FSH NOTEBOOK: FF SOMETHING WORTH NOTING (WK6)

October 17th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football: Something Worth Noting 

(Week 6 Takeaways)

There was plenty to take notice of from the games just played. Here’s a look back at week 6 and some fantasy football notes that I believe are worth a take or two.

Jared Goff (Lions-QB) The Lions starter has been better than good over the past three weeks averaging more than 20 fantasy points per game. In his last two starts he’s been even better, averaging 36 pass attempts, 24.9 fantasy points per game, while passing for 294.5 yards and 2.5 touchdowns per game. A solid streamer, maybe even starter in deeper leagues.

Sam Howell (Commanders-QB) The Commanders signal caller has been pretty good for fantasy managers the past couple of weeks. Over his last two starts, Howell is averaging 37 pass attempts, a completion rate of 70.3%, 269.5 yards passing, 2.5 touchdown passes, and 21.9 fantasy points. A great streaming options to get through the byes.

Raheem Mostert (Dolphins-RB) Handling lead back duties in week 6 and expected to continue in this role for the near future, Mostert is cementing himself as a weekly must-start. In his last two starts he has totaled 4 touchdowns (3 run, 1 receive), averaged over 100 yards of offense, and averaged 25 fantasy points per game. He's locked into weekly lineups.

Alvin Kamara (Saints-RB) Over the last two weeks, the Saints running back is the fantasy RB7. He’s averaging 20.5 rush attempts, 74 yards rushing, 26.5 yards receiving, 5 receptions, and 18 fantasy points per game. Another weekly lock and a reliable DFS play.

Travis Etienne Jr (Jaguars-RB) The Jaguars running back has been stellar for fantasy managers over the last two weeks leading all ball carriers in fantasy scoring. Over his past two games, Etienne Jr has averaged 22 rushing attempts, 95.5 yards rushing, 3.5 receptions, 38 yards receiving, two touchdowns, and 29.9 fantasy points per game. A DFS anchor and weekly starter.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions-WR) The Lions wide receiver has been about the most consistent this season. He suffered an abdomen injury that forced him to miss Week 5, but this season St. Brown has caught at least 5 passes in all of his games, including 26 receptions in his last three. He's locked in every week.

Adam Thielen (Panthers-WR) The Old man in Carolina has found the fountain of youth this season. Thielen is currently the fantasy WR6 (points per game) this season and he’s averaging 11.3 targets, 9.7 receptions, 99.3 yards receiving, and 23.8 fantasy points the past three weeks. H has to be started every week.

Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins-WR) Living in the shadow of Tyreek Hills the Dolphins other wide receiver has been steady the past couple of weeks. In his last two games, Waddle is averaging 9.5 targets, 6 receptions, 43 receiving yards, one touchdown, and 16.3 fantasy points. His upside makes it difficult to sit him anytime, a lineup staple.

Kyle Pitts (Falcons-TE) The Falcons tight end is starting to come alive this season averaging 15 fantasy points in his last two. Pitts has posted back-to-back strong outings with 11 receptions, 130 yards receiving, combined with one touchdown. He's back in the weekly starter conversation now.

Dalton Schultz (Texans-TE) The Texans tight end has been heating up of late. Schultz has scored in three straight and in his last two games he’s averaging 8.5 targets per game, tied for 2nd most among tight ends. He's a safe starter.

That’s My Take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

October 15th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

FF Quick Notes for Week 6

Justin Fields (QB)

The Bears quarterback has been sizzling the last two weeks throwing for 617 yards and tossing 8 touchdowns with one pick. He’s also added 82 yards rushing, while scoring over 30 fantasy points per game.

David Montgomery (RB)

The Lions running back has rushed for 230 yards and scored 4 rushing touchdowns on 51 carries in his last two games. He has also recorded 4 receptions for another 40 yards. He has scored 55 fantasy points (ppr) combined in the two games, which ranks 2nd behind only Christian McCaffrey.

Travis Etienne Jr (RB)

The Jaguars running back has been churning out the yards the past two weeks, 256 yards of offense. He rushed for 191 yards (46 carries) and added 65 yards receiving (7 receptions) while recording two (rushing) touchdowns.

DJ Moore (WR)

No receiver has been hotter than the Bears wideout over the past two weeks. Moore has totaled 16 receptions (ranks 4th), for 361 receiving yards (ranks 1st), on 19 targets (ranks 10th). Moore has also added 4 receiving touchdowns, which ranks tied for the most by receivers for the past two weeks.

Adam Thielen (WR)

The Panthers wide receiver has been getting it done quietly under the radar. Over the past four weeks Thielen has caught 36 passes, for 382 yards and three scores, ranking as the fantasy WR4.

Cole Kmet (TE)

The Bears tight end has been solid for fantasy managers over the past couple of weeks, scoring in two straight games. He’s the fantasy TE2, recording 12 receptions (on 14 targets) for 127 yards receiving, with three touchdowns in his last two games.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Late Night Edition
September 21st 2019

Week 3: Four Horsemen

The are my week 3 starters, I’m riding with;

QB-Kirk Cousins, Vikings: It’s been a bit of a rough start this season for the Vikings passer, 25th among quarterbacks in fantasy scoring. Cousins has just 328 yards passing (ranks 30th), 22 completions (ranks 32nd), and 3 turnovers in two games. The start has been brutal, but a Week 3 matchup at home against the Raiders could offer some cure. The Raiders have allowed the 7th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 711 passing yards and 68% completions over the first two weeks.

RB-Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys: This is an easy call for Week 3. The Cowboys have been rolling this season and much of their success has been without the impact of Elliott. Last week Zeke (RB12 through two weeks) saw 53 snaps and was effective on the ground with 111 yards rushing. His Week 3 matchup against the Dolphins (ranked 31st against the run) could see even greater success; Zeke looks poised for a big Sunday.

WR-Stefon Diggs, Vikings: If Kirk Cousins is going to bounce back in Week 3, he’s going to need targets to throw to on Sunday. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs and his quarterback have had a few near misses for huge gains; it’s just a matter of time. Diggs (WR71, PPR scoring) has been slow out of the gate, with just 11 targets through two games; this will change. The Raiders have allowed the 4th most fantasy points and 4th most receiving yards to opposing receivers; look for a breakout game from Diggs (and AdamThielen).

TE-Vance McDonald, Steelers: The Steelers are without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who exited week 2 with an elbow injury, ending his season. With Big Ben sidelined and backup Mason Rudolph under center, Vance McDonald (TE5, PPR scoring) was a busy target in Week 2. McDonald played 52 snaps and caught 7 passes on 7 targets for 38 yards receiving with two scores. Although his matchup this week is not the best, his connection with his quarterback appears solid and could to another big Sunday.

The 5th Musketeer

Flex play-(RB) Raheem Mostert, 49ers: The Niners running back currently ranks as the fantasy RB17, PPR scoring, and with the Steelers up next, he has a chance to continue his climb up the fantasy scoring ladder. Through two games the Steelers defense has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, as well as more than 100 yards rushing per game. Mostert has been a solid ball carrier this season with 123 rushing yards and a 5.6 yards per carry average; he should get plenty of run on Sunday.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 23rd 2017

Thursday Morning Edition

Thursday’s Twitter Takes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 15th 2017

Wednesday Evening Edition

On The Cover This Week

Flying High Under the Radar

Last season the Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen was hardly a household name, even in his home town. And even after posting career highs in receptions (69), yards receiving (967), and touchdowns (5), Thielen entered this season as a quiet mention and a No. 2 wide receiver.

He was last year’s No.29 fantasy WR (in PPR), but this season Thielen has arrived and after 10 weeks, he is currently the league’s No.3 fantasy wideout.

He’s no longer a groomsmen, he is a groom. Thielen is a solid No.1 WR and a must-start every week.

In 9 games this season Thielen has 56 catches (tied for 5th in the league) for 793 receiving yards (3rd in the league) and two touchdowns. He’s quickly risen to the fantasy threshold as one of the league’s top receivers.

Thielen has recorded five games with over 90 yards receiving and has 2 games this season with over 150 yards. He has also recorded at least 5 catches in every game this season, including three games with 8 or more receptions.

He and Stefon Diggs are the new Wonder Twins in Minnesota, and with these two the Vikings are having Superbowl visions.

Thielen may have entered this season under the radar, but he is clearly flying high in 2017.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 11th 2017

Saturday Morning Edition

Week 10 Fantasy Notes

With the start of Sunday’s games less than 24 hours away, here’s a rundown of notes for some of the Week 10 matchups;

GB @ CHI

The Bears running back Jordan Howard has been a beast of a runner this season racking up 662 yards rushing (ranks 5th) which include three 100-yard efforts, He’ll face a Packers defense that ranks 22nd against the run and allows the 4th most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

CLE @ DET

Normally not a team that runs much, but for the Lions this week they may be forced to lean even more on Matthew Stafford and their passing game. The Lions face the Browns number 4 ranked run defense, so look for Marvin Jones Jr and Stafford to play big in this one.

PIT @  IND

With the return of Martavis Bryant this week, the Steelers will be employing all of their Killer Bees; Ben, Bell, Brown, and Bryant. It’s a road game, but with the addition of JuJu Smith-Schuster it will be Big Ben and his JuJu-Bees on Sunday; look for big numbers from Roethlisberger.

NYJ @ TB

Across the board, this looks like a good matchup for the Jets offense. The Bucs defense has struggled this season and in particular against opposing wide receivers allowing the 2nd most receptions. In DFS and PPR formats and especially I’m all in with Jets receiver Robby Anderson; Sunday could be a big day.

MIN @ WAS

A couple of notes in this one, with Redskins tight end Jordan Reed not 100 percent with a big questionable tag for Sunday, Vernon Davis figures to see a more prominent role in the passing game. On the other side, the Vikings will have a healthy Stefon Diggs on the field. With Diggs healthy, his presence will draw some of the Redskins attention away from Adam Thielen; a week 10 favorite

HOU @ LAR

The Rams offense is rolling and with a home tilt against the ailing Texans, this week, the wheels will keep turning. All eyes on the defense will be focused on Todd Gurley, but facing a secondary that allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing receivers, we could see Sammy Watkins heavily in the mix.

DAL @ ATL

The Falcons will play host to the Cowboys and their 15th ranked secondary that’s allowed 10 touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. With all the attention likely to be focused on Julio Jones, Sunday looks like a good day for Mohamed Sanu to find pay dirt.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 14th 2017

Saturday Late Night Edition

Week 6 WR Rankings

The Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan has emerged as Tom Brady’s go to receiver this season. Through five games Hogan is the No.5 fantasy WR in PPR with 23 receptions for 288 yards and 5 touchdowns. He is one of Brady’s biggest targets next to Gronk and has become an endzone favorite this season. He’s my No.10 fantasy receiver this week.

The Redskins wide receiver Terrelle Pryor is currently residing outside the Top-50 fantasy WR’s in PPR through five weeks, but this could be the week he cracks that barrier. Pryor looked pretty sharp in his last game and it would have been even better had he hung onto a go ahead touchdown reception late in the 4th quarter against the Chiefs back in week 4. Coming off the bye, he’ll be fresh and ready to attack a Niners secondary that allows the 8th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. He’s my No.14 fantasy WR this week.

With receiver Stefon Diggs sidelined this week with a groin injury, the other half of the Wonder Twins, Vikings receiver Adam Thielen should see a heavy dose of targets on Sunday. Thielen is the No.22 fantasy WR in PPR this season, but with no Diggs he’ll be the number one on Sunday and will have a great shot at moving into the Top-20.

WR Rankings

1. Antonio Brown

2. DeAndre Hopkins

3. Julio Jones

4. Michael Thomas

5. Mike Evans

6. Jordy Nelson

7. Keenan Allen

8. Larry Fitzgerald

9. TY Hilton

10. Chris Hogan

11. Tyreek Hill

12. Brandin Cooks

13. Pierre Garcon

14. Terrelle Pryor

15. Golden Tate

16. Adam Thielen

17. Davante Adams

18. Jarvis Landry

19. Demaryius Thomas

20. Michael Crabtree

21. Amari Cooper

22. Randall Cobb

23. Emmanuel Sanders

24. DeSean Jackson

25. Tyrell Williams

26. John Brown

27. Jermaine Kearse

28. Devante Parker

29. Sammy Watkins

30. Rishard Matthews

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 9th 2017

Monday Afternoon Edition

Monday Night Takes

(Week 5)

My Takes



Quarterback Sam Bradford; it's sounding very much like Sam will go tonight against the Bears. The matchup is never favorable in the friendly confines of Soldier Field and last season Bradford was ineffective in a 20-10 loss. But that was about a year ago and an old Bradford. The new Bradford brings with him some great weapons and an even greater understanding of the offense. It's not going to be a breakout performance, but rather a solid one for Sam returning from injury. Feel confident if you have to ride Sam tonight, he's a nice bye week fill.

Running backs Latavius Murray & Jerrick McKinnon; the loss of rookie running back Dalvin Cook hurts, but with Bradford back under center the combination of Murray and McKinnon should fill just fine. Murray is expected to log the majority of carries and if he's close to 100 percent he should be able to provide some of the in-between the tackle presence the running game was missing last season; he's a fade option at running back this week. McKinnon will likely play his regular 3rd down pass catching role, but he's not fantasy worthy tonight.

Wide receivers Stefon Diggs & Adam Thielen; these two are the Vikings wonder twins. Both run great routes, both have great hands, and with Bradford under center, both are worth starting. Also, only a mother can tell these two apart. Unfortunately for the Bears secondary (ranked 4th in the NFL), they don't have any mom's playing safety, so it'll be a long night for them. Diggs and Thilen should both be started.

Tight end Kyle Rudolph; with his starting quarterback returning this week, Rudolph is back in play. Now fantasy owners will need to hold their water as he's only a backend TE1 this week. The Bears are pretty good against the tight end spot, but I like Rudolph as a great candidate for a red zone score.

Quarterback Mitchell Turbisky; the Bears roll out the Trubisky era tonight, but don't expect a welcoming reception from the Vikings defense tonight. It's likely going to be a long night for the rookie, but more importantly for the Bears among the inevitable mistakes he'll make, they are hoping to see a spark on the offensive side of the ball. Trubisky is not worth starting or owning at this time, but tonight it will be interesting to see what he can do.

Running backs Jordan Howard & Tarik Cohen; unfortunately for Thunder and lightning and fantasy owners, the weather's been pretty calm the past couple of weeks and the forecast for tonight does not look stormy. The Vikings are ranked 2nd versus the run, so fantasy owners should temper their expectations. The only good thing to count on, with a rookie quarterback you will see a lot of run and a lot of short passes. Despite the terrible matchup, expect volume for both Howard and Cohen; they'll both be serviceable tonight.

Wide receiver Kendall Wright; it's another one of those cases of Trubisky has to throw the ball to somebody. Wright has emerged as the likely go-to candidate leading the team with 14 receptions for 154 yards, and a touchdown. It's not a promising matchup tonight, especially with the expected growing pains with a rookie quarterback making his first start. If you are desperate, Wright will be a tough start tonight.

Tight end Zach Miller; with a rookie quarterback under the center the expectation is the tight end becomes his security blanket. That is likely the rule to follow here to tonight. Miller (30th ranked TE in PPR) has only 13 grabs this season, but may get caught up in a lot of check downs and short routes to keep his quarterback clean. What this likely means for Miller is a busy night for few yards, but he could salvage things with the potential for a red zone grab; but keep in mind Miller has zero touchdowns in four games.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 7th 2017

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Week 5 WR Rankings

(does not include Thursday’s game)

Look who’s at the top for Week 5, OBJ. It’s probably not a surprise, but maybe it should be. Through the first 4 weeks, Odell Beckham Jr has been one of the season’s early disappointments entering this week as the No.19 fantasy WR, three spots behind his teammate Sterling Shepard. At 19, OBJ has been playable every week, but this could be the week that elevates Beckham Jr back to the top. The Giants are home this week playing host to the Los Angeles Chargers who allow the 12th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Most important the Chargers have allowed 6 touchdowns to WRs, playing right into the hands of the Giants dynamic and playmaking receiver. OBJ has two touchdowns through 4 weeks, fantasy owners can expect that number to change.

With the potential (and likely) return of Sam Bradford this Monday night, Vikings receiver Adam Thielen peaks in at No.17. Thielen has 24 receptions for 358 yards receiving (4th in the league) with zero touchdowns, good enough for the No.13 fantasy WR (in PPR). Back in week 1, Thielen teamed up with Bradford for a stat line of 9/157/0. Against the Bears on Monday night Thielen should have some success against a secondary that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

Checking in at No.22 is the Cardinals receiver Jaron Brown. Through the first four weeks of the season Brown has been pretty reliable and productive; 14 receptions (2nd on team), 205 yards receiving (2nd on team), and 29 targets (2nd on team). Last week with the return of wide receiver John Brown and a healthier JJ Nelson, Jaron led the way with 12 targets, 8 receptions, and 105 receiving yards. It’s looking like the other Brown and Nelson will once again be available. This week is a prime matchup for the Cardinals receivers facing an Eagles defense that has struggled mightily against opposing receivers, allowing the 3rd highest fantasy points, 3rd most receptions, and 3rd most receiving yards. It’s easy to see why I have Larry Fitzgerald at No.8 this week and Jaron at 22.

Here are my Week 5 WR rankings;

1.Odell Beckham Jr

2. Jordy Nelson

3. Antonio Brown

4. AJ Green

5. DeAndre Hopkins

6. Dez Bryant

7. Stefon Diggs

8. Larry Fitzgerald

9. Keenan Allen

10. TY Hilton

11. Devante Parker

12. Doug Baldwin

13. Tyreek Hill

14. Pierre Garcon

15. Golden Tate

16. Randall Cobb

17. Adam Thielen

18. Sammy Watkins

19. Alshon Jeffery

20. Amari Cooper

21. Jarvis Landry

22. Jaron Brown

23. Kelvin Benjamin

24. Tyrell Williams

25. Rishard Matthews

26. Martavis Bryant

27. Devin Funchess

28. Sterling Shepard

29. Michael Crabtree

30. Jeremy Maclin

These are my WR rankings for Week 5.

~David Ortega