WEEK 8: SUNDAY MORNING LOVE

November 1st, 2015
Sunday, Week 8

Sunday Morning Love

[early morning edition]
With the kickoff for the early morning London contest between the Chiefs and Lions only 20 minutes away, a couple of quick shouts;

I am loving me some Calvin Johnson this morning against a very weak and susceptible Chiefs secondary. Megatron has yet to fulfill his early draft expectations, but today owners may just reap some of those rewards. Facing a secondary that allows the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and the most touchdowns (12 in 8 games), Johnson is in line for a big day.

On the other side, the Lions secondary also struggle having allowed the second most pass plays of 20 or more yards this seasons with 32. Expect quarterback Alex Smith to look for his go-to weapon in wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Maclin is a solid start today in season long leagues and DFS. With 39 receptions for 561 yards this season, the Chiefs wideout is a reliable week 8 start. Get him in if you can.

That's my take for the early game.

~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

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition
December 29th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

“Fantasy is not over”

Calvin a lock for 2000
Megatron has 2,000 yards in his sights and there’s little doubt that he will achieve his goal. In his last five games Calvin is averaging better than 16 targets per game; his average stat line is 52 receptions, 775 yards receiving, and two touchdowns. Fantasy owners with something left to play for can expect another big performance against the Bears on Sunday.

Count on a big day from AP
The Vikings running back Adrian Peterson needs a huge day on Sunday against the Packers to eclipse the rushing record yards in a season. Record or not, fantasy owners can count on a big day from AP. Back in week 13 AP shredded the Packers defense in Lambeau for 210 yards and last season at home he torched them for 175 yards. AP has six career 100-yard games against the Pack, expect a lot of AP and plenty of yards.

Alexander ready to face Raiders
After a disappointing week 15 performance Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander rebounded with a three-catch, 69 yard, and one touchdown performance against the Jets stingy pass defense. Alexander will be looking to finish strong and should find a lot of success against a Raiders secondary that has surrendered 26 passing touchdowns. If your fantasy season has yet to end, Alexander is a strong play this Sunday.

Hillman could be a flier this week
The Broncos starting running back Knowshon Moreno is expected to play, but with sore ribs he could see his work load cut back a bit. Hillman has been steady this season as the backup and could see some increased work on Sunday. The Chiefs rank 26th against the run and Hillman has breakaway speed; do the math. Hillman may have play this Sunday as a flex in the deepest of leagues.

Spiller ready to finish Strong
The Bills running back CJ Spiller is a little nicked up, but he should be fine for Sunday against the Jets. Spiller is coming off back to back 100-yard games (has five this season) and looks like a strong bet to finish the 2012 season with three straight facing the Jets 27th ranked run defense. Spiller started the season with 169 yards against the Jets back in week one, he’ll be looking for a repeat this Sunday. Spiller may have a tough task at reaching the 169 he posted 16 weeks ago, but fantasy owners can count on another solid day and double digit fantasy points against a defense that allows the most fantasy points to running backs.


More takes for week 17.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Saturday Edition
December 22nd, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest
MNF (on Saturday) Quick Takes

The Lions have little or no running game to speak of heading into this week 16 matchup with the Falcons expect to see a lot of Matthew Stafford (which has become the norm). Stafford is averaging 50 pass attempts in each of his last four starts and is very likely to exceed that plateau tonight. Despite the Falcons stingy ways versus the pass (just 13 touchdowns allowed this season), it will be tough to keep Stafford and Megatron out of the end zone. Stafford is a reach this week, but is still a better option than Flacco, Dalton, or Freeman.

Megatron remains the one constant in the Lions lineup week in and week out. Last week Johnson pulled down 10 passes for more than 120 yards, but was kept out of the end zone. The Falcons secondary ranks 17th against the pass; expect better numbers today from Megatron and at least one trip to pay dirt.

The Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan leads a group that even at 12-2, they are still fighting for respect from the rest of the league. Ryan is coming off an impressive win and performance against the Giants last week passing for 270 yards and tossing three touchdowns and will likely need a similar performance and win tonight to fight off the critics again. The Lions are no walk in the park, but Ryan has too many weapons to exploit the Lions 11th ranked secondary. Ryan has been on and off at times this season, but under the light and in the dome(s) he’s golden for fantasy owners; start him.

The Falcons running back Michael Turner is coming off a strong 52 yards rushing performance against the Giants last week. The Lions rank 18th against the run and though they allow the 15th fewest fantasy points to running backs, the defense has surrendered 11 rushing touchdowns this season. The Falcons should move the ball well in the air and could set up some easy scores for Turner. He’s not a top-10 start this week, but he’s a worthy fantasy start for championship weekend.

The Falcons and Lions will meet in primetime on this Saturday night and wide receiver Roddy White is a go. White is Mr. Monday night, the last time the Falcons played during the Monday night broadcast was back in week 2, he tallied 8 catches for 102 yards and a score. White has always been big in the Falcons passing attack and tonight should be more of the same. Facing an uninspired and underachieving Lions team and secondary tonight, expect White to play big with much more on the line. He’s a solid start for fantasy owners.

more Starts & Sits…

Jaquizz Rodgers is a risky start, he’s been on and off, but has yet to produce the type of game worthy of starting except in custom and PPR leagues.

Tony Shceffler should be a very good start, but too many drops and inconsistent play make him a shaky start. Nonetheless he does offer a higher ceiling, with limited options he may be worth a flier.

Julio Jones has too much potential and playmaking ability to sit. He’s the very definition of hit and miss, but owners can’t afford to see this freakish talent.

The Lions basically offer a committee rotation at running back with none of the options standing out from the others, avoid this backfield if possible.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Edition
December 14th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Favorites

Alexander Worth Starting
The Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers have found themselves a new go-to receiver in Danario Alexander. With his 6’5”, 217-lb frame, Alexander is bolting his way up the fantasy receivers charts; over his last five games he’s caught 30 passes for 494 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Alexander seems to be making Charger fans quickly forget about Vincent Jackson and with his current play, he’s becoming a favorite of fantasy owners. Alexander has been targeted 47 times over his past five games and is clearly on Rivers’ radar as a go-to option; Alexander is a borderline WR1/WR2 every week.

McFadden Ready to Bounce Back
Running back Darren McFadden has not had the type of season many fantasy owners were expecting when they drafted him during their fantasy drafts back in August. Through 14 weeks McFadden has missed four games and only rushed for more than 100 yards on two occasions. Last week in the Raiders loss the Broncos Run-DMC did manage to score for only his third time this season. This Sunday against the Chiefs 27th ranked run defense McFadden will be looking to bounce back; Run-DMC certainly has the potential to break out and the Chiefs are primed to crack. The Chiefs allow 4.6 yards per carry, over 130 yards per game and 17 run plays of 20 yards or more (most in the league); this is a good week to start McFadden.

Wilson the Hot Flavor this Week
The Giants will be without running back Ahmad Bradshaw (ruled OUT) this Sunday against the Falcons, opening the door for the speedy rookie running back David Wilson. Last week Wilson impressed on special teams and with a tasty matchup this week against the Falcons 23rd ranked run defense he looks ready to impress in the starting role. The Falcons allow almost 5 yards per carry and have surrendered 14 rushing touchdowns this season; Wilson is the hot start off the waiver wire this week.

Beast-mode Returns to Buffalo
The Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch returns to Buffalo on Sunday where his career began. Lynch was drafted in the first round by the Bills in the 2007 draft. This Sunday he brings his beast-mode to Ralph Wilson Stadium where he’ll face the 28th ranked run defense. Lynch has seven 100-yard rushing games this season and looks like a good bet to make it eight on Sunday. He’s a Top-10 fantasy start.

Madden-Curse no match for Megatron
Despite being on the cover of the famous Madden Game, Calvin Johnson continues to defy the infamous curse. It’s been a lean year for touchdowns this season for Megatron, but he continues to post big numbers each week. Johnson has posted six straight 100-yard receiving games (averaging 151 yards per game) and has 9 total this season. Johnson has also scored in four of his last five contests (5 touchdowns this season). This Sunday he matches up against the Cardinals 5th ranked secondary, but these days averaging nearly 15 targets per game (over his last five starts) it makes little difference who Megatron faces; he’s a must start every Sunday.

Morris Ready to Carry the Load
The Redskins rookie running back Alfred Morris has been running well for the Redskins this season with six 100 yard rushing games under his belt, including three straight. With the Redskins set to square off versus the Browns, Morris will have a great chance to make it four straight against the 17th ranked run defense. Morris is also averaging more than 22 touches over his last four starts, so fantasy owners have to like his chances at hitting the century mark on Sunday. Morris is a top-15 fantasy start.

More takes for week 15.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Friday Edition
November 30th, 2012

  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 13 Fantasy Picks (all positions)

For a lot of us fantasy fanatics, this is the final week of our regular season as we get ready to enter our postseason. With that said some of us may be tuning up our lineup as we prepare for our post season run, others may be jockeying for position, then there are those of us that are still looking from the outside in. Whether it’s make or break or just looking to improve your roster, week 13 can still offer some immediate help from some (not-so) hidden gems;

Week 13 fantasy help;

Jonathan Dwyer, RB
The Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer has been on and off the radar much of the season, due to injuries and the over-crowding in the backfield. It finally sounds like head coach Mike Tomlin is going to commit to one back (Dwyer)and give him an honest shake at succeeding as the team’s lead ball carrier. When Dwyer has been featured he’s been highly successful and when’s he’s been in the mix he’s been the most effective ball carrier for the Black n Yella. The Steelers meet the Ravens (ranked 26th against the run) this Sunday in what appears to be an ideal match up for the start of the Dwyer Era in the Steel Town.

Ryan Broyles, WR
The Lions have been putting the ball up in the air at a rapid pace and with Calvin Johnson coming on like Batman, rookie wide receiver Ryan Broyles looks poised to step in as Megatron’s sidekick; “The Boy Wonder.” In his first NFL start last Thursday Broyles was targeted 12 times and turned in a solid 6-catch and 126 yards receiving performance. Broyles is quickly showing a great rapport with his quarterback and clearly Stafford has great confidence in his newest weapons. As long as he continues to start opposite Johnson, look for Broyles to continue his strong showing; he’s a solid flex going forward.

Bryce Brown, RB
The Eagles season is now over and pride is all they have left to play for; maybe spoiler too. With the season in shambles there’s no need to rush back running back LeSean McCoy who has still yet to be cleared from his concussion suffered in week 11. Back up running back Bryce Brown (178 yards rushing against the Panthers) did a more than admirable job last Monday night starting in place of the injured McCoy and will undoubtedly start again this Sunday. While McCoy is out for at least another week, Brown looks to be hot handcuff and worthy start this week facing the Cowboys 13th ranked run defense; ride him while you can.

Knowshon Moreno, RB
The Broncos tripped up most of the fantasy world last week turning to their rarely used prior to Sunday veteran running back Knowshon Moreno. While most of us thought it would rookie running back Ronnie Hillman getting the call, last Sunday against the Chiefs, it was all Moreno finishing the game with 85 yards on the ground. Moreno has the starting gig now and will most likely carry the brunt of the load going forward. This week could be a rough go of it for the Bronco’s ball carrier facing the league’s number one run defense (Buccaneers), but Moreno will be a heavy fantasy favorite with great matchups from week 14-16 against the Raiders (24th vs run), the Ravens (23rd), and the Browns (21st).

Justin Blackmon, WR
The Jaguars rookie wide receiver Justin Blackmon had not been much of a fantasy factor leading into week 11, but since quarterback Chad Henne took over for the injured Blaine Gabbert his line has been impressive; 12 receptions, 298 yards receiving, 2 touchdowns. He and Henne definitely appear to be on the same page and with favorable matchups this Sunday (against the Bills) and in the coming weeks, Blackmon is a hot grab off the waiver line (if you can get him). He looks to be a nice WR3 or flex going forward and could be just what doctor ordered this week; if you are in need of a big win to make it to the post season.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Edition
November 28th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Broyles Ready to Be Megatron’s Sidekick
The Lions rookie wide receiver Ryan Broyles is not built quite like Optimus Prime, but his play last Thursday (6 catches, 126 yards) in his first start has catapulted him to Decepticon status. Broyles is now implanted as the starter opposite of Calvin Johnson. On an offense that puts the ball up nearly 45 times per game, Broyles is sure to see his share of targets (12 targets in week 12). As long as he continues to start, Broyles is in line to see enough targets to remain a low-end WR3 or strong flex option.

Jennings to Play Sunday Against Vikings
The Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings has finally returned to practice in full this week and will play Sunday. Jennings has slowly been working his way back and despite the recent success of his peers (Nelson & Cobb) in his absence, he should have little trouble getting back in sync with his quarterback. Don’t look for Jennings to fly out of the gate like a gang-buster in his first game back, but don’t be surprised to see him get back into the act quickly. Coming off a seven game lay-off there likely to be some rust so his involvement and productivity will be gradual; Jennings is likely a safe flex option at best this week.

Dez on the Rise with Austin Slowed
The Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has emerged as a lethal weapon in the Cowboys passing attack this season. Through 11 games Bryant has 65 receptions for 880 yards and six touchdowns. Bryant is also riding a three-game touchdown streak. With Miles Austin limited this week and trying to return from the hip flexor he suffered last Sunday, expect Bryant to continue his hot hand; he’s a must start against the Eagles 15th ranked pass defense that has allowed 20 passing touchdowns this season.

Alexander Primed to Lead the Charge
The Chargers wide receiver Danario Alexander is averaging 5 catches and better than 90 yards per game since becoming a starter in San Diego. Alexander is also averaging almost nine targets (8.6) per game in his last three and is quarterback Philip Rivers’ number one receiver. Look for Alexander’s numbers to continue to rise in the coming weeks making him a solid WR3 today and chart climber going forward into the fantasy playoffs. 

These are just a few of my takes on some of the Good-Hands people for week 13.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition
November 11th, 2012  








David’s Daily Digest

Sunday notes

NFL sources have already ruled out Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin today, so you can expect to see a ton of Adrian Peterson. All-Day may have trouble finding a lot of holes today against the Lions run defense, but he’s going to get plenty of touches and is always a good bet to break one. AP is good for a 20+ carry game today and 100 yards on the ground seems likely.

The Patriots are going to be without tight end Aaron Hernandez. Going up against the Bills today, we should see lots of running back Stevan Ridley and you can count of some Gronk in the red zone. Tight end Visanthe Shancoe is expected to start in place of Hernandez, but he’s not expected to make any kind of fantasy impact today.

The Lions Calvin Johnson is expected to play according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. There’s was little chance of Megatron sitting this week as is the case with most weeks; takes more than a little Madden curse to keep Megatron out. Calvin has just one touchdown this season, but he has responded with four 100-yard receiving games; he’s on pace for 96 receptions and 1,534 yards (not bad for a curse).

Running back DeMarco Murray is still sidelined opening the door for back up Felix Jones to make his fourth straight start. Since his week six 92 yard rushing effort Jones has hardly been a factor in the run game, but he did post 109 total yards last week; although a great number came late in the game against a prevent defense. Jones is only worth a look in the deepest leagues as a possible flex play.

The Texans are calling tight end Owen Daniels a game-time decision and won’t make any decisions on whether he’ll play until we are closer to kickoff; the Texans play in the Sunday night contest. Daniels is one of the leagues’ leading tight ends, but does have a tough matchup against a physical Bears defense. With a late game today, if you have a capable backup and can avoid this situation it’s probably best.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition
November 4th, 2012

  

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes, Predictions, and Matchups we like

As well as the Broncos defense has played this season, they have had trouble covering opposing tight ends. With Champ Bailey sure to shadow the Bengals wide receiver AJ Green, tight end Jermaine Gresham looks to keep this stat in tack. The Bronco’s allow the 4th most fantasy points to tight ends and have surrendered 6 touchdowns. Gresham should be in line for a nice game; look for a couple of grabs for some nice yards, and a score.

The Texans have been able to run the ball well all season, but it appears their passing game has had some struggles. Quarterback Matt Schaub has yet to pass for more than 300 yards this season and has four games in which he has tossed one or fewer touchdowns. Much of this could change today when he faces the Bills defense that has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 14 touchdowns this season. The Texans passing game still has all the necessary weapons for a big day, so expect Schaub to make many owners happy today.

The Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has put up few big games this season, just one 300 yard game this season, but today he will face Tennessee. The Titans defense is ranked 29th against the pass this season and have only 11 sacks this season. If the Bears “O” line can protect Cutler today, he’s going to have his second 300-yard game this season. The Titans secondary allows the 3rd most fantasy points to quarterbacks and has surrendered 17 touchdowns (tied for 2nd most in the league). Cutler is a safe start today.

Even with a limited Calvin Johnson the Lions offense will go through quarterback Matt Stafford, but he could get some real help today from his ground game. Facing the Jaguars, the Lions running back Mikel Leshoure has a good chance at posting some solid numbers. The Jags allows the 4th most fantasy points to running backs and have allowed 8 touchdowns (6 rush, 2 rec). Leshoure will see the lions share of carries and should be highly productive. Leshoure may not break out into to beast mode, but he’s worth starting today as a flex or bye week fill


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FOOTBALL FIXX

Friday Edition

October 26th, 2012 

Friday’s Football Fixx

Fantasy Watch

With injuries playing a big part of the fantasy football season, it’s always important to stay on top of things; to know who is hurting, feeling better, practicing, returning to action, not expected to play and most importantly the impact;

Player news

Graham a game-time decision

The Saints tight end Jimmy Graham has been dealing with an ankle issue that won’t go away and will be a game-time decision for Sunday. Graham is not having a great 2012 campaign as compared to last season; he missed week 7 and caught just one pass back in week 5, just before the Saints bye. Even if he plays his effectiveness is going to be questionable.

Nelson questionable for Sunday

The Packers could be without wide receiver Jordy Nelson this Sunday when the team plays host to Jacksonville. Nelson has had the hot hand with four touchdowns in his last two starts, but he is dealing with a hamstring injury that could limit him and keep him on the sideline. With Jennings already ruled out, if Nelson sits wide receivers Randall Cobb and James Jones will be the hot play for fantasy owners.

Richardson could play Sunday

The Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson has been battling nagging injuries much of the season and his sore ribs could keep him off the gridiron this Sunday. Richardson has managed to make it through three days of practice this week, but he is still a big question mark for Sunday. If Richardson sits, back Montario Hardesty is ready to fill the void against the Chargers stout run defense.

Johnson probable for Sunday

The Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson was limited in practice this week, but he is listed as probable on the injury reports and appears to be in no danger of missing time. He has a tough matchup this week facing the Seahawks corners, but he is Megatron and needs to be started every week.

Pettigrew expected to start

The Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew is listed as probable on the injury report, but figures to start this Sunday against the Seahawks. The Seahawks do a great job against opposing wide receivers, but allow the 16^th most fantasy points to tight ends, so the Lions will definitely need Pettigrew on the field.

Nicks looks ready for Sunday

The Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks was able to practice in full on Friday with no issues. He is listed as probable on the injury reports and figures to start against the Cowboys this Sunday. The Giants will need a healthy Nicks to match up with the Cowboys stingy secondary that allows the 4^th fewest fantasy points to wide receivers.

Lynch puts in full practice

The Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch turned in a full week of practice and looks set for a Beast-mode Sunday against the Lions. Lynch ranks in the top 10 for fantasy running backs, but will have his work cut out this Sunday facing a Lions defense that has allows the 5^th fewest fantasy points per game to running backs.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Friday Edition
October 26th, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 8 Fantasy Picks (all positions)

Week 8 is another week of battling the byes for fantasy owners, with the Ravens, Texans, Bengals, and Bills on the sidelines this Sunday. With 14 games on the schedule (includes the Thursday night game) there are plenty of options to turn to, even if you don’t have Adrian Peterson or Doug Martin on your roster. Week 8 is the mid-point of the NFL season and the start of the back stretch for most fantasy leagues; time to start pulling the pieces together and make your run for the post season. 


This week I have some picks that are not only a good fill this week, but may offer more help going forward;

Andrew Luck, QB
It’s hard to not be a fan of Andrew Luck. He entered the league with great expectations and has not disappointed. Although he will be away from home this weekend, you have to like his matchup going against the Titans on Sunday. Luck has shown had his struggles on the road, but the Titans rank 27th versus the pass and have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. This looks like one of the matchups where the Colts will be able to keep it close and as long as they do, the offense will turn to Luck to make the needed plays. Luck is still a rookie and has not been all consistent this season, but before Thursday he did rank 11th in fantasy scoring among quarterbacks so he’s a great back up fantasy QB heading toward the fantasy post season.

Eric Decker, WR
The Broncos offense appears to have an ideal matchup for fantasy owners this Sunday night when they play host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints secondary ranks 30th against the pass and have allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. This is good news for Eric Decker owners. Decker has been solid the past several weeks scoring a touchdown in each of his last three games. Decker is also averaging 9 targets per game over the same stretch, so it’s safe to expect much of the same Sunday night.

Darren McFadden, RB
Just like the Raiders, all fantasy owners are still waiting for running back Darren McFadden to have that big game to jump start his season. Despite his recent struggles toting the rock; just one game this season with over 100-yards rushing and averaging only 3.1 yards per carry, McFadden (20th) still ranks in the top 20 in fantasy points for running backs. This week’s opponent, the Kansas City Chiefs rank 22nd against the run and allow the 6th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. This could just be the matchup McFadden needs to get it going this season and once he does he still has the Ravens (27th against the run), Saints (31st), Bengals (21st), Browns (24th), Broncos (18th) and the Chiefs (22nd) again on the schedule.

Brandon Pettigrew, TE
The Lions passing game faces a tough matchup this Sunday with the Seahawks coming to town, but the good news is Pettigrew looks like he will be available. The Lions tight end has fallen quite a ways down the fantasy radar this season ranking 17th in fantasy scoring amongst tight ends. With the Seahawks corners and safeties looking to take Calvin Johnson out of the equation, the middle of the field could be left open for Pettigrew to operate. The Seahawks defense also ranks among the middle tier in fantasy scoring against tight ends, but don’t expect a mammoth performance. Pettigrew will see his fair share (of targets) on Sunday, averaging 8 targets a game and with Calvin on the field drawing extra attention, he could see even more.

Josh Gordon, WR
With wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi out of action the past several weeks, quietly Browns rookie receiver Josh Gordon has been working his way up the fantasy charts. The big receiver from Baylor has become a scoring machine recording four touchdowns in his last three games. Brown has been heavily targeted (22 times) the past three weeks and though he has only 7 receptions he is making the most of his opportunities when he does catch the ball. Gordon has 240 yards receiving in his last three contests averaging over 34 yards per grab. He is a playmaker and will see the leagues 25th ranked pass defense (Chargers) that also allow the 6th most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Gordon has a good matchup and is slowing working his way to becoming the Browns number one receiver (if he hasn’t yet).


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Monday Edition
October 22nd, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

MNF Quick Notes

The Lions take their show on the road this week in a classic NFC North division matchup with the Bears. Typically this is one of your black and blue kind of fights, but with a gunslinger like Matthew Stafford it can turn into a real shootout. Stafford has been erratic at times, but that won't deter him tonight. The Lions simply struggle to move the ball on the ground and will have to rely on Staffords big arm to make plays downfield to his array of weapons; including Calvin Johnson aka Megatron.

The Bears have some new toys on offense and some old reliables such as running back Matt Forte. The Bears ball carrier can be Mr. Versatility, and will likely be a big focal point of the game plan tonight. Forte's ability to run will pave the way for the Bears passing game downfield. Forte can be counted on for at least 20 touches tonight and a big performance.

The Bears offense is not new with Forte in the backfield, but it is improved with the addition of wide receiver Brandon Marshall. He and his quarterback (and former teammate in Denver) Jay Cutler are finding that old groove and should be able to do more dancing tonight. The Lions don't have the skill players in the secondary to stop Marshall; he's looking at a busy and productive evening.

There's little doubt the Bears secondary will have all eyes on Calvin Johnson, but another receiver to watch is Nate Burleson. Unheralded and often overlooked Burleson is capable of holding his own opposite Megatron. The Lions number two receiver won't stretch the field often, but he could be key in the red zone.

These are my takes for tonights Monday Night Matchup.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Saturday Edition
October 13th, 2012  

The Four Horsemen

With five weeks in the books you would think this would be easy, but deciding on who to start or who you like every week becomes an ever increasing daunting task for most fantasy owners. I am here to agree it’s a tough guessing game, but I will at least offer you some insight to support your decision.

My week 6 fantasy picks…

Quarterback (Matthew Stafford, DET)

No one is perfect and certainly quarterback Matt Stafford has been far from it this season, especially when you compare his 2011 breakout season, but could this be the week he gets on track. The Lions are on the road this week and despite their 1-3 record their offense has not been all bad this season. Through six weeks Stafford’s 295 yards passing per game ranks 7th in the league and he is completing nearly 66% of his passes. Stafford has only three touchdown tosses this season, but could have extra time this Sunday to throw facing an Eagles defense that has only registered 7 sacks. Given time in the pocket Stafford has the weapons to do considerable damage and with one of the leagues’ elite pass catchers in Calvin Johnson, it could be a long day for the Eagles secondary.

Running Back (Trent Richardson, CLE)

The season is young and we really haven’t seen all this kid in Cleveland, Trent Richardson can do. He has only 303 yards rushing this season through five games, but he is coming off a solid performance against the Giants in week 5 and has scored at least one touchdown in each of his last four games. This Sunday he’ll take on the Bengals 19th ranked run defense that is allowing better than four yards per tote and has surrendered seven rushing touchdowns this season (3rd most in the league). With the home crowd on the sideline, Richardson is expected to carry what sounds to be the lions-share of the load on Sunday and fantasy owners could reap great rewards.

Wide Receiver (Michael Crabtree, SF)

The Niners offense has suddenly sprung into action in the 2012 season and one of the big reasons is the emergence of Michael Crabtree. The former first rounder in the 2009 NFL draft (10th overall pick) has blossomed into a very effective receiving weapon for quarterback Alex Smith and the Niners offense. Crabtree so far in the 2012 season has 27 receptions for 311 yards with a touchdown and is quickly becoming a regular fantasy starter for most owners. His numbers are nice, but owners would definitely love to see a little more consistency before promoting him to the next level. Matchup with a very suspect and banged up 22nd ranked secondary, Crabtree looks ready to leap to the next tier.

Tight End (Martellus Bennett, NYG)

The Niners defense does appear formidable on paper as well as on the field, but despite what all the signals are telling us, their does appear to be a few chinks in the armor. In five games this season, the defense has been beat by opposing tight ends for four scores this season. Now a Giant the former Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett is quickly becoming a Red-Zone favorite for quarterback Eli Manning and the Giants offense. Bennett has scored three times this season and with 30 targets already (second on the team) he figures to get his share of chances on Sunday.

By David Ortega