FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Morning Edition
September 8th, 2019

Sunday Morning Gametime

I am reading the Twitter updates, checking all of the popular sites for fantasy football news, and from these sources, I have some Week one notes to share when considering setting your Fantasy Football lineup…

(RB) Chris Carson in the Seahawks heavy run offense versus the Bengals defense today. Cincinnati allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing running backs last season (NFL scoring).

(RB)  Leonard Fournette against the Chiefs defense. Last season the Chiefs allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs (NFL scoring), including 4.9 yards per carry and 6 receiving touchdowns (tied for the most in the league).

(WR) Chris Godwin against the Niners secondary today, with Mike Evans (slated to play) under the weather. Last season the Niners defense allowed a league high 27 receiving touchdowns to opposing receivers.

(RB) Le’Veon Bell against the Bills defense today. The Bills defense surrendered the 8th most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2018, including 21 total touchdowns (2nd most in the league).


My Fave DFS Lineup Week One

Every week I play DFS, because let’s face it, I am a football addict and love the NFL. I watch the games, I root for the players, and every week I piss a few dollars away; but it’s fun. Well the playing part, not the pissing dollars away. Here’s one of my favorite line-ups for Sunday Week One!
Fave DFS play Week One

QB-Kirk Cousin, Min; love the matchup, last season Falcons allowed most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (NFL).

RB-Chris Carson, Sea; Carson has a tasty matchup today against the Bengals.

RB-Kerryon Johnson, Det; This is a great opportunity and favorable matchup for Johnson, hoping to see 20-25 touches.

WR-Chris Godwin, TB; This matchup could be a shootout, Godwin could be in line for 8-10 targets.

WR-Mike Williams, LAC; defense will be focused on the Chargers other weapons as well, Williams should see a number of red-zone opportunities today.

WR-Odell Beckham Jr; A gambling move, but can’t resist the opportunity to own a share of OBJ. He seems like a good bet to find pay-dirt today.

TE-Delanie Walker, Ten; Walker is healthy and has a great matchup against a Browns secondary that allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing TEs last season (NFL scoring)

Flex-Davlin Cook, Min; Cook looks healthy and could be looking at a big season. He should get off to a fast start today against a Falcons defense that allowed 4th highest fantasy points to opposing RBs in 2018.

Def-Seattle; I like this matchup for the Seahawks, especially at home today.


That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 11th 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

My Week 10 Injury Takes

RB-Jeremy Hill (ankle); The Bengals placed Hill on the Injured Reserve ending his season. For fantasy owners, this changes little. Rookie running back Joe Mixon has been the lead backs for weeks, but will now also pick up short yardage and goal-line duties increasing his long term fantasy value.

WR-Will Fuller (knee); the Texans wide receiver is not listed on the team’s injury report. Fuller will be a go for Sunday, but faces a tough matchup against a stingy Rams defense allowing the 5th fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers. With Watson out and Savage in, Fuller’s shine has dimmed significantly; he’s a borderline WR3/4 this week.

TE-Delanie Walker (ankle); the Titan’s tight is listed as questionable and could be a huge risky play this week for owners. Walker played through the injury last week and even though he’ll be at less than 100 percent (if he goes), he’s still in line to see a healthy dose of snaps. Walker remains a TE1 this week.

WR-Julio Jones (ankle); the Falcons wide receiver is not listed on the team’s injury report. Jones will be all-systems-go on Sunday and a must-start against a Cowboys defense that has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

WR-Dez Bryant (ankle); the Cowboys playmaking receiver is listed as questionable for Sunday, but looks like he’ll be out there on Sunday. The Falcons have been pretty good against opposing receivers, but with the Cowboys minus Zeke, Sunday could become more of the Dez and Dak show.

WR-Chris Hogan (shoulder); the Patriots wide receiver has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup with the Bronco’s No Fly Zone defense. With Hogan out, this should open more opportunities for both Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola.

RB-Matt Forte (knee); the Jets running back has been ruled out for Sunday. With Forte sidelined, Bilal Powell a borderline RB1 this week should handle lead duties, but Elijah McGuire will also figure in the mix as a low-end flex and DFS flier.

WR-Michael Thomas (ankle); the Saints receiver is not listed on team’s injury report. Thomas has been steady this season, but not spectacular. The Saints are away this week at Buffalo, with Thomas being a low-end WR2 against a Bills secondary that allows the 7th fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers.

WR-TY Hilton (groin); the Colts wide receiver is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Steelers. While Hilton is expected to play, he’ll be a huge risk option with the potential for a setback; owners should proceed with caution.

WR-Stefon Diggs (tooth); the Vikings wide receiver was not listed on the team’s final injury report. Diggs will be on the field Sunday drawing lots of attention from the Redskins Josh Norman, which could open up some opportunities for Adam Thielen.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 4th, 2017

Wednesday Evening Edition

Week 4 Sunday Lineup Killers

Week 4 was more like Black Sunday for many fantasy owners, as a lot of big names just didn't show up. Leading the way of the demise was the Falcons Matt Ryan. This was his second consecutive sub-par performance. In Week 3 he threw three picks and here in week 4 Ryan finished as the No.27 fantasy QB; not what owners signed up for when they drafted him as the No.4/5 QB.

Quarterbacks

Matt Ryan: 242 pa yds, 1 td, 2 int

Derek Carr: 143 pa yds, 1 td

Matthew Stafford: 209 pa yds, 0 tds

Ben Roethlisberger: 216 pa yds, 1 td, 1 int

It's simple in New England, if running back Mike Gillislee doesn't find the endzone he's going to crush your fantasy lineup. Since his big breakout Week 1 three-touchdown performance, he's only scored in double digits once, back in week 2. The Patriots have been caught up in some high scoring matchups, but they do most of their damage through the air. Gillislee's totals for Week 4, 49 rushing yards. That's not going to help too many fantasy owners going forward

Running backs

Jonathan Stewart: 68 ru yds, 1 Fum

Mike Gillislee: 49 ru yds

DeMarco Murray: 31 ru yds, 2 rec, 4 rec yds

Jay Ajayi: 46 ru yds, 8-yd rec

This is the second consecutive sub-par week and the third in four games for wide receiver Martavis Bryant. He's only topped 50 yards once this season and has had no more than 3 receptions in any game this season. I'm sure Martavis, along with fantasy owners hope he'll break this trend soon, but don't look for it this week. Next up for Bryant is Jacksonville and their No.1 passing defense.

Wide Receivers

Martavis Bryant: 3 rec, 48 rec yds

Rishard Matthews: 3 rec, 49 rec yds

Adam Thielen:5 rec, 59 rec yds, 1 Fum

It's time to put the Chargers tight end Antonio Gates on the shelf. He's definitely fallen down the pecking order behind the trio of Chargers receivers; Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, and Travis Benjamin. Gates may bounce back here and there , but with just 3 catches for 18 yards in Week 4 (the No.28 fantasy TE) he can no longer be trusted as a fantasy starter.

Tight Ends

Delanie Walker: 3 rec, 51 rec yds

Coby Fleener: 2 rec, 21 rec yds

Jack Doyle: 5 rec, 27 rec yds

Antonio Gates: 3 rec, 18 rec yds

That’s My Take

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 20th, 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Week 11: My Perfect Lineup

There are few surprises here as I am leaning heavy on some of this weeks' favorites, but here are my picks for the Week 11 Perfect Challenge (NFL).

QB-Ben Roehtlisberger (PIT). Weather may hinder his effort some, but his big arm and his weapons should allow him to make a few big plays today.

RB-DeMarco Murray (TEN). The Titans running back (NFL 2nd leading rusher) has been better than solid this season and today's matchup should continue his upward trend.

RB-LeVeon Bell (PIT). He has a prime matchup and could see an avalanche of touches today.

WR-Odell Beckham Jr (NYG). He's the focus of the pass game, so I expect another big Sunday for the super-talented Giants wideout.

WR-TY Hilton (IND). Hilton has been up and down, but his last matchup against Tennessee he was huge. Can you say repeat.

TE-Delanie Walker (TEN). This kid has lived on the injury report all season, but still produces. Today's favorable matchup could be another productive Sunday.

PK-Justin Tucker (BAL). The Raven's kicker has been solid this season and perfect with 18 of 18 kicks. On the road today the Raven's may have to settle for a few kicks.

D/ST-Dolphins. You have to like a defenses chances when they face a rookie quarterback in his NFL debut.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 19th, 2016
Saturday Evening Edition

Week 11 Fantasy Favorites

While some folks may be high on the Tennessee Titan's quarterback Marcus Mariota and why not, he's been hot of late; 7 touchdown passes over the past two weeks, I am liking his opponent Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. It hasn't been a great season thus far for Luck, but he's still been very much in the thick of things this fantasy season with six games of 17 fantasy points or more. Sunday he gets the Titans 24th ranked pass defense that allows the 10th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. And remember back in week 7 Luck lit up the Titans for 353 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Another favorite for Sunday that I am high on is Titan's tight end Delanie Walker. Walker is the 2nd ranked fantasy tight end (standard scoring) through 10 weeks, with five receiving touchdowns (tied for most in the league). In his last meeting versus the Colts back in week seven he logged 7 receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. He is the 6th most targeted tight end in the league and figures to have another busy Sunday against the Colts.

Lastly, another Sunday favorite that I will be eyeing is the Steelers 2nd year wide receiver Eli Rogers. No question this is a flyer pick and Sunday sleeper, but I like Rogers chances. The Browns secondary allows the 3rd most fantasy points to wide receivers and have allowed 40 pass plays of 20 yards or more this season (most in the league). The Browns have also allowed 9 pass plays of 40 yards or more (4th most) and Rogers is a big play threat. He's a bit hit or miss; more likely a better DFS play than redraft lineup insert. But keep an eye on Rogers going forward.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 15th, 2016
Saturday afternoon edition

Week 6 Tight End Radar Watch

So it's waiver wire and free agent pick up time for week 6 of the Fantasy Football season and I am just taking a look at some of the Tight End options that could be available in most leagues.

Before I throw out some names for week 6, here's my current top and quick take for week 6;

1. Rob Gronkowski...he's got Brady back, nuff said
2. Greg Olsen...big game last week and without Cam.
3. Jordan Reed...playing like a top 5 this season.
4. Kyle Rudolph...finally pass game includes the big target
5. Delanie Walker...Titans leading receiver with 225 yards
6. Travis Kelce...big target in the red zone.
7. Jimmy Graham...numbers are on the rise.
8. Hunter Henry...the rookie is making strides
9. Martellus Bennett...already great chemistry with Brady
10. Zach Miller...leads team with 3 touchdowns


So Beyond the top 10, let's take a quick look at a couple of names that could be available and offer some value to fantasy owners needed help at the position.

Last year Gary Barnidge sprung his way up the top 10 notables at Tight End, finishing the year with 79 receptions and 1,043 yards receiving, with 9 touchdowns. This season he's been off to a slow start and absent from the top 10 thus far, but if you've been paying attention the offense has been working Gary back into the picture; 15 targets in his last two games. Questions are the quarterback position could limit his production, but he's worth watching.

Over in Pittsburgh, the Steelers don't have Heath Miller over the middle, but they have a new gunslinging tight end in Jesse James. The 2nd year tight end has been up and down this season, but over the course of five games he's accumulated 26 targets, 18 receptions, for 128 yards, and three scores. His numbers 11th ranked fantasy points numbers don't jump off the board, but he's definitely a worth watching prospect.

One more prospect that should keep fantasy owners pre-occupied is Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta. Over his past four games, Pitta is averaging better than 8 targets per game and has accumulated 25 receptions for 220 yards receving. He's yet to find the end zone, but that seems to be just a matter of time. His numbers put him in as the 16th ranked fantasy tight end and well worth fantasy ownership interest. 

These are the tight ends that should be owned and closely watched for weekly play.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 20th, 2016
Tuesday Evening Edition

Sunday's Heroes

As I have done in the past, it's never a bad idea to take a quick glance at the weekend that just passed to see if we can find some hidden gems or diamonds in the rough. Week two was filled with more NFL exctiting and plenty of fantasy studs and Sunday Heroes worth noting.

These are some of the Sunday's less noticable, but most notable performers for fantasy owners to watch...

With an injury to Panthers starting running back Jonathan Stewart, back-up Fozzy Whittaker was the next man up and filled the spot nicely. The 4th year running back toted the rock 16 times for 100 yards and added three grabs for another 31 yards. If Stewart misses times, Whittaker should be a highly regarded Waiver Wire grab for week 3.

The Falcons signal caller Matt Ryan (730 yards passing, 5 passing touchdowns) is off to a nice start in 2016 as he continued his hot hand on Sunday against the Raiders. Ryan was absolutely magnificent completing over 75% of his throws on his way to nearly 400 yards passing and three scores. Ryan's fantasy value has dipped the past couple of seasons, so he's definitely worth a grab off the wire this week, should be still be out there.

It was not spectacular in volume, but you could not be more efficient than Raven's wide receiver Mike Wallace turning 50% of his grabs into scores. Wallace was targeted 6 times, grabbing four balls for 67 yards. His two scores now give him three on the year. He may still be available, but you can bet he'll be a waiver wire favorite this week.

After a quiet week one, the Titans tight end Delanie Walker showed his fantasy prowess in week 2 against the Lions. Walker was targeted 6 times snagging all 6 for 83 yards with a score. He and his second year quarterback Marcus Mariota have great chemistry, you can expect Walker to remain a TE1 the rest of the way.

After missing the entire 2015 season, Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin is back with his large 6'5" frame to show the football world he's not lost a step. On Sunday the third year receiver was electric catching 7 passes for 108 yards and two scores. With 13 receptions, 199 yards receiving and three scores, he's a top 15 WR the rest of way.

On Sunday night under the lights, Vikings second year receiver Stefon Diggs showed is doesn't matter who throws the ball, as long as they throw it to him. Against the Packers Diggs was unstoppable putting on a show to the tune of 9 catches on 11 targets for 182 yards and a score. The Vikings receiver leads the league in receiving yards with 285 and is second in the NFL with 16 grabs. He's on his way to becoming an elite and possibly top 10 WR by years end.

Rounding out the rest of our Sunday heroes...

The Browns running game received a burst of life with Isaiah Crowell's 133 yards on the ground Sunday against the Ravens. Most of his damage was done on a single 85 yard run, so he could be fools gold, but Crowell does have 30 carries this season for 195 yards, so the work is there.

The Falcons tight end Jacob Tamme tallied 5 receptions for 75 yards and a score in week 2. He's averaging 8 targets per game, with that kind of volume it's not hard to imagine Tamme putting up similar numbers on a regular basis; he has the look of a low TE1 and could be a Waiver Wire steal this week.

With Keenan Allen out for the season, next man up was Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin and he did not disappoint. He may not be able to carry his 6 catch, 115 yards receiving, and two touchdowns line every week, but he's a top 25 wide receiver right now.

Until the Patriots starting tight end Rob Gronkowski is 100 percent and even when he is, number two tight end Martellus Bennett has value. His 5-6 targets per week will always give him a chance at 5 catches for 114 yards and a score, especially when quarterback Tom Brady returns. Bennett is a high-end TE2.

That's my take for Week 2

~David G Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 17th, 2016
Saturday

Week 2 Four Horsemen

After quickly glancing at this week's matchups on Sunday, here are a few names that jump off the board as possible fantasy stud plays for Week 2. 

Here are my Four Horsemen for NFL Sunday Week 2.

QB-Philip Rivers (Chargers)
The Chargers lost a tough one in week one letting an 18 point half-time lead slip away and again it was a tale of two tapes. Against a tough Chiefs defense quarterback Philip Rivers started fast completing 16 of 20 passes for 151 yards and a score. In the second half along with the offense is where Rivers struggled. This week look for the savvy vet to rebound and finish strong at home on Sunday. Rivers lost a big weapon with wide receiver Keenan Allen going down, but he'll still have plenty of targets with Travis Benjamin, Antonio Gates, and Danny Woodhead. Rivers will be facing a Jaguars defense that allowed 199 yards passing and two scores in week one to the Packers. If Rivers is afforded the time, he'll pick apart the secondary and should post some strong week 2 fantasy numbers; 22 of 29 passes, 277 yards passing, three touchdown passes!

RB-Rashad Jennings (Giants)
Week one was anything but blistering for the Giants running back Rashad Jennings, but for fantasy owners his 19 touches were a big positive. This week the Giants offense will match up with Saints defense that was obliterated for 486 yards of offense in week one, including 169 yards on the ground. Jennings has some success in week one with 75 yards on the ground, but he should definitely improve on his totals and 4.2 yards per carry average against a run defense that allowed 6.4 yards per carry and three scores. This Sunday Jennings should be a top 10 fantasy play; 19 carries, 95 yards, two rushing touchdowns!

WR-Golden Tate (Lions)
The Lions slot man, Golden Tate was perfect in week one, catching 7 passes on 7 targets. This week he could feast even more against a visiting Titans secondary. The match up is not necessarily a fantasy frenzy, the Lions just have a lot of weapons and will present a lot of match up problems for Tennessee. And back in week one, the Titans struggled to keep up with Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs; Tate owners take note. With his seven targets last week, Tate is a big part of the passing game and Stafford looked sharp a week ago; expect similar production with an added score; 6 receptions, 90 yards receiving, and a touchdown. 

TE-Delanie Walker (Titans)
Here's a match up fantasy owners should be all-in on. In week one the Lions pass defense allowed 7 receptions (on 10 targets) for 88 yards receiving, and three touchdowns to the tight end position. This week tight end Delanie Walker and the Titans come to town. Walker has been a rising star at the TE position the past couple of seasons and after a slow start in week one, 3 receptions (on five targets) for 42 yards, expect the Titans to get him going early and often. Last season Walker posted career numbers (94 receptions, 1,088 yards receiving, 6 touchdowns) with rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota under center, this season the duo will be looking to improve. Fantasy owners can expect a good start this Sunday; 7 receptions, 85 yards receiving, 1 touchdown.

That's my take

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Morning Edition

September 21st, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Gametime

Favorites for Week 3

It’s Sunday morning and time to set those line-ups for Week 3. This past week I have been looking at the numbers, reflecting back on some of the action I have been able to catch, and taking notes from around the many sites and shows covering fantasy football.

With all this information, I must know what I am doing right? Wrong, I would be just as confused as anyone, but fortunately it does not matter. I have fun playing fantasy football and in the grand scheme, that’s what matter. Of course winning is fun too!

The Four Horsemen

In week 3, if my hopes of winning rely on Bills quarterback EJ Manuel that might be a good thing. The Bills are off to a fast start 2-0, and with a home game scheduled today facing a west coast team, the chances are good they could be 3-0 by day’s end. Manuel intrigues me today, because he’ll face a defense that allows 8.2 yards per pass (tied for 5^th most) and has allowed the 5^th most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks. With his arms and legs in play, I believe Manuel is a sneaky play for week 3.

In the backfield I have been betting large on Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw. He’s coming off a two-score performance last Monday night and has a prime matchup against Jacksonville. The Jaguars defense allows the most fantasy points to opposing running backs and has surrendered 5 total touchdowns to the position. Bradshaw is golden to be a solid play today.

Split out wide, my money today is on Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson. There was some speculation in the preseason about Johnson’s outlook; would he be traded, has he lost a step, is he on the decline. His 2014 campaign is not lighting any fires, but facing the Giants defense that allows the 5^th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers could help to ignite it. The Giants secondary has also surrendered 355 yards receiving to the position (5^th most), numbers that favor a strong outing for Johnson; play him with confidence.

At the tight end spot, I am rolling out with the Titans Delanie Walker. He’s had a strong start this season with 13 receptions for 179 yards and two scores. He’s facing a Bengals defense that allowed 10 receptions to the opposing tight end back in week 1. Walker may not need as many balls to do damage, but his 18 targets in two games suggest he’ll be a busy man on Sunday. I like one of those to come in the red zone for pay dirt. Walker is my play at tight end today.

These are my Sunday takes for week 3.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Evening Edition

September 12th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

Week 2 Values

Diamonds or Coal

After one week you are already rethinking your fantasy football draft aren’t you? Well let’s not go into panic mode just yet. The season is young and we’re only one week in; there are plenty of fixes available and plenty of diamonds in the rough to find.

I was able to take in quite a few games last weekend and let’s just say I saw plenty and took notes. Players like Steve Smith (24.8 fantasy points*) in Baltimore and Jake Locker (23.4 fantasy points*) in Tennessee were pleasant surprises with their week one performances, as well as Arizona’s Carson Palmer (24.3 fantasy points*) and Houston’s DeAndre Hopkins (18.9 fantasy points*). These all were players that were likely taken later in drafts and not started in week one, but plays that could help your fantasy team in week two.

Diamonds…

A couple of more diamonds found from week one that could give your lineup a needed boost would include the Falcons wide receiver-return man Devin Hester. With his six targets in week one, Hester was clearly a part of the passing game and he took advantage of those opportunities; the speedster hauled in 5 passes for 99 yards. This kind of production could land Hester in your lineup this Sunday as a nice flex option.

This week the Niners will be at home to face a Bears defense that allowed over 190 yards rushing in week one. Starting running back Frank Gore should benefit from the week two matchup, but don’t expect the Niners to overwork the 31 year-old ball carrier. Rookie running back Carlos Hyde has been impressive and productive rushing for 50 yards and a score off seven carries in week one. The Niners will definitely run the ball on Sunday and Hyde should figure in nicely with double-digit carries; he should be a solid flex this week.

In week one the Cowboys defense had trouble keeping up with the Niners tight end Vernon Davis (two touchdown receptions in week one). This week former Niners tight end Delanie Walker will get his shot at the Cowboys secondary. Walker is coming off a nice week one performance (3 receptions, 37 yards receiving, and a touchdown) and could follow it with a solid week two. Fantasy owners looking for tight end help should insert Walker here.

Coal….

The Rams offense looked anemic in week one only producing 6 points. One of the reasons for the deficiency is their lack of a running game and absence of wide receiver Kenny Britt. There was some talk during the preseason suggesting Britt could make a rebound in 2014 and while we are only in week one, three targets and zero receptions is definitely not the start he or fantasy owners was looking for. Britt should not be owned until we see some presence of a receiver and consistency.

These are just my takes for week 2.

*standard one point PPR

~David Ortega