FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 2nd 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 13 Diamonds in the Rough

This is the last week before the start of fantasy playoffs for most redraft leagues and it could be the last chance for some of us to play our way into the dance. If you are on the bubble and needing help, well, desperate times call for desperate measures...

QB-Trevor Siemian; the Broncos signal caller has been just awful since week 3, one of the worst fantasy quarterbacks this season (ranked 25th), but last week in relief of the injured Paxton Lynch, Siemian did play well. It was not an eyebrow raiser and sudden break-through, but for the Broncos and Siemian it’s a start. This week he’s on the road, typically not a great matchup, but it’s the Dolphins. The Phins don’t bring a lot of pressure (just 18 sacks this season) and they have allowed the most fantasy points to week opposing quarterbacks over the past 4 weeks. Don’t look for big numbers, but he could offer a safe floor.

RB-Jaquizz Rodgers; the Buccaneers will be without starter Doug Martin, so Rodgers could see more work on the early downs. He’s also an effective pass catcher, something the Packers defense has struggled with the past month allowing the 2nd most receptions (31) to opposing running backs over the last 4 weeks. Rodgers will see some work for sure, but he’ll likely split the load with Charles Simms and Peyton Barber, so his upside could be limited.

WR-Johnny Holton; the Raiders speedster is a boom or bust candidate for Week 13, but for those living on a prayer, Houlton might hear those calls. No doubt a risky play here, Holton has just 4 receptions on the year, but for 161 yards with 2 scores. The Giants defense has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing receivers including 6 touchdowns over the past 4 weeks. If you’re in a bind, make a wish here.

TE-CJ Fiedorowicz; playing in only his 4th game this season, the Texans tight end saw a season high 8 targets last week. It’s a sign that his quarterback is developing some chemistry and comfort with him and heading into a week 13 matchup with the Titans (11th most fantasy points allowed to opposing TEs last 2 weeks) this could not come at a better time. Fiedorowicz is not in line for a huge day by any means, but if you’re struggling with production at the TE spot and need help CJ might provide a small spark.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 23rd 2017

Thursday Night Edition

Week 12 Diamonds in the Rough

This is the final stretch of the fantasy football regular season as we have now entered week 12. With the bye weeks complete, there are still 13 games left on the slate and plenty of gems waiting to be inserted into your lineup this week.

Tyrod Taylor returns to the lineup.

After the Nathan Peterman failure last week, the Bills are going to go back to quarterback Tyrod Taylor. The Bills new, old starter is currently the No.14 fantasy QB through 11 weeks and will face the Chiefs 28th ranked pass defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. The Chiefs are in a slide right now and Taylor may have some vengeance on his mind this week. There are not a lot of signs pointing toward a big game, but any given Sunday may apply.

A change in Denver could mean more changes

The Broncos offense is in turmoil, currently one of the worst in the leagues, but a recent bright spot has been 2nd year running back Devontae Booker. The Broncos running back has steadily seen his role and production grow in the offense with Week 11 being his best game of the season. His 19 touches and 98 total yards were season highs and the best that the backfield has seen in weeks. With the recent firing of Mike McCoy, the offense will be under new direction which could open the door to changes; new starter, new workload split, etc. This is a situation worth monitoring.

Time for the Bee-sting of Martavis

The Steelers offense finally showed some real life in week 11 rolling up 40 points against the Titans. One missing component of the Killers Bees this season has been the Steelers wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Through 11 weeks he’s barely been a blip on anyone’s radar and there’s been even less reason for him to be. With the Steelers offense looking like it’s getting ready to start rolling again, Bryant could be in line for a potential breakout game. This Sunday night is a prime matchup at home against a Packers defense that’s allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing receivers over its past four games. Bryant is more likely a boom or bust option, but if you need to reach, he could answer the call.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 3rd 2017

Friday evening Edition

Diamonds in the Rough

Looking ahead to Sunday, although we are in week 9, we are still only in week 9 and options do exist for fantasy owners looking for help and trying to find those weekly gems.

As the bye weeks continue here a couple of Week 9 hidden gems that could be interesting plays on Sunday;

QB-Tom Savage; the loss of rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson is devastating, but it doesn't have to be the end of the Texans or fantasy owners. The offense is still loaded with some talent and playing with confidence. It's a long shot, but with players like Fuller, Hopkins, and Miller still available this week Savage could be a diamond in the rough this week. He has a favorable matchup against a defense that has allowed 12 passing touchdowns (5th most), 290.4 yards passing per game (2nd most), and the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

RB-Marlon Mack; after a week 6 setback (in usage), the Colts rookie runner has seen his involvement in the offense trend upward with 9 touches in week 7 and 14 touches in week 8. Mack has also seen snap count increase with 48 in week 7 and 39 in week 8 (led the backfield both weeks). In 3 of his last 4 games, he's also scored in double-digit fantasy points. While the Texans have been lock down against the run this season, one stat worth noting, rookies this season have had success; Fournette in Week 1 and Hunt in Week 5.

WR-Devin Funchess; with the departure of Benjamin, the time is now for Funchess to arrive. The Panthers receiver has been fine thus far this season, although over his last three games he's managed only single digits in fantasy scoring. Through 8 weeks, Funchess leads the team in targets and receptions, but was outscored by Benjamin (his primary hurdle to more opportunity). Funchess should see a big uptick in targets and scoring opportunities going forward and with the potential for increased production he's got a great shot at moving from the No.30 fantasy receiver (PPR) to Top 20.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega