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December 31st 2016
Saturday Evening Edition

Sunday’s Value Plays

Taking a look at the slate for Sunday, if you pay attention there is some low cost, potential high-reward value available. A couple of plays that I like are hit or miss, but if they hit their low salaries allow owners to find play this week with some of the heavy (higher salary) hitters.

The Cardinals wide receiver J.J. Nelson is listed at a $5,300 this week and with 18 targets over the past two weeks, he offers week 17 appeal. Nelson has also scored in four straight games and posting double digit fantasy points in each. He’s a homerun or bust and his value gives owners lots of room to play with.

Another the potential homerun hitter at a great value is Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr (listed at $4,900 salary this week). Always the big-play possibility Ginn Jr has been hit and miss this season with double-digit fantasy points in four of his past six contests. Ginn Jr is coming off a modest three catch-29 yard performance last week, but has a matchup this Sunday against a Buccaneers defense that has allowed the 6th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers over the past four weeks.

Another Sunday play offering value for fantasy owners is Broncos running back DeVontae Booker (listed at $5,300 salary). Booker could be viewed as a bit of a reach this week, seeing that he has only reached double-digit fantasy points twice in his last 7 games, with his last one coming four weeks ago. The good news is the latest rumor is Booker is expected to see the lionshare of the load on Sunday. In a limited stint last week versus the Chiefs, Booker flashed some promise and facing a Raiders defense that has allowed the 10th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including the 7th most rushing yards, his Sunday outlook could be promising.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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December 31st 2016
Saturday Afternoon Edition

Last Chance to Play in 16

This being the final weekend of the NFL regular season and with most season long redraft leagues having concluded last weekend, this is the final chance to play fantasy football in 2016.

With season long leagues over, what’s left? If your league is complete, don’t forget DFS has weekly games, so there’s still plenty of fantasy left. And don’t forget, the NFL Playoff Challenge, just more fantasy fun.

For some Week 17 fantasy magic where do owners look? Well let’s start with the matchups that will offer fantasy appeal; Giant-Redskins, Saints-Falcons, and Packers-Lions all have much at stake, so starters will be playing til the end in these contests. A couple of other interesting matchups that warrant some appeal; Patriots-Dolphins and Broncos-Raiders.

These matchups have the appeal of knowing your starters will play and when looking them over, the standouts start with the quarterbacks. This week DFS players have to love the Packers Aaron Rodgers ($8,800 salary), since week 6 in his last 10 starts he is averaging 25.31, scoring no fewer than 21.24 fantasy points in 8 of those 10. In his week 3 matchup this season versus the Lions, Rodgers tossed 4 touchdowns and could be looking at a repeat play this Sunday.

In the backfield, there are two ball carriers that DFS owner should love, the Cardinals “Mr. Everything” running back David Johnson ($9,300 salary), and the Bills LeSean McCoy ($9,100). 

Johnson simply does everything and over his past seven starts he’s tallied better than 24 fantasy points in six of those contests. Johnson sees a steady diet of carries as well as targets making him a fantasy workhorse and solid week 17 bet.

Shady (McCoy) is another running back that has been sizzling of late. In has past five games, Shady has topped 19 fantasy points totaling more than 100 yards (rushing & receivng) in each while registering 6 touchdowns, McCoy could be a lock for another big Sunday.

With a lot of stock going to the backfield, owners will have to go frugal out wide, fortunately there are options available. With Rodgers in play, wide receiver Jordy Nelson ($8,200 salary) has to be a heavy favorite to double-down. Nelson has looked great over the past four weeks scoring no fewer than 15 fantasy points while registering 30 receptions and five touchdowns.

My risky plays for Sunday would include the Lions wide receivers Golden Tate and the Dolphins Kenny Stills. Both plays should see plenty of opportunities on Sunday; Tate is averaging 10 targets per game in his last four starts and Stills is averaging better than six targets in his last six games, including 8 targets last week. There’s some risk with these two, but plenty of upside to score as well.

The Saints tight end Coby Fleener has my eye this week with a nice matchup against a Falcons defense that has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends over the past four weeks. Fleener turned in one of his best performances this season back in his first matchup in week 3 against the Falcons. I like his chances on Sunday.

This is the makeup for one of my DFS week 17 lineups.

That’s My Take

~David G. Orrtega

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December 24th 2016
Saturday morning Edition

DFS Week 16 Core 4

For those of us that can’t get enough fantasy football playing in season long leagues, luckily we have DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports). If you’re as enthusiastic as I, you love DFS as much as the season long redraft leagues and these days we have plenty of options to play.

My choice this week is Fan Duel, a personal favorite; lots of games, big contests, with big prizes. Playing in the weekly game is no easy task, there may be a science to it, but even Newton would be challenged to figure it out. Sometimes playing is like throwing darts in the dark.

If you are game to play in any of the weekly contests, you must know navigating through matchups, tendencies, and injuries is hard enough, but be restricted by a salary cap and well, the challenge is set.

This week I am building my lineups around a core of four players, my “Fantastic Four” if you will; QB-Cam Newton, RB-Jordan Howard, WR-DeAndre Hopkins, and TE-Greg Olsen.

Cam has been off this year, by his MVP standards from last season, but he is still Cam and last week he may have found his groove again. The Panthers quarterback may have only completed 56% of his passes, but he passed for 300 yards and two scores. This week he draws the Falcons, worst defense versus opposing quarterbacks; 28 touchdowns allowed (2nd most), 282 yards passing allowed per game (2nd worst). This is a great matchup at home for Cam and his $7,900 salary is more than inviting.

Teaming up with Cam to double-down is Panthers tight end Greg Olsen. He is one of Cam’s favorite targets and over the past 7 games Olsen has been targeted no fewer than 7 times in all but one game, and that came back in week 12 when he was targeted just five times. Olsen has a great matchup this week against a Falcon defense that allows the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Back in week 4 Olsen turned in a stat line of 6 receptions for 76 yards and a score. Fantasy owners can expect similar numbers today for the tight end that is priced at only $6,800.

In the backfield, my third anchor of this marvel fantasy team is Bears running back Jordan Howard. The rookie runner has been one of the bright spots of the Bears offense this season already topping the 1,000 yard rushing mark. This week he faces a defense (Redskins) that has been one of the worst against the run over the past four weeks. In that span the Redskins have allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Howard has been solid the past 7 games topping 100 yards of offense in each, adding five rushing touchdowns. Fantasy owners can expect the fantasy bargain at $7,200 Howard to see at least 20 touches today.

Lastly, my fourth anchor is Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. With new blood under center last week Hopkins saw 17 targets which he turned into 8 receptions for 87 yards. If he can see somewhere around 10 targets today, he should have little trouble matching his output last week and may even find the end zone. The Bengals have been stingy versus opposing wide receivers this season, but Hopkins did register a stat line of 5 catches for 57 yards and a score last season. At just $6,600 this week, he’s a fantasy play worth building my team around.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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December 23rd, 2016
Friday Night Edition

Week 16 Four Horsemen

It’s championship week and no time to waiver. Fantasy owners must stick to their guns, see the journey through, and let the chips fall where they may. With that said, stud or no, savory matchup or no, these are four studs fantasy owners will be able to ride to the championship promise land.

Quarterback
Saints quarterback Drew Brees has about an average matchup this week taking on the Buccaneers at home, but when it’s home cooking advantage Brees. The Saints quarterback hit a mini slump back their throwing a total of 6 picks in back-to-back games, but he bounced back last week on the road with 4 touchdowns. In his previous 7 home games Brees has thrown 19 touchdowns and averaged 353 yards passing. He may have hit a pot hole two weeks, but this gun slinger will be blazing on Saturday. My prediction; 25 of 36 for 326 yards and three touchdowns!

Running Back
The Cardinals running back David Johnson (ranked No. 1 fantasy running back) has been nothing less than a fantasy beast this season and in his last matchup against the Seahawks (Saturday’s opponent) he was a monster. In week 7 versus Seattle, Johnson tallied 41 touches for 171 total yards. Based on sheer volume alone, fantasy owners can count on Johnson providing another week of double-digit fantasy points. My Prediction; 21 carries, 85 yards rushing, 6 receptions 46 yards receiving, one touchdown.

Wide Receiver
The Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton was quiet last week against the Vikings, but in the previous two weeks he was coming on strong with back-to-back 9 reception and 100 yard-plus performances. Over the last three weeks Hilton is averaging 10 targets per game. The Raiders are average versus wide receivers and have allowed the 12th most receiving yards this season. Hilton is healthy and a playmaker. With the Colts in a heated race for the division, fantasy owners can expect Hilton to be very much in the mix on Saturday. My prediction; 6 reception (8 targets), 105 yards receiving, and a touchdown.

Tight End
An unlikely fantasy scoring source that could surprise this week is Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph. In his last four games Rudolph is averaging 10 targets per game turning them into 27 receptions for 266 yards and a touchdown. In his last matchup against the Packers (this weekend’s opponent) Rudolph did find the end zone. Fantasy owners can count on Rudolph seeng plenty of opportunities this week against a defense that has allowed the 7th most receiving yards to opposing tight ends. My prediction; 5 receptions (on 8 targets) for 65 yards and a touchdown.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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December 21st, 2016 Wednesday Late Evening Edition The Fantasy Football Family Tree It’s championship week and if you don’t have all your ducks in a row and your lineup set for Sunday, then like many of us you are looking for every opportunity and advantage. There’s no room for error when everything in the fantasy world is at stake. This week is no different than any other, but fantasy owners need to pay attention to the family lineage that exists on each. And what I mean is the fantasy family tree grows short from player to player. The Packers are in the middle of a division fight and everyone knows that quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be up to the task, as will his fantasy family. Last week tight end Jared Cook (ranked No. 40 fantasy TE) saw 8 targets and turned them into 6 receptions for 85 yards and with the Vikings up next, he could see plenty more this week. Over the past two weeks, the Vikings defense have allowed the 7th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. I like Cook as a low-end TE1 this week. In the same matchup the Vikings are trying to hang onto their playoff life and their fantasy family tree branches out from quarterback Sam Bradford. Without much of a running game, Bradford and the Vikings relied heavily on the short passing game; enter running back Jerrick McKinnon (ranked No. 42 fantasy RB). Last week McKinnon had only 3 carries, but caught 9 passes on 9 targets. With the prospect of no Adrian Peterson, McKinnon gets up bump in PPR leagues this week and should be considered a strong flex or mid RB3. The Steelers are battling for another division title and their hopes will rely heavily on the shoulders of their quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Part of his extended fantasy family is tight end Ladarius Green. Over the past three weeks Green has become more involved in the passing game turning 25 targets into 13 receptions for 207 yards receiving and a touchdown. With the Ravens on the slate, Green will get a shot at a defense that has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends over the past four weeks. Green should be considered a high-end TE2 borderline TE1 this week. That’s My Take ~David G. Ortega

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December 17th, 2016
Saturday Evening Edition

Week 15 Starts: My Starts

Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has had a bumpy road of a season in 2016, but tomorrow he may find some smooth sailing. The Saints defense is coming to town and over the past two weeks they have allowed the 10th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, The Saints have also had their struggles against quarterbacks on the road setting this up as a possible nice game for Palmer. The Cardinals signal caller has also passed for over 300 yards in each of his last three homes games, but only includes four touchdowns and two picks. Palmer’s favorable matchup makes him one of my faves for Sunday.

The Ravens will host the Eagles on Sunday and quarterback Joe Flacco is ready to deal. Flacco is coming off back-to-back big performances with 381 yards and 324 yards passing. This week he gets the Eagles defense that has been the second worse versus opposing quarterbacks the past four weeks allowing 288 yards passing per game and 7 touchdowns. Flacco seems to be heating up with six touchdowns and a better than 73 percent completion rate over his past two starts. Flacco may not be quite fantasy gold, but he could be shining silver on Sunday.

He may not be top 10 this season, but Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could be this week and is worth consideration for Sunday. In his early matchup this season against the Bengals (their opponent on Sunday) Big Ben passed for 259 yards and three scores, but this was without his running back LeVeon Bell. With Bell healthy and a big contributor as a pass receiver, the passing game is strong and those week 2 numbers seem more than attainable this week. With a top five running back and a top five wide receiver (Antonio Brown), Big Ben is my top 10 pick.

These are not necessarily MUST starts, but rather just some plays I believe will have success this week.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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December 16th, 2016
Friday Evening Edition

Friday Fantasy Fixx

With a lot on the line this week, for fantasy owners risk is not a friend this Sunday. If you are looking for a strong play and success this week, there are several players owners may need to avoid.

Over the his last eight games Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall has scored in double-digits once once, back in week 12. This Sunday Marshall gets the Dolphins and will face a defense that held him to five receptions for 46 yards back in week 9.

In the Jaguars past four games wide receiver Allen Robinson has been on a huge decline. His 2016 season has been anything but memorable. Since week 11 Robinson has scored less than 8 fantasy points, including just 1.7 last week on 1 catch for 17 yards. This week he’ll see the Texans whose he has had luck against this season, but with just 6 receptions for 72 yards over his last three starts at best he’s a risky play this week.

Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was a top 10 receiver in 2015, but this season he is hanging on to remain in the top 40. Hopkins has scored in double-digits in just one of his past eight games and in his last matchup versus the Jaguars in week 10 he was held to five receptions for 48 yards on 13 targets. The Jaguars allow the 6th fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, so even though this would be a hard sit this play has risk written all over it.

Finally, quietly the Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin has managed to find himself in the top 25 this season, but he has done this in rather unspectacular fashion. Benjamin has not had any big performances since his week two 22 fantasy points performance. In his last 10 games he’s only scored in double figures once and in the past two weeks he’s tallied just 3 receptions for 29 yards. With the Redskins on his plate for this week, Benjamin will face a defense that allows the 11th fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

Fantasy owners may want to avoid these guys on Sunday.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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December 15th, 2016
Thursday Late Night Edition

Week 15 Fantasy Notes

Sunday is funday in fantasy football circles and with this weekend setting up as the Semi-final matchups for most season long leagues, now is the time to cash in on your bell-cows and fantasy studs. 

Along with your starters, such as the LeVeon Bells, Aaron Rodgers, and Odell Beckham Jrs, fantasy owners will need to find those deepers plays to pay off.

One such play that could pay huge dividends this weekend is the Falcons wide receiver Taylor Gabriel. Over the past several weeks the big play specialist has been just that. Averaging 5 targets over the past six weeks, Gabriel has scored well with double-digit in five of his past six games and five touchdowns. This week’s matchup against the Niners looks mighty tasty for Gabriel squaring off against a defense that allows the most fantasy points versus opposing wide receivers. With Julio Jones still limping along, fantasy owners can expect Gabriel to be in the mix once again on Sunday.

The Chiefs have their own big play specialist in wide receiver Tyreek Hill and on Sunday he’ll be turned loose on the Tennessee Titans. Over the past five weeks Hill has been hit and miss scoring in double-digits in three of his last five games. But this Sunday Hill will be matched up against a Titans secondary that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing wide receiver. Seeing a fair share of targets (8 targets per game) over the past five games, Hill should have plenty of chances to score big this week.

Healthy again the Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs might finally return to his big game status, after disappearing over the past month for fantasy owners. Diggs has not scored in double figures in five weeks, since his 13 reception performance in week 10. With the Vikes set to face the Colts on Sunday this week, Diggs will take his shots against a defense that allows the 19th most fantasy points to opposing wide receiver, including 13 touchdowns (tied for 8th most allowed). Looking more closely the Colts have allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers over the past four weeks. Diggs could be ready to break out again and this could be the week for it.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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December 11th, 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Starts

Per Adam Schefter, the Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian will start today. That’s enough for me to roll out wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. In his previous five starts with Siemian under center, Thomas is averaging nearly 10 targets per game. The Titans allow the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and over the past four weeks, their secondary has been the worst. Start Thomas!

The Vikings and wide receiver Stefon Diggs will face the Jaguars today in Jacksonville and while on paper the matchup may not seem all to appealing, I am leaning with Diggs. The Jags have been stingy for the most part this season, but coming off a strong showing (8 receptions off 8 targets) against the Cowboys Diggs will be tough to slow down. Diggs is the Vikings number one receiver, healthy again look for double-digits and lots of chances to be the case today. Start Diggs.

Another receiver I am leaning on heavily for Sunday, the Falcons Taylor Gabriel. The Falcons wideout plays more like a scat-back and his speed is deadly. With Julio Jones banged up and not looking good for Sunday I expect Gabriel to see a huge uptick in his weekly 5.25 targets per game that he’s enjoyed the past four weeks. Facing the Rams could see him improve his 4 touchdown total this week. Over the past two weeks, the Rams secondary has been awful versus opposing wide receivers allowing the 5th most fantasy points, including 4 touchdowns. Start Gabriel!

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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Decemeber 10th 2016
Saturday Morning Edition

Week 14 Fantasy Notes

Taking a look at this week’s quarterback position presents it’s own challenges and dilemmas with so much at stake. Do you ride with what has gotten you there, or do you read the numbers and play the matchups? Decisions, decisions...

The Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has been a hot fantasy prospect much of the season. Slotting in as the number 3 scoring quarterback Ryan has been a regular weekly start’em, but such has not been the case of late. In his first nine games this season, Ryan topped the 20 fantasy points marker six times. 

In his last three starts Ryan has yet to reach 19 fantasy points (standard scoring) and with a banged up wide receiver Julio Jones, the prospects don’t look good. This week will also present a difficult matchup on the road facing a tough Rams defense. The Rams defense has not been invincible this season ranking at 12th fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks this season and they have also been shredded the past two weeks allowing the 3rd most fantasy points to quarterbacks. At best Ryan is a questionable, but safe start (if you can afford to be safe).

On the other hand, if you need to swing for the fences and can throw caution to the wind Colin Kapaernick may be the play for you this week. The Niners signal caller is coming off one of his worst performances on the field and statistically; 1 for 5 passing for 4 yards and just 20 yards rushing. In fairness conditions were atrocious in the Windy City (Chicago), but just the same this type of performance is concerning for fantasy owners.

The good news for Kap owners and fans, the Niners are home and coming to town are the lowly New York Jets. The Jets are coming off a woeful Monday night showing against the Colts where quarterback Andrew Luck and company made mincemeat of their secondary. Luck completed 22 of 28 for 278 yards and four touchdowns; this followed a week 12 performance from Patriots quarterback Tom Brady who passed for 286 yards with two touchdowns. 

The prospects of a good Sunday are there for Kapaernick and the weather should not be a factor. Play him over quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill, Carson Wentz, Trevor Siemian, and Marcus Mariota at your own risk. With options like Matt Ryan and Carson Palmer, I am sticking with my starters.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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December 9th, 2016
Friday Night Edition

Friday's Fantasy Fixx

The Fantasy Playoffs are underway and unless you had the Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in your lineup last night, with players like Rob Gronkowski (Injured Reserve), Julius Thomas (OUT), and Gary Barnidge (no quarterback) your options may be limited on Sunday. Playing in a multitude of leagues as I do each year, this seems to be one of the dilemmas I am not able to escape this week.

Gary Barnidge has been fantasy irrelevant since the season started and with the return of quarterback Robert Griffin III, there's no guarantee this will change and the risk this week is too great. With Gronk sidelined, fantasy owners can only hope that tight end Martellus Bennett will rise to the TE1 we believed him to be. So far in Bennett's past three games this has not happened; just 6 receptions for 40 yards receiving. Even with quarterback Tom Brady under center, Bennett may be too risky to sit on until Monday night.

Some options that some may be looking at for Sunday are the Redskins number two tight end Vernon Davis. Even with starter Jordan Reed in the lineup Davis has been productive at times, but faced with a tough matchup agains the Eagles (ranked 4th for the fewest fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends). With so much at stake this week, owners may be better served avoiding Davis.

A less than (but still) risky play this week could be the Rams tight end Lance Kendricks. By far Kendricks has been one of the teams leading pass receiving options, third on the Rams with 73 targets this season. And this week Kendricks faces the Falcons defense that has allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. But like so many other options, Kendricks carries a lot of risk; just 2 catches for 13 yards last week. You have to like his matchup, but always the question "can you trust him?"

Probably my best option that I will lean on heavily this Sunday is the Niners tight end Vance McDonald. Now McDonald is coming off a week where the entire offense was completely ineffective and he only caught 2 balls for 9 yards. Prior to that McDonald had four straight games with at least 3 receptions and 46 yards receiving with two touchdowns. With the Jets coming to town and a defense that has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends over the past four weeks, including three touchdowns McDonald is undoubtedly a strong play on Sunday.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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December 3rd, 2016

Saturday Morning Edition

Fantasy Playoffs, Playoffs, Playoffs

We are not quite there, but we have reached the nitty-gritty! With one week left before the Fantasy Playoffs start in many re-draft leagues. I play in several myself and this week is pivotal for my post-season hopes.

A couple of early lineup moves in my PPR leagues I made this week leading up to Sunday; in the Thursday night game I inserted Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Vikings running back Jerrick McKinnon. These were not necessarily simple plays, especially McKinnon, but being in PPR leagues both plays worked out.

With options likes Davante Adams, Chris Hogan, and Kelvin Benjamin, I chose Diggs for his target probability; he saw 8.0 targets on Thursday night and caught all eight. Diggs did not accumulate much yardage, but his eight grabs posted double-digit fantasy points and saved me.

Like Diggs, McKinnon was a tougher choice with options like Ryan Matthews (OUT) and Rob Kelley (only 8 targets all season) available, and his five catches on six targets and touchdown reception came up big. I may still roll out Kelley, but I am sitting in a much better position with McKinnons 16.50 fantasy points.

Looking at more lineup help for this week, with Jordan Reed OUT this Sunday I will be inserted tight end Vernon Davis. Even with Reed in the lineup, Davis has managed to make some noise and become fantasy relevant even as the number two tight end. Since week 6, Davis has averaged 3.5 receptions and 59 yards (this includes a week 11 donut). With Reed in the lineup he’s a low end TE2, but this Sunday Davis should be considered a TE1.

With the lack of consistency for tight ends like the Packers Jared Cook (2 targets last week) and the Rams Lance Kendricks (4 times this season with two or fewer receptions), I am rolling with the Niners Vance McDonald. He’s not a huge upgrade over the other two this week, but his five previous starts with no fewer than six targets leading and recent four game run of 3.5 receptions and 60 yards per game average with two touchdowns make him a much safer play this week. He’ll get the Bears this week who have done a pretty good job versus opposing tight ends, but they have surrendered 5 touchdowns (tied for 5th most) making McDonald a nice red-zone threat this week.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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November 27th, 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Week 12 Four Horsemen

Looking at today's matchups I have four fantasy plays (QB-RB-WR-TE) that I am particularly confident in that will produce solid fantasy numbers for owners. These are all must starts today;

Quarterback
The Saints quarterback Drew Brees (the number two fantasy quarterback this season) faces a tough matchup against the Rams today, but today he's enjoying home cooking. In the dome Brees has been spectacular passing for more than 300 yards in 4 of his 5 starts. His numbers at home; 366 yards passing/game, 17 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions. Brees at home is gold.

Running Back
The Dolphins are home today to face the Niners and running back Jay Ajayi will have a chance to slice up a defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including 1,576 yards rushing (most in the league). After two weeks without reaching at least 100 yards on the ground, Ajayi will be good for 100 yards and a touchdown today.

Wide Receiver
The Seahawks will be on the road today, but that won't matter to wide receiver Doug Baldwin. The Seahawks pass catcher has been efficient and effective the past three weeks catching 16 passes off 19 targets for 252 yards and three touchdowns. This week he draws a Bucs defense that allows the 4 most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including 14 receiving touchdowns (tied for 3rd most).

Tight End
And a surprise pick here is the Browns tight end Gary Barnidge. This may be the only risky play since Barnidge has been a great disappointment this season, as has the Browns offense all-together. Barnidge actually has a good matchup for PPR owners facing a Giants defense that struggles to cover opposing tightends; 55 receptions allowed (tied for 7th most) and 646 receiving yards allowed (tied for 10th most). This won't be a huge game, but it could be Barnidge's best game this season.

That's My Take.

~David G. Ortega

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November 26th 2016
Saturday Evening Edition

Week 12 Perfect Lineup

I usually play two Perfect lineups each week, one on NFL.com and the other on DraftDay Fantasy site. Here is my perfect lineup for week 12 on DraftDay.

QB-Tom Brady (NE) - Brady will take his best shots against a Jets secondary that has struggled mightily at times this season. Brady is coming off a big 4 touchdown performance last week and has thrown at least three in four of his six starts. Sunday could be another big day for Tom.

RB-DeMarco Murray (TEN) - Since week 7 Murray has had no fewer than 19 touches and has eclipsed 127 total yards in three of his five starts. Murray is the number 3 scoring fantasy running back and should see a hefty workload on Sunday.

RB-Lamar Miller (HOU) - The Texans ball carrier will face a Chargers defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including 12 rushing touchdowns (tied for second most). Miller should see a lion’s share of touches on Sunday giving him plenty of opportunities to produce.

WR-Odell Beckham Jr (NYG) - The Giants dynamic wideout was slowed up a week ago, but with 6 games of 10 plus targets this season, expect OBJ to see plenty of work on Sunday. Facing a Browns defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including the 6th most receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns (tied for 3rd most).

WR-Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) - The Cardinals will host the Falcons on Sunday and Larry Fitzgerald will draw coverage from a defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. FItzgerald will see plenty of chances on Sunday, especially in the red-zone.

WR-Rishard Matthews (TEN) - The Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has been sizzling lately and his favorite wide receiver has been Matthews. The Titans wideout faces the Bears secondary that has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing wide receiver. In his last three games Matthews has totaled 18 receptions on 28 targets for 248 yards and three touchdowns. He should have plenty of chances to improve these numbers on Sunday.

TE-Greg Olsen (CAR) - The heavily targeted Panthers pass catcher is the number fantasy scoring tight end this season. This week Olsen will draw the Raiders defense that allows the 8th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Olsen has been quiet recently, but this could change Sunday against the Raiders who allow the 9th most receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns (tied for 4th most allowed).

PK-Justin Tucker (BAL) - The Ravens kicker has been solid this season and with an offense that has had it struggles he could see some extra shots from close range on Sunday.

D/ST-Dolphins - The Dolphins are hosting the 49ers who will have to make the long travel across country for the early kickoff start time. This will be a tough matchup for the Niners who are coming off a very poor performance last week against the Patriots.

That’s My Take.

 ~David G. Ortega

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November 25th, 2016
Friday evening Edition
Week 12: Friday Fantasy Fixx
So I am looking at the passing game and matchups this week and these are a few of my favorites to start for Sunday.
With receivers like Stefon Diggs OUT this week (did not play yesterday), fantasy owners will be looking for some help and could find salvage this week from players like the Rams wideout Kenny Britt. With a decent matchup against the Saints defense this week, Britt could turn in a nice Sunday. While Britt has not been spectacular this season, the Saints secondary has allowed the 8th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers. Britt is the Rams leading receiver and normally sees a healthy dose of targets each week. He’s not going to light up any boards, but he could fill the need this week as a low WR3 or flex option.
Another receiving option that should draw some lineup consideration this Sunday is the Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta. The Ravens will host the Bengals this week and Pitta will see coverage that has allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, including the 5th most receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns (tied for the 3rd most). Pitta is not a primary option in the pass game, but could see a few more targets this week, especially in the red zone. He’s definitely worth a look in deep leagues.
With the Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota playing as well as he has over the past several weeks, one of his targets that should be started this week is wide out Rishard Matthews. Matthews has scored in double-digits in his past three games and this week he has a great shot to make it four in a row. The Titans will visit the Bears this Sunday and look to exploit a defense that allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including the 2nd most receptions and the 7th most yards receiving. If you have him, he’s definitely a mid-WR2 this week. Start him Sunday.
That’s My Take.
~David G Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 25th, 2016
Friday afternoon Edition

Week 12 Fantasy Notes

As the fantasy playoffs approach, fantasy owners will need to be more precise and decisive with their lineups this week and next. When this season started, certain players were viewed as your starters, but recent performances could be shaking your confidence.

Take comfort owners as this week Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is set to bounce back big. After recent struggles, just one game over 15 fantasy points in his last 7 starts, Palmer will be facing a Falcons defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 2,970 yards passing (5th most) and 23 passing touchdowns (2nd most). Palmer has just two games this season with 3 or more touchdowns, but has passed for more than 300 yards four times. This Sunday against the Falcons, fantasy owners can expect Palmer to improve both of those numbers.

It’s unlikely anyone would even think of sitting Rams running back Todd Gurley, especially considering where he was likely selected in their respective fantasy draft, but his recent run of unspectacular has got to be getting tiresome. Well all that is likely to end this week in New Orleans. Gurley and Company will be making a trip to the Big Easy this week to take on the Saints and a defense that allows the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including 12 rushing touchdowns (tied for 2nd most). And where Gurley could be the biggest surprise is in the PPR format. Gurley is only the 19th ranked fantasy running back and has not been prominent in the pass game, but could see some extra targets this week as the Saints also allow the 5th most receiving yards to opposing running backs; great news for owners. Owners should expect 25 plus touches this week and a big day from the Rams ball carrier.

That’s my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 20th, 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Week 11: My Perfect Lineup

There are few surprises here as I am leaning heavy on some of this weeks' favorites, but here are my picks for the Week 11 Perfect Challenge (NFL).

QB-Ben Roehtlisberger (PIT). Weather may hinder his effort some, but his big arm and his weapons should allow him to make a few big plays today.

RB-DeMarco Murray (TEN). The Titans running back (NFL 2nd leading rusher) has been better than solid this season and today's matchup should continue his upward trend.

RB-LeVeon Bell (PIT). He has a prime matchup and could see an avalanche of touches today.

WR-Odell Beckham Jr (NYG). He's the focus of the pass game, so I expect another big Sunday for the super-talented Giants wideout.

WR-TY Hilton (IND). Hilton has been up and down, but his last matchup against Tennessee he was huge. Can you say repeat.

TE-Delanie Walker (TEN). This kid has lived on the injury report all season, but still produces. Today's favorable matchup could be another productive Sunday.

PK-Justin Tucker (BAL). The Raven's kicker has been solid this season and perfect with 18 of 18 kicks. On the road today the Raven's may have to settle for a few kicks.

D/ST-Dolphins. You have to like a defenses chances when they face a rookie quarterback in his NFL debut.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega