FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 25th 2017

Saturday Night Edition

My Week 12 DFS Plays

With an exciting slate of 12 games on the board for Sunday, I am more than excited about playing me some DFS. Here are some of the names that will filter their way to my lineups for Week 12;

Duke Johnson Jr; The Browns running back posted a solid line the last time he faced the Bengals, thinking he can duplicate the type of outcome on Sunday.

LeSean McCoy; The Chiefs defense has not been great against the run of late and Shady is still one of the league’s most elusive and exciting running backs.

Tyrod Taylor; This is a full-on contrarian play for sure, but I like the odds with Taylor after being reinserted into the lineup with his matchup against an over-rated Chiefs defense. I am playing him in a stack with McCoy and Jones.

Martavis Bryant; he’s a risky boom or bust play every week, but the absence of JuJu Smith-Schuster favors his chances.

Kareem Hunt; I’d be expecting a big bounce back day after last week’s dud. Hunt has been too good this season to say quiet two consecutive weeks.

Kenny Stills; I’m not expecting quite the same day he had a week ago, but if he can post a modest 6 catches for 90 yards (or better), at his price I’d be more than happy.

Brandin Cooks; Just playing the numbers and the matchups with Cooks here. I am also making my pick based on what we saw last week. Brady and Cooks are starting to get in sync; look out opposing defensive backs.

Ben Roethlisberger; I am definitely feeling a big game from Big Ben this week. Last week’s 299 yards passing and 4 touchdowns was his best game this season, but this Sunday could be better.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 25th 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 12 Perfect Line up

(NFL.com)

I am just like most fantasy football nuts, I love to play the games and all of the games. Every week I take my shots and let the Hail Marys fall where they may and included is the weekly Perfect Lineup on the NFL site. My track record has not been great of late, as I like to play the numbers, mixed in with a little bit gut-feelings and intuition. Last week my team tanked big, but that’s the great thing about fantasy, there’s another week to play until there isn’t. Here are my picks for Week 12;

QB-Ben Roethlisberger; The expectation is this offense is going to breakout at some point and while 40 points last week and subsequently a nice passing day from Big Ben (299 yards and 4 touchdowns) would be good indicators, that type of game falls a little short. It’s a great start nonetheless and has generated some buzz, but my gut is telling me this week is the boom week for Big Ben and the offense; bigger than last week.

RB-Kareem Hunt; Last week the hopes were high for Hunt and the Chiefs offense, but unfortunately there was only disappointment. This week owners will be singing a different tune with Hunt and company taking on the (Bills) worst run defense in the league over the past month.

RB-Mark Ingram; The Saints starting running back Mark Ingram is the league’s No.6 RB in standard and PPR, but over the past two weeks he’s number one. Ingram has lead the charge in his last two games with 287 scrimmage yards and 4 touchdowns and Sunday he faces a Rams defense that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing running backs for the season.

WR-TY Hilton; Over the past month, only one defense against opposing wide receivers has been worse than the Titans. In the last four weeks the Titans defense has allowed the 2nd most touchdowns (6) and fantasy points to opposing receivers. This sounds like a very good matchup for wide receiver TY Hilton and with his quarterback Jacoby Brissett cleared for Sunday, all signs point toward big day.

WR-Julio Jones; The Falcons receiver is healthy this week or as healthy as he’s been this season and it comes in time for fantasy owners. The Falcons draw the Bucs this week and their 29th ranked pass defense and a secondary that has allowed the most receiving yards, most receptions, and 3rd most touchdowns to opposing receivers.

TE-Rob Gronkowski; The Patriots tight end was held in check a week ago with just three catches for 12 yards, but Gronk still managed to find the end zone. I would expect a healthier Gronk to enjoy greater success this week against the Dolphins. Gronk is always a Brady favorite in the red zone and could be looking at one of his multi-touchdown weeks.

PK-Justin Tucker; I am expecting the Ravens offense to have some great success moving the ball and as per usual of the offense this season, they will be calling on the sure footed Justin Tucker.

Steelers Defense; This looks like great matchup for the Steelers defense, a home matchup against a backup quarterback (Brett Hundley) that has been struggling. Hundley is coming off a three-pick performance a week ago. Look for the Steelers defense to turn up the heat and bring lots of pressure, early and often.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 25th 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 12 Favorite Plays

It’s a critical weekend in the fantasy world in most season-long formats, with just two weeks left before the start of the fantasy playoffs. This Sunday’s slate of games will carry more weight and go a long way for those teetering on the brink. And with so much riding on Sunday, here are a few of the Not-the-Usual-Suspects to consider for those in need of a plug-and-play;

QB-Joe Flacco; The Ravens signal caller has been off the starting fantasy radar most of the season, turning in just four 200+ yards passing games and just two multiple touchdown performances. He’s been No-Go-Joe most of this season, but Sunday against the Texans Flacco could turn things around. The Texans have been awful against the pass all season long and over the past four weeks they have allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including the most passing yards and touchdowns. This will be a great week for Flacco to succeed.

RB-JD McKissic; I like the Seahawks matchup here against the Niners on Sunday and with running back Mike Davis doubtful the backfield remains wide open. McKissic is the team’s pass receiving specialist out of the backfield and in his last two games he’s averaged 10 touches per game and collected 9 receptions. In PPR formats especially, the Seahawks ball carrier will have flex appeal against a Niner’s defense that has allowed the most receiving yards and (tied for) the 8th most receptions to opposing running backs.

RB-Rex Burkhead; This pick is a little outside the box thinking in my opinion, but if you in need and looking the Patriots running back Rex Burkhead could fill the need. Locked in a timeshare with running back Dion Lewis, Burkhead is the more appealing in PPR formats. Burkhead has played a significant number of offensive snaps over the past several weeks and in his last three games he’s total 14 receptions for 116 receiving yards and a score, while adding 19 carries for 67 rushing yards. On Sunday he’ll lineup against a Dolphins defense that has surrendered the 4th most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past four weeks.

WR-Jeremy Maclin; With Flacco expected to be highly successful this week against a struggling Texans secondary, Maclin figures to be one of the benefactors. Maclin is easily the team’s leading wideout in an otherwise less than impressive offense, leading in catches (31), yards (343), and tied for team lead in touchdowns (3). The good news, Maclin’s number is regularly called; he has 14 receptions on 19 targets in his last three games. Maclin is not looking at a monster game, but he could find paydirt and offer some fantasy help in week 12.

WR-Kenny Stills; the Dolphins wide receiver erupted last week for a huge game (7 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown) with quarterback Matt Moore under center. With starter Jay Cutler ruled out, Moore will get the nod and Stills is back in play in week 12. The Phins take on the Patriots who have allowed the most receptions and 9th most receiving yards to opposing receivers the past two weeks.

TE-Jared Cook; In what has been a down year for the Offense, the Raiders tight end Jared Cook has been a nice addition to the passing game. He is leading the team with 535 yards receiving through 10 games, but has only scored once. That all could change this Sunday matched up against a struggling Denver secondary. In their first matchup the Broncos defense held Cook in check with just 3 catches for 46 yards, but in the team’s past four games they have allowed the most receiving yards (348) and the most touchdowns (4) to opposing tight ends.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 23rd 2017

Thursday Night Edition

Week 12 Diamonds in the Rough

This is the final stretch of the fantasy football regular season as we have now entered week 12. With the bye weeks complete, there are still 13 games left on the slate and plenty of gems waiting to be inserted into your lineup this week.

Tyrod Taylor returns to the lineup.

After the Nathan Peterman failure last week, the Bills are going to go back to quarterback Tyrod Taylor. The Bills new, old starter is currently the No.14 fantasy QB through 11 weeks and will face the Chiefs 28th ranked pass defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. The Chiefs are in a slide right now and Taylor may have some vengeance on his mind this week. There are not a lot of signs pointing toward a big game, but any given Sunday may apply.

A change in Denver could mean more changes

The Broncos offense is in turmoil, currently one of the worst in the leagues, but a recent bright spot has been 2nd year running back Devontae Booker. The Broncos running back has steadily seen his role and production grow in the offense with Week 11 being his best game of the season. His 19 touches and 98 total yards were season highs and the best that the backfield has seen in weeks. With the recent firing of Mike McCoy, the offense will be under new direction which could open the door to changes; new starter, new workload split, etc. This is a situation worth monitoring.

Time for the Bee-sting of Martavis

The Steelers offense finally showed some real life in week 11 rolling up 40 points against the Titans. One missing component of the Killers Bees this season has been the Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Through 11 weeks he’s barely been a blip on anyone’s radar and there’s been even less reason for him to be. With the Steelers offense looking like it’s getting ready to start rolling again, Bryant could be in line for a potential breakout game. This Sunday night is a prime matchup at home against a Packers defense that’s allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing receivers over its past four games. Bryant is more likely a boom or bust option, but if you need to reach, he could answer the call.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 23rd 2017

Thursday Morning Edition

Thursday’s Twitter Takes

There's nothing like pumpkin pie, turkey, and NFL football on Thanksgiving. That's what I am thankful for and hopefully everyone is enjoying this great day with family, friends, and fellow fantasy football fans. Today's slate brings us three games and plenty of football to chew on along with lots of side dish treats. Happy Thanksgiving to all and let's get this day started!

Is it Heat check time for the Vikings quarterback Case Keenum? by @FantsySprtsHome

The Vikings quarterback Case Keenum is the No.20 fantasy QB and on the rise. In his last three starts Keenum is averaging over 290 yards passing, completing better than 68 percent of his passes with 7 touchdowns. He’s playing well, but faces a tough road challenge against a Lions defense that allows the 13th fewest yards to opposing quarterbacks.

Don’t trust the Lions running game, All-in with quarterback Matt Stafford today! by @FantsySprtsHome

The Lions running game is ranked 28th in the league averaging just under 81 yards per game and less than 3.5 yards per carry and the Vikings are the number two defense against the run. There’s little chance these teams buck this trend, so expect a lot of quarterback Matthew Stafford today to the tune of 40 plus passes.

The Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen is just stealin in 2017! by @FantsySprtsHome

Quite simply, the Vikings have another big time threat in the passing game besides wide receiver Stefon Diggs, his Wonder Twin Adam Thielen. Thielen is the No.3 fantasy WR in PPR, he’s posted the 62 receptions (tied for 5th) with 916 yards receiving (2nd in the league). Thielen has arrived in 2017 and he’s a legit WR1.

Latavius Murray looking for a big Thanksgiving dinner to follow a big Turkey day with a 100-yard rushing game! #Boldprediction by @FantsySprtsHome

The Lions defense is ranked 18th against the run and allow 4.4 yards per carry. In a road matchup where ball control and down and distance matter, Murray could see one of his busier days in the neighborhood of 20 carries. I like Murray to hit the century mark against a defense that’s allowed 313 rushing yards the past two weeks.

It’s may be The House That Jerry built, but today will be the Melvin & Keenan Show! by @FantsySprtsHome

In the last two weeks the Cowboys defense has surrendered 311 rushing yards to opposing running backs, along with 3 touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. The Chargers Melvin Gordon and Keenan Allen could find great success against a reeling Cowboys team today.

Captain Kirk (Cousins) is ready to steady his ship and direct the Washington Enterprise toward a post-season berth. by @FantsySprtsHome

Through 11 weeks, Cousins is now the No.5 fantasy QB; he is seriously balling right now. In his last two starts he’s thrown for 649 yards, with 6 total touchdowns, just one pick, and a completion percentage of 62. Cousins is doing all he can to carry his team and make an argument that he is a Franchise QB. He’ll make another great case tonight against the G-men.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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November 22nd 2017

Wednesday Night Edition

On the Cover This Week

Pittsburgh is Steel Rolling 

with Big Ben

The Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting atop of their division at 8-2 and tied with the Patriots for the best record in the AFC. They have done all of this with something noticeably missing until just recently.

Heading into their Week 10 matchup with the Indy Colts, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense had yet to really fully display their talents and expectations as a unit. In what should have been a great matchup the Steelers offense was not all it could have been. But it was enough for the win and from that game a much-needed big play spark.

Fast forward to Week 11 and suddenly the Steelers offense led by Big Ben and his Killer Juju-Bees found gold again and struck big on Thursday night. With another toy in his arsenal and an old favorite, Big Ben turned in easily his best performance of the season last Thursday passing for 299 yards and throwing 4 touchdowns against the Titans defense. He finished as the league’s No.2 fantasy QB for Week 11.

It was a statement to the rest of the league to take heed, Big Ben and Company are back and Steelers offense is just heating up. With Antonio Brown playing lights out, the emergence of JuJu Smith-Schuster, the deep threat of Martavis Bryant, and the smooth Le’Veon Bell, Big Ben is well equipped to do some serious damage to opposing defenses.

Big Ben is only the No.16 fantasy QB through 11 weeks, but his stock is on the rise and he is trending in the right direction. With matchups against defenses like the Packers, Patriots, Texans, and the Ravens at home, Big Ben and the Steelers passing game could be ready to make a run and get a on sweet roll.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 19th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

Good morning and hello week 11. There are a number of Marquee games on the slate and all with fantasy implications with most season long re-draft leagues entering the backstretch to the playoffs. Good luck today and here are some last minute Quick takes;

Injury Notes

With Allen Hurns out today, Jaguars wide receiver Marqise Lee should be in for a busy day. Lee enters the day as the league’s No.30 fantasy WR ready to move up the board.

With quarterback Philip Rivers clearing the concussion protocol, the biggest impact will not be with just his receivers today, but running back Melvin Gordon. With Rivers under center, the Bills 22nd ranked run defense won’t be able to stack the line against Gordon.

The Redskins tight end Jordan Reed is out today and with him sidelined, tight end Vernon Davis will handle duties. This matchup could end up having quite a few fireworks today, not only will Davis benefit with Reed’s absence, but wide receiver Jamison Crowder will be busy in the slot.

Today’s Favorites off the Radar

With the Chiefs coming to town, the Giants should be gearing up for a potential shootout (if their offense can keep up). One player not getting a lot of run this week, but could be an early factor is Giants running back Orleans Darkwa. The Giants back should be in line for some heavy work early and could do some damage on the ground. The big question will be can the G-men keep this close long enough for Darkwa to make noise.

The Buccaneers defense is ranked 14th against the run, but through 10 weeks they’ve allowed the 8th most receiving yards and 10th most receptions to opposing running backs. The Dolphins Kenyon Drake has played well in a time-share with Damien Williams and over his last two games he’s rushed for 151 yards, caught 8 passes, and added 45 yards receiving. He could make some noise today.

My Perfect Lineup

This week I am all-in with the Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and his wide receiver Michael Crabtree. They’ll have what should be a favorable matchup against a secondary that’s allowed nearly 290 yards passing per game.

My other receiver is the Buccaneers Mike Evans. The Bucs are on the road and will need all of their playmakers today, including Evans.

The Giants will have their hands full playing the Chiefs today and they could end up playing catch up in the second half. Tight end Evan Engram has become a primary weapon in the Giants pass game and could be in line for a big day.

My running backs today are Kareem Hunt, coming off the bye, head coach Andy Reid will turn his dynamic running back loose, and Adrian Peterson. The Texans have a lot of injuries on the defensive side and Peterson should see a heavy workload today.

Finally running with the favorites today on defense today; the Jaguars matched up with Cleveland. My kicker is Justin Tucker. I can see the Ravens moving the ball, but all season the offense has struggled and Tucker will be called upon.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega