DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 039-26

David's Daily Digest

September 27th 2026

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

Lineup Notes

A lot of injury updates this morning impacting a few of my lineup decisions. I am seeing on social media, Nacua doubtful for today, but this was something I have already been planning for this week. I am elevating players like Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (7 receptions, 10 targets) and Saints wideout Devaughn Vele (16 targets this season). I think both offer higher floors than most WR3/4 and flex options with their current usage rates.

I ran a lot of Jordan Love (Packers) this week, sitting Justin Herbert (Chargers) but think this could be a bounce back week for the Bolts. Where I can I am inserting Chargers, wide receiver Quentin Johnston and tight end Oronde Gadsden are high on that list. Bills defense has been shaky at best, but they haven't been asked to do much with the high powered Josh Allen. Niether Johnston (3 catches, 11 targets) or Gadsden (4 catches, 4 targets) have made much noise to this point, but the Bills defense ranks in the bottom third against both wide receivers and tight ends.

In my backfields I have managed to avoid some adversity, although most of my bench and backup running backs are currently shelved (Rico Dowdle, Jordan Mason, and Jonah Coleman) all out with injury. Names that I have in my lineups today include Quishon Judkins (great matchup today), Jadarian Price (his starting quarterback returns), and TreVeyon Henderson (hoping to see more of him this week). Judkins has yet to breakout this season, but the Panthers defense has been absolutely shredded the first two weeks allowing over 6 yards per carry and allowing a league high 173 yards per game on the ground.

In addition to the loss of Jonah Coleman (placed on IR this week) and I believed he was on the verge of emerging his way into a more prominent role, I am hopeful to see the return of Bills wide receivers DJ Moore and Keon Coleman. I probably won't run Coleman out this week, but will be interested to see how well he plays, I will insert Moore (who rarely misses time) where I can use his upside. 

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 038-26

David's Daily Digest

September 25TH 2026

Friday Night Edition

FANTASY FIXX

So let's start with this, last night was a disaster if you are a Packers fan, not so much if you are a fan of fantasy football. While there was some disappointment from the tight end spot (sorry Tucker Kraft & Kyle Pitts) we had several fantasy studs post big numbers with Bijan Robinson over 35 fantasy points and Drake London over 28 fantasy points. Even in the blowout lost, we still had strong performances from a couple of Packers receivers Christian Watson (22.6 fantasy points) and Matthew Golden (21.0 fantasy points). Despite how bad he looked even Jordan Love chipped in 18.5 fantasy points.

I am still a believer in the Packers quarterback and will have better games ahead and it seems to me that Kraft is still shaking off some of the rust. There's no question the offense has a big problem with the absence of Josh Jacobs in the running game and I don't know how they figure that out, but it feels like they may have to move on from Jacobs and find another body to fill those shoes.

Going forward, I think the Falcons have their quarterback in Michael Penix. He wasn't great, but what I saw was a player coming back from injury and immediately realizing after he threw that early pick, the game was too fast for him - he needed to get quicker. I think he made the adjustment and the 35-14 final is history. With Bijan and the Drake, Penix has the weapons he needs and if his defense can play the same on Sundays, as they did in Lambeau the Falcons could surprise this season.

FAVE FIVE

Looking ahead to the weekend, here's a snapshot of my favorite five plays for DFS, my fantasy lineups, and top performers;

Quarterback

Bryce Young (Panthers): The Panthers quarterback has been hot to start the season, averaging 324 yards passing per game and throwing a (tied for) league leading six passing touchdowns. On the road and weather not expected to be a factor, I like Bryce to continue his hot hand against a bottom third Browns defense versus the quarterback.

Running Back

Derrick Henry (Ravens): The King was held to 68 yards on the ground last week, but this week against the Cowboys (allow 6th most yards rushing per game) he gets rolling again with a big ground assault.

Wide Receiver

Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers): this would be one of my favorites stacks this weekend. I have a lot of confidence in McMillan (18 targets this season), but even more if Jalen Coker plays. The Browns are the 7th worst fantasy defense versus the wide receivers, having allowed a (tied for) league high 4 receiving touchdowns to the wideouts.

Tight End

Dalton Kincaid (Bills): It's just hard to bet against the ascending Bills right now and especially when they are facing a descending Chargers team. Kincaid is currently the number 2 fantasy tight end with 12 receptions on 14 targets (23% target share). His 225 yards receiving lead all tight ends. He's a must play and DFS value this week.

Flex

Breece Hall (Jets): the Jets will have to lean on the run game to slow this matchup down and they could find success against a Lions 23rd ranked run defense that is allowing better than 5 yards a tote. I like the prospect of Hall's volume in this one.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 037-26

David's Daily Digest

September 22ND 2026

Tuesday Night Edition

WEEK 2: FOUR HORSEMEN

Before I get into Tuesday Talk and dive into waiver wire consideration and current needs for my Fantasy Teams, for the record, this was my Four Horsemen picks for Week 2.

Quarterback (Grade D)

Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers); Not the kind of revenge game we hoped for, unless you are a Browns fan. Mayfield was not good and the offense struggled early. Hopefully for Mayfield and the Bucs, better days lie ahead.

RUNNING BACK (Grade C)

Derrick Henry (Ravens); the King was not quite the dominant force he was in week one, but he did deliver a score and add three grabs for 19 yards.

WIDE RECEIVER (Grade C)

Mike Evans (Niners); his week 2 afternoon was cut short after recording three grabs for 54 yards. He'll be solid WR2 if he can stay on the field. He's likely questionable for Week 3.

TIGHT END (Grade F)

Mike Gesicki (Bengals); I bombed with this pick as Gesicki was even targeted once. Both receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were a combined 19  targets on the day. There's no question after the top two targets, the rest are just risky random plays.

Not a good ride in Week 2.

TUESDAY TALK

Week 2 was rough as I lost a couple of key receivers, DJ Moore and Puka Nacua in several lineups. My benches aren't deep, but I have players like Chris Godwin Jr, Dontayvion Wicks, or Christian Watson, and in some lineups, inserting Broncos rookie running back Jonah Coleman into the flex spot. Coleman's play will be dependent on the health of the other running backs.

With the receiver spot, I have elevated Christian Watson primarily as my WR2 from the flex spot. As long as he's healthy he has a tremendous ceiling with a floor that is a little risky, but as long as the Packers continue their 2 to 1 pass to run ratio I like Watson's odds. 

Needless to say with the Chargers current struggles, where I have Jordan Love as my back-up, I am elevating him in favor of Justin Herbert. I feel like McDaniel and company will get it going soon enough, but I do love Jordan at Lambeau this Thursday night.

At the tight end spot, I was fortunate enough to be aggressive in most of my drafts and took Trey McBride, but I am targeting the Rams Terrance Ferguson where he's still available. His 9 targets on Monday night indicate, he's the big target the Rams will use to help fill the void if Nacua misses more time. If Nacua is back, he may be a stash and wait-and-see candidate.

After watching all of the games on Sunday, although not quite impressed with the Eagles offense, I did take notice that Titans did create a couple of turnovers and recorded three sacks. In a few leagues I am looking for streaming options, and while I don't like to kick a guy when he's down, with Jaxson Dart sidelined last night the Giants offense really struggled. I typically don't like taking a fantasy DST on the road, but I like the Titans matchup against the Giants for Week 3 (for now).

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 036-26

David's Daily Digest

September 19th 2026

Saturday Late Night Edition

Saturday Sports Page

DFS Saturday

Week one was a brutal weekend for me in DFS, so we'll look forward to bouncing back here in week 2. There are some nice key matchups where we get back to even. Here's a quick rundown of the DSF plays for Sunday Week 2;

QBs

-Baker Mayfield (Dk Salary $5,600) the revenge tour begins versus Browns defense (ranked 28th vs QB)

-Dak Prescott (Dk Salary $6,400) should enjoy home-cooking versus Commanders (allowed 3 TD passes in week 1)

-Jayden Daniels (Dk Salary $6,300) could have a big day versus Cowboys defense (ranked 29th vs QB)

RBs

-Bijan Robinson (Dk Salary $8,200) best matchup of the week versus Panthers D (32nd vs RB)

-Christian McCaffrey (Dk Salary $8,000) Should feast on the Fins Defense (29th vs RB)

-Derrick Henry (Dk Salary $7,200) will crush the Saints Defense this week (allowed over 5 yards per carry Week 1)

-Breece Hall (Dk Salary $6,200) will be featured in run game versus Packers D (2 rushing TDS allowed in Week 1)

-Bhayshul Tuten (Dk Salary $5,600) up next Broncos D (allowed 2nd most rush yards in week 1)

-Aaron Jones (Dk Salary $5,100) with Mason OUT should be featured against Bears D (2nd most rec yards allowed to RB)

-Alvin Kamara (Dk Salary $4,600) could see plenty of work in the passing game versus the Ravens (playing from behind).

WRs

-Ja'Marr Chase (Dk Salary $7,600) the Bengals will make an effort to get him the ball after the week 1 dud.

-CeeDee Lamb (Dk Salary $7,300) should be a favorite target on Sunday against the Commanders.

-Mike Evans (Dk Salary $6,600) looked great in week 1, should keep rolling against Miami.

-Emeka Egbuka (Dk Salary $6,400) will see plenty of work against the Browns, should find the end zone.

-Tetairoa McMillan (Dk Salary $6,100) with Coker available, he should draw some attention that could open things up for McMillan.

-Drake London (Dk Salary $6,000) expect better offense this week, could get peppered.

-Luther Burden II (Dk Salary $5,700) could have similar success that Christian Watson enjoyed in week 1.

-Chris Godwin Jr (Dk Salary $5,600) love the value and should be heavily involved in the pass game.

TEs

-Colston Loveland (Dk Salary $5,000) great value and would expect a bounce back performance this week.

-Dallas Goedert (Dk Salary $4,800) strong start should continue with a good matchup against the Titans.

-Mark Andrews (Dk Salary $4,400) no Zay Flowers could lead to more targets on Sunday.

-Mike Gesicki (Dk Salary $3,600) a strong start for Gesicki and another favorable matchup could lead to more red zone work.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 035-26

David's Daily Digest

September 18th 2026

Friday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Fixx

We've completed one full week of action and after an exciting Thursday night matchup between the Lions and Bills filled with lots of fireworks, we are ready for more explosions this Sunday. There were plenty notable performances from week one that could carry into this Sunday, as well as a few that will be key for this week.  It's time to dive into Week 2 and take a look at some of the matchups I am most excited about. Here are my Fave Five for Week 2.

Week 2: FAVE FIVE

Baker Mayfield, QB (Buccaneers) versus Browns; it's been put out there this week and I'm drinking the Kool-Aid, revenge time for Mayfield. The Browns (4th worst fantasy defense versus the pass) were atrocious in week one, allowing 78.3% pass completion to Trevor Lawrence and the Jags, while surrendering 4 touchdown passes. Mayfield had a forgettable three turnovers in week one, but did pass for 216 yards while completing 23 of 28 passes (82.1% highest in week 1). Baker could be getting another weapon back this week with the return of wide receiver Jalen McMillan. It could "all systems go" for Shake and Bake and the Bucs on Sunday; look for a big day from Mayfield and Bucs passing game.

Derrick Henry, RB (Ravens) versus Saints; in week one the Saints defense had to contend with the speed of Jahmyr Gibbs, this week they must deal with the power of King Henry. The Ravens ball carrier is off to a great start in 2026 and this Sunday looks ripe for him to continue. The Saints defense (5th ranked fantasy defense versus running backs) allowed the 3rd most rushing yards and 5th highest yards per carry average in week 1. They can expect a heavy dose of the King on Sunday

Aaron Jones, RB (Vikings) versus Bears; the Vikes will be without running back Jordan Mason, welcome to the Aaron Jones show. The Bears defense allowed 4.8 yards per carry in week 1, tied for the 9th highest average. The Bears also allowed 86 receiving yards to opposing running backs, 2nd most of week 1. Jones, a shifty runner is also an accomplished pass catcher and will undoubtedly be utilized extensively in this capacity. Expect a solid productive PPR day for Jones on Sunday.

Mike Evans, WR (Niners) versus Dolphins; Going by the eye-test, Evans looks great in week 1, Prime-Evans. As the Niners navigate along into the season, the Purdy-Evans connection will only get better. A weekly red-zone threat, Evan's 7 targets in week one are a great indicator, he's going to be a primary target week-in and week-out. The Dolphins will have their hands full trying to slow down Evans, don't expect great success. Evans will find the end zone again.

Mike Gesicki, TE (Bengals) versus Texans; after leading the team with 7 targets in week 1, Gesicki could be in line for even more work this week. The Texans defense allowed the most receiving yards to opposing tight ends and the 6th highest fantasy points in week 1. While the Texans defense should fare better this week against the Bengals, than they did in week 1 against the Bills, they will have to contend with wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Gesicki should benefit greatly and could find the end zone once again.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 034-26

David's Daily Digest

September 15th 2026

Tuesday Evening Edition

WAIVER WIRE: WEEK 2

For week two, I am listing those players coming off performances the previous week, that will have fantasy owners looking their way. These are my week 2 top Waiver adds/moves; proceed with caution.

Quarterbacks

Jordan Love (Packers), rostered in 42.0% (ESPN)

CJ Stroud (Texans), rostered in 25.6% (ESPN)

Bryce Young (Panthers), rostered in 11.4% (ESPN)

If he's available in your league, Love needs to be rostered. I am a fan of Young and if I drafted Bo Nix or Matthew Stafford, I'd pick him up. Stroud would be more of a stash for Jayden Daniel or Dak Prescott owners, as injury insurance. It's one week, but I believe Stroud may be closer to his rookie profile completing 68.4% of his passes and tossing two scores.

Running Backs

Braelon Allen (Jets), rostered in 12.4% (ESPN)

Kendre Miller (Saints), rostered in 0.9% (ESPN)

Devin Singletary (Giants), rostered in 0.4% (ESPN)

Allen is strictly one of the top tier handcuffs, but if you have room on your bench could be an interesting stash with his upside. Miller's value is limited, as he figures to see his snaps greatly reduced one Alvin Kamara returns. If Kamara sits this Sunday, Miller offers some value to those owners in extreme need at the position. Singletary appears to be the passing option of the backfield in New York, but his volume or lack of will make him a risky play.

Wide Receivers

Jalen Coker (Panthers), rostered in 51.1% (ESPN)

Devaughn Vele (Saints), rostered in 13.1% (ESPN)

Dontayvion Wicks (Eagles), rostered in 10.2% (ESPN)

Undoubtedly the most popular add this week will be Coker with his team high 9 targets and 8-138-2 line from week 1. Game script may have elevated his numbers a bit, but clearing a primary favorite target in the Panthers passing game. He needs to be rostered in all leagues. Vele may have benefitted from game script a little more, but his 9 targets in week one make him an interesting add that should be considered, especially if you have the bench space and lack depth at the position.

Tight Ends

Pat Freiermuth (Steelers), rostered in 14.6% (ESPN)

Evan Engram (Broncos), rostered in 3.0% (ESPN)

Mike Gesicki (Bengals), rostered in 1.6% (ESPN)

Freiermuth was only targeted five times, so a bit risky. In the Rodgers dink and dunk passing game he may offer some value for those hurting at this position. Engram is a wait and see for me, especially after the Broncos Monday night meltdown. Gesicki is a must add for me, if only for this week. Facing a tough Texans defense that will have their hands full with Chase and Higgins, Gesicki could be featured again (7 targets in week 1).

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 033-26

David's Daily Digest

September 15th 2026

Tuesday Evening Edition

TUESDAY TALK

Sunday's Fantasy Headlines: Week 1

With a full slate of games in the books, it’s time to take a look back at Sunday Week 1. 

These are my Fantasy headlines (takeaways) from Sunday, Week 1 of the NFL.

Sunday’s Headlines Week 1;

Gibbs Gets Going, Leads Lions…the number one fantasy draft selection does not disappoint with 156 yards rushing and two touchdowns. He also added 5 receptions for another 30 yards.

King Henry Reigns Supreme with Trifecta…the old man Henry is not close to being finished. In his 11th season, Henry was spectacular on the opening Sunday with 144 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Fathertime better pack a lunch, because Henry is awesome.

Montgomery Turns in Hat-Trick in Loss…with a new team, the former Lions was a shining star in the Texans backfield lead role, rambling his way to 79 scrimmage yards and three scores.

Caleb and Company Crush Panthers…the Bears running game was electric, lead by quarterback Caleb Williams who contributed 65 yards of his own with two scores, while tossing two more. Can you say QB1 stud.

Lawrence and Jags too Much for Browns…Trevor “Sunshine” Lawrence was precise and deadly, completing 78.3% of his passes while tossing 4 touchdown passes. Lawrence remembered the Titans on Sunday, playing like one.

Too Many Mistakes Cost Mayfield and Bucs..quarterback Baker Mayfield battled on Sunday, but his three fumbles proved costly in the game and for fantasy owners. Mayfield finished the day as fantasy QB26.

Rodgers and Steelers Hang On Against Falcons…Rodgers and Steelers offense was less than spectacular, but enough to outpace the hapless Falcons. 279 yards of offense for the Steel city, it’s going to be hard to find consistent fantasy resources from this unit.

Geno and the Jets Soar in Week 1…the Jets quarterback played a clean game, but it was Breece Hall and the running game that did the damage rushing for over 100 yards with a touchdown. And it was the Titans.

McDaniel Magic Fizzles at SoFi…not what we expected from a McDaniel offense with Justin Herbert at the helm. Just 290 yards of offense and two scores, a far cry from what we’d expect. It’s not time to panic, but very concerning to see this at home against the Cardinals.

Hurts does enough to finish off Commanders…the Eagles passer only needed 25 passing attempts to pass for 203 yards and throw three scores. He continues to be a QB1 fantasy play.

Vikings D Revives the Purple People Eaters…in a game where it looked like it was slipping away, the Vikings defense turned up the heat in the 4th quarter, forcing two turnovers late and turning in 4 sacks to lead a 22-point explosion. A Brian Flores led defense is a weekly startable DST.

Jeanty Ankle Fine, Finishes Fins in Vegas…Ashton Jeanty proved that there was never anything to worry about because he is part Cyborg, totaling 147 scrimmage yards with 6 catches and two receiving touchdowns.

Action Jaxson finds Likely often…this is one note to catalog for future reference. Jaxson Dart found his tight end Isaiah Likely at the best times throughout the night and we should expect to see more of this going forward. Likely was terrific catching 8 of 8 passes for 78 yards receiving and two scores.

Week One, Fantasy Football Player of the Week!

Bills Quarterback, Josh Allen

334 yards passing, two touchdown passes, Two rushing touchdowns.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 032-26

David's Daily Digest

September 13th 2026

Sunday Morning Edition

WEEK 1: FOUR HORSEMEN

I don't like to run with the consensus favorites, your top tier, every week starters, but on occasion I am going to nominate a few here and there. My four picks will usually be borderline starters and/or those I feel strongly about with their weekly matchup. For week one, here's my four to get the 2026 season started.

QUARTEBACK

Jared Goff (Lions); There's nothing like home cooking for Goff and Lions. Last season in 8 starts Goff threw 18 touchdown passes to just 3 picks, while completing 69% of his passes and averaging 279 yards passing per game. Goff is gold at home and despite a tough Saints defense, expect Goff to do Goff things, especially with the weapons he has. Goff will be a Top-10 quarterback today and a nice DFS play.

RUNNING BACK

Bucky Irving (Buccaneers); The Bucs will travel to Cincy today and Bucky will get a shot at one of the leagues worst defenses versus the run. The Bengals allowed the most fantasy points and rushing yards to opposing runners last season. Although they appear improved on paper, I like Bucky to find the end zone and emerge as one of the day's leading runners. 

WIDE RECEIVER

Garrett Wilson (Jets); Most likely drafted as a low-end WR2, fantasy owners can start him with confidence in week one. His quarterback (Geno Smith) will bring some stability and consistency to the passing game and as the Alpha receiver in New York, Garrett pegs to be a target monster. A soft week one matchup against a Titans defense that allowed the 11th most fantasy points and 4th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers should help Wilson get his 2026 campaign off to a positive start.

TIGHT END

Mark Andrews (Ravens); I love his opportunity here. The departure of Isaiah Likely opens the door for Andrews to be the undisputed primary receiving tight end option. The talent and ability is there, can Andrews and (Lamar) Jackson recapture some of the magic that had Andrews sitting at the top of the tight end tiers. Andrews faces a Colts defense that allowed the 6th most fantasy points and 5th most receiving yards to opposing tight ends. He needs to be in your lineup today.

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 031-26

David's Daily Digest

September 12th 2026

Saturday Night Edition

Saturday Sports Page

DFS Saturday

It's Saturday night week one of the NFL. Tomorrow is a full slate and it's DFS Saturday Night, time to build my lineups. With 13 games scheduled, there are plenty of plays to be made, and key matchups to exploit.

Let's start at the top with the Quarterback's room and these week one studs. Tomorrow's week one favorites of mine include Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (DK salary $6,600), the Bengals Joe Burrow (DK salary $6,900), and the Chargers Justin Herbert (DK salary $6,100). 

Hurts is at home against one of the worst fantasy defense versus opposing quarterbacks in 2025. With home-cooking on the menu, I expect a big performance from the Eagles passer. In his last two full starts against Washington, Hurts has averaged 19.1 fantasy points. 

Burrow is healthy and if his line can keep him upright, he should be a solid QB1 this week against the Buccaneers defense (ranked 31st versus opposing quarterbacks). Herbert in a new offense, at home this Sunday has an ideal matchup against the Cardinals 19th ranked fantasy defense versus opposing quarterbacks. I am expecting the McDaniel (Chargers new OC) influence to produce right away. At his low salary, Herbert has to be a DK favorite tomorrow.

Now looking into the backfield, the top plays that have my list include the Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (DK salary $6,900), the Bears D'Andre Swift (DK salary $6,100), and the Buccaneers Kenny Gainwell (DK salary $5,200). 

Starting with Barkley, after a subpar (by his standards) 2025, I expect Barkley to bounce back in 2026. Barkley has owned Washington in his last three starts averaging 140 yards rushing, 27.0 fantasy points per game, with 5 rushing touchdowns - he's a must play. 

Swift looks set for his usual workload and facing a Panthers defense that allowed the 8th most rushing yards and fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025, he figures to be a solid option on Sunday. The Bengals 2025 fantasy defense (ranked last versus opposing running backs) allowed nearly 5 receptions per game, expect a lot of Gainwell tomorrow.

A quick look at the wide receivers and tight ends;

WRs

-Chris Olave, Saints (Dk Salary $6,700) versus Lions defense (31st vs WRs)

-Zay Flowers, Ravens (DK salary $6,400) versus Colts defense (30th vs WRs)

-Garrett Wilson, Jets (DK salary $5,800) versus Titans defense (4th most rec yds allowed)

TEs

-Dallas Goedert, Eagles (DK salary $4,100) versus Commanders defense (28th vs TEs)

-Oronde Gadsden II, Chargers (DK salary $3,500) versus Cards defense (25th vs TEs)

-Colston Loveland, Bears (DK salary $5,300) versus Panthers defense (3rd most yds/rec allowed0

That's My Take

~David G. Ortega

DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST: 030-26

David's Daily Digest
September 11th 2026
Friday Late Night Edition

FRIDAY FANTASY FIXX

Before I get into it tonight, it's been a helluva week. Real life has kept me on my toes, pretty busy all week. And then you think about today. September 11, 9/11.

25 years ago today, so much changed in an instant. I don't think I could do this moment any justice trying offer my own perspective. I wasn't in New York at the time, Pennsylvania, or DC. Like so many across the country, I witnessed this event from a distance, by radio and television.

What I will say, never have so many of us, owed so much, to so many. On 9/11, 2001, in the face of great tragedy and loss, so many shined bright and lifted so many of us with the acts of courage, heroism, and sacrifice. We didn't need to wait days or weeks for the reports to tell us, what most of saw on that day. Where most of us would be running out, we saw so many of New York's finest running in. 

In the wake that followed, the stories of heroism that I would learn about are what I carry with me each day. They were examples of a human spirit I can only aspire to be and a sample of what makes this American nation so great. I remember at that time, that it was sports that lifted this nation in a time of sorrow and helped carry through its most vulnerable time.
While we remember those that were lost, we carry those memories of them with us and those memories of them when we shared moments rooting for our favorite teams and players. Fantasy Football was still a child at that time, but we can still carry that same spirit and childhood joy, we shared back then today.

FAVE FIVE

With week 1 of the NFL under way, what favorite fantasy players will you be cheering for this weekend?

Under center, I can't get away from Chargers Justin Herbert (ESPN QB4 this week). I have a few shares of him in redraft leagues, liking his overall perspective for the season. Herbert is home this week to face a Cardinals defense that was middle of the pack versus quarterbacks in 2025. The big difference this Sunday could be the McDaniel factor; Herbert's a favorite play of mine this week.

In the backfield, I am on board with the Texans running back David Montgomery (Low-end RB ranked this week). This week Montgomery has a shot a defense that allowed 5.0 yards per carry and one rushing touchdown per game in 2025. This feels like a Montgomery touchdown week with 16+ touches. He's a solid DFS play this week.

Lining out wide in week 1, my favorite receiver is the Sun-God from Detroit, Amon-Ra St. Brown (ESPN WR4 this week). ASB was targeted 172 times in 2025, 2nd most in the league. While the Saints played solid versus wide receivers last season, ASB is no ordinary wide receiver. It will be a tough matchup, but I expect him to be heavily involved in the passing game adding a score to his 2026 resume.

My favorite tight end for week 1, the Ravens Mark Andrews (ESPN TE7 this week). Andrews faces a Colts team that was 5th worst against tight ends (fantasy scoring) in 2025. Andrews kind of fell of the radar in 2025, but I think he's primed to find his way back to Top-10 status or higher with a healthy quarterback (Lamar Jackson). He'll be in a few DFS linesups this week.

For my 5th favorite in week one, heading back to flex in the backfield with the Bears running back D'Andre Swift (ESPN RB27 this week). Swift faces a Panthers defense that was 8th worst (fantasy scoring) versus the running back in 2025. Even with running back Kyle Monangai available, Swift should be a solid flex in week 1.

That's My Take
~David G. Ortega