FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

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

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 15th, 2016
Saturday Evening edition

Week 6 Fantasy Notes: Strong Plays?

Taking a look at the schedule for Sunday and reviewing some of the latest news and notes, I've come up with a couple of fantasy notes for Week 6.

There are reports already that running back James Starks is out for Sunday, making starter Eddie Lacy a posibly nice play for this week. Now the Cowboys present a tough matchup for Lacy (allow 4th fewest points to opposing running backs), but with no Starks to back him up he'll get plenty of chances and should get plenty of work. If no better options are available, Lacy should be in your lineup.

Since his return to the field, running back Chris Ivory has seen little action and only 21 touches in two games. Ivory is clearly the number two option as running back TJ Yeldon has emerged as more of the featured back in Jacksonville. Yeldon is averaging better than 16 touche in four games and is coming off his best performance in week 4; 71 yards rushing and 46 yards receiving. Yeldon has decent matchup on Sunday against the Bears and should be considering a low-end RB2.

One more note-worthy Sunday start is more of a sneaky play in tight end Vernon Davis. Starter Jordan Reed has already been ruled out and will miss action, opening the door for Davis. The former Niner tight end has not been utilized much this season, but could see considerable action this week. Davis is more of a week 6 flyer, but he has the talent and ability to make some noise for fantasy owners.

That's My Take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 2nd 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Player Watch: 

We have an early game this morning, so real quick just going to throw this one out there. The Jaguars want to run the ball to compliment their pass game, this is why they acquired running back Chris Ivory.

Last week Ivory made his debut as a Jag, but the start was anything but memorable. Today could be very different. The last time Ivory was in London, his day was memorable with 166 yards on the ground. He was a jet at the time.

He could take a stroll down memory lane today, facing a Colts defense that has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs, over 4 yards per carry this season, and 4 rushing scores. Ivory should be featured in the run game and if he is, look out it could be a very good day.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

SUNDAY STARTERS: WEEK 1

September 13th, 2015
Sunday









Sunday Starters: Week 1

If you drafted well this past preseason and managed to avoid the injury bug, your lineup should be well set; play your studs. But for those of us already dealing with adversity and looking for Sunday Value, there are a handfull of plays I like that are worth noting.

This being the first weekend of NFL action, value will be key for many of us trying to come out on top in our weekly matchups. And for those of you (like me) who play the weekly games, Sunday value can be paramount.

Looking across the board, there are couple of low-value (in drafts and DFS pricing) wide receivers worth slotting in today; in Green Bay Davante Adams. Even with the return of James Jones, Adams value should remain in tact as the teams best deep threat. And if you recall, last season wide receiver Jordy Nelson averaged 15.5 yards per catch and had 19 receptions of 20 yards or more (inlcuding 8 for 40 yards or more); Adams will be filling Nelson's spot on Sunday.

Another wide receiver I like is the Falcons Leonard Hankerson. Listening to some sports talk, sounds like Roddy White is good to go for Monday, but none-the-less the Falcons run a lot of 3-receiver sets and Hankerson should see plenty of field; enough to find the end-zone.

A quiet running back this week (at least a player not getting a lot of hype or much love) is the Jets Chris Ivory. With no real other threat in the backfield to steal carries, Ivory should get plenty of run against a defense that faced the third most carries last season and allowed the second most rushing yards.

With all the injuries in Washington, as the dust settled the lone survivor at tight end was Jordan Reed. The Redskins tight end has plenty of talent and upside and if he can remain healthy, he'll be a nice weekly play for fantasy owners. Although his matchup is not considered favorable (Dolphins defend tight ends well), Reed in the slot has very good athletiscm and will benefit from wide recievers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon on the outside. This could be a reach, but I like Reed to snag a few balls and reach the end-zone today.

Lastly, a tight end that should be in most lineups today is the Bears Martellus Bennett. As pointed out by ESPN's Mark Schlereth, the Bears new offense (under new head coach John Fox) is a carry-over of the Broncos from last season (tight ends were targeted 96 times in 2014). Bennett is also coming off a career high 90 reception season; so he's got great rapport with his quarterback Jay Cutler. In the new offense look for Cutler to lean on his trusty tight end today.

This is just my take for Week 1.

~David G

FSH NOTEBOOK: (SATURDAY'S) FRIDAY FOOTBALL FIXX

Saturday Edition
December 8th, 2012

  

(Saturday’s) Friday Football Fixx

Fantasy Player News

Taking a look around the National Football League at fantasy football players for Sunday with the latest news and takes;

Nicks Questionable for Sunday
The Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Saints, but the explosive wide out did practice on Friday. Nicks has been battling injuries all season and has yet to get back to 100%, but despite being limited this week he is still expected to play on Sunday. Nicks play has been improving over the past couple of weeks since his return from injury, but this little setback could be cause of concern for fantasy owners. His status is still up in the air, but if he is active against the Saints shaky secondary, he needs to be in fantasy lineups.

Nelson Ruled OUT for Sunday
Wide receiver Jordy Nelson has been ruled out for Sunday night against the Lions and will not play. With Nelson on the sidelines, fantasy owners for wide receivers Greg Jennings, Randall Cobb, and James Jones can expect a bump in fantasy value this week. Jennings will be playing only in his second game since returning from injury, but he is expected to fill the role of Nelson and should do just fine. With the Lions up next, Jennings should be in your lineups this week.

Sunday is Wayne’s World
The Colts veteran wide receiver Reggie Wayne has been having a prolific 2012 campaign and his current 88 catches and 1,156 yards receiving have him on pace to set career highs in both categories. Wayne is without question rookie quarterback Andrew Luck’s security blanket and has been targeted a league high 153 times this season. On Sunday the Colts have a very favorable matchup against the Titans 25th ranked pass defense, so fantasy owners can expect Luck to look Wayne’s way quite often.

Ivory Unlikely to Play Sunday
The Saints are likely to be without the services of running back Christopher Ivory (doubtful) on Sunday against the Giants. The Giants defense is ranked 21st against the run and even without Ivory, the Saints backfield remains crowded and convoluted. With the Saints being primarily a passing team, running back Darren Sproles remains the only reliable running back with any real fantasy value (in PPR leagues only).

With Harvin OUT All-Day Must Carry the Load
The Vikings have been riding the legs of running back Adrian Peterson (1,446 yard rushing in 2012) most of this season and with the loss of wide receiver Percy Harvin, it looks like he will have to carry the offensive load the rest of the way. Peterson is averaging just over 20 carries in his last six games and has rushed for more than 100 yards in each (he’s also scored in 5 of his last 6), including 210 yards last week. Fantasy owners can expect to see a heavy dose of All-Day the rest of the way and similar success on the ground, despite who Peterson faces

Turner to Play Sunday against Panthers
The Falcons will have running back Michael Turner in the lineup on Sunday against the Panthers, which is good news for fantasy owners. Turner has yet to really break out this season recording just two 100-yard rushing efforts, both at home with the last coming in week 9. This Sunday on the road against the Panthers could be his third facing the league’s 25th ranked run defense. The Panthers are allowing nearly 130 yards on the ground, 4.4 yards a pop, and have surrendered 10 rushing touchdowns. If you a looking for a big game from Turner this week, this matchup could not come at a better time; he’s a safe play this Sunday.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Edition
November 14th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Spiller to Carry the Load
With running back Fred Jackson sidelined this week with a concussion, CJ Spiller will not only start but likely carry the load. Spiller has been a consistent flex option all season, but his new starter status has likely vaulted him to the top of the charts as a lead RB1 option this week. The Bills take play Thursday night and take on the Dolphins 5th ranked run defense, fortunately for owners Spiller has been effective in both the run and pass game; he’s a safe start in week 11.

Run-DMC Likely Out Again
The Raiders will not have the services of running back Darren McFadden once again this week as he nurses his injured ankle. With Run-DMC sidelined full back Marcel Reece is the preferred fantasy selection from the Raiders backfield. With the Raiders set to host the Saints defense this Sunday, Reece has a nice matchup against one of the league’s worst defenses; the Saints also surrender the 2nd most fantasy points to running backs.

The Steelers Carrying a Full-House
With Mendenhall returning to a full practice this week, the Steelers are shaping up to have all three of their bruising running backs ready for Sunday. With Mendenhall, Redman, and Dwyer all figuring in the mix; the smart money would be on running back Jonathan Dwyer to get first look. It’s a tough dilemma and a tough read for fantasy owners and one best to avoid if possible.

Sproles Looks Ready to Return 
The Saints running back Darren Sproles returned to practice this week and looks on track to play this Sunday. With the recent strong running of backs Chris Ivory and Mark Ingram, the backfield now appears to be a little overcrowded. Even with the crowded backfield, Sproles is the favorite to see plenty of action, but his best value is in PPR formats.

Vick Likley Out, Foles Expected to Start This Sunday
It’s not official, but all signs are pointing to rookie quarterback Nick Foles starting this Sunday. If Foles does in fact start, the fantasy impact could be a lot of running back LeSean McCoy. While the team will want to see what Foles can do, the rookie will need protection and his safety net could be running back McCoy. The Eagles ball carrier is a dynamic and crafty runner with blazing speed and exceptional vision, but through 9 games this season he has just two touchdowns and eclipsed 20 carries just three times. Expect McCoy to see a lot of work this week.


By David Ortega

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT GAME NOTES

December 12th, 2010, Sunday

Sunday Night Game Notes

Notable Injury News

(for fantasy owners)

The Packers starting signal caller Aaron Rodgers, one of this season’s highest scoring fantasy quarterbacks left Sunday’s game with the Lions early with what has been diagnosed as a concussion. Due to the leagues more strict and proactive stance toward safety, by rule Rodgers was not able to return. He left the game in the second quarter. There’s been no additional reports regarding the level of his concussion, but owners should be aware this was his second this season; check his status later in the week.

The Seahawks lost their 2nd year wide receiver Deon Butler for the remainder of the season after he suffered a broken leg in Sunday’s matchup with the Niners. Butler finished the contest with five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. He will likely be placed on IR and miss the rest of the season. For the Butler the season ending injury is devastating, but for the Seahawks passing game recovery is likely only a week away with the likely return of receivers Mike Williams and possibly Ben Obomanu.

The Jets running back Shonn Greene saw his duties end early Sunday when his left the Jet’s week 14 contest with the Dolphins with an undisclosed injury. Greene was down for an extended period before making his way off the field under his own power. There hasn’t been any updated word on the injury, but his meager contribution of 17 yards rushing on Sunday makes him a very unappealing fantasy option for week 15 anyway. Check back later in the week for a status update on his injury.

The Saints lost the services of running back Chris Ivory on Sunday in their 31-13 win over the Rams in the Superdome. Ivory suffered a hamstring injury that appears to not be serious, but since the Saints were up big and have Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas back there was no need to risk further aggravation. Ivory is expected to be fine for the Saints week 15 matchup with the Ravens. While Ivory is likely to be the primary ball carrier for the team going forward with Bush and Thomas healthy he’s likely to lose some touches lowering his fantasy value.

FSH: WHAT'S THE LATEST

October 29th, 2010 Saturday (evening)

What's the Latest

Some quick news and notes for Sunday

Brett Favre Expected to start Sunday...
Despite the broken ankle and 41 years of age, it sounds like Brett Favre’s streak of consecutive starts will remain safe for at least one more week. According to some sports wires, the word is Favre expects to start after making it thru two days of practice. Even if Favre can limp his way onto the field, he’s a high risk just to make it through the Sunday.

Vernon Davis is listed as questionable...
The Niner’s tight end Vernon Davis has been nursing an ankle injury all week, but did participate in practice on a limited basis Friday. Davis did travel with the team to London, but remains a questionable play for Sunday against the Broncos. If Davis can play, he should be in most lineups facing a Bronco’s defense that has allowed 11 passing touchdowns.

Steven Jackson uncertain for Sunday...
The Rams star running back Steven Jackson (finger) returned to practice on a limited basis Friday. Jackson is nursing a broken finger, but has made it clear via twitter he expects to start Sunday. Even though head coach Steve Spagnuolo has not offered much on the subjects, it seems safe to expect to see Jackson on the field Sunday. If Jackson is good to go Sunday, he could be in line for a productive day against the Panthers 24th ranked run defense.

Pierre Thomas will not play Sunday….
The New Orleans Saints have already ruled out running back Pierre Thomas for Sunday night’s matchup with the Steelers. With Thomas and Reggie Bush likely out, Chris Ivory is expected to make his third straight start. Ivory has had some success as the team’s starter, but Sunday night against the leagues number run defense does not look inviting for owners.

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 28th, 2010, Thursday

David’s Daily Digest

My Fantasy Notes:

AHMAD BRADSHAW LEADS THE GIANTS GROUND GAME
The Giants small giant in the backfield Ahmad Bradshaw has emerged this season as the team’s featured runner. In his last four starts he’s averaged more than 22 touches per contest and now leads the NFL in rushing with 708 yards. For the season Bradshaw is averaging better than 116 yards from scrimmage per game.
My Fantasy Read:
The Giants have found their lightening in a bottle with Bradshaw and so far this season he has been striking opposing defenses with regularity. With the bye in week8 he remains a solid number one fantasy back going forward.

MARSHAWN LYNCH MAKING A QUICK IMPACT
It did not take long for Lynch to make an impression in Seattle and work his way into the lineup. He’s only played two games with his new team, but has two starts, 41 rushing attempts and 133 yards rushing. Last Sunday against the Cardinals Lynch collected 24 of those attempts for 89 yards (his best output this season) and looks to be the main ball carrier for Seattle going forward.
My Fantasy Read:
In two games with Seattle Lynch is averaging nine fantasy points per game (traditional scoring). Lynch looks in line to see a steady load of work every week, but owners may want to wait until production picks up to ride they try to ride his coat tail.

CHRISTOPHER IVORY COOLS OFF IN WEEK 7
After his breakout performance in Week 6 against the Buccaneers where he ran for over 150 yards, the Saints running back Chris Ivory cooled down considerably last Sunday against the Browns. Facing Rob Ryan’s tough Brown’s defense Ivory was held in check gaining just 48 yards on the ground on 15 attempts.
My Fantasy Read:
The Saints face the Steeler’s number one ranked run defense (allowing 2.8 yards per carry) this Sunday night and even though both Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush look like scratches, Ivory could be a tough play. The Steelers have yet to allow a single runner to eclipse 50 yards rushing this season, owners may want to consider other options.

RYAN TORAIN CONTINUES TO SEE A STEADY LOAD
The Redskins current featured running back Ryan Torain has been making the most of his opportunity and the team has not been shy with feeding him the ball. In his last two starts Torain has reached at least 20 carries and responded with two consecutive 100 yard rushing performances. On the season Torain has tallied 381 yards on the ground and averaged better than 4.5 yards per carry.
My Fantasy Read:
With Portis still sidelined, Torain is getting all the work in the backfield and flourishing. He’s averaged 112 yards rushing with two touchdowns his last two starts. On Sunday he faces the Lions 27th ranked run defense that is allowing 4.9 yards per carry and nearly 140 yards on the ground per game. He should be a very good start this week.

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 20th, 2010, Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

My Fantasy Notes:

KEVIN KOLB IS SHARP AGAINST FALCONS
Against the Falcons last Sunday, Kolb played one of his best games completing 23 of 29 passes for 326 yards. The Eagle’s quarterback also threw three touchdowns with just one pick and finished the game with a rating of 133.6.
My Fantasy Read:
Kolb has looked sharp, but as good as he has played it’s still probably Vick’s job to lose (unless Reid suddenly changes his tune). As long as Vick figures to be the man, Kolb is a great hand-cuff. If you have one, go get the other.

JOE FLACCO HAS SOLID GAME AGAINST THE PATS
The Ravens passing offense has been starting to show real life over recent weeks and one big reason has been the play of Flacco. On Sunday Flacco passed for 285 yards against the Patriots on 27 of 35 passing (77%). It was his third game this season with at least 250 yards passing. He also added two touchdown throws.
My Fantasy Read:
Flacco has yet to reach the elite passing conversation, but he is slowly making progress toward the upper tier of passers in the fantasy world. For now he is a solid back fantasy quarterback, but give him time.

CHRIS IVORY SHINES AGAINST THE BUCS
If Ivory continues to improve as he has, Saints fans may soon forget they are missing both Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas. The rookie running back broke loose on Sunday against the Buccaneers for 158 yards rushing on 10 carries. Ivory also caught a pass for 17 more yards.
My Fantasy Read:
For now Ivory looks like a safe play this week with both Bush and Thomas unlikely to go Sunday, but once the regulars get healthy, Ivory is going to see less work; use him now while you can.

RYAN TORAIN SCORES TWICE ON SUNDAY
The Redskins feature back had a big day last Sunday against the Colts defense, finishing the evening with 20 carries and 100 yards on the ground. Torain also saw short-yardage work in the red-zone and punch two runs in for scores.
My Fantasy Read:
With Clinton Portis sidelined, this Shanahan favorite is a lock to remain the focal point of the ground game. Remember the Shanahan camp has produced more 1,000 yard rushers than any, so it’s a safe bet to expect Torain to be productive in the backfield. As long as he’s the starter he remains a safe weekly play.

DWAYNE BOWE RISES ON THE SEVENTH DAY
After spending the first several weeks of the season missing in action (just nine catches, one touchdown) Bowe finally came to life last Sunday against the Texan’s defense. The Chiefs go-to receiver broke out with his best game of the season, catching six passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
My Fantasy Read:
If Bowe can raise his level of play every Sunday to this height, he will quickly rise to the top of conversations when discussing some of the best hands in the league. He did have the favorable matchup of facing the Texans secondary (worst in the league) last week so don’t rush to sell the farm just yet, but Bowe is clearly making strides back in the right direction. He’s only a number three fantasy receiving option at the moment, but he’s got great potential to improve quickly.