FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 19th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday’s Morning Gametime

Amari Cooper (Browns) In his three games without Deshaun Watson as the primary passer (weeks 6,7 & 8), Cooper has averaged 9.0 targets per contest while totaling 12 receptions, for 219 yards receiving, and 18.25 yards per reception. Facing the Steelers 27th ranked secondary (DraftKings) versus opposing wide receivers, Cooper is a mid-WR3.

Christian Kirk (Jaguars) The Jaguars wide receiver has scored in single digits only twice this season in 9 games. In his last three games Kirk has been targeted 23 times, recording 16 receptions for 240 yards receiving and a touchdown. Kirk is in line to be a high-end WR-2 this week against a Titans 26th ranked secondary (DraftKings).

Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) He has been dominant much of this season as the number one fantasy wide receiver. Over his last four games Hill has been targeted in double figures totaling 48 targets. During this span Hill has turned in 33 catches for 425 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. He’s a top tier fantasy WR-1 this week against the Raiders.

Josh Dobbs (Vikings) Since his arrival to Minnesota, Dobbs has ignited the Vikings and lit up the fantasy world. In two games with the Vikes, Dobbs is completing 68.8% of his passes, averaging 213 yards passing, with 110 yards rushing, and 5 total touchdowns (3 pass, 2 run). He’s a top streaming option for Week 11.

Jalen Hurts (Eagles) The signal caller for the Eagles has been on a scoring tear over his last three games. Hurts has been fantastic with 8 passing touchdowns and 2 rushing touchdowns, including 268.3 passing yards per game while completing 74.2% of his passes. With a showdown matchup on Monday night against the Chiefs, Hurts is locked in as a top tier QB-1.

NFL Injury Note:

WR - Chargers, Keenan Allen (shoulder) Good to go, no restrictions.

TE - Eagles, Dallas Goedert (forearm) Ruled out for Monday night.

RB - Dolphins, De’Von Achane (knee) Expected to be a “Full Go” today.

WR - Jets, Garrett Wilson (elbow) The Jets wideout will be available.

WR - Cardinals, Michael Wilson (shoulder) Not expected to play per Schefter.

WR - Texans, Noah Brown (knee) Officially inactive today.

RB - Vikings, Alexander Mattison (concussion) Expected to be good to go tonight.

Check the inactive reports for more updates.

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: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 31st, 2023

Thursday Evening Edition

My Top 10 Fantasy Football 

QB Rankings for 2023

The NFL kicks off in less than one week and this coming weekend promises to be the biggest draft weekend of the season. So with no time to lose here is my Top-10 Quarterbacks for the start of the 2023 season.

The Top-10

1. Patrick Mahomes

2. Josh Allen

3. Jalen Hurts

4. Joe Burrow

5. Lamar Jackson

6. Justin Fields

7. Justin Herbert

8. Trevor Lawrence

9. Deshaun Watson

10. Dak Prescott

Last season, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sensational passing for over 5,000 yards for the 2022 regular season. But do you know who was better on a fantasy points-per-game basis? No, not Josh Allen, but Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. 

While the top three could be considered interchangeable, in 2022 Hurts broke out with a fantastic campaign, tossing 22 touchdowns, while completing 66.5% of his passes, and adding 13 rushing touchdowns. With that type of prolific production, I have Hurts ranked as number three, but he could easily vault to the top spot.

Last season, the Bears 2nd year quarterback Justin Fields took over the reins and went on an exceptional run of his own from weeks 7 through 15 (missing only week 12). During this stretch Fields posted 7 straight games with 19 or more fantasy points, including two games over 39. Fields finished as the No.6 fantasy quarterback in 2022 and has a good chance at repeating or improving in 2023.

The Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, after missing the full 2021 season, played in less than half of the 2022 season, 6 games. The rust from his layoff showed last season, as Watson finished as the No.25 fantasy (points-per-game) scoring quarterback. This coming after finishing as the No.5 fantasy QB in 2020, his last full season played. With a full training camp under his belt and a full complement of weapons, Watson is poised for the Top-10 and could push for a Top-5 spot in 2023..

Just missing the Top-10, but still start-worthy in 12-team leagues are quarterbacks, (Dolphins) Tua Tagovailoa and (Giants) Daniel Jones. With the Dolphins passer, his health will be the biggest concern. As long as Tua stays healthy, he’s a Top-10 all day.

With the Giants signal caller, Jones just needs to build off his 2022 season (finished as the No.10 fantasy scoring QB). Six of his final eight games Jones scored no fewer than 17 fantasy points, eclipsing 20 points three times. Like Tua, Jones is a borderline Top-10.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Evening Edition
October 25th 2019

Fantasy Football Week 8

Eight weeks into fantasy football and now's the time to make bold moves, smart decisions, and decisive choices to secure your playoff slot or turn your season around. Now that we are just beyond the mid-point, these are a couple of moves I am making this week in my season-long redraft leagues.

“Pick-of-the-litter"

WR-Kenny Stills, Texans; With starting wide receiver Will Fuller (knee) out for a couple of games, Kenny Stills should slide into a starting role. Stills joined the team just before the start of the regular season, and in the short time has already shown a connection with quarterback Deshaun Watson. Injuries have slowed down Stills 2019 campaign, but he’s healthy and should be ready to go to fill in nicely for Fuller. Stills is coming off injury and in his first game back posted a 4-catch, 105 receiving yard effort on 5 targets. With Fuller sidelined, he should see a significant boost in targets and production over the coming weeks.

Dumpster-ville

RB-Duke Johnson, Texans; For fantasy football purposes only, I have dropped running back Duke Johnson (Fantasy RB36). With Carlos Hyde cemented as the team’s primary early down back, Johnson is not seeing enough work to hold onto, let alone insert into a lineup. In PPR scoring (1pt per reception), since week 2 his games are as follows; 3.1, 2.4, 7.8, 6.7, 11.4, and 5.6 (6.2 average). With this kind of production, he’s a low value flex at best, and probably not worth holding on limited roster sizes.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Late Night Edition
October 12th 2019

DSF Saturday

[Week 6: My Lineup Faves]

QB-DeShaun Watson ($6,700); Over the last three weeks, Watson is the Number 2 fantasy quarterback in scoring with 937 yards passing (ranks 5th), 8 passing touchdowns (ranks 2nd), 74% completions (ranks 4th), and 129.46 passer rating (ranks 1st). Watson will face a Chiefs defense that ranks 25th in total defense and could provide plenty of opportunity for another big Sunday.

RB-Mark Ingram II ($6,600); The Ravens running back is the No. 9 fantasy running back (PPR scoring) and is coming off back-to-back modest games in weeks 4 & 5. This Sunday Ingram will get his crack at a Bengals defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past four weeks. He has a great chance to rebound in a big way.

RB-Chris Thompson ($5,000); The Redskins ball carrier ranks as the No. 23 fantasy running back (PPR scoring) through 5 weeks. Thompson ranks 4th among running backs with 35 targets, 6th with 25 receptions, and 3rd with 268 yards receiving. While the Dolphins have not surrendered a lot in the passing game to opposing running backs over the course of the season, in week 4 they were torched by the Chargers for 97 yards receiving and two scores.

WR-DeAndre Hopkins ($7,400); Hopkins is due and at his current salary, he plays as a nice stack with Watson. The Chiefs defense has been awful against the run this season, which could open some play action and create some opportunities for Hopkins to do some downfield damage. Hopkins 44 targets through 5 games ranks tied for 7th; he should see plenty of opportunity on Sunday.

WR-Terry McLaurin ($6,000); The Redskins-Dolphins matchup should showcase little defense and open up some potential big play opportunities for both sides. With the return of Case Keenum under center, McLaurin will have a great chance to exploit a Dolphins defense that has allowed the 9th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers through five games.

WR-Preston Williams ($4,100); In the same matchup, the Dolphins passing game could finally get off the ground this week facing a Redskins defense that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Williams the No. 58 fantasy receiver this season (PPR scoring) has been a target hog leading the team with 30; this Sunday he’s got a shot to move up the ranks. 

TE-Zach Ertz ($5,400); The Vikings defense has been solid this season against the pass, ranked 6th this season, but if there is a chink in the armor; they have allowed the 13th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Ertz lead the team in targets with 45 and ranks 2nd in the league (among TEs). He’ll be a focal point in the pass game on Sunday.

Flex-Joe Mixon ($5,500); The Bengals running back will face a Ravens defense that has allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. At his current salary, Mixon is almost a must play.

DST-Redskins ($3,200); The Redskins are a value play, facing a turnover prone Dolphins offense this week.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Evening Edition
September 14th, 2019

Week 2 Four Horsemen

Falcons, QB-Matt Ryan: Week one is history and in the books. After a slow start in the first half against the Vikings, Ryan managed to salvage his fantasy opener throwing for 304 yards with two scores and two picks. This week he’s home and will get to take his shots at an Eagles secondary that allowed 370 yards (ranked 28th in the League) to Case Keenum and the Redskins. With his plethora of aerial weapons, Ryan should enjoy similar success in the Sunday night showdown. While the Falcons would like to get their running game out of first gear in this matchup, I would still look for Matty-Ice to put the rock up in the air 35-plus times in this one. My prediction; 26 of 35 passing, 310 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Chiefs, RB-LeSean McCoy: I am buying into the narrative that Shady’s back, back again. McCoy reunites with his old coach Andy Reid who is the commander and chief of one of the most explosive offenses in the league today. While his week one return was hardly memorable for fantasy owners, it’s definitely worth noting his effectiveness and production. McCoy finished week one with 11 touches and 93 total yards of offense; that’s a ridiculous 8.5 yards per touch average. That kind of efficiency may be a little inflated, but as his usage increases, so will his production. As good as McCoy looked in week one, it’s hard to imagine not seeing his role grow with each week. The Raiders did a fair job in week one slowing down the Broncos run game (only 95 yards allowed, ranks 13th in the League), but this offense is a juggernaut and should create plenty of running lanes for Shady. My Prediction; 14 carries, 88 yards rushing, 3 receptions, 26 yards receiving, one score (rushing).

Texans, WR-DeAndre Hopkins: On any given Sunday, the Texans wideout is a stud, but this happens to be a match up that garners a little more attention. This week Hopkins, coming off a solid week one performance will be matched up against one of the leagues’ best corners, the Jaguars Jalen Ramsey. Normally a Ramsey matchup is bad news for the opposing receiver, but in the case of Hopkins such may not be true. In the past six meetings, since Ramsey has become a starter in Jacksonville, Hopkins worst performance came in their first meeting; 5 catches for 48 yards. Since that meeting, Hopkins has seen no fewer than 8 targets and averaged 6.5 receptions, 14 targets, and 83.4 yards, with touchdowns in 3 of their last 4 contests. Hopkins has generally been successful, but his skills and connections have just gotten better with each season playing with quarterback DeShaun Watson. My prediction; 8 catches, 94 yards, one touchdown, on 11 targets.

Chiefs, TE-Travis Kelce; I’m rolling with another favorite in Week two and not hard to figure out why. The Chiefs offense is clearly from another planet and even with the loss of wide receiver Tyreek Hill, it’s hard to imagine this scoring machine slowing down. With the absence of Hill, this should open up a few more targets for Kelce who saw eight in week one. Kelce was far from efficient in the opener, only snagging three of his opportunities, but he did turn those into 88 yards receiving. I’d expect the Chiefs tight end to once again see anywhere from 8-10 targets against the Raiders with a far better outcome of completions and production. My prediction; 7 receptions, 79 yards, one touchdown, on 10 targets

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Late Evening Edition
September 1st, 2019

Season Long: Four Horsemen

Texans, QB-Deshaun Watson
I think the Texans did a pretty good job this preseason with some of their moves, but even prior to them I was all-in with their quarterback. Last season the Texans had one of the worst, if not the worst offensive lines in the league (62 sacks allowed in 2018) and Watson still managed to finish as the number 4 fantasy quarterback. He’ll start his 2019 campaign with the best in the business, in wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and a healthy pass catcher in Will Fuller (expected to be ready for week 1). With running backs Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde set to line up in the backfield, Watson will have a very nice compliment of weapons all around. If the Texans can protect Watson and run the ball effectively, this signal caller should be a lock for a top-3 fantasy quarterback in 2019.

Vikings, RB-Dalvin Cook
An 85-yard touchdown run against the Cardinals in the Vikings third preseason game was all I needed to see, well actually that a couple of other plays on offense. Cook looked fresh, healthy, strong, and fast as heck (especially on his touchdown run). The Vikings runner is now more than a season removed from his knee injury suffered during his rookie season; he’s healthy now and looks great. During his 85-yard dash he showed great explosion and acceleration. I think this kids going to show folks what we were seeing from him back in 2017. Cook is getting drafted in the early second round (ADP 15.1 according to FFC), but he’s worthy of a first round pick and will be a Top-6 fantasy running back in 2019.

Buccaneers, WR-Chris Godwin
I am buying Jacks beans, taking the bait, and falling hook line and sinker for wide receiver Chris Godwin. There are a lot of signs pointing in the right direction for the Bucs wideout. A stable quarterback situation in 2019, with Jameis Winston the starter, and a new Head Coach in Bruce Arians. Godwin showed some flashes at the tail-end of last season and with rumors out of camp suggesting he and Winston are building chemistry, I like his outlook. The expectation in the leagues highest passing offense from 2018 and under Arians offense, Godwin is going to see an increase in targets and should breakout this season. Even with an ADP of 39.8 and WR16 (according to FFC), I am locking him in my Top-12 fantasy receivers for 2019.

Saints, TE-Jared Cook
In 2018, tight end Jared Cook finished the season as the number 5 fantasy TE with Derek Carr as his quarterback. Now that he’s a Saint, he’ll be catching passes from quarterback Drew Brees. Does anything more need to be said. The last time Brees had a solid pass catching talent at tight end it was Jimmy Graham, back in 2014. Graham finished that season as the number 2 fantasy tight end; that’s Cook’s upside this season. The Saints will roll out plenty of weapons this season and Cook should benefit greatly. He’s the TE7, ADP 70.7 (according to FFC) and deserving of this currenting ranking, but in my best estimations, he’s going to challenge the top trio.

These are my top fantasy prospects for 2019, that I am trying to grab as many shares of in Best Ball, re-drafts, and season long leagues. As some might say, I am going to ride high with these Four horsemen!

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Night Edition

August 18th, 2019

The Draft Weekend

I’m playing a little catch up here as this past weekend was my annual Draft day weekend marathon. It has become tradition, in this kid’s (I’m not a kid - and don’t ask) neighborhood home leagues to partake in two deep fantasy drafts on the same weekend. We’ve been doing this, a number of years now and it’s been quite the endeavor, but an experience well worth it. 

Preparation & Podcasts

Like every year, leading up to Draft day, I spend a lot of my free time researching and studying, as much as I can and as much as real life will allow (and that’s not much). I pick up the annual fantasy mags for cheat-sheets and rankings, and I print out the various ADPs and rankings from FFC and Fantasy Pros (two of my favorite sites). I also absorb some of the popular fantasy podcasts & shows, sometimes for the insight and analysis, and sometimes for entertainment, and even sometimes to just get me in fantasy draft mode. 

Draft Day Anxiety

When the day arrives, all bets are off, it’s go time and every fantasy owner for themself. The clock winds down to zero and first owner is on the clock; depending on your spot in the draft, you have time to consider you strategy, the direction you will go, zero running backs to start, heavy wide receivers in the opening rounds, early round reaches, or playing it safe. Even the first pick can cause some anxiety or nervous anxiousness, as it will set the tone for your following picks. 

No matter what that first important decision becomes, keep your eye on the prize, be committed to your decision and construct the best fantasy team that’s ever been put together. Believe in your process, stay the course, and go the distance with determination, focus, grit, and if all else fails, flip a coin. We put some much into this day that will define our upcoming season, the good thing this is, one year from today we can do it all over again. 

Draft Day Picks

My 2019 Fantasy Draft weekend has concluded, and for a while on Saturday it seemed all of my picks were all over the place, from my 2nd round Le’Veon Bell selection to my DK Metcalf selection in the 12th round. I doubled down with quarterback Deshaun Watson in both leagues, taking him in 2nd round in one (8 team league) and the 6th round (10 team league) in the other. 

I also locked up wide receiver Chris Godwin in both leagues; 5th round and 7th round. Both Watson and Godwin were targets of mine, as was running back Aaron Jones. These were players I eyed, and made sure I was able to grab without having to reach further than I was comfortable.

The Results

The first day of drafting was the most relaxed and the group enjoyed the time we took, but 8 hours of drafting can take its toll; good thing it’s only once a year. We all started with high hopes, but with the usual conjecture, speculation, unproven analysis, and good natured ribbing with each pick, the draft lasted and lasted. 

At the conclusion of both drafts, my final take on how my teams looked, I was very satisfied with the balance and depth I achieved. Here’s a look at the early rounds of both.

8-Team League

1.Ertz, Zach

2.Watson, Deshaun

3.Johnson, David

4.Cook, Dalvin

5.Jones, Aaron

6.Diggs, Stefon

7.Godwin, Chris

8.Winston, Jameis

9.White, James

10.Woods, Robert

Notes: This is tight-end league (.2 pts/yard), so Ertz was early, but the second TE off the board. I went heavy with RBs early that I feel with contribute in the pass game very well. This is also a Superflex league which is why I snagged Winston early in the 8th; I think he’s going to be top 10 this season.

10-Team League

1.Odell Beckham Jr

2.Le’Veon Bell

3.Aaron Jones

4.David Montgomery

5.Chris Godwin

6.Deshaun Watson

7.Robby Anderson

8.Vance McDonald

9.Will Fuller

10.Kalen Ballage

Notes: Odell fell to me in the 9th slot of the 1st, so had to grab him, came back with Bell in the 2nd; love his potential heavy volume. I am high on Godwin, so I took him in the 5th and followed him with Watson in the sixth; I think Watson could be top 3 this year. I like McDonald’s potential this season with Bell and Brown out of Pittsburgh, and my Fuller selection is points on points with Watson.

That’s My Draft Day Take

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Night Edition

August 14th, 2019

The First Class of Fantasy

Sometimes it seems like the quarterback position is treated like a first class citizen, in comparison to other positions on the field. They are without question, the most protected and rightfully so.

Rather than posting my complete list of all starting quarterbacks, I’ll just share my thoughts about a couple of the QB1’s for 2019.

At the top of my list for this fantasy season is the Texans starter, (MR#1 QB) Deshaun Watson. He’s a very good passer and dynamic player. With the weapons surrounding him in Houston, such as wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, and with the addition of running back Duke Johnson, Watson should deliver big numbers this season.

Landing in my top five this season is none other than Mr. Quarterback, (MR#3 QB) Aaron Rodgers. The Packers signal caller’s numbers were down a bit last season, but we know he played through injury. This season, a healthy Rodgers will have an opportunity to recapture his crown as the best QB in the league and fantasy.

I like (MR#8 QB) Mr. Baker Mayfield this season, as do many other fantasy enthusiasts, but I am not over the top with my excitement. The Browns quarterback had a very positive rookie campaign last season and with the addition of an elite wide receiver like Odell Beckham Jr, his second year looks very promising. I, however will temper my expectations some and remain grounded, as Mayfield was the number 16 fantasy QB in total points last season, so Top-10 is still trending in the right direction. 

My last notable for the evening is the final quarterback to make my preseason QB1 status, (MR#12 QB) Jameis Winston. Last season the Buccaneers quarterback finished strong in the 2nd half of the season, and all the whispers I keep hearing on the radio shows and popular podcasts suggest, this could be a big season for Winston; he does have some nice weapons.

My QB1’s list

1.Deshaun Watson

2.Patrick Mahomes

3.Aaron Rodgers

4.Andrew Luck

5.Matt Ryan

6.Carson Wentz

7.Cam Newton

8.Baker Mayfield

9.Drew Brees

10.Russell Wilson

11.Jarod Goff

12.Jameis Winston

That’s my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Night Edition
August 11th, 2019

Fantasy Draft 2019: 
Player Market Exchange is Open

I’ve not usually done this in years past, although heading into every fantasy football season, I am always looking at players like Stocks and Commodities; some you want to buy others you avoid or sell on. Does this sound familiar? It probably does, that’s because it does mirror a lot of those like/dislikes columns you read from the fantasy experts that are put out every pre-season. I just thought this season, I’d join the party and have a little fun with it myself.

So what are typical “Buys” and “Sells?” 

The best I can explain, for the “Buys”, these are not just the players I like, but rather these are players I do like and that I am seeing I can draft where I’d like to take them (currently in mock drafts) and where I am projecting I will take (select) them. 

The sells are not necessarily players I don’t like, to the contrary, I like quite a few of them a lot, very much. But where many of these (sell) players are going in many of the mock drafts I am doing and where they are slotted in current ADP, I don’t like. I am not expecting to draft them there, nor am I likely to reach for them earlier. This season I believe there is enough depth and too much value available in the first 10-12 rounds of your fantasy draft to reach.

So here is a quick list of some of my buys (the players that should be available in your drafts at spots where you can still get value taking them).…

These are two of my favorites, Texans Quarterback Deshaun Watson (current ADP of 6.01 per FFC) and Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (current ADP of 10.5 per FFC). I am very high (top 3 fantasy QB this season) on Watson this season and have found I can grab him around the 5th and early 6th round. I believe Winston will be a mid to top five, QB1 this season and he has been going as late as the 10th-12th rounds.

Another player to Buy that I am excited about this season is Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (current ADP of 4.11 per FFC). His current ADP is about right in my opinion and this talented runner figures prominently in the Broncos offense; he’s going to see more than enough opportunity to finish as a top 20 fantasy running back.

Additional 2019 Buys:
QB, Aaron Rodgers; this will be a big year for A-rod.
QB, Matt Ryan; he returns to the MVP conversation.
RB, Tevin Coleman; no news here. No Mckinnon, he’s on the rise.
RB, Derrius Guice; he’s healthy and love him after the 7th.
WR, Chris Godwin; if he’s my number one WR, I’m okay with that.
WR, Calvin Ridley; can’t teach speed, takes huge steps forward in 2019.
TE, Jorden Reed; as late as he’s going, he’s a steal.

This is my quick list of players that I may avoid or won’t draft, because their value does not match the price (current ADP) in my opinion….

The Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (current ADP of 3.04 per FFC) figures to come back to earth some this season, closing the gap between his fantasy output and say the 4th and 5th fantasy quarterbacks. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an elite talent, but going as early as the 2nd and 3rd rounds in many drafts, I just don’t see myself taking a QB that early. Now, of course, should he fall a couple of rounds later, I am not wasting a moment to jump all over that.

Holdout Running backs Melvin Gordon (Chargers) and Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys) carry too much risk for me to bother using an early draft pick on either. Gordon has an ADP of 3.03 per FFC, which continues to fall; past the 4th round I may consider. Like Gordon, Elliott (current ADP of 1.05 per FFC) is currently holding out, although there’s a feeling he may get a deal done sooner, rather than later. My feeling is I can build my team without the risk and headache.

Additional Sells;
QB, Baker Mayfield; a lot of promise, still going too early.
QB, Kyler Murray; need to see it first, other options available.
RB, Jerick McKinnon; too much risk with that knee.
WR, Antonio Brown; too much noise and distraction, and may not play.
WR, AJ Green; not healthy, going to miss a chunk of games.

That’s my take.
~David G. Ortega