FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 24th, 2022

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 3 Four Horsemen

These are my four favorite plays for Week 3.

QB-Jalen Hurts

Through the first two weeks of the 2022 season, quarterback Jalen Hurts has been incredible. Hurts currently stands as the number 3 fantasy quarterback and 9th overall. This week Hurts will get his shot at a Commanders defense that has surrendered 5 touchdown passes to opposing quarterbacks, which ties for the third most this season. Hurts has been solid in the pass game, completing nearly 70% of his passes, averaging 288 yards passing per game, while adding another 147 yards on the ground with 3 rushing touchdowns. He's primed for another big Sunday.

RB-Dalvin Cook

The Vikings star running back has yet to get out of first gear this season and coming off a sub-par performance last week against the Eagles (just 17 yards rushing), the Lions roll into town just in time. Through the first two weeks of the season, the Lions run defense has allowed over 4 yards per rush and 4 rushing touchdowns to opposing running backs. Due to injuries, Cook did not face the Lions last season, but the last time he ran up against Detroit (in 2020), he broke free for 206 yards and 2 scores. It's time for Dalvin to cook.

WR-Nelson Agholor

Thus far in this young 2022 football season, it's been a turn around for the Patriots wideout. Through two weeks Agholor is currently on pace to set career highs in receptions and receiving yards. Last week he broke out with a solid outing grabbing 6 balls for 110 yards and a score. This week he sees a struggling Ravens secondary (most receiving yards allowed to opposing receivers this season) that was just torched by the high-flying Dolphins. Agholor is no Cheetah, but he'll see plenty of volume in this one. He's a strong start for Week 3.

TE-George Kittle

We've yet to see Kittle this season, but we know what we get when he's on the field. With Jimmy G back under center, Kittle return should be impactful in this Sunday matchup against the Broncos. Denver has struggled some covering the tight end spot, allowing the 4th most receptions and 7th most receiving yards to opposing tight ends. In Primetime this sets up to be a great return game for Kittle. He's a Week 3 favorite.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 24th, 2022

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Saturday's Week 3 Quick Takes

(DFS Strong plays)

Big Day for Stafford

The Rams week 3 matchup against the Cardinals should serve Matt Stafford very well. Through the first two weeks this season, the Cards defense has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 7 passing touchdowns (Tied for most allowed) and 612 yards passing (4th most allowed this season). In his last three matchups against the Cards in the regular season, Stafford is averaging over 20 fantasy points and 279 passing yards. Week 3 strong play.

Montgomery Ready to Bear Down

The Bears week 2 matchup against the Texans gives running back David Montgomery a great opportunity for a big day. Montgomery will face a Texans defense that has allowed the most rushing yards this season through two weeks, includng allowing 4.86 yards per carry. Facing a defense that has surrendered the 6th most fantasy points this season, Montgomery should see plenty of volume in this one to be a top 10 play. Week 3 strong play.

Dortch Wakes Up in Week 3

The Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch may not be a household name, but this Sunday he should be a name to know. Dortch will face a Rams secondary that has allowed the 5th most receptions to opposing receivers and 4th most receiving yards. The Cards receiving corp is pretty thin and with Dortch checking in as the 22nd fantasy scoring receiver (PPR format), he's a good bet to post double-digits this week. Week 3 strong play.

DK Goes Radioactive

The Seahawks passing game has been held in check the first two weeks this season, but this week DK Metcalf and company could find their stride. Metcalf has yet to reach 100 receiving yards for the season, but on Sunday he'll line up against a Falcons secondary that has allowed the 4th most receptions and 7th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers. The Falcons have also surrendered 5 receiving touchdowns to wideouts, making Metcalf a favorite to find the end zone this Sunday. Week 3 strong play.

It's Kittle Time

It's return of George Kittle this Sunday night against the Broncos and it's a great time to return. Kittle will face a Broncos defense that has struggled to slow the tight end position, allowing the 3rd most fantasy points through two weeks. The Denver defense has surrendered 14 receptions (4th most) and two scores (2nd most) to opposing tight ends, so Kittle's prospects for an impact game look promising. Week 3 strong play

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 14th, 2022

Wednesday Evening Edition

Week 2 Thursday Night Showdown

There's not much to say about this one, except strap yourself in this is gonna be a wild ride on Thursday night. Two of the league's top star quarterbacks and two of Fantasy football's top scorers will meet in this matchup, with Justin Herbert (Chargers) facing Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs).

In week one Mahomes was the top fantasy QB, passing for 360 yards and throwing five touchdowns. Not to be completely outdone, Herbert was the No.5 fantasy quarterback passing for 279 yards and three scores. 

The good news for fantasy owners, Herbert and his receivers will face the Chiefs secondary that surrendered the 6th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, while Mahomes leads the number one scoring (44 points) and number two offense (488 yards) in the league.

Herbert connected with 11 different receivers in week 1, so even with Keenan Allen shelved this week, he'll have plenty of pass-catching options. In week 1 (WR) Mike Williams, (RB) Austin Ekeler, (TE) Gerald Everett, (WR) DeAndre Carter, (WR) Tre' McKitty, (WR) Joshua Palmer, and (WR) Keenan Allen all were targeted 4 times each. The end result is with Allen out tomorrow night Herbert is likely to spread the ball around quite a bit, but I am leaning on Big Mike Williams.

On the home front, I would expect Mahomes and company to do what they do. In this one, Travis Kelce will be expected to see his usual 7-10 targets, but I would also look for JuJu Smith-Schuster (8 targets) to once again lead the wideouts. Despite seeing fewer targets than Mecole Hardman (6 targets, 3/16/0 line in week 1) in week 1, Marques Valdes-Scantling (4 targets) is the favorable bet to post relevant fantasy numbers posting a 4/44/0 line in week 1.

This matchup has the makings of a good old-fashion aeriel shootout, invest heavy in pass catchers in this one, including out of the backfield; Ekeler (4 week 1 targets), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (3 week 1 targets), and Jerrick McKinnon (4 week 1 targets).

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 13th, 2022

Tuesday afternoon Edition

Week 1 Aches, Fakes, Makes, 

and All My Takes...

Josh Allen plays like Superman, 297 yards passing, 3 touchdowns. Stud!

Diggs is huge against the Rams in season opener with 8/122/1 line!

Kupp unstoppable in week 1 matchup with 13/128/1 line

No Cam Akers in week 1, just three touches zero yards, Avoid!

Full blown committee in Buffalo, Moss leads backfield with 12 touches.

Wentz has big week 1 with 4 touchdowns, Waiver P/U

Curtis Samuel 11 targets needs to be rostered!

Zay Jones nine targets in Week1, Waiver P/U

Christian Kirk solid in first game with new team.

Right now its the Antonio Gibson show until further notice!

Be patient with Diontae Johnson, 10 targets in week one good sign.

Hayden Hurst a viable streamer with 7 targets in week 1.

Chase Claypool a solid flex with 10 touches in week 1

Robbie Anderson needs to be rostered 8 targets in week 1!

Slow start for CMC, but 14 touches and 4 targets in week 1.

Kareem Hunt will be a pain with 15 touches in week 1

Donovan People-Jones needs to be rostered with 11 targets in week 1

Kyle Pitts quiet, but did have 7 targets in week 1

Jameis Winston bounces back in 2nd half, for solid week 1.

Patterson with 25 touches and 136 scrimmage yards is feature back in Atlanta!

Drake London solid with 5 catches on 7 targets.

Jarvis Landry is more than relevant in NO with 9 targets in week 1.

Michael Thomas solid in week 1 with 5 catches on 8 targets

D'Andre Swift off to great start in 2022. Stud

Amon-Ra St. Brown leads the Lions passing attack with 12 targets

AJ Brown a monster showing in week 1, Weekly Stud!

Hurts looks great in opening weekend on the road

Sanders totals over 100 scrimmage yards in week 1

Kenyan Drake leads Ravens backfield with 12 touches

Andrews quiet but leads team with 7 targets

Full blown committee in Jets backfield.

Full blown committee in Texans backfield.

Rex Burkhead leads Texans backfield with 19 touches.

Michael Pittman Jr. is the go-to in Indy with 13 targets in week 1

Jonathan Taylor with monster outing in week 1, 175 scrimmage yards

Tua Tagovailoa has a good showing in week 1

Jaylen Waddle comes alive in 2nd half posts 4/69/1 line

The Freak gets peppered with 12 targets in week 1. Stud

Chase Edmonds the lead back in week 1 with 16 touches

Devante Parker big disappointment in week 1 with one catch on 2 targets

Jakobi Meyers paces the way for Patriots receivers with 6 targets and 4 catches

Full blown committee in Patriots backfield

David Montgomery paces the Bears backfield with 20 touches in week 1

Elijah Mitchell goes down in week 1, headed for IR.

Patrick Mahomes is fantasy monster in week 1. No#1 Fantasy QB

Travis Kelce unstoppable with 8/121/1 line on 9 targets.

Rookie Isiah Pacheco leads ground attack with 12 carries.

CEH scores twice on 10 touches.

JuJu second in pecking order with 8 targets

Greg Dortch leads Cardinals aerial attack with 7 receptions and 9 targets

Hollywood Brown finds endzone, posts 4/43/1 line on 6 targets

James Conner totals 55 scrimmage yards on 15 touches, but finds endzone.

Barkely looks healthy, shines in week 1 with 194 scrimmage yards and a score

Giants passing games struggles a bit allowing 5 sacks

Richie James sees 6 targets, posts 5/59/0 line.

Kadarius Toney quiet with two touches in week 1.

Henry sees 21 touches totals 82 yards on the ground

Hilliard involved in offense with 69 scrimmage yards and two scores

Robert Woods non-factor in week 1 with one catch

Kyle Phillips leads Titans received with 6 catches and 9 targets

Darren Waller does little in week, 4 receptions for 79 yards

Davante Adams peppered with 17 targets in week 1

Josh Jacobs leads backfield with 11 touches, but just one target

Austin Ekeler held in check, 72 yards on 18 touches.

Herbert sharp in week one, 279 passing with 3 touchdowns.

Gerald Everett grabs 3 balls for 54 yards and a score on 4 targets

Mike Williams only two grabs on 4 targets (tied for team lead)

Cousins plays well with 277 yards passing and 2 scores

Justin Jefferson plays big with 9/184/2 line in week 1

Cook tallies 23 touches for 108 scrimmage yards

Rodgers struggles with poor showing from receiving corp.

AJ Dillon out-touches Aaron Jones, 15-8.

Rookie receiver Romeo Doubs leads wideouts with 5 targets.

Tom Brady has quiet night vs Cowboys, passes for 212 yards with 1 score.

Fournette plays featured role, leads backfield with 21 carries for 127 yards.

Mike Evans leads passing attack with 7 targets, posts 5/71/1 line

Julio Jones has fresh legs, grabs 3 balls for 69 yards.

CeeDee Lamb has quiet night (2/29/0 line) but is targeted 11 times

Zeke only totals 49 yards of offense on 11 touches.

Pollards does little with 22 yards on 8 touches.

Schultz lone bright spot with 7 grabs for 62 yards on 9 targets.

Noah Brown emerges as WR2 with 5/68/0 line.

Williams paces Broncos with 18 touches for 108 scrimmage yards.

Gordon contributes with 72 scrimmage yards on 14 touches.

Jerry Jeudy leads Broncos receivers with 4/102/1 line on 7 targets

Sutton targeted 7 times, posts 4/72/0 line

Wilson passes for 340 yards but only one touchdown.

Geno Smth plays well, throws two scores in Monday night win.

DK Metcalf catches 7 passes on 7 targets

Penny runs well but limited to 12 carries for 60 rushing yards. 

Will Dissly snags 3 balls for 43 yards and score.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 10th, 2022

Saturday Evening Edition

NFL WEEK 1: FFSJ BUYS & SELLS

There's nothing like an NFL Sunday morning, a day filled with NFL games from dawn to dusk and for this Fantasy gamer, it's like Christmas has come early. Week one has already begun with one game in the books, but now it's time to focus in on Sunday's slate, filled with 14 games.

Every week fantasy football season long, dynasty, Auction, and DFS players want to know where should they invest their money, what players should they bank on, what are the smart plays, and which are the ones to avoid. the Fantasy Football Street Journal will offer the week one Buys, Sells, and Blue Chips stocks to invest.

Week 1 Buys

RB-Josh Jacobs (Raiders)

The Raiders have a big weapon in the huddle this season with the acquisition of wide receiver Davante Adams. His presence is going to open up a lot of things on the offensive side for the Raiders, including in the run game. Raiders running back Josh Jacobs will face a Chargers defense that allowed the 3rd most rushing yards in 2021. I am buying a lot of Jacobs stock in week 1.

WR-AJ Green (Arizona)

Vegas is calling the Kansas City-Arizona the shootout of the week, with the over/under set at 53 points. With so many points on the board expected, I am investing a lot of stock in this matchup, including the likes of Cardinals wide receiver AJ Green. He's kind of the forgotten man in the Cardinals offense this season, but with no Hopkins (suspended) and Rondale Moore already ruled out, Green becomes a strong flex play with upside. I am buying.

WR-JuJu Smith-Schuster (Chiefs)

In the same matchup (Chiefs-Cards) I am expecting to see a lot of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, airing it out quite a bit and I like one of his newest additions, JuJu Smith-Schuster. Just (4) seasons ago, Smith Schuster posted 111 catches for 1,426 yards as a Steeler, so he is more than capable of playing big. His numbers have been quite off in recent seasons, but now he's got a new signal caller with a great arm. I'm buying lots of JuJu in week 1.

WR-Christian Kirk (Jaguars)

This may be one of my bold predictions based on reading a book by its cover. Last season Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk looked like one of the Cardinals best receivers playing alongside DeAndre Hopkins and AJ Green. In 2021 Kirk posted career highs in receptions and yards. Now he's the de facto number one option in Jacksonville facing a Commanders secondary that allowed the 6th most receptions to opposing wide receivers. And if the preseason is any indication Kirk looks to be the go-to receiver in the Jags pass game. I am buying Kirk in week 1.

Week 1 Sells

RB-Kareem Hunt (Browns)

All the way around, an opening road matchup for the Browns, no Deshaun Watson, and the outlook looks bleak at best. Browns running back Kareem Hunt is the second option out of the backfield and will face a Panthers defense that allowed the 3rd fewest fantasy points (NFL.com) to opposing running backs. The Panthers defense was middle of the road in yards allowed, but where they excelled was defending the pass; 2nd fewest receptions and fewest receiving yards allowed to opposing running backs. Hunt in week 1 is a sell for me; avoid starting if you have other options.

RB-Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Chiefs)

Despite the fireworks that are expected in the Chiefs-Cardinals matchup on Sunday, I would expect most of the Chiefs damage to come by way of the air. The Chiefs have so many options in the pass game and following a 2021 season where CEH was targeted just 23 times in 10 games, it's hard to imagine having a huge impact in this one. CEH is a week one sell for me.

WR-Robert Woods (Titans)

After coming off an injury riddled 2021 season that saw him miss 8 games and post a career low of 69 targets with just 45 receptions for 556 yards receiving, it's hard to imagine the Titans wide receiver Robert Woods bouncing back in 22. The Titans are a heavy run offense, so his opportunities could be limited. I am selling on Woods in week one, until I see different.

(DFS) Blue Chips

QB-Jameis Winston (Saints)

My Blue Chip play for Week 1 is Saints Quarterback Jameis Winston. Outside the top 12 rankings for week 1, Winston returns healthy in 2022 with plenty of weapons and an opportunity to build off a solid, but modified 2021 campaign (just 7 games). Winston is on the road this week playing in Atlanta to face a secondary that allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (NFL.com), including the 3rd most passing touchdowns allowed. The Saints should enjoy some success on the ground in this matchup, opening up some play-action that Winston can capitalize on. He's a great value this week. 

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 8th, 2022

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Thursday Night Matchup

Analytics are not my thing and I can admit I've not done a ton of film study for fantasy football. Just like the consensus that enjoy the game, I watch the preseason games, check the latest updates, follow the injury news reports, and catch as much as I can fantasy football talk on Sirius, iTunes, and cable TV.

With having said all of that, my predictions are no more reliable than your average local weather man; but I like my predictions more.

Looking ahead at the NFL's 2022 opening contest on Thursday night between the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams, there are plenty of fantasy football relevant plays, but I think there are plenty of interesting and sneaky plays that warrant your attention.

So let's start with the visiting Bills, aside from the usual suspects, I don't think rookie running James Cook is getting enough run leading up to tonight. Starting Running Back Devin Singletary is not your typical in between the tackles workhorse and Cook could get some Red-zone love tonight. A Cook touchdown in DFS would go a long way.

The Bills passing game will be anchored by (WR) Stefon Diggs, (WR) Gabriel Davis, and (TE) Dawson Know, but don't overlook wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (if he's healthy for tonight) who could see substantial playing time in the slot tonight away from the Rams DB Jalen Ramsey. If it's not McKenzie, than the new arrival Jamison Crowder could steal a red-zone score for the Bills.

With the Rams, there's no secret the top play is wide receiver Cooper Kupp, but in this matchup I believe the top scoring receiver in tonight's game could very well be the newcomer, Allen Robinson. Robinson is a big target, almost like a very well skilled and reliable hands tight end; he's sure to see plenty of Red-zone work.

Finally, my last mention comes by the way of the latest rumors I am hearing via Mr. Insider himself, Adam Schefter, Rams rookie running back Kyren Williams. with Darrell Henderson considered primarily a pass receiving running back, if start Cam Akers is not at full health and limited, this could open the door to Williams getting a little extra run tonight. He's one to watch.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

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September 5th, 2022

Monday Afternoon Edition

My Fantasy Football TE Rankings

The tight end position doesn't go very deep, but there are plenty of streaming options and potential sleepers if you look beyond the first 5. Here's a look at my Tight End rankings for the Top-15;

1. Travis Kelce

2. Mark Andrews

3. Kyle Pitts

4. Darren Waller

5. George Kittle

6. Dalton Schultz

7. Dallas Goedert

8. TJ Hockenson

9. Zach Ertz

10. Hunter Henry

11. Cole Kmet

12. Dawson Knox

13. Irv Smith Jr

14. Pat Freiermuth

15. Mike Gesicki

The tight end position has limited set-it and forget it talent, once you get past the top 8. The Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz falls right on that border. His upside is his quarterback Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offense, but Ertz is entering his 10th season and will be competing with the likes of receivers Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore, AJ Green and DeAndre Hopkins (when he returns from suspension). Big weeks may be far and few in between.

I like tight end Dawson Knox as a piece of the Bills offense, but a lot of his fantasy success in 2021 came by the way of touchdowns. His nine receiving scores tied for the most by tight ends last season and are a big number to duplicate. Fewer scores in 2022 puts Knox in the streaming category.

The Patriots Hunter Henry was a Top-10 fantasy scoring tight end in 2021, although his numbers weren't big; 50 receptions and 603 receiving yards. It was his nine touchdown grabs that were huge. A big number that will be tough to duplicate, but with a full year under his belt with the same quarterback, the Patriots big receiving target is going to be featured in the Red Zone once again in 2022. He should also see a slight tick in his targets share this season that could elevate his fantasy production to top ten neighborhood.

Two sleepers that did not make my Top-15 are the Packers Robert Tonyan and the Commanders Logan Thomas. Both are coming off injuries, but when healthy will be parts of an offense that lacks a lot of dependable receiving options. Both should have plenty of opportunities in 2022.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

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September 4th, 2022

Sunday Afternoon Edition

My Fantasy Football WR Rankings

For this year's fantasy drafts, I think the wide receiver is going to be by far the deepest position on the slate. I might be looking at the one of the top targets, but even if I miss there should be plenty of options to snag throughout the mid-rounds. Here's a look at my Wide Receiver rankings for the Top-25;

1. Justin Jefferson

2. Cooper Kupp

3. Ja'Marr Chase

4. Stefon Diggs

5. Davante Adams

6. Tyreek Hill

7. CeeDee Lamb

8. Deebo Samuel

9. Keenan Allen

10. Tee Higgins

11. Mike Evans

12. DJ Moore

13. AJ Brown

14. Michael Pittman Jr

15. Terry McLaurin

16. Jaylen Waddle

17. Courtland Sutton

18. Diontae Johnson

19. Mike Williams

20. Brandin Cooks

21. Allen Robinson

22. Darnell Mooney

23. Amon-Ra St. Brown

24. Marquise Brown

25. Jerry Jeudy

 

This season there are going to be plenty of options at the receiver spot, even after the big five and the Top-25. A couple of notables just missing my list include, DK Metcalf (Seahawks), Michael Thomas (Saints), Chris Godwin (Buccaneers), Gabriel Davis (Bills), and JuJu Smith-Schuster (Chiefs). Any of these receivers can easily finish in the top twenty this season.

Going down my list from the top, I believe my top five are pretty much par for the course; nothing new to see here. In the second five, it's my number 10 rank that I think might surprise some. I have the Bengals Tee Higgins making my top ten, based on his performance from a year ago. Higgins only played in 14 games and still finished 24th overall in fantasy scoring for receivers, but he was also the 13th ranked fantasy receiver in fantasy points per game.

Another receiver I think I might be more excited about than most is the Commanders Terry McLaurin. I love this kids talent and with quarterback Carson Wentz under center, he'll have his best quarterback since landing in Washington. Despite some mediocre QB play, McLaurin finished the 2021 season as the 25th fantasy receiver with 77 grabs, 1,053 yards receiving, and 5 touchdowns (only 32 fantasy points for the 13th spot), numbers he can easily surpass this season.

Last season both DK Metcalf (14th) and Tyler Lockett (16th) finished in the Top-20 in fantasy scoring for wide receivers and both were top ten in 2020. With Russell Wilson in Denver now, I have both of the Broncos receivers, Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy in my top 25. Enough said.

Lastly, I'm a big fan of HBO's "Hard Knocks' and I am drinking the cool-aid this season in Detroit. They may not be Super Bowl bound, but I think the Lions quarterback Jared Goff can be solid this season and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is legit; Brown finished 21st in fantasy scoring for receivers in 2021. I have Brown ranked at 23, but he can easily be a top 10 receiver in 2022.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

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September 4th, 2022

Sunday Afternoon Edition

My Fantasy Football RB Rankings

I am just hours away from my next fantasy draft and just looking over some of the Running Backs I will targeting. With that in mind here's my Running Back rankings for the Top-25;

1. Jonathan Taylor

2. Derrick Henry

3. Christian McCaffrey

4. Dalvin Cook

5. Austin Ekeler

6. Najee Harris

7. Joe Mixon

8. Aaron Jones

9. D'Andre Swift

10. Nick Chubb

11. Saquon Barkley

12. Alvin Kamara

13. Leonard Fournette

14. Javonte Williams

15. James Conner

16. Ezekiel Elliott

17. Breece Hall

18. David Montgomery

19. Elijah Mitchell

20. Cam Akers

21. Travis Etienne Jr.

22. Josh Jacobs

23. AJ Dillon

24. Damien Harris

25. Antonio Gibson

 

I'm not shaking things up too much in the fantasy football world with my personal rankings here, as most of my rankings mirror most of the consensus, but I do have a few variations.

My first is the Titans running back Derrick Henry. I have been seeing a few PPR rankings with Henry as low as 6th, but even with his low receiving totals, the Titans workhorse should see more than enough volume to keep him in the top fantasy RB conversation.

My next notable rank is the Packers running back Aaron Jones ranked 8th overall, and I think I could be low on him. With the departure of Davante Adams, it is conceivable that Jones could be in line to be the team's leading receiver. He's never tallied more than 68 targets in any one season, in his five seasons with the Pack, but being the exceptional pass catcher that he is, it's very much possible he could see as many as 100 targets in 2022.

Perhaps one of the more interesting players in my top 25, coming in at 22 is the Raiders Josh Jacobs. Last season Jacobs finished as the 12th fantasy running back and in 2020 he was even better finishing in the 8th spot (PPR total scoring). My ranking of 22 may be a bit too low for Jacobs, who could be looking at another productive season in a Raiders offense that could put up a lot of points this season.

At the tail-end of my top-25 I have the Commanders Antonio Gibson. Unfortunate circumstances have given his fantasy production prospect new life, but his time in the sun as the starter could be limited. Draft with caution.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

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September 3rd, 2022
Saturday Mid-night Edition

My Fantasy Football QB Rankings

With two drafts left before the start of the 2022 season, here are my Quarterback rankings for the top 15;

1. Josh Allen
2. Patrick Mahomes
3. Justin Herbert
4. Lamar Jackson
5. Tom Brady

6. Kyler Murray
7. Aaron Rodgers
8. Joe Burrow
9. Russell Wilson
10. Dak Prescott

11. Matthew Stafford
12. Jalen Hurts
13. Derek Carr
14. Trey Lance
15. Kirk Cousins 

I think after his impressive 2020 and 2021 campaigns, the Bills quarterback Josh Allen is the consensus number one. He's a lock to have another big season, but I am not so fast to discount the Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Only a few years ago Mahomes was considered the gold standard. Sure with a couple of personnel changes in the off-season, the loss of wide receiver Tyreek Hill might have fantasy owners nervous, but the Chiefs signal caller will still have plenty of weapons and head coach Andy Reid.

I expect a rejuvenated and bounce back season for the Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson who is bigger and stronger this season, which is why I have him ranked at four. 

Despite his age, the Goat, Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady comes in at my number five rank. His age does not concern my, but the addition of receivers Russell Gage and Julio Jones does intrigue me.

Going through my ranking list I need to see more from quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Trey Lance before I can slot them higher. While I am not nearly as high on the kids as others, I have a lot of confidence in the old guys, quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers (ranked 7th) and Russell Wilson (ranked 9th).

Wilson is with a new team in Denver and has plenty of weapons to be a top-10 fantasy quarterback. Even though Rodgers will be without his favorite and most reliable target with the departure of receiver Davante Adams, the four-time MVP is good enough to raise the level of play of the talent around him.

That's my take!
~David G. Ortega

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September 2nd, 2022
Friday Late-Evening Edition

2022 Fantasy Football Draft: Avoid List

Four drafts completed and there is still more fun to come. With a couple of drafts left on my slate and having four under my belt, there are lessons to be learned and always more mistakes to be made. This is what makes Fantasy drafts fun, you won't know the answer until all of the dust settles in 18 weeks.

After running through a couple of 12-team drafts (one PPR, one Auction) and a couple of deep roster marathons, including a 4-hour running clock online, the trick was not only seeking out those potential fantasy gems, but also having the savvy to avoid the potential busts for 2022.

Let's be honest, it's a crap shoot, so a lot of this is book-cover reading, but there's a lot to read there so you're not always far off.

My first avoid on my list is Colts quarterback Matt Ryan. Again, just reading the book cover and did not like what I saw in this preseason. Ryan may end up having a decent season, and even putting together a couple of top 10 weeks, but I don't see him cracking the top 12 overall for the season.

Another quarterback that I will be looking to avoid this season is the Titan's Ryan Tannehill. Like Ryan, Tannehill is a solid starter, but the Titans offense is heavy run with Derrick Henry and with the team drafting rookie quarterback Malik Willis, it's just a matter of time before he gets his shot on the big stage and takes the job. I am avoiding this situation all together.

The Broncos tight end situation is one I will be avoiding this season. While 3rd year tight end Albert Okwuegbunam is the penciled in starter, there have been some rumblings about the team's rookie tight end Greg Dulcich could push Albert O for opportunities on the field. While Albert O is not completely cemented on my avoid list, I won't be risking any significant draft capital on the 3rd year tight end this season.

Two more avoids I have on my list is the Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool and the Bills receiver Jamison Crowder. In my opinion, Claypool is a talent, but with unproven quarterback Mitchell Trubisky under center, and Diontae Johnson the primary receiver in Steel Town, I don't have a lot of confidence drafting Claypool in any standard leagues; he'll be a wait and see potential waiver option. The same can be said about Crowder who will likely see work in four-receiver sets, but he's going to be too far down the pecking order for me to trust with any draft capital. I'll wait and see if he can pan out as an in season waiver pick up.

That's my take!
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

 

August 27th, 2022
Saturday Afternoon Edition

2022 Fantasy Football Draft Targets

With the start of the 2022 Fantasy Season less than two weeks fantasy owners that have yet to draft or still have a few left to complete, have to be thinking about what players to take and which players to avoid.

With one draft already under my belt and another just around the corner (less than 24 hours), I am looking at my list of players to take and players to pass on. I've been mocking drafting a lot, so I think I have good sense of where some players may be early and late in drafts.

So let's start with my targets. I am currently prepping for a 12-team draft and will be picking in the 3rd slot. I've been working on a strategy out of the gate; being at the top end of the draft I am looking for running backs out of the gate. Picking 3rd, I am extremely excited about taking Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. I believe his increased involvement in the passing could pay huge dividends in PPR formats.

As I hit the mid-early rounds, I am looking at wide receivers. Right off the top of my list I am trying to get a piece of the Broncos aerial attack. With the addition of quarterback Russell Wilson, his arrival immediately elevates wideouts Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. Just like Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf in Seattle were, both Sutton and Jeudy can be fantasy studs in Denver.

These are just a few twists and turns I am looking to take early in drafts, but as I progress through the mid-rounds (7-11) here are a few wideouts that I am targeting because of their potential upside. Wide receivers Christian Kirk, Allen Lazard, Kadarius Toney, and Devante Parker are all talented wideouts that could easily become the team's leading receiver and demand the lion's share of targets.

Through these same rounds, but at the front end a couple of running backs that I am eyeing for their upside potential are the Texans Dameon Pierce (starter), the Commanders Brian Robinson Jr (potential starter), and the Lions Jamaal Williams (back-up). I believe all three will have opportunities to be productive in their respective backfields and serve well as solid RB3 and/or flex plays.

There are no hot takes here, just my short list of a few targets I feel good about in 2022. Navigating a draft can be tough, so hopefully these players will provide some needed value at the right time and pay big dividends this season.

That's my take!
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 25th, 2022
Thursday Night Edition

Draft Day Has Returned

With the 2022 Fantasy Football season just two weeks away from kick-off, all across the country Draft days are taking place and on the clock. Stock the fridges, pick up a fantasy magazine, and print out your cheatsheet, it's time to make a pick.

Fantasy football is a special time of the year, where excitement, anticipation, and suspense collide. I myself will be participating in at least five drafts this year, maybe six (haha), sometimes you just can't get enough. 

Draft number one has already concluded and I have a few notes to share, not exactly hot takes or golden nuggets, but a few takeaways. Draft one is considered the big league of my neighborhood leagues (I play in 5 total) and probably the most fun. It's only a 10-team, but has the most cash involved and without question has the best league chemistry; a great bunch of guys who really enjoy fantasy and talking some good old fashioned trash.

This year I drew the second slot (every year we hold a draft lottery to select your draft position - I chose two). At the top end of the draft my thinking was clear, one of the available hero running backs (Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook, Najee Harris, Christian McCaffrey, and Austin Ekeler), Jonathan Taylor was a keeper held over from last season.

Here's my opinion on this group, I really don't believe there is a wrong pick here. The only one I have a slight reservation about is McCaffrey's durability, because of injuries suffered the past couple of seasons). Cook was the guy I wanted. I think his usage in the passing game will increase this season and he'll be a monster in 2022.

Some of my early targets were Keenan Allen in the 3rd (12th receiver off the board) and Darren Waller in the 4th (5th tight end selected). Allen was the best available and a back-end WR1, so I was happy with this selection. He's ceiling may be a little lower this season than in the past, but his floor is higher than most. 

A tight is not something I usually take early in drafts, but Waller fell to me in the 4th, so I grabbed him. With the arrival of Davante Adams, I think this could be a big bounce back season for Waller; reminiscence of Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce in Kansas City.

In 8th round after filling out my line-up with two running backs, a tight end, quarterback, and three wide receivers I selected DeAndre Hopkins; a steal if you ask me. He'll be back in week 7 and could easily finish as a top-end WR1 over the last 11 weeks of the season.

In this home league we play IDP and carry deep rosters (35 players), but only go 30 players deep on draft day, with a 25 round draft with five defensive keepers.

My two favorite picks in this draft came in 14th (Brian Robinson Jr) and 15th rounds (Davante Parker). 

After watching the Commanders first preseason game, it became clear to me Robinson has a chance to steal the starting job in the backfield. This is only a 10-team league, so in deeper 12 & 14 team leagues Robinson is going to go much earlier, as early as round 11 or 10 (in my opinion).

Parker was a late snag, my 7th receiver taken, and a receiver that I believe has top end WR2 talent, if not higher. He's a risk for sure, but as late as I took him, very little capital wagered and worth the gamble. Based on when I took him, he could very well go undrafted in 12 team leagues.

This was just a little peek into what went down in my first draft, what my thoughts were, and what the draft value was for the players I selected. Based on this first go round, there was some value left on the table, some potential gems found, but most of all a fun drafted completed.

That's my take!
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 24th, 2022

Wednesday Afternoon Edition

Welcome Back to FF Thunderdome

It's been a long hiatus thanks in much part to real life happening and COIVD, but thankfully with the pandemic slowly and surely moving further away in our rearview mirror, it's that time of the year to get excited about Fantasy Football.

There's no question, COVID and RL put a damper on this fan's enthusiasm toward fantasy football the last couple of seasons, but this year in general has felt very different.

I've always been a big sports fan, but in all honesty, the effects of the pandemic have left a cloud over sports the past two years and my excitement level has been lacking. But due to the resilience of our great nation and my love for the NFL, I am back and right on time for Fantasy Football.

I'm a huge Denver Broncos fan and one of the big reasons for my growing excitement (since the springtime) has been the addition of quarterback Russell Wilson. I am not sure he will be the game changer to make the Broncos playoff contenders right away, but he definitely makes the offense significantly better and way more exciting! That alone is enough to get my engine revving.

With the prospects of an exciting NFL team to watch this season, my fantasy football barometer has been on the rise and at the time of writing this entry, it's measuring off the charts!

The 2022 Fantasy Football Season is here, the NFL kicks off in two weeks, Broncos are relevant again, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is the consensus number one fantasy draft pick, and Cooper Kupp is the number rated fantasy wide receiver to start the season, what's not to get excited about?
It's time to snap on the chin strap, lace up them cleats, and get your popcorn ready (side note - it helps to have an ice-cold beverage to wash down your popcorn), Fantasy Football is back again!

That's my take!
~David G. Ortega