October 15th, 2016
Saturday Evening edition
Week 6 Fantasy Notes: Strong Plays?
Taking a look at the schedule for Sunday and reviewing some of the latest news and notes, I've come up with a couple of fantasy notes for Week 6.
There are reports already that running back James Starks is out for Sunday, making starter Eddie Lacy a posibly nice play for this week. Now the Cowboys present a tough matchup for Lacy (allow 4th fewest points to opposing running backs), but with no Starks to back him up he'll get plenty of chances and should get plenty of work. If no better options are available, Lacy should be in your lineup.
Since his return to the field, running back Chris Ivory has seen little action and only 21 touches in two games. Ivory is clearly the number two option as running back TJ Yeldon has emerged as more of the featured back in Jacksonville. Yeldon is averaging better than 16 touche in four games and is coming off his best performance in week 4; 71 yards rushing and 46 yards receiving. Yeldon has decent matchup on Sunday against the Bears and should be considering a low-end RB2.
One more note-worthy Sunday start is more of a sneaky play in tight end Vernon Davis. Starter Jordan Reed has already been ruled out and will miss action, opening the door for Davis. The former Niner tight end has not been utilized much this season, but could see considerable action this week. Davis is more of a week 6 flyer, but he has the talent and ability to make some noise for fantasy owners.
That's My Take.
~David G. Ortega
October 15th, 2016
Saturday afternoon edition
Week 6 Tight End Radar Watch
So it's waiver wire and free agent pick up time for week 6 of the Fantasy Football season and I am just taking a look at some of the Tight End options that could be available in most leagues.
Before I throw out some names for week 6, here's my current top and quick take for week 6;
1. Rob Gronkowski...he's got Brady back, nuff said
2. Greg Olsen...big game last week and without Cam.
3. Jordan Reed...playing like a top 5 this season.
4. Kyle Rudolph...finally pass game includes the big target
5. Delanie Walker...Titans leading receiver with 225 yards
6. Travis Kelce...big target in the red zone.
7. Jimmy Graham...numbers are on the rise.
8. Hunter Henry...the rookie is making strides
9. Martellus Bennett...already great chemistry with Brady
10. Zach Miller...leads team with 3 touchdowns
So Beyond the top 10, let's take a quick look at a couple of names that could be available and offer some value to fantasy owners needed help at the position.
Last year Gary Barnidge sprung his way up the top 10 notables at Tight End, finishing the year with 79 receptions and 1,043 yards receiving, with 9 touchdowns. This season he's been off to a slow start and absent from the top 10 thus far, but if you've been paying attention the offense has been working Gary back into the picture; 15 targets in his last two games. Questions are the quarterback position could limit his production, but he's worth watching.
Over in Pittsburgh, the Steelers don't have Heath Miller over the middle, but they have a new gunslinging tight end in Jesse James. The 2nd year tight end has been up and down this season, but over the course of five games he's accumulated 26 targets, 18 receptions, for 128 yards, and three scores. His numbers 11th ranked fantasy points numbers don't jump off the board, but he's definitely a worth watching prospect.
One more prospect that should keep fantasy owners pre-occupied is Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta. Over his past four games, Pitta is averaging better than 8 targets per game and has accumulated 25 receptions for 220 yards receving. He's yet to find the end zone, but that seems to be just a matter of time. His numbers put him in as the 16th ranked fantasy tight end and well worth fantasy ownership interest.
These are the tight ends that should be owned and closely watched for weekly play.
That's my take.
~David G. Ortega
October 10th, 2016
Monday evening edition
Week 5: Fantasy Notables to Keep Watch
As we push a little deeper into the fantasy season, we are now past the quarter marker and about a third of the way. Every week we are seeing big performances from our top fantasy draft picks and those that are of no surprise to most owners, but here's a few notables you'd better start paying attention to;
Did anyone really expect to see Ravens wide receiver Mike Wallace to revive his career in Baltimore? It may not have reached full consciousness yet, but he's breathing life. In the first 5 weeks of the season, Wallace ranks at the 14 best fantasy receiver with 21 receptions, 273 yards receiving, and 3 touchdowns. As he and his quarterback Joe Flacco continue to get better, expect better numbers.
After five weeks did anyone expect the Steelers wide receiver Sammy Coates posting top 15 numbers? Coates has 19 grabs for 421 yards receiving to go with 2 touchdowns. we know how much quarterback Ben Roethlisberger likes to sling and with the leagues best receiver (Antonio Brown) lining up on the other side, Sammie can expect lost of single coverage the rest of the season. Grab him now!
In limited use through the first couple of weeks, Chargers tight end Hunter Henry has really come on lately and made some noise. In his last three games he's been targeted 16 times, grabbed 12 of those passes for 207 yards receiving with two scores. With a savvy veteran quarterback like Philip Rivers tossing the pigskin, Henry is going to see more opportunities moving forward. He's a dark horse just starting to shine.
Another notable to keep your eye on (or grab and stash if you don't need the play at the moment) is quarterback Brian Hoyer; yes I said Hoyer. Billy Ho had a nice run a couple of years back when he was in Cleveland and it looks like he may have rediscovered some of that old magic. Hoyer is about to crack the top 20 for fantasy passers this season and he's only played in about 3-1/2 games this season. And in his last three starts he's averaging about 339 yards passing with 6 passing touchdowns and zero interceptions. Now I am not saying this kid is the next Tom Brady, but his performance warrants keeping an eye on, especially with bye weeks in full swing.
That's my take.
~David G. Ortega
October 9th 2016
Sunday Morning Edition
Week 5 Sunday Notes
WAS-BAL
Looking at today's game in Baltimore, the Redskins and Ravens could be looking at severe playing conditions for the pass game. If conditions become difficutl and the passing game struggles, look for both teams to find relief on the ground.
This is great news for Terrance West owners. The Ravens running back should have all kinds of success grinding it out against the Redskins suspect run defense. West is leagues 17th ranked runner with 232 yards on the season on 54 carries, a 4.29 yards per carry average. The Redskins allow nearly five yards a carry and have surrendered 8 rushing touchdowns this season. Upgrade West today.
On the other side, the Redskins have a capable runner in their ball carrier Matt Jones. Jones is the 13th ranked runner, but he faces a stiff test going up against the Ravens 5th ranked run defense that has only allowed 2 rushing touchdowns through the first quarter of the season. No pass, a lot of run may not spell relief for Jones fantasy owners. His value takes a slight hit.
CHI-IND
Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer will make his third start this season and after coming off a couple of solid performances with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. He's playing well and while he's on the road this week, he will see the Colts 24th ranked pass defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.
Hoyer is fighting to keep the starting job and thus far he looks like a favorite. I would expect another solid outing today against a team allowing a near 70% completion rate and the 9th most pass yards this season. He may not put up monster numbers on the road today, but he should be solid as a low QB1 in deep leagues.
That's my take.
~David G. Ortega
