DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 034-26

David's Daily Digest

September 15th 2026

Tuesday Evening Edition

WAIVER WIRE: WEEK 2

For week two, I am listing those players coming off performances the previous week, that will have fantasy owners looking their way. These are my week 2 top Waiver adds/moves; proceed with caution.

Quarterbacks

Jordan Love (Packers), rostered in 42.0% (ESPN)

CJ Stroud (Texans), rostered in 25.6% (ESPN)

Bryce Young (Panthers), rostered in 11.4% (ESPN)

If he's available in your league, Love needs to be rostered. I am a fan of Young and if I drafted Bo Nix or Matthew Stafford, I'd pick him up. Stroud would be more of a stash for Jayden Daniel or Dak Prescott owners, as injury insurance. It's one week, but I believe Stroud may be closer to his rookie profile completing 68.4% of his passes and tossing two scores.

Running Backs

Braelon Allen (Jets), rostered in 12.4% (ESPN)

Kendre Miller (Saints), rostered in 0.9% (ESPN)

Devin Singletary (Giants), rostered in 0.4% (ESPN)

Allen is strictly one of the top tier handcuffs, but if you have room on your bench could be an interesting stash with his upside. Miller's value is limited, as he figures to see his snaps greatly reduced one Alvin Kamara returns. If Kamara sits this Sunday, Miller offers some value to those owners in extreme need at the position. Singletary appears to be the passing option of the backfield in New York, but his volume or lack of will make him a risky play.

Wide Receivers

Jalen Coker (Panthers), rostered in 51.1% (ESPN)

Devaughn Vele (Saints), rostered in 13.1% (ESPN)

Dontayvion Wicks (Eagles), rostered in 10.2% (ESPN)

Undoubtedly the most popular add this week will be Coker with his team high 9 targets and 8-138-2 line from week 1. Game script may have elevated his numbers a bit, but clearing a primary favorite target in the Panthers passing game. He needs to be rostered in all leagues. Vele may have benefitted from game script a little more, but his 9 targets in week one make him an interesting add that should be considered, especially if you have the bench space and lack depth at the position.

Tight Ends

Pat Freiermuth (Steelers), rostered in 14.6% (ESPN)

Evan Engram (Broncos), rostered in 3.0% (ESPN)

Mike Gesicki (Bengals), rostered in 1.6% (ESPN)

Freiermuth was only targeted five times, so a bit risky. In the Rodgers dink and dunk passing game he may offer some value for those hurting at this position. Engram is a wait and see for me, especially after the Broncos Monday night meltdown. Gesicki is a must add for me, if only for this week. Facing a tough Texans defense that will have their hands full with Chase and Higgins, Gesicki could be featured again (7 targets in week 1).

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 033-26

David's Daily Digest

September 15th 2026

Tuesday Evening Edition

TUESDAY TALK

Sunday's Fantasy Headlines: Week 1

With a full slate of games in the books, it’s time to take a look back at Sunday Week 1. 

These are my Fantasy headlines (takeaways) from Sunday, Week 1 of the NFL.

Sunday’s Headlines Week 1;

Gibbs Gets Going, Leads Lions…the number one fantasy draft selection does not disappoint with 156 yards rushing and two touchdowns. He also added 5 receptions for another 30 yards.

King Henry Reigns Supreme with Trifecta…the old man Henry is not close to being finished. In his 11th season, Henry was spectacular on the opening Sunday with 144 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Fathertime better pack a lunch, because Henry is awesome.

Montgomery Turns in Hat-Trick in Loss…with a new team, the former Lions was a shining star in the Texans backfield lead role, rambling his way to 79 scrimmage yards and three scores.

Caleb and Company Crush Panthers…the Bears running game was electric, lead by quarterback Caleb Williams who contributed 65 yards of his own with two scores, while tossing two more. Can you say QB1 stud.

Lawrence and Jags too Much for Browns…Trevor “Sunshine” Lawrence was precise and deadly, completing 78.3% of his passes while tossing 4 touchdown passes. Lawrence remembered the Titans on Sunday, playing like one.

Too Many Mistakes Cost Mayfield and Bucs..quarterback Baker Mayfield battled on Sunday, but his three fumbles proved costly in the game and for fantasy owners. Mayfield finished the day as fantasy QB26.

Rodgers and Steelers Hang On Against Falcons…Rodgers and Steelers offense was less than spectacular, but enough to outpace the hapless Falcons. 279 yards of offense for the Steel city, it’s going to be hard to find consistent fantasy resources from this unit.

Geno and the Jets Soar in Week 1…the Jets quarterback played a clean game, but it was Breece Hall and the running game that did the damage rushing for over 100 yards with a touchdown. And it was the Titans.

McDaniel Magic Fizzles at SoFi…not what we expected from a McDaniel offense with Justin Herbert at the helm. Just 290 yards of offense and two scores, a far cry from what we’d expect. It’s not time to panic, but very concerning to see this at home against the Cardinals.

Hurts does enough to finish off Commanders…the Eagles passer only needed 25 passing attempts to pass for 203 yards and throw three scores. He continues to be a QB1 fantasy play.

Vikings D Revives the Purple People Eaters…in a game where it looked like it was slipping away, the Vikings defense turned up the heat in the 4th quarter, forcing two turnovers late and turning in 4 sacks to lead a 22-point explosion. A Brian Flores led defense is a weekly startable DST.

Jeanty Ankle Fine, Finishes Fins in Vegas…Ashton Jeanty proved that there was never anything to worry about because he is part Cyborg, totaling 147 scrimmage yards with 6 catches and two receiving touchdowns.

Action Jaxson finds Likely often…this is one note to catalog for future reference. Jaxson Dart found his tight end Isaiah Likely at the best times throughout the night and we should expect to see more of this going forward. Likely was terrific catching 8 of 8 passes for 78 yards receiving and two scores.

Week One, Fantasy Football Player of the Week!

Bills Quarterback, Josh Allen

334 yards passing, two touchdown passes, Two rushing touchdowns.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 032-26

David's Daily Digest

September 13th 2026

Sunday Morning Edition

WEEK 1: FOUR HORSEMEN

I don't like to run with the consensus favorites, your top tier, every week starters, but on occasion I am going to nominate a few here and there. My four picks will usually be borderline starters and/or those I feel strongly about with their weekly matchup. For week one, here's my four to get the 2026 season started.

QUARTEBACK

Jared Goff (Lions); There's nothing like home cooking for Goff and Lions. Last season in 8 starts Goff threw 18 touchdown passes to just 3 picks, while completing 69% of his passes and averaging 279 yards passing per game. Goff is gold at home and despite a tough Saints defense, expect Goff to do Goff things, especially with the weapons he has. Goff will be a Top-10 quarterback today and a nice DFS play.

RUNNING BACK

Bucky Irving (Buccaneers); The Bucs will travel to Cincy today and Bucky will get a shot at one of the leagues worst defenses versus the run. The Bengals allowed the most fantasy points and rushing yards to opposing runners last season. Although they appear improved on paper, I like Bucky to find the end zone and emerge as one of the day's leading runners. 

WIDE RECEIVER

Garrett Wilson (Jets); Most likely drafted as a low-end WR2, fantasy owners can start him with confidence in week one. His quarterback (Geno Smith) will bring some stability and consistency to the passing game and as the Alpha receiver in New York, Garrett pegs to be a target monster. A soft week one matchup against a Titans defense that allowed the 11th most fantasy points and 4th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers should help Wilson get his 2026 campaign off to a positive start.

TIGHT END

Mark Andrews (Ravens); I love his opportunity here. The departure of Isaiah Likely opens the door for Andrews to be the undisputed primary receiving tight end option. The talent and ability is there, can Andrews and (Lamar) Jackson recapture some of the magic that had Andrews sitting at the top of the tight end tiers. Andrews faces a Colts defense that allowed the 6th most fantasy points and 5th most receiving yards to opposing tight ends. He needs to be in your lineup today.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 031-26

David's Daily Digest

September 12th 2026

Saturday Night Edition

Saturday Sports Page

DFS Saturday

It's Saturday night week one of the NFL. Tomorrow is a full slate and it's DFS Saturday Night, time to build my lineups. With 13 games scheduled, there are plenty of plays to be made, and key matchups to exploit.

Let's start at the top with the Quarterback's room and these week one studs. Tomorrow's week one favorites of mine include Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (DK salary $6,600), the Bengals Joe Burrow (DK salary $6,900), and the Chargers Justin Herbert (DK salary $6,100). 

Hurts is at home against one of the worst fantasy defense versus opposing quarterbacks in 2025. With home-cooking on the menu, I expect a big performance from the Eagles passer. In his last two full starts against Washington, Hurts has averaged 19.1 fantasy points. 

Burrow is healthy and if his line can keep him upright, he should be a solid QB1 this week against the Buccaneers defense (ranked 31st versus opposing quarterbacks). Herbert in a new offense, at home this Sunday has an ideal matchup against the Cardinals 19th ranked fantasy defense versus opposing quarterbacks. I am expecting the McDaniel (Chargers new OC) influence to produce right away. At his low salary, Herbert has to be a DK favorite tomorrow.

Now looking into the backfield, the top plays that have my list include the Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (DK salary $6,900), the Bears D'Andre Swift (DK salary $6,100), and the Buccaneers Kenny Gainwell (DK salary $5,200). 

Starting with Barkley, after a subpar (by his standards) 2025, I expect Barkley to bounce back in 2026. Barkley has owned Washington in his last three starts averaging 140 yards rushing, 27.0 fantasy points per game, with 5 rushing touchdowns - he's a must play. 

Swift looks set for his usual workload and facing a Panthers defense that allowed the 8th most rushing yards and fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025, he figures to be a solid option on Sunday. The Bengals 2025 fantasy defense (ranked last versus opposing running backs) allowed nearly 5 receptions per game, expect a lot of Gainwell tomorrow.

A quick look at the wide receivers and tight ends;

WRs

-Chris Olave, Saints (Dk Salary $6,700) versus Lions defense (31st vs WRs)

-Zay Flowers, Ravens (DK salary $6,400) versus Colts defense (30th vs WRs)

-Garrett Wilson, Jets (DK salary $5,800) versus Titans defense (4th most rec yds allowed)

TEs

-Dallas Goedert, Eagles (DK salary $4,100) versus Commanders defense (28th vs TEs)

-Oronde Gadsden II, Chargers (DK salary $3,500) versus Cards defense (25th vs TEs)

-Colston Loveland, Bears (DK salary $5,300) versus Panthers defense (3rd most yds/rec allowed0

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 030-26

David's Daily Digest
September 11th 2026
Friday Late Night Edition

FRIDAY FANTASY FIXX

Before I get into it tonight, it's been a helluva week. Real life has kept me on my toes, pretty busy all week. And then you think about today. September 11, 9/11.

25 years ago today, so much changed in an instant. I don't think I could do this moment any justice trying offer my own perspective. I wasn't in New York at the time, Pennsylvania, or DC. Like so many across the country, I witnessed this event from a distance, by radio and television.

What I will say, never have so many of us, owed so much, to so many. On 9/11, 2001, in the face of great tragedy and loss, so many shined bright and lifted so many of us with the acts of courage, heroism, and sacrifice. We didn't need to wait days or weeks for the reports to tell us, what most of saw on that day. Where most of us would be running out, we saw so many of New York's finest running in. 

In the wake that followed, the stories of heroism that I would learn about are what I carry with me each day. They were examples of a human spirit I can only aspire to be and a sample of what makes this American nation so great. I remember at that time, that it was sports that lifted this nation in a time of sorrow and helped carry through its most vulnerable time.
While we remember those that were lost, we carry those memories of them with us and those memories of them when we shared moments rooting for our favorite teams and players. Fantasy Football was still a child at that time, but we can still carry that same spirit and childhood joy, we shared back then today.

FAVE FIVE

With week 1 of the NFL under way, what favorite fantasy players will you be cheering for this weekend?

Under center, I can't get away from Chargers Justin Herbert (ESPN QB4 this week). I have a few shares of him in redraft leagues, liking his overall perspective for the season. Herbert is home this week to face a Cardinals defense that was middle of the pack versus quarterbacks in 2025. The big difference this Sunday could be the McDaniel factor; Herbert's a favorite play of mine this week.

In the backfield, I am on board with the Texans running back David Montgomery (Low-end RB ranked this week). This week Montgomery has a shot a defense that allowed 5.0 yards per carry and one rushing touchdown per game in 2025. This feels like a Montgomery touchdown week with 16+ touches. He's a solid DFS play this week.

Lining out wide in week 1, my favorite receiver is the Sun-God from Detroit, Amon-Ra St. Brown (ESPN WR4 this week). ASB was targeted 172 times in 2025, 2nd most in the league. While the Saints played solid versus wide receivers last season, ASB is no ordinary wide receiver. It will be a tough matchup, but I expect him to be heavily involved in the passing game adding a score to his 2026 resume.

My favorite tight end for week 1, the Ravens Mark Andrews (ESPN TE7 this week). Andrews faces a Colts team that was 5th worst against tight ends (fantasy scoring) in 2025. Andrews kind of fell of the radar in 2025, but I think he's primed to find his way back to Top-10 status or higher with a healthy quarterback (Lamar Jackson). He'll be in a few DFS linesups this week.

For my 5th favorite in week one, heading back to flex in the backfield with the Bears running back D'Andre Swift (ESPN RB27 this week). Swift faces a Panthers defense that was 8th worst (fantasy scoring) versus the running back in 2025. Even with running back Kyle Monangai available, Swift should be a solid flex in week 1.

That's My Take
~David G. Ortega