FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY NIGHT FF QUICK TAKES (WEEK 10)

November 10th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Friday Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Quick Takes

Passers that are Slingin It

Dak Prescott (Cowboys) The Cowboys signal caller Dak Prescott has been on a heater over his last three starts. He is completing 71.4% of his passes averaging 316.7 yards passing per game with 8 touchdowns and a passer rating of 120.73. Prescott and the Cowboys have won two of their last three, falling just short last week against the Eagles. This week with a home tilt against the Giants, Prescott should be considered mid-to-low QB-1.

Joe Burrow (Bengals) The Bengals passer has been on a roll of late finishing in the Top-10 fantasy quarterbacks for the week in three of his last four starts. Through his last four games Burrow is averaging 283.2 yards passing, completing 76.9% of his passes while tossing 10 touchdowns. With a matchup against the Texans secondary ranked 24th against the pass, Burrow is locked in as a low-end QB-1 this week.

Sam Howell (Commanders) The Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has been slinging it pretty good over his last three games. During this span Howell has averaged 323.7 yards passing per game with completing over 65% of his passes. With quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa on a bye, Howell is in play this week as a low end QB-1 starter.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: 10 THINGS FOR SUNDAY

November 5th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

10 Things for Sunday

It’s Sunday morning, we have early morning football from Germany on the tube and NFL Sunday Week 9 is underway. With the main slate set to kickoff in just about 2 hours, I have a few questions as I look over the matchups today. 

Who’s going to have a big game, will anyone shock the world, and are we in for some high scoring affairs. Some of these are just general questions concerning today, but as I take a closer look at Week 9 here are the 10 questions.

1. Can Action Jackson serve up some Home Cooking?

Lamar Jackson is having a very good 23 campaign and with a home tilt today against the Seahawks he’ll look to continue. In his last two home starts he has 696 yards of offense and six touchdowns. Today could be big numbers.

2. Will the return of Watson Spark the Browns?

The Browns quarterback makes his return today after missing 3 of the team’s last four games. While his return should be a boost to the offense, just as important running back Jerome Ford appears ready to lead the backfield today. The Browns should fare well on the ground today against the Cardinals.

3. Is it Time for Stroud to Shine?

The Texans rookie signal caller has been relatively quiet the past several weeks. After throwing 7 touchdowns in his first 5 games averaging 292 yards passing, he has just two scoring throws and 169.5 yards passing per game. A home matchup with a leaky Tampa Bay secondary could be the fix needed, dial up some Texans receivers today.

4. Can Derek Carr Stay Hot?

The Saints passer has thrown for over 300 yards in three straight contests. He has the Bears 30th ranked pass defense on the slate today and a good chance to make it four. The Bears have allowed over 300 yards passing three times this season and gave up 298 in Week 8.

5. Can a Change at QB Spark some Offense?

The Falcons will play host today to the Vikings and will be doing so with a change at quarterback. Taylor Heinicke will take over the offense today for Atlanta in hope of sparking more offense through the air. In relief last week Heinicke stepped in and completed 12 of 21 with a touchdown. With no Drake London, today could be the Kyle Pitts, Van Jefferson, and Bijan Robinson show.

6. Is it Time to Set Jones Free (again)?

There were calls a couple of seasons ago to set Aaron Jones free. This season the Packers running back has been hampered by a lingering hamstring injury, but finally there may be a ray of hope. Per the Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur, Jones has looked good in practice this week and the team could be ready to cut him loose. If Jones is turned loose, he’ll have a chance to be an RB-1 today. 

7. Who will catch passes for the Patriots today?

The Patriots are depleted at the receiver position today with Kendrick Bourne placed on IR earlier this week and DeVante Parker ruled out. Could today be JuJu Smith-Schuster time? JuJu has only recorded 15 catches this season, including one last week for 3 yards. This is a tough situation fantasy managers may want to avoid.

8. Is it Taylor’s Time?

The Colts running back Zack Moss has continued to be a big part of the team's running game, but for two straight weeks now Jonathan Taylor has led the team in Rushing. Last week was Taylor’s best rushing output, with 95 yards on 12 carries and with a Week 9 matchup against a Panthers 24th ranked run defense, Taylor could be poised for a big day. Dial up some JT today. 

9. Will Big Changes in Vegas Pay Fantasy Dividends?

The Raiders decided to clean house after their Monday night loss to the Lions. The Raiders offense looked bad and now with the firings of HC Josh McDaniels and the GM, the team announced a change at quarterback. With rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell under center, is there hope for Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers to be productive? The Raiders offense looked bad on Monday night, so they really can’t get any worse, I am willing to roll the dice with a home matchup with the Giants.

10. Can Joe Cool Chill the Bills?

The Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been playing well the past several weeks and the offense could be on the verge of hitting on all pistons. With Ja’Marr Chase (fantasy WR5) playing great and Tee Higgins getting healthier, Burrow may be just getting started. The Bills secondary and defense has allowed the 6th most passing yards over the past 4 weeks, expect Joe and company to push those numbers higher. Dial up your Big Cats today.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WEEK 2 FF START'EMS

September 16th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Week 2

Start'Ems

My Week Starts for Sunday and Monday.

QB-Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) - Last season in their divisional round matchup, Lawrence fell flat passing for just 217 yards with one touchdown and an interception. There’s nothing like home cooking and this Sunday the Jaguars third-year quarterback will find redemption and a big day against the defending champs. The Chiefs defense had a decent showing in week one, but Lawrence has got himself some nice weapons he’ll be showcasing on Sunday and they should lead to a big day. Start him.

RB-James Cook (Bills) - Cook dominated the snap counts (59.4%) and usage (16 touches) for the Bills backfield in week one. Although his production was a bit pedestrian (RB27) at best in week one, Cook has a favorable matchup in week 2 where the ceiling is raised. Cook faces a Raiders defense that allowed 10 receptions to opposing running backs and almost 4.5 yards per carry in week one. This sets up potentially for a very nice game for Cook, start him.

WR-Tee Higgins (Bengals) - The Bengals wideout was targeted 8 times in week one and did not post a single catch. You can almost guarantee that will never happen again and most likely what will happen is a bounce back game. Higgins has a truly special player in his teammate Ja’Marr Chase lining up on the other side of the field, who will also look to bounce back this week, so I am going to temper my expectations. I expect Higgins to grab a handful of passes, but more importantly he finds the endzone, start him.

WR-Deebo Samuel (49ers) - Last week it was Brandon Aiyuk featured in the pass game, but Deebo was still a big part and played on 86.8% of snaps (to Aiyuk’s 85.3%). Deebo (week one WR36) has scored in four of his last five meetings against the Rams, scoring five times. I believe he’s a strong bet to find pay dirt in this one, of course you are starting him.

TE-Hunter Henry (Patriots) - This take is one part due to usage and another part due to matchup. In week one Henry played on 78.8% of the offensive snaps. He was targeted six times and finished week one as the TE1. His matchup this week is against a Dolphins defense that allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Henry likely won’t have a lot of catches and yards, but he’s a good bet to reach the end zone in this one, start him.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FANTASY FIXX

September 15th, 2023

David’s Daily 

Friday Morning Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Fixx

(Week 2)

(Favorable Matchups)

After one week of data it doesn’t get any easier for fantasy owners to decide who to start and who to sit, but the information does help. So let’s take a look at the week 2 matchups and set our lineups for Sunday.

QB-Jared Goff (Lions) - Coming off a week 1 win over the defending champion Chiefs, Lions quarterback Jared Goff will be playing with a lot of confidence in this week 2 matchup. Goff and company will square off against a Seahawks defense that allowed 334 yards passing (3rd most) in week one. This could be a big afternoon for Goff.

RB-Bijan Robinson (Falcons) - Considering his usage in the passing game in week one, this Sunday against the Packers could be a big afternoon for the Rookie. Robinson was targeted six times in week one and will face a Packers defense that allowed 11 receptions (2nd most) last week. The Falcons rookie should have another productive Sunday.

WR-DeAndre Hopkins (Titans) - Just playing the numbers with this call. Last week Hopkins was heavily targeted and no reason it should not continue. This Sunday the Titans will face a Chargers secondary that surrendered the most receptions, yards, and touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. Fantasy owners can expect Hopkins to turn in another busy Sunday.

WR-Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals) - After a quiet week one, this sets up to be a great bounce back game for Chase and the Bengals offense. In two games versus the Ravens last season Chase was targeted 25 times, so the elite wideout can be expected to be heavily involved in the passing game this week.

TE-Evan Engram (Jaguars) - The Jags tight end was a bit quiet in week one, but still finished as the No.5 fantasy tight end with 5 catches for 49 yards. This week Engram will take his shot at the Chiefs defense that surrendered 7 catches (tied for 3rd most) last week to the opposing tight end. Last postseason, the Chiefs were able to limit Engram to 31 yards receiving, but that was the pre-Ridley era. Results this Sunday should be very different.

These are not necessarily considered week 2 start’ems, as some are of course already locked in your lineups as they should be. These are rather my predictions or feelings about their respective week 2 matchups and outcomes this weekend. 

These are my week 2 favorites with some great matchups.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Evening Edition
October 19th 2019

Week 7: Fantasy Football Notes

Numbers to Know

The Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (Fantasy WR3) is averaging 11.5 targets and 7.5 receptions per contest this season. His 69 targets leads the league and his 45 receptions rank 2nd through six weeks.

Jaguars running back Leonard Fournette (Fantasy RB9) is averaging more than 19 carries per contest this season and he has also added another 26 receptions on 36 targets; his 36 targets ranks 7th amongst running backs in 2019.

Through six games, the Bengals defense ranks last in fantasy versus opposing running backs, allowing the most fantasy points. The Bengals have also allowed the 3rd most receptions to opposing ball carriers, as well as the most rushing yards; week 7 opponent, Ja

The Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (Fantasy WR15) ranks 5th this season with 56 targets in six games. His 402 receiving yards ranks 20th among receives, but he also has 40 receptions good enough for (tied) 4th best.

The Giants 2019 run defense through six games has allowed the 6th most rushing yards and the 3rd most receiving yards to opposing running backs; week 7 opponent, Arizona.

David Johnson (Fantasy RB5) is second on the team (Cardinals) in receiving this season through six weeks with 30 receptions on 41 targets. His 41 targets ranks 3rd among running backs and his 30 snags ranks 5th. Johnson has also added 298 rushing yards and five total touchdowns (2 rushing, 3 receiving).

The Eagles tight end Zach Ertz has been quiet this season, but his 33 receptions and 366 receiving yards both rank 5th among tight ends. Even with modest numbers, Ertz is being heavily targeted this season; his 54 targets ranks second for tight ends and tied for 9th overall.

The Cowboys have allowed the 9th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Through six weeks, the Boys have also allowed the 5th most receptions and the 6th most receiving yards to opposing tight ends; week 7 opponent, Eagles.

All rankings based on PPR scoring, according to Fantasy Data.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Late Night Edition
October 11th 2019

Week 6: Four Horsemen

QB-Gardner Minshew, JAX: The Jaguars quarterback has been a solid fantasy starter over the past 3 weeks, ranking as the No.8 fantasy QB. This week Minshew mania storms the field in Jacksonville to take on the Saints and a defense that has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks over the past 4 weeks. In his last three starts Minshew has passed for 791 yards, 6 touchdowns, and zero picks. He’s a solid play for Week 6, start him!

RB-Le’Veon Bell, NYJ: The Jets running has been a high volume usage monster through four games this season, totalling 98 touches. Bell currently ranks as the No.17 fantasy RB and this week takes on a Dallas defense that has allowed the 10th most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past 4 weeks. Bell has 27 receptions (ranks 3rd among RBs through 5 weeks) and has 166 receiving yards (ranks 9th). The Cowboys have allowed 37 receptions to opposing running backs, ranks tied for the 3rd most allowed through five weeks, so Bell owners can expect a busy Sunday for Jets ball carrier; start him. 

WR-Auden Tate, CIN: Cincinnati’s strolls into Baltimore on Sunday and Auden Tate will start as the Bengals No.2 receiver. With Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd likely being the focus of the Ravens defense, Tate figures to be the beneficiary. Over the past 4 weeks, the Ravens defense has allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including 873 receiving yards (3rd most). Tate is a bit of risky play, but the numbers show, he has upside potential play in this matchup; he’s my start.

TE-Greg Olsen, CAR: The Buccaneers defense has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing tight ends over the past 4 weeks, including 29 receptions and 391 receiving yards (most allowed). This Sunday Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, the No. 9 fantasy TE through 5 weeks will look to rebound after getting shutout in Week 5 and only totaling 2 receptions over his past two games. In week 2, Olsen finished with 6 receptions for 110 yards receiving against the same Bucs defense he will see on Sunday; start him. 

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 28th 2017

Saturday Afternoon Edition

My Perfect Lineup Week 8

(NFL.com)

Just a quick week 7 review, Brees was my quarterback last week and he finished No.10, my running backs were McCoy and Freeman, both finished No.2 and No.19 respectively; not bad, but certainly not great. My receivers were Julio and Dez, No.4 and No.9 a vast improvement, and Jimmy Graham (No.6 fantasy TE) wasn’t far off.

For a perfect lineup (standard scoring), a bit off the pace no doubt, but not a bad DFS play (if the salaries work). My Kicker and D/ST were both decent, finishing 7th for Week 7. Final results for week 7, probably not too bad, but we are certainly looking for more from my Week 8 picks;

QB-Carson Wentz; the Eagles quarterback has been on fire of late and with a golden matchup with the Niners at home, he has to be this week’s favorite at QB. Wentz is currently the No.2 fantasy QB with 17 touchdowns and 260 yards passing per game.

RB-Le’Veon Bell; the Steelers running back has been the focal point of the offense all season and that’s not changing this week. Bell is averaging nearly 29 touches per game and the Lions

RB-Jordan Howard; the Bears running back has been running like thunder through opposing defenses this season with 560 rushing yards (ranks 5th in the league). He’s only the No.14 fantasy RB (in PPR), but I feel good about his matchup against the Saints this week. Remember, last week the Saints allowed 131 yards rushing to Packers running back Aaron Jones.

WR-AJ Green; the Bengals passing game starts and finishes with Green. He’s the No.6 fantasy WR (in PPR) this season and looks to improve his ranking this week against the Colts. Colts allow the 5th most fantasy points to opposing receivers and the 6th most over the past 4 weeks; looking good for AJ on Sunday.

WR-Keenan Allen; the Chargers receiver is one of the most targeted receivers in the league with 68 this season (3rd most). The Patriots have played well this season, but they will have all they can handle trying to cover Allen and the rest of the Chargers receivers. Allen is the go-to, so I expect to see him post numbers on Sunday.

TE-Rob Gronkowski; Gronk has been quiet of late and regardless of the matchup, he’s always has a chance to blow up. I am just taking a shot here and playing the odds. Gronk is still the No.2 fantasy TE this season, but has only scored in double-digit fantasy points in 3 of 6 games and last week he only posted 8.10 fantasy points (in PPR).

PK-Jake Elliott; let’s face it the Eagles are going to score a lot on Sunday against the Niners. I like Elliott’s chances to hit a couple of chip shots and posting double digit points on Sunday.

D/ST-Bengals defense; just playing the numbers with this matchup. The Bengals have a sound defense and they are at home this week. The Bengals will matchup against a Colts offense that ranks 28th in the league in Total Offense and they in turn are the No.2 defense this season. Something’s gotta give, so rolling with Cincy.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 10th 2017

Tuesday Late Night Edition

On The Cover This Week

He is Mr.Under-rated

The Bengals wide receiver AJ Green is probably the best least talked about receiver in the game. And he shouldn't be. When fantasy analysts and Football experts are talking about Julio Jones, Antonio Brown, and Odell Beckham Jr, most of the time Green does not get mentioned.

The talented receiver has not played a full season since 2015, but when's he's been healthy and on the field it's hard to argue that's there's anyone better. In 2016 Green missed 6 games and in 2014 he missed three, but if you look at his numbers and project them out over a full 16 games here's how they would have likely looked; 2016 numbers, 105 receptions for 1,542 yards and 6 touchdowns (295.2 fantasy points would have ranked 5th), 2014 numbers, 85 receptions for 1,281 yards and 7 touchdowns (255.1 fantasy points would have ranked 13th).

Except for his rookie season, his projected 13th finished would have been his worst finish.

When he's played 16 games, three times in 2012, 2013, and 2015, here's how Green has finished; 2012 he finished with 299.8 fantasy points (ranked 3rd), in 2013 he finished with 306.6 fantasy points (ranked 4th) and in 2015 he finished with .

Now let's look at the first five weeks of this season. Currently Green is the No.3 fantasy receiver in PPR. His 32 receptions ranked 3rd in the league, his 504 yards receiving are second to Antonio Brown's 545, and his 3 touchdowns are ranked 4th (also tied with players like Odell Beckham Jr, Dez Bryant, and Nelson Agholor).

I believe the numbers speak for themselves. Green has proven he's as good as anyone, yet we seem to hear his name as much as we probably should. Maybe the next time we talk about the best receivers in the game we should start with Mr. Underrated (AJ Green).

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

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

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 14th 2017

Thursday Edition

My Thursday Night Takes

The Houston Texans will travel to Cincinnati tonight in our Weekly Thursday Night Matchup, and unfortunately for those fans that enjoy lots of points this affair has the makings of an ugly matchup and not a lot of points. That being said, there’s still going to be some fantasy relevance, whether you play or avoid certain play.

Here are some of my Thursday night takes for fantasy owners;

The Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to start. Its unlikely fantasy owners even drafted Watson this season, except for maybe Dynasty leagues, but his matchup this week has the potential of being a train wreck. He’s only played quarterback for a half in the NFL and he’s gets his first start on the road and a short week; nuff said.

Although his quarterback may struggle tremendously tonight, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is almost assured to see a plethora of targets. Even with 16 targets in week one Hopkins was not able to generate much of a big game, but his 4th quarter score was able to salvage the day. Fantasy owners may be able to count on the same happening here tonight, especially if the Bengals get up big.

One area of success the Texans offense may be able to rely on tonight, is the running game led by running back Lamar Miller. The Bengals defense did not struggle too poorly in week one allowing 157 yards on the ground; they held Ravens ball carriers to less than 4 yards per carry on 42 attempts. This one could be close throughout providing Miller plenty of opportunity to accumulate the carries; Miller’s got a good shot at 20 or so carries and 100 yards.

Perhaps the favorite play tonight will be the Bengals Defense. The team is coming off an embarrassing week one loss and with a home game tonight and the prospects of facing a rookie quarterback the thinking could be someone ring the dinner bell. Bengals D should be a DFS streaming favorite this week.

And his name is Dalton; quote from the movie Roadhouse. Unfortunately quarterback Andy Dalton is not our hero, as was displayed in week one. Dalton has a tendency to be like that, cold and hot, so tonight at home could be quite the opposite from last Sunday. I’m not gambling any farms away on this, Dalton should be decent against the Texans, but hardly worth starting.

Fortunately for wide receiver AJ Green, a good game for Dalton only means good things for Green. In week one AJ was targeted 10 times finishing 5/74, he’s going to be featured heavily once again. The Texans do have good corners so owners should not expect a huge game; more in the line with week one numbers, but maybe add a score.

I’m not going to bank on a bounce back game for tight end Tyler Eifert who was targeted just once in week one. He’ll be a part of the passing game plan, but may only put up modest numbers. I, however think he gets a couple of looks in the red-zone tonight and may be able to cash one in. He’s a tough play, especially in DFS.

The area of confusion fantasy owners may have trouble sorting through for tonight’s matchup is the Bengals backfield; running backs Jeremy Hill, Giovanni Bernard, and (rookie) Joe Mixon. There’s no easy read here where the team might commit, but of the three Giovanni looked like the best in week one. Hill and Mixon will get looks on the ground, but if you have to play any of the three I am leaning with Bernard because of his pass catching prowess.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 8th 2016
Saturday Evening Edition

Week 5 Sunday Sleepers

After taking a look at this week's matchups, here's a small pair of wide receivers that could have big days on Sunday.

With the Redskins 25th ranked pass defense rolling into town, Ravens wideout Steve Smith Sr. could be looking to build off his recent success. Smith is coming off games of 87 yards and 111 yards receiving and has seen a significant spike in targets (22 in the last two weeks). With the Redskins allowing the 5th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, Smith should have plenty of opportunities to make noise on Sunday. Smith is a nice flex play this week and mid-WR3 in deeper leagues.

Another value at wide receiver this week is the Cowboys Cole Beasley. The Cowboys 5th year receiver has been pretty steady this season averaging nearly 70 yards receiving per game and has 23 catches on the year. This week the Cowboys play host to the Bengals and their 11th ranked pass defense. This should fare well for Beasley as the Bengals allow the 12th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and the Cowboys will once again not have Dez Bryant available. Beasley is not a big red-zone target, but he could get some extra looks on Sunday and cash them in for a big afternoon. Beasley is more of a flyer this week, but could have some flex appeal.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega