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November 4th 2017

Saturday evening Edition

My Weekly DFS

The Stack

This week I am employing the stack strategy for my Week 9 DFS lineup. I had originally looked at the Texans matchup with the Colts, but the injury to rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson changed that.

My Lineup:

QB-Drew Brees

RB-Mark Ingram

RB-Adrian Peterson

WR-Devin Funchess

WR-Marquise Goodwin

WR-Ted Ginn Jr

TE-Zach Ertz

PK-Jake Elliott

D/ST-Rams

With Watson on IR, I switched my stack to the Saints who are playing at home this week against the Buccaneers. Anytime you have Drew Brees ($8,300) at home, you have to like his matchup and the Bucs have allowed some big games to opposing quarterbacks. Of course with this stack I will lean with Mark Ingram ($7,900) in the backfield to lead in touches and touchdowns this week. Normally I would like to go with Michael Thomas, but lately wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr ($5,700) has trending upward and I love his price.

At the other running back spot I am hanging my hat all over Cardinals running back Adrian Peterson ($6,800). It’s a risky play with quarterback Carson Palmer on Injured Reserve and backup Drew Stanton now under center. Although risky, Peterson is facing a Niners defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing running backs; so I like the matchup.

The Colts will be without Vontae Davis and even though Deshaun Watson is on the IR, I still like wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins ($9,100) outcome on Sunday. Regardless who is under center, Hopkins will be a focal point and the Colts allow the 5th most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

My only questionable play (I think) is the Niners wide receiver Marquise Goodwin ($4,800). The Niners will be without Pierre Garcon (Injured Reserve) on Sunday and even with the changes at quarterback Goodwin should be a factor in the pass game and could see even more targets.

I am rolling with a favorite at tight end, Zach Ertz against the Broncos. The Denver D has been poor versus opposing tight ends, allowing the 2nd most fantasy points and last week surrendered 7 catches for 133 yards and a score (to Travis Kelce). I like Ertz on Sunday.

My place kicker is the Eagles Jake Elliott ($5,000). The kid has been kicking well and have to play the odds of opportunity; the Eagles at home against the Broncos.

I wrap up the lineup with the Rams defense and special teams ($4,800). The Rams are averaging more than 12 fantasy points per game and have a decent matchup this week against the Giants.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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October 21st 2017

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Week 7 QB Rankings

With a classic Sunday night matchup this week, quarterback Tom Brady and Matt Ryan will be popular starts this week, another start I’m leaning with is Arizona passer Carson Palmer. The arrival of running back Adrian Peterson is an added weapon that will not only bolster the run game, but help Palmer significantly in the pass game.

QB Rankings

1. Tom Brady

2. Drew Brees

3. Matt Ryan

4. Carson Wentz

5. Kirk Cousins

6. Dak Prescott

7. Cam Newton

8. Carson Palmer

9. Marcus Mariota

10. Russell Wilson

11. Ben Roethlisberger

12. Tyrod Taylor

13. Jared Goff

14. Jameis Winston

15. Philip Rivers

16. Andy Dalton

17. Brett Hundley

18. Trevor Siemian

19. Josh McCown

20. Blake Bortles

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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October 17th 2017

Tuesday Late-Night Edition

On The Cover This Week

Ladies & Gentlemen, He’s Back!

Okay, maybe it’s not time just yet to throw a ticker-tape parade, but after Sunday’s dominant performance against the Buccaneers, it becomes very difficult to doubt the Cardinal’s new running back Adrian Peterson. Peterson looked like his old self, breaking tackles and gashing the opposing defense. Unlike his arrival in New Orleans, he appears to be a great fit for the Cardinals offense.

On a day when quarterback Carson Palmer passed for 283 yards and tossed three scores, Peterson toted the rock 26 times for 134 yards rushing and two scores. If the offense can find this kind of balance and production on a weekly basis, Peterson is going to be a fantasy monster in the second half of the season.

After 6 games this season Peterson is the 49th ranked fantasy RB in PPR (38 in standard format) with 215 yards rushing on 53 carries and two touchdowns (both came on Sunday). Against the Buccaneers he tallied 25.40 fantasy points (in standard & PPR); folks he’s just getting started.

In case you missed the announcement on Sunday following his 27-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of the Bucs-Cards game, Ladies and Gentlemen All-Day is back!

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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October 17th 2017

Tuesday Evening Edition

Week 6 Sunday Heroes

Not the Usual Suspects

In week 6 there were a lot of big names like Le’Veon Bell, Melvin Gordon, and Antonio Brown on the board scoring well for fantasy owners, but these were your not The Usual Suspects putting up numbers on Sunday as well.

He’s not been the best each week, but it seems every week Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is in the fold. Palmer, the No.8 fantasy QB through week 6 posted a solid line of 18 of 22 passing for 283 passing yards with 3 touchdowns and a pick; he was the No.4 fantasy QB for the week.

In a back-up role Jaguars running back Chris Ivory got a lot of play in the passing game on Sunday. Ivory was targeted 10 times, catching 9 balls for 74 receiving yards and a touchdown; good enough for the No.7 fantasy RB in PPR for week 6.

The Giants running back Orleans Darkwa had a Sunday night breakout performance against the league’s number one run defense (Broncos). Darkwa carried the pigskin 21 times for 117 rushing yards finishing the week as the No.17 fantasy RB in PPR (he was even better in standard at No.11).

The Lions passing game got a boost from wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. He’s been relatively quiet this season, but on Sunday he erupted for 21.6 fantasy points in PPR with a stat line of 6/96/1. He was the No.4 fantasy WR in week 6 (PPR format).

In the Sunday night Mile High Meltdown by the Broncos, the Giants rookie tight end Evan Engram provided plenty of heat. The rookie pass catcher hauled in 5 passes for 71 yards with a touchdown on 7 targets, good enough for the No.3 fantasy TE for Week 6 (in PPR).

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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October 14th 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 6 QB Rankings

I’m showing a lot of confidence in Kirk Cousins this week. I saw solid back-to-back games in weeks 3 & 4; if not for a dropped pass in the end zone, Cousins numbers would have looked that much better and the Redskins would be coming off a two game winning streak. Cousins is only the No.16 fantasy QB through five weeks, but I think he’s on the move and I like him as my No.6 QB this week.

Like Cousins, I think Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (No.11 fantasy QB) is set to deliver another strong performance. In his last two starts, Rivers is averaging over 20 fantasy points per game; he has passed for over 600 yards and tossed 5 touchdowns. Rivers is rolling and should continue against a Raiders defense that has yet to register an interception. I have Rivers coming in as my No.8 QB this week.

QB Rankings

1. Aaron Rodgers

2. Tom Brady

3. Drew Brees

4. Matt Ryan

5. Deshaun Watson

6. Kirk Cousins

7. Carson Palmer

8. Philip Rivers

9. Alex Smith

10. Jameis Winston

11. Matthew Stafford

12. Derek Carr

13. Ben Roethlisberger

14. Trevor Siemian

15. Marcus Mariota

16. Jacoby Brissett

17. Brian Hoyer

18. Josh McCown

19. Jared Goff

20. Case Keenum

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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October 13th 2017

Friday Late Night Edition

Week 6: Four Horsemen + Flex

(Not-so-bold Predictions)

Here were my picks a week ago; I had Carson Palmer under center, his 15.64 fantasy points ranked 12th for week 5. At running back I picked Le'Veon Bell, his 19.30 fantasy points ranked 5th among running backs, at receiver I selected Pierre Garcon with 17.40 fantasy points he ranked 13th at WR, and at tight end I had Hunter Henry with 13.20 fantasy points (ranked 12th in Week 5). My flex selection was Duke Johnson who scored 17.30, good enough for 7th among RBs and finally my defense for week 5 was the Bengals, 9 fantasy points (ranked 8th). Overall not too bad; 

Overall grade B+

Here are my Bold Picks for Week 6

Quarterback

The Cardinals will play host to Tampa Bay this week and for quarterback Carson Palmer, he gets the league’s 26th ranked pass defense. The Bucs allow the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and Palmer enters this week 6 matchup with a healthier receiving corp. With a prime matchup this Sunday, Palmer currently the No.12 fantasy QB will look to move up the ranks; 24 of 32 passing for 330 yards and three touchdowns.

Running Back

After a slow Week 5 against the Seahawks, the Rams running back Todd Gurley II looks to rebound with a favorable matchup against the Jaguars. Gurley has been solid this season running the ball and a heavily inolved in the Rams short passing game with 22 receptions and 3 receiving touchdowns. Jacksonville allows the 7th most fantasy points to opposing runners and they've surrendered the 3rd most rushing yards. Gurley is in line for a big day; 95 rushing yards, 4 receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown.

Wide Receiver

The Redskins wide receiver Terrelle Pryor is off to a slow start this season, but he could be on the mend. In week 4 Pryor looked much better getting targeted 5 times and grabbing three balls for 70 yards. He's got a nice matchup against a Niners defense that has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing receivers, including the 4th most receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Pryor should be strong play and a great candidate to find the endzone; 5 receptions, 80 yards receiving, and a touchdown.

Tight End

The Jets roll into Foxboro on Sunday and for tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, this could mean a big day. The Patriots allow the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends and have allowed 4 touchdowns this season. Seferian-Jenkins has remained steadily involved in the Jets passing game with 15 receptions in 3 games and he's coming off his best fantasy scoring game from a week ago; 5 receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown.

Flex

If you are paying attention, then you may be aware of the news that the Cardinals wide receiver John Brown was not listed on the team's injury report. Brown put in a full session on Friday and appears to be his healthiest of the season, just in time for a prime matchup with the Buccaneers on Sunday. The Bucs defense allows the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, so this could be the game where Brown breaks out; 5 receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown.

Defense; I am going with the rested Falcons at home. Atlanta typically plays better in the dome and with the Dolphins coming to town, this sets up as a good matchup for the Falcons defense.

That's My Take

~David Ortega

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October 8th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

My Week 5 Four Horsemen + Flex

(Bold Predictions)

It’s report card check time as I take a quick look back at last week’s picks. I started off well with my Deshaun Watson pick, but to be honest he greatly out-performed any of my expectations; 5 touchdowns last week (33.72 fantasy points). My running back selection was Jacquizz Rodgers who did well totaling 108 yards (12.8 fantasy points), while my wide receiver was Jarvis Landry (12.60 fantasy points) was decent. Travis Kelce (my week 4 selection) was solid with 7 catches, 111 yards receiving (for 24.10 fantasy points), and a score, while (flex play) running back Chris Thompson (1.70 fantasy points) finally cooled. My week 4 defense was Jacksonville and we scored well there.

Overall grade B

Quarterback

On the road or at home the Eagles secondary has not been very good this season allowing the 9th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including the 3rd most passing yards this season. In his last three starts, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has thrown for better than 300 yards in each game, but only has 4 touchdowns over that span. With a full complement of receiving weapons, I expect Palmer to have success taking a couple of shots downfield in this one; 22 of 30 passing for 315 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one interception.

Running Back

He’s been the workhorse for the Steelers the past three weeks, averaging more than 30 touches per game, and Le’Veon Bell is likely to see a lot more of the same this Sunday against Jacksonville. The Jags allow the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing running backs and have surrendered 576 rushing yards (2nd most), including nearly 6 yards per carry in four games. Bell is primed for a big day and this game sets up right in his wheelhouse; 110 yards rushing, 4 receptions, 35 receiving yards, and one score.

Wide Receiver

This week’s receiver of choice is the Niners Pierre Garcon. Through four weeks Garcon is the No.26 fantasy WR (in PPR). He has been targeted 33 times turning in 20 receptions for 285 yards, but no touchdowns. Sunday Garcon will get a shot at his old team, the Colts. This season the Colts defense has allowed 789 receiving yards to opposing receivers and surrender the 8th most fantasy points. Garcon is so heavily targeted this season, he’s almost guaranteed to see plenty of chances on Sunday; 7 catches 90 yards, and a touchdown.

Tight End

It’s been an up and down season with not much up for Chargers tight end Hunter Henry. His only week with double digit fantasy scoring (in PPR) came in week 2 when he caught 7 passes for 80 yards (15.0 fantasy points). Henry has just 10 catches for 96 yards in four games, but a matchup on Sunday with the Giants could change all of this. The Giants defense is the worst against opposing tight ends allowing the most fantasy points, 3rd most receiving yards, 2nd most receptions, and 5 touchdowns (most in the league). It could be a dream matchup for Henry, if this is the week he’s involved in the passing game. His numbers for Sunday; 6 catches, 75 yards receiving, one touchdown.

Flex

While Browns head coach Hue Jackson is not ready to feature Duke Johnson Jr as his primary runner, there’s no doubt Johnson will be featured in the pass game with a number of runs sprinkled in throughout. In four games Duke is ranked as the No.17 fantasy RB (in PPR) with 20 reception for 207 receiving yards and 2 rushing touchdowns. The Jets defense has had trouble with running backs on the ground allowing the 8th most rushing yards and 4th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Johnson has steadily seen an average of more than 10 touches per game the past couple of weeks averaging 7.5 receptions on 17 targets. Johnson should again see similar numbers on Sunday; 35 rushing yards, 6 receptions, 55 yards receiving, with a score.

Defense; the Bengals defense gets my start for week 4. The defense is home this week playing host to the Bills. Through 4 games the Bengals have recorded 12 sacks and Bills offense has allowed 12; something is going to give. The Bengals are only the No.12 ranked defense in fantasy, but playing at home this week will certainly help them improve their numbers.

That’s My Take

~David Ortega

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September 29th 2017

Friday Late Night Edition

Week 4 QB Rankings

Quarterbacks (does not include Thurs)

1. Tom Brady

2. Drew Brees

3. Matt Ryan

4. Marcus Mariota

5. Jameis Winston

6. Russell Wilson

7. Matthew Stafford

8. Derek Carr

9. Alex Smith

10. Carson Wentz

11. Dak Prescott

12. Carson Palmer

13. Kirk Cousins

14. Ben Roethlisberger

15. Trevor Siemian

16. Cam Newton

17. Philip Rivers

18. Jay Cutler

19. Tyrod Taylor

20. Deshaun Watson

Starting at the top, of course we got Tom Brady leading the way, but a close second is quarterback Drew Brees. His strong performance last week was a reminder to not count the old man out. Brees looks as good as ever and I actually like this matchup for him on Sunday against the Dolphins. In two games the Dolphins have allowed a 79 percent completion rate. If you allow Brees to complete a high rate of passes, he has plenty of weapons to do a lot of damage.

I’ve moved up Russell Wilson considerably this week. He’s got a nice matchup at home this Sunday against the Colts and he’s coming off a big week 3 performance. The biggest key that leads me to believe Wilson will have another big day, his line is struggling in the run game. The Seahawks are ranked 20th in rushing this season and their 3.8 yards per carry is ranked 17th. If that’s any indication, how about Wilson’s 49 passes last week.; he’s in your lineup this week.

Derek Carr is moving down this week with a tough matchup against the Broncos. I’ve only moved him down to the No. 8 spot, considering how the Broncos defense struggled to contain Tyrod Taylor last week. This season Denver’s defense is allowing the 12th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. It’s a bounce back week, but let’s not go crazy.

Also sliding up considerably this week is the Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer. Through 3 weeks, Palmer is sitting at No. 15, but this is a good week for him to move up with a matchup against the Niners 14th ranked pass defense that’s allowed 6 touchdowns this season. He’s a borderline starter for week 4.

One more notable addition to my Top-20 this week is the Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson. Last week was impressive, but this kid has been impressive each week he steps on the field. Watson has great elusiveness and has playmaking ability not just with his arms, but his legs. Every week is going to be a tough matchup for the rookie, but I think he’ll continue to impress.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

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September 25th 2017

Monday Afternoon Edition

Monday Night Takes

It’s time for some Monday night football and tonight’s matchup between the Cowboys and Cardinals will have plenty of fantasy implications with players like Dez Bryant, Larry Fitzgerald, Ezekiel Elliott, and Jason Witten.

We’ve seen a lot of improved play this weekend on the offensive side of the ball and tonight I’d expect to see the trend continue. Players like JJ Nelson, Carson Palmer, and Chris Johnson may arrive tonight on the big stage.

Quarterback Dak Prescott; it was tough sledding for the young quarterback last, but tonight he’ll get back to his usual form taking care of the ball and making good decisions. He’s a mid-QB2 this week and is in line to tally his normal 16-20 fantasy points against a Card’s defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Running Back Ezekiel Elliott; the Cards defense has been pretty solid through two weeks against the run, but they have yet to face any running backs of Elliott’s caliber. Elliott should see his normal workload tonight as this matchup should remain close throughout. He won’t run wild tonight, but his production should be worthy of starting as your RB1.

Wide Receiver Dez Bryant; some speculate a tough matchup for the Cowboys receiver this week. Bryant is a big physical receiver that has the trust of his quarterback; 25 targets through 2 games. Tonight Bryant will matchup with a secondary that was torched back in week one by the Lions; Cards surrendered 18 receptions for 245 yards and three scores. Bryant has only secured 9 passes this season for 102 yards and a touchdown; he’ll make a run at those numbers tonight.

Tight End Jason Witten; the Cowboys veteran tight end has been his quarterback’s security blanket (17 of 22 receptions to targets) through the first two weeks of the season (keeping Witten very relevant in fantasy). He’ll continue to be his go to tonight against the Cardinals and is easily a TE1.

Quarterback Carson Palmer; the Cardinals quarterback has had his struggles in this early season, perhaps is just rust from lack of playing time and practice during training camp and preseason. Some will argue his age has caught up to him, but I think we could see the same weekend trend. I don’t think you are starting Palmer this week, but I think he has a decent outing (good for his receivers) against a secondary that Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian shredded pretty good last week.

Running Back Chris Johnson; the Cardinal’s newest Johnson had few carries last week, but didn’t look bad. He’s sure to get a more sustained look tonight (provided Palmer doesn’t throw this one to the other side early). Johnson will be interesting to watch tonight; not looking for a huge game from him, but rather his usage. If he runs well and still has a little of that great speed, he could become a viable flex option in the short future.

Wide Receiver JJ Nelson; the Cardinals number three receiver in the absence of John Brown (and disappearance of Fitz) has emerged as their best receiver and big play threat. But we saw some of this last season, so we should not be surprised. What has raised eye-brows is his sudden rise in fantasy land. Nelson is the current No.27 fantasy receiver in PPR (No.12 standard) entering tonight’s contest. With a current stat line of 10/163/2, if he’s healthy to go, expect his ranking to rise inside the Top-20 and Top-10 respectively.

Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald; the 14 year veteran leads the Cards receivers with 19 targets through two games this season, it just hasn’t translated into any kind of production fantasy owners can trust. He’s typically regarded as a borderline WR/WR3, but given his current state coming off a 3-catch 21-yard performance, owners may want to tap the brakes a bit when it comes to Fitz. He may be down in PPR leagues this week, but he should still hold some value as a flex in standard leagues as a viable red-zone threat

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega