FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition

November 17th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

Turner Limited, Rodgers Could See More Action

The Falcons starting running back Michael Turner has been limited all week in practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday. Turner, who has remained relatively ineffective most of the 2012 campaign, could lose some touches this week should he even play. Back up Jacquizz Rodgers has slowly become more a part of the weekly game plan averaging 9 touches a contest over the team’s last three games. Rodgers has shown great productivity in his limited role averaging 65 yards of offense in the same span. Rodgers season high for carries is 10, something we could very well see him match against the Cardinals 23^rd ranked run defense with Turner ailing. Rodgers is a risky play in normal 10-team leagues, but in deeper formats he could be a sneaky sleeper.

Murray Doubtful for Sunday, Time for More Felix the Back

The Cowboys will likely not have the services of running back DeMarco Murray on Sunday, opening the door for back up Felix Jones. The Cowboys back up runner says he is feeling good and will have a great opportunity to show just how much agains the Browns 26^th ranked run defense. Jones is averaging less than four yards per carry this season and has scored just two rushing touchdowns in four starts this season. The Browns are allowing 4.3 yards per carry and have allowed only 7 rushing touchdowns this season, but they are giving up the 11^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Jones has a good matchup this week and looks to be a good flex option in deeper formats.

Tom Terrific Set to Shine on Sunday Once Again

With the emergence of a couple of youngsters and the return of an old foe, quarterback Tom Brady has seemingly become lost in the shuffle by normal standards. Despite the less press he’s been receiving in fantasy circles and the regular media, Brady has been terrific in 2012; 18 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 293 yards passing per game. With the Colts up next, Brady looks set to shine once again. The Colts rank 15^th against the pass and allow the 13^th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, numbers that figure to rise after Sunday’s tilt. Brady has also been on fire as of late averaging 24 completions, 265 yards-plus passing per game over his last three starts; he’s also tossed 8 touchdowns without an interception. He’s a must start and facing a strong Colts passing game, Brady could post some big numbers this week to set the pace.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Edition
November 16th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

No Brown on Sunday Could Means More Wallace
The Steelers will operate Sunday night without wide receiver Antonio Brown and going against a weakened Ravens defense could mean more opportunities for the speedster Mike Wallace. Wallace is the team’s homerun hitter, but has been relatively quiet this season; just one 100-yard receiving game this season. The Ravens are ranked 26th against the pass allowing more than 250 yards in the air; even without Big Ben (Roethlisberger) under center expect the Steelers to take their shots downfield. Wallace will be a hit and miss, but hard to sit him when he’s always a threat to take one to the house and still averaging better than 7 targets per game in his last three contests.

Moore Could Be the Hot Pick this Week in Oak-town
With wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (hamstring) likely to be shelved this Sunday against the Saints, wideout Denarius Moore figures to pick up the slack in a big way. Moore leads the team with five scores this season and could add to that total going up against one of the leagues worst pass defense. The Saints have allowed 19 passing touchdowns this season and are giving up the most fantasy points to receivers. Moore is a must start Sunday.

Megatron Could Be Ready for Another Big Sunday
Wide receiver Calvin Johnson may only have a few trips to the end zone on his 2012 resume, but he’s still having a Mega-season; on pace for 115 receptions, 1,731 yards receiving, and 3.5 touchdowns. This Sunday Calvin will face the Packers 19th ranked pass defense, a defense that he owned in their last matchup in 2011; a scoring line of 11/244/1. The Packers also allow the 9th most fantasy points to receivers which should bode well for Megatron owners.

Celek Could Have a Big Game on Sunday
The Eagles tight end Brent Celek could easily end up being rookie quarterback Nick Foles best friend this Sunday. With Foles making his first start, Celek could very well wind up being a hot target and safety net for the rookie. Celek has been quiet the past five games, but Sunday facing the Redskins 30th ranked pass defense could change all that. The Redskins defense allows the 2nd most fantasy points to tight ends, including 7 touchdowns. If you have been sitting Celek as of late, this could be the week to put him in.

Campbell Set to Start Monday Night
The Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has been ruled out for Monday night and back up Jason Campbell will get the start. Like was saw last Sunday night when Campbell relieved the injured Cutler, wide receiver Brandon Marshall can expect to be a busy pass catcher. Marshall was Campbell’s go-to much of the second half and this should play out Monday night. The Niners have been stingy against opposing receivers allowing the 4th fewest fantasy points, but Marshall has been dominant much of the season and remains a solid top WR1 every week (even with Campbell under center).


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Thursday Edition
November 15th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Nelson Set to Return on Sunday
The Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson has been practicing this week and sounds like he’s ready to resume his roles as the team’s leading receiver. With Nelson back on the field, opposing defenses will have a tough time choosing their poison. Nelson remains a solid WR1 fantasy receiver and his return should also bump up the value of wide out Randall Cobb; consider Cobb a safe flex in week 11.

Jackson is Lining up for a Big Sunday
The Rams running back Steven Jackson is coming off his best performance of the season last Sunday against a stout Niners defense. Jackson carried the ball a season high 29 times for 101 yards and a touchdown. With the Jets 29th ranked run defense up next Jackson is looking like a great fantasy play for Sunday. The Jets allow the 9th most fantasy points to opposing running backs and have surrendered 9 touchdowns; Jackson is a must start.

Cutler Could Start Monday Night
Although quarterback Jay Cutler (concussion) has not participated in practice this week, there appears to be a chance he could start Monday night. Cutler was knocked out of last Sunday night’s contest against the Texans with a concussion. His chances of playing don’t look good, but even if he is able to suit up and make a go of it, this is a not a good week to roll with Cutler facing the Niners defense. The Niners allow the 4th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Starks set to Start Sunday for Packers
Running back James Starks was the team’s leading ball carrier back in week 9 toting the rock 17 times for 61 yards. Quietly he also started the game and will get the start again this Sunday. Starks is a bruiser and can pound the ball inside. He’s not likely to tear off any long scampers, but should see plenty of early down carries and could get a couple of red zone opportunities.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Edition
November 14th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Spiller to Carry the Load
With running back Fred Jackson sidelined this week with a concussion, CJ Spiller will not only start but likely carry the load. Spiller has been a consistent flex option all season, but his new starter status has likely vaulted him to the top of the charts as a lead RB1 option this week. The Bills take play Thursday night and take on the Dolphins 5th ranked run defense, fortunately for owners Spiller has been effective in both the run and pass game; he’s a safe start in week 11.

Run-DMC Likely Out Again
The Raiders will not have the services of running back Darren McFadden once again this week as he nurses his injured ankle. With Run-DMC sidelined full back Marcel Reece is the preferred fantasy selection from the Raiders backfield. With the Raiders set to host the Saints defense this Sunday, Reece has a nice matchup against one of the league’s worst defenses; the Saints also surrender the 2nd most fantasy points to running backs.

The Steelers Carrying a Full-House
With Mendenhall returning to a full practice this week, the Steelers are shaping up to have all three of their bruising running backs ready for Sunday. With Mendenhall, Redman, and Dwyer all figuring in the mix; the smart money would be on running back Jonathan Dwyer to get first look. It’s a tough dilemma and a tough read for fantasy owners and one best to avoid if possible.

Sproles Looks Ready to Return 
The Saints running back Darren Sproles returned to practice this week and looks on track to play this Sunday. With the recent strong running of backs Chris Ivory and Mark Ingram, the backfield now appears to be a little overcrowded. Even with the crowded backfield, Sproles is the favorite to see plenty of action, but his best value is in PPR formats.

Vick Likley Out, Foles Expected to Start This Sunday
It’s not official, but all signs are pointing to rookie quarterback Nick Foles starting this Sunday. If Foles does in fact start, the fantasy impact could be a lot of running back LeSean McCoy. While the team will want to see what Foles can do, the rookie will need protection and his safety net could be running back McCoy. The Eagles ball carrier is a dynamic and crafty runner with blazing speed and exceptional vision, but through 9 games this season he has just two touchdowns and eclipsed 20 carries just three times. Expect McCoy to see a lot of work this week.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition
November 11th, 2012  








David’s Daily Digest

Sunday notes

NFL sources have already ruled out Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin today, so you can expect to see a ton of Adrian Peterson. All-Day may have trouble finding a lot of holes today against the Lions run defense, but he’s going to get plenty of touches and is always a good bet to break one. AP is good for a 20+ carry game today and 100 yards on the ground seems likely.

The Patriots are going to be without tight end Aaron Hernandez. Going up against the Bills today, we should see lots of running back Stevan Ridley and you can count of some Gronk in the red zone. Tight end Visanthe Shancoe is expected to start in place of Hernandez, but he’s not expected to make any kind of fantasy impact today.

The Lions Calvin Johnson is expected to play according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. There’s was little chance of Megatron sitting this week as is the case with most weeks; takes more than a little Madden curse to keep Megatron out. Calvin has just one touchdown this season, but he has responded with four 100-yard receiving games; he’s on pace for 96 receptions and 1,534 yards (not bad for a curse).

Running back DeMarco Murray is still sidelined opening the door for back up Felix Jones to make his fourth straight start. Since his week six 92 yard rushing effort Jones has hardly been a factor in the run game, but he did post 109 total yards last week; although a great number came late in the game against a prevent defense. Jones is only worth a look in the deepest leagues as a possible flex play.

The Texans are calling tight end Owen Daniels a game-time decision and won’t make any decisions on whether he’ll play until we are closer to kickoff; the Texans play in the Sunday night contest. Daniels is one of the leagues’ leading tight ends, but does have a tough matchup against a physical Bears defense. With a late game today, if you have a capable backup and can avoid this situation it’s probably best.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Sunday Edition
November 11th, 2012  

The Four Horsemen

Last week my horsemen were gangbusters riding high led by quarterback Peyton Manning and his 25 fantasy points (standard scoring). Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (16 fantasy points) and running back Arian Foster (17 fantasy points) also helped pace this small brigade.

Week 10 presents some key matchups, but we’ll be expecting nothing less than solid performances from our four riders as they get set to mount up in just a few short hours.

My week 10 fantasy picks…

Quarterback (Eli Manning, NYG)
Last week it was big brother, this week we are looking for little brother Eli Manning to step up with a huge performance this week. Eli and company are on the road today to face the Bengals 18th ranked pass defense. Manning is coming off a very poor performance and will look to rebound. The Bengals allow the 12th most fantasy points to quarterbacks; Manning will be looking to raise that number.

Running Back (Stevan Ridley, NE)
The Patriots are at home today and the Bills are coming to town. This is great news for running back Stevan Ridley. The Bills are ranked 31st against the run, they allow nearly 170 yards on the ground every week and have given up a league high 14 rushing touchdowns. Ridley has been fantastic in the run game for the Patriots and will see plenty of carries today. He has over 700 yards rushing this season and averages 4.7 yards per carry. His five touchdowns pace the Patriots ground attack; expect Ridley to pace the team today.

Wide Receiver (Kenny Britt, TEN)
The Titans are on the road to face the Dolphins 30th ranked pass defense today and wide receiver Kenny Britt can’t wait. Finally as close to 100% health as he has been all season, Britt will also see the return of his starting quarterback Jake Locker. Locker is the younger and stronger arm under center for the Titans, and he should enable Britt to take advantage of the Dolphins secondary that allows the 4th most fantasy points to wide receivers. It's time for Britt to return to form.

Tight End (Zach Miller, SEA)
The seldom used tight end Zach Miller could suddenly erupt into a fantasy gem today when the Seahawks meet the Jets. Miller has only 8 targets in the last games, but that could change today. The Jets defense allows the 3rd most fantasy points to tight ends and this season have surrendered 6 touchdowns. Miller has just one touchdown grab this season, but he could add to that total today.


By David Ortega