FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Evening Edition
September 13th, 2019

My Week One Reaction & notes:

• Not going to over-react with Jones, Adams, and Rodgers
• Will need lots of patience with Bears offense
• Robinson and Cohen are PPR stars.
• Dalvin Cook-good start, he’s an RB1, Top 5 fantasy RB
• Cousins; quiet game, game script, still productive
• Falcons pass defense better, run defense not so good
• Ryan looked rusty, needed more snaps, will bounce back week 2
• Jones got his work (11 targets), but not numbers; he’ll be fine.
• Ridley with a nice week 1, could be huge in week 2.
• Watched Eagles footage, believing in Wentz
• Give him an arm (Wentz) and DeSean still electric
• McLaurin looks like a deep deadly weapon.
• The John Brown myth continues to grow and may be real
• Like Singletary’s role to grow going forward; Waiver or trade target
• Chris Thompson is PPR magic with 10 targets again
• Hockenson is a waiver or trade target, if you can deal; playmaker in the making
• Lamar looked good as a running back, even better as a passer.
• Adnrews, high volume safety blanket, borderline TE1.
• Sammy Watkins is a hot rising stock, will continue to rise for now.
• All Rams wide receivers are in play in 2019
• Garoppolo a little shaky, but another game under his belt and another win.
• Where is Steelers tight end Vance McDonald?
• Where is the Steelers offense.
• The Goat. And they have AB joining them.
• Derek Carr looks sharp; year two under Gruden, what a difference.
• This Darren Waller kid looks like the real deal.
• It’s the Lindsay-Freeman show in the Broncos backfield.
• Flacco looked pretty good; stood tall, looked poised, and still has arm strength.
• Welcome to 2019 Courtland Sutton.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Night Edition

September 22nd, 2018

On the Cover This Week!

Do you believe in Magic?

How about FitzMagic?

In two weeks the Bucs quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has turned the fantasy world upside down; but are you buying it?

In two starts this season Fitzpatrick has passed for an astounding 819 passing yards (on pace for over 6,500 yards in 16 games), 8 passing touchdowns with one rushing; that’s a pace for 72 touchdowns in 16 games. To add FitzMagic is also completing near 79 percent of his passes; 48 of 61 and he currently leads all fantasy in scoring.

While the pace seems unsustainable, the FitzMagic carpet ride is likely to continue into week 3. With a Monday night showdown at home with the Pittsburgh Steelers, FitzMagic and the Bucs offense will be facing the league’s 15th ranked defense against the pass.

The Steelers secondary has allowed 7 passing touchdowns in two games, most in the league and they are allowing the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (standard scoring). They have also given up 9 pass plays of 20 yards or more this season, tied for 7th, while FitzMagic and the Bucs passing game have completed 12 such pass plays of 20 yards or more, including 4 for 40 yards or more (most in the league).

This definitely sounds like a recipe for another huge game for Fitzpatrick who was removed from the Bucs injury report this week and will likely have wide receiver Chris Godwin available, along with Mike Evans (230 receiving yards/2 tds), the 6th ranked fantasy WR in standard scoring, and DeSean Jackson (275 receiving yards/3 tds), the number one ranked fantasy WR  in standard scoring.

That’s My Take

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 5th, 2017

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Thursday's Twitter Takes

Last week kind of an easy pick with Green Bay handling the Bears fairly easily; actually took the Packers in my survivor. Although the Pack won it was costly losing Montgomery (ribs) and Adams (concussion). Of course Rodgers was on point, but with a full quota of receivers (Nelson, Cobb, and Adams), there wasn't enough looks for Geronimo Allison to go around (whiff). Bennett did his usual cameo, but for maybe a few more yards while Montgomery's shortened evening hurt owners. Not much to speak about when it comes to the Bears. Jordan Howard (Thunder) salvaged his night with a late score. Tarik Cohen (Lightning) flickered some, and even Kendall Wright ended up being playable.

Well that was last week, so let's talk about tonight's contest;

"Mike Evans should have a big night on Thurs night against the No.32 ranked pass defense. He's definitely a Week 5 stud!" @FantsySprtsHome

The Patriots are surrending north of 300 yards passing per game and have allowed 11 receiving touchdowns in just three games. Another concerning factor is the high percentage (69.7) of completions the secondary is allowing. There's little doubt Winston and company will test the corners and attack them with his big target Mike Evans. It's hard to imagine Evans not getting into the endzone tonight at least once.

"You can expect Tom Brady to be busy tonight playing keep up or catch up. Even on the road he'll be a Top-3 fantasy QB this week" @FantsySprtsHome

And while the Pat's defense is lacking against the pass, the Buccaneers are not far behind. Only the Patriots allow more yards passing per game, but a big factor to watch is the lack of pressure. The Bucs have only sacked opposing quarterbacks once in three games; yes once! If Brady is given time, he's like a mad scientist and will completely dissect the defense. Expect the mad doctor to go operating tonight, especially since the run game is lacking.

"Doug Martin returns to action tonight, but don't discount Jacq Rodgers. He'll still have plenty of flex appeal tonight!" @FantsySprtsHome

While the Patriots are bad against the pass, they are not much better against the run, ranked 26th. A notable stat, the Patriots also allow 5.1 yards per carry. I'm sure we're going to see Martin sprinkled into this one, but I would be surprised if Rodgers didn't log at least 12-15 carries tonight, and haul in a couple of passes.

"After seeing what Watson was able to do against this defense, Winston owners have to be salivating; Top-10 fantasy QB this week!"

Two weeks ago the Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson had a terrific game against the Patriots, passing for 300 yards and tossing two scores. Tonight the 3rd year Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston enters his matchup against the same Patriots defense with some pretty good weapons of his own. If experience counts for anything, we just may see Winston a very mobile and capable QB in his own right take his game to the next level; fantasy owners get your popcorn ready.

"Gotta love Patriots RB-James White tonight in a game where Brady is likely to throw as many as 50 passes!" @FantsySprtsHome

If numbers mean anything, the Patriots defense is going to have a rough go at it trying to slow down and stop the Buccaneers offense. That being the case, it just may be up to quarterback Tom Brady to keep his team in this one throughout and hopefully close the game on a late drive. Unfortunately (or fortunately), Brady and company will likely have to rely on his arm. Through 4 games the running game (ranked 20th in the league) has not been there averaging just 3.6 yards per carry. Brady, the No.1 fantasy QB this season, through 4 games is averaging over 38 pass attempts per game; tonight he's got a great chance at surpassing his average with ease.

"DJax has been quiet much of the early part of this season, but tonight could be his breakout game!" @FantsySprtsHome

Currently DeSean Jackson is ranked outside the Top-50 wide receivers with just 9 receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown. His long this season is just 32 yards; not exactly what you would expect from a burner like DJax. The Patriots secondary is going to have to account for Evans all night, giving Jackson opportunity. Jackson will also have the good fortune of attacking a secondary that has allowed 19 pass plays of 20 or more yards (3rd most in the league), including 4 pass plays of 40 yards or more (tied for 2nd most).

Those are My Takes!

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Morning Edition

September 14th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Gametime

Last Minute Notes

Well, we actually have more than a couple of minutes; we are several hours away from Sunday kickoff. But in the whole scheme of things this is last minute considering how much time we have had available to set our line-ups.

With Sunday kickoff for week 2 of the NFL just a few short hours away, I thought I would take a look at some of today’s matchups and offer some helpful insight or just give you my opinion; whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

While I am setting my 19 head-2-head fantasy lineups this morning and one thing I will be remembering, in the Jacksonville-Washington game today the Jaguars will not have the services of safety Johnathan Cyprien (concussion). Cyprien is a great talent in the secondary and was second on the team in tackles last season with 104. Last week when Cyprien left the game against the Eagles, the Jaguars secondary had a lot of problems, blown assignments and allowed several big plans. As a result the defense surrendered 34 second half points.

The Redskins offense is in great need of some kind of spark coming off their poor performance in week one scoring just six points. The Jaguars may be just what the doctored ordered. With Cyprien ruled out this week, the Redskins wide receivers Pierre Garcon (10rec/77yds) and DeSean Jackson (8rec/62yds) may finally get on track and hit a few big plays in the pass game. I like both plays today and I would even consider tight end Niles Paul (4 targets in week 1) a sneaky sleeper play today for those with need at the position. And of course with all this love for his receivers, I have to say I like quarterback Robert Griffin III to bounce back today with a solid performance.

Looking at another matchup today with injury implications having an impact, the Saints-Browns matchup is interesting. Browns tight end Jordan Cameron has been listed as questionable all with a shoulder injury that he reaggravated in week one. With Cameron limited or possibly ruled out, I am in heavy favor of wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (8rec/87yds last week). Hawkins played with the Bengals last season and came over to the Browns during the offseason. During training camp he built up a nice rapport with quartback Brian Hoyer; in week one Hawkins was targeted 10 times. Today could be much of the same. Hawkins is not a big play, but has the look of a volume receiver; he’ll see plenty more targets and rack up more catches. That’s PPR gold.

Circling back the wagons and looking at an earlier morning matchup in the Northeast, I believe the Dolphins-Bills matchup today will be a close game. I believe both teams will be able to stay with the game-plans and run the ball extensively. The Bills did a solid job in week one limiting the Bears run game allowing 86 yards on 18 carries. The key number here is the 18 carries, because today the Bills defense is likely to see a significantly larger number facing the M&M boys. In week one against the Patriots, the Dolphins running backs Knowshon Moreno and Lamar Miller combined for 35 carries. Moreno is the favorite here, leading the way in week one with 24 totes, but Lamar Miller still has plenty of fantasy relevance. Miller carried the ball 11 times to the tune of 59 yards; he also snagged four passes. Both have value and both should be in your lineup today; Moreno as an RB2 and Miller as a flex.

These are just a couple of my takes for Week 2.

Good luck.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Tuesday Edition
November 27th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Dwyer to Get the Call in Crowded Backfield
The Steelers may have too many options in the backfield with four healthy running backs; Dwyer, Mendenhall, Redman, and Rainey. Last Sunday proved to be a golden opportunity for one of them to separate himself from the pack, but with 6 fumbles between the four that was hardly the case. Nonetheless the word quickly circulating out of the Steel town is running back Jonathan Dwyer appears to be the favorite and will be the starter on Sunday. Dwyer has been the more effective when given the opportunity and if the rumors are true, look for Dwyer to start and receive the lions’ share of carries on Sunday against Ravens 26th ranked run defense. Dwyer is a safe low value RB2 this week.

McFadden Hopeful to Return to Practice
Running back Darren McFadden has been sidelined for several weeks and has yet to return to practice, but according to head coach Dennis Allen he is hopeful his talented ball carrier can return this week. This is definitely a situation worth monitoring. If McFadden can return to practice this week, check for updates later in the week. If he’s healthy enough to play he could be a nice start this week with the Brown’s 19th ranked run defense coming to town.

Bush A Good Matchup for the Seahawks Game
The Bears running back Michael Bush is built for between the tackles. With starter Matt Forte (ankle) questionable for Sunday’s meeting against the Seahawks, Bush could be a good match up and fantasy play this week. Bush is a no non-sense runner; he’s not going to bounce it outside, but rather take it up the middle and grab what he can. The Seahawks are ranked 12th against the run, so they will likely limit the Bears chances, but Bush will undoubtedly get any red-zone and goal line carries. If you have better options go another direction, but if you are desperate Bush can offer some value (more if Forte sits).

Jackson Shut Down for the Remainder of the Season
The Eagles placed wide receiver DeSean Jackson (rib injury) on the injured reserve ending his season. Jackson started strong this season, but quickly faded into fantasy oblivion taking a nose dive in the last three weeks (just 8 total receptions for 76 yards). With Jackson OUT and questions at the quarterback spot (Foles or Vick), the receiving corp will become more of a committee with no clear cut go-to guy offering significant fantasy value. This is a situation to avoid.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY'S FANTASY HEADLINES

Monday Edition
November 26th, 2012  

David's Daily Digest








Monday’s Fantasy Headlines

Fred Jackson To Take A Backseat
The Bills running back Fred Jackson who made his return to action on Sunday after missing a game because of the concussion he suffered in week 10, will take a back seat to the more explosive and quick CJ Spiller. Jackson should continue to see a steady share of snaps, but through 12 weeks of action Spiller has proven to be the more effective ground gainer and will continue to see a greater share of carries and touches. Jackson can still offer some (not much) as a flex option in deeper 14-16 team leagues.

Ahmad Bradshaw Likely To See Increased Duties
Against the Packers on Sunday night the Giants running back Andre Brown was lost for the remainder of the season with a broken fibula. With Brown out, running back Ahmad Bradshaw who finished with 119 total yards against the Packers, will likely see more touches including in the red zone. The increased work should make Bradshaw a solid play and a mid-value RB2 heading into the fantasy playoffs.

DeSean Jackson Continues to Struggle in 2012
The Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson has been nothing less than a big fantasy disappointment this season. In 11 games this season Jackson has scored just twice and recorded only two 100-yard receiving games. On Monday night Jackson exited early with an injury finishing the game with just one catch for 9 yards. It was the fourth time Jackson has posted three or fewer grabs in game and the sixth time he has had less than 65 yards receiving. Jackson will be questionable for next Sunday against the Cowboys and has fallen to a very shaky low value WR3.

Knowshon Moreno Appears To Be The Man
There was so much speculation last week surrounding the Broncos backfield with running back Willis McGahee going down, but after his performance on Sunday it looks like Knowshon Moreno (85 yards rushing, 26 yards receiving) has locked up the starting gig for now. Rookie running back Ronnie Hillman was expected to step into the starting role and handle much of the workload in the backfield, but obviously there were too many questions surrounding his pass protection skills. The Veteran Moreno was impressive on Sunday and now appears to be the main guy in the Broncos backfield.

Brandon Marshall Back To Form With His Starting QB
With quarterback Jay Cutler out last Monday night, Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (81 receptions in 2012) was targeted just four times. With Cutler returning to action on Sunday, Marshall was targeted 17 times finishing with 12 receptions for 92 yards. Marshall has blossomed into an elite WR1 option this season reuniting with his old quarterback from his Denver days. As long as Cutler is under center and upright, Marshall remains a top-flight WR1 fantasy option especially in PPR leagues.

Danario Alexander Emerging As The Favorite in San Diego
Since his arrival wide receiver Danario Alexander has wasted little time making noise in the Chargers passing game. In his past three starts Alexander has been targeted 26 times posting a scoring line that includes; 17 receptions, 304 yards receiving and three scores. Alexander has emerged as one of quarterback Philip Rivers favorite targets and is a solid WR2 fantasy option going forward.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Sunday Edition
November 11th, 2012  

The Four Horsemen

Last week my horsemen were gangbusters riding high led by quarterback Peyton Manning and his 25 fantasy points (standard scoring). Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (16 fantasy points) and running back Arian Foster (17 fantasy points) also helped pace this small brigade.

Week 10 presents some key matchups, but we’ll be expecting nothing less than solid performances from our four riders as they get set to mount up in just a few short hours.

My week 10 fantasy picks…

Quarterback (Eli Manning, NYG)
Last week it was big brother, this week we are looking for little brother Eli Manning to step up with a huge performance this week. Eli and company are on the road today to face the Bengals 18th ranked pass defense. Manning is coming off a very poor performance and will look to rebound. The Bengals allow the 12th most fantasy points to quarterbacks; Manning will be looking to raise that number.

Running Back (Stevan Ridley, NE)
The Patriots are at home today and the Bills are coming to town. This is great news for running back Stevan Ridley. The Bills are ranked 31st against the run, they allow nearly 170 yards on the ground every week and have given up a league high 14 rushing touchdowns. Ridley has been fantastic in the run game for the Patriots and will see plenty of carries today. He has over 700 yards rushing this season and averages 4.7 yards per carry. His five touchdowns pace the Patriots ground attack; expect Ridley to pace the team today.

Wide Receiver (Kenny Britt, TEN)
The Titans are on the road to face the Dolphins 30th ranked pass defense today and wide receiver Kenny Britt can’t wait. Finally as close to 100% health as he has been all season, Britt will also see the return of his starting quarterback Jake Locker. Locker is the younger and stronger arm under center for the Titans, and he should enable Britt to take advantage of the Dolphins secondary that allows the 4th most fantasy points to wide receivers. It's time for Britt to return to form.

Tight End (Zach Miller, SEA)
The seldom used tight end Zach Miller could suddenly erupt into a fantasy gem today when the Seahawks meet the Jets. Miller has only 8 targets in the last games, but that could change today. The Jets defense allows the 3rd most fantasy points to tight ends and this season have surrendered 6 touchdowns. Miller has just one touchdown grab this season, but he could add to that total today.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Monday Edition
November 5th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

MNF Quick Notes

Tonight’s matchup between the Eagles and Saints will offer plenty of lineup options. If you get’em, start’em…

These are my takes for tonight’s Monday Night Matchup.

The Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson should be licking his chops as he prepares the meet the Saints defense on Monday night. Jackson is the team’s leading receiver this season, but he has yet to get it going; just one 100-yard game this season. Tonight’s contest is a prime matchup for Jackson to get it going. The Saints are ranked 30th versus the pass and allow the most fantasy points to wide receivers; Jackson should have a big night.

Running back LeSean McCoy is a no-brain start tonight. The Saints defense will have plenty of trouble tracking down Shady McCoy this evening. McCoy has just tow 100-yard games and two rushing touchdowns this season; expect both to improve tonight versus the Saints (ranked 31st against the run).

Like Jackson, quarterback Michael Vick has to be excited about his matchup tonight. The Saints pass defense has allowed 15 passing touchdowns this season and they are giving up well over 300 yards in the air per game. Vick has not had an easy road thus far turning the ball over at an alarming rate, but the Saints defense appears to be even more generous. Vick looks set to breakout this evening.

On the other side, the Saints are still the Saints and quarterback Drew Brees is not going to go down without a fight. The Eagles 14th ranked pass defense will have all it can handle with Brees in the pocket. This matchup has all the makings of a regular fireworks show in the Dome, Brees will be big tonight with all the weapons he possesses and he’ll need to put points on the board in this one.

While the Eagles defense is well aware of Brees’ most lethal weapon, wide receiver Marques Colston (a nice WR2 fantasy starter) look for one of his other targets, Lance Moore to play a big role. Moore is crafty and is second on the team with 53 targets this season. Even with all the weapons the Saints have on offense, Moore will see plenty of passes his direction; he’ll be a nice flex insert tonight.

Tight end Jimmy Graham finally appears healthy and will give the Eagles plenty of fits tonight. He’s one of Brees favorite targets in the red zone, and you can be sure the Saints are going to be frequenting that part of the field tonight. Graham is a must start and should pay-off nicely.

The Eagles have themselves a pretty good tight end (Brent Celek) that they can boast, but with so many holes in the secondary downfield, Celek may take a back seat. If there is anything the Saints secondary can do well, they have managed to play tight ends with some degree of success. The Saints defense allows the 7th fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Play Celek with caution. 


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Sunday Edition
November 4th, 2012  

The Four Horsemen

We are going to ride again and for this week I am saddling up some big boys that should have some very big performances in week 9.

My week 9 fantasy picks…

Quarterback (Peyton Manning, DEN)

It appears the Bronco’s have found their missing piece or so it would seem with the way quarterback Peyton Manning has played of late. Last week against the Saints, Manning was able to get the offense out of the gate early and often. Manning has looked effective and is putting up phenomenal numbers this season. With the Bengals (ranked 17th versus the pass) next on the slate, Manning looks set to keep the Broncos rolling. Manning has five straight games of 300 yards passing or more and four straight with three touchdowns. The Bengals defense allows the 11th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Running Back (Arian Foster, Hou)

This pick is a no-brainer. The Bills defense has done a porous job this season against the run, ranked 31st and with Ben Tate already ruled out this sets up running back Arian Foster for a huge day. Foster is not only a threat on the ground, but he can be exceptional out of the backfield in open space. I look for the Texans to not only hand him the rock today, but Foster should be good for 4-6 receptions; he’s going to blow up today. The Bills allow the most fantasy points to running backs.

Wide Receiver (DeSean Jackson, PHI)

The Eagles speedy and big play receiver DeSean Jackson has done very little of that (big plays) this season. Jackson leads the team with 34 receptions and 524 yards receiving this season, but through 7 games he has just one touchdown and just one reception of 40 yards or more (5 in 2011, 8 in 2010). On Monday night Jackson will line up against a Saints defense that is ranked 30th versus the pass, has surrendered 15 touchdowns (just three picks), and allow the most fantasy points to wide receivers. This has the making of a breakout game for Jackson and company.

Tight End (Jason Witten, DAL)

The Cowboys tight end Jason Witten and quarterback Tony Romo have really been in sync the past several games. Witten has been heavily targeted and has posted four straight games with no fewer than 6 receptions and 7 targets. Witten is coming off a monster game last Sunday and with the Falcons up next (Sunday night) he should continue the hot hand. The Cowboys are plagued with injuries at the receiver position; Witten is going to be Romo’s safety blanket all evening. 


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SFFL WEEK 9

Saturday Edition
November 3rd, 2012  

Suicide Fantasy Football

Week 9

My SFFL fantasy team has fallen off the pace a bit the past couple of weeks with a couple of sub-par performances, but this week I am looking to improve mightily with some big performances from some big names and a strong showing from a few lesser known. My line-up leads off with a couple of notables (Michael Vick & Brandon Marshall), but also consists for a few intriguing names where I really like their matchups….


My Line-up 

Quarterback:
Despite the ups and downs and the turmoil that exists within the Eagles organization, I still believe Michael Vick is an exceptional athlete with plenty of playmaking ability and on Monday night he’ll have a great opportunity to exhibit plenty. The Saints defense has been awful this season and they have allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Vick and the Eagles need a big game and this Monday night is lining up to be their best opportunity.

Running Backs:
In the backfield I am starting the Lions running back Mikel Leshoure this week. The Lions are on the road to face Jacksonville and the Jaguars run defense has not been good against the run this season. The Jags are ranked 25th versus the run and have allowed 8 rushing touchdowns this season; they also allow the 4th most fantasy points to running backs.

My other ball carrier for week 9 is Felix Jones. The Cowboys running back has been running on empty it seems and with DeMarco Murray likely to return to the lineup sooner rather than later, this may be one of his last starts this season. I am not looking for a big output from Felix Sunday night, but the Cowboys need to make a big statement here and will need a solid effort from the ground game. The Falcons defense has not been great against the run this season ranked 26th, so I like for Jones to carry the load and be productive. 

Wide Receivers:
It’s time to call on one of the big dawgs this season, the Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall. the Bears are on the road this week, but for Marshall and company they meet the Tennessee Titans; ranked 29th against the pass. Marshall is off to a great start this season and has a great chance to improve his numbers on Sunday, the Titans are giving up the 15th most fantasy points to wide receiver this season, including 17 touchdowns.

My other wide out for week 9 is going to be DeSean Jackson. It what looks to be a shoot-out on Monday night, Jackson will be lining up against the Saints defense that is allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The game will be fast on turf and could be filled with lots of big plays.

Tight End:
The Buccaneers offense, in particular their passing game has shown lots of life over the past couple of weeks, and tight end Dallas Clark has become fantasy relevant again. Clark has quietly become more involved as he and his quarterback Josh Freeman continue to develop a good rapport. In his first five games Clark was targeted 15 times, he has been targeted 9 times in the past two. Although Clark has yet to put up big numbers this season, he is facing the Raiders 21st ranked pass defense that allows the 11th most fantasy points to tight ends.

Place Kicker:
The Ravens have a very favorable matchup this week on the road against the Browns. Their offense should have plenty of success moving the ball, but could stall a few times in the red zone. I like Ravens kicker Justin Tucker to score big points with several kicks and several extra points.

Team Defense:
With my choices becoming more limited each week, one matchup I like is the Lions defense on the road against the Jaguars. The Jags offense is ranked last in the league, and with no MJD this looks too good to pass. The Jags have really struggled with the pass this season, ranked 32nd and 20 sacks allowed this season and have allowed the 6th most fantasy points versus opposing defenses.

These are my picks for week 9.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Edition

August 17th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

2011 in Rewind

The Busts, Duds, and Disappointments

Staying with the “looking back at 2011” theme, let’s talk about a few names from last year that drove us nuts, because of under-performing, pulling the disappearing act, or just not showing up; and let me say having played in quite a few leagues last season the list is long.

With the 2012 season just about to start, a new fantasy season upon us, and so much to be excited about, we won’t delve too deeply into this touchy subject. As is the case every year, there are going to be players that will break your heart and each year fantasy owners learn that tough lesson the hard way.

These are just a few of those players.

The Heartbreakers

Last season there were several, just ask all of the (RB) Darren McFadden, (RB) Jamaal Charles, and (WR) Andre Johnson owners. These were some of the biggest fantasy studs in the game last year and with their seasons cut short because of injury fantasy owners were left with nothing but heartache. There is tremendous talent with this list, but plenty of risk if you choose to go for broke and draft them early. Johnson and Charles might be safer picks, but McFadden is likely the trickier play. He has a history, albeit short history of being a homerun hitter on the field or swing and a miss play in fantasy. If you put all your eggs in his basket, be prepared with plenty of Kleenex (just in case).

The Chargers have a running back that might also fit this profile; Ryan Mathews. This kid has shown plenty of flash, enough to get fantasy homers and geeks all fired up, but his lack of health has made him a questionable early fantasy draft selection. He’s another stud that could leave you in tears if you put too much value here.

The Disappointments

For all the talk about “it’s their time” and “too much talent” fantasy owners of (QB) Michael Vick, (WR) DeSean Jackson, and (RB) Shonn Greene paid another heavy price if they bought into the early season hype last year. With Vick, you are just treading troubled water with a fantasy quarterback that exposes himself to so much risk when he runs the ball. As long as he can avoid taking hits, he’ll pay off big, but when he doesn’t fantasy owners are left to pick up the tab.

And so goes Vick, goes DeSean Jackson, so long as his head is on straight and he’s in the game. Jackson has become one of today’s Diva receivers, so you just don’t know what you will get. If he’s on, he can bring great reward, but when he’s has six games with 3 or fewer receptions and all less than 50 yards receiving with NO touchdowns, for a number one receiver that spells disappointment Big-Time.

Quietly another disappointing play in 2011 was the Ravens physical wideout, Anquan Boldin who finished outside the top 30 in both yards receiving and receptions. His three touchdowns last season were also his worst showing since his second year (2004) in the league when he registered just one in 10 games. The Ravens play a more conservative run-first style offense and with the emergence of deep threat receiver Torrey Smith, Boldin could continue to see his production diminish.

For all the flare he showed jumping over a defender to score a touchdown in his rookie campaign and looking like the incumbent in the Buccaneers backfield, running back LeGarrette Blount fell far from expectation in his sophomore season. The Tampa Bay runner finished with fewer carries, fewer yards, and one less touchdown in 2011 after starting in 14 games, 7 more than his rookie season. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough hype to carry this back into the top twenty in 2011, as he finished 24^th in rushing and just five scores; not what owners had in mind.

The Busts

It’s never fun kicking a man when he’s down, so rather than kicking many, we’ll just point out the obvious; Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb. Before the 2011 season the Cards inked Kolb to a hefty contract with plenty of green, but saw little return in their investment. Fantasy owners were equally (emotionally) hurt with the former Houston Cougar’s lackluster play in 2011 (ranked 28^th in passing yards. Kolb finished last season just playing in nine games (started 8), throwing just nine touchdowns with eight picks and 1,955 yards. I think owners were looking for a little more from someone who gets to throw to (WR) Larry Fitzgerald every week.

Let this be a warning for the fantasy owners eye-balling quarterback Matt Flynn in Seattle.

There were probably more names that were a whole lot closer to many fantasy owners hearts from a year ago, but I think we have covered the point sufficiently; caveat your emptor. If you are buying into the hype, beware; because every year we are going to have plenty of Busts, Duds, and Disappointments.

By David Ortega