DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 035-26

David's Daily Digest

September 18th 2026

Friday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Fixx

We've completed one full week of action and after an exciting Thursday night matchup between the Lions and Bills filled with lots of fireworks, we are ready for more explosions this Sunday. There were plenty notable performances from week one that could carry into this Sunday, as well as a few that will be key for this week.  It's time to dive into Week 2 and take a look at some of the matchups I am most excited about. Here are my Fave Five for Week 2.

Week 2: FAVE FIVE

Baker Mayfield, QB (Buccaneers) versus Browns; it's been put out there this week and I'm drinking the Kool-Aid, revenge time for Mayfield. The Browns (4th worst fantasy defense versus the pass) were atrocious in week one, allowing 78.3% pass completion to Trevor Lawrence and the Jags, while surrendering 4 touchdown passes. Mayfield had a forgettable three turnovers in week one, but did pass for 216 yards while completing 23 of 28 passes (82.1% highest in week 1). Baker could be getting another weapon back this week with the return of wide receiver Jalen McMillan. It could "all systems go" for Shake and Bake and the Bucs on Sunday; look for a big day from Mayfield and Bucs passing game.

Derrick Henry, RB (Ravens) versus Saints; in week one the Saints defense had to contend with the speed of Jahmyr Gibbs, this week they must deal with the power of King Henry. The Ravens ball carrier is off to a great start in 2026 and this Sunday looks ripe for him to continue. The Saints defense (5th ranked fantasy defense versus running backs) allowed the 3rd most rushing yards and 5th highest yards per carry average in week 1. They can expect a heavy dose of the King on Sunday

Aaron Jones, RB (Vikings) versus Bears; the Vikes will be without running back Jordan Mason, welcome to the Aaron Jones show. The Bears defense allowed 4.8 yards per carry in week 1, tied for the 9th highest average. The Bears also allowed 86 receiving yards to opposing running backs, 2nd most of week 1. Jones, a shifty runner is also an accomplished pass catcher and will undoubtedly be utilized extensively in this capacity. Expect a solid productive PPR day for Jones on Sunday.

Mike Evans, WR (Niners) versus Dolphins; Going by the eye-test, Evans looks great in week 1, Prime-Evans. As the Niners navigate along into the season, the Purdy-Evans connection will only get better. A weekly red-zone threat, Evan's 7 targets in week one are a great indicator, he's going to be a primary target week-in and week-out. The Dolphins will have their hands full trying to slow down Evans, don't expect great success. Evans will find the end zone again.

Mike Gesicki, TE (Bengals) versus Texans; after leading the team with 7 targets in week 1, Gesicki could be in line for even more work this week. The Texans defense allowed the most receiving yards to opposing tight ends and the 6th highest fantasy points in week 1. While the Texans defense should fare better this week against the Bengals, than they did in week 1 against the Bills, they will have to contend with wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Gesicki should benefit greatly and could find the end zone once again.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

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