FSH NOTEBOOK: DFS WEEKLY (WEEK 8)

October 28th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

DFS Weekly Primer

Fantasy Five

It’s another week of DFS play for me and looking over the week 8 slate I see several options I can work with to build a lineup. It’s been a rough season for me, I haven't quite had the success I was hoping for and expecting, but Week 8 is another day.

I like players like (RB) Alvin Kamara, (WR) Ja’Marr Chase, and (WR) Terry McLaurin this week and will have plenty of shares of each in my DFS lineup to go along with the following plays here. These are some of the plays that I like in DFS this week.

Dameon Pierce (Texans-RB) The Texans running back has been relatively quiet this season, but a great matchup this week against the Panthers affords the opportunity to shine. The Panthers are the 31st ranked defense against the run and allow the 5th most yards per carry. If the stars align, Pierce could be back in the fantasy fold.

Breece Hall (Jets-RB) Fresh off the bye, the 2nd year back would appear to be healthy and ready for a big Week. Hall has been the clear leader in the backfield the past couple of games and is poised for a big outing against a porous Giants run defense (ranked 27th against the run). His low DFS (DK) salary makes him a premium play this week.

Calvin Ridley (Jaguars-WR) The Jaguars wideout has been highly inconsistent, along the boom or bust lines this season. He is currently the fantasy WR45, but he continues to see a steady diet of targets weekly.  Squaring off with the Steelers this week, Ridley will face a secondary that is ranked 25th against the pass, allowing the 3rd most fantasy points and 7th most receiving yards to opposing receivers.

Odell Beckham Jr (Ravens-WR) This week the Ravens passing game has a good matchup against the Cardinals 23rd ranked defense. The rookie wideout Zay Flowers figures to be a key play for the Ravens on Sunday, but after logging a Full practice on Friday and carrying no injury designation Beckham Jr could be ready for a bigger role this week. OBJ is coming off his best game of the season in Week 7 that included 7 targets. At his low (DK) salary value, I like his chances to make a splash in Week 8.

George Kittle (49ers-TE) With the 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel already ruled out, Kittle (fantasy TE8) can expect to see a greater share of targets in his Week 8 matchup with the Bengals. The Bengals defense allows the 7th most fantasy points and 3rd most touchdowns (4) to opposing tight ends this season. Kittle is due for a big day.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL TARGET PRACTICE

October 28th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Saturday Target Practice

Garrett Wilson (Jets) The Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (fantasy WR23 - for the season) has been heavily targeted (33 targets) over his last three games. He has 32 receptions for 369 yards receiving and two touchdowns this season.

Drake London (Falcons) The Falcons receiver Drake London (fantasy WR37) has seen a steady diet of 28 targets over his last three games. London has 32 receptions for 383 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns this season.

Jakobi Meyers (Raiders) The Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (fantasy WR12) has been a busy pass-catcher of late with 30 targets over his last three games. This season Meyers has caught 37 passes for 385 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns.

Week 7 Top 10

1.Amon-Ra St.Brown - 19

2. AJ Brown - 15

3. Tyreek Hill - 15

4. Chris Olave - 15

5. Jakobi Meyers - 13

6. Puka Nacua - 12

7. Stefon Diggs - 12

8. Chris Godwin - 12

9. Davante Adams - 12

10.Jordan Addison – 10

Josh Jacobs (Raiders) The Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (fantasy RB20) remains locked in as an RB-2, getting a nice bump from the passing game. Over his last three games he’s been targeted 14 times producing 8 receptions for 42 yards receiving.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions) The Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs (fantasy RB21) is coming off his best game of the season in Week 7. When he’s been healthy, Gibbs has been a big part of the passing game. Over his last two games he’s seen 15 targets. He’s a weekly play in ppr formats.

Week 7 Top 10

1. Alvin Kamara - 14

2. Jahmyr Gibbs - 10

3. Rachaad White - 6

4. Rhamondre Stevenson - 6

5. D’Onta Foreman - 5

6. Travis Etienne Jr - 5

7. Emari Demercado - 5

8. Aaron Jones - 5

9. Jonathan Taylor - 4

10. Saquon Barkley - 4

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SATURDAY (FF) QUICK TAKES (WK8-2)

October 28, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Quick Takes

Jets vs Giants Matchup

The Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (fantasy WR23) has 32 receptions for 369 yards receiving and two touchdowns this season. Despite the inconsistent play at quarterback, Wilson remains a low-end WR-2 or flex play.

Jaguars vs Steelers Matchup

The Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr (fantasy RB5) has rushed for 504 yards with 7 touchdowns this season. Etienne Jr has also caught 24 passes for 196 yards receiving. Over the past three weeks Etienne has been the top fantasy running back, he’s locked in this week and should be a safe Top-10 fantasy RB.

Eagles vs Commanders Matchup

The Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (fantasy WR25) has caught 37 passes for 432 yards with one touchdown this season. A fringe WR-2 thus far this season, McLaurin has a friendly matchup this week with the Eagles 31st in fantasy against wide receivers.

Texans vs Panthers Matchup

The Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (fantasy QB17) has thrown for 1,660 yards (276.6/game) and tossed 9 touchdowns to one pick this season. Over his last three games Stroud has averaged more than 250 yards passing per game with 5 touchdowns. Sitting just outside the top-12 this week, he’s a strong play in 2-QB leagues.

Browns vs Seahawks Matchup

The Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker (fantasy RB8) has rushed for 450 yards this season, adding 7 touchdowns (6 run, 1 receive) and 13 receptions for 106 yards receiving. A full participant, Walker is good to go for Sunday and locked-in fantasy lineups.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SATURDAY (FF) QUICK TAKES

October 28, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Quick Takes

Rams vs Cowboys Matchup

The Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (fantasy WR7 - ppr) has collected 58 receptions for 752 yards receiving this season. He's a must-start every week.

Vikings vs Packers Matchup

The Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is averaging 5.3 receptions for 71.7 yards and better than a touchdown over his last three games. He's a must-start every week.

Falcons vs Titans Matchup

The Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has been the fantasy QB7 over the last three weeks averaging 295 yards passing, 1 touchdowns, and 22 yards rushing per game. He's in play in 2-QB and deeper leagues.

Saints vs Colts Matchup

The Saints running back Alvin Kamara is averaging 26 touches and 118 yards of offense over his last three games played. He's the fantasy RB3 during this stretch. A must-start matchup for Week 8

Patriots vs Dolphins Matchup

The Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has totaled 53 receptions for 902 yards receiving and 7 scores this season. He is the fantasy WR1. He's forever locked in.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FANTASY FIXX

October 27th, 2023

David’s Daily 

Friday Late-Evening Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Fixx

TGIF, it’s Friday night and once again time to talk fantasy football Week 8. We’re still in the middle of the byes, but fantasy managers get a brief pause and a break from the chaos with a full slate this weekend. This week has a full schedule of 16 games and lots of fantasy options on the table.

We’ve already had one game played on Thursday night and hopefully you were lucky enough to have Stefon Diggs (16 fantasy points - ppr) Dalton Kincaid (17.5 fantasy points), or Chris Godwin (17.8 fantasy points) in your lineups to start the week. If not, perhaps you were clairvoyant enough to play wide receiver Khalil Shakir (15.2 fantasy points). Either way, we still have a full slate on Sunday and plenty of options to fill out the lineup card.

If you are looking for some options for Sunday that might have appeal, these five players are all trending in the right direction leading into Week 8.

The Trending Five

Desmond Ridder (Falcons, QB) The Falcons quarterback has been playing well of late, averaging nearly 300 yards passing his last three starts. He has also accounted for five total touchdowns (3 pass, 2 run) while adding 66 yards rushing over this stretch. 

Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions, RB) The Lions rookie running back has missed a couple of games, but returned to action in Week 7 and did not disappoint. Gibbs was shifty and explosive totaling 126 yards of offense (68 run, 58 receive), adding a rushing score and 9 grabs. He’s a must play in Week 8.

Jordan Addison (Vikings, WR) Another trending must-play for Week 8 is the Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison. The kid has been on a tear of late catching 16 passes for 215 yards receiving, and 4 touchdowns over his last three games.

Josh Downs (Colts, WR) A  lot of youngsters on this list, so we continue with the Colts rookie wideout Josh Downs. Over his last three games he’s been the fantasy WR13, registering 16 catches for 243 yards receiving and two touchdowns. He’s in play this week.

Kyle Pitts (Falcons, TE) Coming on in recent weeks as one of Ridder’s dependable targets, Pitts has been the fantasy TE9 over the last three weeks. The 3rd year tight end has totaled 14 receptions for 177 yards receiving and a touchdown during the three-game stretch.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY NIGHT MATCHUP

October 26th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Thursday Night Matchup

I won’t pretend to be a prophet or have a crystal ball, but I have a feeling tonight’s matchup could lean heavily one way. The Bills are coming off a disappointing Week 7 loss to the Patriots and with some home cooking on a Thursday, this may be just what they need to bounce back. With three straight games with a pick, Josh Allen will be looking to turn that page.

On the other side, the Buccaneers also suffered a Week 7 home loss to the Falcons, but a road tilt against the Bills may not be timely. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has remained middle of the pack as the fantasy QB17 much of this season, but he is coming off one of his better showings from a week ago. He will have his work cut out for him tonight against a hostile Bills crowd.

Here are my favorites for tonight;

Josh Allen (Bills-QB) Of course everything starts with the Bills signal caller. All things go through Allen and a big night I am predicting for the fantasy QB1. Allen squares off against a Bucs defense that has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Allen should account for at least two scores tonight.

Latavius (Bill-RB) This one feels like one of those games where the Bills will move the ball well and set up a couple of goalline opportunities. I expect to see Bills running back James Cook to have success between the 20’s, setting up an opportunity or two for Murry to vulture a score tonight. Murray is on my DFS radar in this one.

Stefon Diggs (Bills-WR) It’s been the Allen-to-Diggs show this season and with a primetime matchup on the slate for Week 8, it should be more of the same. Diggs (fantasy WR2) is the second most targeted wide receiver in the NFL this season, so it should be business as usual for this duo. Diggs baseline is six catches for 60 yards and a touchdown. He’s a lock to put up similar numbers tonight.

Mike Evans (Buccaneers-WR) The Bills secondary of late has proven to be a little shaky. Evans (fantasy WR14), with his size, will be a matchup nightmare, especially in the Red Zone. Evans is averaging 9 targets per game over his last two outings, so he should see a steady diet of looks in this one.

Dalton Kincaid (Bills-TE) Coming off his best game and fantasy showing this season, the Bills rookie tight end will look to build off this momentum tonight. With veteran tight end Dawson Know already shelved, Kincaid could see an increased role tonight that pays dividends for fantasy owners.

That’s My Take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEKLY AWARDS (WEEK 7)

October 26th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Weekly Awards

The Weekly Honors for some of the outstanding performances during Week 7.

AFC Offensive Player of the Week

Lamar Jackson (Ravens-QB)

*21 of 27 passing

*77.8% completions

*357 yards passing

*4 touchdowns (3 pass, 1 run)

*155.79 passer rating

*9 rush attempts

*36 rushing yards

AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Foyesade Oluokun (Jaguars-LB)

*9 solo tackles

*5 assists

*2 pass defense

*1 interception

*1 defensive touchdown

NFC Offensive Player of the Week

D'Onta Foreman (Bears-RB)

*16 carries

*89 yards rushing

*5.6 yards per carry

*2 rushing touchdowns

*5 targets

*3 receptions

*31 yards receiving

*1 receiving touchdown

NFC Defensive Player of the Week

Jaylon Johnson (Bears-DB)

*2 solo tackles

*1 assist

*2 pass defense

*2 interceptions

*1 defensive touchdown

The future NFL stars.

Offensive Rookie of the Week

Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions-RB)

*11 carries

*68 yards rushing

*6.2 yards per carry

*1 rushing touchdowns

*10 targets

*9 receptions

*58 yards receiving

Defensive Rookie of the Week

Deonte Banks (Giants-DB)

*5 solo tackles

*2 assists

*1 pass defense

*1 interception

That’s My Take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEEKLY WAIVER WIRE

October 24th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Late-Evening Edition

The Weekly Waiver Wire

This week’s Wire may look a little muddled, but if you can find clarity, there are plenty of moves to be made. Let’s start at the top of the Wire and head over to Cleveland where the Browns running back Kareem Hunt will likely be one of the top adds this week. Hunt is only owned in 46.8% ESPN leagues and figures to be the next man up with (RB) Jerome Ford expected to be sidelined 1-2 weeks.

After a strong Week 7 performance, Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid will be a hot pick up off the Waiver wire this week. The Bills rookie tight end was finally heavily involved in the pass game receiving 8 targets, catching 8 passes for 75 receiving yards, and he finished as the fantasy TE6 for the week. Kincaid is only owned in 31.3% of ESPN leagues, so this may be time to grab him.

The rest of the Week 8 Wire.

Gardner Minshew (Colts-QB) The Colts signal caller is coming off a strong Week 7 showing against the Browns. In what should have been a difficult matchup to avoid, Minshew put up nearly 30 fantasy points and finished the week as fantasy QB3. He’s on the radar with a date with the Saints in Week 8.

Mac Jones (Patriots-QB) A strong Week 7 showing has him on the watchlist as fantasy owners continue to manage their way through the byes.

Kenny Pickett (Steelers-QB) Pickett has both of his primary receivers now, with George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, he’s on the streaming radar during the byes.

Darrell Henderson Jr (Rams-RB) Owned in just 12.2% of ESPN leagues, Henderson should be considered a viable streaming option during the byes.

Royce Freeman (Rams-RB) Freeman ran well on Sunday against the Steelers playing behind Henderson. Owned in only 20.2% fantasy leagues, he’s a streamer in deeper leagues and should be rostered.

Emari Demercado (Cardinals-RB) The Cardinals running back is only rostered in 15.7% of ESPN leagues. He’s worth adding but could be a risky play considering the current tumultuous usage rate in the Cards backfield. Proceed with caution.

AJ Dillon (Packers-RB) Until Aaron Jones is a full-go, Dillon is back on streaming radar. Over his past two games Dillon is averaging 17.5 carries and 68.5 yards rushing per game.

  

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chiefs-WR) The Chiefs wideout is rostered in only 7.5% of ESPN leagues. When you get an endorsement from your quarterback, that’s a good thing, but when he’s Patrick Mahomes fantasy managers should listen. MVS should be rostered.

Rashee Rice (Chiefs-WR) Part of the Chiefs prolific passing offense, the rookie is rostered in 48.7% of ESPN league and should be added. Rice has 13 receptions for 165 yards and two scores over his last three games.

Jake Bobo (Seahawks-WR) It’s too early to make a move here, especially with the JSN breakout game on Sunday, but Bobo (rostered in .4% of ESPN leagues) should be on your watchlist, even stashed in deeper leagues if you have the room on your bench.

Kendrick Bourne (Patriots-WR) The Patriots wideout is rostered in only 24.1% of ESPN leagues, it’s time to add him. Bourne has scored over 15 fantasy points in consecutive games.

Gerald Everett (Chargers-TE) Rostered in only 28.0% ESPN leagues; Everett should be considered a viable streaming option. Over the past two games he's the fantasy TE6.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY'S HEROES WEEK 7

October 24th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

NFL Sunday Week 7

Sunday’s Heroes

It was a big day of production on National Tight Ends Day for these fantasy studs. If you had any of these performers in your lineup this week, you likely secured a week 7 win. But it is fantasy football, so there are no guarantees.

Here were some of the Fantasy Football Heroes on Sunday;

Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs-QB) Magic was back on Sunday in Week 7 at Arrowhead. The Chiefs quarterback passed for over 400 yards (424), threw four touchdown passes, and added 29 yards rushing to finish the week as the third highest in fantasy scoring. Mahomes has reclaimed the Top-Fantasy QB title over the past three weeks.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions-RB) The Lions rookie runner had his best game on Sunday Week 7, compiling 126 total yards of offense. We knew Gibbs would see more work in the run game (11 carries on Sunday for 68 yards), but his contributions in the passing game powered his fantasy RB3 finish for Week 7. Gibbs full stat line for Sunday, 11 carries, 68 yards rushing, 1 rushing score, 9 receptions (10 targets), and 58 yards receiving. Expect to see continued increased usage with Montgomery still on the mend.

AJ Brown (Eagles-WR) The Eagles wide receiver has clearly separated himself as the team’s top and primary receiving option this season. On Sunday he was once again dominant in the Eagles air attack. Brown was targeted 15 times, registering 10 receptions for 137 yards receiving and one score. Brown has recorded 5 straight games with at least 127 yards receiving and 6 receptions, and is the fantasy WR1 just ahead of Tyreek Hill and Adam Thielen.

Travis Kelce (Chiefs-TE) The Chiefs tight end celebrated National Tight Ends Day with a memorable performance finishing the week as the Number One fantasy scorer. Kelce was targeted heavily on the day, 13 times for the afternoon, registering 12 receptions for 179 yards receiving and his 4th touchdown for the season. Kelce has once again separated himself from the pack and is the far and away number one tight end this season, by more than 5 fantasy points per game (ppr).

Myles Garrett (Browns-DL) The IDP player of the week Myles Garrett was a beast on Sunday, wrecking havoc and causing chaos all afternoon. Garrett recorded 7 solo tackles, 2 assists, 1 tackle for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, 1 pass defense, 2 forced fumbles, and he blocked a field goal. He was “The Destroyer.”

Michael Hoecht (Rams-LB) The Rams linebacker was a solid IDP play for week 7. Hoecht recorded 4 solo tackles, 3 assists, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, and one forced fumble. A big day for the Rams 3rd year linebacker, his best of the season.

Kenny Moore II (Colts-DB) The Colts 7th year defensive back has been a solid IDP play over the past several weeks and on Sunday was more of the same. Moore recorded 7 solo tackles, 3 assists, 3 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and added  two QB hits for the afternoon. He’s locked in as an IDP starter.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: 10 THINGS FOR NFL SUNDAY

October 22nd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

10 Things for Sunday

We are getting closer to the season’s mid-point and the Byes are flexing this week with six teams out. Despite the fewer games, this week should provide plenty of fireworks, lots of scoring, and fantasy points much to the delight of fantasy managers. As we look over the slate of games today, what’s has your attention?

Here are the 10 quick questions or things on my mind.

1. Is this the Josh Jacobs Breakout game?

The Raiders running back certainly looks primed to breakout. He’s averaging the second most touches of all running backs over the last three weeks, including the most carries (20+) and second most receptions with 5 per game. The production has yet to catch up, but the workload certainly appears to be there. It’s a good matchup today and a chance for Jacobs to have a big day.

2. Can Diggs do it again?

I say yes. The Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been on quite a heater of late. He’s managed to record at least 100 yards receiving in four straight games with at least 6 catches. For the season Diggs has hit the century mark 5 of 6 games and scored 19 or more fantasy points in those contests. Last year Diggs, in two games, averaged 7.0 receptions, 98.0 yards receiving, and 1.0 touchdowns. Someone queue the Brittany Spears jam.

3. Is Barkley healthy and ready to roll?

Last week against the Bills on Sunday night, down the stretch Barkley showed some flash with a couple nifty runs. He looked a lot like the Week 2 Barkley we saw earlier this season. I believe he’s ready to roll and could have success today against the Commanders who allow better than 4.5 yards per carry this season.

4. Can Mayfield Shake n Bake on Sunday?

This is more of a hunch than anything else. I like the home matchup against the Falcons defense, who have recorded the 5th fewest sacks and allowed the 5th most passing touchdowns. I am thinking Baker to Evans for six in this one.

5. Will Flowers bloom on Sunday?

We are getting closer to the winter season, but that shouldn’t matter for the Ravens rookie receiver. Over the past two weeks his targets per game at Top-12, so he should see plenty of opportunities today to put up decent numbers. Continue to trust the bloom of Flowers.

6. Is the third game a charm for Kupp?

The Rams receiver has looked great in his return totaling 15 receptions for 266 yards receiving and a touchdown. I love this matchup this week against the Steelers (ranked 25th against the pass) and expect Kupp to have another big game. Third time is always a charm.

7. Can Walker make it 5 in a row?

I say Kenneth Walker can score a rushing touchdown today to make it 5 straight games. He’s not compiling huge yardage numbers, but his 6 rushing scores this season have him elevated to the No.8 fantasy RB slot. Facing the Cardinals 24th ranked run defense Walker will have a chance to improve his rushing numbers (345 yards this season) as well as his touchdowns.

8. Is Sunday time for the Hollywood Shuffle?

The Cardinals primary receiver has been targeted heavily (31 times) the last three weeks heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Seahawks. The Seahawks rank 28th against the pass and allow the most fantasy points to opposing receivers. This one is lining up to be a big day for Hollywood Brown.

9. Can Aaron Jones run wild against the Broncos?

The Packers running back says he feels good and should be ready to go against the Broncos. The Mile High defense has been absent all season allowing the most yards on the ground and yards per carry this season. Jones is a dual threat out of the backfield and could be in for a big day leading the Packers backfield.

10. Can Swift shine on Sunday night?

After his blow up performance in Week 2, the Eagles running back has steadily been returning to earth. His fantasy numbers (No.12 fantasy RB for the season) are still very good, but today’s matchup with the Dolphins, offers a great opportunity. The Phins have allowed the 9th most rushing yards to running backs and those numbers should climb even more today.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega