November 19th, 2016
Saturday Evening Edition
Week 11 Fantasy Favorites
While some folks may be high on the Tennessee Titan's quarterback Marcus Mariota and why not, he's been hot of late; 7 touchdown passes over the past two weeks, I am liking his opponent Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. It hasn't been a great season thus far for Luck, but he's still been very much in the thick of things this fantasy season with six games of 17 fantasy points or more. Sunday he gets the Titans 24th ranked pass defense that allows the 10th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. And remember back in week 7 Luck lit up the Titans for 353 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Another favorite for Sunday that I am high on is Titan's tight end Delanie Walker. Walker is the 2nd ranked fantasy tight end (standard scoring) through 10 weeks, with five receiving touchdowns (tied for most in the league). In his last meeting versus the Colts back in week seven he logged 7 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. He is the 6th most targeted tight end in the league and figures to have another busy Sunday against the Colts.
Lastly, another Sunday favorite that I will be eyeing is the Steelers 2nd year wide receiver Eli Rogers. No question this is a flyer pick and Sunday sleeper, but I like Rogers chances. The Browns secondary allows the 3rd most fantasy points to wide receivers and have allowed 40 pass plays of 20 yards or more this season (most in the league). The Browns have also allowed 9 pass plays of 40 yards or more (4th most) and Rogers is a big play threat. He's a bit hit or miss; more likely a better DFS play than redraft lineup insert. But keep an eye on Rogers going forward.
That's my take.
~David G. Ortega
November 19th, 2016
Saturday Morning Edition
Week 11 Fantasy Notes
Now in week 11, the fantasy world has hit the back stretch with just a few weeks left until most leagues begin their fantasy season playoffs. With just four teams on bye this week, there are plenty of matchups and player options to explore.
It's not been all bad this season for the 4-5 Steelers and their 11th ranked offense, and this week it will get even better for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. This week Big Ben and the Steelers will face the Browns and a defense that allows the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 25 passing touchdowns (most in the league). Fantasy owners can expect nothing less than a huge day for Big Ben as he'll go for his 5th 300-yard plus passing game this season (maybe 400).
Another favorable quarterback play flying under the radar this week is the Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Taylor has posted at least 18 fantasy points in four straight starts and this week faces a Bengals defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Taylors 194 yards rushing (48.5 yards/game) in those past four starts give him a much higher floor and make him a safe play this week.
In the backfield this week, I am going to be leaning heavily on arguably the highest rated running back this week, the Steelers LeVeon Bell. Like his quarterback, Bell has a great matchup against a Browns defense that gives up the second most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including the 2nd most rushing yards in the league. Being the dual threat that Bell is, a monster day could be in the works.
Just like Bell, another running back with a great matchup (but not getting as much noteriety) this week is the Patriots LeGarrette Blount. Blount will the draws the 49ers who allow the most fantasy points to opposing running backs including 13 rushing touchdowns (most in the league). While quarterback Tom Brady and company may move the ball up and down the field, those in touchdowns leagues and standard scoring can feel good with Blount on their lineup. He's likely to vulture a score or two on Sunday.
That's my take.
~David G. Ortega
November 13th, 2016
Sunday Morning Edition
Sunday Morning Gametime
The Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is back in the saddle and after an impressive Monday night updset of the Vikings in week 8, he's looking at prime match up this Sunday. Cutler will square off with the Buccaneers today and facing a secondary that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 18 passing touchdowns (4th most allowed) he's looking at a big day. Upgrade wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey and tight end Zach Miller; must starts today.
The Broncos offense and running game has been less than Super this season, but with the team traveling to New Orleans it could get healthy in a hurry. Rookie running back Devontae Booker and back up Kapri Bibbs could find some room today facing the Saints defense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs, along with the third most receiving yards. It will be a committee effort, but I would have to lean with Bibbs in PPR.
A couple of injury notes and their impact...
No cornerback Aqib Talib once again for Denver, expect Saints quarterback Drew Brees to attack the Broncos secondary. Upgrade wide receivers Michael Thomas and Brandin Cooks, even Willie Snead slides in as a low risk flex.
The Falcons will be without running back Tevin Coleman, so it will be a lot of Devontae Freeman out of the backfield today.
Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will not start, Bryce Petty gets the nod. Downgrade wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Quincy Enunwa.
That's my take.
~David G. Ortega
