DAVID'D DAILY DIGEST: WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER WEEK 6 - 046-26

David's Daily Digest

October 14th 2026

Wednesday Night Edition

Wednesday Watercooler

WEEK 6

The Must-Haves and Must-Plays

Going through this weeks waivers, I have been seeing a lot of chatter about a couple of key players I say are must-haves and must plays; Packers quarterback Jordan Love (72.6% rostered ESPN leagues) and Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (12.2% rostered ESPN leagues). Before waivers went through, Love only rostered in half the number of leagues and Higbee still remains owned relatively low.

Through the first five weeks, we've seen the J-Love show in Green Bay enough to see the damage he's capable of doing. Currently the fantasy QB11, averaging 18.0 fantasy points per game. Love has posted multiple touchdown passes in all five starts while eclipsing 300 yards passing in three of those five. His fantasy scoring is without a doubt volatile to say the least, but with matchups against the Cowboys, Lions, Panthers, Rams, Bills, and the Dolphins in Week 15, the Bears in Week 16, and the Texans in week 17. He's a must-have and must play. He's not a line-up lock, but he'll be in my lineups more than not.

This is the way I feel about Rams tight end Tyler Higbee. My initial assessment was he filled in nicely as an alternate option in the Rams passing game in Week 3, when both Puka Nacua and Terrance Ferguson (IR) were out. Quietly it seems, Higbee has been climbing the fantasy charts with strong performances in week 3 (8 catches for 62 yards and a score on 8 targets), week 4 (5 catches for 67 yards on 6 targets) and week 5 (5 catches for 83 yards on 6 targets). Since Week 3, Higbee has been the fantasy TE6, with his 18 grabs for 212 yards receiving and a score. He's also tied for third over this stretch among tight ends with 3 catches of 20+ yards per reception. His 11.8 yards per reception over this stretch also ranks 7th amongst tight ends with at least 8 catches over the same period. I don't read any of this as an accident. Higbee looks like a fixture in the pass game with his 171 snaps and 68% snap-share (both rank second among tight ends) played over the past three weeks. He's a must-have and right now a must play at least until Terrance Ferguson returns around week 7.

Week 6 Stash

With Broncos running back due to return in week 7, now would be the time to stash. Through five weeks the Broncos running game has been non-existent, with no one stepping up to secure the lead role. When Coleman returns he should have a legitimate shot at earning the top spot. In his only extended action in week 2, Coleman averaged 3.9 yards per carry with a rushing touchdown, while adding 3 grabs for another 19 yards. Neither RJ Harvey or JK Dobbins have done much in his absence, so the door looks to be wide-open. Coleman was a preseason favorite of mine and I'm adding him where I can.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: WEEK 5 FOUR HORSEMEN - 045-26

David's Daily Digest

October 10th 2026

Saturday Late-Night Edition

Four Horsemen

WEEK 5

Going through my starts and sits for Sunday, these are some of my strong and favorite plays for my redraft leagues, as well as DFS.

QUARTERBACK

The Bengals travel to Miami this Sunday where quarterback Joe Burrow hopes to shine brighter than the sunshine state. It's trending towards him having at least Ja'Marr Chase available on Sunday, which would be good news. Burrow is the fantasy QB10 this season, but he's ranked much higher for Week 5 against the Phins. The Dolphins defense is ranked in the bottom third versus opposing quarterbacks, with Chase in the lineup (something to watch for before kickoff), Burrow should feast; 250+ yards passing, 2-TDs.

RUNNING BACK

The Jags are in London to square off with the Eagles in the early game tomorrow and this week feels like Bhayshul Tuten game. Last week he had a couple of long TD runs called back, but this week he'll hit paydirt against a struggling Eagles defense that has allowed seven rushing touchdowns (tied for second most) this season. On the season, Tuten checks in as the fantasy RB18 averaging 4.6 yards per carry with 277 yards on the ground and two rushing scores. Tuten should fare well tomorrow, 80+ yards with a score.

WIDE RECEIVER

Sean Payton is taking over the play-calling and that's all that needs to be said for the Broncos offensive woes. While he may not cure everything, he's sure to get the team's top receiving option back involved. Through the first four weeks, Courtland Sutton has hardly been a part of the game plan, but with Payton calling the plays that should change. Last season Sutton was a prominent red zone target, I expect to see him get a few chances tomorrow and to cash in. Ranked as a low-end flex this week, I expect Sutton to turn in a respectable 4 catch, 45-yards receiving, and a score.

TIGHT END

It's been a bit of a roller coaster ride for the Packers offense this season, but no question Jordan Love and company operate better at home. Tomorrow in Lambeau, I expect to see Love connecting with his tight end Tucker Kraft (fantasy TE22)quite often. Kraft has slowly been working his way back to his 2025 season form. Last week he turned in his best game of the season, catching 6 passes on 7 targets for 42 yards and a score. He'll look to build off this strong showing when he faces the Bears on Sunday. I can see a 6 catch (8 targets) for 50 yards and a touchdown.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: SATURDAY SPORTS PAGE WK5 - 044-26

David's Daily Digest

October 10th 2026

Saturday Afternoon Edition

SATURDAY SPORTS PAGE

WEEK 5

FAVE FIVE

We are four weeks in and who would have thought that DeShaun Watson would still be the starting quarterback for the Clevelad Browns. After the tumultuous week one start and his presser, the odds had to be heavy against Watson. Entering week 5 the Browns are now 3-1 and Watson is set to continue to defy the odds. Coming off a solid week 4 Thursday night performance against the Steelers where he completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards with a touchdown. He also added 22 yards on the ground. Watson enters his week 5 matchup as the fantasy QB14 (Fantasy Points per Game). The Jets defense has done a pretty good job against opposing quarterbacks, but Watson is starting to look like the same player he was in Houston. He's not there yet, but he has plenty of weapons and he's playing with a lot of confidence. I like Watson in DFS this week and his chances to finish as a top 10 fantasy QB this week.

The Vikings are undefeated this season, largely due to the play of their stingy defense. They enter this tilt against the Saints a little banged up on the offensive side, but they could have their number one weapon in Justin Jefferson back this Sunday. Regardless, their formula for success tomorrow, should rely heavily on their strong defense and a steady run game. With Jordan Mason on IR, running back Aaron Jones (fantasy RB18, FPG) could be asked to carry the load once again. Last week Jones totaled 24 touches (20 carries, 4 receptions) with 8 targets, finishing the week as a top-20 fantasy RB. With this kind of volume, he should be locked in once again as a top-20, if he can stay on the field and take care of the ball. He did have a fumble last week. He'll get some DFS run this week.

Forget the next man up, how about the last man standing in Los Angeles. The Chargers look like they could not only be down wide receiver Ladd McConkey, but Quentin Johnson has already been ruled out. If Tre Harris is available, he's a must grab off the waiver wires or Free Agent pool. The Chargers have a home matchup this week against a depleted Denver Broncos defense, down both of their starting corner backs. Harris has been relatively quiet this season, but in his past two games he's collected 9 balls for 136 yards receiving on 12 targets. He figures to operate as the teams number one this week, I'm playing him in DFS and inserting him as a flex.

Big changes to the Denver offense this week could pay huge dividends for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. With Head Coach Sean Payton taking over the play-calling, look for a potential breakout for Waddle. His role has been clearly defined as the number one receiver, but the offense has been stalling and Courtland Sutton has disappeared. Waddle reminds me of a 3.0 on steroids Marvin Mims. I would look for Payton to design some deep shots to Waddle and look for Sutton to be more involved, drawing some attention away from Waddle. He's a risky play in any format, based on what we've seen from this offense through the first four weeks, but with Payton at the helm, this could be a big week.

Playing on the lead-in with Watson at quarterback, I like one of his favorite targets tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Through 4 weeks the Browns tight end ranks in the Top-10 with 17 receptions, 153 yards receiving, and three touchdowns on 23 targets. Fannin Jr has scored in double-digits in three straight games and while he has a tough matchup this week, he's got a chance to be the first tight end to score against the Jets this season. He's a DFS favorite this week.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER - 043-26

David's Daily Digest

October 7th 2026

Wednesday Evening Edition

WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

WEEK 5

It was a quiet week of Waivers for me, although Week 4 was not kind by any means. There were plenty of disappoints this past week with players like DJ Moore and Ja'Marr Chase exiting early hurt, but also duds from Bucky Irving and Christian Watson. While my scores were low, generally I feel good about my teams and their season long prospects.

In a nutshell for my waiver pickups this week, my most popular grabs were the Bills Keon Coleman and the Commanders Austin Ekeler. The Bills receiver is coming off his best output this season with 6 catches for 116 yards and a score on 7 targets. It wasn't just about the numbers, but how he played and some of the catches he made. We've seen this type of flash and spark in the past, so we know Coleman is capable. This is not much of a limb, but I am going to go out and say I am buying Coleman stock. I have him across the boards in my money leagues and will be riding with him. I see the presences of Moore only as a positive and with a gunslinger like Josh Allen in the pocket, there should be plenty of opportunities for both.

In the Commanders backfield situation, I have to be patient with Ekeler. Last week was his first action in quite some time, it's going to take several games for him to get back to speed. If Ekeler can remain healthy and stay on the field, I'd expect as soon as week 7 or 8 to start paying dividends, especially in PPR. If you have the bench space, stash him, if you are lean at the spot, he could be a bye week, very low flex fill. I wouldn't start leaning until week 7, but I'm not waiting to add him, I've got him in most of my leagues now.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: SATURDAY NIGHT SPORTS PAGE - 042-26

David's Daily Digest

October 3rd 2026

Saturday Evening Edition

SATURDAY NIGHT SPORTS PAGE

(Fantasy Football Edition)

WEEK 4

I mentioned earlier in the week my fondness for rolling with Jets running back Braelon Allen. The Bears defense up front is allowing the 6th highest yards per carry average through the first three weeks of the season. In a game where it looks as though Allen could be featured, he could be in line for 20+ carries and looking at hitting triple digits on the ground in this one. He's a start in all formats for me.

The Panthers are facing a Lions secondary (allow most yards receiving, receptions, and fantasy points to opposing tight ends) that has been shredded through the first three weeks of the season. With Xavier Legette (placed on IR) ruled out and Coker (Questionable) less than 100%, Waller should see plenty of opportunity Sunday night to do some damage, especially in the Red Zone.

Sleepers

This is a gut feeling based on my evaluation of the information available. Something that has been missing from the Packers passing attack, the short game. Clearly Watson and Golden are the deep threats and tight end Tucker Kraft is still shaking off some rust. With the loss of Jayden Reed (neck), wide receiver Skyy Moore (7 targets) saw his role elevated last week and he could see it expanded even more going forward. He's a speedster and could utilized in the Reed role. He's worth stashing and could be a flyer this week against the Buccaneers.

This is probably my favorite sleeper play of Week 4, Rams tight end Tyler Higbee. Perhaps not much of a sleeper, if you are awake and paying attention. With the loss of Terrence Ferguson last week, and over-shadowed by the big game turned in by Davante Adams, Higbee caught 8 passes for 62 yards and a score on 11 targets, good enough for fantasy TE6 in Week 3. Even with the return on Puka Nacua, Ferguson (placed on IR) is out and Colby Parkinson (knee/shoulder) banged up, Higbee should remain involved in the passing game

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega