FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition

November 9th, 2013

 

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 10: Saturday Night Special

There’s nothing special about having a fantasy player in your line up that produces little or nothing, but it’s always good when they are left on your bench.

A couple of not-so-special players that owners may want to avoid on Sunday (Week 10); with quarterback Seneca Wallace taking over duties for the Packers, wide receiver Jarrett Boykin could be a tough play. Boykin only saw one target last week as the Pack relied heavily on the ground game; something that may be repeated on Sunday agains the Eagles.

Another play that could be trouble for owners is tight end Jared Cook who faces Indianapolis on Sunday. The Rams big receiving tight end reached the end zone for only the second time this seasoon last week against the Titans and has not exceeded more than 50 yards receiving since week one. The Colts do a very good job of locking down opposing tight ends, so it could be a rough go for Cook.

The Cardinals will be starting running back Rashard Mendenhall this week, but he hasn’t played since week  7. Fantasy owners should not expect much from Mendenhall facing the Texans on Sunday. In seven games he has only topped 60 yards rushing twice, with a season high of 66 back in week 2. He has only carried the ball more than 15 times in a game, three times this season. He’ll see some work this week, but owners should not bank on big numbers from Mendenhall.

This is my take for Week 10.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Edition

November 8th, 2013

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 10: A Pick Up of the Week?

I am just keeping things simple here on a great Friday afternoon. This fantasy football season has been a bit turbulent at times, but more than rewarding at others.

I’ve seen players like tight end Jordan Reed and running back Zac Stacy rise from the free agent ashes to become weekly mainstays in my lineups; and the pay-off has been solid. With just a few weeks of fantasy left, options seem to be drying up in the free agent pool, but that won’t stop any of us in need from looking.

As we all know and have become too familiar with, injuries play a huge part of the real game as well as the fantasy game. And from another’s misery can one find fortune. The loss of wide receiver Justin Blackmon is huge for the Jaguars, but for fantasy owners looking for help at the receiver position picking up Mike Brown could be a very good thing.

With Blackmon sidelined Brown could emerge as a reliable target for quarterback Chad Henne. In his past three games Brown has been targeted a total of 19 times, collecting 12 of those balls for 212 yards with a score. With the Cecil Shorts listed as probable and the Titans on the slate for Sunday, Brown is an interesting play.

The Titans have been very good versus the pass, but with the Jags running game not what it should be, Brown should see plenty of volume and could pick up plenty of garbage time production. In my opinion this could also be very true for this Jags receiver looking ahead.

This is just one of my takes for Week 10.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition

November 3rd, 2013

David's Daily Digest

WEEK 9: By the Numbers

If you are like me, you have plenty of issues dealing with the week 9 byes, mixed in with a few injuries. I am still processing matchups and looking for the best plays for today’s game, but before I make any decisions you know I will be looking at the numbers.

Here are some week 9 notes…

Russell Wilson (QB)

The Seahawks quarterback has been nothing less than solid this season with a passer rating of 99.0 and seven wins. In all eight starts this season Wilson has scored no less than double digits and only less than 11 points twice. He gets the Buccaneers who allow the 8^th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Alex Smith (QB)

The Chiefs signal caller has been consistent this season. Although he lacks flash he’s still managed to score double digit fantasy points (standard scoring) in his last two starts. This week he gets the Bills who allow the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Josh McCown (QB)

With starting quarterback Jay Cutler sidelined, McCown will get the start. Back in week 7, in relief McCown posted solid numbers with 204 yards passing and a touchdown. This week he’ll face a Packers secondary that allows the 11^th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Donald Brown (RB)

The Colts versatile scat back has been a nice compliment to the power running of Trent Richardson. Brown has also been a pleasant productive play this season, especially in recent weeks. Brown is only averaging 8 touches and nearly 54 yards per game in his last four. He’s more of a deeper league play, but could reward owners this week facing the Texans defense that allows the 14^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

Danny Woodhead (RB)

The Chargers have found electricity in Woodhead this season. He’s dynamite in a small package averaging 14 touches per game in his last 6 and 78 yards. Woodhead also has four scores this season. This week he faces a Redskins defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs; this is a great matchup for fantasy owners.

Harry Douglas (WR)

With both Julio Jones (IR) and Roddy White sidelined Douglas has emerged as a PPR monster the past two weeks. Douglas has recorded 100 yards receiving in his last two games including 18 receptions. He faces a tough Panthers defense that allows the 4^th fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers, but he’s still worth starting with Jones and White out.

That's my take for Week 9.

~David Ortega