Fanball.com's Kay Adams looks at the return of Clinton Portis:

Fantasy Football fantasy advice, kay adams, clinton portis, waiver wire

Free agent running back Larry Johnson signed with the Washington Redskins on Friday.

The Washington Post reports that the deal is three years with base salary of $3.5 million and could be worth $12 million with incentives.

The 30-year old is expected to compliment Clinton Portis in the Redskins’ backfield and the team hopes that his presence will push both veterans to excel.

Johnson, who was released mid-season by the Chiefs a year ago, finished the year with Bengals.

His history of off-the-field issues has plagued him, but a fresh start may be just what the doctor order.

New Redskins’ coach Mike Shanahan is known for building successful ground games and has familiarity with Johnson from his days with the Broncos and in the AFC West.

Johnson had 581 yards on 178 carries and no touchdowns in 14 games. His last 1,000-yard season was 2006, when he rushed for a career-high 1,789 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.

Fantasy Football, NFL washington redskins, larry johnson, clinton portis, mike shanahan, 2010 nfl offseason

After a solid first round things started to get interesting in Round Two of the GSI Mock Draft...

RECAPS: Round One

ROUND TWO
13. BROERING - WR L. Fitzgerald (ARI)
14. SIMON - WR R. Moss (NE)
15. DINSMORE - WR A. Johnson (HOU)
16. BRYANT - RB S. Slaton (HOU)
17. WETZEL - RB C. Portis (WAS)
18. SCHMITT - WR R. Wayne (IND)
19. SIMS - WR C. Johnson (DET)
20. MURDICO - RB B. Jacobs (NYG)
21. ANSELMO - WR A. Boldin (ARI)
22. CLASGENS - QB P. Manning (IND)
23. FISCHER - QB T. Brady (NE)
24. HUMBERT - WR G. Jennings (GB)

POSITION BREAKDOWN: WR (7), RB (3), QB (2)

MY PICK: There are three quarterbacks that I consider Tier 1 candidates - Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. Brees (who was taken 4th overall) went in the opening round and I was a bit surprised to see Manning and Brady both fall to me with the 22nd overall pick. I was anticipating both of them going sooner and turning to my WR1 here, but I will take a franchise quarterback. Ultimately, Brady has more upside than Manning, but Peyton is the "safer" bet in my eyes. His '08 numbers were a bit disappointing for owners, but too many people disregarded his preseason knee surgery that limited him to just three TD passes in the team's first three contests. I'm not buying into the Harrison departing hurts him theory either. Harrison was a non-factor (no TD's or fewer than 50 yards) in 10 games last season and Manning still averaged 230 yards per game and threw 14 TD's in those outings.

BEST VALUE PICK: Some owners will be a bit gun shy to pull the trigger on Tom Brady, but they shouldn't be. The Patriots were confident enough in his recovery from knee surgery to send backup Matt Cassel to Kansas City. If the veteran signal caller even comes close to sniffing 2007 numbers, he will make the owners that passed him over for a wideout. Outside the top three or four receivers, the difference between No. 5 and No. 12 is marginal. The same can't be said at quarterback.

MOST LIKELY TO DISAPPOINT: Once again it's hard to nit pick some of the top 25 players taken in a fantasy draft, but if I had to pick a guy that could disappoint from this round I go with Steve Slaton. Just by looking at my Cheat Sheet you can see that I am not as high on him as Ron Bryant is as I have ranked as the No. 14 running back at this point. Slaton is solid and has the ability to score on any play. He may not carry a huge workload, but the production is there. However, I likely would have went after a receiver here.  It is a long time before Ron gets to pick again. He could have had a stud quarterback or an elite wideout and instead opted for a running back that most websites don't have in the Top 10. There will be more running backs to choose from in Round Three than there will be QB's and WR's.

FINAL TAKE: A solid round by all. As predicited the run on receivers came and came large. Expect Round Two in your league to be the same way.

Fantasy Football gsi mock draft, mock fantasy football draft, mock draft, larry fitzgerald, randy moss, andre johnson, steve slaton, clinton portis, reggie wayne, calvin johnson, brandon jacobs, anquan boldin, peyton manning, tom brady, greg jennings

Here are some injuries from Sunday that owners will want to keep their eyes on (from KFFL.com):

QUARTERBACKS
Ken Dorsey, Cleveland Browns - ribs - Status unknown

RUNNING BACKS
Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers - head - Status unknown
Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills - shoulder - Status unknown
P.J. Pope, Denver Broncos - hamstring - Status unknown
Clinton Portis, Washington Redskins - hand - Status unknown
Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams - hamstring - Returned to game

WIDE RECEIVERS
Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions - knee, ankle - Status unknown

TIGHT ENDS
Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans Saints - ankle - Status unknown

COMPLETE LIST

Fantasy Football ken dorsey, jonathan stewart, marshawn lynch, p.j. pope, clinton portis, steven jackson, calvin johnson, jeremy shockey

Here are some injures owners will want to keep their eyes on heading to kickoff:

QUARTERBACKS
Trent Edwards (groin) - listed as questionable, but expected to start
Jeff Garcia (calf) - has practiced limitedly for the past three days

RUNNING BACKS
Frank Gore (ankle) - chance are "remote" that he plays and is a shaky bet
Brandon Jacobs (knee) - could play, but how much he plays is unclear
Marion Barber (calf, toe) - hasn't practice all week; avoid him this week
Clinton Portis (backed) - missed practice FRI; his status is unclear for SUN
Marshawn Lynch (shoulder) - limited in practice on FRI; questionable but likely
Matt Forte (toe) - listed as questionable, but practice on SAT - should play
Kevin Smith (ankle) - limited in practice on FRI and questionable - should go

WIDE RECEIVERS
Anquan Boldin (shoulder) - a true game-time decision, not looking good to play
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - questionable; expected to be a full go at SEA
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - a full go in FRI's practice and will start vs. DAL
Domenik Hixon (foot) - listed as questionable and not a great match-up vs. CAR
Kevin Curtis (calf) - doubtful after missing practice again on FRI; stay away

MORE PLAYER NEWS (KFFL.com) 

Fantasy Football injury report, week 16, trent edwards, jeff garcia, frank gore, brandon jacobs, marion barber, clinton portis, marshawn lynch, matt forte, kevin smith, anquan boldin, laveranues coles, derrick mason, domenik hixon, kevin curtis

Here's some notes on the Pro Bowl selections (from Rotoworld.com):

--The Jets led all teams with seven players (Brett Favre, Thomas Jones, Alan Faneca, Nick Mangold, Leon Washington, Kris Jenkins, Darrelle Revis). Favre makes it despite -- brace yourselves now -- leading the league with 17 picks.

--Giants' Kicker John Carney (44) is the oldest Pro Bowler ever.

--After sending eight players last year, only two New England Patriots made it (first-timers Wes Welker and Stephen Gostkowski).

--Tennessee's Chris Johnson was the only rookie selection.

--You may think Joey Porter is a mouthy knucklehead, but he and his AFC-leading 17.5 sacks deserved a spot, while Dolphins teammate…

--...Ronnie Brown simply didn't. 10 TDs (4 in that fluky 'Wildcat-gone-wild!' game) were nice, but he has only three 100-plus-yard games and only one other game topping even 70 yards. Steve Slaton, Marshawn Lynch and even LaDainian Tomlinson deserved it more.

--The Bengals, Jags, Rams and Lions had zero reps. Shocker.

--Notable snubs: Atlanta's John Abraham (3rd in sacks with 15), Philip Rivers (#1 in passer rating/tied for #1 with 28 TDs, and Cutler goes?), Matt Ryan (Eli?), DeAngelo Williams (1,229 yards/14 TDs and they choose Portis?), Calvin Johnson, Brandon Jacobs, Chad Pennington (The Matt Ryan of the AFC…c'mon, Favre?). And Dallas Clark should have edged Antonio Gates.

COMPLETE PRO BOWL ROSTERS

NFL pro bowl, jets, brett favre, thomas jones, alan faneca, nick mangold, leon washington, kris jenkins, darrelle revis, giants, john carney, patriots, wes welker, stephen gostkowski, titans, chris johnson, dolphins, joey porter, ronnie brown, bengals, jags, rams, lions, falcons, john abraham, chargers, philip rivers, broncos, jay cutler, matt ryan, panthers, deangelo williams, clinton portis, redskins, calvin johnson, brandon jacobs, chad pennington, colts, dallas clark, antonio gates, ladainian tomlinson

Did you miss this week's Fantasy Playbook as I go on with Lance McAlister on 1530 Homer the Sports Animal? Either way here's my notes from the show...

WHERE WILL THEY FALL? (Draft Outlook) – Some Intriguing Options In ’09?
Matt Ryan (ATL) – The rookie has impressed for sure. He has given owners multiple TD’s in 5 of his last 7, but he’ll need to get more consistent to join the elite. I will have somewhere between No. 8 and No. 12 on the Cheat Sheet which makes him next year’s Jay Cutler and somewhere around a late 4th to 5th round pick.

Pierre Thomas (NO) – The 23-year old has a bright future and has blown up with 6 touchdowns over the past 4 weeks and can take over the job in New Orleans if he finishes strong. The jury is still out, but if I were drafting today I wouldn’t be afraid to pull the trigger on him in Round 3.

Cadillac Williams (TB) – The Bucs’ system can produce fantasy success and his progress back to this point has been amazing. Williams has the potential to be a steal anywhere after the fourth round, particularly if the Bucs do little in the off-season to change the landscape of their backfield.

Braylon Edwards (CLE) – Coming off a season in which he made 17 trips to the end zone, Edwards has easily been one of the biggest busts in fantasy football this year. Still, I like his upside and the idea of Brady Quinn developing more chemistry with him. He could be a steal in the mid-rounds of the draft next year.

Dustin Keller (NYJ) – The rookie has gotten better as the season has progressed. Since week 9 Keller has 31 receptions for 346 yards. With a full season under his belt he could emerge as a top 5 player at the position in ’09, particularly if Brett Favre, who loves throwing to tight ends, returns to the Jets.

INJURIES TO WATCH
Clinton Portis (knee, hip, neck) – Amazingly Portis is not on the Redskins’ injury report and appears ready to run against the Bengals. The ‘Skins offensive line is hurting, but No. 26 is still a No. 1 option in Week 15 at RB.

Frank Gore (ankle) – Gore missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday and is a full-fledged game-time decision for Sunday’s 1:00 start at Miami. If he starts, he’s safe to play. If not, DeShaun Foster will try to shoulder the load for San Fran. I find a better option though if that happens.

Joseph Addai (IND) – the Colts’ running back could play, but with the Lions paying a trip to Indy why risk it? Look for Dominic Rhodes to see the bulk of the workload in this match-up.

Marion Barber (toe, calf) – making progress, but still not 100% and very much a game-time decision for Sunday night’s showdown in the Big D with the Giants. Tashard Choice will get the call again if Barber sits.

Brandon Jacobs (knee) – it’s looking more and more as if the Giants will take caution and sit Jacobs. The official word won’t come to later this weekend, but I am expecting Derrick Ward to get the call on Sunday night.

WEEK 15 VALUE PACK
QB – Tyler Thigpen (vs. SD) – He threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns in Week 10’s match-up with the Chargers and  9 TD passes over his last five games. Another good effort appears to be in order this time around.

RB – Maurice Morris (@StL) – Morris was given the bulk of the carries in Week 14 for the Seahawks and if that happens again in Week 15, the veteran makes for a sneaky flex play against a Rams’ defense that cedes 30.4 fantasy points per game to running backs. Don’t get crazy with him, but if you are in a pinch grab him.

WR – Davone Bess (vs. SF) - Over the past three games, Bess has caught 20 passes for a combined 245 yards, including a 9-catch performance in last week against the Bills. I like his chances as the Dolphins host a San Fran defense that has allowed 24.9 fantasy points per game to wideouts.

TE – Donald Lee (@Jax) – He has caught a touchdown in three of his last four games, including a 20-yard strike in Week 14. If you are looking for a waiver wire pickup to start look no further than the Packers’ tight end.

DEF – Redskins (@ Cin) – It’s not rocket science, but any defense match-up against an injury-plagued Bengals’ offense equals fantasy success. The Redskins should continue that trend in Week 15.

**CATCH THE SHOW ON 1530HOMER.COM - Click on Thursday's 4:00 hour (4:30 weekly)**

Fantasy Football 1530 homer, lance mcalister, fantasy playbook, fantasy advice, matt ryan, pierre thomas, cadillac williams, braylon edwards, dustin keller, clinton portis, frank gore, deshaun foster, joseph addai, dominic rhodes, tashard choice, brandon jacobs, derrick ward, tyler thigpen, maurice morris, davone bess, donald lee, week 15

Here are some injuries that fantasy owners will want to keep their eyes on for Week 14:

QUARTERBACKS
Ben Roethlisberger (knee) - no limitations in practice on FRI
Matt Schaub (knee) - probable and expected to start at GB
Matt Hasselbeck (back) - doubtufl; Seneca Wallace likely to start

RUNNING BACKS
Marion Barber (toe) - missed third straight practice; not looking good
Joseph Addai (knee) - added to report on FRI; a game-time decision
Clinton Portis (knee/back) - game-time decision; doesn't play until 8:15
Steven Jackson (quadriceps) - probable; could see increased work
Brian Westbrook (knee, ankle) - expected to start vs. NYG
Marshawn Lynch (back) - ready to face MIA; listed as probable
Ryan Grant (thumb) - should see "normal workload" according to coach
Willis McGahee (illness) - returned to practice FRI
Kevin Smith (shoulder) - limited in practice, but probable vs. MIN
Deuce McAllister (suspension) - will be active, but behind P. Thomas

WIDE RECEIVERS
Anquan Boldin (back) - set to start on SUN vs. STL
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - questionable, yet he should go vs. SF
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - practiced w/out limitations on FRI
Anthony Gonzalez (shoulder) - late addition to injury report
Mark Bradley (calf) - has been ruled out for Week 14
Koren Robinson (knee) - will start vs. NE, but not a great play

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow (ankle) - ruled out w/high-ankle sprain

DEFENSIVE LINE
Kevin Williams (suspension) - expected to play on SUN vs. DET
Pat Williams (suspension) - expected to play on SUN vs. DET
Gaines Adams (knee) - questionable for MON night vs. CAR
Adewale Ogunleye (shoulder) - status unclear for Week 14
Fred Robbins (shoulder) - Counting on him to return vs. PHI

LINEBACKERS
London Fletcher (foot) - did not practice FRI; questionable
D.J. Williams (groin) - not expected to play vs. KC
Gary Bracket (fibula) - out for Week 14 vs. CIN

DEFENSIVE BACKS
Bob Sanders (knee) - returned to full practice FRI; questionable
Champ Bailey (groin) - not expected to play vs. KC
Cortland Finnegan (hamstring)- expected to play vs. CLE
Nate Clements (thumb) - questionable following minor surgery
Nick Harper (ankle) - returned to limit practice on FRI; should play

LATEST PLAYER NEWS (KFFL.com)

Fantasy Football injury report, ben roethlisberger, matt schaub, matt hasselbeck, marion barber, joseph addai, clinton portis, steven jackson, brian westbrook, marshawn lynch, ryan grant, willis mcgahee, kevin smith, deuce mcallister, anquan boldin, laveranues coles, derrick mason, anthony gonzalez, mark bradley, koren robinson, kellen winslow, kevin williams, pat williams, gaines adams, adewale ogunleye, fred robbins, london fletcher, d.j. williams, gary bracket, bob sanders, champ bailey, cortland finnegan, nate clements, nick harper

Here is our Line-Up Locks for Week 14. It's either the last week of your regular season or you've made the playoffs. Making the playoffs is always good, but now, more than ever, is where you have to make the right choices, and unfortunately some of your fantasy stalwarts, maybe even the players who brought you this far cannot be counted on this week. Here's a quick look at those who has favorable matchups (LOCK IN) and those who deserve a spot on your bench this week (LOCK OUT):

QUARTERBACKS
Lock In:
--Matt Cassel @ Sea
My take: Perhaps you saw what Romo did to this awful Seahawk defense last week. Cassel has proven he can produce top tier numbers and this will be one of those weeks.

--Aaron Rodgers vs. Hou
My take: Rodgers, like Cassel is one of those guys who is best to start when the match up is right. Well, the match up is right this week.

--Tyler Thigpen @ Den
My take: Let the amateurs in your league laugh at you when you bench your regular for Thigpen in the playoffs. You'll be laughing last as this match up is too good to pass up for Thigpen.

Lock Out:
--Jake Delhomme vs. TB
My take: Here's some fantasy math for you. Bad match up + inconsistent QB=playoff loss.

--Tony Romo @ Pit
My take: Do you have the guts to bench your fantasy stud in the playoffs? If you have a better QB with a better match up, then you should.

--Matt Schaub @ GB
My take: Don't rush to get Schaub back in your lineup. Wait and see how he does and wait until the match up is better.


RUNNING BACKS
Lock In:
--Joseph Addai vs Cin
My take: I'm not sure the Bengals have enough healthy d-linemen to even field a team at this point and I'm not sure that even if they did, that it would matter. Get Addai in your lineup this week.

--Peyton Hillis vs. KC
My take: This guy is quickly becoming the waiver wire find of the year. Play him this week.

--Ronnie Brown @ Buf
My take: As the Dolphins have stumbled a little down the stretch, I think they go back to what got them this far – running the ball and trick plays. Brown will benefit from that.

Fantasy Football matt cassel, aaron rodgers, tyler thigpen, jake delhomme, tony romo, matt schaub, joseph addai, peyton hillis, ronnie brown, clinton portis, marion barber, willie parker, randy moss, greg jennings, roddy white, terrell owens, santana moss, braylon edwards, tony gonzalez, dustin keller, dallas clark, chris cooley, heath miller, john carlson

Let's take a look at some injuries to keep your eyes on heading into Sunday's action:

QUARTERBACKS
David Garrard (back) - looks good to go for Monday night
Matt Schaub (knee) - making progress; could play Monday
Marc Bulger (concussion) - expected to start vs. Mia

RUNNING BACKS
Brandon Jacobs (knee) - listed as questionable, but expected to start
Steven Jackson (quad) - barring setback he should be active vs. Mia
Reggie Bush (knee) - expected to get 18-20 touches vs. TB
Willie Parker (knee) - back-to-back full practices; questionable
Clinton Portis (knee) - 50/50 shot of playing; look for him to go
Steve Slaton (chest) - practiced fully on Friday; safe to play
Jonathan Stewart (heel) - no limitations in Friday's practice
Selvin Young (groin) - going to be a game-time decision; not 100%
LeRon McClain (ankle) - limited on Friday, but is probable

WIDE RECEIVERS
Greg Jennings (ribs) - returned to full practice FRI; probable
Roddy White (back) - listed as questionable; should start
TJ Houshmandzadeh (back) - practiced FRI and will start vs. Bal
Plaxico Burress (hamstring) - will not play vs. WAS
Laveranues Coles (thigh) - appears to be a go vs. DEN
Eddie Royal (toe) - listed as questionable; expected to play
Derrick Mason (shoulder) - listed as probable; should start
Mark Bradley (calf) - officially a game-time decision
Josh Morgan (groin) - practiced FRI, but still questionable

TIGHT ENDS
Kellen Winslow (shoulder) - questionable vs. Ind
Zach Miller (groin) - limited all week, but likely to go

Fantasy Football david garrard, matt schaub, marc bulger, brandon jacobs, steven jackson, reggie bush, willie parker, clinton portis, steve slaton, jonathan stewart, selvin young, leron mcclain, greg jennings, roddy white, tj houshmandzadeh, plaxico burress, laveranues coles, eddie royal, derrick mason, mark bradley, josh morgan, kellen winslow, zach miller