FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEKLY AWARDS (WEEK 5)

October 12th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Weekly Awards

(Week 5)

AFC Offensive Player of the Week

WR- Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)

*19 targets

*15 receptions

*192 yards receivng

*12.8 yards per reception

*10.1 yards per target

*3 touchdowns

*52.2 fantasy points (ppr)

AFC Defensive Player of the Week

LB-Quincy Williams (Jets)

*5 solo tackles

*4 assists

*1 tackle for loss

*2 sacks

*3 QB hits

*1 forced fumble

NFC Offensive Player of the Week

QB-Justin Fields (Bears)

*15 completions

*51.7% completion rate

*282 yards passing

*9.7 yards per pass

*4 touchdown passes

125.29 passer rating

*11 carries

*57 rushing yards

NFC Defensive Player of the Week

LB-Fred Warner (49ers)

*5 solo tackles

*3 assists

*1 tackle for loss

*1 sacks

*1 QB hits

*1 pass defense

*1 interception

*1 forced fumble

Rookie Offensive Player of the Week

OFF/RB-De’Von Achane (Dolphins)

*11 carries

*151 yards rushing

*13.7 yards per carry

*1 rushing touchdown

*1 reception

*14 yards receiving

*21.5 fantasy points

Rookie Defensive Player of the Week

DEF/DL-Jalen Carter (Eagles)

*3 solo tackles

*1 assists

*2 tackle for loss

*2 sacks

*2 QB hits

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEK 5 STARTS

October 7th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Late-Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Week 5

Start’Ems

We are now getting into the “Bye Weeks” of the NFL season and fantasy owners are now going to have to navigate with key players on bye and look to the waiver wire and free agent market to fill out their lineups. There are several key injuries this week that are going to impact many lineups; in Detroit wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown likely sits, Joe Burrow’s calf injury has fantasy owners weighing their choices this week, and in addition to St. Brown the Lions will likely be without their rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring).

Other notable week 5 injuries;

Jimmy Garappolo (concussion) P

Joe Burrow (calf) Q

Derek Carr (shoulder) Q

Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) D

Javonte Williams (quad) Q

Aaron Jones (hamstring) Q

Saquon Barkley (ankle) Q

Davante Adams (shoulder) Q

Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) D

Tee Higgins (ribs) O

Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) O

My week 5 Starts

While fantasy owners will likely be moving the listed players to their bench, these are a handful of Starts that should be in play for Week 5.

CJ Stroud (Texans) - The rookie quarterback is healthy and looks great thru the first four weeks. Stroud has entered the starting fantasy QB conversation with his four week numbers; 1,212 yards passing (5th), 6 passing touchdowns (5th), and 110.65 passer rating (9th). He’s been sharp, consistent, and exciting to watch. With wins over Jacksonville and Pittsburgh in this early season, Stroud has the Texans playing good football at the moment. 

Stroud is currently the fantasy QB12. My projections for him this week are weighed more on how he’s been playing, rather than who he is facing. The Falcons have been a bit stingy this season versus opposing quarterbacks, but from what I’ve seen so far in the early part of this season, the Texans offense may be the biggest test for them thus far. Stroud has just been solid and he’s got some great weapons to work with in Nico Collins, Robert Woods, Tank Dell, and Dalton Schultz. 

If the Texans can get any semblance of a running game going this week, Stroud could be in for a big day off the play-action and hit a couple of deep shots. He’s a start for me this week.

De’Von Achane (Dolphins) - The rookie running back has been quite special the past couple of weeks. Like all big dawgs, you just gotta keep feeding him. Achane’s 2023 start was slowed with an injury that kept him sidelined in week one and limited to 6 snaps in week 2. Once they turned him loose in week 3, he was gone.

Achane has seen snapcounts of 30 (41%)  in week 3 and 39 (60%) in week 4,  and his numbers have been prolific. The rookie has toted the rock 26 times for 304 yards the past two weeks and his 309 total rushing yards leads the AFC. The critical stat to pay close attention to is his 60% snapcount share in week 4. Teammate Raheem Mostert fumbled twice, which contributed to Achane’s extended time on the field, but it is his talent that will keep him there.

This week’s matchup with the Giants is just way too sweet to avoid. Achane has to be in seasonal lineups as well as DFS. The Giants defense is ranked 29th versus the run and surrenders well over 4 yards per carry. I expect to see Achane getting in the action early and often and doing lots of damage. He’s a week 5 must-start for me. Start Achane.

Marquise Brown (Cardinals) - The Cardinals wide receiver is an interesting play for week 5. Quietly he is currently the fantasy WR22 with 21 receptions and 239 receiving yards to lead his team. He also has two receiving touchdowns.

Over his last three games played, “Hollywood” is averaging 9 targets, six receptions, and 70 receiving yards per game, which include his two touchdowns. During this stretch his numbers are a borderline WR-1/WR2.

While he does have what could be considered a tough matchup this week, Brown and his quarterback have been playing well over the past several weeks. With a home tilt on the slate for week 5, I feel good about his chances to put up good numbers once again. Hollywood should be in lineups and a good DFS value play. Start Hollywood.

Sam LaPorta (Lions) - The Lions rookie tight end has been spectacular this season. Through the first four weeks he is fantasy TE4, tied with the Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson. His 242 yards receiving leads all tight ends in the NFL and his 22 receptions ranks third.

LaPorta has an interesting matchup this week against the Panthers. Their defense does a decent job against opposing tight ends, but they have yet to face a tight end with LaPorta’s production level. With the exception of Hockenson, who the Panthers held in check last week.

With a depleted receiving corps in Detroit this week, I am expecting to see an even more involved LaPorta (27 targets this season - ranks 5th). Through the first four weeks Sammy has been good, he could be even better in week 5. Start Sam LaPorta in week 5.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FANTASY FIXX

October 6th, 2023

David’s Daily 

Friday Evening Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Fixx

(Week 5: Best Matchups/Plays)

With the start of Week 5 on Thursday night, the 2023 season is moving right along as we enter the “Bye Weeks.” With some players not being available due to their bye, it will be key for owners to stay on top of current trends and matchups.

Some of the notable matchups in play this week will include the Eagles traveling to Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles to face the Rams in what could be a shootout. The Texans quarterback CJ Stroud will take his hot hand on the road this week to Atlanta. And in London the Jaguars will look to defend their overseas territory against Josh Allen and the streaking Bills.

It’s just another fun week in the world of fantasy football with several games offering some key matchups that should benefit fantasy owners in week 5.

Here are the plays I like this weekend.

QB-Anthony Richardson (Colts) - Time to jump on this bandwagon here. Richardson has been fantastic in this early season, currently the fantasy QB2, and now he could be getting back possibly the team’s best weapon (besides himself) in running back Jonathan Taylor. Richardson is poised for a big day against the Titans.

RB-Dameon Pierce (Texans) - After their demolishing of the Steelers in week 4, the Texans offense appears to be firing on all cylinders. Pierce ran hard in week 4, accumulating 24 carries for the afternoon. With the passing game starting to blossom, Pierce should find some open running lanes in Week 5 against the Falcons.

RB-De’Von Achane (Dolphins) - You’ve gotta roll the dice with the hot hand here. Achane has been explosive averaging over 10 yards a tilt on the ground over the past two games. Even if Mostert starts the game, there’s no keeping this kid off the field. The Giants are in town (ranked 29th versus the run) and a chance for Achane to keep rolling along.

WR-DeVonta Smith (Eagles) - The Eagles wide receiver has kind of been the quiet man in recent weeks with his fellow teammate AJ Brown dominating. Smith’s numbers have been overshadowed a bit by the great play of Brown, but he’s still the fantasy WR15 entering week 5. The over/under in this week’s matchup is hovering around 50-points and I like the over. I think Smith is due for a big game and this week is as good as any.

WR-Calvin Ridley (Jaguars) - This is purely a gut call here. Ridley has been just off the past couple of weeks, but the good news, he’s not forgotten. Ridley started the season with the hot hand, 19 targets in his first two games, but it’s been quite the opposite since with just 9 targets in his last two. There’s too much talent here to stay quiet. It’s a tough matchup against the Bills in London, but Ridley and the Jaguars will be well rested.

TE-Tyler Higbee (Rams) - Over the past two weeks the Rams tight end has been consistent averaging 5 catches for 67.5 yards receiving, good enough for the fantasy TE6 slot. With the Eagles coming to town, Higbee will have the opportunity to continue his steady play against a defense that allows the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.

FLX-Breece Hall (Jets) - It’s hard to imagine Head Coach Robert Saleh not featuring running back Breece Hall this week on the road against the Broncos defense. The Jets HC announced Hall would not be on a pitch count any longer and this week they got the Broncos, one of the worst defenses in the league. If there ever was a time to unleash the second year running back, that time is now.

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 5. I guarantee nothing and offer even less, these are just my best guesses about their respective week 5 matchups and outcomes for this weekend. 

Strong plays to consider for DFS as well.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WAIVER WIRE

September 26th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

We’ve completed three weeks of action and there’s plenty of data to unsort and players to consider for adding this week. If you were impacted by the unfortunate loss of Williams (Chargers) in Los Angeles this week or have been trying to navigate without Aaron Jones or Christian Watson, it’s that time of the week again. Waiver wire time.

Week 4 Waiver wire options;

QB-CJ Stroud (Texans) - In case you haven’t paid attention, through the first three weeks of the season, the Texans rookie quarterback is fantasy QB12. He’s coming off two straight weeks inside the Top-12 and has looked good doing so. He definitely looks like a worthy streaming option and bye week filler. He’s worth the add, if you can make room.

QB-Jordan Love (Packers) - The Packers signal caller sits at the fantasy QB4 spot and while the numbers look great, his inaccuracy (53.1% completion) is concerning. Last week Love showed some of his character and ability to handle adversity. I’m not ready to call him an every-week starter, but he needs to be owned.

QB-Russell Wilson (Broncos) - While the Broncos in general look like a mess, at least the offense and Wilson appear to be better than last year. Through the first three weeks Wilson is the No.9 fantasy quarterback. It hasn’t looked pretty at times, because the defense has been a disaster, but Wilson is completing over 65% of his passes and has thrown for 791 yards and 6 touchdowns. Wilson looks improved this season and should be considered a safe add and streaming option.

RB-Zach Moss (Colts) - He should be owned in every fantasy league and in your starting lineups. He looks the part (averaging 27 touches per game) and is currently producing like a fantasy RB1. Moss is the fantasy RB6 in his two weeks on the field and this past week against a pretty good Ravens defense he finished the week at fantasy RB5. If he’s still available go get him and use 85-90% of your FAAB to get him. 

RB-De’Von Achane (Dolphins) - The Dolphins rookie running back made a huge splash in his debut, breaking out and running all over the Broncos in week 3. Achane was on fire getting into the end zone four times and rushing for over 200 yards. It’s hard to predict his usage going forward at this moment, but with so much talent you have to believe the Phins will work him into the rotation. He should be owned and flex consideration.

WR-Tank Dell (Texans) - The Texans rookie receiver has been brilliant this season. Through the first three games he is the fantasy WR14, tied with Chris Olave. After a slow start in week one, his past two games have been Top-20 finishes. He’s averaging 7 targets per game, enough usage to keep him in the flex mix. He needs to be added.

WR-Joshua Palmer (Chargers) - There’s little doubt Palmer is going to be one of the hot adds this week. With Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (ACL) going down this week, Palmer is the next man up. Palmer is a capable receiver in his own right and when he has been asked to step up in the past, he has delivered. He should be added and inserted into your lineup.

WR-Courtland Sutton (Broncos) - The Broncos receiver had a rough week 3, fumbling twice, but still finished as the fantasy WR13. With the improved Wilson this season, Sutton has been good enough to be a starting fantasy receiver. For the moment he warrants flex consideration and can be added.

TE-Gerald Everett (Chargers) - Everett is the fantasy TE19 through three weeks, but with the absence of Mike Williams he should see a bump in usage. His appeal and numbers should improve going forward, now would be the time to nab him before his stock rises.

A few more players that should be kept an eye on include the following players, (WR) Michael Gallup, (TE) Luke Musgrave, (WR) Quentin Johnson, (WR) Marvin Mims Jr. These are players that at some point could become viable streaming options and bye week fills.

Check your leagues for availability and good luck in week 3.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY HEROES WEEK 3

September 25th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Monday Afternoon Edition

NFL Sunday Week 3:

Sunday’s Heroes

What a wild weekend NFL Sunday week 3 was. 70 points scored in a single game, by one team. Three players on the same team with over 30 fantasy points, and two running backs from the same team scoring four touchdowns each. It was a day filled with great performances by some great players.

These were the NFL Week 3 Sunday Heroes.

QB, Justin Herbert (Chargers) - The Chargers signal caller was impressive on the road, leading the Bolts to a big and much needed week 3 win. Herbert was spectacular, completing 40 of 47 passes (85.1% completion) for 405 yards passing with 3 touchdowns. He finished the day as the fantasy QB1.

RB, De’Von Achane (Dolphins) - It was a “Welcome to the NFL” and breakout game for the Dolphins rookie running back as he ran rampant all over the Broncos defense. The Rook was Mister Big play all afternoon with impressive runs and scoring three times, including a scintillating display of speed on a 67-yard rushing scamper to the house. On the day, Achane rushed for 203 yards on 18 carries (11.3 yards per carry), adding 4 receptions and 30 yards receiving. He finished the day as the fantasy RB1.

WR, Keenan Allen (Chargers) - It only makes sense with the big day that Herbert turned in this afternoon, that Keenan would factor big. The Chargers wide receiver was ridiculous on Sunday, not only setting career highs with receptions (18) and yards (215) in a single game, but he also threw his first NFL touchdown pass to fellow teammate wide receiver Mike Williams. Allen was the fantasy WR1 for week 3.

TE, Sam LaPorta (Lions) - The Lions rookie tight end was huge on Sunday contributing big in the passing game and the team’s win at home. LaPorta started quickly in this one and was targeted often throughout. The rookie finished the day with 8 grabs, for 84 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown reception on 11 targets.

IDP, Kyle Hamilton (Ravens) - The Ravens safety was special on Sunday in a losing cause against the Colts. Hamilton turned in stellar performance recording 7 solo tackles, two tackles for a loss, and three 3 sacks. The Ravens defensive back also added three QB hits, a pass defense, and a forced fumble for good measure. An outstanding week 3 performance on Sunday.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega