FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY NIGHT MATCHUP

October 5th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Thursday Night Matchup: DFS Faves

It may not be one of the marquee matchups of the NFL Thursday Night lineup, but this meeting between the Bears and Commanders will carry a bit of fantasy cache for owners. There are still plenty of fantasy favorites involved in this one and there is just enough lack of defense for this to be interesting.

The Commanders up front on the defensive side and going to have their hands full trying to contain the Bears quarterback Justin Fields. On the other side, after seeing how the Broncos were able to pass on the Bears secondary last week, the Commanders receivers could find great success. 

Neither defense has been stellar this season against the run, the Bears are ranked 18th while the Commanders are ranked 21st. While the Bears are ranked 8th in yards per carry average, the Commanders have struggled here ranked 26th, allowing 4.5 yards per carry. The Commanders backfield may struggle to find holes in the ground attack, but Khalil Herbert and company could enjoy a little running room.

With all of these keys to consider, here are the Five I will drive with, on Thursday Night,.

Thursday's Take Five;

1. Sam Howell (QB) - The Commanders quarterback is coming off strong showing last week against a pretty good Eagles defense and should be able to enjoy similar success tonight against the Bears 27th ranked pass defense. Howell has been a borderline QB-1 (12-team formats) in three of his four starts this season. The Bears allow the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks this season, so the prospect of number four tonight looks good.

2. Terry McLaurin (WR) - Although his numbers may be slightly down through four weeks, the Commanders receiver is still one of the league’s best. Opposing receivers have had success finding the endzone against the Bears defense. McLaurin leads the team with 26 targets and 21 receptions (an 80.8% success rate). He’ll be featured tonight and should have success. (DK-My Captain)

3. Commanders (DST) - The Commanders defense is pretty good, but they have not played all that well this season. While the Bears offense is coming off a strong showing against the Broncos last week, it was the Broncos defense. The Commanders are in the top 3rd with 13 sacks, 29 QB hits, and 84 completions allowed this season and could give Fields trouble in the pocket. The defense also ranks 1st this season with 27 tackles for loss.

4. Justin Fields (QB) - It sounds like it could be a long day for Fields, but it just might be the opposite. With the troubles the Bears could have throwing the ball, look for Fields to exploit the defense with his legs. The Commanders have surrendered the third most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks. Expect Fields to do some damage on the ground and possibly visit the end zone.

5. Cole Kmet (TE) - The Bears tight end is tied for the team lead with 24 targets. He is easily one of Fields' favorites and dependable targets. He’s coming off a big game last week where he scored twice against the Broncos and some of that momentum could carry into tonight. I like Cole to find pay dirt in this one.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

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Friday Late Night Edition
October 18th 2019

Week 7 Fantasy Fixx

Week 7 Fantasy Football

Start
QB-Daniel Jones, NYG; The Giants rookie quarterback has shown flashes this season and on sunday facing the Cardinals he could shine even more. The Cardinals defense is ranked 30th against opposing quarterbacks, allowing 296 yards passing per game and 16 passing touchdowns. Jones will have his starting tailback and tight end back this week, so he should be all systems go; start him.

Sit
QB-Teddy Bridgewater, NO; While the Saints back-up quarterback has been great in the win-loss column since taking over for the injured Drew Brees, Bridgewater will have some tough sledding ahead of him this Sunday against a stout Bears defense. The Bears’ defense ranks 5th against opposing quarterbacks, having allowed just four passing touchdowns (3rd fewest). Bridgewater is a tough start, look for better options.

Start
RB-Tevin Coleman, SF; The Niners have been flexing their ground game muscle all season, ranked 2nd in the league averaging nearly 180 yards per contest with 8 rushing touchdowns this season. Coleman should see his fare share of work this week and could get some goal line opportunities against a 28th ranked Redskins run defense. Coleman’s a safe play this week, start him.

Sit
RB-Adrian Peterson, WAS; After recording his first 100-yard rushing game of the season last week with 118 yards on the ground against the Dolphins, Peterson could struggle to find yards this week against the Niners. The Redskins offense ranks 28th overall and the Niners defense ranks 2nd; the numbers suggest a long day for Peterson and the Washington offense. Avoid Peterson and start

Start
WR-John Brown, Buf; The Bills leading receiver has been steady this season, but far from great. This week with Phins in town with their 26th ranked pass defense, Brown has a chance to reach paydirt and shine. The Dolphins have allowed 9 receiving touchdowns to opposing receivers this season; Brown is a safe play, insert him in your lineup.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

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Friday Late Evening Edition
September 6th, 2019

Friday Night Fantasy Fixx

Thursday Night Recap

First let’s talk about the disaster that was the two offenses in last night’s NFL opener between the Packers and Bears. While we can attribute some of the Packers woes to a great looking Bears defense (ranked 3rd in total defense in 2018), we can also consider a little pre-season rust. Normally I might rewatch the game using my annual NFL Game Pass, but come on, lets face it, this game was hardly worth the first watch.

The Bears D did what they do, sacked quarterback Aaron Rodgers five times, held the Packers offense to 16% 3rd down conversion rate, and limited them to just 213 yards of total offense. Fantasy owners of running back Aaron Jones were no doubt grumbling last night, with the lack of production, but this should have been expected with the Bears number one run defense from a year ago.  

What was not expected was the split snaps with running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. Williams edge out Jones in the first half, but Jones finished with 38 to 26. This is concerning, but Jones did in fact out touch williams two-to-one, with 14 touches to 7, and outgained Williams 39 yards to 15 yards. Probably no need to panic here with the results, the Packers aren’t likely to see a defense this stout, that is of course until the face the Bears again. Keep calm.

One of the surprises of the night had to be the Packers Defense (pick them up off waivers). They registered five sacks of their own, came up with one turnover (although the secondary did let two slip through their hands) on the night, and shut down Mitchy (quarterback Mitchell Trubisky) and company, holding the Bears offense to 3 points. This was not expected, but neither was the poor play of the aforementioned quarterback; staring down receivers, ill-advised passes, poor decision making in critical moments. Trubisky still has some growing to do, and fortunately for the Bears, their defense may afford him a little time. He will need to clean up some of his flaws, but the poor coaching decisions and play calls he can’t control; what was up with that. 

For now, the only Fantasy studs on this Bears offense are wide receiver Allen Robinson who finished with 7 catches for 102 yards on 13 targets (28.8% share; this is massive) and flex receiver Tarik Cohen, zero carries, with 8 catches for 49 yards on 10 targets (22.2% share; this is huge, but likely not sustainable). These two should be in weekly PPR lineups.

Bad News: The Antonio Brown Saga

This is an incredible day-time soap opera in Raider Nation; I hear it’s up for a Daytime Emmy. Susan Lucci could never hope for as good a storyline as the one AB is trail-blazing. Since all of his antics have been adequately covered and monitored by all the media outlets and sports networks, there’s no need for me to dive down that rabbit hole. The only thing I can offer, is this was one of the reasons I steered cleared of AB during my season-long redrafts. He’s unquestionably one of the best receivers in the game today, but watching this free-fall he’s taken of late had me concerned about his availability. If Brown can overcome himself and manage not to trip over his own actions, he should payoff huge for owners that took a chance on him. I, for one will continue to steer clear for now, until the situation stabilizes and dust settles.

And then there was one. Another fantasy concern heading into week one is Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, the lone running back holdout this season with Ezekiel Elliot signing an extension with the Cowboys earlier in the week. This situation has no timeline, so there’s no telling if or when Gordon might rejoin the team, if he even does. He was another draftee I avoided, due to concerns with his contract situation. Fantasy owners, don’t hold your breath on this one.

Injury notes

It’s late Friday night, so I will check out the injury reports from today and update my perspective on the notables tomorrow.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 12th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

Week 10 Perfect Lineup

(NFL.com)

With the games set to start in less than two hours, not a lot of time to reflect, so I’ll just give you the short version. The highlights of my week 9 picks include quarterback Drew Brees and his 18.7 fantasy points (not very Brees-like) and the Cardinals defense with 13.0 fantasy points. The low-lights include Titans running back DeMarco Murray (4.1 fantasy points) and Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (6.5 fantasy points). All-in-all, not a good week, so let’s look at Week 10;

QB-Ben Roethlisberger; it’s time for Big Ben to breakout this season, and today’s matchup against the Colts to lend to that trend. Ben gets Martavis Bryant back and with JuJu, Antonio, and Le’Veon, he looks poised for a big passing day.

RB-Todd Gurley; the Rams running back is having a solid campaign, he’s the No.1 fantasy RB in standard and PPR. The Texans have been good against the run, but Gurley (29 receptions) also contributes in the passing game.

RB-Jordan Howard; the Bears runner has been solid this season as the league’s number five running back (662 yards rushing). He should see an avalanche of carries today and find the end zone once or twice.

WR-Julio Jones; the Falcons receiver has been relatively quiet this season, as far as Julio numbers go, today could be a breakout day against the Cowboys. He’s sure to see double digit targets and could put up monster numbers.

WR-Marvin Jones Jr; like the other Jones, this Jones could be a busy receiver today. With the Lions run game pretty much stuck in neutral, I like Jones to continue his upward trending with more targets and big plays today.

TE-Evan Engram; the Giants will be on the road, but against the Niners today may not make much difference. A poor Niners run defense could land the Giants in the red zone a number of times today, setting up some favorable chances for Engram to find paydirt.

PK-Ryan Succop; the Titans offense has struggled with scoring this season and with the lack of a dominant run game, I see a few drives stalling in the red-zone. Succop is the No.6 fantasy kicker having made 21 of 23 field goals this season.

D/ST-Bears; the Bears defense will be facing a backup quarterback with a home game, what’s not to like. Add the fact that the Bears defense has been playing very well of late, this is a tasty matchup.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 18th 2017

Wednesday Evening Edition

What I Learned from Week 6

Carson Wentz is the real deal in Philly.

We are only six weeks in, but we are six weeks in and the Eagles are 5-1. One of the big reasons has been the play of quarterback Carson Wentz. Through six weeks, Wentz is completing 61 percent of his passes, has thrown for 1,584 yards, and tossed 13 touchdowns. He is currently the No.4 fantasy quarterback this season and has his team at 5-1, in first place of the NFC East. Yep folks, Wentz is the real deal.

Jordan Howard is a Beast Baller.

I’ve had a chance to watch Howard a few times this season and surprisingly to me, he has more quickness and speed than what I remember from last season. Currently the 5th leading rusher this season, what I also remember about Howard he is a bull. At 6-feet tall and 230 pounds the kid is a load. Through six weeks he rushed for 495 yards, averaging over 4 yards per carry, and he’s added 4 rushing touchdowns. In week 6 Howard steamrolled his way through a Ravens defense for 167 yards. With rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky under center, I expect the Bears to feed the beast.

  

Peterson is still All-day and Twice on Sunday!

Many of thought that Adrian Peterson looked like a fish out of water in New Orleans and at the same time, some still questioned whether he had anything left in his tank. Well, once he found a new home where from all appearance, the fit looked right; it did not take long for Peterson to answer all questions and any doubters. Peterson proved once again he is All-Day, carrying the rock 26 times for 134 rushing yards and two scores, including a welcome to my world, I own this B&#%$! 27 yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter on Sunday. It was nice to see Peterson back out there doing what he does, and twice (two touchdowns) on Sunday!

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 28th 2017

Thursday Morning Edition

Thursday’s Twitter Takes

Well I took a real beating with my takes on the two quarterbacks last week. Most likely neither was on your roster, but if they were and you sat them, MAN! That’s a lot of points to leave on the floor. Hopefully this week is an easier read. With Aaron Rodgers always a must and Mike on the other side of the field, who will you be starting?

“Rodgers or Glennon? The tough choices of fantasy football lineup conundrums” - by @FantsySprtsHome

Last week Randall Cobb was sidelined and Jordy Nelson was coming off an injury that had him sidelined. Talk about your lineup dilemmas, who to start. Packers receiver Geronimo Allison rose with the cream last week and with Cobb and Nelson back on the field, to the bench I do not think he goes. He’s a risk yes, but I am hanging onto Allison and if I need flex help this week he may be inserted.

“Don’t quit on Allison so soon. We’ve seen this kid before and last week he showed something. He’s go flex appeal!” - by @FantsySprtsHome

Running back Ty Montgomery has yet to disappoint and as fantasy’s No.4 running back (in PPR) I don’t suspect he’ll start this week, but owners should pull in the reins a bit. He’s healthy (removed from injury report), but he’s not invincible. Montgomery was slowed in the trenches last week and limited to 50 total yards. He’ll keep owners smiling with his receiving contributions and I would expect to see the Packers try to get him the ball more in space this week.

“Montgomery is catching everything in site (18 catches in 17), but A-rod needs to get him ball in space. He will” - by @FantsySprtsHome

Through the first 3 weeks this season Martellus Bennett has being seeing targets regularly, averaging 7 per week, but the problem is he’s not produced. Another problem it seems, they are asking him to run many routes; a lot of blocking and late releases. There’s no question Bennett has athletic skill and talent to make plays, he’s just not being asked to do that. Right now I can’t trust him.

“3 catches for 12 yds last week, won’t get it done. Can’t trust Martellus Bennett right now” - by @FantsySprtsHome

The Bears are coming off a big win last week and it’s quite possible they’ll carry some of that emotion into Thursday’s matchup. One player I expect to see benefit is running back Jordan Howard. He ran well on Sunday and should be fine Thursday against the Packers. He may not top 100 yards, but he should be fine with a score or two and upwards towards 20-plus touches.

“It’s going to be a busy night for J. Howard running against Pack 21st ranked run D. Start him all night.” - by @FantsySprtsHome

Like Howard, Cohen is going to see his share of the workload Thursday night. Glennon is not a great option here, but he’ll manage to get the ball to his scat back. Cohen is electric and wicked in open space. It should be just another day at the office for the rookie runner.

“If Jordan is Thunder, then Cohen is lightning and when he strikes look out! He’s got a lot of flex appeal in wk4” - by @FantsySprtsHome

There are not too many receiving options to like on a team that primarily runs the ball like the Bears; 38 times last week. The only option worth mentioning is wide receiver Kendall Wright and even he is not worth mentioning. I don’t recommend starting him, but you know what they say Glennon has to throw to someone. Maybe so, but last week he found a way to only throw 4 passes to his receivers and not one went Wright’s way.

“Even the Bears avoid their WRs, just four balls to WRs, but they did run 38 times. Avoid Bears passing game” - by @FantsySprtsHome

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 3rd 2017

Sunday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Watch List

Studs & Duds

Even with plenty of drafts left to be completed this weekend (still have several myself), I’m going to start turning my attention away from who to draft, but rather toward what to expect from some of your draftees or draft prospect.

By now we’ve heard a lot of the conversations and we are familiar with the many fantasy player names, so here’s my take on a few of this year’s Studs and Duds. And when I say dud, just be clear not a bust. A dud is player that does not live up to the draft position or hype. So let’s get to it.

Studs (Target these players)

No surprise here with the Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. Everyone knows his name and they’ve seen his work. The only question folks are asking, is the first pick Bell or Cardinals running back David Johnson. In my book the choice is Bell, everyday and twice on Sunday. No disrespect to DJ, he’s going to have a big season, but the pick is Bell. Last season, Le’Veon played in just 12 games and finished as the No.3 fantasy running back (PPR format) last season and averaged 26.5 fantasy points per game (Johnson averaged 25.5). Bell is a gifted runner with smooth moves, and an elite pass catcher (75 receptions last season). Entering the 2017 season, Bell is healthy and a major compliment to an offense that looks poised to make a lot of noise this season.

In the NFC North, the Bears have a grinder in their backfield by the name of Jordan Howard; this kid is a stud. He’s going to be available at the turn of the 1st and 2nd round and should go ahead of running backs like Jay Ajayi, Todd Gurley, and DeMarco Murray. Last season after missing the first game, Howard didn’t start for the Bears until week 4 and finished as the No. 10 fantasy running back (PPR format), he was 9th in standard leagues. Howard rushed for over 1,300 yards in 2016, including 7 100-yard games. He’s the bell-cow in Chicago and should put up even better numbers in 2017.

Duds (drafting too high)

There’s no question Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is a top talent in the NFL, but last season with insufficient quarterback play he finished 2016 as the No. 26 wide receiver. His line for 2016 was 78-954-4 on 151 targets. This season he’s going to be playing with a rookie quarterback, so even if he sees the same volume this season it’s hard for me to see his quarterback being dramatically more efficient. As good a player as Hopkins is, if he takes a step up finishing closer to 80-1,000-5 (which would have put him as a borderline top 20 fantasy receiver last season), a borderline top 20 receiver is where I see Hopkins ceiling this season. He’s being drafted as the No. 16 fantasy receiver in PPR format (according to FFC), but there are other player options I like ahead of him like;  Kelvin Benjamin, Michael Crabtree, Davante Adams, and even Martavis Bryant.

Although I am on high on this kid and a big fan of running back Christian McCaffrey, even in PPR format I don’t expect a near top 10 finish. McCaffrey could conceivably catch 60-65 balls this season, but I believe 125 carries is probably near his ceiling for his first season with a projected finish around 190.5 fantasy points; this would be in line for just outside the top 20 last season. McCaffrey looks like he could be a special player, but his current ADP of 2.12 (No. 12 fantasy running back according FFC in PPR) is a bit too rich and tall order for the rookie (if you ask me). If you are going to want the Panther’s rookie running back for this season, you will have to reach for him early in your draft, but that’s what it is a reach in the 2nd round.

That’s My Take. ~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 24th 2016
Saturday morning Edition

DFS Week 16 Core 4

For those of us that can’t get enough fantasy football playing in season long leagues, luckily we have DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports). If you’re as enthusiastic as I, you love DFS as much as the season long redraft leagues and these days we have plenty of options to play.

My choice this week is Fan Duel, a personal favorite; lots of games, big contests, with big prizes. Playing in the weekly game is no easy task, there may be a science to it, but even Newton would be challenged to figure it out. Sometimes playing is like throwing darts in the dark.

If you are game to play in any of the weekly contests, you must know navigating through matchups, tendencies, and injuries is hard enough, but be restricted by a salary cap and well, the challenge is set.

This week I am building my lineups around a core of four players, my “Fantastic Four” if you will; QB-Cam Newton, RB-Jordan Howard, WR-DeAndre Hopkins, and TE-Greg Olsen.

Cam has been off this year, by his MVP standards from last season, but he is still Cam and last week he may have found his groove again. The Panthers quarterback may have only completed 56% of his passes, but he passed for 300 yards and two scores. This week he draws the Falcons, worst defense versus opposing quarterbacks; 28 touchdowns allowed (2nd most), 282 yards passing allowed per game (2nd worst). This is a great matchup at home for Cam and his $7,900 salary is more than inviting.

Teaming up with Cam to double-down is Panthers tight end Greg Olsen. He is one of Cam’s favorite targets and over the past 7 games Olsen has been targeted no fewer than 7 times in all but one game, and that came back in week 12 when he was targeted just five times. Olsen has a great matchup this week against a Falcon defense that allows the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Back in week 4 Olsen turned in a stat line of 6 receptions for 76 yards and a score. Fantasy owners can expect similar numbers today for the tight end that is priced at only $6,800.

In the backfield, my third anchor of this marvel fantasy team is Bears running back Jordan Howard. The rookie runner has been one of the bright spots of the Bears offense this season already topping the 1,000 yard rushing mark. This week he faces a defense (Redskins) that has been one of the worst against the run over the past four weeks. In that span the Redskins have allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Howard has been solid the past 7 games topping 100 yards of offense in each, adding five rushing touchdowns. Fantasy owners can expect the fantasy bargain at $7,200 Howard to see at least 20 touches today.

Lastly, my fourth anchor is Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. With new blood under center last week Hopkins saw 17 targets which he turned into 8 receptions for 87 yards. If he can see somewhere around 10 targets today, he should have little trouble matching his output last week and may even find the end zone. The Bengals have been stingy versus opposing wide receivers this season, but Hopkins did register a stat line of 5 catches for 57 yards and a score last season. At just $6,600 this week, he’s a fantasy play worth building my team around.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 9th 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Week 5 Sunday Notes

WAS-BAL
Looking at today's game in Baltimore, the Redskins and Ravens could be looking at severe playing conditions for the pass game. If conditions become difficutl and the passing game struggles, look for both teams to find relief on the ground. 

This is great news for Terrance West owners. The Ravens running back should have all kinds of success grinding it out against the Redskins suspect run defense. West is leagues 17th ranked runner with 232 yards on the season on 54 carries, a 4.29 yards per carry average. The Redskins allow nearly five yards a carry and have surrendered 8 rushing touchdowns this season. Upgrade West today.

On the other side, the Redskins have a capable runner in their ball carrier Matt Jones. Jones is the 13th ranked runner, but he faces a stiff test going up against the Ravens 5th ranked run defense that has only allowed 2 rushing touchdowns through the first quarter of the season. No pass, a lot of run may not spell relief for Jones fantasy owners. His value takes a slight hit.

CHI-IND
Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer will make his third start this season and after coming off a couple of solid performances with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. He's playing well and while he's on the road this week, he will see the Colts 24th ranked pass defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Hoyer is fighting to keep the starting job and thus far he looks like a favorite. I would expect another solid outing today against a team allowing a near 70% completion rate and the 9th most pass yards this season. He may not put up monster numbers on the road today, but he should be solid as a low QB1 in deep leagues.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

WEEK 3 FANTASY PICKS

September 27th, 2015
Sunday morning

Week 3 Fantasy picks

When is comes to fantasy football, there is no crystal ball to check or scientific formula to follow, although some of us may disagree. But what there is that you can count on weekly are your own eyes and football instinct. Neither of these may be enough for you to win, but they are sure a lot of fun to work with.

Having both of those tools at my disposal, I give you week 3 favorites for Sunday. Now mind you, these are not the regular fantasy studs you drafted in the early rounds (the no-brainer starts), here I am trying to dig a little deeper to find the diamonds in the rough, those low cost value plays needed for success on the highly popular DFS sites.

In the backfield, I am rolling out Raiders running back Latavius Murray (36 touches in two games). Murray should see plenty of work today against a Browns defense allowing the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including better than 5 yards a pop on the ground. And for a little sexy PPR appeal, Murray has snagged 10 targets for 10 receptions thus far this season.

Out wide I am looking at the Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin. Every Sunday Baldwin is heavily involved in the pass and at a low salary, he's a low risk play on DFS sites. In two games this season Baldwin has seen 17 targets, snagging 14. Now his production is not what we'd like to see with this much activity, but today I like his chances of doing more against a Bears secondary that has already allowed 7 touchdowns to opposing wide receivers.

Under center, I have a couple of quarterbacks I will be leaning on; Ryan Tannehill and Tyrod Taylor. Tannehill is a safe play this week and has a good matchup at home against the Bills secondary that ranks 3rd highest in allowing fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Taylor faces a tough road test against the Dolphins today, but he's been exceptional (from a fantasy perspective) in his two starts this season and ranks 6th among quarterbacks (standard scoring). His five total touchdowns this season rank tied for third among quarterbacks; he should be good for one in the air and one on the ground today.

Lastly, the quarterbacks safety blanket (tight end) that I am eye-balling on DFS sites today is Greg Olsen. A likely start for most owners that drafted him and today one that should pay off. After a slow start in week one (3 targets, one catch), Olsen turned things around a bit in week 2 catching 6 of 14 passes thrown his direction.He's still without a score this season, but facing a depleted Saints defense that ranks 13th worst versus opposing tight ends he should see plenty of action again this week and could finally find paydirt. In his last meeting against the Saints back in 2014, Olsen hauled ins 10 of 11 passes for 72 yards and a score; could we see a similar performance today? Time to check those crystal balls.

That's my take for Sunday, week 3.

~David G

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Sunday morning Edition

September 7th, 2014 

David’s Daily Digest

SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Numbers to help the Cause

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just some numbers to know for Sunday week 1.

~David Ortega