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

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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

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Friday Evening Edition
October 4th 2019

Friday Fantasy Fixx

Week 5 Lineup Decisions

Running Back Trends
Over the past two weeks, here are the top 10 most used running backs;

1. Christian McCaffrey, CAR: 64 touches (51 carries/13 receptions)
2. Le’Veon Bell, NYJ: 53 touches (39/14)*
3. Leonard Fournette, JAX: 52 touches (44/8)
4. Nick Chubb, CLE: 50 touches (43/7)
5. Kerryon Johnson, DET: 49 touches (46/3)
6. Derrick Henry, TEN: 46 touches (44/2)
7. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL: 45 touches (37/8)
8. Alvin Kamara, NO: 45 touches (33/12)
9. David Montgomery, CHI: 40 touches (34/6)
10. Dalvin Cook, MIN: 40 touches (30/10)

DNP Week 4*

Targets to Target
Over the past two weeks, these are the top 10 targeted wide receivers;

1. Mike Evans, TB - 22 targets
2. Keenan Allen, LAC - 22 targets
3. Cole Beasley, BUF - 22 targets
4. Davante Adams, GB - 19 targets*
5. Jarvis Landry, CLE - 19 targets
6. Preston Williams, MIA - 19 targets
7. Chris Godwin, TB - 18 targets
8. Sterling Shepard, NYG - 18 targets
9. Josh Gordon, NE - 18 targets
10. Mohamed Sanu, ATL - 18 targets

Out for Week 5*

PPR Specials
Over the past two weeks, these are the top 10 targeted running backs;

1. David Johnson, ARI - 20 targets
2. Christian McCaffrey, CAR - 14 targets
3. Le’Veon Bell, NYJ - 14 targets*
4. James White, NE - 14 targets
5. Alvin Kamara, NO - 13 targets
6. Dalvin Cook, MIN - 13 targets
7. Devonta Freeman, ATL - 13 targets
8. Austin Ekeler, LAC - 12 targets
9. Saquan Barkley, NYG - 12 targets*
10. James Conner, PIT: 12 targets

DNP Week 4*

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

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August 28th 2017

Monday Night Late Edition

Fantasy Draft Watch

Late Round Values

Part of a any great draft is being able to find value wherever you can. With so many studs loaded up front, there’s just more talent available than value. As your fantasy drafts progress you will see some players fall much further than expected and that’s where you will find the value to make your draft a success.

What I am saying, players like David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell are going to come off the board early and even players like Michael Thomas and the Jordan Howard will go quick. But once you get into the mid-rounds you’re going to see certain players that have legitimate upside still sitting there.

One player I like is the Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. With Jordan Matthews now off to Buffalo, his departure has opened up 117 targets in the Eagles passing game from a season ago. Ertz is going to be one of quarterback Carson Wentz primary targets this season and should be in line for a heavier dose of targets, coming off 106 from last season. Currently his ADP is 101.4 according to FFC (Fantasy Football Calculator) in 12 team leagues and he’s going off the board as the No. 9 fantasy tight end, so he’s someone with upside that you can wait on.

Another potential hidden gem is Redskins starting running back Rob Kelley. He looked very good in the team’s dress rehearsal third preseason game against the Bengals finishing with 57 yards rushing and figures to be the starter to open the season. Kelley is currently going off the board as the No. 34 fantasy running back with an ADP of 7.05 (according to FFC). Last season Kelley only started 9 games, playing in 15 and finished as the No. 26 fantasy runner in standard leagues. I love his value at his current ADP, he is virtually a steal and could be a nice flex option during the early bye weeks.

Like Kelley, the Panthers Jonathan Stewart is going off the board fairly late; the No. 41 fantasy running back according to FFC. His ADP of 9.01 puts him around the 9th round and a nice value for owners looking to add depth. There’s a lot of hype surrounding rookie running back Christian McCaffrey, but Stewart is still going to be involved and tackle most of the heavy lifting in short-yardage and possibly goal line. Stewart was the No. 29 back last season and should see enough work between the 20s to reach the similar numbers this season. His ceiling may be limited, but he’s got a nice floor owners can work with.

With the sudden loss of wide receiver Julian Edelman, there is going to be a lot more balls to go around in the Patriots passing game. Already considered hot fantasy stocks, tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Brandin Cooks should now see a spike in their target share this season. Another benefactor will be running back James White. Last season the Patriots ball carrier also managed 60 receptions on 86 targets finishing as the No. 26 fantasy back in PPR. He could easily see north of 100 targets this season and finish around near the top 20. With a current ADP of 13.05 (according to FFC) and going off the board outside the top 50 for running backs, White is basically going undrafted and risk free in any format.

That’s My Take

~David Ortega

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August 25th 2017

Friday Late Night Edition

Fantasy Draft Watch

PPR Studs

When it comes to fantasy football, I will play any format, standard, DFS, Head-to-Head, rotisserie style. There’s no question that one of my favorites and one of the most popular is PPR or points-per-reception. In this format players are rewarded with a half-point and a full point (other leagues may vary) for each reception.

In this format, the emphasis is on the pass-catching players, wide receivers, tight ends and these guys, my PPR studs. These will be the guys fantasy owners can count on to see a heavy volume of targets and receptions throughout the season.

Now you have your top tier elite PPR ballers in running backs David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell, so these are the backs a couple of tiers down that specialize at the passing game. At the top of my list for such candidates include the new Ravens running back Danny Woodhead. When he was in San Diego, Woodhead was featured in the passing attack. Last season Woodhead’s season was cut short to two games, but back in 2015 when he played all 16, he lead all running backs with 106 targets and tied for the most receptions with 80. If he can stay healthy, which has been an issue in recent years, no question he’s a PPR stud.

Another capable pass-catcher out of the backfield includes the Lions running back Theo Riddick. In 2015 Riddick tied with Woodhead with 80 receptions (on 99 targets) to lead all running backs and again in  2016 he was a top 10 running back in targets with 67. Despite only touching the ball 159 times last season, Riddick still finished as the number 25 running back in PPR.

Without a doubt and up and comer in the PPR fantasy world is the Browns 2nd year running back Duke Johnson. The kid out of Miami University has proven to be excellent out of the backfield totaling 74 targets in each of his first two seasons finishing with 114 receptions, finishing only behind Theo Riddick (133 receptions), Devonta Freeman (127 receptions), and David Johnson (116 receptions) over that same span. The word is Duke is expected to be even more involved this season; can you say upside.

Now this back is a bit of sneaky play and one you can likely get at great value. The Jets running back Bilal Powell is coming off the board around the 6th round as the RB28 (according to FFC). Over the past season Powell has seen 137 targets and hauled in 105 balls, making him a prime value PPR play at his current ADP. The Jets are in rebuild mode and there’s just not much there right now, even with the presence of Matt Forte. Last season Powell saw 205 touches finishing as the number RB16 in PPR; would not surprise to see him equal of increase his touches in 2017.

Okay, with all of that shared and said, one more.

Perhaps a sleeper or some great late round value with the Giants running back Shane Vereen. There’s been nothing said or reported recently that should have anyone believing Vereen won’t be a part of the offense this season. Vereen has a current ADP of 13.07, coming off the board around the 13th round as the RB58. Vereen missed a lot of time last season which is likely why he is the forgotten man in New York, but back in 2015 he played in all 16 games finishing with 81 targets, 59 receptions, and a total of 120 touches; not a huge volume but good enough for Vereen to finish as the RB26 (flex play territory). Savvy Owners will be looking at him in the later rounds.

That’s My Take

~David Ortega

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August 21st 2017

Monday Night Edition

On the Cover This Week

Aaron is the Man!

Whether you like the Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers or the Patriots signal caller, Tom Brady either one is going to be fine for you in fantasy this season. However, if you hope to grab either the price is going to be high.

Right now Aaron Rodgers is going off the board as this year’s number one Fantasy Quarterback with a current ADP of 2.09 (according to FFC). Last season Rodgers turned in another stellar season finishing with 4,428 yards passing, 40 touchdowns, and 4 rushing touchdowns, finishing as the number one player in fantasy football standard leagues (he was second behind running back David Johnson). This was his fourth time in the past six seasons with at least 40 total touchdowns.

How good is Rodgers?

Since 2008, excluding his shortened due to injury 2013 season, Rodgers has finished as the number fantasy scoring player (in standard leagues) four out of seven seasons, finishing second twice, and third in the other three seasons. In PPR formats here’s how Rodgers has finished (top 10 finishes only); 2016-2nd, 2014-3rd, 2012-3rd, 2011-1st, 2010-4th, and 2009-2nd.

If Rodgers is not the man, then he is Mr. Fantasy Football!

Taking a quarterback early is tough, because you pass up on a lot of value you need to fill at a lot of other positions, but at the tail-end of the 2nd round taking Rodgers may be a price worth paying.

That’s My Take

~David Ortega

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August 9th, 2017

Wednesday Night Edition

Draft Watch: Eyeing the Backfield

In this year’s draft, like most from past fantasy seasons, there are your notable stud running backs (DJ, Bell, Zeke, & Shady) that everyone will target. They are no secret and if you have a high draft slot you’ll be in the market to make a grab.

You’ll hear this alot and I’ll say it here as well, when drafting beyond the obvious picks what you should be looking for in your draft is “value.” It’s not just who you take, but when you take them. Reaching too early can cost you a lot of value at the top and reaching too late you’ll miss out on those players that will pay huge dividends throughout the season.

After the first round (in the early rounds), running backs that are not too early to reach for in my opinion are DeMarco Murray (Titans), Jay Ajayi (Dolphins), Jordan Howard (Bears), Todd Gurley (Rams), and Leonard Fournette (Jaguars). With this group, what I like best about them is their potential volume. None have a real threat in the backfield to steal their workload. Ajayi looks very appealing with the recent change at quarterback and Fournette is expected to be a workhorse.

Once you hit the mid-rounds (round 4 and on), in particular in PPR formats, pass catching running backs that I like and should reap plenty of rewards are Danny Woodhead (Ravens), Ty Montgomery (Packers), Ameer Abdullah (Lions), Paul Perkins (Giants), and Christian McCaffrey (Panthers). I see most of these guys going in the 5th and 6th rounds as early RB3 with some potential as an RB2. I believe Woodhead could set the bar for receptions this season and even as a rookie I believe McCaffrey could make a run at 65 to 70 catches.

The late round fliers that will come cheap and could pay-off big in my estimation are running backs Theo Riddick (Lions), Duke Johnson (Browns), Giovani Bernard (Bengals), and James White (Patriots). As late as these guys could be had, even with only 40-45 catches, they are a great value as a flex options and bye week fills.

A couple of names that are being undervalued that owners should be able to snag at a great price are the Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (ADP 94.3), Ravens running back Terrance West (ADP 83), and Jets running back Matt Forte (ADP 105.7). Now these guys may not win your league, but they are low risk with potential.

That’s my take.

~David Ortega

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August 7th 2017

Monday Night Edition

On the Cover this Week

Who are you Drafting at No.1?

In most drafts, except for maybe two quarterback leagues, at the top of the list of this year’s fantasy drafts are last years running back studs; the Cardinals David Johnson, the Steelers Le’Veon Bell, and the Cowboys Ezekiel Elliott. The current trend is any one of these three could go number one in your draft and there’s plenty of argument to support all.

Even running backs LeSean McCoy (14 total touchdowns in 2016) and Melvin Gordon (over 1,400 total yards in 13 games last season) could warrant such a high consideration in this season. Ah yes, decisions, decisions.

And don’t think it gets any easier.

Although the trend appears to be focused on the backfield, wide receivers Julio Jones (2nd in yards receiving in 2016), Odell Beckham Jr (3rd in receptions in 2016), and of course Antonio Brown (2nd in receptions in 2016) are getting their share of love in fantasy drafts. And why not, these studs can put up ridiculous numbers on any given Sunday.

And let’s not forget AJ Green (964 yards receiving in 10 games last season) and Mike Evans (12 touchdowns in 2016); these boys will be back again for a big season in 2017.

Whether you are looking at any of these studs in your coming drafts or have your sites focused on some other, if you are sitting in the top spot of your leagues pending draft the big question is, who are you taking at Number one?

~David Ortega

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August 5th, 2017

Early Saturday Morning Edition

Saturday Fantasy Notes

Talking Fantasy Draft

We’ve officially reached the new season with the Hall of Fame game concluded; the 2017 season is underway and it’s time to start talking fantasy football.

The Consensus Pick-Six (Average ADP)

After reviewing several ADP sites and participating in many, many mock-drafts, unequivocally the consensus top six draft picks have been running backs David Johnson (20 touchdowns in 2016), Le’Veon Bell (1,884 total yards in 12 games), Ezekiel Elliott (1,631 yards rushing last season), and wide receivers Antonio Brown (106 receptions in 2016), Julio Jones (1,409 yards receiving in 14 games), and Odell Beckham Jr (10 touchdowns last season). My official position, I’m not advocating when to take these players or in this particular order, but I do agree with their value and could argue for taking them where they are currently falling. The interesting pick is sitting in the 5th or 6th spot, is there someone else that you might value before this group of six; of course league format and scoring come into play when considering.

“Living on the Edge”

If you are following the trend in the current mock-drafts going on and watercooler conversations taking place, these are the names that are being discussed; running backs LeSean McCoy (14 touchdowns last season), Melvin Gordon (1,416 total yards in 13 games in 2016), and wide receivers AJ Green (averaged 10 targets per game last season) and Mike Evans (12 touchdowns in 2016). There’s great value here in this group and nothing wrong with taking any earlier than the six pick. Anywhere beyond the sixth slot and these guys are good to go.

These are the early numbers for current fantasy league drafts that I am seeing and hearing, where the trends change and where you’ll have to savvy this season will start in the second round where there’s a log jam of interchangeable options fantasy owners are going to have to weigh and consider.

“A Call to Arms”

Quarterbacks will be deep this season, so there’s no rush to grab one too early, but if you are in the market the gold standards in fantasy are still Aaron Rodgers (40 passing touchdowns in 2016), Drew Brees (5,000 passing yards for the 5th time in his career), and 5-time Superbowl Champion Tom Brady (28 passing touchdowns in 12 games). Beyond the Big Three, there will be plenty of fish left in the market as you make your way into the third and fourth round.

If you are targeting a 2nd tier arm for fantasy, you should be safe sitting on this pick for a few rounds further, there should still be good value here. Quarterbacks like Matt Ryan, Andrew Luck, Russell Wilson, and Derek Carr are not coming off the board until the 4th and 5th round (depending on the size of your league) and many as late as the 8th and 9th; so plan your draft accordingly.

Your Fantasy Draft is coming, are you ready for some (Fantasy) Football?

~David Ortega

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August 1st, 2017

Tuesday Late Night Edition

Football is Back Baby!

It’s that time of year once again, it’s August 1st. Football is back and of course that can only mean one thing for the fanatical football fan and fantasy enthusiast.

Fantasy Football has returned and with it all of the compelling drama, excitement, and heartbreak the fantasy football community have come to love, enjoy, and despise. If we’ve learned anything from seasons past, we are all gluttons for this annual and season long punishment.

And this year promises to be no different than those of our hallowed and horrific past with so many new storylines; new faces in old places, old faces in new places, the rookie bandwagon,and training camps finally open everywhere.

For some of you the drafting early, it can’t come soon enough, but for others that will draft later this month, grab your pencil and pad and start taking notes, there’s plenty to follow this summer; Fantasy story #1-Brandin Cooks lands in New England, Fantasy story#2-Andrew Luck opens camp on the PUP, Fantasy story#3-Kyle Shanahan goes to San Francisco and WR Pierre Garcon follows, Fantasy story#4-Does an injury in Baltimore shake up the backfield?, and Fantasy story#5-Is there room in New Orleans for Adrian Peterson and Mark Ingram?

Of course these are just a few of the current stories and with a whole camp in front of us and the preseason still to be played, we’ll have plenty of time to touch all of these stories and the many new ones just waiting to surface.

As we take a quick look ahead to our pending drafts and review many of the available ADPs that are circulating and available online, the one trending consensus seems to be the new “Ridiculous Six” for 2017; (RB) David Johnson, (RB) Le’Veon Bell, (WR) Antonio Brown, (WR) Julio Jones, (WR) Odell Beckham Jr, and (RB) Ezekiel Elliott.

So as we say every year, with so many changes in the off-season, so many players, so many choices, decisions, decisions, who are you taking first?

Who’s ready to play!?!?

~David Ortega

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January 1st, 2017
Sunday Morning Edition

My Perfect Lineup

With one week left to play regular season fantasy, here is my Draftday Perfect Lineup.

QB-Matt Ryan - Ryan has been hot all season and today he gets a Saints defense that has allowed the 7th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

RB-David Johnson - Johnson has been the Cardinals MVP this season, so you have to wonder how long he’ll play. Regardless, while he’s in there he should dominate touches and could find the end zone a couple of times.

RB-Bilal Powell - Bills run defense has been awful this season, allowing the most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past four weeks and Powell will get his crack at them today.

WR-Julio Jones - With Ryan playing as well as he has, when healthy Jones has been a monster. He’s back today and the Saints defense should be scared.

WR-Jordy Nelson - the Packers wideout has looked like his old self of late and today he faces the Lions defense that has surrendered the 6th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers.

WR-Michael Thomas - the Saints-Falcons games is lining up to be a high scoring affair today and with Brees tossing the pigskin, any of his receivers has a chance at a big game. Expect Thomas to add to his 8 touchdown total.

TE-Travis Kelce - the Chiefs tight end has been a force at times and averaging better than 9 targets per game over his last six, he’s in line for another busy and productive Sunday.

PK-Justin Tucker - the Ravens kicker has been money all season. The Bengals may keep the Flacco and company out of the end zone, but Tucker will put points on the board.

DEF-Broncos - no Derek Carr today, coming off a humiliating loss, and having lost the first matchup with the Raiders this season, expect Wade Phillips to stack the line and turn the dogs loose today.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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December 31st 2016
Saturday Afternoon Edition

Last Chance to Play in 16

This being the final weekend of the NFL regular season and with most season long redraft leagues having concluded last weekend, this is the final chance to play fantasy football in 2016.

With season long leagues over, what’s left? If your league is complete, don’t forget DFS has weekly games, so there’s still plenty of fantasy left. And don’t forget, the NFL Playoff Challenge, just more fantasy fun.

For some Week 17 fantasy magic where do owners look? Well let’s start with the matchups that will offer fantasy appeal; Giant-Redskins, Saints-Falcons, and Packers-Lions all have much at stake, so starters will be playing til the end in these contests. A couple of other interesting matchups that warrant some appeal; Patriots-Dolphins and Broncos-Raiders.

These matchups have the appeal of knowing your starters will play and when looking them over, the standouts start with the quarterbacks. This week DFS players have to love the Packers Aaron Rodgers ($8,800 salary), since week 6 in his last 10 starts he is averaging 25.31, scoring no fewer than 21.24 fantasy points in 8 of those 10. In his week 3 matchup this season versus the Lions, Rodgers tossed 4 touchdowns and could be looking at a repeat play this Sunday.

In the backfield, there are two ball carriers that DFS owner should love, the Cardinals “Mr. Everything” running back David Johnson ($9,300 salary), and the Bills LeSean McCoy ($9,100). 

Johnson simply does everything and over his past seven starts he’s tallied better than 24 fantasy points in six of those contests. Johnson sees a steady diet of carries as well as targets making him a fantasy workhorse and solid week 17 bet.

Shady (McCoy) is another running back that has been sizzling of late. In has past five games, Shady has topped 19 fantasy points totaling more than 100 yards (rushing & receivng) in each while registering 6 touchdowns, McCoy could be a lock for another big Sunday.

With a lot of stock going to the backfield, owners will have to go frugal out wide, fortunately there are options available. With Rodgers in play, wide receiver Jordy Nelson ($8,200 salary) has to be a heavy favorite to double-down. Nelson has looked great over the past four weeks scoring no fewer than 15 fantasy points while registering 30 receptions and five touchdowns.

My risky plays for Sunday would include the Lions wide receivers Golden Tate and the Dolphins Kenny Stills. Both plays should see plenty of opportunities on Sunday; Tate is averaging 10 targets per game in his last four starts and Stills is averaging better than six targets in his last six games, including 8 targets last week. There’s some risk with these two, but plenty of upside to score as well.

The Saints tight end Coby Fleener has my eye this week with a nice matchup against a Falcons defense that has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends over the past four weeks. Fleener turned in one of his best performances this season back in his first matchup in week 3 against the Falcons. I like his chances on Sunday.

This is the makeup for one of my DFS week 17 lineups.

That’s My Take

~David G. Orrtega