FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 23rd, 2016
Sunday Morning edition

Sunday Morning Gametime: Week 7

"Who's In, Who's Out?"

The Raiders who face the Jaguars today, will be without Latavius Murray, so it looks like it will be a committe effort with the rookie backfield (Jalen Richard & Deandre Washington). The Jags up front are solid against the run allowing the 11th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs; so both are out for me today.

The Bills are saying there is a chance running back LeSean McCoy plays, even in a limited capacity it's tough to sit Shady. It's a risky move, but if Shady plays, he's in today against the Dolphins who are surrendering over 4.3 yards per carry this season.

The Chargers will have wide receiver Travis Benjamin today in a matchup that could very well end up a shootout. The Falcons are putting up ridiculous numbers in the passing game this season, which could force the Bolts to play a lot of catch up on Sunday. If Benjamin is playing, he's in.

The Dolphins will have a healthier Arian Foster in the backfield today, but with a tough matchup against the Bills and following running backs Jay Ajayi breakout performance in week 6, Foster's production will likely be limited. Until we see more from Foster going forward, he's out.

Quarterback Geno Smith will be making the start for the Jets today, and facing a Ravens defense that has been stingy against the run he will be tested in the air. With Geno in today (and not a likely fantasy start in any formats), we will most likely see him putting the ball up quite a bit today. Even with the change at quarterback, wide receiver Brandon Marshall (27 receptions, 433 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns this season) is in for me.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 16th, 2016
Sunday Morning edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

We have less than 90 minutes until gametime and looking at some of the injury forecasts for today, I have a couple of tid-bits I will throw into the pot. These are just some of my favorite starts and sits for Sunday week 6.

"Who's In, Who's Out"

The Dolphins will roll out running back Arian Foster today against the Steelers. Foster has been out for several weeks with injury and has always been a health risk for fantasy owners. If you lack better options, he's a week 6 PPR start for me this week; he's in.

The Bengals will be tested today, but an upstart Patriots defense riding the high of the return of their team leader Tom Brady. The Pats offense will put a lot of pressure on the Bengals "O' today to match scores. AJ Green is the likely popular play in Cincy, but I like wide receiver Brando Lafell to contribute to day. He's more of a mid-to-low WR3, but I am playing him where I can; he's in.

A new offensive coordinator in Baltimore and maybe the team will committ more to the run this week. Last Sunday running back Terrance West was having a solid day, but just finished with 11 carries for 95 yards. This week I expect to see the Ravens to stay with the run a little longer equating to more than 11 carries for West. He's a mid-to-high RB3 this week against the Giants, but I like his chances to score; he's in.

With Jonathan Stewart returning to the lineup this week, running back Fozzy Whittaker will be returning to my bench. He's could see some work in the pass game, but in week one playing behind Stewart, Whittaker saw just 4 touches. He's out for me today.

I have Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant in a couple of leagues myself and with the 4pm EST kick-off, the risk seems too high. The Cowboys have a bye next week and it makes more sense to get their star receiver back to 100% health, rather than rushing him out there on to the field. Dez is out for me today.

That's My Take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 24th, 2016
Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Stock Watch

Stock Rising

With running back Danny Woodhead going down for the season, 2nd year back Melvin Gordon is likely to see his workload increase. He's off to a strong so far with 38 carries for 159 rushing yards to go with his 3 grabs for 18 yards. Owners can expect to see more Gordon going forward, as long as he can stay healthy he's a fantasy stock on the rise.

Like Gordon, the Lions running back Theo Riddick could see a significant spike in his workload and production with starter Ameer Abdullah expected to miss some time. While Riddick is not a big back, or built for between the tackles, the Lions friendly short passing game is a great fit for him. In the two games he has 9 receptions on 10 targets and with more time on the field those numbers could spike. He's a great PPR play and could offer some 

Heading into week 3, the Texans rookie receiver Will Fuller had a lot of flavor, but fantasy owners may want to stick to just just sipping the kool aid for now until we see more, especially after Thursday night's disappointing performance. Fuller shot out of the gate like a hot stock on the rise with two consecutive 100 yard performances, but cooled off against the Patriots. The rookie is still seeing plenty of opportunities with 7 targets on Thursday night, so this is a fluid stock that has great upside.

After missing all of the 2015 season, it looks like Raven's tight end Dennis Pitta could be back to his old form. He's coming off a huge productive Sunday with 9 catches off 12 targets for 102 yards. The big athletic tight end has had past success with current quarterback Joe Flacco and with his return this season, he could finish as a TE1 by season's end. Pitta is definitely a fantasy stock on the rise.

This is tight end Jacob Tamme's second season with the Falcons. With all the changes at the wide receiver position and lack of experience, the veteran tight end could see himself vulturing a lot of opportunities in the pass game. Through the first two weeks he's averaging 8 targets per game, most on the team and his 11 receptions also leads the teams passing game. For the moment, Tamme looks like a solid stock trend on the upside.

Stock Falling

The Dolphins veteran runner Arian Foster is coming off a serious injury from a year ago and with a history of being banged up, his prognosis for staying healthy does not look good. Already slated to miss Sunday Week 3, Foster stock is sliding fast.

The Chiefs running back, Jamaal Charles looks like he could be active this Sunday, but having missed the first two games and coming off a torn ACL from a year ago, fantasy owners should keep their expectations in check. Charles could see action, but there's no question right now, at best he'll be sharing duties with running back Spence Ware. Charles stock, for the price likely paid in most drafts is over-valued until we see something worthy of an early round draft pick.

Through two weeks, the Lions wide receiver Golden Tate has seen plenty of targets with 16, but his 9 receptions has only accounted for 54 yards. He's definitely an active target in the short passing game, unfortunately for owners he's not doing much after the catch and until that changes, his stock will continue to fall.

The Steelers wide receiver Marcus Wheaton has yet to see any action this season, but does look like he could be on the field this Sunday. Lets roll him out on the trading floor and see what he can do against the Eagles on Sunday, before we buy into any of stock. For now his value is flatlining.

That's my take for Week 3

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 16th, 2016

Friday

Week 2: Friday Football Fixx

After one week of action, there's plenty of football discussion at the local employment water-cooler. I was able to catch quite a bit of the action from week one and here's what I see for this Sunday, so if you are ready let's get into it....

Week 2 presents quite a few savory matchups for fantasy owners to salivate over. If you are looking for fantasy friendly matchups and need help under center, the Bronco's second year quarterback Trevor Siemian wasn't spectacular in week one, but with a healthy match-up against a suspect Colts secondary (340 yards passing allowed in week 1), he has the weapons to product top-10 numbers in week 2.

After facing a very tough and stingy Seahawks defense (81 rushing yards allowed in week 1), the Dolphins running back Arian Foster should fare much better this Sunday. Foster touched the ball 16 times for more than 100 total yards last week. Against the Patriots (4.8 yards allowed per carry) this Sunday he's likely to see as many, if not more chances and should easily better his numbers from a week ago. Fantasy owners can even expect the versatile Foster to add a score.

Last week the Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (4 receptions on 4 targets) made his long awaited return to the field of action against the Cowboys. His performance may have been less than stellar, but his familiar return to the end zone could be an indication of what's to come. This week the Giants will play host to a Saints team that was torched and burned last Sunday by a Raiders offense that accounted for 486 yards of offense, including 319 yards in the air and one score. Cruz and company will be looking to cash in big this week; expect the salsa-man to do his dance again.

After a big week one performance in the Big Easy, the Raiders second year receiver Amari Cooper (6 rec/137-yards in week 1) is looking for another big Sunday with a tasty matchup against the Falcons this Sunday. The birds will be traveling to the Black Hole on Sunday and after their secondary was torched for 5 pass plays of 20 yards or more in week 1, Cooper and company will be looking for the long ball again this week.

Last on my Friday list is Eagles running back Ryan Matthews. His numbers weren't huge in week one, but he did manage a solid fantasy Sunday with 77 yards and a score. While his total out-put wasn't anything to scream about fantasy owners should be excited with his 22 carries, a sure sign he is the feature runner in the Eagles ground game. This Monday night Matthews could find quite a few holes in Bears run defense (129 yards rushing allowed in week 1).

These are my Friday Fixx plays I like for week 2.

That's my take

~David G. Ortega

WEEK 6: MY SUNDAY PICKS

October 18th, 2015
Sunday (Week 6)

Week 6: My Sunday Picks

I had a good week last week in my season long PPR leagues, Texans running backs Arian Foster and Steelers Le'Veon Bell carried several of my teams with solid performances. My hat also goes off to Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (starting to right the ship in Philly) and my waiver wire pick up last week, Browns tight end Gary Barnidge. Both played very well and assisted my teams with a couple of wins in week 5.

Now my DFS lineups were a different story last week. As I do every week, digging for gold and looking for those diamonds in the rough, several players in a quite a few of my lineups just didn't pan out. Such is the weekly conundrum.

This Fantasy week looks to be no easier than any other which is often the case, but just like last week (and any other for that matter) it has its' attractive offers for Sunday. So who am I looking at, who do I like today? Well I'll tell you.

My Sunday Picks:

For my season long lineups, I suffered the loss of Jamaal Charles last week (like many other owners), and with no luck this week on the waiver wire I am shooting for the fence with my back up Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman. It's a risk, yes, but if he can get double digit touches in this favorable matchup agains the Browns 32nd ranked run defense (allowing 147 yards rushing per game) and the most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

And while I am reading that Niners tight end Vernon Davis is ready for a big game today against the Ravens, I am going to roll with a more consistent play; Barnidge versus the Broncos today. It's not the best matchup for the Browns tight end, but he's quickly become a favorite target in the passing game with 20 receptions on 26 targets the last three weeks.

For the DFS plays, I have two picks I am coddling in several lineups; Vikings rookie wide receiver Stefon Diggs and Giants wideout Dwayne Harris. 

I had a chance to watch the majority the Vikings week 4 game (on bye in week 5) versus the Broncos. Diggs was quite impressive matched up against one of the leagues very best secondary; he caught 6 of 10 passes for 87 yards. He looked very sharp, a smooth runner with soft hands. He's no Jerry Rice, but he did look like he has already developed a nice rapport with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. What I liked most was his 10 targets; 4 or 5 passes and he's risky, but 10 targets and he is someone the quarterback trusts. His low value could make him an excellent play today.

Now Dwayne Harris is a bit more risky with a Monday night game. The reports indicate that wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, even if he plays could be limited (possibly more of a decoy in the pass game). If thats the case, Harris' stock has to be on the rise. In his last two games he's been very involed in the pass game with 11 receptions, including a touchdown on 14 targets. No ODJ or a limited ODJ means more looks for Harris and possibly a very nice Monday night stat line; at his value on DFS he's another week 6 diamond in the rough. Just for note, no ODJ could also mean more involvement for running back Shane Vereen, who I also like as a flex in DFS.

These are some of my picks for Sunday.

Just my take.

~David G

DRAFT STRATEGY: PLAYING TO WIN

September 4th, 2015
Friday

DRAFT STRATEGY: PLAYING TO WIN

If you are ultra-competitive, hate to lose, and always in it to win, then you are a little like me. I may be characterized a little more beyond that and back again; I was born to play games, I love to win, and losing just sucks.

Playing fantasy football has no question brought out all of those wonderful qualities in me that shine best on Sundays. I love to win, although I dont always, but I am always trying that you can count on.

My approach has always been the same when it comes to my fantasy football drafts and as the consumate win-or-die fantasy footballer, I have tried a many strategies and formulas time and time again. I can honestly say I dont have a favorite or go to. I am not sure there is a full proof science or formula to draft, but I am beliver that you have to have a plan when you draft; if you are playing.

With my second draft in the books (completed last Sunday), and a minimum of three more to go this weekend, I wanted to reflect on my recent go-round. Now my first draft was one I approached with balance and looking for minimal risk. My draft position was number 7 in a 10-teamer. That league, although a PPR was a quarteback heavy scoring league. This year is called for some finesse and manuvering to hit all my marks. I think it would generally be scored a B to B+ had I not lost my number one wide receiver Jordy Nelson; no question it's going to be a grind this season and I am going to need a little waiver wire magic if I have any hopes of going deep in the fantasy post-season.

Now my recent draft was a bit different in approach. My play here was swing for the fences and build for the playoff run. This league being more of a standard, balance is key to reach the post-season, but you need some home-runs down the stretch if you hope to make big noise. With the number 8 spot in this 12-teamer PPR league (2-points per reception) Steelers running back LeVeon Bell fell to me and I swung hard for the fence. I am going to miss him the first two games, but this playmaker has tremendous upside and is just the big-bat I'll need in week 14 to make a big hur-rah!

After selecting Megatron (WR-Calvin Johnson) in the 2nd (by the way, I think he's going to finish top three this season) and running back Andre Ellington (46 receptions in 2014) in the 3rd (14th running back off the board....went a little early on him), I took another swing for the fences and pulled Texans running back Arian Foster off the market. Maybe I have been watching a little too much HBO and "Hard Knocks," but when this guy returns like Bell he can be a fantasy football difference maker.

With my 5th round pick (56 overall, 25th WR off the board) I snagged wide receiver Jarvis Landry (84 receptions in 2014), who I think could end up being a bargain since his ADP is around 47th overall. I followed with quarterback Matt Ryan in the 6th (also back him up with Peyton Manning in the 9th-couldn't resist on letting him fall farther) and took another reach with running back Doug Martin in the 7th (35th RB taken); with all the recent positive ink he's been receiving he could also be another bargain. 

Notice the trend, with Bell and Foster taken early, I need to make an early run at running back to fill my squad the first quarter of the season. Even with this early run, I was very happy with the cores of receivers I was able to draft; John Brown (ARI), Phillip Dorsett (IND), Dorial Green-Beckham (TEN), and Leonard Hankerson (ATL). 

In this league, with one flex spot I'll likely be running with three running backs and two wide receivers (Johnson and Landry). I feel real strong about the quality of running backs I took (when healthy) and I believe my two receivers will provide plenty of punch this season.

My strategy here was simple, I drafted for the fantasy playoffs. There's no question my team is filled with great risk, but I believe if I hit on my picks the rewards could be huge. That was my strategy going in, take the risks (Bell & Foster), find the bargains (Landry, Martin, & Manning), and hope they all pay-off and pay-out down the road.

~David G

MY TOP PPR RUNNING BACKS TO TARGET

August 27th, 2015
Thursday

MY TOP PPR RUNNING BACKS TO TARGET

With my next fantasy draft coming up in a couple of days, the emphasis in this next draft is PPR and no position will be more important than my backfield. 

As many of may be hearing and seeing, even with the recent onslaught of injuries and suspensions the wide receiver still seems to be the deepest it's ever been. Quite simply fantasy owners can not escape the fact that the running back is by far the highest contact skill position, providing the biggest risk; drafting depth always is and will once again be a premium in PPR or standard leagues.

With my upcoming draft, I am focusing on production yes, but just as important in my thought process is opportunity. In fantasy, opportunity is the prelude to utilization and production.

What I am looking for in my top targets, touches, targets, and production. With this criteria in mind as I prepare for my draft, here are my top running backs to target;

2014 numbers:
Jamaal Charles, KC - 206 carries, 40 receptions, 59 targets (265 chances)
Le'Veon Bell, PIT - 290 carries, 83 receptions, 105 targets (395 chances)
Arian Foster, HOU - 260 carries, 38 receptions, 59 targets (319 chances)
Mark Ingram, NO - 226 carries, 29 receptions, 36 targets (262 chances)
Lamar Miller, MIA - 216 carries, 38 receptions, 52 targets (268 chances)
Justin Forsett, BAL - 235 carries, 44 receptions, 59 targets (294 chances)
Andre Ellington, ARI - 201 carries, 46 receptions, 64 targets (265 chances)


Last season was a bit of a down season for Charles and based on his total chances in 2014, I only see that number increasing a lot.

Bell was a fantasy stud in 2014 and despite the two game suspension to start this season, he should be able to improve upon these numbers from a year ago.

Foster is someone I am looking at trying to steal early. His numbers may taper back a bit this season due to the early injury, but once he's healthy he'll see volume and produce.

Ingram is someone I think I am likely to value higher than most. I believe he can be a bell-cow in New Orleans and with no Immy Graham, the Saints offense will have a more conservative look this season.

Playing in what should be an improved offense, behind a rising star quarterback I can only see Miller continuing his ascent as one of the more reliable runners in the league.

Forsett is another one of those backs I may be valuing higher than most. I watched a lot of his games last season and I am a believer in his skills. He may lose some goal line touches to a bigger back, but he's still going to see plenty of work in the pass game.

I don't really like chasing sleepers and I am not sure that these backs would be considered, but Doug Martin  (missed 5 games last season) in Tampa and Rashad Jennings (208 chances in 11 games) are a pair that I will target in mid-rounds to add depth.

Just my take.

~David G

2015 FANTASY FOOTBALL

August 25th, 2015

FANTASY

FOOTBALL

IS

BACK!!

Check out these sites for the latest.

• The Fantasy Footballers
• Rotoworld Fantasy Football
• Pro Football Focus
• Fantasy Football Diehards
• BFD Fantasy Football
• ESPN Fantasy Football

The preseason is heading into week 3, the dress-rehearsal for the NFL and a chance for those of us late drafters to get a good look at who we'll be targeting in our up-coming fantasy drafts.

For those of us snake-bitten by the injury bug already with high-profile (and high fantasy production) players like Running back Arian Foster and wide recievers Kelvin Benjamin and Jordy Nelson going down, this weekend will be important to find those waiver-wire gems to fill the big voids left behind.

If you have an upcoming draft, make sure you are doing your homework and taking your notes. Don't be the one guy at your draft not "in the know." 

I will be doing my research and checking those all-important daily news and injury updates and sharing my takes often as the season nears and progresses.

Good luck to all of you fellow fantasy football gamers, I look forward to sharing a great fantasy season!

~David G.

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday morning Edition

September 7th, 2014 

David’s Daily Digest

SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Numbers to help the Cause

With the Week 1 Sunday kickoff just hours away, fantasy owners are scrambling to make those last minutes tweaks to their lineups. If you are like me, I am always looking for data and numbers to help me find the best plays for Sunday.

Here are some of the numbers you should know for week 1;

Even though the Rob Ryan Saints defense only allowed the 5^th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks last season, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has had success in the past throwing the ball. In 4 of his last 6 starts versus the Saints Ryan has thrown for more than 300 yards. In his one game last season against the Saints when he had all of his weapons Ryan also completed 65 percent of his passes and threw two touchdowns.

Facing the Ravens defense at home today, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton may be one to avoid. In his two starts last season against Baltimore Dalton has been picked off seven times, including four at home in the finale.

The Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer was coming off the board as a mid QB-2 in most drafts and even later in some. He’s been a little overlooked, but in 2013 in the second half of the season Palmer showed some glimmer. In his last 8 starts he completed over 60 percent of his passes in five of those, throwing multiple touchdowns in 5 of those contests as well. Palmers’ numbers down the stretch were not out of this world, but they should not be overlooked; 295 yards passing per game, 14 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Monday night he’ll face the Chargers secondary that allowed the 8^th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

The Bills will use a committee of both running back CJ Spiller and running back Fred Jackson (both were top 30 running backs in fantasy last season). Even with a lesser experienced quarterback (E.J. Manuel) under center, both should find success on the ground facing the Bears defense today. Last season Chicago allowed the second most fantasy points to running backs, including 19 rushing touchdowns, 2^nd most. Both Spiller and Jackson should be safe plays today.

There’s been little talk about Texans running back Arian Foster, and more importantly no talk about any injuries. A healthy Foster facing a suspect Redskins run defense could spell for a big day. Foster has the talent to blow up and with the Redskins allowing the 4^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs and 20 rushing touchdowns (most in the league) last season, he could be fantasy gold.

Just some numbers to know for Sunday week 1.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Sunday Edition
November 11th, 2012  

The Four Horsemen

Last week my horsemen were gangbusters riding high led by quarterback Peyton Manning and his 25 fantasy points (standard scoring). Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (16 fantasy points) and running back Arian Foster (17 fantasy points) also helped pace this small brigade.

Week 10 presents some key matchups, but we’ll be expecting nothing less than solid performances from our four riders as they get set to mount up in just a few short hours.

My week 10 fantasy picks…

Quarterback (Eli Manning, NYG)
Last week it was big brother, this week we are looking for little brother Eli Manning to step up with a huge performance this week. Eli and company are on the road today to face the Bengals 18th ranked pass defense. Manning is coming off a very poor performance and will look to rebound. The Bengals allow the 12th most fantasy points to quarterbacks; Manning will be looking to raise that number.

Running Back (Stevan Ridley, NE)
The Patriots are at home today and the Bills are coming to town. This is great news for running back Stevan Ridley. The Bills are ranked 31st against the run, they allow nearly 170 yards on the ground every week and have given up a league high 14 rushing touchdowns. Ridley has been fantastic in the run game for the Patriots and will see plenty of carries today. He has over 700 yards rushing this season and averages 4.7 yards per carry. His five touchdowns pace the Patriots ground attack; expect Ridley to pace the team today.

Wide Receiver (Kenny Britt, TEN)
The Titans are on the road to face the Dolphins 30th ranked pass defense today and wide receiver Kenny Britt can’t wait. Finally as close to 100% health as he has been all season, Britt will also see the return of his starting quarterback Jake Locker. Locker is the younger and stronger arm under center for the Titans, and he should enable Britt to take advantage of the Dolphins secondary that allows the 4th most fantasy points to wide receivers. It's time for Britt to return to form.

Tight End (Zach Miller, SEA)
The seldom used tight end Zach Miller could suddenly erupt into a fantasy gem today when the Seahawks meet the Jets. Miller has only 8 targets in the last games, but that could change today. The Jets defense allows the 3rd most fantasy points to tight ends and this season have surrendered 6 touchdowns. Miller has just one touchdown grab this season, but he could add to that total today.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Sunday Edition
November 4th, 2012  

The Four Horsemen

We are going to ride again and for this week I am saddling up some big boys that should have some very big performances in week 9.

My week 9 fantasy picks…

Quarterback (Peyton Manning, DEN)

It appears the Bronco’s have found their missing piece or so it would seem with the way quarterback Peyton Manning has played of late. Last week against the Saints, Manning was able to get the offense out of the gate early and often. Manning has looked effective and is putting up phenomenal numbers this season. With the Bengals (ranked 17th versus the pass) next on the slate, Manning looks set to keep the Broncos rolling. Manning has five straight games of 300 yards passing or more and four straight with three touchdowns. The Bengals defense allows the 11th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Running Back (Arian Foster, Hou)

This pick is a no-brainer. The Bills defense has done a porous job this season against the run, ranked 31st and with Ben Tate already ruled out this sets up running back Arian Foster for a huge day. Foster is not only a threat on the ground, but he can be exceptional out of the backfield in open space. I look for the Texans to not only hand him the rock today, but Foster should be good for 4-6 receptions; he’s going to blow up today. The Bills allow the most fantasy points to running backs.

Wide Receiver (DeSean Jackson, PHI)

The Eagles speedy and big play receiver DeSean Jackson has done very little of that (big plays) this season. Jackson leads the team with 34 receptions and 524 yards receiving this season, but through 7 games he has just one touchdown and just one reception of 40 yards or more (5 in 2011, 8 in 2010). On Monday night Jackson will line up against a Saints defense that is ranked 30th versus the pass, has surrendered 15 touchdowns (just three picks), and allow the most fantasy points to wide receivers. This has the making of a breakout game for Jackson and company.

Tight End (Jason Witten, DAL)

The Cowboys tight end Jason Witten and quarterback Tony Romo have really been in sync the past several games. Witten has been heavily targeted and has posted four straight games with no fewer than 6 receptions and 7 targets. Witten is coming off a monster game last Sunday and with the Falcons up next (Sunday night) he should continue the hot hand. The Cowboys are plagued with injuries at the receiver position; Witten is going to be Romo’s safety blanket all evening. 


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Edition

August 24th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

Some Friday Foootball Fun

Week three of the preseason is under way and my first fantasy football draft of the season is less than a day away, so rather than regurgitating a bunch of known information (at least not tonight), how about we talk more specifically about the draft.

Although this first draft is in a custom league with a non-standard scoring format, a lot of the same fantasy football strategy principles still apply here. This league is what we call a quarterback league, but depth at all positions is still the key to winning. Let’s put it this way, the teams with Brees and Rodgers did not win the title.

I am not going to get heavily into my specific strategy or offer any confidential secrets that will guarantee fantasy success, but rather offer my thoughts on those players I will be looking for in this first draft and my subsequent drafts.

The Arms

Everyone already knows about Brees, Brady, and Rodgers, and I am seeing plenty of hype around the new boy from Detroit (Matthew Stafford), so unless I am drafting early in any leagues or looking for a quarterback with my first pick I probably won’t see any of these arms available past mid 2^nd round. Having said that, quarterbacks I like and will be looking at are Matt Schaub, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Josh Freeman.

Each has shown the ability to be a big passer and have a big-time target to throw to this season (Andre Johnson, Stevie Johnson, and Vincent Jackson). Fitzpatrick and Freeman were down a bit in 2011 with too many turnovers, but they still finished in the top 13 for passing yards. Schaub was on his way to a big season before going down, I like his chances in 2012 to stay healthy and play big.

The Legs

The running backs at the top of the fantasy food chain will likely be the same familiar names from a year ago (Rice, Foster, and McCoy)and they will likely be sure to go early in most drafts. A few interesting names that I will be watching and targeting past the first round include Fred Jackson, Darren Sproles, and Reggie Bush. These guys will be particularly effective in PPR leagues. All three are top 20 fantasy backs and should be right back in the mix again in 2012.

A couple of ground gainers that could scoop up some easy scores this season are (Broncos) Willis McGahee and (Patriots) Steven Ridley. First I like Ridley to win the job in New England and I think his explosiveness could lead to some big plays and big scores this season. In the Mile High city, I believe Manning’s presence is going to bring an up-tempo style to the offense and create more scoring opportunities for McGahee in Denver.

The Hands

Right now there is no receiver as good as Calvin Johnson, but there a several names I like and players I will be trying to grab in tomorrow’s draft. AJ Green just looks too good and appears ready to build off his outstanding rookie campaign. Like Green, Julio Jones in Atlanta looks ready to breakout big in his second year. If wide receiver Dez Bryant can stay healthy, his size and ability could lead to a huge 2012 season in Dallas. I have never been much of a fan of the offense in Oakland, but with OTAs and a full training camp under their belts, Darrius Heyward-Bey should rekindle some of the late season magic he found with quarterback Carson Palmer last season.

A quiet name I will be looking to add later in the draft are Steve Smith in St. Louis; he is quickly building a nice rapport with quarterback Sam Bradford and could be looking at a nice comeback with the Rams. A not-so-quiet name is Demaryius Thomas, He is another nice mid-rounds pick up that has great upside with a healthy Manning under center; his counter-part Eric Decker also has value should Thomas be taken.

One more name I will throw at there for thought; I like the arrival of Cedric Benson in Green Bay. Their offense has lacked consistency on the ground the past several seasons. Benson gives them a real banger and with the focus in the air, there’s no pressure on Ced. If he can leave his fumbling woes behind, he could be a real factor in fantasy this season.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 21ST, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Foster Does Not Practice
What most fantasy folks may have figured, the Texans running back Arian Foster was limited this week in practice and does not look good to play on Sunday. This is great news for fantasy owners that have been teetering back and forth with back up Ben Tate and Foster. It appears Tate will be the starter this week and he should be in most fantasy lineups. Tate has been solid this season racking up 219 yards on the ground and figures to carry the brunt of the load this week against the Saints.

Kenny Britt limited with Hamstring Injury
According to Britt the hamstring injury is the same as the one that hampered him during the preseason, but what I have been reading it does not sound serious or anything to be concerned about. Britt has been a beast in the passing game for the Titans and is now a fantasy must start every week. Next up for Britt the Broncos secondary that was just torched for 385 yards in week 2.

Newton sets his sights for the Jags
It’s starting to look like rather than opposing defenses having a target on the Panthers rookie quarterback each week, Cam Newton is measuring up his gridiron foes for destruction. In just two weeks Newton has passed for over 800 yards and rushed for another 71; he has also accounted for five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing). Newton looks like a dynamic playmaker and this Sunday appears to be another opportunity for him to showcase his talents; if you are not starting him, better get him in your lineup.

Matthews quietly Becoming PPR Stud
Ryan Matthews may be splitting time in the backfield with Mike Tolbert this season, but with his lack of carries (just 24 this season) he is quickly making up for it in the passing game. In the team’s first two games this season Matthews has already collected 10 balls for 135 yards. With that kind of production, Matthews could quickly become a fantasy gem in most PPR formats, especially if he can start finding the end-zone more often.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 14th, 2011, Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Foster Sounds-Off, Expects to Play
Just when we thought he might be down, the Texans running back Arian Foster (hamstring) says he expects to play on Sunday after returning to practice on Wednesday. With back-up Ben Tate running effective last weekend against the Colts, if Foster does play he could see his workload tapered back a bit this week against the Dolphins. It’s hard to sit your studs and fantasy owners would have to figure if Foster is out there, he’s healthy enough to produce.

Roddy White remains the Favorite
Despite all the hype surrounding the arrival of rookie wide receiver Julio Jones in Atlanta, it appears fantasy owners can take solice in knowing that Roddy White remains the number one. On Sunday against the Bears, White was targeted a team high 13 times (tied for most targets in week 1). Jones will see his share going forward, but White is still quarterback Matt Ryans’ favorite.

IDP Notes

Sugar Ray is “Sweet” as Ever
This may be his 16th season in the league, but Raven’s linebacker Ray Lewis is playing as sweet as ever. Against the Steelers on Sunday Lewis turned in a gem with six tackles, including one for a loss, one forced fumble, and a pick as the defense was just dominant. As long as he remains healthy, Lewis looks solid in the middle and a great fantasy play against the Titans in week two.

Suggs is a Beast on Sunday
There was no one who was badder, and no one who was better than the Ravens’ defensive end Terrell Suggs. The former Arizona State Sun Devil dominated the line of scrimmage this past Sunday recording three sacks (leads the NFL) and two forced fumbles. He could have another stellar game against a Titan’s offensive line that struggled last week and yielded a pair of sacks.

Just my Tuesday takes.

By David Ortega