FSH NOTEOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition

November 2nd, 2013

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 9: Help from the Pen

With week 9 kick-off just hours (about 12 hours) away, we are down to the nitty gritty of making line-up decisions. As I am reviewing all of my leagues for tomorrow’s lineup, I am still in search of a few players to fill a couple of holes.

When you need help or relief (from injuries or bye weeks) there’s no place better to look than the pen. In case some of you fantasy owners are having trouble locating your help for week 9, here are a couple of plays that I favor;

Help from the pen…

(QB) Jake Locker

The Titans quarterback, likely un-owned in most standard leagues has been a very solid fantasy option over the past couple of weeks. Locker has passed for 922 yards and thrown 8 touchdowns (with only one pick) in his last four starts. Locker has also scored more than 14 fantasy points in each averaging more than 21 per game. He’s flying under the radar at the moment and could provide plenty of bye week relief.

(RB) Peyton Hillis

The Giants running back could be running on borrowed time with Andre Brown expected to return to action, but for the moment Hillis remains relevant. In his past two games Hillis has not gained much per carry, but he has seen value and has produced with 106 yards on the ground and 60 yards receiving (on 8 receptions). Hillis has also added a score in his two appearances. Averaging more than 20 touches a game, he’s a solid flex and bye week insert for now.

(RB) Mike Tolbert

The Panthers running back faces an interesting dilemma as while he’s been productive he may now have to contend with crowded backfield that will include Jonathan Stewart (recently activated). Tolbert has been the touchdown vulture in the backfield for the Panthers with a total of five, but that could change. He’s only a consideration as a flex option in deeper leagues (14-16 teams).

(WR) Nate Washington

The Titans receiver has been on a down slide of late scoring in single digits (standard league) the last three weeks, but with the return of Locker his luck and fantasy production could be changing. Last week with Locker under center, although Washington only collected three balls for 62 yards, he was targeted 10 times. Four times this season Washington has been targeted at least 8 times and Locker was under center in three of those games. He’s a low-end WR3 or flex option for now, but his numbers could improve as time goes along.

That's my take for Week 9.

~David Ortega