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30 October 2011

NFL: News and Notes 10/30/11

The Fantasy Sports Veteran accepts responsibility for each of his predictions, good and bad. Users seeking to voice their anger or inform me of my incompetence need only leave a comment or e-mail me at SeanDuffySD@gmail.com!


The Redskins have chosen Ryan Torain as their starting running back Sunday against the the Bills (Source: Rotoworld)

Take: The choice to start Torain is of little surprise, despite the secrecy and unconventional wisdom of the one-and-only Mike Shanahan. The decision to start Torain must be taken with a grain of salt, and owners should never be too excited about owning a RB in Shanahan's backfield. Roy Helu is expected to be the third down back as he will play a greater roll in the passing game. The Bills have been a generous defense, allowing an average of 284.8 passing yards and 135.7 yards rushing a game, ranking them 30th in pass defense and run defense respectively. This should spell for a fast-pace, high-scoring game, but we shall see who does the scoring.

24 October 2011

NFL: News and Notes 10/24/11

The Fantasy Sports Veteran accepts responsibility for each of his predictions, good and bad. Users seeking to voice their anger or inform me of my incompetence need only leave a comment or e-mail me at SeanDuffySD@gmail.com!


Raiders running back Darren McFadden sprained his right foot in their 28-0 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Take: Raiders' insider John Dickinson reported that McFadden showed up to team facilities in a boot and is expected to be limited in practice this week. Luckily for McFadden and the Raiders they have a bye this week, allowing McFadden an extra week of recovery and Carson Palmer an additional week of practice to get more accustomed to his new team's offense. With no tangible time table for return, fantasy owners should look to invest in McFadden's back up Michael Bush. Based on the run-heavy offense HC Hue Jackson employs, even if McFadden did come back healthy, Bush is likely to see 10-15 touches.


Redskins running back Tim Hightower will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee. The injury came in the third quarter of the Redskins' 33-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Take: Shanahan is notorious for his caracole of running backs, so he may not be forthcoming about which running back stands to gain the most touches as a result of Hightower's injury. Both Roy Helu and Ryan Torrain were after thoughts in Sunday's loss to the Panthers, combining for -6 yards on three carries. Torain led the team in carries against the Philadelphia Eagles, albeit for an average of 2.2 yard per carry (22 yard on 10 carries). Torain was more successful in the Redskins' previous game against the St. Louis Rams, racking up 135 yards on 19 carries. Torain seems to be the back to own in the wake of Hightower's season-ending injury.

18 October 2011

NFL: News and Notes 11/18/11

The Fantasy Sports Virtuoso accepts responsibility for each of his predictions, good and bad. Users seeking to voice their anger or inform me of my incompetence need only leave a comment or e-mail me at SeanDuffySD@gmail.com!


The Raiders have acquired QB Carson Palmer for a 2012 first-round draft pick and a conditional 2013 first-round pick that would become a second-round pick if the Raiders fail to win a playoff game this year.

Take: Despite Bengals owner Mike Brown repeated claims that Palmer was now retired - stemming from an argument between Palmer and the Bengals front office that led to Palmer requesting to be traded or he would retire - the Raiders managed to acquire the former number one overall pick in a deal that will leave many scratching their heads. Giving up one first-round pick, and potentially a second first-rounder seems crazy after the recent CBA, but the Raiders have never been known for making rational, practical decisions. The Raiders will be the first team since 1989 to not have a first-round pick in next year's draft. As for immediate fantasy impact, it's tough to say. Palmer rejoins Oakland HC Hue Jackson, who was an assistant for the Bengals from 2004 to 2006. With that being said, Palmer has had little organized practice since demanding a trade several months ago and may take time learning the Raiders' offense. Once he does learn it, Raiders skill position players should enjoy a slight increase in productivity. Perhaps the biggest winner will be Darren McFadden, who should expect to enjoy fewer eight-man fronts and greater use in the passing game.

17 October 2011

NFL: News and Notes 10/17/11

The Fantasy Sports Veteran accepts responsibility for each of his predictions, good and bad. Users seeking to voice their anger or inform me of my incompetence need only leave a comment or e-mail me at SeanDuffySD@gmail.com!


The St. Louis Rams have traded for Denver WR Brandon Lloyd. In return, the Broncos will receive a sixth-round pick, which can turn into a fifth-round pick based on Lloyd's performance. (Source Rotoworld)

Take: The move coincides with the release of former-Jaguar Mike Sims-Walker. Based on the pass-happy system in place in St. Louis - the Rams pass 64 percent of the time - the move could help Lloyd return to his 2010 form when he led the league in receiving. Lloyd rejoins Rams' OC Josh McDaniels, who was his head coach in Denver last season. Lloyd instantly becomes the top receiving option for QB Sam Bradford. 


The Raiders are looking for a quarterback to replace starting QB Jason Campbell after he broke his collarbone in the Raiders narrow 24-17 win over the Cleveland Browns Sunday.

Take: Though the Raiders have yet to place Campbell on IR, and may not due to lack of a QB market and the potential for Campbell to come back, their starting QB had surgery today to repair his broken collarbone that affected the throwing side of his body. The Raiders have already contacted the Bengals regarding Carson Palmer, looked into David Gerard, who also needs surgery to repair his ailing back, and will continue to explore other potential short-term fixes.


Antonio Cromartie left Monday's game against the Miami Dolphins late after sustaining a groin injury. (Source Bob Glauber on Twitter)

Take: Though the significance of the injury is yet to be known, the Jets will need all of their defensive assets ready for their pending week seven matchup against the 4-1 San Diego Chargers. The Chargers, who are hoping to get All-Pro TE Antonio Gates back this week, will test the struggling Jets defense that in the past has led them to consecutive AFC Championship games. Though Rivers has struggled, he is no Matt Moore.









16 October 2011

NFL: News and Notes 10/16/11

The Fantasy Sports Veteran accepts responsibility for each of his predictions, good and bad. Users seeking to voice their anger or inform me of my incompetence need only leave a comment or e-mail me at SeanDuffySD@gmail.com!


Washington Redskins' tight end Chris Cooley will require surgery on his left index finger after fracturing it against the Eagles during the Skin's 20-13 loss to the Eagles. (Source:John Keim)

Take: Cooley, who has been targeted the fifth most this season among all Redskins by Rex Grossman, behind the recently-benched running back Tim Hightower and Cooley's counterpart at tight end, Fred Davis. Davis had been targeted nearly twice as much as Cooley heading into their week six matchup against the Eagles. With Cooley potentially out for the rest of the season, Davis is likely to see an increase in workload, though he is still handcuffed by the quarterback situation. Grossman threw four interceptions before being replaced by John Beck.


Saints head coach Sean Peyton broke his tibula and tore his MCL in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (Source: Rotoworld)

Take: Who says it isn't dangerous being a head coach? In an ugly collision, one of Peyton's own players ran into him in the first quarter. That has not prevented Peyton from calling plays though. 


Cleveland Browns' running back Peyton Hillis has returned to the game after reportedly tweaking his hamstring in the first half.

Take: Hillis has been limited in carries nearly all season, whether because of injury, or because of intense contract negotiations that have turned public the last few weeks. After tweaking his hamstring in the first half, Hillis had only one carry to start out the second half before finally returning late in the fourth quarter. How this will affect his week seven status is uncertain at this time. With Pat Shurmur's propensity to throw the ball all day, Hillis, and his backup Montario Hardesty, have seen limited action the last couple weeks. 





12 October 2011

NFL: News and Notes 10/12/11

The Fantasy Sports Veteran accepts responsibility for each of his predictions, good and bad. Users seeking to voice their anger or inform me of my incompetence need only leave a comment or e-mail me at SeanDuffySD@gmail.com!


San Francisco 49ers' Josh Morgan is out for the season after breaking a bone in his leg toward the end of their 48-3 home victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Morgan, who is one of the 49ers top wide receivers, was placed on injured reserve, the second significant wide receiver lost to injury for the 49ers, the first being Breylon Edwards in week two. (Source ESPN)

Take: Though Morgan is not a particularly highly-valued fantasy wide receiver, his absence, coupled with  the potential loss of Michael Crabtree, may lead Alex Smith to focus more heavily on Vernon Davis. The 49ers have signed Brett Swain. 

MLB: News and Notes 10/12/11

The Fantasy Sports Veteran accepts responsibility for each of his predictions, good and bad. Users seeking to voice their anger or inform me of my incompetence need only leave a comment or e-mail me at SeanDuffySD@gmail.com!


Former Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein has agreed to a deal worth a minimum of $15 million over five years. Epstein won two World Series titles in his nine year tenure with the Red Sox. (Source ESPN)

Take: The Cubs' greatest enemy under the Jim Hendry regime was the lack of minor league talent to supplement costly veterans and precipitate potential trades. Given the direct impact on the 2007 World Series that was made by the Red Sox home-grown talent, Epstein is the perfect candidate to retool the meek Windy City farm system and will hopefully learn from his mistakes in Boston regarding large contracts to big-name, sexy free agents. 


The Pirates have declined to pick up Paul Maholm's $7.75 million option for 2012. The move comes after   the starting pitcher posted his best season since becoming a full-time starter. The LHP is looking forward to testing free agency. (Source: MLBTradeRumors)

Take: Maholm is expected to see significant attention in a starting pitching-shallow free agent market. With the volatility of free agency, it's tough to decipher a potential effect on his fantasy value until he signs. Worth noting: Maholm had an ERA almost a full run lower at home than on the road (3.27 at home vs. 4.19 on the road).

10 October 2011

News and Notes from Around the League

The Fantasy Sports Virtuoso accepts responsibility for each of his predictions, good and bad. Users seeking to voice their anger or inform me of my incompetence need only leave a comment or e-mail me at SeanDuffySD@gmail.com!


Mario Williams is out for the rest of the season after tearing a pectoral muscle. The injury was reportedly suffered as Williams sacked Jason Campbell in the Texans' 25-20 loss to the Raiders. (Source: Associated Press)



Take: The injury is devastating to Texans fans and fantasy IDP owners alike are saddened after hearing the news that Mario Williams will be out for the year. The Texans, with 15 sacks on the season, has established one of the premier front seven from a pass-rushing perspective.


Antonio gates was quoted by the San Diego Union Tribune as saying he anticipates to return in week 7 seven against the Jets. This would end weeks of speculation as to Gates' playing status after he re-tore scar tissue in his right foot in week two. (Source: San Diego Union Tribune)

This would be great news for frustrated fantasy owners who likely spent early round picks acquiring the perennial All Pro. The Chargers have a bye in week six, so Gates should be allotted an extra seven days of rest before the Chargers' game at New York. This is not definite, as Gates goes on to say, but is hopeful news nonetheless.