FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FANTASY FIXX

September 22nd, 2023

David’s Daily 

Friday Afternoon Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Fixx

(Week 3)

(Week 3: Favorable Matchups)

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Strong plays to consider for DFS as well.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 10th, 2023

Sunday Morning Edition

(DFS) The Favorite Five 

(Draft Kings)

QB-Justin Herbert, LAC ($6,900) - Love the matchup here against the Dolphins. A lot of offense in this one and with the Chargers at home Herbert is a strong play (Dolphins D ranked 31st versus fantasy QB last season). Herbert threw for over 4,700 yards and tossed 25 touchdowns in 2022. Great play today.

RB-Travis Etienne Jr, JAC ($6,900) - At his price, I love Etienne. I like the Jags in this one and believe Etienne could be featured down the stretch to close this one out. Either way, he should be in line for a busy and productive day against the Colts (ranked 22nd versus RBs in 2022).

WR-Chris Godwin, TBB ($5,900) - Godwin seems like a great value safe play. Last season he corralled 104 balls on 142 targets. Even though the team made a change at quarterback in the offseason, expect Godwin to get plenty of work against a suspect Vikings secondary (ranked 31st versus WRs in 2022).

WR-Mike Williams, LAC ($5,700) - This matchup is in line to be a shootout and at his cost, Williams is a great play to pair up with Herbert. Last season against the Phins in week 14, Williams grabbed 6 passes for 116 yards and a score. Strong play today.

TE-Juwan Johnson, NOS ($3,900) -  Johnson could be looking at a big day against the Titans today. Last season the Titans D ranked 30th versus opposing tight ends in fantasy. At his current value, Johnson looks like a great sneaky play.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 9th, 2023

Saturday Late-Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Week 1

Start’ems

1. Davante Adams, WR (LVR) - The Raiders wide receiver has a tough matchup this week facing the Broncos rising star cornerback, Patrick Surtain II, but that won’t keep him out of fantasy lineups. In two games Adams averaged 8/121/1 in two games against the Broncos in 2022.

2. Javonte Williams, RB (DEN) - The Broncos young running back looks set for a big role on Sunday and could produce big for fantasy owners. The Raiders ranked 23rd against the run in 2022, allowing over 4 yards per carry, while giving up the 4th most rushing touchdowns (16) to opposing running backs.

3. Antonio Gibson, RB (WAS) - The Cardinals defense was bad last especially defending running backs in the pass game. The Cards allowed the 2nd most yards (810)m, the 4th most receptions (101), and the most receiving touchdowns (6). Antonio Gibson is a converted wide receiver to running back. This matchup sets up for him to showcase his strengths as a ball catcher against a weak defense. In 2022 Gibson only rushed for 546 yards, but he did catch 46 balls which ranked tied for 13th among all running backs.

4. Chris Godwin, WR (TBB) - Tom Brady may have retired, but the Bucs still have a great pair of receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Quarterback Baker Mayfield steps in under center for Tampa Bay in 2023 and he may be enough to keep feeding Godwin, who caught 104 balls last season. The Vikings secondary ranked amongst the worst versus the pass in 2022, allowing the most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers. Their 250 receptions allowed versus wide receivers last season, also ranked worst. Godwin is a strong play on Sunday.

5. Juwan Johnson, TE (NOS) - The Saints tight end will be a matchup nightmare for most teams this season. The huge 6’4” receiving target transitioned from receiver to tight end after going undrafted in 2020 and last season enjoyed his breakout party. In 2022, Johnson caught 42 balls for 508 yards and 7 scores on the season and posted double-digit fantasy points in six of his last 10 games. Tomorrow he has a great matchup facing a Titans defense that struggles versus the tight end position; 100 receptions (ranked 31st), 1,144 yards receiving (ranked 30th) and 8 touchdowns (ranked tied for 24th).

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK; DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Evening Edition
October 25th 2019

Week 8: Three Amigos

In several of my season long redraft leagues, I have to start minimum, three wide receivers, not including any flex spots. Looking ahead to Sunday’s matchup, Week 8, here are my “Three Amigos” (WRS) that I am rolling with;

WR-Chris Godwin, Buccaneers; The Bucs have a tough road matchup this week against a Titans defense that allows the 5th fewest fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Nonetheless, the Bucs receiver Godwin (Fantasy WR2) has been nothing less than stellar this season, leading all fantasy receivers in fantasy points per game through his first six games. Godwin is averaging 7.16 receptions, 110.33 receiving yards, with 6 touchdowns (leads league), on 9 targets per game. Here are some more numbers to digest; Godwin is averaging 12.3 yards per target (3rd most minimum 20 targets) and 79.6 catch efficiency (3rd best, minimum 20 targets). He’s a strong play every week.

WR-Robert Woods, Rams; The Rams will face the Bengals on Sunday and while the overall numbers don’t seem to favor the passing game, digging a little deeper, I still like Woods. Looking at the matchup, the Bengals secondary has been vulnerable at times and overall their defense ranks last in the league. Woods (fantasy WR21) ranks second on the team averaging more than 8 targets per game and his 36 receptions ranks 13th in the league among wide receivers. After totaling 7 touchdowns in 2018, Woods has just one through seven games this season; Sunday feels like a touchdown game.

WR-DK Metcalf, Seahawks; The Seahawks rookie receiver has been seeing a steady every week, but has yet to have that breakout game. This week the Metcalf (fantasy WR39) will line up against a Falcons defense that has allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including the 2nd most receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. Metcalf is playing 76 percent of the team’s offensive snaps and ranks second on the team with 20 receptions and 389 receiving yards. Week 8 could be his breakout game.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Morning Edition
October 6th 2019

Sunday Morning Gametime

Who to Start?

These are some of the players I am starting today, for my Week 5 lineups;

Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins, Min; I just love the matchup and the opportunity for the Vikings offense to get their passing game off the ground. The running game should remain healthy, but I am looking for several big plays from Cousins in the passing game.

Carson Wentz, PHI; The Eagles quarterback has been on point this early completing 61 percent of his passes, averaging 240 yards passing with 9 touchdowns on the season. Wentz is currently the No.5 scoring quarterback in fantasy. Trust in Wentz.

Running backs
Tarik Cohen, CHI; The Bears are facing a pretty good Raiders run defense, but with the absence of wide receiver Taylor Gabriel, I expect to see quite a bit of Cohen lining up in the slot. Back in week one Cohen was targeted 10 times; we could see similar numbers today.

Aaron Jones, GB; With the injury to running back Jamal Williams, it could be the Aaron Jones show today against a good Cowboys defense. Where I like Jones today, is in the pass game; Cowboys have allowed the 8th most receptions to the running back. Another silver lining, the Cowboys have not been great stopping the run, allowing 4.5 yards per carry.

Wide Receivers
Chris Godwin, TB; This is a no-brainer for me. Godwin, the No.3 fantasy scoring WR (PPR format) has been nothing short of terrific this season. Today may not be another big game because he lines up along side with the No.5 fantasy wide receiver Mike Evans. The numbers indicate he’s a safe play averaging more than 8 targets per game.

Stefon Diggs, MIN; For many of the same reasons I am rolling with Cousins, I have to insert Diggs today. The talented wide receiver is coming off a career season in 2018, but is off to a slow start. Today could be the jump start he and the passing offense need.

Tight Ends
Jared Cook, NO; I have been riding with Cook for several weeks and losing patience. He has a great matchup today against the Bucs who allow the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Cook has yet to breakout this season, today could be his day.

Noah Fant, DEN; This is purely a gut feel and lack of options. Not to knock the kid out of Iowa (the No. 23 fantasy TE), he’s quietly been pretty good and I believe he’ll continue his rise. Fant is averaging just a tick under 4 targets per game in an offense that is due to breakout. Last week Fant scored his first NFL touchdown, showcasing some of his athletic skills. Today could be another step forward.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Evening Edition
October 5th 2019

DFS Saturday

For those of us that can’t get enough of fantasy football in the season long format, there is DFS. Here are a couple of fantasy lineups I am playing in DFS this week. 

Here’s my lineups and my breakdown;

QB-Andy Dalton, CIN: The Bengals offense ranks last in rushing this season and Dalton is averaging over 40 passes per game. This Sunday the Bengals square off with the Cardinals and a defense that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Bengals offense seems almost exclusively passing dependent; I like Dalton’s prospect for a busy day and he should be a shoe-in for over 40 passes this week.

RB-David Johnson, ARI: I like Johnson’s usage in the passing game this season. Through 4 games DJ .has 28 targets (2nd most for running backs) and he’s involved in the run game with 173 yards rushing. He has a great matchup this week against the Bengals defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including the most receiving yards and 2nd most receptions.

RB-Leonard Fournette, JAX: The Jaguars are led by Fournette and their running game. Through four weeks, Fournette’s 72 carries ranked 6th in the NFL and his 404 yards rushing is third. He should be the focal point on Sunday and add his 23 targets leading to 16 receptions, he should be very busy on Sunday. I like his matchup against a Panthers defense that is allowing nearly 5.0 yards per carry this season.

WR-Chris Godwin, TB: After his big week against the Rams last Sunday, Godwin is off the injury report and geared up for another potential big day against the Saints. Through 4 weeks the Saints defense has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Godwin is currently ranked 3rd in fantasy scoring for receivers, he looks primed to continue his strong play.

WR-Allen Robinson, CHI: Through 4 weeks, A-Rob has yet to find the end-zone, but he has seen no fewer than 7 targets in each of his four games and scored in double-digits (PPR format, full-point). This Sunday, Robinson matches up against a Raiders secondary that has allowed the 9th most fantasy points to opposing wide-outs. He should be a safe play and see plenty of targets.

WR-Courtland Sutton, DEN: The Broncos second year receiver appears to be on the verge of a breakout season, ranking 15th in fantasy scoring among receivers through 4 weeks. His numbers have been solid and his usage has been consistent averaging nearly 8 targets per game; even with less than favorable matchup I like Sutton.

TE-Darren Waller, OAK: The Raiders tight end is seeing a regular diet of targets every Sunday; 37 targets in 2019, ranks 2nd among tight ends. With his 33 receptions (leads all tight ends) he’s a favorite of mine this week against a stout Bears defense. Even with the bad matchup, Waller is such a featured piece in the passing game, he’s a safe play.

Flex-James White, NE: The Patriots running back has been a featured part of the passing game averaging 7 targets per game. He’s also been productive in PPR format, scoring in double digits in all three games he has played this season. I would expect much of the same against the Redskins this week, less about what Washington allows, but more about how he’s used in the offense.

DST-Eagles: The Eagles defense has a great matchup against a Jets offense that allows the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing defenses. With Sam Darnold already ruled OUT for Sunday, this matchup looks pretty good for the hometown team (Eagles).

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Late Night Edition
September 20th, 2019

Week 3: On the Cover this Week

In Godwin we Trust

In pre-season fantasy drafts, the Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was getting a lot of love from fantasy owners, coming off the boards as the WR15 according to Fantasy Football Calculator. Through the first two weeks of the 2019 NFL, Godwin has not disappointed with a touchdown grab in each of his first two games.

If you targeted Godwin early in drafts and were able to snag him as your second receiver, your investment is paying off early and could pay huge dividends later as well. Godwin is currently ranked as the number 13 fantasy receiver after two weeks (PPR scoring) with 11 receptions for 174 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

Last season Godwin and quarterback Jameis Winston found a groove over the last two weeks of the 2018 season; a small sample size yes, but something to build off. There was a lot of buzz in the preseason and it appears, good things for Godwin could be just around the corner.

Through the first two weeks of the 2019 season, Godwin currently leads the team with 15 targets, he also leads the Bucs in receptions, yards receiving, and receiving touchdowns. Next on tap for Godwin and the Buccaneers are the Giants of New York who have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. The Giants secondary has also surrendered 550 yards receiving to wideouts, most in the league. 

With this savory matchup next on the slate, Godwin looks to be a solid fantasy bet to keep trending upward.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Late Night Edition
September 18th, 2019

Wednesday Watercooler Chat

It’s Wednesday and time to gather round the old watercooler to talk some fantasy football. No worries if you don’t have a watercooler, the breakroom snack machine or out back for a quick smoke are just as appropriate.

It’s still a small sample size, but after two weeks there are a few trends we are seeing that are unavoidable, like the arrival of Lamar, and even compelling to watch, like the greatness of Mahomes, and in some cases believe, Dalvin Cook leads the NFL in rushing. 

Here’s a list of some quick takes you can buy, sell, take to the bank, or throw away (it’s all good);

Quick Takes:

• I am a believer in Lamar Jackson and sold on his fantasy prowess.
• Patrick Mahomes is a magician in or out of the pocket and “It’s Showtime!”
• Dalvin Cook is the real deal and Top 5 fantasy play for 2019, JMO.
• Is Mark Andrew better than Kelce; IDK, but I’ll take him!
• Odell Beckham Jr who? 89 yards later, that’s who!
• Carlos Hyde is no Jekyll, but apparently he can run!
• Has Aaron Jones been freed, because he ran free on Sunday.
• The yards are not coming easy, but Lev Bell is still getting the work.
• After his week 2 bounce back, in Godwin I am trusting.

It’s two weeks in the books and these are a couple of my FF notes to share; 

2 Studs Rising
Ravens, WR-Marquise Brown; Hollywood Brown is no secret by now and in week two the Cardinals defense learned his name up close and persona. Brown dropped 8 catches for 86 yards on 13 targets. If he continues to see this type of usage, he’s going to have some big Sundays!

Buccaneers, WR-Chris Godwin; after posting a modest week 1 performance that did include a score, Godwin followed up with a huge Week 2 showing. On Thursday night Godwin lit up the Panthers with 8 catches for 121 yards receiving and a score. With the Giants defense next up, it could be more of the same for fantasy owner.

2 Duds falling fast
Titans, WR-Corey Davis; through two weeks the Titans wideout has been missing in action. Through two games, PPR scoring, Davis currently ranks as the 94th fantasy receiver, according to Fantasy Data.

Colts, RB-Nyheim Hines; with the return of the Mack in Indy, Hines has become a forgotten name in fantasy. In two games Hines has only seen 31 snaps (unofficial) to Marlon Macks 97. Hines currently ranks as the 60th fantasy running back through two weeks.

2 Weekly Waiver Wire picks
Chiefs, WR-Demarcus Robinson; if you are watching what’s happening in Kansas City thus far this season, you just want a piece and any piece of this offense. Coming off a huge week 2 performance, 6 catches for 172 yards receiving and two scores on six targets, Robinson looks to be a nice waiver wire pick-up for week 3 (if available).

49ers, RB-Raheem Mostert; the Niners running back is another nice waiver wire grab, if available. Last season he got a little run in Frisco and looked pretty good. With Tevin Coleman shelved for a bit, Mostert is getting some run again and looks good. His week two strong showing, 83 rushing yards, 68 receiving yards and a score has him currently ranked as the 16th fantasy running back (PPR scoring), according to Fantasy Data.

2 Players to Watch (sleepers)
Broncos, RB-Royce Freeman; the Broncos are currently employing a full-time 50/50 share with Freeman and Lindsay and thus far, Freeman has been the more productive. While I expect Lindsay’s numbers to improve as the Broncos offense gets better, I don’t see Freeman’s usage suffering. He’s worth stashing and rostering in all formats.

Chiefs, RB-Darwin Thompson; with the Chiefs high octane offense firing on all pistons, the current backfield situation could open the door for opportunity for the rookie running back. Again, you want any piece of this offense that you can get, but Thompson could soon become a focal point in the run game and become a must-start.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Morning Edition
September 8th, 2019

Sunday Morning Gametime

I am reading the Twitter updates, checking all of the popular sites for fantasy football news, and from these sources, I have some Week one notes to share when considering setting your Fantasy Football lineup…

(RB) Chris Carson in the Seahawks heavy run offense versus the Bengals defense today. Cincinnati allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing running backs last season (NFL scoring).

(RB)  Leonard Fournette against the Chiefs defense. Last season the Chiefs allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs (NFL scoring), including 4.9 yards per carry and 6 receiving touchdowns (tied for the most in the league).

(WR) Chris Godwin against the Niners secondary today, with Mike Evans (slated to play) under the weather. Last season the Niners defense allowed a league high 27 receiving touchdowns to opposing receivers.

(RB) Le’Veon Bell against the Bills defense today. The Bills defense surrendered the 8th most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2018, including 21 total touchdowns (2nd most in the league).


My Fave DFS Lineup Week One

Every week I play DFS, because let’s face it, I am a football addict and love the NFL. I watch the games, I root for the players, and every week I piss a few dollars away; but it’s fun. Well the playing part, not the pissing dollars away. Here’s one of my favorite line-ups for Sunday Week One!
Fave DFS play Week One

QB-Kirk Cousin, Min; love the matchup, last season Falcons allowed most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (NFL).

RB-Chris Carson, Sea; Carson has a tasty matchup today against the Bengals.

RB-Kerryon Johnson, Det; This is a great opportunity and favorable matchup for Johnson, hoping to see 20-25 touches.

WR-Chris Godwin, TB; This matchup could be a shootout, Godwin could be in line for 8-10 targets.

WR-Mike Williams, LAC; defense will be focused on the Chargers other weapons as well, Williams should see a number of red-zone opportunities today.

WR-Odell Beckham Jr; A gambling move, but can’t resist the opportunity to own a share of OBJ. He seems like a good bet to find pay-dirt today.

TE-Delanie Walker, Ten; Walker is healthy and has a great matchup against a Browns secondary that allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing TEs last season (NFL scoring)

Flex-Davlin Cook, Min; Cook looks healthy and could be looking at a big season. He should get off to a fast start today against a Falcons defense that allowed 4th highest fantasy points to opposing RBs in 2018.

Def-Seattle; I like this matchup for the Seahawks, especially at home today.


That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Late Evening Edition
September 1st, 2019

Season Long: Four Horsemen

Texans, QB-Deshaun Watson
I think the Texans did a pretty good job this preseason with some of their moves, but even prior to them I was all-in with their quarterback. Last season the Texans had one of the worst, if not the worst offensive lines in the league (62 sacks allowed in 2018) and Watson still managed to finish as the number 4 fantasy quarterback. He’ll start his 2019 campaign with the best in the business, in wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and a healthy pass catcher in Will Fuller (expected to be ready for week 1). With running backs Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde set to line up in the backfield, Watson will have a very nice compliment of weapons all around. If the Texans can protect Watson and run the ball effectively, this signal caller should be a lock for a top-3 fantasy quarterback in 2019.

Vikings, RB-Dalvin Cook
An 85-yard touchdown run against the Cardinals in the Vikings third preseason game was all I needed to see, well actually that a couple of other plays on offense. Cook looked fresh, healthy, strong, and fast as heck (especially on his touchdown run). The Vikings runner is now more than a season removed from his knee injury suffered during his rookie season; he’s healthy now and looks great. During his 85-yard dash he showed great explosion and acceleration. I think this kids going to show folks what we were seeing from him back in 2017. Cook is getting drafted in the early second round (ADP 15.1 according to FFC), but he’s worthy of a first round pick and will be a Top-6 fantasy running back in 2019.

Buccaneers, WR-Chris Godwin
I am buying Jacks beans, taking the bait, and falling hook line and sinker for wide receiver Chris Godwin. There are a lot of signs pointing in the right direction for the Bucs wideout. A stable quarterback situation in 2019, with Jameis Winston the starter, and a new Head Coach in Bruce Arians. Godwin showed some flashes at the tail-end of last season and with rumors out of camp suggesting he and Winston are building chemistry, I like his outlook. The expectation in the leagues highest passing offense from 2018 and under Arians offense, Godwin is going to see an increase in targets and should breakout this season. Even with an ADP of 39.8 and WR16 (according to FFC), I am locking him in my Top-12 fantasy receivers for 2019.

Saints, TE-Jared Cook
In 2018, tight end Jared Cook finished the season as the number 5 fantasy TE with Derek Carr as his quarterback. Now that he’s a Saint, he’ll be catching passes from quarterback Drew Brees. Does anything more need to be said. The last time Brees had a solid pass catching talent at tight end it was Jimmy Graham, back in 2014. Graham finished that season as the number 2 fantasy tight end; that’s Cook’s upside this season. The Saints will roll out plenty of weapons this season and Cook should benefit greatly. He’s the TE7, ADP 70.7 (according to FFC) and deserving of this currenting ranking, but in my best estimations, he’s going to challenge the top trio.

These are my top fantasy prospects for 2019, that I am trying to grab as many shares of in Best Ball, re-drafts, and season long leagues. As some might say, I am going to ride high with these Four horsemen!

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Night Edition

August 18th, 2019

The Draft Weekend

I’m playing a little catch up here as this past weekend was my annual Draft day weekend marathon. It has become tradition, in this kid’s (I’m not a kid - and don’t ask) neighborhood home leagues to partake in two deep fantasy drafts on the same weekend. We’ve been doing this, a number of years now and it’s been quite the endeavor, but an experience well worth it. 

Preparation & Podcasts

Like every year, leading up to Draft day, I spend a lot of my free time researching and studying, as much as I can and as much as real life will allow (and that’s not much). I pick up the annual fantasy mags for cheat-sheets and rankings, and I print out the various ADPs and rankings from FFC and Fantasy Pros (two of my favorite sites). I also absorb some of the popular fantasy podcasts & shows, sometimes for the insight and analysis, and sometimes for entertainment, and even sometimes to just get me in fantasy draft mode. 

Draft Day Anxiety

When the day arrives, all bets are off, it’s go time and every fantasy owner for themself. The clock winds down to zero and first owner is on the clock; depending on your spot in the draft, you have time to consider you strategy, the direction you will go, zero running backs to start, heavy wide receivers in the opening rounds, early round reaches, or playing it safe. Even the first pick can cause some anxiety or nervous anxiousness, as it will set the tone for your following picks. 

No matter what that first important decision becomes, keep your eye on the prize, be committed to your decision and construct the best fantasy team that’s ever been put together. Believe in your process, stay the course, and go the distance with determination, focus, grit, and if all else fails, flip a coin. We put some much into this day that will define our upcoming season, the good thing this is, one year from today we can do it all over again. 

Draft Day Picks

My 2019 Fantasy Draft weekend has concluded, and for a while on Saturday it seemed all of my picks were all over the place, from my 2nd round Le’Veon Bell selection to my DK Metcalf selection in the 12th round. I doubled down with quarterback Deshaun Watson in both leagues, taking him in 2nd round in one (8 team league) and the 6th round (10 team league) in the other. 

I also locked up wide receiver Chris Godwin in both leagues; 5th round and 7th round. Both Watson and Godwin were targets of mine, as was running back Aaron Jones. These were players I eyed, and made sure I was able to grab without having to reach further than I was comfortable.

The Results

The first day of drafting was the most relaxed and the group enjoyed the time we took, but 8 hours of drafting can take its toll; good thing it’s only once a year. We all started with high hopes, but with the usual conjecture, speculation, unproven analysis, and good natured ribbing with each pick, the draft lasted and lasted. 

At the conclusion of both drafts, my final take on how my teams looked, I was very satisfied with the balance and depth I achieved. Here’s a look at the early rounds of both.

8-Team League

1.Ertz, Zach

2.Watson, Deshaun

3.Johnson, David

4.Cook, Dalvin

5.Jones, Aaron

6.Diggs, Stefon

7.Godwin, Chris

8.Winston, Jameis

9.White, James

10.Woods, Robert

Notes: This is tight-end league (.2 pts/yard), so Ertz was early, but the second TE off the board. I went heavy with RBs early that I feel with contribute in the pass game very well. This is also a Superflex league which is why I snagged Winston early in the 8th; I think he’s going to be top 10 this season.

10-Team League

1.Odell Beckham Jr

2.Le’Veon Bell

3.Aaron Jones

4.David Montgomery

5.Chris Godwin

6.Deshaun Watson

7.Robby Anderson

8.Vance McDonald

9.Will Fuller

10.Kalen Ballage

Notes: Odell fell to me in the 9th slot of the 1st, so had to grab him, came back with Bell in the 2nd; love his potential heavy volume. I am high on Godwin, so I took him in the 5th and followed him with Watson in the sixth; I think Watson could be top 3 this year. I like McDonald’s potential this season with Bell and Brown out of Pittsburgh, and my Fuller selection is points on points with Watson.

That’s My Draft Day Take

~David G. Ortega