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

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition

November 2nd, 2013

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 9: No Longer a Secret

There’s no question that the bye weeks and injuries are catching up with many of us fantasy owners. I know that I have been hit hard with teams like Denver and Detroit sidelined for week 9. This far into the season now, fantasy owners will definitely need to visit the waiver wires and free agent pools for help this Sunday.

If you are like me, you have been paying attention and taking note of some of those players that have been making recent noise, but for those owners that are taking action a little late in the week, don’t be surprised if some of these names from the Waiver Wire are already taken;

(just few names that are no longer a secret)

Zac Stacy (RB)

The Rams running back is coming off his best game of the season and a most impressive performance against the Seattle Seahawks. Stacy carried the ball 26 times for 134 yards, showing great elusiveness and toughness up the middle. Thus far this season Stacy has logged 76 carries for 348 yards for a nifty 4.6 yards per carry average. He should be owned and started every week.

Keenan Allen (WR)

The Chargers wide receiver has emerged as the quite the talent and one of quarterback Philip Rivers most reliable and consistent targets this season. Allen has 26 receptions for 399 yards with two touchdowns through six games played this season. In his last four he has been most effective collecting 23 passes on 33 targets for 369 yards. He’s clearly on the rise and one of Rivers favorites. He’s a worthy low-end WR2 (top 25) going forward.

Kenny Stills (WR)

The Saints speedy receiver has been a big play magnet of late, but his recent success could easily transfer to more opportunity. With an ailing (TE) Jimmy Graham and fading (WR) Marques Colston, Stills is more than primed to continue his hot hand. In his last two starts Stills has only been targeted seven times, but has caught six balls for 193 yards for three scores. Now that’s making the most of your opportunity. He’s got great speed and has emerged as quarterback Drew Brees primary deep threat. Expect his chances and opportunity to increase along with his numbers. He’s a solid flex for the moment, with time and room to improve.

Jordan Reed (TE)

This kid has been making enough noise the past several weeks, so it’s hard to imagine he’s now any kind of secret. Reed has risen as the number two target in the Redskins passing game. In his past three games Reed has been targeted a total of 29 times hauling in 21 balls for 282 yards and a score. He’s taken over the tight end position and figures prominent in the passing game going forward. With Robert Griffin playing better and getting stronger each week, Reed should see plenty of production. He’s a top 10 the rest of the way.

That's my take for Week 9.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

October 27th, 2013

David's Daily Digest 

Week 8: Sunday Morning Gametime

With Sunday Kick-off just hours away, it’s never too early or too late to look over the numbers that can help fantasy owners make the right call or at least make a call and set their lineup. Injuries have played a huge role this season and with players still nursing and others returning, pulling the trigger on some can be scary.

This is my week 8 (short) laundry list of relevant numbers to consider when you make your decision to start or sit;

By the Numbers…

QB-Russell Wilson (Sea), in his last four starts Wilson has completed 68 of 114 passes (59.6%) for 825 yards passing with five touchdowns and two picks. Wilson has also added 269 yards rushing over the same span and has scored at least 16 fantasy points in five straight games.

My Take: He’s a safe start with middle of the road numbers.

QB-Andy Dalton (Cin), in his past two starts has passed for over 700 yards tossing six touchdowns with zero interceptions. Dalton is completing 67.5% of his passes (50 of 74 passing) over the past two weeks and has scored over 25 fantasy points in each of the last two games.

My Take: He’s on fire and needs to be played.

RB-Eddie Lacy (GB), the Packers running back has totaled 301 yards on the ground in his past three starts averaging 4.4 yards per tote. Lacy has one 100-yard game this season and nearly missed a second back in week 5 when he ran for 99 yards. He has also scored in double-digit fantasy points the past two weeks.

My Take: He’s a must play today, top 20 back today.

RB-Zac Stacy (STL), has ran for the ball for 210 yards in his last three starts averaging well over four yards per carry. Stacy has 49 carries over the past three weeks (16 per game) and is averaging over 10 fantasy points per game during that time.

My Take: Yards will be tough, but he should see a lot of work.

RB-Jacquiz Rodgers (ATL), has totaled 206 yards (91 yards rushing/115 yards receiving) of offense in his past three games. Rodgers has also scored four times (2 rushing/2 receiving) while adding 18 receptions on 19 targets. In his past  two starts he’s scored over 35 fantasy points.

My Take: Jackson will take away some of his touches, but Rodgers should stay involved as a low flex play.

WR-Demaryrius Thomas (DEN), his numbers aren’t off the charts, but he still producing modest numbers with 21 receptions (30 targets) for 303 yards receiving, and three touchdowns in his last four starts.

My Take: Even with all of his weapons, Manning still looks to DT often enough for him to be a weekly play. Be patient, he’ll bounce back.

TE-Jordan Reed (WAS), has quietly become a top 10 tight end. Reed has registered at least 5 receptions in each of his last three games and over his past two he’s collected 13 balls for 192 yards receiving with a score. His 298 yards receiving have him currently ranked 12^th among active tight ends.

My Take: A nice matchup today, Reed should continue to roll with solid numbers.

That's my take for Week 8.

~David Ortega