FSH NOTEBOOK: SATURDAY'S FF QUICK TAKES

November 11th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 10 FF Plays

Sneaky Plays for Week 10

It’s another week impacted by the Byes and fantasy managers will have to dig a little deeper this week with teams like the Eagles, Dolphins, and Chiefs off this Sunday. There will be no Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, or AJ Brown available this Sunday, so time to go diving and find some fantasy value.

Mayfield is in Play this Sunday.

The Buccaneers quarterback has been a steady fantasy play over his last three games. Mayfield has been scoring in the fantasy starting range during this stretch averaging 259 yards passing, while completing 63.2% of his passes with five touchdowns. While the Titans defense has been pretty good against opposing quarterbacks, Mayfield faces a secondary that allows the 9th most completions and the 6th highest completion rate this season with the fewest picks this season.

Trent Irwin has value against the Texans.

With the Bengals receiving corps banged up and wideout Tee Higgins already ruled out, Irwin is in play this Sunday. The Bengals could also be without Ja’Marr Chase on Sunday opening up opportunities for the remaining pass catchers. While Tyler Boyd will be the popular pickup and insert this week, Irwin could fill a void in deeper leagues and provide value in DFS.

Noah Brown is a streaming Dark Horse.

Following a breakout game in week 9, the Texans wide receiver Noah Brown should be on most fantasy managers' radar heading into Sunday. Led by rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, the Texans passing game appears to be in high gear heading into this Week 10 road tilt with the Bengals. In two of their last three games, the Bengals secondary has been lit up by opposing receivers allowing the 7th most fantasy points in each contest.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEEKLY WAIVER WIRE

November 7th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Late-Evening Edition

The Weekly Waiver Wire

Noah Brown (Texans) The former Cowboys wide receiver had a welcome to the party kind of game on Sunday blowing up for 153 yards receiving with a score. Brown is barely owned in ESPN Fantasy Leagues (0.9% rostered) and should be considered a stash candidate and low end flex option with a potential high ceiling.

Keaton Mitchell (Ravens) The Ravens rookie running back had the hot hand on Sunday and exploded for 138 yards rushing on just 9 carries. He’ll figure to see more opportunities going forward and only owned in 1.0% of ESPN Leagues; he's another stash candidate (especially in Dynasty).

Tank Dell (Texans) The Texans rookie wide receiver Tank Dell is owned in just over half (55.7%) of ESPN Leagues), though he seems to be a true boom or bust fantasy play, if he’s available he has a tremendous ceiling and should be owned.

Tyler Boyd (Bengals) The Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd is only owned in 47.7% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues and over his last three games he’s been a solid fantasy WR3. With the Bengals offense starting to heat up and Ja’Marr Chase coming out of Week 9 a little dinged up, Boyd should be on fantasy rosters.

Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) Even though it may not have looked pretty, the Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield has been playing in fantasy starter territory over the past several weeks. During his past three starts Mayfield has averaged 259 yards passing with 5 touchdowns. He’s only owned in 45.4% of ESPN Leagues and offers some streaming value through the remaining Byes.

Odell Beckham Jr (Ravens) After finally reaching paydirt for the first time this season the Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr turned in his best game. OBJ hauled in 5 passes for 56 yards receiving and a touchdown. OBJ is only owned in 42.4% of ESPN Leagues and should be owned. As he starts to look more like the old OBJ, he has a chance for better games being a part of the Ravens 4th best offense in the league.

Jonnu Smith (Falcons) The Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith (fantasy TE14) blew up on Sunday, recording 5 catches for 100 yards receiving and a touchdown. After a quiet couple of games Smith found his mojo in Week 9. Smith has seen at least 5 or more targets in 6 of his last 8 games this season. He remains involved in the Falcons passing game and only owned in 27.1% of ESPN Fantasy games, he should be owned.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (Patriots) Targeted 7 times on Sunday, the Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster had his busiest game this season, since Week 1. Smith-Schuster finished as the fantasy WR25 for the week.  JuJu is only owned in 29.9% ESPN Fantasy Leagues and while his Week 9 performance wasn’t a breakout, he may offer some relief as a streaming option through the Byes.

Demario douglas (Patriots) The better option out of Foxboro is the Patriots rookie receiver Demario Douglas. Only owned in 21.9% of ESPN Fantasy Leagues, Douglas has been seeing a steady diet of at least 6 or more targets over the past three weeks. His ceiling has not been exceptionally high, but his floor has been steady and safe as a flex play.

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 

FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEK 7 STARTS & SITS

October 21st, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Evening Edition

Fantasy Football: Week 7 Starts & Sits

The available options off the Wire or from the free agent pool may feel scarce this week with six teams (Cincinnati, Carolina, Houston, Tennessee, Dallas, and New York Jets) on byes, but there are still plenty of streaming options available to fill lineup holes. With CeeDee Lamb, Nico Collins, Derrick Henry, and others taking the week off, fantasy managers will have to check in every nook and turn over every stone to find some fantasy value in Week 7.

Well, that’s why I am doing here. In my search under rocks and behind opened doors, here’s what I have found for the Week 7 slate.

Week 7 Starts

The Passers

Sam Howell (Commanders) Howell has been the fantasy QB3 the past two weeks passing for 539 yards with 5 touchdowns. A Week 7 matchup against a middle of the pack Giants defense puts Howell on the streaming radar.

Jordan Love (Packers) With the Packers coming off their Week 6 bye, Love and company are on the road at Denver. Love did not look good in his last game, back in Week 5, but nothing spells get-well better than the Broncos defense. The Broncos defense has allowed a top-7 performance to opposing quarterbacks in 3 of their last 4 games. The Pack are getting healthy with Christian Watson and Aaron Jones expected to be available, Love is in the streaming mix this week.

Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) Mayfield versus the Falcons this week would be more of a reach play for fantasy managers in most leagues. The Falcons have allowed 4 passing touchdowns the past two weeks and Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans is now a couple of weeks removed from his hamstring injury before the team’s bye. With a healthier Evans, these two should hook-up for a score.

The Ball Carriers

Brian Robinson Jr (Commanders) Facing the Giants defense that is allowing more than 5-yards per carry this season, including over 140 yards on the ground per game for the last four weeks, Robinson Jr figures to get plenty of work. He’ll be a mid-to-high RB2 this week.

Jerome Ford (Browns) Over the past four weeks, the Colts defense has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. The Browns running back Jerome Ford should find plenty of success this week. Consider him a strong RB2 this week.

Rhamondre Stevenson (Patriots) The Patriots offense would like to keep the ball out of Josh Allen’s hands, so it’s safe to expect a heavy dose of the run game. In this one Stevenson is the preferred option in the Patriots backfield, now off the injury report. Facing the Bills defense that has been rolled the past two weeks surrendering over 250 yards on the ground and over 4 yards per carry. Stevenson figures as a back-end RB2 this week.

The Pass Catchers

Marquise Brown (Cardinals) The Seahawks secondary has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Brown has been targeted 31 times over his last three games. This week Hollywood shows up.

Wan’Dale Robinson (Giants) The Giants receiver has been seeing a steady diet of targets  the past several weeks. In his last three games he’s been targeted 20 times, including 8 in Week 6. Over the past four weeks the Commanders defense has allowed the 3rd most receiving yards to opposing receivers. This matchup sits well for Robinson, he’s a WR3/flex play this week.

Zay Flowers (Ravens) I like this kid a lot this week against the Lions. He’s the clear number one and over the past three weeks, he’s getting 7.7 targets, 4.7 receptions, 59.7 yards per game. Over their last two games the Lions defense has allowed the 4th most receptions to opposing receivers. Flowers is a borderline WR2/WR3 play this week.

Mecole Hardman (Chiefs) Having just been traded back to his old team, Hardman could be a sneaky sleeper play this week. For weeks he was comatose in New York (Jeets), but he returns to a Chiefs team that has yet to find their big play receiver this season.

The tight ends

Cade Otton (Buccaneers) The Bucs have not gotten much production from the tight end spot this season, but fantasy managers with few options might want to take a flier on Otton this week when he faces the Falcons. The Falcons defense has had some trouble this season with the tight ends, allowing the 7th most fantasy points. With fewer options this week Otton, a boom or bust candidate, could score his second touchdown of the season on Sunday.

Michael Mayer (Raiders) Mayer is coming off his most productive game this season a week ago against the Patriots. With Brian Hoyer getting the start for injured Jimmy Garappolo against the Bears this Sunday, Mayer could be in line for continued success. The Bears have allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends over the past 4 weeks. Mayer could crack TE-1 scoring this week.

My Week 7 Sits

Russell Wilson (Broncos-QB) The Broncos play host this week and Wilson will get a taste of the Packers defense that allows the 5th fewest points to opposing quarterbacks. Wilson is coming off a poor Week 6 (Thursday night) showing and fantasy managers would be better served to steer clear.

Gus Edwards (Ravens-RB) Already in a crowded backfield that includes quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens running back could struggle this week to find running room against the Lions. The Lions defense allows the 2nd fewest yards per carry and the 6th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. 

Ram backfield - With Kyren Williams placed on IR, the Rams have added pieces and elevated players. It’s just a tough situation to predict and with the return of Cooper Kupp, head coach Sean McVay may place the ball in the hands of quarterback Matt Stafford. I’m avoiding this situation altogether.

Josh Downs (Colts-WR) Downs has been seeing steady work, but this week he draws a tough matchup against a very good Browns defense. The Browns have allowed the fewest fantasy points, receptions, and receiving yards to wide receivers this season. I am looking elsewhere this week.

Elijah Moore (Browns) Facing the Colts this week, Moore’s outlook is not good. First he’s only caught 6 passes for 39 yards the past two weeks, there’s uncertainty at the quarterback position this week (although Watson may return), and the Colts have allowed the 6th fewest fantasy points to wide receivers the past 4 weeks. I’m moving along here.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEK 6 STARTS & SITS

October 14th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Week 6: 

Starts & Sits

Each week fantasy owners are going to be faced with the decision of whether to start or sit some of the fringe players whose fantasy scoring of late and for the season is not quite on par as a starter. A slow start this season, a series of bad matchups, or just over-hyped, whatever the reason for the fringe players performances owners will still need to make the call to roll the dice or move along.

There are 14 games on the remaining schedule for Week 6 and 13 are on the slate for Sunday. And don’t forget the early game in London between the Ravens and Titans. Here are my Week 6, Starts and Sits.

Week 6 Starts

Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) - The Jaguars quarterback has yet to break out this season, but he did have one of his best games for yards last week, passing for over 300-yards. Lawrence will square off against a Colts defense that has allowed the 3rd most passing yards this season.

Kirk Cousins (Vikings) - The Vikings passer will face a Bears defense that allows the 2nd most passing yards this season and has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) - He’s coming off a strong Week 5 performance and should have his full complement of weapons this week with the return of Mike Evans.

Sam Howell (Commanders) - In this road matchup with the Falcons, Howell and the Commanders may have to lean more on the passing game. 92 pass attempts for Howell in his past two starts.

Kyren Williams (Rams) - Williams is the fantasy RB11. This week he gets the Cardinals run defense that allows the 4th most fantasy points to opposing running backs.

D’Andre Swift (Eagles) - The Eagles runner has cooled off the past couple of weeks, but a matchup with the Jets could get things heated once again. Jets allow over 4.0 yards per carry and the 9th most fantasy points to opposing runners.

Zay Flowers (Ravens) - The Ravens receiver has been targeted 25 times over the past three weeks and is averaging double digit fantasy points.

DeAndre Hopkins (Titans) - Coming off his best game of the season in week 5 with 8 receptions for 140 yards on 11 targets, Hopkins will look to keep it going against a Ravens secondary that has allowed 6th most receptions to opposing wideouts.

Jonnu Smith (Falcons) - The Falcons tight end has been steady averaging 7 targets per game for the last three weeks.

 

Zach Ertz (Cardinals) - Ertz has a nice matchup against a Rams defense that has allowed the most receiving yards and fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

Week 6 Sits

Jared Goff (Lions) - A tough road matchup this week against a Bucs defense that has allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks over the past two weeks.

CJ Stroud (Texans) - The Texans starter came back to earth last week and has another tough matchup this week against the Saints defense that allows the 8th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Rachaad White (Buccaneers) - White has a tough matchup this week against one of the league’s best run defenses this season. The Lions have allowed the 4th fewest yards per game and 3rd fewest per carry this season.

Jerome Ford & Kareem Hunt (Browns) - Without their starting quarterback, this offense could really struggle and with the 49ers defense playing well, I just don’t trust this backfield.

Amari Cooper (Browns) - It’s not enough that the Browns are facing the 49ers (4th best defense in the league), but they will be without starter Deshaun Watson. It’s hard to sit Cooper, but I wouldn't expect much from him.

Hunter Henry (Patriots) - After a hot start this season, Henry has gone cold along with the Patriots offense. For now the bench is the best place until the offense starts to show more consistency.

Darren Waller (Giants) - The Giants will be without the services of starting quarterback Daniel Jones and Waller (groin) popped up on the injury report this week.  It will be tough to trust him if he is able to play.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FANTASY FIXX

September 22nd, 2023

David’s Daily 

Friday Afternoon Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Fixx

(Week 3)

(Week 3: Favorable Matchups)

We are two weeks into the 2023 season and there is plenty of data to review and consider, snap counts, targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns. The sample size this season is still small, but it’s enough of an indicator for the probability of outcome and that’s enough for me to take a look ahead at the matchups for this Week 3 weekend. With a potential shootout in Minnesota and to a possible barn-burner in Tampa, these are some of my favorite matchups and plays for Sunday.

QB-Desmond Ridder (Falcons) - After a slow week one, the Falcons quarterback rebounded in week 2 finishing as fantasy QB12. This week Ridder is on the road, but faces a promising matchup against a Lions defense that has allowed the 5th most fantasy points, along with the 7th most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks. Ridder was solid in week two using his arm (237 yards passing, one passing touchdown) and his legs (39 rushing yards, one rushing touchdown).

 

RB-Javonte Williams (Broncos) - It’s way past due time for the Broncos offense to start leaning more on the run game. Williams has been quiet through the first two weeks, but he only has 25 carries through two games. The Dolphins defense has shown it is vulnerable against the run (ranked 30th) allowing more than 5-yards a carry. Williams should get his shot this week and could be in line for his best output this season.

WR-Jordan Addison (Vikings) - The rookie has had some flash this young season, scoring in both of the Vikings first two games. This trend will be tough to continue, but I like this matchup and his chances of posting solid week 3 numbers. Through two games his snap share count is over 60% and he has just one fewer target than fellow Vikings receiver KJ Osborn. This will be a matchup where the Vikings will have to air-it-out and Addison could see a slight boost in his target share, enough to put him in flex play territory.

WR-Chris Godwin (Buccaneers) - The Bucs face a tall task this Sunday when they square off with the Eagles. The Eagles bring a lot of firepower into this matchup, so Baker Mayfield and company will have to bring the noise in this one. Last week it was Mike Evans with the huge effort, but wide receiver Chris Godwin still had 8 targets. Through two games Godwin has seen a total of 14 targets, a steady average of 7 per game. With this type of usage, facing an Eagles secondary that has not been healthy this season, Godwin should be able to take advantage of a defense that has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

TE-Dalton Schultz (Texans) - The Texans tight end has been less than steady and unspectacular through two games (currently fantasy TE31). Schultz has only recorded 6 receptions for 38 receiving yards on 11 targets through his first two games, but this week he’s got a chance to be productive. Schultz is coming off a game in which he was targeted 7 times and this week he’ll face a Jacksonville defense that has allowed the 6th most receiving yards and fantasy points to opposing tight ends. The Texans tight end has a real chance at being a borderline TE1/TE2 this week.

These players may already be locked into your lineup and they may not, but if they are sitting on your bench and you are facing a start’em dilemma consider these plays for Week 3. I guarantee nothing and offer even less, these are just my predictions about their respective week 3 matchups and outcomes for this weekend. 

Strong plays to consider for DFS as well.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Night Edition
November 23rd 2019

Week 12: Armed and Dangerous

As I take a look at the Week 12 matchups for Sunday, there are a couple of quarterbacks that I like the matchup, their current trend, and potential outcome. So let’s start with the ole, West coast team traveling back east to play the early game…

Sam Darnold vs. Raiders
This is just a gut feeling based on the recent play of Darnold and the Jets offense. Darnold slots in as the #25 Fantasy QB through 11 weeks, but he has scored over 21 fantasy points in each of his last two starts, throwing for 525 passing yards, 6 touchdowns (5 pass, 1 rush), and 63.3 passing completion. Darnold has been playing well and I’m counting on a little history here with the Raiders having to travel east and play early. One thing to point out, as good as the Raiders defense has looked the past couple of weeks; their two opposing quarterbacks, Bengals rookie Ryan Finley and the Chargers turnover machine Philip Rivers (7 interceptions in his last two starts).

Matt Ryan vs Buccaneers
Whenever you get Matty-Ice at home, you have to like the prospects. Add that this week the Falcons will host the Bucs and Ryan because an instant start’em. Ryan has yet to face the Bucs this season, but in his two starts last season, he averaged nearly 28 fantasy points per game. The Bucs defense has been awful against the pass this season, allowing 290.9 yards passing (31st) and 25 touchdowns (31st). Ryan’s outlook on Sunday is pretty good.

Baker Mayfield vs Dolphins
As of late the Phins have been a tough out for teams, but this has to be the week Mayfield and company on offense breakout, right? Mayfield comes in as the #22 Fantasy quarterback and he’ll face the 20th ranked pass defense that has allowed 23 passing touchdowns (29th) and 42 pass plays of 20+ yards (28th). The Phins have only recorded 13 sacks in 11 games (tied for fewest in the league). With weapons like OBJ, Landry, Chubb, and Hunt, give Mayfield time and the combination should result in big plays and a lot of fantasy points. We hope.

A couple of risky plays that make me nervous, starts with the big matchup in Foxboro….

Tom Brady vs Cowboys
And while the Patriots have been very good on defense this season, I am not expecting a shutout tomorrow against the Cowboys. The Boys have too many weapons and will manage at least a couple of scores. Brady and the Patriots offense have been out of sync the past couple of weeks and that makes me nervous. Belichick is so creative on the defensive end, I can see the defense accounting for a score or two, and not needing a lot from Brady. Tom Brady is currently the #11 Fantasy QB through 11 weeks, but he has just one passing touchdown in his last two games and has not passed for more than 300 yards in his last four starts. 

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Evening Edition
September 1st, 2019

Sold! Just call me Jack

I wasn’t buying the hype at the start of the NFL Training Camps, but with the social media buzz and 2019 season outlook, it’s really tough for me to stay off the Baker Mayfield bandwagon. Sure expectations are high this season in Cleveland and sure there will be a lot of pressure, but it’s hard to deny Mayfield has the tools and now an elite weapon in wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Add OBJ to the likes of wide receiver Jarvis Landry, running back Nick Chubb, and tight end David Njoku and this offense looks loaded. The Browns team may not live up to all of the Super Bowl hype this season, but this offense looks poised to put up serious fantasy numbers and with Mayfield calling the signals, I am drinking the Kool-aid even at his current ADP 66.0 overall (FFC ).

I remember it was either last season or the season before when Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette was clocked with one of the fastest open field run times during a game. During week 3 preseason against the Dolphins Fournette looked spry and quick. There’s no doubt, he has the size, the power, and the tools to be a dominant runner in the league, but he needs to stay healthy. In his first two seasons in the NFL, Fournette has missed 11 games. His health would be my only hesitation, but he looked good enough to be worth risk; coming off the board at RB13 with an ADP of 24.5 (according to FFC), I’m buying me some shares.

Despite the arrival of running back Carlos Hyde to the Texans, I still expect to see Duke Johnson to play the role of the lead back. It’s a great situation and opportunity for Duke to finally showcase and prove he can be the featured back. In his college days Johnson was the bell-cow in south beach (University of Miami). In his final season with the Hurricanes Johnson logged 280 touches for 2,073 yards (1,652 rushing, 421 receiving) of total offense. It's a big step up in the NFL, but through his first four season, Johnson has yet to miss a game. I believe Duke has the talent and now the opportunity to be a Top-20 fantasy running back. I’ll buy that.

After watching the Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders return to action this preseason (the team's fourth game) and having seen some of his practice highlight footage, I am sold on the 10 year veteran. Last season Sanders was the number 23 fantasy receiver (full PPR) and returns in 2019, as the team's clear number one option. Even though the team seems to be geared more toward a run-first concept, I believe the combination of quarterback Joe Flacco-to-Sanders could result in some nice production. He’s currently at ADP 87.3, WR34 (FFC), and as good as he has looked with Flacco, he’s moving up my rankings and I will be buying what he’s selling.

I was originally buying into the running back situation in Kansas City, but with the recent changes (addition of LeSean McCoy) in the last 24 hours, I don’t have any idea where I am leaning. With these backs, I am treading lightly, although I have to believe Damien Williams will still be an integral piece of the offense.


That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Evening Edition
August 24th, 2019

In These Hands We Trust

Let’s begin with this, my numbers are not scientific, nor are they prophetic, they are merely my opinion based on my eye test and last season’s production. With that much said and not trying to say too much, these are my WR rankings for the start of 2019 season.

At the top of the board is Mr. Number one himself, DeAndre Hopkins (MR#1WR). In full PPR Hopkins finished as the number wide receiver last season, after finishing second by a half point in 2017. Hopkins has hands of glue and he is Mister Consistent. He’ll see his normal 170-plus targets and should be back at the top once again.

Right behind Hopkins, filling the number two slot is the Packers Davante Adams (MR#2WR). I actually like Adams a ton; he could easily unseat Hopkins for top billing. Adams will have the luxury of catching passes from a healthy Aaron Rodgers and after coming off a season with career highs across the board (catches, yards, touchdowns, and targets), he’s a shoe-in to post large numbers in 2019.

Yes, the top two receivers have great outlooks for 2019 and both are appropriately ranked, but my number four fantasy receiver, the Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr (MR#4WR) deserves a huge mention here. It just feels like the perfect storm this season for OBJ, who was traded to Cleveland in the offseason. With the gunslinging quarterback Baker Mayfield under center, it feels like OBJ is going to be on Sportscenter a lot this season.

The First 12 pairs of hands
1.DeAndre Hopkins
2.Davante Adams
3.Julio Jones
4.O. Beckham Jr
5.Michael Thomas
6.Tyreek Hill
7.Smith-Schuster
8.Mike Evans
9.Keenan Allen
10.Antonio Brown
11.Adam Thielen
12.T.Y. Hilton

Leading the second set of 12 is the Buccaneers receiver (MR#13WR) Chris Godwin; in Godwin I trust. He’s been one of the talks of the offseason, I’ve been listening to. Godwin had a very nice 2nd season starting 5 games and finishing with 59 receptions, 842 yards receiving, and 7 touchdowns. Now in his third year with the Bucs, this is expected to be his breakout. In four of his last five games in 2018, Godwin had no fewer than six targets per contest with quarterback Jameis Winston under center; the Bucs starting Quarterback for 2019. Godwin is a rising star.

The two Rams receivers, Brandin Cooks (MR#16WR) and Robert Woods (MR#17WR) are basically bookends; you can flip-flop these two. The Rams high-octane offense presents plenty of opportunity for both, even with the return of Cooper Kupp. Last season Woods finished as the 11th scoring fantasy receiver, with Cooks checking in at 13 (full PPR). I believe the return of Kupp will knock these two down slightly, but both are worth drafting as your WR2.

Ankle surgery has me avoiding Bengals receiver A.J. Green (MR#24WR) in my drafts, but he is going to return at some point this season; expected to only miss a few games. If you can get him late, he has the potential of being a solid late grab and could be a difference maker. But he is coming off surgery, which is always risky.

The Second set of hands
13.Chris Godwin
14.Stefon Diggs
15.Julian Edelman
16.Brandin Cooks
17.Robert Woods
18.Jarvis Landry
19.Amari Cooper
20.Cooper Kupp
21.Kenny Golladay
22.Tyler Lockett
23.Calvin Ridley
24.A.J. Green

Some notables that just missed the cut, Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd (MR#25WR), Chargers receiver Mike Williams (MR#26WR) and Eagles receiver Alshon Jeffery (MR#27WR). I really like Williams this season, easily see him cracking the top 24. The same for Boyd, with Green expected to miss time he’ll be the go-to receiver for quarterback Andy Dalton.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega