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Thursday, 11 March 2010 01:39 |
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March 10th, 2010 9:07pm PST
What's the Latest
Tomlinson Visits the Vikings....
LT's playing days in San Diego may be over, but it sure looks like the former NFL MVP is not finished just yet. On Wednesday LT visited with the Viking's officials and from recent reports it sounds like there is a good chance Tomlinson could be sharing duties in the backfield with Adrian Peterson.
At 30 years of age LT's best playing days may be behind him, but in a backup role in Minnesota he could be a nice fit. Peterson would likely handle the brunt of the ground game, but LT could give the Vikings the versatility of a pass receiver out of the backfield, much in the same way as Chester Taylor (Bears). Tomlinson would also add invaluable leadership to a team that was knocking on the doorsteps of a Super Bowl appearance just a few short months ago.
Tomlinson had over 500 career receptions and 3,900 yards receiving as a Charger. Now behind one of the league's better run blocking lines he may not rise to fantasy prominence in 2010, but could easily contribute and offer some value as a backup running back in most leagues (PPR leagues in particular).
LT's numbers;
2,880 carries
12,490 yards rushing
138 rushing touchdowns
530 receptions
3,955 yards receiving
15 receiving touchdowns
Last season LT recorded his lowest numbers in receptions (20), receiving yards (154), rushing attempts (223), and rushing yards (730). As a Viking he could easily match and surpass most of those numbers (especially the receiving numbers).
A deal has not been reached as of Wednesday evenings, but there are a lot of signs indicating LT is not likely to leave Minnesota without getting one done.
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 00:34 |
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March 8th, 2010 11:07pm 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...
Bears add Chester Taylor to the mix....
It's an interesting signing for Chicago, though it helps the offense some it really does little to help the team's passing game. With the big arm under center adding a running back will do little to upgrade Cutler. Taylor (low-RB3) will be a back up to starter Matt Forte (low-RB1) and will only benefit if the team can curtail Cutler's tendency to force the ball downfield. Expect Taylor to play a very much similar role in Chicago as he did in Minnesota; a third down passing receiving specialist. Even with Martz revamping the play calling, Taylor likely won't see enough action to be a drafted fantasy option other than a hand-cuff to Forte.
Ravens make a deal for Boldin.....
The Ravens took major steps in the right direction by immediately upgrading their passing game with the addition of wide receiver Anquan Boldin (mid-WR2). Q will bring to the team and quarterback Joe Flacco a big playmaking receiver they have sorely missed. With the prior signing of Donte Stallworth (low-WR4), the Ravens passing game (ranked 18th in 2009) could take a huge leap forward in 2010.
Seahawks interested in Brandon Marshall....
Although there is a lot of rumors flying the Broncos seem to be hell-bent on getting a first round pick for Marshall (mid-WR2) and any trade with Seattle could require the Seahawks overall number six pick (in this 2010 draft). Last season the Hawks added then free agent wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh (low-WR1). It's odd to think they would bring in another big physical receiver to compliment TJ, but with Marshall being a proven commodity with three straight seasons with over 100 receptions it could be hard to pass up.
T.O. to visit the Bengals....
It appears that Chad Ochocinco (mid-WR2) made enough noise and the Bengals heard, free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens (mid-WR3) is expected to visit the Bengals on Tuesday. After a significant drop in his numbers in 2009, some may question the Bengals interest in Owens; T.O. showed enough last season to prove he's still in great shape, has plenty of speed, and great size. With T.O.'s physical presence on one side (similar to Houshmandzadeh), he would make an ideal compliment for Ochocinco's speed on the other side.
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....
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Monday, 01 March 2010 23:35 |
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March 1st, 2010 9:37pm PST
[The Evening Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle
Scouting the Combine...
With the skills positions on offense wrapping up on Sunday it's time to start talking about what we saw and what we are hearing. Are there any "Diamonds in the rough" that could become fantasy impact players in 2010.
Scouting isn't exactly a perfect science, but at the very least it can offer some good watercooler chatter for the Monday morning quarterback. In some recent scribing on the "world wide web" it sounds like the National Post is endorsing this year's class of running backs.
With a variety of backs showcasing at this year's combine it will be interesting to see what needy teams (Lions, Redskins, Dolphins, Giants, Texans, Chargers, Patriots, & Vikings) will pull the trigger early. Players like C.J. Spiller (Clemson), Jahvid Best (California), Toby Gerhart (Stanford), and Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia), appear to be a few of the hot prospects that could go early. Others to note would include Joe McKnight (USC), Dexter McCluster (Mississippi), and Montario Hardesty (Tennessee).
Despite the plethora and variety of versatile backs that will be available in this year's draft, not many experts are projecting any to go early (in the top 10) in the annual April event. Seattle appears to be a favorite to pull the trigger without a bonafide featured back currently residing in their backfield.
With a pair of small-sized scat backs (Justin Forsett, Julius Jones) the Seahawks could be in the market for a between-the-tackle style power back that could make some instant fantasy noise as a goal-line back; of course we will have to wait and see.
More Fantasy Notes:
Finley will start in 2010
Last season the Packers second year tight end Jermichael Finley came on strong down the stretch catching 38 balls in his last seven games (started six). Finley averaged nearly 60 yards per game in that stretch and scored four times. In 2009 he shared time with Donald Lee, but in 2010 Finley (recently named the starter) is expected to be an every-down tight end. As a starter some folks are projecting a big 2010 season for Finley, thinking he could easily be a top-10 fantasy tight end (even as high as a top-5).
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Monday Morning Huddle.....
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Saturday, 27 February 2010 14:49 |
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February 26th, 2010 11:07pm PST
Football Friday
An Off-Season of Change
Big Moves and Changes Could Highlight off-season
With names like Brandon Marshall (Broncos) and Anquan Boldin (Cardinals) headlining the list of possible players to be traded or on the move, this offseason is gearing up for a lot of possible "big trades" and changes to take place.
While Marshall and Bolding may be headlining the offseason trade rumors there are also several other possible fantasy impact players like Reggie Bush, Willie Parker, Thomas Jones, and Tony Scheffler that could be on their way out and sporting new looks in 2010. We have yet to hear any substantial talk concerning any of these players, but there are a lot of indicators suggesting a new home is likely this coming season.
There's been no heated discussions recently indicating any imminent moves, but with the Combine now underway, we could Boldin and Marshall's name surface in conversation. While these two seem to be the center of such talk, we have yet to hear of any popular destination.
Of course with Marshall's tie to Chicago (quarterback Jay Cutler) that could make sense, but a deal hardly seems likely since the Bears have very little to offer to Denver in return. Boldin has been the subject of trade for the past season and a half, but the asking price could be considerably steep for some of the interested teams. However recent reports indicate that the Cards are listening and it does not sound far-fetched to believe a deal could surface as soon as next week.
With the Combine underway and rumors continuing to surface, it may be just a matter of days before we start a lot of the anticipated off-season manuevering and posturing by those teams looking to make big changes.
Hot names to watch this offseason;
Michael Vick (could be released)
Kyle Orton (restricted free agent)
Brandon Marshall (could be traded)
Anquan Boldin (could be traded)
Derrick Mason (could resign with Ravens)
Terrell Owens (free agent)
Antonio Bryant (won't return to Buccaneers)
Reggie Bush (not likely to return to Saints)
Thomas Jones (expected to be released)
Brian Westbrook (released)
LaDanian Tomlinson (released)
Darren Sproles (expected to be released)
Tony Scheffler (could be traded)
Bo Scaife (restricted free agent)
Owen Daniels (restricted free agent)
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more "Football Friday".....
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 22:56 |
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February 24th, 2010 9:07pm PST
Football Talk
Looking Back: 2009 Sleepers
The Pleasant surprises
When the fantasy football season opened last August, there were several players that finished 2009 that were not very high on most folks radar; in fact a couple weren't even part of the conversation.
Quarterback
When the Titans closed out their 2008 campaign 13-3 it was pretty clear that quarterback Kerry Collins had earned the starting gig, while Vince Young stood on shaky ground. The former Longhorn and first round draft selection had hit a wall in 2008 and regressed in his development, there were many doubters that believed he could return.
When 2009 opened and the Titans struggled losing their first six games, opportunity came knocking. With the call came the return and re-emergence of Young as a playmaker, a team leader, and a winner. Young led the Titans to an 8-2 record in 10 starts passing for nearly 1,900 yards with 10 touchdown passes. Young also added nearly 300 yards on the ground with two more scores. In his return Young showed much more poise and greater promise. With the starting job now his to lose, 2010 could be shaping up to be a big year for the native Texan.
Running Back
For some all they need is opportunity and that is all it took for Fred Jackson to make a statement in 2009. With running back Marshawn Lynch suspended for the first three games in 2009, Jackson took advantage. The Bills running back turned in three solid performances to open the season and earn the starting job. Jackson would finish 2009 having started 11 of the 16 games he played, rushing for over 1,000 yards, and catching 46 passes for another 371 yards. His only knock was his low touchdown total of four, but that could change this coming season if the Bills decide to shake things up in the backfield.
Wide Receiver
With no T.O. and Roy Williams the new number one, when the season opened not many folks had even heard of Miles Austin. It didn't take long for the former Monmouth Hawk to show the NFL world just who he is; 81 receptions, 1,300 yards receiving, and 11 touchdowns should say it all. Austin exploded in week five against the Chiefs with 10 catches and 250 yards receiving and he never looked back from there. With his breakout season in 2009, Austin should be ranked in the early rounds this coming fantasy draft.
Tight end
While my pick here could easily have been Vernon Davis of the Niners for his spectacular season in 2009, he was always a talent that was just waiting to erupt. In Green Bay Jermichael Finley was the real surprise. While his numbers seem somewhat modest (55 receptions, 676 yards receiving, and five touchdowns) he did miss three games to injury. Finley emerged as a strong fantasy option down the stretch and his impressive performance in the post season will likely make him a much targeted fantasy option come draft time.
Noteworthy
Vernon Davis was truly a worthy mention with his big 2009 campaign (78 receptions and 13 touchdowns). Like Davis in San Francisco, the Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles was noteworthy as well. Charles turned in his first 1,000 yard campaign in 2009 with only 10 starts. He finished the season with four straight 100-yard games and scored eight touchdowns (7-rushing, 1-receiving) to lead the Chiefs ground attack. Not to be forgotten is the Vikings wide receiver Sydney Rice who topped 80 catches and 1,300 yards, but fell just short of Austin with eight touchdowns.
A couple of other names worth mentioning because 2010 could be even better would include the following;
Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers (RB)
Cadillac Williams, Buccaneers (RB)
Davone Bess, Dolphins (WR)
Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars (WR)
Jabar Gaffney, Broncos (WR)
Hakeem Nicks, Giants (WR)
Recapping:
2009 Studs
Drew Brees
Chris Johnson
Andre Johnson
Dallas Clark
2009 Duds
Matt Cassel
Brian Westbrook
Terrell Owens
Jeremy Shockey
By David Ortega
Check back for more notes, thoughts, and “Football Talk.”
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 01:19 |
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February 23rd, 2010 11:07pm PST
More From the Huddle
Fantasy Radar
Like (Knowshon) Moreno and (LeSean) McCoy, there are several rookies that could make the leap to the forefront of fantasy football in 2010. While Moreno and McCoy are not locks, they have a stronghold to be featured backs this coming season and make a serious impact in fantasy.
Others that may strike some serious interest coming fantasy time should include the Titan's wide receiver Kenny Britt. In his rookie campaign Britt caught 42 passes and showed some bog play potential with four pass plays of 40 yards or more. With an entire offseason to work with quarterback Vince young, Britt figures to improve next season and could be challenge for the number one spot. He'll be a starter and should warrant at least a nice high number three fantasy wide receiver rating.
Taking a deeper look at the receivers, after a nice post season run in Indianapolis rookie Austin Collie looks ready to challenge for a starting role in 2009. Collie led all rookies (tied with Percy Harvin) with 60 receptions this past season and also scored seven times. Playing with Manning under center Collie will be a solid fantasy option and could rank much higher if he wins the starting gig opposite Reggie Wayne.
Much like Collie, the Vikings receiver Percy Harvin made a big impression in 2009. The Vikings rookie caught 60 balls and ranked 3rd among all rookies with 12 pass plays of 20 yards or more this past season. Whether it's Favre returning or Sage Rosenfels under center, Harvin is going to offer great value in fantasy this coming season. He's already proven to be a playmaker and figures to only get better.
There are going to be more 2009 rookies that fantasy owners will need to take a hard look at this summer, as we move past the Combine and closer to the 2010 NFL Draft I will continue to offer my thoughts on many of this season's potential Sophomore Sensations!
By David Ortega
Check for more notes, thoughts, and football banter "From the Huddle"
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Tuesday, 23 February 2010 00:05 |
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February 22nd, 2010 9:37pm PST
[The Late Edition]
Monday Morning Huddle
NFL Free Agency: Where will they Land?
The NFL offseason is in full swing and it's time to start looking at where some of this year's biggest names may land. With some big names available it will be interesting to see where some will end up and just what kind of impact they will have in fantasy this coming season.
Heading the list of this off-season’s free agents is wide receiver Terrell Owens. After one season in Buffalo it appears the outspoken receiver will not be returning to the frigid Northeast. Owens turned in one of his poorest seasons as a pro since his rookie days, but despite the drop off in production in the right place he can still be a factor.
Owens recorded five pass plays of 40 yards or more in 2009 ranking in the top 10. A home like Chicago, Cincinnati, Baltimore, or possibly even a return to San Francisco could be a good fit for a comeback season if you are T.O. The Ravens and Niners offer the most stable situations which run the less risk of T.O. dividing the locker room, while Chicago and Cincinnati may be high risks.
A recent report on Yahoo indicated Cincinnati is unlikely, but you never know about the others. If T.O. can find the right marriage for 2010, he could still be a productive low number two or high number three fantasy receiver.
Another big name that has recently entered the free agency market includes long time San Diego Charger LaDanian Tomlinson (released). Now that one of the league’s most dynamic scorers has found his way to the free market, where does he end up?
L.T departs San Diego after playing nine seasons for the franchise. With 138 career rushing touchdowns, over 12,000 yards rushing and at 30 years of age there may not be too many destinations rushing his front door, but it's hard to imagine Tomlinson not back on the field in 2010.
A couple of places that (pure speculation) could come calling for the right dollars and situation include; Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, or even New England. Albeit all three places would be looking for a role player (pass receiver out of the backfield) and not offering a huge contract, but all three are expected to contend for a Super Bowl in 2010. Most likely at the top of L.T.'s list these days is that missing ring.
Tomlinson is not likely to find a home as a featured rushing back, but his 530 career receptions make very versatile and suitable for many different systems in the league. In the right system (like New England) he could still possibly be a worthy low number three running back (especially in PPR leagues).
Here are some of the big names available this offseason (with my spin on where they could land);
Chad Pennington, Dolphins (back-up somewhere)
Kyle Orton, Broncos (likely retained by Denver)
Leon Washington, Jets (likely to stay in New York)
Willie Parker, Steelers (won't start in Pittsburgh, could move on)
Pierre Thomas, Saints (expected to stay in New Orleans)
Derrick Mason, Ravens (should return to Baltimore if he doesn't retire)
Miles Austin, Cowboys (will stay right where he is)
Brandon Marshall, Broncos (likely to be anywhere, but Denver)
Vincent Jackson, Chargers (will more than likely stay in San Diego)
Tony Scheffler, Broncos (Kansas City needs a tight end)
For a complete list of potential free agents (provided by the Associate Press)
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d81561ba1&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more fantasy talk everyday.....
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Tuesday, 16 February 2010 01:34 |
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February 15th, 2010 11:07pm PST
Monday Morning Huddle
What's Next
Tomorrow's Stars
The NFL Combine is just 8 days away and with more than 200 college senior (and underclassmen) invitees expecting to gather in Indianapolis to participate. Once again scouts, general managers, and coaches will be taking front seat to eye the future stars of tomorrow. Some of the notable names that are expected to be in attendance include; Nebraska's defensive tackle Ndamukong Su, Stanford's running back Toby Gerhart, Texas' quarterback Colt McCoy, and Clemson's running back C.J. Spiller to name a few. For seven days (Feb 24th- Mar 2nd) some of college footballs very best will gather to display their talents and abilities while the great minds of the NFL evaluate.
Here's an unofficial list of some of the notable invitees;
COLT MCCOY (QB)-TEXAS
TIMOTHY TEBOW (QB)-FLORIDA
TOBY GERHART (RB)-STANFORD
DEXTER MCCLUSTER (RB)-MISSISSIPPI
CLIFFORD SPILLER (RB)-CLEMSON
MARSHWAN GILYARD (WR)-CINCINNATI
BRANDON LAFELL (WR)-LOUISIANA ST
JORDAN SHIPLEY (WR)-TEXAS
JERMAINE GRESHAM (TE)-OKLAHOMA
RUSSELL OKUNG (OL)-OKLAHOMA ST
TRENT WILLIAMS (OL)-OKLAHOMA
TERRENCE CODY (DL)-ALABAMA
JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM (DL)-FLORIDA
BRANDON GRAHAM (DL)-MICHIGAN
GREG HARDY (DL)-MISSISSIPPI
ARTHUR JONES (DL)-SYRACUSE
NDAMUKONG SUH (DT)-NEBRASKA
BRANDON SPIKES (LB) FLORIDA
SEAN WITHERSPOON (LB)-MISSOURI
TAYLOR MAYS (DB)-SOUTHERN CAL
PATRICK ROBINSON (DB)-FLORIDA ST
This year's class of prospects may not be housing quite the picks of the litter that we have seen from recent draft classes (from 2008-Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Ryan, DeSean Jackson, Jerod Mayo, Curtis Lofton, from 2009-Knowshon Moreno, Beanie Wells, Mark Sanchez, Percy Harvin, Austin Collie, Michael Crabtree, Jairus Byrd, Clay Matthews, Brian Cushing, and Brian Orakpo) but it is still loaded with plenty of talent.
The questions are who will go where in this year's draft.
Fantasy Watch 2010
As the NFL prepares for the NFL Combine, let’s re-examine some of last year’s talent that could emerge this season as real contributors and fantasy impact players.
In Philly LeSean McCoy would certainly appear to have every opportunity to be a starter next season with so many questions surrounding running back Brian Westbrook. Even if Westbrook returns to football, the Eagles will have to think hard about committing so much money to him in 2010.
In Denver rookie Knowshon Moreno finished his 2009 campaign strong scoring three times in his last two games, giving fantasy owners every impression he could blossom even more this coming season. He certainly has the potential to be a 20-plus carry running back in 2010.
These were just a couple of 2009's rookies that could be elevating their fantasy value this summer. Check back with "More From the Huddle" for more of the projected 2010 Sophomore Sensations.....
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