FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEK 4 STARTS

September 30th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Week 3

Start’Ems

My Week 4 Starts

Every week fantasy owners deal with and tackle the question of, who to sit and who to start. For some of us or maybe many of us, we follow the rule, start your starters. There are certain players you targeted in your draft and took in the early rounds and they should be started. Fantasy owners need not overthink this.

When it comes to those mid-round picks or later, this is where you might look at your bench and the waiver wire for favorable options. When I look at NFL Sunday, Week 4 these are the players that should be started and in your lineups.

QB-Russell Wilson (Broncos)

It’s been nothing less than a bad rollercoaster ride for Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense this season. Through the first three games we’ve seen some good, but we’ve also seen a lot of inconsistencies.

Wilson is currently the fantasy QB9, although it doesn’t seem like it. This season he’s throwing for 260 yards and two touchdowns per game, completing better than 65% of his passes and he’s added 57 yards rushing. While the numbers sound good, the team hasn’t looked good and they are 0-3, coming off the embarrassing 70-20 loss to Miami.

Wilson will have a chance at redemption for the team this week in Chicago. A big key for Wilson’s success facing the Bears 28th ranked pass defense, will be the lack of pressure. In three games this season the Bears defense is last in the league with one sack and has allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. 

There’s not a lot of confidence in the Broncos team, but I have confidence in Wilson and head coach Sean Payton, tomorrow will be a better output for the offense and passing game. Start Wilson.

RB-Zack Moss (Colts)

The Colts running back has been fantastic as the team’s lead back. In two games this season Moss has been delivering as an elite RB-1 (currently the fantasy RB5) averaging 4.4 yards per carry, 27 touches and 126 scrimmage yards per game. He contributes in the pass game with 6 catches for 42 yards and a score in his two appearances.

With the Colts playing host to the Rams this week, Moss will be in line for another full workload, against a Rams defense that is allowing 4.6 yards per carry. This feels like a game where Moss should see enough volume to produce RB-1 numbers for the week.

In each of the two weeks Moss has seen at least 22 touches, totaled more than 100 yards of offense in each game, finishing in the top-10 for rushing each week. His floor is high enough that he’s a safe bet and should be in your lineup. Start Moss

WR-Brandon Aiyuk (49ers)

The Niners wide receiver returns after missing one game and with the possibility of no Deebo or a less than a 100% Samuel, Aiyuk is a strong start this week. Aiyuk has blossomed into a trustworthy and dependable weapon in the pass game.

He has 11 receptions for 172 yards receiving this season, with two touchdowns. If the 49ers are without Deebo, Aiyuk could be featured even more and provide a repeat of his week one performance (fantasy WR2).

Although the Cardinals defense has played well this season, the Niners are a well-balanced and well-oiled machine on offense and will present a myriad of problems for the D. Aiyuk could see a bump in his target share, making him a strong play on Sunday. Start Aiyuk

If you are in a deep league looking for some help in the flex spot, the Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr could be a sneaky play. I already like Wilson to continue with even greater success and we’ve already seen these two connect a couple of times this season. Mims provides the deep threat for the Broncos passing game and has shown the ability to take the lid off the top of the defense.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WEEK 4 FF SITS

September 30th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Week 4

Sit’Ems

My week 4 Sits for Sunday and Monday.

I believe every fantasy football owner greatly looks forward to NFL Sunday. There is so much promise and possibility as the day begins, but of course once the games kick off and the reality of the action starts to set in, it’s not always rainbows and pots of gold. On some Sundays, we experience heavy rains and lots of dark clouds.

RB-Gus Edwards (Ravens)

As I look ahead to this Sunday, these are just some of my thoughts for the week 4 matchups, where if you have a viable replacement option, you might want to look to your bench for help. I never enjoy predicting doom for anyone and certainly don’t hope anyone has a bad day. But if you are facing the Cleveland Browns defense in week 4, a bad day is what you can likely expect.

The Browns defense has been ridiculously good and stingy this season. They are allowing just 52 yards rushing per game with a 2.8 yards per carry average (both 2nd best in the league). In three games the Dawg Pound D has allowed less than 2 first downs rushing per game through the first three weeks of the season.

Last week the Browns defense held the Titans running back Derrick Henry to just 20 yards rushing on 11 carries and that followed a week 2 outing where the defense limited Steelers running back Najee Harris to just 43 yards.

The Ravens offense is going to face all kinds of problems moving the ball on the ground against this stout Browns defense. It’s likely a lot of their success will come from the legs of Lamar Jackson, limiting opportunities for Edwards. Edwards is averaging a little more than 10 carries per game the last two weeks. This is just not enough workload to trust looking ahead to Sunday. Sit Edwards.

RB-Dalvin Cook  (Jets)

The Jets offense in general has been a struggle this season. With the loss of quarterback Aaron Rodgers in week one, Zach Wilson just hasn’t stepped up to the plate. The team was able to salvage a week one win, primarily due to the 4 turnovers committed by the Bills offense. Since then the Jets rushing offense has been anemic. 

In week 2 against the Cowboys, the Jets totaled just 24 yards rushing on 10 carries from the backfield and the following week against the Patriots they didn’t fare much better, gaining 37 yards on 21 carries. With such low output from the running game, Cook’s contributions have reflected the same.

We’ve seen Cook’s workload fall from 13 carries in week one, to 4 in week two and 8 last week. His rushing totals haven’t been any better, 33, 7, and 18. With just 25 carries this season Cook is averaging a meager 2.3 yard per carry. Cook is still competing for touches with running back Breece Hall, but as the former gets healthy, Cooks’ window could be closing.

The Jets offense is bad and this week a Sunday night matchup with the Chiefs doesn’t bring good news. Through three games the Jets offense is averaging 22 run plays per game to 28 pass. On the surface there just doesn’t seem to be enough workload available and with his current trend Cook looks like a bad bet. Sit Cook.

TE-David Njoku (Browns)

The Browns tight end has popped up on the injury report this week and he is listed as questionable, but nonetheless I don’t like this week 4 matchup for Njoku. Even if he suits up, he could be limited, but that might not even matter.

Only the Browns defense has been better versus opposing tight ends this season, than the Ravens D, allowing the fewest fantasy points. For three weeks the Ravens defense has done a great job to shut down the position, allowing 8 receptions for 45 yards. 

Through the Brown’s first three games, Njoku is averaging just 3.3 receptions, 3.6 targets, and 30.6 receiving yards per game. He’s just not seeing enough shares or production in the passing game to be a viable option at the time. With a bad matchup on the docket, keep Njoku on your bench. Sit Njoku.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FANTASY FIXX

September 29th, 2023

David’s Daily 

Friday Evening Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Fixx

(Week 4: Best Matchups)

We’ve entered another weekend slate of games, still trying to recover from the week that was and looking forward to the week that could be. Could there be any monster games lurking in the shadows of the week 4 schedule?

Just like the previous week there are plenty of tasty matchups and a ton of data to dissect and figure out how to take advantage. The fantasy world can be cruel and she can be kind, looking ahead to the games of Week 4, these are some matchups we are hoping she smiles;

QB-Daniel Jones (Giants) - It’s been a tumultuous season for the Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones to this point. A comeback win and two blowout losses have fantasy owners holding their breath and hoping for the best. Well some of the best could arrive this Monday in the form of the Seahawks secondary, ranked 31st versus the pass and allowing the 2nd most completions to opposing quarterbacks. Another big key for Jones will be his tight end, a position of weakness for the Seahawks defense, that ranks 27th against in yards allowed. Daniel Jones finishes as a Top-12 fantasy QB this week.

QB-Joe Burrow (Bengals) - The Bengals passing game has yet to find its wings in this young season, but week 4 could offer hope for Burrow and company to air it out. In week 4 Burrow faces a Titan’s secondary that has allowed the 3rd most passing yards (899-yards passing) and a 72% completion rate to opposing quarterbacks. This game sets up as a get right matchup for Burrow and company. Sunday will be Burrow’s first 300-yard passing effort in 2023.

RB-Dameon Pierce (Texans) - It has been a very slow start for Pierce this season, currently the fantasy RB34, he has totaled just 100 yards rushing in three games averaging a paltry 2.5 yards per carry. This week Pierce and the Texans will take on the Steelers and have a shot to finally get the running game out of first gear. The Steelers defense is ranked 31st against the run (entering week 4), allowing around 5.5 yards per carry, so if there was ever a time for Pierce to break out this week should be it. I say he does it.

RB-James Cook (Bills) - Through the first three weeks of the season, Cook is the league's third leading rusher with 267 yards on the ground, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per tote. He’ll have a great chance to continue his success this Sunday facing a Dolphins defense that has allowed 337 yards rushing (ranked 27th entering week 4) at a 4.7 yards per carry clip. In his only game at home this season, Cook posted a 100-yard rushing effort and will look to continue this trend on Sunday. I like his chances.

WR-Tee Higgins (Bengals) - Higgins has had an up and down season through the first three weeks and this weekend sets up as a great chance to finish on the upside. The Bengals receiver will get a shot at a Titans secondary that has surrendered 57 receptions (3rd most) and 690 yards (4th most) to opposing receivers. Look for the Bengals offense to take advantage and Higgins to put up solid WR-2 numbers for the week.

WR-Nico Collins (Texans) - Through the first two weeks of the season, Collins was well inside the Top-10 of fantasy receivers with 226 yards receiving and 13 receptions. Last week he was targeted just three times and had a quiet afternoon. The Steelers secondary has allowed the 5th most fantasy points and 6th most receptions to opposing wide receivers. Fantasy owners can expect Collins to return to the form he displayed the first two weeks.

TE-Evan Engram (Jaguars) - Engram is the No.4 fantasy tight end through the first three weeks and he has been steady all season. The Jaguars tight end ranks third among tight ends with 21 targets, entering week 4 he ranked tied for 2nd with 18 receptions, and his 173 yards receiving ranks third. The Jaguars are in London this weekend to square off against the Falcons and Engram will get a chance to face a defense that allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Entering week 4 the Falcons have surrendered 18 receptions (tied for the 6th most) and two touchdown receptions to opposing tight ends. Engram has been solid this season and hasn’t finished lower than fantasy TE7. This won’t be the week he does, expect more of the same.

TE-Kyle Pitts (Falcons) - The Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts enjoyed his most productive week this season, catching 5 balls for 41 yards receiving on 9 targets. The targets are trending in the right direction and the matchup this week is good versus the Jaguars. The Jags defense has allowed the 4th highest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends and through three games they’ve surrendered two touchdowns. Expect Pitts to continue to trend in the right direction. This weekend he enters the Top-12 fantasy tight end discussion for the week.

These players may already be locked into your lineup and they may not, but if they are sitting on your bench and you are facing a start’em dilemma consider these plays for Week 4. I guarantee nothing and offer even less, these are just my forecasts about their respective week 4 matchups and outcomes for this weekend. 

Strong plays to consider for DFS as well.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY NIGHT MATCHUP

September 28th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Thursday Night Matchup: DFS Faves

Tonight’s matchup offers a lot of interesting perspectives, the possible return of running back Aaron Jones, the debut of wide receiver Christian Watson and the arrival of rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. Regardless of whichever you might find most intriguing, all of them will have some kind of fantasy impact in tonight’s matchup.

Aaron Jones looked dynamic and explosive in week one, but a bum hammy has had him sitting out the team’s last two games. If he’s 100% and ready to roll, he could feast in this matchup against the Lions defense (ranked 25th in passing vs RBs).

Christian Watson is slated to make his debut and if he’s good to go, he could add the explosiveness and deep threat the Packers offense is missing. With 7 passing touchdowns (ranked T3rd) this season, the addition of Watson will only give quarterback Jordan Love more options to beat a defense ranked 17th vs opposing QBs.

LaPorta has been terrific this season, currently the No.2 fantasy tight end. His 22 targets ranks second among tight ends while his 18 receptions also ranks tied for 2nd. He’ll easily be a featured target in this one and could be in for a big night.

These would be just a few of the storylines in this one and with that said, these are my favorite plays for DFS.

Thursday’s Take Five;

1. Jordan Love (QB) - I have to play the hot hand. Love has 8 total touchdowns this season, 7 pass, 1 run, tied with Tua Tagovailoa and second to Kirk Cousins 9. He gets a couple of big weapons back in Jones and Christian Watson and with the strong play of receivers Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, I feel very strong about this play. (DK-My Captain)

2.Jahmyr Gibbs (QB) - The Lions rookie runner should be busy in the pass game out of the backfield, an area where the Packers have allowed the 3rd most receiving yards to opposing running backs. Gibbs should also handle a fair share of the ground work, especially if Montgomery sits or is less than 100%.

3. Romeo Doubs (WR) - I believe the Lions secondary numbers are a bit skewed. We’ve seen the receiving situation in Kansas City and last week the Falcons receivers were awful. The Packers don’t have the likes of Adams, but with the return of Aaron Jones and Christian Watson and the recent play of Doubs and rookie receiver Jayden Reed, the Pack should have success airing it out. Doubs is tied with Reed for the team lead in targets with 20 and is tied with the rookie tied Luke Musgrave with 11 receptions. Doubs should see plenty of work and should benefit with the presence of Watson on the field.

4. Amon-Ra St.Brown (WR) - The Lions leading receiver has been consistent all three weeks, injury or not. He’s averaging 9+ targets per game and has eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark, twice in three games. I can’t see him not delivering tonight. He should see a steady diet of targets throughout the evening and will certainly post his standard 6 for 80. And I’d say he’s due to find pay dirt in this one as well. 

5.Sam LaPorta (TE) - The Lions rookie tight end has been gold for fantasy owners through the first three weeks. He ranks second in targets (22), tied for second in receptions (18), and is the fantasy TE3. Just like St.Brown, the rookie should be a focal point in the Lion’s passing attack and could have a busy night.

A notable consideration for tonight’s matchup has to be the Packers rookie tight Musgrave. I believe the return of Jones and Watson tonight will cut into his workload in the air, but the kid should be an effective option in the red zone with his 6-foot, 6-inch frame.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

September 27th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

Your fantasy players can’t produce without the ball and they need opportunities to produce. Week 3 was a big week for production, lots of yards totaled and points tallied, and undoubtedly a lot of the production was reflected in the opportunity that was there.

Let’s take a look at the Week 3 leaders in targets and touches.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 3

Top 10 WR

1. Davante Adams (20)

2. Keenan Allen (20)

3. Ja’Marr Chase (15)

4. Adam Thielen (14)

5. AJ Brown (14)

6. Justin Jefferson (13)

7. Deebo Samuel (12)

8. Stefon Diggs (12)

9. Jakobi Meyers (12)

10. Joshua Downs (12)

11. Romeo Doubs (12)

The Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, currently fantasy WR26 for the season, turned his 15 targets (most this season) in week 3, into 12 receptions for 141 receiving yards. By far this was his best output of the season and good enough for fantasy WR6. If this trend continues (26.4% target share), fantasy owners will start to reap the rewards from the draft capital they invested in Chase.

It’s really no surprise to see Adams (fantasy WR4) sitting near the top of the fantasy receiver tree. His 37 targets for the season ranks 4th, his 322 yards receiving ranks 5th, and his 25 receptions are tied for 4th. As long as he and Jimmy G (Garoppolo) can continue to connect at a high level (39.3% target share) Adams will remain a Top-5 fantasy WR.

Top 10 TE

1. Sam LaPorta (11)

2. TJ Hockenson (11)

3. George Kittle (9)

4. Kyle Pitts (9)

5. Evan Engram (8)

6. Travis Kelce (8)

7. Luke Musgrave (8)

8. Jonnu Smith (8)

9. Four players tied with (7)

The Vikings TJ Hockenson, also the No.1 fantasy tight end continues to be a Target Hog in the passing game. Hockenson is getting a 20.3% target share per game which is equating to 9.3 targets per. With that kind of volume it should not be surprising to see him at the top of the fantasy tight end tree. His 11 targets in week 3 were good enough to produce 8 receptions for 78 yards. With his current volume he’s Top-5 the rest of the way.

The Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been trending in the right direction the past two weeks. With his 16 targets in that span, he has accumulated 13 receptions for 124 yards receiving, numbers good enough for fantasy TE4. For the year, he has 21 total targets which have him sitting as the No.3 fantasy tight end, behind LaPorta and Hockenson. This type of workload (18.6% target share) will keep him well inside the Top-10 fantasy tight end conversation.

Top 10 RB

1. Miles Sanders (10)

2. Raheem Mostert (7)

3. Kyren Williams (7)

4. Alexander Mattison (7)

5. Bijan Robinson (6)

6. Christian McCaffrey (5)

7. Travis Etienne Jr (5)

8. Josh Jacobs (5)

9. Antonio Gibson (5)

10. Six tied with (4)

Not only has the Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert been healthy this season, but he has been producing at an elite level. After three games Mostert is the top fantasy running back. He’s not only getting it done on the ground, but he’s contributing in the passing game with 10 receptions, 79 yards receiving, and a touchdown. His 17 touches per game, if this continues, will keep him in the RB-1 conversation.

Touches Are Fantasy Gold

Just like a receiver needs to be targeted, a running back’s success leans heavily on how many times they touch (carries + catches) the rock.

Here are the weekly Touch leaders;

Week 3

Top 10 RB

1. Zack Moss (32)

2. Tony Pollard (26)

3. Alexander Mattison (25)

4. Christian McCaffrey (23)

5. Travis Etienne Jr (23)

6. De’Von Achane (22)

7. Kenneth Walker III (21)

8. Josh Jacobs (20)

9. Rhamondre Stevenson (20)

10. Joe Mixon (20)

How good has the Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker been this season, he’s the fantasy RB7 through the first three games. Over the past two weeks, he’s been even better, totaling 140 yards rushing, 70 yards receiving, and four rushing touchdowns good enough for fantasy RB3. His 39 touches over the same span ranks tied for 5th. 

The Colts running back Zack Moss may only be renting the starting gig in Indy, but he’s looking like a permanent squatter at the moment. Over the past two weeks Moss has been the fantasy RB5 (tied with Jerome Ford). He has totaled 210 yards rushing and 42 yards receiving with 54 total touches (ranks 2nd). As long as the workload continues he’s a must-start, beyond week 4 we’ll have to see what happens with running back Jonathan Taylor.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WAIVER WIRE

September 26th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

We’ve completed three weeks of action and there’s plenty of data to unsort and players to consider for adding this week. If you were impacted by the unfortunate loss of Williams (Chargers) in Los Angeles this week or have been trying to navigate without Aaron Jones or Christian Watson, it’s that time of the week again. Waiver wire time.

Week 4 Waiver wire options;

QB-CJ Stroud (Texans) - In case you haven’t paid attention, through the first three weeks of the season, the Texans rookie quarterback is fantasy QB12. He’s coming off two straight weeks inside the Top-12 and has looked good doing so. He definitely looks like a worthy streaming option and bye week filler. He’s worth the add, if you can make room.

QB-Jordan Love (Packers) - The Packers signal caller sits at the fantasy QB4 spot and while the numbers look great, his inaccuracy (53.1% completion) is concerning. Last week Love showed some of his character and ability to handle adversity. I’m not ready to call him an every-week starter, but he needs to be owned.

QB-Russell Wilson (Broncos) - While the Broncos in general look like a mess, at least the offense and Wilson appear to be better than last year. Through the first three weeks Wilson is the No.9 fantasy quarterback. It hasn’t looked pretty at times, because the defense has been a disaster, but Wilson is completing over 65% of his passes and has thrown for 791 yards and 6 touchdowns. Wilson looks improved this season and should be considered a safe add and streaming option.

RB-Zach Moss (Colts) - He should be owned in every fantasy league and in your starting lineups. He looks the part (averaging 27 touches per game) and is currently producing like a fantasy RB1. Moss is the fantasy RB6 in his two weeks on the field and this past week against a pretty good Ravens defense he finished the week at fantasy RB5. If he’s still available go get him and use 85-90% of your FAAB to get him. 

RB-De’Von Achane (Dolphins) - The Dolphins rookie running back made a huge splash in his debut, breaking out and running all over the Broncos in week 3. Achane was on fire getting into the end zone four times and rushing for over 200 yards. It’s hard to predict his usage going forward at this moment, but with so much talent you have to believe the Phins will work him into the rotation. He should be owned and flex consideration.

WR-Tank Dell (Texans) - The Texans rookie receiver has been brilliant this season. Through the first three games he is the fantasy WR14, tied with Chris Olave. After a slow start in week one, his past two games have been Top-20 finishes. He’s averaging 7 targets per game, enough usage to keep him in the flex mix. He needs to be added.

WR-Joshua Palmer (Chargers) - There’s little doubt Palmer is going to be one of the hot adds this week. With Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (ACL) going down this week, Palmer is the next man up. Palmer is a capable receiver in his own right and when he has been asked to step up in the past, he has delivered. He should be added and inserted into your lineup.

WR-Courtland Sutton (Broncos) - The Broncos receiver had a rough week 3, fumbling twice, but still finished as the fantasy WR13. With the improved Wilson this season, Sutton has been good enough to be a starting fantasy receiver. For the moment he warrants flex consideration and can be added.

TE-Gerald Everett (Chargers) - Everett is the fantasy TE19 through three weeks, but with the absence of Mike Williams he should see a bump in usage. His appeal and numbers should improve going forward, now would be the time to nab him before his stock rises.

A few more players that should be kept an eye on include the following players, (WR) Michael Gallup, (TE) Luke Musgrave, (WR) Quentin Johnson, (WR) Marvin Mims Jr. These are players that at some point could become viable streaming options and bye week fills.

Check your leagues for availability and good luck in week 3.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL WINS

September 26th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Wins!

(NFL Week 3)

This is always one of the fun parts following the weekend, when I can look back at my successes. There will always be those players locked-in your lineups, but I consider some of these players as those that may or may not be in lineups; and they should be and shouldn’t be.

Cousins is fantasy gold.

QB-Kirk Cousins (QB4) - Despite the team’s lack of success in the win column, as long as Cousins is the starter and he has Justin Jefferson available, he’s a must-start in fantasy. The guy has been pure fantasy gold, finishing in the top each of the first three weeks.

The Cowboys running back continues to play like a star.

RB-Tony Pollard (RB13) - The Cowboys running back has been a star thus far this season. On Sunday he turned in another solid performance rushing for 122 yards. For the season Pollard is the fantasy RB9.

As expected, another quiet day.

RB-AJ Dillon (RB52) - The Packers desperately need Aaron Jones back. In the two games without Jones, Dillon has been a dud. In the two games without Jones available, Dillon has finished outside the Top-50 fantasy running backs. He belongs on your bench for the time being.

The Jets passing game is non-existent.

WR-Allen Lazard (WR59) - The Jets wide receiver caught three balls for 39 yards on Sunday. As long as the offense struggles, Lazard is going to remain fantasy irrelevant. For the season he’s fantasy receiver No.73. He can be dropped.

The Chiefs receiver room is a mess.

WR-Kadarius Toney (WR100) - The Chiefs wideout has clearly been a disappointment thus far this season. It’s still early in the season and his quarterback is Patrick Mahomes, but sitting at fantasy WR102 with just 7 catches for 35 yards to this point, he can’t be trusted. It’s safe to drop him.

The Texans rookie continues to play well.

WR-Tank Dell (WR6) - The Texans rookie wide receiver was big on Sunday, recording 5 receptions for 145 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown reception. This was the second straight week Dell has finished as a Top-20 fantasy receiver. He's a must-start at this point.

Another quiet day for Titans tight end

TE-Chigozeim Okonkwo (TE25) - The Titans 2nd year tight end is off to a slow start this season. On Sunday was more of the same, catching three passes for 7 yards. For the season, with just 10 targets in three games Okonkwo sits at fantasy TE44. He shouldn’t be owned and not worth streaming.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL WHIFFS

September 26th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Morning Edition

Fantasy Football Whiffs!

(NFL Week 3)

So week 3 was an unforgettable week for fantasy owners, filled with some generational performances that will go down in history. If you had players like Tua Tagovailoa, Raheem Mostert, Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, and Davante Adams in your lineup, you are probably smiling looking at your week 3 outcome.

If by chance you had any of these players in your lineups, your happiness does not exist. These were my Week 3 whiffs.

Ridder has a rough time in the Motor City.

QB-Desmond Ridder (QB26) - The Rookie quarterback could not take his show on the road to Detroit. The Lions defense stepped up and gave him lots of trouble, sacking Ridder seven times. After a strong week 2 performance (fantasy QB12), Ridder posted a dud on the road passing for 201 yards, no touchdowns and a fumble lost.

Following his Week 2 dud, definitely expected better.

QB-Trevor Lawrence (QB17) - It wasn't a terrible day for the Jaguars signal caller, but his 279 yards passing with one touchdown pass and pick for the QB17 spot is not good enough for owners that drafted him as a fringe QB1. 

With the matchup he had, expected better numbers

RB-Najee Harris (RB34) - The Steelers running back plodded his way to 65 yards on the ground on 19 carries. He recorded zero catches and was only targeted once. It’s almost time to leave Harris on your bench, almost.

Did not expect the team’s leading receiver to disappear.

WR-Nico Collins (WR66) - After two weeks, Collins was starting to look like a locked-in WR1. On Sunday he was only targeted three times. Catching 2 passes for 34 yards, which is a little concerning. At this point he still needs to be in lineups.

Still getting the targets, just not the numbers.

WR-Calvin Ridley (WR58) - After laying an egg at home in Week 2, the Jaguars offense came back and laid another in week 3. Ridley followed up his week 2 disappointing stat line with another on Sunday. Ridley only registered three receptions for 40 yards, but he was targeted another 7 times. His production has been anemic, but the opportunity is there.

Wasn’t expecting the top spot, but Top-12.

TE-Hunter Henry (TE25) - After consecutive weeks finishing as the fantasy TE1, Henry came back to earth. The Patriots tight end only registered two receptions in week 3 on 5 targets. His 3.7 fantasy points finished outside the top 20 for the week.

Expected Schultz to play a bigger role in the passing game.

TE-Dalton Schultz (TE43) - The Texans tight end was only targeted three times on Sunday, recording a single catch for 9 yards, in a game the team won. I certainly didn’t expect this low output from Schultz. This was a big whiff in week 3. 

I was expecting Hayden to be more involved.

TE-Hayden Hurst (TE37) - The Panthers tight end was quiet on Sunday recording one catch for 11 yards. This was the second straight game where Hurst has finished outside the top-30 fantasy tight ends. He can be dropped.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY HEROES WEEK 3

September 25th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Monday Afternoon Edition

NFL Sunday Week 3:

Sunday’s Heroes

What a wild weekend NFL Sunday week 3 was. 70 points scored in a single game, by one team. Three players on the same team with over 30 fantasy points, and two running backs from the same team scoring four touchdowns each. It was a day filled with great performances by some great players.

These were the NFL Week 3 Sunday Heroes.

QB, Justin Herbert (Chargers) - The Chargers signal caller was impressive on the road, leading the Bolts to a big and much needed week 3 win. Herbert was spectacular, completing 40 of 47 passes (85.1% completion) for 405 yards passing with 3 touchdowns. He finished the day as the fantasy QB1.

RB, De’Von Achane (Dolphins) - It was a “Welcome to the NFL” and breakout game for the Dolphins rookie running back as he ran rampant all over the Broncos defense. The Rook was Mister Big play all afternoon with impressive runs and scoring three times, including a scintillating display of speed on a 67-yard rushing scamper to the house. On the day, Achane rushed for 203 yards on 18 carries (11.3 yards per carry), adding 4 receptions and 30 yards receiving. He finished the day as the fantasy RB1.

WR, Keenan Allen (Chargers) - It only makes sense with the big day that Herbert turned in this afternoon, that Keenan would factor big. The Chargers wide receiver was ridiculous on Sunday, not only setting career highs with receptions (18) and yards (215) in a single game, but he also threw his first NFL touchdown pass to fellow teammate wide receiver Mike Williams. Allen was the fantasy WR1 for week 3.

TE, Sam LaPorta (Lions) - The Lions rookie tight end was huge on Sunday contributing big in the passing game and the team’s win at home. LaPorta started quickly in this one and was targeted often throughout. The rookie finished the day with 8 grabs, for 84 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown reception on 11 targets.

IDP, Kyle Hamilton (Ravens) - The Ravens safety was special on Sunday in a losing cause against the Colts. Hamilton turned in stellar performance recording 7 solo tackles, two tackles for a loss, and three 3 sacks. The Ravens defensive back also added three QB hits, a pass defense, and a forced fumble for good measure. An outstanding week 3 performance on Sunday.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING POSTS

September 24th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

NFL Sunday Week 3

(X – Shout Outs)

My Four Horsemen

These are the players I expect to shine on Sunday.

QB-Kirk Cousins - The Vikings signal caller is fantasy QB1 through two games. He has passed for 708 yards, with 6-1, TD to Int ratio. The Chargers defense allows the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing QBs.

RB-Kenneth Walker - The Seahawks running back is tied for fantasy RB14 through two games. Walker is averaging 17 touches, 60.5 scrimmage yards, and a touchdown per game. The Panthers D has surrendered 5 scores (4 run, 1 catch) to the position.

WR-George Pickens - The talented Steelers receiver leads the team with 17 targets, 9 receptions, and 163 yards receiving thru two games. He faces a Raiders D that allows the highest completion rate to WRs - 83.8%.

TE-Sam LaPorta - The rookie tight end has 10 receptions, 102 yards receiving, no scores thru two games. With a less than 100% St.Brown, LaPorta could see a big uptick in his usage and offer great DFS value.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega