FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

December 22nd, 2013

 

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 16: ALL THE MARBLES

So why do we play fantasy football; this is why we play. If you have managed to survive this far, like myself you are entering championship Sunday in your fantasy league. It’s not been an easy trek, but through 15 weeks you and I have managed to make the right calls and necessary moves to get to this point. The last thing we want to do is second guess with doubt when we are playing for all the marbles.

It has not been an easy task, but playing in seven fantasy leagues I find myself in the title game in four; two standard leagues and two custom scoring leagues. The common factor to all of the success for my four teams, no major injuries and no big lineup changes. I did a good job with my draft, avoided major issues, and stuck with my studs; Peyton Manning, Calvin Johnson, DeSean Jackson, Jamaal Charles, Matthew Stafford, Dez Bryant, Pierre Garcon and Justin Tucker (to name a few).

My Lineups:

Today is Championship Sunday in the fantasy world and while I won’t be turning any of my lineups upside down a couple of notable players I will be riding today include; (WR) Jarrett Boykin, (RB) Bobby Rainey, (QB) Ryan Fitzpatrick and (TE) Joseph Fauria.

The Packers wideout has slowly been making noise with quarterback Matt Flynn under center. Each week his activity (targets) and production (catches) has increased since Flynn took over starting duties; including six catches last week. With Jordy Nelson drawing most of the attention from the Steelers secondary today, Boykin could become a busy wideout. Today I like him over players like Harry Douglas, Nate Washington, and Brian Hartline.

The Buccaneers running back (Rainey) has done a nice job thus far filling in and this week he could see another productive Sunday. The Rams defense will not be any kind of cakewalk, but he’ll see plenty of touches; over his past five starts he’s seen no fewer than 18 touches in four of those, with just 12 touches coming last week versus the Niners. And unlike the Niners the Rams also allow the 5^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Today I like Rainey over plays like Donald Brown and Knowshon Moreno.

The Titans quarterback (Fitzpatrick) has scored 15 or more fantasy points in three of his last four starts and he’s coming off a 4-touchdown and 400-yard passing effort. He has a prime matchup against the Jaguars who allow the 3^rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. He’s not a flashy pick today, but Fitzpatrick looks to be more than a safe pick to score between 18-24 fantasy points.

The Lions tight end (Fauria) has only been a touchdown maker in spot appearances and with a chance to see plenty of work today, he’ll figure prominently in the pass game. Fauria (7 touchdowns this season) is a big target and should get plenty of looks today, especially in the redzone. I like him over plays like Dennis Pitta, Tim Wright, and Charles Clay.

This is my take for Week 16.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

December 15th, 2013

 

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 15: FINDING HOPE

For some of us this week is our fantasy football semifinals and if you had any players go in Thursday night’s matchup between the Chargers and Broncos, then you too are likely in desperation mode looking for hope on Sunday.

Ogbonnaya Versus the Bears defense

With running back Willis McGahee (concussion) OUT today, hope could come in the form of Chris Ogbonnaya. The Browns back-up will get the start today and will face a Bears defense that allows the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs. The Bears have also allowed a 100-yard rusher in six straight outings. The stars could be aligning for Ogbonnaya to have a big Sunday and bring hope to fantasy owners that need points.

Patterson versus the Eagles defense

The Vikings will be without Adrian Peterson today and no Toby Gerhart. The offense is going to have to generate yards and points from other sources. With the running game all but shelved today, I expect to see the Vikings get their explosive rookie Cordarrelle Patterson involved early and often. The Eagles defense allows the most fantasy points to opposing receivers and good things happen when Patterson touches the ball; his line last week 5 receptions for 141 yards and a score. Today’s matchup is a good one for the Vikings to really feature their yards-after-the-catch beast.

This is my take for Week 15.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition

December 7th, 2013

 

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 14: BOOM OR BUST

It’s the fantasy playoffs for many of us competing in custom leagues and now it’s do or die, one and done. Having made it this far, I am a firm believer of going big or going home. You don’t use your top draft picks on players you plan on sitting in crunch-time or the during your playoff run; play your studs.

This past week there’s been plenty of concerning injury news for fantasy owners gearing up for their championship run, but quite simply if you are going to make it all the way sometimes you gotta lay it all on the line. It’s Boom or Bust time.

Running back Reggie Bush has been nursing a calf injury this past week and early indications were he could be game-time. Although the weather will not be pleasant (forecast is COLD with some sleet), Bush has returned to practice this week and is expected to play. This kid has been too dynamic this season to be on your bench; over 1,300 yards of offense and 5 touchdowns this season, he’s a must start.

The current consensus seems to suggest that quarterback Carson Palmer will play on Sunday versus the Rams. Palmer has been rolling as of late, throwing for more than 300 yards in his last three starts and tossing multiple touchdowns in five straight games. He’s got a tough matchup this week against a very good Rams defense, but he’s also faced this group once before this season passing for 327 yards with two scores. His status may have looked iffy, but if he’s in with pass catchers like Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd he looks solid on Sunday; start him.

There’s been no definitive news regarding tight end Jordan Reed, other than he’s on track to play this week as was the case last week. It’s a tough matchup for Reed and the Redskins, but when healthy he’s been one of RG II’s favorites; Reed has 45 receptions and 499 yards receiving this season. Unless you have a Coby Fleener or Garrett Graham (who played Thursday) behind Reed on your bench, if Reed plays he needs to be in your line-up.

This is my take for Week 14.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

November 30th, 2013

 

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 13: Four Horsemen

Looking for some fantasy players to ride this weekend, here are a group of studs I like today.

Quarterback

The Bengals are on the road today traveling to San Diego, but playing in the California sunshine should only help quarterback Andy Dalton. The Bengals signal caller has hit a rough patch over the recent weeks, but coming off a bye and facing the Chargers defense that allows the 3^rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks should be just what he needs. Dalton has plenty of weapons to work with and should be able to take advantage of a secondary that has allowed the 7^th most completions in the passing game.

Running Back

The Niners are focused and ready to make a playoff push, today will go along way getting back to the basics and pounding the ball with running back Frank Gore. The Niners ball carrier has been steady this season and facing a Rams defense that allows the 4^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs should be a good way for Gore to continue this trend. In their previous matchup this season (back in week 4) Gore, who is ranked 12^th in rushing this season shredded the Rams for 153 yards and a score; ride him.

Wide Receiver

The Cardinals are on the road today and with quarterback Carson Palmer playing well of late, I like wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald to have a solid outing against the Eagles secondary today. The Eagles defense allows the most fantasy points to opposing receivers including 15 touchdowns (2^nd most in the league). Fitzgerald and Palmer are starting to click at the right time, hooking up for scores in their last two games. Play Fitz with great confidence.

Tight End

Last week the Redskins offense really struggled in the absence of tight end Jordan Reed (concussion). Reed has been one of RGIII’s primary targets this season with 45 receptions and 3 touchdowns. This week against the Giants Reed is back and I expect the offense to bounce back. The Giants allow the 10^th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, including 7 touchdowns this season. Reed should have a busy night against the G-men.

This is my take for Week 13.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

November 30th, 2013

 

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 13: Sunday Favorites

We are not quite there with the fantasy playoffs, but for many of us today feels like do or die. With that said, today’s not the time to pull off any goofs or blunders by making a bad play or start.

Looking across the matchups today, I have a couple of players that jump out at me as favorites for my lineups.

With running back Trent Richardson being demoted, now starting Donald Brown jumps out as a nice play. In his previous matchup against the Titans (who allow the 5^th most fantasy points to running backs) Brown ramble his way to 94 yards of offense and two scores. He may not reach the same levels today, but he should be good for 75 yards and a score as the lead back.

The Bills are playing host to the Atlanta Falcons today and I think this will be a juicy matchup for running back Fred Jackson. The Falcons allow the 10^th most fantasy points to running backs and surrender the 4^th most yards on the ground. Jackson may not tally up a large sum of yards today, but he’s sure to see some goal line touches and I like his chances to score.

Over the past several weeks tight end Jordan Cameron has been relatively irrelevant to fantasy football owners with just 10 receptions for 65 yards and no scores in his last three starts. Well all of that could change today. The Browns are at home today and Cameron is facing the Jaguars; a defense that allows the 2^nd most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. The Jaguars have allowed 64 receptions (6^th most in the leagues) and 8 touchdowns (tied for third most in the league) this season; some nice numbers for Cameron owners. I am expecting nothing less than a solid day from the Browns tight end.

These are just a couple of my favorites today and this is my take for Week 13.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition

November 23rd, 2013

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 12: Perfect Lineup

I don’t know if it’s possible to come up with it and surely I have not been close all season, but I am more than happy to share my week 12 Perfect lineup. There are no keys, there is no science, it takes a lot of luck and maybe an authentic and working crystal ball.

Now looking at week 12, if I owned a working crystal ball, what it might be telling me is the following;

Quarterback

The Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has been not just hot, not just on fire, but rolling thunder over his past five games. When he’s not tossing scores (13 in the five-game span), he’s lighting up opposing defenses for nearly 500 yards (488 yards passing in week 8). Stafford has a nice matchup this week against the Buccaneers (8^th most fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks), so I like his chances of having a big Sunday.

Running back

The Bears defense showed last week why they are one of the worst against the run allowing running back Ray Rice to ramble free for 131 yards on the ground. It was Rice’s best game of his 2013 campaign; enter Rams running back Zac Stacy. The Bears allow the 5^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs and Stacy has been solid rushing for more than 100 yards in two of his last three starts, including three touchdowns in his last two. Stacy with his 15 receptions is also a two-dimensional back that can contribute in the pass game.

Running back

The Niners are need of a big win and with a Monday night matchup against the Redskins, their key could lie with the legs of running back Frank Gore. The Redskins allow the 2^nd most fantasy points to running backs and Gore has been very consistent this season rushing for 70 or more yards in 7 of his last 8 games. The Niner’s ball carrier is coming off a 13 carry effort, so I am expecting him to see at least 20 touches on Monday.

Wide receiver

The Texans are at home this week and wide receiver Andre Johnson has been on a roll the past three weeks. Over that span he’s grabbed 24 passes for 382 yards and five scores; he’s been a fantasy stud for owners. This Sunday poses a small bit of a challenge, but one he should overcome facing a Jaguars defense that allows the 16^th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers; including 12 touchdowns.

Wide receiver

It’s been a tough campaign this season for the Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, but he is coming off a nice six-catch, 61-yard, with a touchdown effort. This week could offer similar, if not better results for the playmaking wide receiver. Fitz will be lining up against the Colts secondary that allows the 11^th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers including 12 touchdowns. Look for a nice Sunday from Ftiz.

Tight End

I may have missed out on the best chance of getting this one right after Jimmy Graham’s Thursday night performance, but with the same confidence I will roll with the Patriots Rob Gronkowski. The big tight end is a force over the middle and he’s just starting to get his (football) sea legs. He’s scored in each of his last two games and facing the Broncos defense tomorrow evening, a secondary that allows the 6^th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, Gronkowski is poised to have a big night.

Place Kicker

Since we have to pick a kicker, I guess it makes sense to go with one that has a shot at multiple trips into the red-zone. The Broncos Matt Prater could get numerous looks at opportunities in a classic Sunday matchup where points will be at a premium. Both teams should be able to move the ball, but on the road the Broncos won’t want any trips into New England territory coming out empty.

Defense

It seems each week the Jaguars offense (allow 2^nd most fantasy points to opposing defenses) is usually on the wrong end of fantasy matchups, making the opposing defense one of the top plays each week. At home this week, nothing is different of the Texans defense facing the 1-9 Jaguars. I like the chances of JJ. Watt and company coming up with a nice performance this Sunday!

This is my take for Week 12.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

November 17th, 2013

 

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 11: Risk Reward

There is a good chance that we will be seeing wide receiver Percy Harvin make his debut today and while this is great news for fantasy owners, it is also one of those proceed with caution plays. Harvin has only been practicing a couple of weeks with the team and the word is he will see limited snaps. While the kid has all the traits of being a playmaker and impact player, it’s tough to gauge just what he will do in 10-15 plays. I have him on several fantasy teams and I am excited to see his return, but it’s one that I will likely wait on unless I am facing a desperate situation at the wide receiver or flex spot.

With that noted, these are flex plays I am starting instead of Harvin; running back Giovani Bernard. The Bengals running back faces a tough matchup agains the Browns today, but Bernard has scored in double digits five times this season including his past two games. Bernard has also totaled 199 yards with a score over the past two weeks on 35 touches, including 12 receptions. The Browns have allowed 54 receptions to opposing running backs this season which is the fifth most in the league.

Rookie wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is slotted in one of my flex spots ahead of Harvin. I believe in Harvin’s talents, but I like the chances of Hopkins getting more play today against the Raiders. The rookie receiver has developed a nice rapport with his quarterback Case Keenum. In their last three games in which Keenum has started Hopkins has been targeted 21 times, including 11 targets last week, producing 199 yards receiving and a score. The Raiders also allow the 7^th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, another reason while I will go safe with less risk.

This is my take for Week 11.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAIVD'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Edition

November 15th, 2013

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 11: Fantasy Favorites

This fantasy season has been a little topsy-turvy at times, but for the most part through 10 weeks it’s been pretty smooth sailing. My fantasy teams have been fortunate enough to avoid any major injuries and bad luck that can sometimes come along with playing fantasy football.

There is no real science to good fortune and luck in fantasy football other than paying attention, playing the odds, and catching a few breaks here, there, and in between. With that said, as I look at my matchups for week 11, I have a couple of favorites that I will be riding on Sunday (Week 11).

I play in seven head-to-head leagues this season and at the tight end position, I have both Jordan Reed and Antonio Gates in more than one. Reed has been a man that has been heating up of late scoring at least 9 fantasy points in three of his last four starts. Reed is the clear number one TE in Washington and has been targeted 37 times in his last four games; volume and production seem to be his trend and with a healthy matchup against the Eagles (49 receptions allowed are tied for the 7^th most) this week.

Like Reed, Gates has been seeing plenty of chances (52 targets in last six games), just hasn’t been seeing the numbers of late, but Sunday could be different. Gates, who has 52 receptions and 612 yards receiving this season, matches up with the Dolphins defense that allows the 8^th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, including six touchdowns. Gates has been dry without a score his past five games, but that could all change on Sunday.

On the outside a pair of wideouts that I am liking very much this week are Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon and the Broncos Demaryius Thomas. For Garcon owners, week 11 is a sweet matchup against the Eagles defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Garcon has been on fire in recent weeks with 21 receptions for 337 yards in his past three games while averaging more than 10 targets per; the Eagles have allowed the most receptions (173) to wide receivers and the second most touchdowns (14). Garcon is set to have a big game this Sunday.

Thomas has emerged as the Broncos go-to and most consistent receiver. Thomas is averaging 10 targets per game in his last three games and over that span has collected 18 balls for 265 yards with 5 touchdowns. The Chiefs do a nice job of slowing down opposing wide receivers (13^th fewest fantasy points allowed), but the Broncos have so many weapons and quarterback Peyton Manning is very good at spreading the ball around. You can count on Thomas seeing his share of chances on Sunday and odds are he will produce.

This is my take for Week 11.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

November 10th, 2013

 

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 10: My Sunday Line-up

We are 10 weeks in, the fantasy teams as a whole are doing well, but this is no time to slack or slip. I have survived the onslaught of the bye weeks and for the most part I have dodged too many serious injuries (knocking on wood now), so with that said I am looking at picking up the pace and nailing down a few wins on Sunday.

Leading my fantasy team charge in a couple of leagues (and lineups) is Eagles quarterback Nick Foles. Unlike some that may be jumping on the bandwagon (and I can hardly blame them to be honest), I am turning to Foles not just because of his 7 touchdown performance last week, but many of us thought he could play well in the Chip Kelly system; 400 plus yards passing, seven scores, if that’s his ceiling I’ll take it. Remember too, back in weeks 5 & 6 Foles passed for 493 yards and tossed 5 touchdowns without a pick. That’s enough for me to roll with him.

In the backfield the Saints running game has been less than spectacular of late, but that will hardly deter me from rolling with running back Darren Sproles today (in one of my PPR leagues). The shifty ball carrier returned to practice this week after suffering a concussion a week ago. He should be good to roll and you have to love his matchup against the Cowboys defense that allows the 9^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. What I love about this matchup, Sproles is a PPR gem and the Cowboys have allowed the most receptions to opposing running backs, including three receiving scores (tied for second most).

Lining up in the slot I will be riding with my tight end Antonio Gates. The Chargers tight end is slotted into several of my lineups today and for good reason. Gates will face the Broncos defense that allows the 9^th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, including the third most receptions. Gates is having a strong 2013 campaign with 48 receptions and 550 yards receiving. This is a great matchup for Gates coming off a sub-par performance a week ago. Despite the shortage of production last week, Gates was still targeted 10 times; a great sign he should see plenty of action today and yield plenty of points.

This is my take for Week 10.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition

November 9th, 2013

 

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 10: Saturday Night Special

There’s nothing special about having a fantasy player in your line up that produces little or nothing, but it’s always good when they are left on your bench.

A couple of not-so-special players that owners may want to avoid on Sunday (Week 10); with quarterback Seneca Wallace taking over duties for the Packers, wide receiver Jarrett Boykin could be a tough play. Boykin only saw one target last week as the Pack relied heavily on the ground game; something that may be repeated on Sunday agains the Eagles.

Another play that could be trouble for owners is tight end Jared Cook who faces Indianapolis on Sunday. The Rams big receiving tight end reached the end zone for only the second time this seasoon last week against the Titans and has not exceeded more than 50 yards receiving since week one. The Colts do a very good job of locking down opposing tight ends, so it could be a rough go for Cook.

The Cardinals will be starting running back Rashard Mendenhall this week, but he hasn’t played since week  7. Fantasy owners should not expect much from Mendenhall facing the Texans on Sunday. In seven games he has only topped 60 yards rushing twice, with a season high of 66 back in week 2. He has only carried the ball more than 15 times in a game, three times this season. He’ll see some work this week, but owners should not bank on big numbers from Mendenhall.

This is my take for Week 10.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Edition

November 8th, 2013

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 10: A Pick Up of the Week?

I am just keeping things simple here on a great Friday afternoon. This fantasy football season has been a bit turbulent at times, but more than rewarding at others.

I’ve seen players like tight end Jordan Reed and running back Zac Stacy rise from the free agent ashes to become weekly mainstays in my lineups; and the pay-off has been solid. With just a few weeks of fantasy left, options seem to be drying up in the free agent pool, but that won’t stop any of us in need from looking.

As we all know and have become too familiar with, injuries play a huge part of the real game as well as the fantasy game. And from another’s misery can one find fortune. The loss of wide receiver Justin Blackmon is huge for the Jaguars, but for fantasy owners looking for help at the receiver position picking up Mike Brown could be a very good thing.

With Blackmon sidelined Brown could emerge as a reliable target for quarterback Chad Henne. In his past three games Brown has been targeted a total of 19 times, collecting 12 of those balls for 212 yards with a score. With the Cecil Shorts listed as probable and the Titans on the slate for Sunday, Brown is an interesting play.

The Titans have been very good versus the pass, but with the Jags running game not what it should be, Brown should see plenty of volume and could pick up plenty of garbage time production. In my opinion this could also be very true for this Jags receiver looking ahead.

This is just one of my takes for Week 10.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

November 3rd, 2013

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 9: By the Numbers

If you are like me, you have plenty of issues dealing with the week 9 byes, mixed in with a few injuries. I am still processing matchups and looking for the best plays for today’s game, but before I make any decisions you know I will be looking at the numbers.

Here are some week 9 notes…

Russell Wilson (QB)

The Seahawks quarterback has been nothing less than solid this season with a passer rating of 99.0 and seven wins. In all eight starts this season Wilson has scored no less than double digits and only less than 11 points twice. He gets the Buccaneers who allow the 8^th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Alex Smith (QB)

The Chiefs signal caller has been consistent this season. Although he lacks flash he’s still managed to score double digit fantasy points (standard scoring) in his last two starts. This week he gets the Bills who allow the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Josh McCown (QB)

With starting quarterback Jay Cutler sidelined, McCown will get the start. Back in week 7, in relief McCown posted solid numbers with 204 yards passing and a touchdown. This week he’ll face a Packers secondary that allows the 11^th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Donald Brown (RB)

The Colts versatile scat back has been a nice compliment to the power running of Trent Richardson. Brown has also been a pleasant productive play this season, especially in recent weeks. Brown is only averaging 8 touches and nearly 54 yards per game in his last four. He’s more of a deeper league play, but could reward owners this week facing the Texans defense that allows the 14^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

Danny Woodhead (RB)

The Chargers have found electricity in Woodhead this season. He’s dynamite in a small package averaging 14 touches per game in his last 6 and 78 yards. Woodhead also has four scores this season. This week he faces a Redskins defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs; this is a great matchup for fantasy owners.

Harry Douglas (WR)

With both Julio Jones (IR) and Roddy White sidelined Douglas has emerged as a PPR monster the past two weeks. Douglas has recorded 100 yards receiving in his last two games including 18 receptions. He faces a tough Panthers defense that allows the 4^th fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers, but he’s still worth starting with Jones and White out.

That's my take for Week 9.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition

November 2nd, 2013

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 9: Help from the Pen

With week 9 kick-off just hours (about 12 hours) away, we are down to the nitty gritty of making line-up decisions. As I am reviewing all of my leagues for tomorrow’s lineup, I am still in search of a few players to fill a couple of holes.

When you need help or relief (from injuries or bye weeks) there’s no place better to look than the pen. In case some of you fantasy owners are having trouble locating your help for week 9, here are a couple of plays that I favor;

Help from the pen…

(QB) Jake Locker

The Titans quarterback, likely un-owned in most standard leagues has been a very solid fantasy option over the past couple of weeks. Locker has passed for 922 yards and thrown 8 touchdowns (with only one pick) in his last four starts. Locker has also scored more than 14 fantasy points in each averaging more than 21 per game. He’s flying under the radar at the moment and could provide plenty of bye week relief.

(RB) Peyton Hillis

The Giants running back could be running on borrowed time with Andre Brown expected to return to action, but for the moment Hillis remains relevant. In his past two games Hillis has not gained much per carry, but he has seen value and has produced with 106 yards on the ground and 60 yards receiving (on 8 receptions). Hillis has also added a score in his two appearances. Averaging more than 20 touches a game, he’s a solid flex and bye week insert for now.

(RB) Mike Tolbert

The Panthers running back faces an interesting dilemma as while he’s been productive he may now have to contend with crowded backfield that will include Jonathan Stewart (recently activated). Tolbert has been the touchdown vulture in the backfield for the Panthers with a total of five, but that could change. He’s only a consideration as a flex option in deeper leagues (14-16 teams).

(WR) Nate Washington

The Titans receiver has been on a down slide of late scoring in single digits (standard league) the last three weeks, but with the return of Locker his luck and fantasy production could be changing. Last week with Locker under center, although Washington only collected three balls for 62 yards, he was targeted 10 times. Four times this season Washington has been targeted at least 8 times and Locker was under center in three of those games. He’s a low-end WR3 or flex option for now, but his numbers could improve as time goes along.

That's my take for Week 9.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition

November 2nd, 2013

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 9: No Longer a Secret

There’s no question that the bye weeks and injuries are catching up with many of us fantasy owners. I know that I have been hit hard with teams like Denver and Detroit sidelined for week 9. This far into the season now, fantasy owners will definitely need to visit the waiver wires and free agent pools for help this Sunday.

If you are like me, you have been paying attention and taking note of some of those players that have been making recent noise, but for those owners that are taking action a little late in the week, don’t be surprised if some of these names from the Waiver Wire are already taken;

(just few names that are no longer a secret)

Zac Stacy (RB)

The Rams running back is coming off his best game of the season and a most impressive performance against the Seattle Seahawks. Stacy carried the ball 26 times for 134 yards, showing great elusiveness and toughness up the middle. Thus far this season Stacy has logged 76 carries for 348 yards for a nifty 4.6 yards per carry average. He should be owned and started every week.

Keenan Allen (WR)

The Chargers wide receiver has emerged as the quite the talent and one of quarterback Philip Rivers most reliable and consistent targets this season. Allen has 26 receptions for 399 yards with two touchdowns through six games played this season. In his last four he has been most effective collecting 23 passes on 33 targets for 369 yards. He’s clearly on the rise and one of Rivers favorites. He’s a worthy low-end WR2 (top 25) going forward.

Kenny Stills (WR)

The Saints speedy receiver has been a big play magnet of late, but his recent success could easily transfer to more opportunity. With an ailing (TE) Jimmy Graham and fading (WR) Marques Colston, Stills is more than primed to continue his hot hand. In his last two starts Stills has only been targeted seven times, but has caught six balls for 193 yards for three scores. Now that’s making the most of your opportunity. He’s got great speed and has emerged as quarterback Drew Brees primary deep threat. Expect his chances and opportunity to increase along with his numbers. He’s a solid flex for the moment, with time and room to improve.

Jordan Reed (TE)

This kid has been making enough noise the past several weeks, so it’s hard to imagine he’s now any kind of secret. Reed has risen as the number two target in the Redskins passing game. In his past three games Reed has been targeted a total of 29 times hauling in 21 balls for 282 yards and a score. He’s taken over the tight end position and figures prominent in the passing game going forward. With Robert Griffin playing better and getting stronger each week, Reed should see plenty of production. He’s a top 10 the rest of the way.

That's my take for Week 9.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

October 27th, 2013

David's Daily Digest 

Week 8: Sunday Morning Gametime

With Sunday Kick-off just hours away, it’s never too early or too late to look over the numbers that can help fantasy owners make the right call or at least make a call and set their lineup. Injuries have played a huge role this season and with players still nursing and others returning, pulling the trigger on some can be scary.

This is my week 8 (short) laundry list of relevant numbers to consider when you make your decision to start or sit;

By the Numbers…

QB-Russell Wilson (Sea), in his last four starts Wilson has completed 68 of 114 passes (59.6%) for 825 yards passing with five touchdowns and two picks. Wilson has also added 269 yards rushing over the same span and has scored at least 16 fantasy points in five straight games.

My Take: He’s a safe start with middle of the road numbers.

QB-Andy Dalton (Cin), in his past two starts has passed for over 700 yards tossing six touchdowns with zero interceptions. Dalton is completing 67.5% of his passes (50 of 74 passing) over the past two weeks and has scored over 25 fantasy points in each of the last two games.

My Take: He’s on fire and needs to be played.

RB-Eddie Lacy (GB), the Packers running back has totaled 301 yards on the ground in his past three starts averaging 4.4 yards per tote. Lacy has one 100-yard game this season and nearly missed a second back in week 5 when he ran for 99 yards. He has also scored in double-digit fantasy points the past two weeks.

My Take: He’s a must play today, top 20 back today.

RB-Zac Stacy (STL), has ran for the ball for 210 yards in his last three starts averaging well over four yards per carry. Stacy has 49 carries over the past three weeks (16 per game) and is averaging over 10 fantasy points per game during that time.

My Take: Yards will be tough, but he should see a lot of work.

RB-Jacquiz Rodgers (ATL), has totaled 206 yards (91 yards rushing/115 yards receiving) of offense in his past three games. Rodgers has also scored four times (2 rushing/2 receiving) while adding 18 receptions on 19 targets. In his past  two starts he’s scored over 35 fantasy points.

My Take: Jackson will take away some of his touches, but Rodgers should stay involved as a low flex play.

WR-Demaryrius Thomas (DEN), his numbers aren’t off the charts, but he still producing modest numbers with 21 receptions (30 targets) for 303 yards receiving, and three touchdowns in his last four starts.

My Take: Even with all of his weapons, Manning still looks to DT often enough for him to be a weekly play. Be patient, he’ll bounce back.

TE-Jordan Reed (WAS), has quietly become a top 10 tight end. Reed has registered at least 5 receptions in each of his last three games and over his past two he’s collected 13 balls for 192 yards receiving with a score. His 298 yards receiving have him currently ranked 12^th among active tight ends.

My Take: A nice matchup today, Reed should continue to roll with solid numbers.

That's my take for Week 8.

~David Ortega