FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 2nd, 2021
Saturday Late-Evening Edition

 

Week 4 Quick Takes

 

So after three weeks, the sample size gets bigger, but the fantasy waters get murkier, or so as they say. It seems the injury bug is making its rounds this week, but I believe we can still navigate our way through to a successful week four. And I’d say the best place to start is under center.
 
QB-Sam Darnold
The Panthers quarterback has been steady, but not spectacular this season, while leading his team to a 3-0 record. Darnold is completing 68% of his passes while averaging nearly 300-yards per game. But in three games he has just three touchdown passes. Against a Cowboys secondary that has allowed 7 passing touchdowns this season (tied for 3rd most), I expect Darnold to ring up a couple or three on Sunday.
 
QB-Taylor Heinicke
He’s not a popular name or trend and very likely undrafted in most fantasy leagues, but this could be a good week to play Taylor Heinicke in DFS. The Washington Football Team has a favorable matchup this Sunday and Heinicke will be throwing against a Falcons defense that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Sounds like a good day coming for Heinicke. 
 
RB-Miles Sanders
The Eagles running back (fantasy RB30 this season) is coming off a two-carry outing in week 3 for 27 yards. On the season Sanders has rushed for 156 yards while averaging better than 5 yards per tote. The Chiefs defense has allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, while surrendering better than 5 yards a clip. I am looking for Sanders to have a solid day and touch pay dirt at least once.
 
WR-Robby Anderson
Panthers quarterback (Darnold) and Anderson had great chemistry during their tenure with the Jets, reunited this season in Carolina, it’s been slow treading for the first three weeks. The Cowboys secondary allows the 7th most receiving yards to wide receivers. I believe this is a primed get right game for Anderson.
 
WR-Christian Kirk
The Cardinals 4th year wideout has been solid this season (as of 10/2, fantasy WR17), leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and 2nd in touchdowns with 2. If he’s not in your starting lineup, get him in it. Heading into Sunday, he’ll line up against a Rams defense that has allowed the 3rd most receptions and 9th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers. Just a few seasons ago, Kirk was supposed to be the new guy, but with all the noise of DeAndre Hopkins' arrival, the AJ Green signing this offseason, and the Rondale Moore drafting, I guess Kirk has been forgotten. The Cardinals leading receiver will remind everyone on Sunday, why he should not be forgotten.
 
That's my Take.
 
~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 24th, 2021
Saturday Late-Evening Edition

Week 3 Quick Takes

Fantasy Football is a tricky game, one filled with many trends, and while the sample size this season is still not very big, it’s only been two games. Two game is small, but t is enough to draw some early conclusions, but nothing we would etch in stone. So let’s start…..

The Bills Offense
Even with quarterback Josh Allen the currently ranked QB19 in fantasy scoring thus far and wide receiver Stefon Diggs ranked WR24, both far below the heavy draft investment fantasy owners surely made, it’s too early to panic. This is the week; at home both will get right against the Washington Football Team. The Washington Team allows the 7th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and the 7th most completions to opposing quarterbacks. Yup, the Bills offense gets healthy on Sunday.

The LA Chargers Offense
I just like the Chargers offense this season. With wide receiver Keenan Allen, possibly a top 5 receiver on the gridiron and in fantasy, wide receiver Mike Williams, this year’s best bet for breakout receiver (well in my book anyway), and the addition of tight end Jared Cook, to go along with the return of running back Austin Ekeler, this offense is loaded. I am not forgetting their young arm talent, quarterback Justin Herbert. He’s been a rock star since he stepped on the field, and even though he slots in at the current QB25 in fantasy scoring, there’s more there than meets the paper; 4th most completions and 5th most passing yards so far this season. It’s coming people and I am believer in this Chargers offense and not the Chiefs defense.

RB-Saquon Barkley
I’m sure a lot of people are calling for Saquon to finally get rolling and I will tell you why, they are right. Barkley played a significant number of snaps his last time out (good sign) and he’s had 10 days to recover and get ready for this Sunday’s matchup against the Falcons. Another good sign for Barkley, the Falcons allow the 13th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, having faced Miles Sanders and Leonard Fournette the first two weeks, while allowing over 4.6 yards per carry. Sanders and Fournette are good backs, but neither are same caliber back as Saquon (currently RB49). This Sunday Barkley busts out.

RB-Javonte Williams
The Broncos rookie runner could breakout this Sunday on the ground and in the air against a Jets defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. The Jets have allowed the 3rd most receptions to opposing running backs and 325 total yards, 5th most this season.

WR-DK Metcalf
This guy is just too good to stay quiet (currently WR33). He’ll see a Vikings defense that allows the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Both Lockett and Metcalf should find the end zone.

That's my Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 15th, 2021
Wednesday Late-Evening Edition

Week 1 Quick Takes

After one week of football, let's  pump the brakes on panic mode. There’s not enough sample size to make any definitive conclusions and it’s too early to let emotion dictate your actions (well that’s actually never a good idea). So what do we know after one Sunday, not a whole lot more than we knew before Sunday to be honest, but here are a few quick takes from Week one….

RB-Ronald Jones
It’s way too early to dump Jones. He had a fumble, those things happen, and they will happen again, but his talent does not grow on trees. Even after his disastrous week one, Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians has already come out and said he’s their starter. Let’s take that statement with a grain of salt, we’re not going to drop Jones, but keep him stashed on your bench for now.

RB-Devin Singletary
Any part of the Buffalo offense you can snatch is worth owning. Singletary is not a household name as a top-20 fantasy back (29th RB in week 1), and though his production was modest, he posted an 80% snap count percentage with 14 touches (11 carries, 3 catches), with 5 targets. The touches were a little low for being on the field 64 snaps, but if he continues to manage a high percentage snap count the volume and opportunity will come in a high-powered offense. Singletary should be rostered and considered as a week-to-week flex play moving forward.

WR-Christian Kirk
It was amazing to see how many fantasy leagues the Cardinal’s wide receiver was not drafted in. Clearly the arrival of AJ Green clouded Kirk’s outlook in the minds of many fantasy owners and it shouldn’t have. Kirk has shown great skill in the past and his production on Sunday is a very encouraging sign that he could actually elevate the teams number 2 receiving option. Playing in only 60% of the team’s offensive snaps (39), he finished with five targets (just one behind Green) and outperformed the latter with 5 receptions for 70 yards and two scores. Kirk finished week 1 as WR9 in fantasy scoring and should be started as a solid flex going forward.

WR-Mike Williams
Everyone loves wide receiver Keenan Allen and why shouldn’t they, he’s the poster-child for target consistency, but his teammate and fellow Chargers receiver Mike Williams is a must start going forward. We’ve seen some flashes in the past and a few fireworks last season, but now with 2nd year quarterback Justin Herbert at the helm, Williams is set to breakout. His 12 targets and 14th WR in fantasy for week one are a direct indication of what’s to come. Williams is a low WR2 and high-Flex start moving forward.

The Packers Offense
Everyone, and I mean everyone has a bad day every now and then. With a primetime matchup on Monday night against the Lions, yes, the Packers offense will rebound and get right. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, running back Aaron Jones, and wide receiver Davante Adams, should all return to their normal fantasy stud status.

That's my Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 12th, 2021
Sunday morning Edition

My Week 1 Notes

Going into this years fantasy drafts, I had a mix of strategies and philosophies, the zero RB, the balanced approach, etc., but the common denominator with all of my drafts were my mid-to-late rounds selections.

Heading into week one Sunday of the fantasy season, just a couple of hours away, these were some of my draft picks that will be in several lineups today.

RB-Javonte Williams

I waited on running backs in several of my drafts and one running back I found that I am excited about this season is the rookie, Broncos running back Javonte Williams. He impressed in the preseason and gave me reason to believe that he will at some point be the guy in Denver and Melvin Gordon could be somewhere else. I will be starting Williams, banking on his involvement and volume today; enough to be a top 20 RB in week 1.

WR-Robby Anderson
When I finally paid attention and saw the quarterback Sam Darnold and Anderson were re-united (and it feels so good) in Carolina, Robby became an instant watch list candidate. When the two played in New York together, Anderson had some big games and looked like a Top-15 WR. His production today may not reach those heights today, but he’s easily a starting flex in all formats.

WR-Chase Claypool
The Steelers pass game looks pretty formidable this season, as long as Big Ben (Roethlisberger) stays healthy. With options like JuJu Smith-Schuster, Dionte Johnson, Eric Ebron, and Claypool, the pass game should fly and Claypool is my pick for the leading receiver candidate in the steel-city. He showed some big flashes last season and with more of a normal training camp and preseason this season, he should take major steps toward being a legit WR1A/1B in Pittsburgh. 

TE-Gerald Everett
He was once touted as an up and coming receiving tight end in Los Angeles when he was drafted by the Rams. Now that he is in Seattle, he could get cooking with quarterback Russell Wilson. If you drafted your tight end late or you’re looking to stream the position, I like Everett as an option, but maybe not today against a stingy Colts D.

TE-Jared Cook
I did take my tight ends late, but one pick I am most excited about is the potential of Jared Cook in Los Angeles. With a huge endorsement from running back Austin Ekeler, I expect Cook to be a very good red-zone weapon this season, but also with his size he’s going to get some play. He’s got a favorable matchup this week and should be started in 12 teams or larger leagues.

That's my Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 9th, 2021
Thursday Afternoon Edition

 

My Pre-season Rankings

 
I am not usually big on doing rankings before the season, but I have on occasion shared my opinion. These are my rankings heading into the 2021 campaign. I've added a few notes to support my thinking with some of my picks (which don't differ much from the consensus);
 

Top 15 Tight Ends
 
1. Travis Kelce
2. Darren Waller
3. George Kittle
4. Mark Andrews
5. TJ Hockenson
6. Kyle Pitts
7. Logan Thomas
8. Dallas Goedert
9. Robert Tonyan
10. Tyler Higbee
11. Mike Gesicki
12. Noah Fant
13. Jonnu Smith
14. Austin Hooper
15. Gerald Everett
 
Notes;
The Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce checks in as my No.7 wide receiver, haha, okay, he's not a receiver, but he sure puts up those kinds of numbers. I'm pretty sure he's the consensus number one tight end and it's not even close.
 
I'll be honest, I love Kittle, he's a great football player, and I won't go against the grain on this one, but I won't invest an early pick on him. His toughness could be a fantasy liability, but when he's on the field he plays like a beast.
 
I agree with the consensus on Kyle Pitts, simply because other than Calvin Ridley, who else is Matt Ryan going to throw to.
 
I am a little low on Tonyan, simply because one, his touchdown efficiency last season was off the charts, and two this season there could be an MVS effect in play. But we'll see.
 
Hockenson thrived at times last season with Matthew Stafford in Detroit, now that Stafford is in Los Angeles, I expect Higbee to benefit similarly.
 
I would like Fant more, but with Courtland Sutton returning, a second year Jerry Jeudy, and KJ Hamler, just not enough balls or targets to go around.
 
That's my Take.
 
~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

 
September 9th, 2021
Thursday Afternoon Edition

 

My Pre-season Rankings

 
I am not usually big on doing rankings before the season, but I have on occasion
shared my opinion. These are my rankings heading into the 2021 campaign. I've
added a few notes to support my thinking with some of my picks (which don't
differ much from the consensus);

 

Top 25 Wide Receivers

 
1. Stefon Diggs
2. Davante Adams
3. Tyreek Hill
4. DeAndre hopkins
5.DK Metcalf
6. AJ Brown
7.Calvin Ridley
8.CeeDee Lamb
9.Justin Jefferson
10.Keenan Allen
11.Allen Robinson
12.Terry McLaurin
13.Chris Godwin
14.Amari Cooper
15.Mike Evans
16.Julio Jones
17.Robert Woods
18.Brandon Aiyuk
19.DJ Moore
20.Adam Thielen
21.Tyler Lockett
22.Cooper Kupp
23.Chase Claypool
24.Diontae Johnson
25.Robby Anderson
 
Notes;
My number three ranking of The Freak is no knock on him, he's a beast and a
world talent, but he'll compete with Kelce and Mahomes ability to spread the
ball around. In Green Bay and Buffalo, both Adams and Diggs will be target
monsters.
 
This season, Russell Wilson cooks and Metcalf's rise begins. He's a beast with super
strength and speed and will be an absolute nightmare for opposing secondary's.
 
I am also high on AJ this season. With a legit number two receiver in Julio Jones on
the field, Brown is going to feast and have a big year.
 
With either Andy Dalton or Justin Fields under center, I am expecting A-Rob (Allen
Robinson) to be peppered with targets every Sunday.
 
I am actually project Claypool a bit higher this season than his pre-season No.23
rank, and believe he'll emerge as Big Ben's number one target this season.
 
Similarly, in Carolina, Robby Anderson will be re-uniting with QB Sam Darnold this season
and could challenge (DJ) Moore, for the number one target share.
 
That's my Take.
 
~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

 
September 8th, 2021
Wednesday Night Late-Edition

 

My Pre-season Rankings

 
I am not usually big on doing rankings before the season, but I have on occasion shared my opinion. These are my rankings heading into the 2021 campaign. I've added a few notes to support my thinking with some of my picks (which don't differ much from the consensus);
 

Top 25 Running backs
 
1. Christian McCaffrey
2. Dalvin Cook
3. Derrick Henry
4. Saquan Barkley
5. Ezekiel Elliott
6. Alvin Kamara
7. Nick Chubb
8. Aaron Jones
9. Jonathan Taylor
10. Antonio Gibson
11. Austin Ekeler
12. Najee harris
13. Joe Mixon
14. Chris Carson
15. Clyde Edwards-Helaire
16. David Montgomery
17. James Robinson
18. D'Andre Swift
19. Josh Jacobs
20. Miles Sanders
21. Gus Edwards
22. Kareem Hunt
23. Mike Davis
24. Darrell Henderson
25. Myles Gaskin
 
Notes; I have been listening to some of the experts and I agree with one Mike Clay (ESPN), I think Barkley has too much talent. He may start slow this season, but it's not how you start, but how you finish.
 
Last season, Aaron Jones was set free somewhat, so as long as he remains free this season he could finish inside the top five again. 
 
I am primarily a PPR fantasy player, so with that in mind, I am a big Austin Ekeler fan this season. With his 2nd year QB, Ekeler might be on his way to a top-10 finish.
 
I dropped Darrell Henderson a few slots, but the presence of Sony Michel in town has me watching the Rams backfield. It may be more a committee with Michel getting more early down work and goal line opportunities.
 
That's my Take.
 
~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 8th, 2021
Wednesday Night Late-Edition

 

My Pre-season Rankings

 
I am not usually big on doing rankings before the season, but I have on occasion shared my opinion. These are my rankings heading into the 2021 campaign. I've added a few notes to support my thinking with some of my picks (which don't differ much from the consensus);

 

Top 15 Quarterbacks
 
1. Patrick Mahomes
2. Josh Allen
3. Kyler Murray
4. Lamar Jackson
5. Dak Prescott
6. Russell Wilson
7. Aaron Rodgers
8. Tom Brady
9. Justin Herbert
10. Matthew Stafford
11. Ryan Tannehill
12. Joe Burrow
13. Jalen Hurts
14. Matt Ryan
15. Kirk Cousins
 
Notes; I may be buying heavily into the Josh Allen hype-train, but it's easy to do when he has a top 3 (potentially top 1) wide receiver in Stefon Diggs. Allen has the arm and talent to supplant Mahomes as the number one QB.
 
I also watched a lot of Hard-Knocks this preseason, so I am a believer in a healthy Dak (Prescott). The Cowboys should be involved in a lot of shoot-outs this season, especially tomorrow night against the Bucs.
 
I like Joe Burrow as a starting QB in 12 team leagues, as long as he is healthy to start the season, he's got the talent and has some potentially good hands people to throw to.
 
That's my Take.
 
~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 2nd, 2021

Thursday Late-Night Edition

 

Draft Day has Returned: Are You Ready?

 

With the return of the annual Fantasy Football Season, we welcome back one of the most celebrated days of the calendar year; Draft day!
 
It’s a unique time of strong brotherhood, where the bond of gamesmanship and the love of the game bring men, women, boys, girls, cats & dogs, and fans of the NFL together for a few hours of trash talk, heartbreak, elation, and misery. I am talking about the beloved annual fantasy draft, an event unlike any other. 
 
The draft day extravaganza is one event that can take your joys and celebrations to the highest of heights and one that can suck every inch of the very life out of your soul with every selection that is made and those that are not made.
 
But before the drama, laughs, or any trash talking can begin, the dedicated fantasy league commissioner and his fellow owners must plan for the day of perfection and greatness. It all starts with the perfect venue; any place the wives, significant others, or distinguished partners will allow. Let’s face it, your backyard or garage will suit as long as you have adequate lighting. Dedicated fans know, nothing will stand in the way of your fantasy draft, except for maybe a few little scheduling conflicts, but where there is a will, there will be a draft.
 
Once you have hammered down the date, time, and place, it’s game on and time to do this thing!
 
The key to a successful and memorable draft day is simple; you must show up prepared. The planning is key, but preparation and supplies are essential. The fantasy owner should plan for  plenty of hydration; a large variety is always a winner!

You can also never go wrong with a nice cold beverage; wink, wink.
 
With your supply cabinet heavily stocked for the day’s event, it helps to plan for some great snacks and dishes.

 
Google can be a helpful tool for Draft day recipes or the phone number to your local pizza joint, but if you have the courage, homemade dishes work just as well.

 

Forget your fantasy magazine, the latest expert advice from your favorite fantasy football podcast, if you want the perfect draft on Draft Day, just make sure you have the coldest beers in town. As long as the beer is cold, you have already won.

 
That’s just my take.
 
 
~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 31st, 2021
Tuesday Late Night Edition

FANTASY FOOTBALL IS BACK!!

Welcome Back!

It’s Fantasy Football Season once again, the 2021 version.
These are without question strange and in some cases for some difficult times, but hopefully with the return of the NFL and fantasy football, fans can experience a little more normalcy that has been missing for most for the past year and a half.

We are entering our second season during the ongoing pandemic, but I am looking forward to this being a great season, with a lot more football this season, 18 weeks worth!

With the added week of football, what’s the plan, what’s the strategy?
Mine is simple, take lots of notes, do my research, and get ready for the best year of fantasy football yet.

I am totally buying into this new age of quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes with uber talent, the super athletic Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray, and the rising stars Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow.

This year's rookie class is also one I am excited about, not only because of their potential, but their immediate impact; Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones, and Zach Wilson. I haven’t even mentioned Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott, or Tom Brady and what their seasons might look like.

With so much talent at the position, I like the depth at quarterback for one QB Leagues, so per usual I won’t be chasing any in the early rounds.

It’s going to be a great season and could be one for the ages; so are you ready for some football?

Welcome back Fantasy football Season, time to get your popcorn ready!

~David Ortega