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November 4th 2017

Saturday evening Edition

My Weekly DFS

The Stack

This week I am employing the stack strategy for my Week 9 DFS lineup. I had originally looked at the Texans matchup with the Colts, but the injury to rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson changed that.

My Lineup:

QB-Drew Brees

RB-Mark Ingram

RB-Adrian Peterson

WR-Devin Funchess

WR-Marquise Goodwin

WR-Ted Ginn Jr

TE-Zach Ertz

PK-Jake Elliott

D/ST-Rams

With Watson on IR, I switched my stack to the Saints who are playing at home this week against the Buccaneers. Anytime you have Drew Brees ($8,300) at home, you have to like his matchup and the Bucs have allowed some big games to opposing quarterbacks. Of course with this stack I will lean with Mark Ingram ($7,900) in the backfield to lead in touches and touchdowns this week. Normally I would like to go with Michael Thomas, but lately wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr ($5,700) has trending upward and I love his price.

At the other running back spot I am hanging my hat all over Cardinals running back Adrian Peterson ($6,800). It’s a risky play with quarterback Carson Palmer on Injured Reserve and backup Drew Stanton now under center. Although risky, Peterson is facing a Niners defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing running backs; so I like the matchup.

The Colts will be without Vontae Davis and even though Deshaun Watson is on the IR, I still like wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins ($9,100) outcome on Sunday. Regardless who is under center, Hopkins will be a focal point and the Colts allow the 5th most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

My only questionable play (I think) is the Niners wide receiver Marquise Goodwin ($4,800). The Niners will be without Pierre Garcon (Injured Reserve) on Sunday and even with the changes at quarterback Goodwin should be a factor in the pass game and could see even more targets.

I am rolling with a favorite at tight end, Zach Ertz against the Broncos. The Denver D has been poor versus opposing tight ends, allowing the 2nd most fantasy points and last week surrendered 7 catches for 133 yards and a score (to Travis Kelce). I like Ertz on Sunday.

My place kicker is the Eagles Jake Elliott ($5,000). The kid has been kicking well and have to play the odds of opportunity; the Eagles at home against the Broncos.

I wrap up the lineup with the Rams defense and special teams ($4,800). The Rams are averaging more than 12 fantasy points per game and have a decent matchup this week against the Giants.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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November 3rd 2017

Friday evening Edition

Diamonds in the Rough

Looking ahead to Sunday, although we are in week 9, we are still only in week 9 and options do exist for fantasy owners looking for help and trying to find those weekly gems.

As the bye weeks continue here a couple of Week 9 hidden gems that could be interesting plays on Sunday;

QB-Tom Savage; the loss of rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson is devastating, but it doesn't have to be the end of the Texans or fantasy owners. The offense is still loaded with some talent and playing with confidence. It's a long shot, but with players like Fuller, Hopkins, and Miller still available this week Savage could be a diamond in the rough this week. He has a favorable matchup against a defense that has allowed 12 passing touchdowns (5th most), 290.4 yards passing per game (2nd most), and the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

RB-Marlon Mack; after a week 6 setback (in usage), the Colts rookie runner has seen his involvement in the offense trend upward with 9 touches in week 7 and 14 touches in week 8. Mack has also seen snap count increase with 48 in week 7 and 39 in week 8 (led the backfield both weeks). In 3 of his last 4 games, he's also scored in double-digit fantasy points. While the Texans have been lock down against the run this season, one stat worth noting, rookies this season have had success; Fournette in Week 1 and Hunt in Week 5.

WR-Devin Funchess; with the departure of Benjamin, the time is now for Funchess to arrive. The Panthers receiver has been fine thus far this season, although over his last three games he's managed only single digits in fantasy scoring. Through 8 weeks, Funchess leads the team in targets and receptions, but was outscored by Benjamin (his primary hurdle to more opportunity). Funchess should see a big uptick in targets and scoring opportunities going forward and with the potential for increased production he's got a great shot at moving from the No.30 fantasy receiver (PPR) to Top 20.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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November 1st 2017

Wednesday Late Night Edition

On The Cover This Week

They Call Him Mister Wilson

After a huge week 8 performance and exciting come from behind win over the Texans, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has officially entered the MVP conversation.

Basically flying under the radar for most of this first half of the season, don't look now, but the Seahawks and Wilson are now 5-2. Back in the middle of the NFC race, Wilson has led the charge for the Seahawks with a solid first half of the season campaign.

Through 8 weeks Russell Wilson is the No.5 fantasy quarterback in fantasy scoring. Wilson has passed for 2,008 yards, ranked 6th in league and has throw 15 touchdown passes, 3rd most this season. Wilson is versatile and mobile with 194 yards rushing this season, which ranks 4th amongst quarterbacks.

Wilson is playing sensational this season and looks great, especially after Sunday's epic win over Houston. With the addition of a top notch left tackle, Wilson and Seahawks look poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The Seahawks defense may not be the same old Legion of Boom, but opponents will quickly learn why they call him Mister Wilson.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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October 30th 2017

Monday Evening Edition

Sunday’s Lineup Killers

(Week 8)

The Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston was having a solid 2017 campaign heading into week 8. Back in week 6 against the Cardinals he suffered a shoulder injury which forced him from the game early. After aggravating his shoulder injury last week against the Bills, Winston started the Week 8 against the Panthers. 

After struggling all day and posting less than 4 fantasy points and throwing two interceptions, you have to wonder how much the injury affected him. Nonetheless, his poor outing on Sunday was your lineup’s demise (if you started him).

Here are a few others from Week 8 that took down fantasy owners lineups;

QB-Dak Prescott; the Cowboys did not need much from Prescott relying heavily on their running game and fantasy owners didn’t get much. Prescott only threw 22 passes passing for 143 yards with zero touchdowns. Owners can relax, there will be better days ahead for Prescott, as the Cowboys will need bigger games from him down the stretch.

RB-Devonta Freeman; the Falcons stud running back was off on Sunday, not able to break loose gaining just 41 yards rushing. This was a disappointing effort against a defense ranked 28th versus the run.

WR-Dez Bryant; with Prescott only throwing 22 passes, there were only few opportunities for Bryant on Sunday. Dez finished with just 4 catches for 39 yards on 6 targets. With Elliott likely returning to suspension, Bryant’s role could grow even more over the next several weeks.

WR-Stefon Diggs; the Vikings stud receiver returned to the lineup on Sunday, but it may take him another week to get back to his old self. Diggs was targeted 6 times, but could only turn that into 4 catches for 27 yards.

WR-Hunter Henry; the Chargers tight end continues his up and down scoring cycle for the season, with another dud on Sunday. Henry caught just 2 passes for 11 yards. He’s the No.10 fantasy tight end in PPR, but his volatile production can make him awful risky at times.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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October 30th 2017

Monday Evening Edition

Sunday’s Heroes

(Week 8)

It was one of the most exciting games of the season, watching Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson duel with Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Fortunately for the Seahawks, they had Russell. There’s little doubt, his Sunday performance single-handedly won matchups for fantasy owners and may have scored some cash for DFS players.

Wilson played brilliantly on Sunday completing 26 passes for 452 yards and throwing 4 touchdowns; he also added a couple of scrambles and runs for another 30 yards. It was an epic performance good enough for the win and enough to move Wilson into the No.4 fantasy QB slot.

Not-the-Usual-Suspects

QB-Andy Dalton; the Red Rifle returned to action on Sunday and played very well in the Bengals week 8 win over the Colts. Dalton completed 17 of 29 passes for 243 yards tossing two touchdowns.

RB-Jerick McKinnon; the Vikings running was big on Sunday with 20 touches leading to 50 rushing yards, 6 receptions for 72 yards receiving and a rushing touchdown. McKinnon showed off his versatility and likely earned himself more touches going forward.

RB-Lamar Miller; in a game that was highlighted with the pass (8 passing touchdowns total), Miller flew under the radar posting a solid line; 54 rushing yards, 3 receptions for 19 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown.

WR-Paul Richardson; the Seahawks receiver was golden on Sunday hauling in 6 passes for 105 yards and two scores. This probably came out of nowhere, but Richardson now has 5 receiving touchdowns on the season and should be on fantasy radars.

WR-Robbie Anderson; the Jets receiver was targeted just six times and turned in a line of 6/104/1. It was his best stat line across the board for the season. This was his third straight game scoring in double-digit fantasy points; he should be on fantasy radars throughout the bye weeks.

WR-Jamison Crowder; thus far this season Crowder has been a disappointment, but on Sunday he shined and showed fantasy owners what he can do. The Redskins receiver tallied 9 catches for 123 receiving yards. It was his first double-digit scoring performance (in PPR) and likely not his last.

WR-JuJu Smith-Schuster; the Steelers young receiver was given opportunity and he cashed it in a big way. JuJu caught 7 of 10 targets for 193 yards, including a blistering 97 yard touchdown. It was his first big game of the season and will definitely lead to more opportunities going forward.

TE-Jack Doyle; the Colts tight end worked his way into the Top-10 for fantasy TEs with his Sunday performance; 12 grabs for 121 receiving yards and a touchdown. Doyle’s workload had been trending in this direction, he’s a safe TE1 going forward.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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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

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October 29th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

Week 8 has begun with two games in the books. I am just running down, my thoughts for Sunday morning, sprinkling a little bit of this and that for fantasy consideration. I don't have a crystal ball or hot-line to Matt Berry for info, so tread with caution;

Stud of the Week

I am all-in with Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen. The great thing here is the matchup against the Patriots and the fact the quarterback Philip Rivers has plenty of other options that should keep the defense honest. Allen has been a target monster at times this season, today could be another double-digit look and big production.

Dud of the Week

I am staying away for Niners running back Carlos Hyde. This is an ugly matchup for the Niners, over-matched on the defensive side facing the Eagles offense and likely to be overwhelmed this week on the offense side matching up against the league's number one rushing defense.

DFS favorites today

Joe Mixon; I like the rookie running back's matchup today. Mixon has been getting the bulk of the workload in the backfield and with today's matchup against the Colts, owners should see significant production in what I predict to be a breakout performance.

Kelvin Benjamin; the Panthers and quarterback Cam Newton look to rebound from the ambush at Soldier Field a week ago. Benjamin is going to be a primary target and should get a couple of scoring opportunities today. I like him a lot against the Bucs today.

Diamonds in the Rough

Mack Hollins; the explosive Eagles rookie receiver had one catch last week, but it was a big one; a 64 yard touchdown strike. A risky play in redraft leagues yes (maybe a flier in big DFS tournaments), but I like his chances today to get behind the Niners secondary for another big score.

Marlon Mack; the Colts rookie running back has been trending in the right direction with his snap count. He's a preferred option in the pass game and could potentially see significant play today in a game where the Colts could be playing catch-up most of the way.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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October 29th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

My Week 8 Injury Takes

Tevin Coleman, RB (knee); the Falcons running back wasn’t listed on the Team’s injury report. No surprise here with Coleman. The Falcons will have their two-headed monster attack available this week against the Jets. Both backs are considered Top-25 this week; Freeman No.8 and Coleman No.22.

Matt Forte, RB (knee); the Jets running back is not on the injury report this week. This is good news for others, as it’s all systems go for Forte, the week 7 No.14 fantasy RB (PPR). He’s a little low on our board this week as our No.26 this week against the Falcons.

Jameis Winston, QB (questionable); the Buccaneers have announced that Winston will start, play all of your Bucs (starters) today.

Marquise Goodwin, WR (questionable); the Niners receiver is expected to play and will help a stalling pass game. Goodwin’s presence as the deep threat could open things up a bit for his counterpart Pierre Garcon, but fantasy owners should keep their expectations in check, after all the Niners are 0-7.

Willie Snead, WR (hamstring); the Saints wideout wasn’t listed on the team’s injury report. Finally looking healthy, we could finally see some production from the Saints slot man.

Melvin Gordon, RB (questionable); the Chargers running back will play today against the Patriots. He’s my No.2 fantasy RB for Week 8, get him in your lineup.

Charles Clay, TE (OUT); the Bills tight end will not play today. Clay’s absence will afford tight end Nick O’Leary another opportunity to improve on his 2/58/0 line from last week.

 

CJ Prosise, RB (doubtful); it’s unlikely we’ll see Prosise this week after suffering a setback last week and not practicing all week. With Prosise in or out, the Seahawks backfield remains muddled.

Golden Tate, WR ( questionable); although it’s being reported that he plans to play, it’s a tough call this week with Tate. Since the Lions play in the late game today. Owners will want to have a backup in place.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR (questionable); the Broncos wideout has a chance to play Monday night, but fantasy owners would be wise to look toward other options. The Broncos offense has been inept of late and Sanders will be less than 100 percent.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega