Fantasy football news and opinion from FFToday.com http://www.fftoday.com/rss/news.xml Fantasy Football Copyright 2009 FFToday.com Sat, 4 Feb 2012 01:05:00 GMT Sat, 4 Feb 2012 01:05:00 GMT webmaster@fftoday.com (Mike Krueger) http://www.fftoday.com/creative/icn_fftoday_88_31.jpg http://www.fftoday.com/rss/news.xml 88 31 Giants With sore right foot

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw missed the New York Giants' Super Bowl practice Friday because of a sore right foot. Coach Tom Coughlin listed Bradshaw as probable for Sunday's game, and said he expects him to play. Bradshaw has a broken bone in his right foot and it was sore after two days of practice at the University of Indianapolis' practice bubble. He has dealt with the injury for months and usually only practices once a week for games. (Yahoo Sports)

FF Today's Take: The health of Bradshaw's foot will be one of the stories to watch on Sunday as the game unfolds. If the elusive back is ailing, Brandon Jacobs should see increased touches. The bruising runner posted 100 yards from scrimmage and a score against the Patriots in their only meeting this season.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5795 Sat, 4 Feb 2012 01:05:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5795 Patriots Pats TE listed as questionable, but will play

New England tight end Rob Gronkowski participated in Friday's hour-long walk-through to cap the Patriots' week of indoor practices leading up to Super Bowl XLVI. Gronkowski took the field for the second straight day after practicing on a limited basis Thursday for the first time since spraining his left ankle Jan. 22 in the AFC Championship Game. He is listed as questionable on New England's injury report for Sunday's matchup against the New York Giants. (NFL.com)

FF Today's Take: After Tom Brady and Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski is the most important part of the Patriots' offense. Reports from practice are saying the tight end looked fairly spry today while the team was running offensive plays, so look for the 22-year-old to receive his usual heavy workload on Super Bowl Sunday.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5794 Sat, 4 Feb 2012 01:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5794 Texans Star RB set to become a free agent

Arian Foster is heading for restricted free agency, but in an interview on Radio Row in Indianapolis today, he said he'd like to remain with the Houston Texans. "It's out of my hands," Foster said. "It's not under my control. The Texans are going to make the best move for their organization and their team, and if I happen to be a part of that, that's a wonderful thing because I want to be a part of it. But if not, I have to continue living my life and they'll do that with theirs. But I want to - they've expressed interest that they want to, and they already know that I want to stay in Houston." (SI)

FF Today's Take: The stud running back frustrated owners to start the season as he sat out with an injury, but those that were patient reaped the benefits down the stretch. The 25-year-old averaged over 141.7 yards from scrimmage per game this year, an improvement on the 138.8 yards he averaged during his breakout season in 2010. If he stays with the Texans, Foster makes for an ideal top three fantasy pick in 2012.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5793 Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:30:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5793 Falcons Veteran TE coming off 875 yard season

Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez said Thursday that next season probably will be his last - though it's not the first offseason he has said that, nor does should it come as a surprise. Gonzalez, who last month signed a one-year, $6.9 million contract extension with the idea that the 2012 season might be his last one, oddly made Thursday's declaration not through the team or his agent but rather on an ESPN/Facebook chat. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

FF Today's Take: The wave of younger, more athletic tight ends that includes Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, Aaron Hernandez and Jermichael Finley will be the way to go in fantasy next year. The windows of opportunity for high profile veterans like Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates could begin closing at any time, as injuries and wear and tear continue to mount.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5792 Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:10:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5792 Colts Arm strength is still key to Manning's return

Peyton Manning has been medically cleared by two doctors, including the one who performed his neck fusion surgery, to resume his NFL career, unnamed sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter. But arm strength is apparently the issue because his ability to play depends on the nerves in Manning's arm regenerating to a satisfactory performance level. Watkins also reportedly told Manning to continue an aggressive rehabilitation path toward playing in 2012. (Indianapolis Star)

FF Today's Take: This report isn't really news. It smells more of Manning's camp trying to paint the most positive light on his medical situation, perhaps counter balancing a story from earlier this week that suggested Manning's career is in serious jeopardy. Whether or not Manning is able to gain full strength in his arm remains the question and we may not know that for quite some time.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5791 Thu, 2 Feb 2012 21:20:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5791 Ravens Hopes duo can eventually lead team to a Super Bowl

Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti enthusiastically supports Joe Flacco as his quarterback, has every intention of retaining unrestricted free agent running back Ray Rice and believes the window of opportunity for his team to reach the Super Bowl remains wide open. (SI)

FF Today's Take: Flacco had put forth some less than spectacular playoff performances heading into this year's postseason, but his 306-passing yard, two touchdown showing in the Ravens AFC championship loss was an encouraging sign that the 27-year-old is headed in the right direction.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5790 Thu, 2 Feb 2012 03:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5790 Colts WR set to become unrestricted free agent

Reggie Wayne doesn't know what will unfold with Peyton Manning. He doesn't know what will happen with him, either. The Indianapolis Colts receiver has an expiring contract and could be lined up to explore unrestricted free agency for the first time. Wayne is connected to NFL Play 60 sponsor Kinect for Xbox 360, and during a break playing with school kids Wednesday, he said he would not be averse to being part of a Colts rebuilding project. (ESPN)

FF Today's Take: A savvy veteran who can run sharp routes and haul in passes during pressure situations, Wayne could be a highly sought after free agent this offseason. His numbers took a hit with Peyton Manning out this season, but he could find his stride again if paired with a talented quarterback.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5789 Thu, 2 Feb 2012 02:40:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5789 Vikings Veteran QB interested in playing for three particular teams

Donovan McNabb says his future is bright. Part of that future could include a return to the NFL next season. McNabb, who was released by the Vikings midway through his 13th season, didn't sound like a player who has completely walked away during an interview with "Super Bowl Live" on Wednesday. "I see three teams in the NFL, right now, that I feel like I can add a little bit of flavor to it from what they have," McNabb said. "I won't mention those teams. But, if the phone rings, there will be a lot of decisions to make on that." (NFL.com)

FF Today's Take: Even if McNabb does sign a contract with an NFL team, it will almost certainly be in a backup role. At this stage of the 35-year-old's career, his days as a fantasy relevant player are over.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5788 Thu, 2 Feb 2012 02:20:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5788 Patriots Day to day

Rob Gronkowski didn't practice on Wednesday. He was the only player who did not participate. "Rob is doing better, so we'll just have to see where he is today," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "I think he's making improvement, getting better every day. We'll just take it day to day." (ESPN)

FF Today's Take: The team may fit Gronk into a specialized shoe to help support his injured ankle. Speculation is that he will play on Sunday but there is no chance his ankle will be 100% healthy.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5787 Wed, 1 Feb 2012 22:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5787 Giants Chronic foot injury

Coughlin said starting RB Ahmad Bradshaw would be held out of practice Wednesday, nothing unusual as the team manages his chronically injured right foot. (USA Today)

FF Today's Take: Nothing unusual as the Giants have typically been resting Bradshaw on Wednesdays. Expect Bradshaw to play a key role in the offense on Sunday. However, it is worth mentioning that his foot injury is considered "chronic" so those in various keeper and dynasty formats should factor that into any decisions regarding Bradshaw in 2012.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5786 Wed, 1 Feb 2012 15:59:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5786 Bears Franchise tag a likely option if long term deal is not reached

New Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery has plenty of issues to address as he gets to work at Halas Hall. With three weeks to decide whether to apply the franchise tag on Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte, Emery's boss said Tuesday that the Bears won't let the Pro Bowl running back reach free agency. "We'd like to (work out a long-term deal with Forte)," Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips said on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "But as Phil pointed out we obviously will at least consider placing the franchise tag on him. We don't have any intention of letting Matt hit the open market." (ESPNChicago.com)

FF Today's Take: Chicago needs to make a serious push to get Forte signed to a long term extension this off-season to prevent a holdout. Using the franchise tag on Forte remains an option for the team, but that may not sit well with a team leader who just risked injury to play last season. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5784 Wed, 1 Feb 2012 12:56:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5784 Patriots He has recovered from foot injury

INDIANAPOLIS - While stopping short of saying Sebastian Vollmer would definitely play in Super Bowl XLVI against the Giants, Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia indicated the right tackle would return to the lineup. "He's back to practicing and being healthy," Scarnecchia said yesterday. (Boston.com)

FF Today's Take: Having Vollmer back is evem more crucial if TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle) is limited or unable to play. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5785 Wed, 1 Feb 2012 10:30:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5785 Browns RB reportedly back in team's plans

The Browns would like to re-sign running back Peyton Hillis, who worked his way back into the team's good graces over the final six weeks of the season, a league source said. Hillis, who becomes an unrestricted free agent March 13, showed the Browns enough over the final six games - both on and off the field - that they'd like to have him back at the right price. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

FF Today's Take: Hillis likely endeared himself to Browns coach Pat Shurmur after his 112-yard rushing performance against the Ravens on Dec. 24. Shurmur stated that he had a talk with Hillis and admitted that his back was affected by his hamstring injurying during the middle part of the year. Hillis' return would allow Cleveland to ignore RB in the draft and free agency as the Browns should return Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5783 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:03:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5783 Colts Sources "don't believe he'll resume his career"

For all the discussion over Peyton Manning's future with the Indianapolis Colts, the underlying issue is that people close to him don't believe he'll resume his career. The nerves in Manning's arm are not healing as quickly as hoped and, worse, don't appear to be progressing at enough of a rate to indicate that he will play again, according to two sources with knowledge of Manning's rehabilitation from neck surgery. The vertebrae in his neck that were fused have healed as expected and Manning began throwing in December. But he hasn't shown improvement in velocity on his passes, and the two sources fear he likely never will again. (Yahoo! Sports)

FF Today's Take: As we warned earlier tonight, very few - if any - people actually have an idea how this will play out. Still, this report is one of the more credible ones yet, so Colts fans and fantasy owners alike need to prepare for a NFL without Manning. At this point, it is looking extremely likely Andrew Luck will be under center as the unquestioned starter in Indy to begin the 2012 season.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5782 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:50:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5782 Patriots Has yet to practice since AFC Championship

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who suffered a high ankle sprain in New England's 23-20 AFC Championship game win over the Baltimore Ravens, did not practice on Monday according to HC Bill Belichick. The 22-year-old from Arizona got off the plane in Indy Sunday afternoon in a walking boot and isn't expected to practice at all this week, according to PFT's Mike Florio. However, Florio's source does believe that Gronkowski will play on Sunday. (National Football Post)

FF Today's Take: Gronkowski has said all along that he will play, but Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey said similar things before last season's Super Bowl. However, Gronkowski showed incredible pain tolerance in returning to the game against the Ravens, which makes it likely he will play, although it is very likely he will lack the power and explosion that makes him special. Aaron Hernandez figures to be the TE of choice this Sunday.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5781 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:07:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5781 Buccaneers Key Bucs offensive players didn't hit weight room

Two players who allegedly deserve some criticism for not working hard enough are RB LeGarrette Blount and WR Mike Williams. Sources said both players were not spending the right amount of time preparing their bodies for Sunday. Neither one was hitting the weight room or training room as they should. Former coaches said both players needed to spend regular time in the cold tub and build their bodies in the weight room to play better on Sundays. (Pewter Report)

FF Today's Take: Former team staff suggests that both players partied a lot and that Williams in particular was a mess. Williams thought he was too heavy, so he started losing weight in an effort to separate easier from defensive backs, and by the end of the season, sources said that he was too frail and didn't have the strength to fight off jams. New HC Greg Schiano will have his hands full trying to get this offense going in his first NFL coaching job.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5780 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5780 Colts Older brother weighs in

When asked if Peyton Manning is "determined," older brother Cooper responded, "I think that's a great word for it." "What I do know is Peyton is going to do every single thing a human being can possibly do to get ready to play again," Cooper said from his office in New Orleans. "Where, when and how he'll play, that's all up in the air. But as far as his body goes, Peyton's smart, he'll know what to do. Anyone predicting what will happen now going forward is just wasting their breath. But he is working as hard as anyone can work to get out there again." (NFL.com)

FF Today's Take: The last 24 hours has been busy on the Peyton Manning front as some sources have suggested he will retire while others believe he will be released and be in another team's starting lineup to begin next season. While all the buzz keeps the talking heads talking, the fact is that no one knows anything for sure right now. Peyton turns 36 in March - when he is due a $28 M bonus - and has undergone three neck procedures in the past two years. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5779 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:42:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5779 Raiders HC confirms ex-Bengal will run offense

Raiders coach Dennis Allen tells @NBCSportsTalk that Carson Palmer "absolutely" will be the Week 1 starter. (Pro Football Talk on Twitter)

FF Today's Take: That's easy to say now, but the Raiders don't exactly have a wealth of options behind Palmer right now to give him much competition. Jason Campbell will presumably be his backup and Terrelle Pryor will likely be the QB3. With no OC in place yet, it is far too early to make solid predictions about Palmer's 2012 prospects, but he'll likely be drafted as middle-of-the-pack fantasy QB2.]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5778 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:30:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5778 Giants Shoulder

Per a league source, Nicks is expected to play. Though it's unclear whether his range of motion will be limited, the source was optimistic that Nicks will be "fine." (ProFootballTalk)

FF Today's Take: The shoulder doesn't look like it will prevent Nicks from playing since his lower body is fine. However, Nicks needs to get back to practice and show his range of motion isn't too limited if he is to be a focal point of the passing game. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5777 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:02:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5777 Patriots Free agent to be not worried about next contract

INDIANAPOLIS -- New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, whose contract expires shortly after Super Bowl XLVI, said Sunday he can't see himself in another uniform next season. "I plan on being back," Welker said Sunday after the Patriots arrived for the Super Bowl. "I am not really too worried about that right now. I am fully concentrated on this game and what we have to do, but I plan on being back." (ESPNBoston.com)

FF Today's Take: Outside of a 2010 season that saw him work his way back from major knee surgery, Welker has eclipsed 100 catches and 1,000 yards every year he's been in New England. Expect both sides to reach an agreement shortly following the Super Bowl and for Welker to remain one of the first wideouts off the board in 2012. ]]> http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5775 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:38:00 GMT http://www.fftoday.com/news/index.php?Item=5775