FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 1/2/2009 2:22pm et

The Associated Press reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning has been named The AP NFL Most Valuable Player.

The Huddle Take: You sure didn't see this coming a month into the season, but Manning's strong finish helped him earn a third MVP trophy.

Posted: 12/14/2008 10:02pm et

The Associated Press reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning went 28-for-37 for 318 yards and one touchdown in the team's Week 15 game.

The Huddle Take: What can you say about Manning except he is a winner and consistently leads the Colts to wins despite the team always not playing up to their capabilities. Facing a Lions team in Week 15 the Colts were prime for a let down but Manning led the Colts to victory after the Lions tied the game at 21-21 in the second half. Manning is an elite quarterback and continues to shine each week after a slow start to the season.

Posted: 10/24/2008 11:51am et

ESPN.com reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning had a staph infection that forced doctors to operate on his knee a second time this offseason, according to the Indianapolis Star. Manning's initial surgery was in July, when the bursa sac in his left knee had to be operated on because of the staph infection. A second procedure took place 17 days after the original surgery, further delaying Manning's progress in training camp. Doctors were concerned about the fluid that had infected the bursa sac, which had been removed in the original operation.

The Huddle Take: Did the Browns' team doctor perform Peyton's surgery? You'd think that if anybody could get a sterile OR and germ-free recovery room it would be an elite NFL quarterback. The second surgery definitely slowed Manning at the start of the season, though we've seen indicators that he's rounding back into form.

Posted: 10/16/2008 12:39pm et

The Associated Press reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning (knee) did not disclose the details regarding his second knee operation because he thought it would give his opponents an advantage. "The reason I just didn't really confirm or deny it the first time was I just didn't really want the Bears to know they were playing against a guy that was four weeks off of surgery," Manning said. "I know if I was playing against a corner that was four weeks off of surgery, I would definitely test out how good that surgery was in a game. So I just didn't think it was fair to reveal that information."

The Huddle Take: There was plenty of speculation surrounding Peyton's procedures, and his recovery seemed to take a little longer than expected. However, if last weekend's performance is any indication it looks as though he's fully recovered.

Posted: 10/12/2008 10:45pm et

The Associated Press reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning went 19-for-27 for 271 yards and three touchdowns in the team's Week 6 game.

The Huddle Take: Manning returned to his Pro-Bowl caliber form this week in leading the Colts to an impressive 31-3 dismantling of the Baltimore Ravens. He may have gotten off to a slow start to begin the season but Manning seems to be hitting his stride at just the right time. With the Colts already having their bye week behind them, Manning should be good for steady production for the rest of the season. He should be started against any and all opponents from this point on.

Posted: 9/14/2008 8:19pm et

The Associated Press reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning went 26-for-42 for 311 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the team's Week 2 game.

The Huddle Take: Despite throwing for 311 yards on the game against Minnesota in Week 2, Peyton Manning struggled and appeared out of sync with the offense at times. He is still trying to get his timing down but the Colts had an awful time running the ball which caused problems with consistent ball movement by the offense. As always Manning is a bonafide fantasy stud and should be started each week regardless of the matchup. Expect more consistency and some monster games during the season.

Posted: 9/5/2008 8:43pm et

Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Sept. 5. He is expected to start Week 1.

The Huddle Take: Fantasy owners should consider Manning a must-start this week against the Bears as he should post consistent numbers against any opponent. The Bears field one of the best defenses in the league but will likely have a hard time containing the Colts high-octane passing game. If you were fortunate enough to acquire Manning with your first round pick then start him without reservations since he is one of the most durable players in the NFL.

Posted: 8/30/2008 11:59am et

Colts.com reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning (knee) said he plans on playing Week 1 and would be surprised if he was not on the field during the game. "I really hope to take the majority of the reps next week in practice and have as normal practice week as we can have. I would be surprised if I'm not out there playing Sunday night," Manning said.

The Huddle Take: Continued good signs for the fantasy stud quarterback and it looks more and more like the bothersome knee will be ready to go for that week one match-up with the Bears.

Posted: 8/29/2008 10:42am et

The Associated Press reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning (knee) dressed for the team's preseason game Thursday, Aug. 28, and went through his normal pregame routine but did not play.

The Huddle Take: No way the Colts were going to risk The Franchise in a fake game, but those who invested an early pick in Manning had to be happy to see him in uniform running the pregame passing tree. Don't expect Indy to christen their new stadium without Manning at the helm.

Posted: 8/28/2008 8:48am et

The Associated Press reports Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning (knee) increased his workload during practice Wednesday, Aug. 27. He showed no lingering effects fro knee surgery that had him sidelined over the last six weeks.

The Huddle Take: As stated in previous reports, Manning appears to be on the right track to play in the season opener against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. Unless he has a setback to his knee injury, fantasy owners should be prepared to start the elite quarterback for fantasy teams right out of the gate. He is in line for a nice season and could post the best numbers of any quarterback in the league this year.