Texans missing Andre Johnson this week against the Raiders, someone will have to step up in the passing game; tight end Owen Daniels. Daniels has been relatively quiet this season, although he does have 10 receptions over the past two weeks and has scored three times this season. On Sunday Daniels will face the Raiders 22nd ranked pass defense.

Garcon Could Be a Nice Play in Week 5
The Colts offense is beginning to show some signs of life and one of its most lively components is wide receiver Pierre Garcon. In the past two weeks Garcon has seen a total of 18 targets and has benefitted greatly; 218 yards receiving with two touchdowns. This week the Colts will face the Chiefs 15th ranked pass defense and Garcon figures to see plenty of chances in the pass game; he could be a nice flex in week 5.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY GAMETIME

October 2nd, 2011 Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

In a very short period 2011 has become not just the year of the quarterback, but the year of fantasy football. With scoring up all over the league, that can only mean one thing; more fantasy points all around. With the numbers up does it become more confusing than ever to know who to play or who to sit, perhaps, but you have to love it!

Watch-list

The Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been off to a sizzling start this season and he will take his act on the road to Cincinnati today; even though he is facing the Bengals 5th ranked pass defense don’t expect him to cool down. The Saints running back Darren Sproles has been electric thus far this season, he should keep the sparks flying today against the Jaguars. The Packers may get their fourth win of the season today, but it could be a tough day on the ground for running back James Starks.

Today’s quick notes:

Saints wide receiver Marques Colston is expected to be on the field today returning from his collarbone injury; if he’s on the field he will be good to go and will likely figure in the plan. He’s not in line for a monster game, but could still fill in as a nice flex for fantasy owners.

Tom Brady and the Patriots are on the road today to face the Oakland Raiders, don’t expect this one to be low-scoring. The Patriots will be in for a slugfest with the last man standing the winner. In week one Brady tossed up a big five bills in the air, we could see that again today facing the Raiders 28th ranked pass defense. Fantasy owners should play all of the Patriots receivers and keep your eye on Ochocinco; this could be his breakout game.

The Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (hamstring) is expected to start today and could be in line for a rebound game. After his breakout week 2 performance, Maclin hit the snooze button last week against the Giants. The Niners are ranked a decent 16th against the pass, but Jackson on the other side, they don’t have the secondary to match up. As long as Vick stays upright, Maclin could get loose today.

The Texans defense has only recorded seven sacks through the team’s first three games. Houston’s secondary is going to have to worry about wide receiver Mike Wallaces’ speed, if Big Ben is give time, he could pick apart the secondary for big numbers. Wallace is sure to draw a lot of double teams downfield opening the middle for 2nd year receiver Antonio Brown, who has seen a steady share of targets through the first three weeks; he’s a safe WR3 or flex play today.


My Picks Today

My “Four Horsemen”

Last week was brutal with Philip Rivers, Michael Turner and DeSean Jackson all pulling the disappearing act. This week will be my turnaround.

Tom Brady; It’s tough to pick against the Patriots when coming off a loss, so I won’t. Brady could be in for a huge day today against the Raiders 28th ranked defense. Black Hole or not, I am looking for Tom to put the ball in the air often.

Adrian Peterson; The Vikings need to get in the win column and they won’t mess around trying to do anything but what they do best; give the rock to “All-Day.” Peterson should see plenty of work and should find the end-zone a couple of times.

Steve Johnson; The Bills offense has been high octane through the first three weeks and today against the Bengals I wouldn’t expect it to come down. Johnson has emerged as one of the leagues best receivers (Top 15) and today he will continue to showcase why.

Jimmy Graham; Brees loves his tightend and why not; Graham has been solid this season 14 receptions, including two scores. Last week the Jaguars allowed 10 receptions and nearly 100 yards receiving to the Panthers tight end; today could be a big day for Graham.