FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Friday Edition

September 21st, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 3 Wide Receivers

Now that we have had two weeks to take a look at what we are working with, here are my quick fantasy five receivers for week 3;

Julio Jones, ATL

Julio Jones was quiet Monday night against the Broncos, but this wideout is far too talented to be held down two weeks in a row. I expect the Falcons to make every effort to get this monster started early and often. Look for the beast to be unleashed for a big game on Sunday.

Michael Crabtree, SF

In the first two weeks of the 2012 season, one thing we have learned is Alex Smith is not the same old Alex Smith. The Niners quarterback has looked stead and effective and one of the reasons has to be his reliable number one target Michael Crabtree. In two games this season Crabtree leads the team with 16 targets. He’s definitely high on Smith’s radar and after watching what the Colts were able to accomplish against the Vikings secondary, look for Crabtree to enjoy his best Sunday of the season.

Donnie Avery, IND

The Colts number two man, wide receiver Donnie Avery has quickly developed into an Andrew Luck favorite. In two weeks he has put solid numbers as the team’s second option and looks to improve this week against suspect Jags secondary. With Luck looking as sharp as he has in this young season expect Avery to have another productive Sunday; he's a solid flex this week.

Mike Wallace, PIT

Despite his late arrival to camp this preseason, the Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace has still managed to find the end zone in each of the first two games this season. He’s yet to post any big yardage numbers, but that all could change this week against the Raiders. With Antonio Brown leading the Steelers in receiving the Raiders secondary will have to account for him and that could mean good news for Wallace owners. The Raiders struggle to bring pressure to the quarterback meaning this could be a good week to see Wallace and Big Ben challenge the defense deep with the home run ball. I like Wallace this week on the road in the Black Hole.

Kenny Britt, TEN

The Titans best receiver Kenny Britt is still working his way back to complete health, but this week he’s not expected to be limited and should see plenty of time on the field. This could mean great news for fantasy owners, but it may be a little too soon to put all your chips in the middle. The Titans face the leagues number six ranked defense, but the Lions also allow the sixth highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. If the Titans quarterback Jake Locker can stay upright, Britt could be in line for a big day; I like Britt as a good flex option this week.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Monday Edition

September 17th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

More Week 2 Takes

Hakeem Nicks: A Special Talent Breaking Loose

The second member of the Giants dynamic duo receiving corp, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks quickly came out of his early season slumber with a huge performance in week 2. After a very dismal week one outing with just four catches for 38 yards, Nicks rewarded his fantasy owners with an explosion in week two. His 199 yards receiving in week 2 lead the league and for PPR owners he added 10 catches and a score; 25 fantasy points in standard scoring. Nicks is a premier WR1 and owners can count on for more big games.

Brent Celek: Vick’s New Best Friend

The Eagles tight end Brent Celek emerged on Sunday as quarterback Michael Vicks favorite target snatching 8 passes for 157 yards receiving. Celek led the team in receiving and all receivers with 11 targets. This should come as little surprise since Celek is also tied for the team lead with 19 targets; a good indication that he’s on Vick’s radar every Sunday and should be fantasy lineups.

Donnie Avery: A Man on the Rise

The former Rams receiver has been incognito the past couple of seasons recovering from injury and the football abyss, but this season he’s landed in Indianapolis where he may be on track to resurrect what was once a promising career. In week two Avery caught nine balls for 111 yards on 10 targets. He’s easily and quickly emerged as one of quarterback Andrew Lucks favorite targets, second to Reggie Wayne. His 18 targets in two games makes him very relevant in fantasy and a strong flex play in all formats.

Percy Harvin: Footloose and Migraine Free

The Vikings explosive receiver Percy Harvin is off to a quick start in 2012 and his 12 catches for 104 yards in week two are just a small indication. In two games Harvin has been targeted 21, far and away the most on the team. His 18 catches this season make him a PPR darling and a good WR2 fantasy option week in and week out. As the season moves along and quarterback Christian Ponder progresses, Harvin could become and even greater fantasy option, but he’ll need to stay healthy.

Dwayne Bowe: The Big Hands on the Reservation

The Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe blew up for 102 yards receiving with two touchdowns in week 2 against the Bills. Bowe was targeted 15 times on Sunday, third most for any receiver and has 21 total targets in two games. Moving forward he is clearly quarterback Matt Cassel’s go-to receiver and should be in all fantasy lineups.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Monday Edition

September 17th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

My Week 2 Takes

Andrew Luck: The Colts QB More Than Just Luck

The Colts rookie quarterback is growing up fast. After a tough debut a week ago in Chicago quarterback Andrew Luck rebounds not just with a solid performance in week 2 against the Vikings, but gets his first career win. Luck is still short of being an every week fantasy QB, but with his three touchdown passes and over 550 yards passing in two games with each performance he’s getting closer.

Alex Smith: The Look of a Winner

The Niners have the defense and a punishing ground attack, but what they have lacked in the air may have finally arrived this season. Thus far this season quarterback Alex Smith has looked steady and efficient, but Sunday night against the Lions he looked like a winner. He didn’t just manage the game, he made plays; his first touchdown pass to Vernon (dropped right in on the money), his second toss to Vernon (gave his playmaker a chance to make a play). Before Monday night’s game, Smith ranked tied-for-second in the NFL with 4 touchdown passes and his 115.9 passer rating ranks 3^rd. He’s not an elite fantasy option, but in deep leagues he’s safe play under center.

Robert Griffin III: Better Than Advertised

After two games and nearly two wins (should have beat the Rams), it’s clear that head coach Mike Shanahan and the Redskins may have caught lightning in a bottle. Quarterback Robert Griffin III is a special player and could be much better than most expected. After two weeks of NFL play RGIII is a top five rated passer and a fantasy stud; (standard scoring) in two games he has scored 28 and 32 fantasy points. Now that’s impressive.

Ray Rice: Best Fantasy RB in the Biz

After another Sunday of just dominating on the gridiron and the fantasy football charts (99 rushing yards, 6 receptions and 53 yards), running back Ray Rice stakes his claim as the best in the biz. What makes Rice such an appealing fantasy option is his consistency; standard scoring 20 fantasy points in week one and 14 points in week two. With nine receptions already, in PPR leagues he’s even better.

Darren Sproles: A Small Package of Dynamite

The small package that is Darren Sproles continues to electrify football fans and fantasy owners on Sunday with high output of production. The scat back was solid in week 2 (huge in PPR leagues) with 13 grabs for 128 yards. He’s not an RB1 fantasy back, but he’s a worthy start as a flex or RB2 in deeper leagues because of his productivity and play making ability; 9 fantasy points in week one and 12 in week two.

By David Ortega