FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEEKLY WAIVER WIRE

November 14th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

The Weekly Waiver Wire

10 weeks into the season, if your playoff bubble has yet to burst, if you still have a chip and a chair, the Waiver Wire list may not be over-saturated or run deep, but there are still plenty of options offering help. With three more weeks impacted by team byes, here’s the short list of some Waiver wire help for Week 11.

Brandin Cooks (Cowboys) Owned in 49.1% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Cooks has scored 14 or more fantasy points (ppr) in 3 of his last 4 games.

Jordan Love (Packers) Owned in 44.7% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Love has not been spectacular and his fantasy scoring has tapered off a bit in recent weeks, but he has had a safe floor over his past four starts.

Odell Beckham Jr (Ravens) Owned in 42.6% of ESPN fantasy leagues, OBJ is a flier option as a flex-fill during the remaining bye. He has scored a touchdown in back-to-back contests and flashed some explosiveness in Week 10. With just 13 targets in his last three games his lack of volume makes him a risky play. 

Romeo Doubs (Packers) Owned in 39.7% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Doubs has scored in double digits fantasy points in 3 of his last 4 games. Over this stretch Doubs has been targeted 22 times, catching 12 passes and scoring three touchdowns.

Joshua Dobbs (Vikings) 38.9% needs to be owned in all 2QB leagues, picked up in rest and could be a must-start the rest of the way.

Tyjae Spears (Titans) Owned in 32.6% of ESPN fantasy leagues, is doing enough work to be worth a roster spot. He is living around the flex bubble in larger (12 or more teams) fantasy leagues.

Demario Douglas (Patriots) Owned in 27.2% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Douglas has scored in double-digit fantasy points in 3 of his last 4 games. It’s tough to trust the Patriots offense, but Douglas has been about the only consistent fantasy play over the past month, averaging more than 4 catches with 218 yards receiving over his last four games.

Noah Brown (Texans) Owned in 27.0% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Brown should be owned in all leagues. His quarterback (CJ Stroud) has shown he’s capable of carrying multiple receivers and Brown has been one of the hottest of late with 13 receptions for 325 yards receiving with a touchdown in the past two weeks.

Jayden Reed (Packers) Owned in 15.1% of ESPN fantasy leagues, Reed has scored in double-digit fantasy points in 3 of his last 4 games. His target volume is a little on the lighter side, but 14.9 yards per reception bodes well for fantasy managers.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 25th 2017

Saturday Night Edition

My Week 12 DFS Plays

With an exciting slate of 12 games on the board for Sunday, I am more than excited about playing me some DFS. Here are some of the names that will filter their way to my lineups for Week 12;

Duke Johnson Jr; The Browns running back posted a solid line the last time he faced the Bengals, thinking he can duplicate the type of outcome on Sunday.

LeSean McCoy; The Chiefs defense has not been great against the run of late and Shady is still one of the league’s most elusive and exciting running backs.

Tyrod Taylor; This is a full-on contrarian play for sure, but I like the odds with Taylor after being reinserted into the lineup with his matchup against an over-rated Chiefs defense. I am playing him in a stack with McCoy and Jones.

Martavis Bryant; he’s a risky boom or bust play every week, but the absence of JuJu Smith-Schuster favors his chances.

Kareem Hunt; I’d be expecting a big bounce back day after last week’s dud. Hunt has been too good this season to say quiet two consecutive weeks.

Kenny Stills; I’m not expecting quite the same day he had a week ago, but if he can post a modest 6 catches for 90 yards (or better), at his price I’d be more than happy.

Brandin Cooks; Just playing the numbers and the matchups with Cooks here. I am also making my pick based on what we saw last week. Brady and Cooks are starting to get in sync; look out opposing defensive backs.

Ben Roethlisberger; I am definitely feeling a big game from Big Ben this week. Last week’s 299 yards passing and 4 touchdowns was his best game this season, but this Sunday could be better.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 15th 2017

Friday Afternoon Edition

My Weekly DFS Play

Here’s my Week 2 lineup for Fan Duel;

QB-Derek Carr ($8,300): The Raiders starter played well on the road last week and this week he gets the lowly Jets who will have to travel across the country. This meeting sets up as a very favorable matchup for Carr. He’s coming off a great 2016 campaign (before getting hurt) and again played well in week one, he’ll likely lead the way again on Sunday.

RB-Melvin Gordon ($7,600): The Chargers running back got plenty of work in week 1 against a tough Broncos defense. He should see similar work in week 2 with greater success playing at home and facing a Dolphins defense that will have to travel across the country. I like Gordon as a top 10 running back this week.

RB-Devonta Freeman ($8,100): Like the Patriots-Saints matchup this week, the Packers-Falcons Sunday night matchup has the prospects of being a high scoring affair. The Freeman and the Falcons will be at home where they seem to be a better team than on the road and this will be a grand-opening of their new stadium. Freeman had a bit of a quiet first week, but in this one I look for him to get plenty of work and put up plenty of points.

WR-Michael Thomas ($8,000) & WR-Brandin Cooks ($7,900): The Saints-Patriots matchup has all of the makings of an old-fashioned western shootout at the O.K. Corral. Both teams have two prolific passers and with secondaries that struggled mightily in week one; need I say more. Both Thomas and Cooks are going to see plenty of shots down the field on each side and could be in for big nights in this Clash of the (quarterback) Titans; Brady versus Brees.

WR-Nelson Agholor ($5,500): The Eagles receiver was effective and open a lot in week one and should remain on his quarterback’s radar in this week 2 road match up with the Chiefs. At his price, he offers great value for a receiver who figures to see his fair share; Agholor was target 8 times turning in a line of 6/86/1 in week 1. Similar numbers could surface on Sunday.

TE-Jared Cook ($5,100): At his price Cook is a great value in a preferable matchup this week. Cook was 5 for 5 (targets & catches) for 56 yards, but could see increased production against a Jets defense surrendered 14.30 fantasy points to the tight end last week. I like him this week as a stack with Carr.

K-Will Lutz ($4,700): With the Patriots coming to town this week, the Sunday affair figures to be a shoot and a lot of points. Lutz should be very busy once again after putting up 14 fantasy points in week 1.

D-Buccaneers ($4,500): I am going with gut instinct here. Bucs will be at home in which should be an emotional game with the recent events. Winston and company should help control tempo and allow the defense to stay aggressive.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 14th 2017

Thursday Edition

My Week 2 WR Rankings (PPR)

1.Mike Evans

2. Jordy Nelson

3. Antonio Brown

4. Julio Jones

5. Brandin Cooks

6. Amari Cooper

7. Michael Thomas

8. Odell Beckham Jr

9. AJ Green

10. Larry Fitzgerald

11. Doug Baldwin

12. Keenan Allen

13. Golden Tate

14. Demaryius Thomas

15. Michael Crabtree

16. Stefon Diggs

17.Tyreek Hill

18. DeAndre Hopkins

19. Alshon Jeffery

20. Davante Adams

21. Dez Bryant

22. Terrelle Pryor

23. Adam Thielen

24. Sammy Watkins

25. Kelvin Benjamin

26. Randall Cobb

27. Martavis Bryant

28. Emmanuel Sanders

29. Jeremy Maclin

30. Jarvis Landry/Devante Parker

Even with zero sample size leading into this one, I’ve already bought into “Hard Knocks”, the Buccaneers, and wide receiver Mike Evans. The Bucs fourth year receiver is on the verge of being elite and this could be the season he rises. I like the setup, opening at home, he’s going to come out of the gate huge.

I have Brandin Cooks high on my list this week at No.5. On the road, returning to New Orleans and the Superdome, Patriots fans are going to see what this kid can really do when he gets going downfield. This matchup has the making of a shootout and Cooks should be a huge part.

I’m not down on OBJ this week, just concerned with the injury. I have him Top-10 and he could easily slide into the Top-5 if he’s close to 100 percent. Odell Beckham Jr when healthy is always a big play in the making, at less than 100 percent he can still be productive.

The Cardinals offense and quarterback Carson Palmer struggled terribly week 1, with David Johnson out for 2-3 months Larry Fitzgerald is going to be leaned on heavily. I think Fitz gets peppered all over the field and especially in the red-zone, he’s my No.10 fantasy receiver this week.

I’m not as high on Dez Bryant this week with his pending matchup on the road against the Broncos. There’s no question quarterback Dak Prescott is going to try to work the ball to Dez (9 targets in week 1), but I don’t see a lot of YAC or big plays. Dez ceiling could be limited in this one.

I’ve moved the Vikings Adam Thielen way up considering where he was likely drafted and this is not all based on week 1. Thielen showed a lot of this in the second half of the season last year and it’s quite obvious quarterback Sam Bradford has lots of confidence in his sure handed wide out. Thielen could also benefit from the Steelers having to focus on trying to slow the Vikes other receiver Stefon Diggs.

I have both Jarvis Landry and Devante Parker coming in at No.30 this week. I actually like Landry as the PPR favorite, but I think Parker is going to produce more yards and possibly a score. The pairing with quarterback Jay Cutler just makes too much sense with Parker, but I won’t discount Landry’s involvement, especially as a frequently used safety-valve.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 12th 2017

Tuesday Afternoon Edition

My Week 1 Recap

(Week One Fallout)

When was the last time you remember Alex Smith (4), Trevor Siemian (2), and Sam Bradford (3) all having more touchdown passes than Aaron Rodgers (1), Drew Brees (1), and Tom Brady (0)? What is going on?

It’s been a crazy start to the 2017 NFL season and fantasy owners are probably scratching their heads right now trying to figure out what’s happening. Like a B movie horror thriller, there may be a lot of mystery to begin, but by the end of the story we’ll have this all figured out. In other words, don’t panic and don’t over react.

We are only one week into the fantasy season, so there are no streaks, trends, or law of averages to follow. All we have are one week of numbers, previous knowledge, and the good ole eye test. So what have we learned after one week.

#1.

In 2017, after one week, rookies rule the backfield.

This may actually be the case. When you take a look at Kareem Hunt (Chiefs), Leonard Fournette (Jaguars), and Dalvin Cook (Vikings), one common thread for all three, they dominate the touches in the backfield; all touched the ball 20-plus times. As long as these kids continue to see this volume, fantasy owners can bank on production.

#2.

In general offenses are rusty. Almost half of the teams in week one gained less than 300 yards, this will change as the season progresses.

Teams like the Patriots, Chargers, Seahawks, Redskins, Panthers, and the Steelers all fell well below the 300 yards plateau after averaging well over that number a season ago. Fantasy don’t panic with your players that underperformed, we’ve got a full season ahead and they’ll all bounce back.

#3.

It wasn’t all sexy, but as expected studs like McCoy, Elliott, Howard, and Gordon were productive in week one.

These are the bell-cows and they did not disappoint with plenty of workload in the run and pass game in week one. As the offenses continue to shake the rust, these guys are going to put up bigger numbers with each week that passes.

#4.

Gillislee scores three times, but (fantasy owners) let’s not depend on luck every week.

The writing was in the tea leaves heading into the regular season, many folks figured that Gillislee would assume the old LeGarrette Blount role. Gillislee did see the goal line work per usual, but what were the chances he would be set up nicely as he was with the pass interference calls that Brandin Cooks was able to draw? Gillislee at his high price, looks like he could end up being touchdown dependent. Those calls may continue to come, but I like Cooks chances of actually completing the play and scoring more.

#5.

Notable performances that should hold your attention; the play of Quarterback Sam Bradford, wide receiver Adam Thielen, wide receiver Randall Cobb, running back Jonathan Stewart, and running back Terrance West.

Yes, I am buying into Bradford for two reasons. First, when his line allows him the time, he can make the downfield throws as was the case on Monday Night. Second, did you see his weapons; his receivers (Diggs & Thielen), his back (Cook), and his tight end (Rudolph)? Thielen came on in the 2nd half of last season with a couple of big games and has shot out of the gate like a gang-buster. Based on where I was seeing Cobb drafted, he may not have been started by many owners and maybe he should be. Both Stewart and West were drafted likely as back-ups, but given their current situation it’s feasible to believe they are going to see a steady diet week-in and week-out; fantasy owners should take notice.

Week one is in the books and That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 8th 2017

Friday Night Edition

That’s My Take 2017

Fantasy Player Notes

Drafting gets you nowhere unless you know who to take and when. I’ve completed a large number of drafts and like when I started, there is just so much to remember. Good thing for you I like to share a lot of useless knowledge that will only confuse and bewilder you, but hey at the very least it may give you some idea what you might expect from some of these players I am about to mention. To continue with my current theme, here are the fantasy wide receivers.

Fantasy Wide Receivers

AJ Green

In Cincinnati there is wide receiver AJ Green and in the Bengals passing there is only AJ Green. Yes, there are a couple of “other guys”, but Green is the only one I am targeting and he’s someone worth taking as early as the number 7 or 8 pick in fantasy drafts. Green only played in 10 games last season, but when he exited he as the No.4 fantasy wide receiver in 2016 with 66 receptions, 964 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns; he was on his way to a monster season. He’s back, he’s healthy, and still quarterback Andy Dalton’s clear cut number one primary. Expect Green to wash, rinse, and repeat in 2017.

Brandin Cooks

No, Cooks is not the next Randy Moss in New England, but he is the first Brandin Cooks and with him he brings a lot of dynamic explosiveness and excitement to the Patriots passing game (especially with Tom Brady under center). Last season Cooks was a fantasy stud in New Orleans finishing as the No.10 fantasy receiver in PPR (according to Fantasy Data) with 78 receptions, 1,173 yards receiving, and 8 touchdowns. Brady is an accurate deep ball thrower and Cooks seems to be a specialist in this field; I like him early and often in fantasy drafts. He’s in the same tier as AJ Green, Mike Evans, and Jordy Nelson.

Michael Thomas

The Saints 2nd year receiver Michael Thomas is someone whose basket I will be putting a lot of my eggs in. As a rookie he finished in the Top-10 for fantasy receivers in Standard and PPR leagues; he’s a lot of catches guy and a Touchdown-guy with 9 scores last season. With the departure of Cooks, there should be a few more opportunities to score. Thomas’ stock is on the rise and he’s another early receiver that’s going to have a big season. By the year end he could belong in the second tier conversation.

Alshon Jeffery

The big question for new Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is can he stay healthy. A fair question yes, and if he can he’s a huge target and can easily be a Top-10 fantasy receiver. I really like Jeffery as a mid WR2 this season with some upside to go, he’s a solid 2nd receiver pick for your fantasy team. I like his quarterback, Carson Wentz (he’s up and coming). Paired with the capable receiving tight end Zach Ertz, Jeffery has a real legit shot to return to top-flite.

Demaryius Thomas

The Broncos wide receiver has been as steady as they come as far as fantasy receivers go; five straight seasons with 90 catches and 1,000 yards. It’s safe to say Thomas is about as safe a fantasy receiver pick as you can find. He’ll have his same quarterback (whom fantasy owner's hope will improve this season), so it’s reasonable to think he can match last season’s totals. Thomas is projected around the No.16 fantasy receiver this season and a favorite of mine as a mid-to-low WR2.

Travis Benjamin

Let me get this out of the way first, I love Keenan Allen and believe he’s back and in line for a big season, but another Charger receiver I am enamored with is Travis Benjamin. Benjamin has got electric speed and with quarterback Philip Rivers already displaying their big play potential in the preseason (the two connected on a 74-yarder in week 3). Benjamin started 8 games for the Chargers last season finishing with a line of 47-677-4. He’s a late round flier with potential upside that I am big on. He’s going to be available on week 1 waiver wires and fantasy owners should keep their eyes on him.

That’s My Take. ~David Ortega

Next up Fantasy tight ends

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 13th, 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

The Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is back in the saddle and after an impressive Monday night updset of the Vikings in week 8, he's looking at prime match up this Sunday. Cutler will square off with the Buccaneers today and facing a secondary that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 18 passing touchdowns (4th most allowed) he's looking at a big day. Upgrade wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey and tight end Zach Miller; must starts today.

The Broncos offense and running game has been less than Super this season, but with the team traveling to New Orleans it could get healthy in a hurry. Rookie running back Devontae Booker and back up Kapri Bibbs could find some room today facing the Saints defense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs, along with the third most receiving yards. It will be a committee effort, but I would have to lean with Bibbs in PPR.

A couple of injury notes and their impact...

No cornerback Aqib Talib once again for Denver, expect Saints quarterback Drew Brees to attack the Broncos secondary. Upgrade wide receivers Michael Thomas and Brandin Cooks, even Willie Snead slides in as a low risk flex.

The Falcons will be without running back Tevin Coleman, so it will be a lot of Devontae Freeman out of the backfield today.

Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will not start, Bryce Petty gets the nod. Downgrade wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Quincy Enunwa.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

SUNDAY: TWO MINUTE WARNING

November 8th, 2015
Sunday, Week 9

Sunday: Two-Minute Warning

I rarely get into the defensive side of fantasy, especially team defenses, but after last week's impressive display against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers I have to mention the Broncos defense.

Dominant last week, their play alone helped secure a needed win in one of my season long leagues. And the most impressive part was not the three sacks, 10 points allowed, and the safety, but rather the opponent they shut down. They have to be looked at as one of the top three and must plays in every format, every week.

This week should be no different facing a similar style quarterback that has athleticism and mobility and strong arm, but the Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has not been playing well. And while he has the ability to evade pressure in the pocket, he makes a lot of his plays from the pocket (which could play right into the Broncos wheelhouse).

Another defense worth riding today; facing a depleted and struggling Niners offense the Falcons defense is primed to put up solid numbers. The Niners offense is near the bottom and have allowed the 4th most sacks this season (28 sacks allowed); and at a great value in DFS, the Falcons defense should be in many of your lineups today.

Some other quick nuggets for Sunday;

I like Ben Roethlisberger to have a big passing day against the Raiders today; look for Martavis Bryant to see some downfield looks.

I like what we are seeing from Drew Brees and today could be another solid Sunday for wide receiver Brandin Cooks (12 receptions in his last two games).

A Sunday sleeper could be the Broncos running back CJ Anderson. Last week he ran very well and looked real comfortable in the backfield. He should also see some week in the pass game.

That's my take.

~David G

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Tuesday Evening Edition

September 9th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

Week 1 Recap

Sorting through the Debris

The fantasy football roller-coaster is just starting to pick up speed and with one week in the books, there’s so much to cover and talk about. We have to look at who did what, who was a bust, which sleepers emerged, and which studs were on par this past Sunday. Was there real concern in the Steelers backfield with Le’Veon Bell and LeGarette Blount splitting carries, who is the real feature back in New England, and with Wes Welker missing which Broncos receiver emerged to pick up the slack?

With all of this to sort through it can become real over-whelming for fantasy owners looking to rebound from their week one debacle or continue their winning ways following a season opening win. There’s never too much information when it comes to fantasy football, just sometimes we need to take a minute to sort through the debris and see a clear picture.

The refuse…

With Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell seeing the bulk of work (27 touches) in week one, looks like fantasy owners that drafted running back LeGarrette Blount (4 touches) may have to rethink their strategy. He did sneak in a score, but going forward if he is limited to few touches, owners can’t count on consistent production.

There was a lot of hype surrounding the Lions rookie tight end Eric Ebron, but for now that’s all there is. Ebron was targeted just twice and did not record a catch. He’s not worth owning at this time; at least not until fantasy owners see something.

The Cardinals running back Andre Ellington saw plenty of action on Monday night; 18 touches. Back-up running back Jonathan Dwyer saw about the most action he might see all season; 9 touches for 28 yards. You can toss Dwyer back into the pile.

The Salvage….

The Ravens basically benched running back Bernard Pierce after fumbling, which opened the door for running back Justin Forsett. The journeyman back finished with 16 touches, which included 6 targets. Going forward, in light of the Ray Rice loss Forsett should continue to see plenty of action as long as he responds as he did in week one; he had 84 total yards and a score.

The Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger likes his receiver Antonio Brown, but his second year wideout Marcus Wheaton could quickly become his second favorite. Wheaton has great speed and tremendous upside, along with his seven targets (tied for most on team) on Sunday he looks to be busy fantasy receiver as well. Wheaton is probably a low WR3 or flex at the moment, but should be owned.

So much for the worry surrounding Texans receiver Andre Johnson; he was a bit quiet on Sunday, but still turned in a decent fantasy day with six receptions for 93 yards. His nine targets should be a real indicator he’s still a safe fantasy play on Sunday.

The Broncos just have too many weapons and with Wes Welker out, quarterback Peyton Manning just dipped into his receiving depth targeting wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders nine times. Sanders also added a carry for 11 yards. He’s a safe weekly play as a mid flex or high WR3.

Lastly, I heard about this kid early last week, the Saints rookie receiver Brandin Cooks and what I saw on Sunday confirmed the deal. Cooks is a special talent that we’ll continue to see lots of moving forward. On Sunday he totaled 95 yards with one receiving touchdown on 8 touches. In the Saints explosive pass game Cooks should be a gamer. Owners may want to temper their expectations momentarily until we see a larger sample, but he should be a safe flex for now.

These are just some of my takes for the Week 1 recap.

~David Ortega