FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition

October 26th, 2013

David's Daily Digest

Week 8: All About the D

Most of the time when the discussion is about fantasy football, we are usually talking about the offense, but if you are like me you also enjoy playing in the leagues that include IDP (Individual Defensive Players). IDP leagues will include the three basic positions for the defense; defensive line, linebackers, and defensive backs.

I happen to play in quite a few, so every week I am checking both sides of the ball for the right play. So far my luck has been all over the map, but this week not being different I still have my favorites.

The Saints have a much improved defense this season (ranked 11th overall), some of the credit should go to the return of head coach Sean Payton and the addition of Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan. Also deserving is the play of their defensive line, in particular defensive tackle Cameron Jordan (5 sacks in six games this season). Jordan has been a solid anchor in the trenches with 20 total tackles this season. His matchup this week against the Bills offense that averages more than 34 rushing attempts per game should keep Jordan busy; the 24 sacks allowed (6th most in the league) by the Bills O-line will make him a must play.

Like Jordan, you don't have to venture out of the trenches to find more IDP talent when you look at the Bills defensive end Mario Williams. The Bills D lineman is having one of his best seasons with 10 sacks this season. Although the Saints offensive line does a pretty good job of protecting their quarterback Drew Brees, Williams has been too good this season to stop; you can expect him to get up close and personal with Mr. Brees. Williams has been a force on the defensive side recording at least a half sack in four straight games; ride the hot sacker.

One more fantasy nugget for Sunday, or should I say for the "Sunday Night Special." Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson has been a terror in the middle and I am pretty sure he and Packers running back Eddie Lacy will be getting well acquainted with one another this Sunday night. Henderson has been rock solid in the middle leading the Vikings team with 55 total tackles, including 45 solo. Henderson has been a beast this season adding 3 sacks and 2 interceptions to his resume. He is coming off an outstanding performance this past Monday night with 14 tackles and a sack; he's a must start every week.

That's my take for Week 8.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Edition

October 25th, 2013 

David’s Daily Digest

Week 8: Ground Gainers

After looking at matchups this week and watching what has been happening thus far this fantasy football season, it's safe to say the running back position has been less than spectacular. There are only a handful of safe rides (such as Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy, & Adrian Peterson) each week, with most of the other options leaving their owners guessing.

These are a couple of my favorites for week 8 that I believe fantasy owners can ride with confidence.

Through seven weeks running back Frank Gore has been very reliable, averaging 78 yards on the ground per game with 5 rushing touchdowns. Gore’s 547 yards rushing this season ranks 4th in the league. This week the 49ers visit the Jaguars (ranked last against the run) who allow over 150 yards per game on the ground at a 4.6 yards per carry clip. Their 9 rushing touchdowns allowed this season are tied for most in the league making Gore a very attractive fantasy play this Sunday.

Like Gore, running back Darren Sproles faces a favorable matchup on Sunday when he lines up against the Bills. The Bills defense is ranked 28th against the run and allow an average of 4 yards per carry this season, but more importantly for Sproles their secondary is poor; ranked 21st versus the pass. Sproles is a versatile back just as effective in the pass game as he is in the run game. With tight end Jimmy Graham limited or sidelined this week, Sproles will not only tote his share of the rock, but will see 10+ targets once again on Sunday; last week he was targeted 12 times.

In the same matchup running back Fred Jackson is looking at a pretty tasty matchup himself. While the Saints have been pretty good on the defensive side of the ball this season, they are still allowing the 13^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Jackson is also looking more like a solo act with C.J. Spiller not practicing much this week and doubtful for Sunday. Jackson is the 15^th leading rusher in the league with 380 yards and has also added 215 yards receiving with 25 receptions. He’s a solid flex and low RB2 in PPR leagues this week.

In New England, week 8 could be the week for running back Stevan Ridley to finally shine. Slowly but surely over the past couple of weeks fantasy owners have been seeing hints with Ridley averaging better than 4.5 yards per carry in his last three starts. Over the same course of time Ridley has carried the ball 42 times and rushed for 199 yards with three rushing scores. This week Ridley gets the Dolphins defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs including five rushing touchdowns. Ridley should get plenty of chances to produce this Sunday.

That's my take for Week 8 running backs.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

October 20th, 2013 

David’s Daily Digest

Week 7: Quick Notes for Sunday

I play in 13 fantasy football head-to-head leagues, so every Sunday I am looking at a lot of matchups and a lot of players. This week being no different, I am once again browsing my list of options and trying to set my best line-ups. By no means does this indicate I have any idea of what I am doing, but I can tell you that when numbers speak, I listen.

Here are a few numbers that are talking to me today….

WR-TY Hilton (Colts)…..Hilton (26 receptions, 388 yards receiving) will get his shot today at the one of the leagues worst secondarys. The Bronco allow the third most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and have allowed 1,374 receiving yards this season; most in the league.

RB-Joseph Randle (Cowboys)….with DeMarco Murray sideline, Randle is expected to carry the load. Last week in relief, 13 touches and today he faces the Eagles defense; 30 receptions allowed this season and 129 yards of offense to opposing running backs.

WR-Harry Douglas (Falcons),….with both Roddy White and Julio Jones (IR) OUT today, Douglas is now the team’s number two leading receiver with 27 targets and 219 yards receiving this season. He’s a strong bet to see a lot of chances today.

RB-Ryan Matthews (Chargers)…..the Chargers ball carrier ran well last Monday night totaling 102 yards on the ground on 22 carries. This week he gets the Jaguars who allow the 2^nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs and have allowed 6 rushing touchdowns this season.

RB-Giovani Bernard (Bengals)….the Bengals ball carrier is sharing the load these days, but a sweet matchup against the Lions should pay dividends. Giovani leads the backfield with 20 receptions this season and the Lions have allowed 3 receiving touchdowns to opposing running backs; tied for most in the league.

That's my take.

~David Ortega