FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 30th 2017

Monday Morning Edition

Monday Night Takes
(Week 8)

It’s a divisional matchup, a meeting of two potential playoff contenders, and as always a heated AFC West rivalry when the Broncos and the Chiefs clash. Tonight’s meeting shouldn’t disappoint fantasy owners with the Chiefs Alex Smith, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt playing host to the Broncos Trevor Siemian, Demaryius Thomas, and Jamaal Charles.

This could be a tale of two cities or two teams. This season the Chiefs offense (ranked 2nd in total yards, 3rd in scoring) has been off the charts with Smith having an MVP-like season passing the ball, and the emergence of rookie running back Kareem Hunt; he’s been sensational out of the gate.

On the other side, it’s been a different story for Siemian and the Broncos (ranked 15th total yards and 24 in scoring). The Broncos defense has been good this season, but against a team like the Chiefs, they’ll need some help from the offense in this one.

My Takes.

QB-Alex Smith; the Chiefs signal caller has been good this season, but an improved pass rush with the return of Broncos linebacker Shane Ray could slow his roll on Monday night. Fantasy owners looking for a big game from Smith should temper their expectations.

RB-Kareem Hunt; as good as this kid has been this season, it’s hard to imagine any team shutting him down. He was held in check two weeks ago by the Steelers with just 21 rushing yards, but he still managed 89 receiving. The Broncos could keep him bottled up most of the night, but with his volume of touches he should still see double-digit fantasy points.

WR-Demarcus Robinson; it’s going to be tough night for the Chiefs passing game, but with a lot of focus on Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce (who will both get their usual opportunities), I like Robinson flying under the radar. He won’t be in for a big night, but he may be able to match his season highs in receptions and yards.

TE-Travis Kelce; if the Broncos defense has a weakness it appears to be covering opposing tight ends. Kelce should be heavily involved tonight and could have a big night. With the defenses concerns focused on stopping Smith and Hunt in the backfield, Kelce is a safe play for owners.

QB-Trevor Siemian; the Broncos passer has not been a fantasy option in weeks and with a tough road matchup (in Arrowhead) on Monday night, I’m not expecting Trevor to summon his inner Peyton. He could have a decent night against a struggling Chiefs secondary, but he’s still not a fantasy option in this matchup.

RB-Jamaal Charles; the Broncos are likely to stick with their ineffective game script of going with CJ Anderson (so he’s the much safer play tonight) early and sprinkling in Charles at times. Being that this is Charles’ old team, the revenge factor does come up. If Charles can break loose for a couple of big plays, this could open up more snaps and touches. Charles has been the more explosive and efficient option this season, the question is will head coach Vance Joseph take a longer look at his speedy back tonight. Charles is too risky for redraft lineups, but could be a flier option in DFS.

WR-Demaryius Thomas; it all comes down to his quarterback, how well DT plays or produces. The offense has been woeful, but thankfully they get a struggling secondary tonight. The bad thing is the game is on the road in Arrowhead where emotions will run high and that could be enough to change things.Regardless of the success or lack of, DT should see enough targets to provide his usual safe (in PPR) 5 for 55.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega