FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Sunday Edition
December 16th, 2012  

Sunday Morning Gametime

Dez Bryant
The Cowboys wide receiver won’t have any padding to protect the injured finger, so he will be experiencing excruciating pain each time he catches and handles the rock; don’t like the odds for a big game under these circumstances.

David Wilson
The rookie is getting the start and will see plenty of touches today. With his great speed and favorable matchup against the Falcons defense, he has tremendous upside. I like Wilson as a top 10 fantasy RB today.

Roddy White
The Falcons wide receiver was always going to play; this guy has too much heart to sit. Bad knee or not, he’ll get his especially if Ryan is playing catchup or caught in a shootout against the Giants today.

Danario Alexander
The Chargers have a new number one receiver and he’s been hot over the past several weeks. Alexander is a beast and you have to like his matchup against the Panthers today, so start him with confidence.

Darren McFadden
The Raiders may finally see today the Darren McFadden that fantasy owners were hoping they’d see when they drafted back in August. McFadden has a plush matchup at home against a weak Chiefs run defense.

Jonathan Dwyer
The Steelers are a running team and have committed to Dwyer. I like his chances at pounding out a good day with at least a score against the Cowboys 16th ranked run defense.

Josh Freeman
The Saints and Buccaneers could be locked in a shootout; Freeman is going to have to put up numbers today to keep the Bucs in the game. He may not accumulate big yards, because of the team’s success on the ground, but he should see plenty of red=zone opportunities.

Donnie Avery
The Patriots showed on Monday night, what we have been seeing the past several weeks, holes in the Texans secondary. Reggie Wayne will be the focus of the defense which should open up plenty of opportunities for the other Colts receivers including Donnie Avery.

Just a few notes and thoughts for today’s games…

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Edition
November 21st, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Henne Takes Over Starting Duties in Jacksonville
Chad Henne blew up last week for big numbers against a very good Texans defense, now the named starter the rest of the way he’ll have a chance to earn the gig full-time in 2013. The football gods must be smiling down on Henne at the moment with a week 12 matchup against the Titans 26th pass defense. The Titans allow the 6th most fantasy quarterbacks , a good matchup for Henne to continue his hot hand.

Avery Limited, but Looks Like He Will Play Sunday
The Colts receiver Donnie Avery is returning from a concussion suffered on Sunday. With his early return to the practice field, all signs for the moment point toward his playing this week against the Bills. Avery has been the team’s predominant number two receiver much of the season, but his numbers and targets have fallen a bit over the past several weeks. The Bills rank 18th versus the pass and allow the 12th most fantasy points to wide receivers, including 13 touchdowns this season; a good matchup for Avery to rebound.

Thursday Night Could be Lloyds Night
With two of Tom Brady’s favorite targets (Gronkowski & Hernandez) OUT and limited for Thursday night, wide receiver Brandon Lloyd could be next up on the Patriots rotation. Lloyd and Brady have been off just a bit this season, but Lloyd continues to see his share of balls; second on the team with 82 targets. In Lloyd’s last two games he’s seen a total of 13 targets, a slight drop from what he was getting earlier in the season. With limited weapons tomorrow night for Brady, Lloyd could be a strong flex option.

Kaepernick to Start Versus Saints
The Niners are sticking with their healthy quarterback Colin Kaepernick; he will get the start this Sunday against the Saints. Kaepernick had the hot hand and arm on Monday night completely dismantling the Bears defense and with the Saints up next, fantasy owners should expect more. The Saints defense is allowing the most fantasy points to quarterbacks, including 21 touchdowns this season. With his mobility, Kaepernick is a double threat and lock to produce solid fantasy numbers; could be waiver wire pick up of the week.

The Chief Wide Reciever Bowe Limited
Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (neck) was limited in practice, but looks to be on track to play Sunday barring any setbacks. With the Chiefs matching up with the Broncos on Sunday, this is not good news for Bowe or fantasy owners. Bowe is likely to see a lot of the Broncos cover corner Champ Bailey, fantasy owners should not expect a big day; he’s nothing more than a flex option at best.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY'S TAKES

Thursday Edition
November 8th, 2012  

Thursdays Take

Notes

Tonight’s quick takes include quite a few names for a matchup lacking marquee appeal. Starting with the obvious wide receiver Reggie Wayne leads the league in targets this season with 101. You can bet he’s going to be on the radar throughout the evening and should be very productive against the Jaguars 24th ranked pass defense.

Throwing passes all night to Wayne will be rookie quarterback Andrew Luck. He’s a gamer and it will be tough to pass on starting him tonight unless you are carrying one of the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks. The Jaguars defense allows the 17th most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season, but last week the Lions Matthew Stafford torched them for over 300 yards without a touchdown pass (although there were many chances). Luck should see many opportunities, but expect him to capitalize.

On the other side, the Jaguars offense will be facing a Colts defense that has struggled to shut down folks. Running back Rashad Jennings is going to see a heavy load and facing a Colts defense that allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, he’s going to play well. Jennings is only a flex option in most leagues, but could be considered a low end RB2 in much deeper leagues.

The one to watch this evening is going to be the Colts number two receiver Donnie Avery. The speedy wide out has shown flashes this season and last week was starting to come on with a big effort before injury shut him down. Avery finishes last week with 5 grabs for 108 yards. Tonight against the Jaguars, who will also have to worry about Wayne and wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, Avery could be poised for a big evening. Expect Luck to take a few shots and Avery to cash at least one in. I am really high on this guy and believe a big game is coming; could it be tonight?


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY NIGHT FANTASY NOTES

Tuesday Edition
November 6th, 2012  

SUNDAY NIGHT NOTES

Week 9 Fantasy notes 

“On the Injury Front”

Running back Darren McFadden has been a ball of fits and frustration thus far this season for fantasy owners, but the latest setback may not be as bad as first thought. McFadden suffered what appeared to be a high-ankle sprain on Sunday, but was initially expected to miss an extended period of time. The good news, according to head coach Dennis Allen McFadden has not been ruled out for this Sunday (week 10) against the Ravens.

The Colts wide receiver Donnie Avery exited early on Sunday against the Dolphins. Avery was well on his way to a big day with five grabs for 108 yards, before leaving with a hip injury. Avery did not practice on Monday, but did return today and looks on track to play Thursday night. Avery is the solid number two receiver behind Reggie Wayne, if he’s good to go he should be in lineups as a week 10 flex.

The Packers lost wide receiver Jordy Nelson early on Sunday against the Cardinals. Nelson was a game-time decision, so he was already banged up and didn’t last long. With the bye this week, he is expected to get healthy and be ready for week 11. Fantasy owners should not be concerned with his return having any kind of negative impact on the emerging Randall Cobb; both will be solid weekly plays going forward.

Wide receiver Antonio Brown went down on Sunday against the Giants with an ankle injury that is expected to keep him sidelined in week 10. Brown leads the team with 42 receptions this season and has become one of quarterback Ben Roethlisbergers’ main go-to receivers. With Brown out, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders will be one of the hot grabs off the waiver wire this week. Mike Wallace is sure to draw a lot of attention leaving Sanders with lots of opportunities to take advantage of favorable matchups.

The Giants running back Andre Brown came out of Sunday’s game against the Steelers feeling a lot more black and blue after suffering a shoulder injury. Brown was an early exit from Sunday’s contest (left game during 4th quarter), but says his shoulder is fine. If Brown (6 rushing touchdowns this season) is available for week 10 against the Bengals, the touchdown vulture remains nothing more than a flex option in deeper leagues.

Against the Seahawks, Vikings’ wide receiver Percy Harvin suffered a serious ankle injury. Harvin sprained his ankle in three places and has been sporting crutches according to local reports. Considering the degree of severity and the upcoming bye for the Vikings in week 11, it is highly unlikely the team would push for him to play in week 10 against the Lions. Fantasy owners will need to look elsewhere.


These were some of the notable injuries from week 9 and their fantasy impact.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Tuesday Edition

October 23rd, 2012 

David's Daily Digest

The Week in Review

Breaking Down my Week 7 Picks

It was another tough week in fantasy football to say the least with several players disappointing and not achieving expectations, but as it always is with fantasy; win some, lose some.

 My Week 7 Duds

These are my week 7 picks that lost…

Making my duds list this week is quarterback, Matthew Stafford. After his 2011 season performance fantasy owners were expecting much bigger things from him this season and such has not been the case. With just 261 yards passing and one touchdown pass to go with a pick (16 fantasy points); hardly a the QB1 performance owners were looking for.

Bad hands….

The Colts receiver Donnie Avery has hardly been much to speak of the past several weeks and in week 7 he remained quiet with just four catches for 46 yards. Avery has not been relevant since week 2, it may be time to plant him on your bench until further notice.

Another wide receiver that remained grounded in week 7 was Dez Bryant. The Cowboys receiver was targeted just three times on Sunday and finished with two catches for 14 yards. It’s tough to sit a player like Bryant because of his upside potential, but just note his inconsistency is going to hurt sometimes.

To complete the list of the poor hands on Sunday group lets add Kenny Britt. The Titans go-to receiver was hardly went to on Sunday as he finished with a paltry 4 grabs for 30 yards. The Titans offense has been inconsistent and with the possible shuffling of quarterbacks in the next coming weeks, Britt does not look like a very good option to lean upon to heavily.

With what appeared to be a prime matchup for running back Darren McFadden, 53 yards rushing and 28 yards receiving are not enough to make fantasy owners happy. This was not his worst game this season by far, but his lack of big yardage and scoring are going to make things tough for fantasy owners. With 25 catches thus far this season he does offer some appeal in PPR leagues, but he’ll need to start ripping off some big runs soon or owners may grow restless.

Running back Trent Richardson could be another falling star. His proneness to injury has kept him off the field much too often this season. Once again Richardson was an early exit on Sunday (against the Colts) totaling just 8 yards. It’s hard for fantasy owners to count on a guy who can’t finish a game. Richardson is not worthy of a starting position in any fantasy leagues until he can get healthy again.

My Week 7 Studs

Some of my week 7 wins….

Let’s start with Monday night and the Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall. He was busy and again productive in the passing game for the Bears. Marshall is now a solid WR1 fantasy this season averaging better than 11 targets per game in his last four starts and totaling 30 catches for 434 yards and three touchdowns. He has scored in three straight and has at least 5 receptions in 5 of his 6 starts this season.

The Buccaneers were on display Sunday against the Saints with quarterback Josh Freeman (420 yards passing) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (216 yards receiving) doing their best dynamic duo impersonation. Freeman is quietly working his way into fantasy lineups as a starter (in deeper leagues) passing for 299 yards or more in his last three games with 7 touchdown throws. Vincent Jackson is emerging as a big-time receiver again and is putting up the numbers to prove it; 17 receptions, 382 yards receiving, and three touchdowns in his last three games.

Running back Fred Jackson took advantage of a nice matchup on Sunday turning in a solid performance. Jackson rushed for 71 yards and grabbed 8 passes for another 49 yards. He also added a score to complete his week 7 strong showing. Jackson is still splitting time with Spiller finishing Sunday with just 17 touches. As long as he is part-time owners can’t expect too many games like this; play with caution and look for the favorable matchups before inserting into your lineup.

One last mention (although, there is a couple more) is wide receiver Randall Cobb. He is the Packers newest playmaker in the passing game. Against the Rams in week 7 Cobb was targeted eight times and made good on all eight. Cobb finished the day with 8 receptions for 89 yards and two scores. His stock is on a mad rise with Greg Jennings sidelined, but as often as he has been  targeted and as productive as he has been the past two weeks, I can’t see the Packers straying away too far; expect Cobb to stay involved and remain at least a strong solid flex option. He may even be a mid WR3 in deeper leagues and tough to keep on anyone’s bench going forward.

It wasn’t how it was drawn up, but Andrew Luck was money in week 7 accounting for two scores in the Colts third win at home this season. Luck passed for just 186 yards, but still finished Sunday’s contest against the Browns with 18 fantasy points. His numbers this season are not great, but Luck is still good enough to fill a bye week need in fantasy or add insurance on your bench, especially in deep 14-16 team leagues.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

Monday Edition

October 22nd, 2012 

Monday Morning Huddle

Week 7 Fantasy Headlines

V-Jax Emerging Among the Elite

On Sunday against the Saints shoddy secondary wide receiver Vincent Jackson continued his hot hand, adding 7 receptions for over 200 yards receiving with a touchdown grab. In his last three starts V-Jax has tallied 17 catches for 382 yards receiving (a 22.8 yards per catch average), and four touchdowns. Jackson has scored five times this season, including a touchdown in each of his last three games and now ranks among the leaders in yards receiving (5^th) and touchdowns (T-4^th). He’s a man on fire and looks to continue this trend in week 8 when Tampa Bay visits the Vikings.

Andrew Luck Can Also Use His Legs

There has been so much made about Andrew Luck, his arm, and his head as he makes the transition from college to pro, but something some may have overlooked is his mobility and ability to use his legs. Before Sunday this season Luck had been exception at home throwing six touchdowns and passing for an average of nearly 300 yards per game. Against the Browns on Sunday, Luck showed not only can he beat you with his arm, but he can also use his legs rushing for two scores to lead the Colts to victory. Luck has accounted for 8 scores in four home games and improved his home record to 3-1 this season; nothing like home-cooking.

RGIII Playing Beyond His Years

It was a tough loss for the Redskins on Sunday falling to the Giants, but one thing learned (if you didn’t already know) this Griffin kid is something special. It was not one of his more prolific statistical game, but RGIII did an outstanding job managing the offense and making plays with his leg when he had to; his Sunday line 258 yards pass, 89 yards rush, two touchdowns (pass) and two turnovers. In spite of some of his rookie tendencies, he still gave his team a chance handling the pressure of late game heroics and making the necessary plays to win. He did just that and it was his defense let him down on Sunday.

Aaron Rodger Returning To Form

In the Packers first five games this season quarterback Aaron Rodgers tossed a total of 10 touchdowns, in his past two starts he has nine. Rodgers and the Packers aerial attack at starting to resemble more and more like the 2011 team that went 15-1. They still have a few issues in the backfield to sort out, but as long as Rodgers continues to play at his elite level, the Packers will always have a chance and will figure into the scheme of things come January.

Fantasy Stock Notes

On the Rise

The Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has had the hot hand of late passing for 299 yards or more in his last three starts, including 420 yards on Sunday against the Saints. Freeman has also collected 7 passing touchdowns in his last three starts while scoring 15, 29, and 34 fantasy (standard scoring) points respectively.

The Steelers backfield is currently ailing and banged up, emerge running back Jonathan Dwyer. With Mendenhall and Redman sidelined, Dwyer took the reins and rambled for 122 yards on the ground Sunday night against the Bengals. With the Steelers running game grounded much for the season, Dwyer gave it signs of life and could figure more prominently moving forward. His 100 yards were a first for the team this season.

The Packers may have found themselves a new weapon in wide receiver Randall Cobb, making them even more dangerous when Greg Jennings returns. In his last four starts Cobb has averaged 6.5 receptions, 84.7 yards receiving, and has scored three times, including twice last Sunday. Cobb has shown he is a true playmaker and you can bet the Packers will continue to keep him involved in the game plan moving forward.

Falling

The Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson is quickly falling out of favor from fantasy owners as his stock continues to plummet. Richardson again exited from a game early on Sunday, finishing the day with just 8 yards rushing (nothing a fantasy owner wants to see). Richardson has been hampered with nagging injuries thus far this season and has hardly played enough to showcase anything to get excited about. In his seven starts he finished with less than 60 yards of offense four times scoring just once in those games.

The Colts speedy receiver Donnie Avery continues to see looks every week, averaging nearly 9 targets per game, but the numbers are just not there. He has just one 100-yard receiving game this season in six tries and has only broke 60 or more yards just one other time. His lack of production in recent weeks has sent his stock plunging to the bottom of the barrel. He’s no longer lineup worthy (even as a flex) until he breaks from his current slump.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Edition
October 21st, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes

It’s a bit of a stretch, wide receiver Donnie Avery could be a huge factor today against the Browns. Andrew Luck has played extremely well at home this season and play opposite wide receiver Reggie Wayne has to open some good looks for Avery. The speedy wideout is second on the team with 47 targets and is coming off a season high 12 targets.

The Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is the hot hand in big D with 21 receptions for 200 yards with two touchdowns in the team’s past two games. Bryant has been targeted 28 times and figures to remain the focal point of the passing attack, as long as he is on the field. A groin injury could make him a risky play, but he is expected in the lineup today.

The Texans playmaking wide receiver Andre Johnson has been relatively quiet this season, but today could offer a big change to that. The Ravens 22nd ranked pass defense rolls into town minus their heart and soul, lineback Ray Lewis. Even with the addition of Terrell Suggs, the Ravens defense is still in trouble without one of their best corners Lardarius Webb; Johnson could be looking at his 2012 breakout game.

The Packers offense flourished a week ago against a very tough Texans defense and not saying the Rams will fold like a house of cards, but they will have their hands more than full trying to slow Aaron Rodgers and company. A less than household name wide receiver Randall Cobb could come up as one of the catalyst to lead the Packers charge. With Jennings sidelined the past three weeks Cobb has tallied 18 receptions and 250 yards receiving on 22 targets.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Saturday Edition
October 20th, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 7 Fantasy Picks (all positions)

This week presents significant challenges for fantasy owners with six teams on the sidelines, but even with so many studs taking the day off there will plenty of stars shinning on Sunday. As I am looking over this week’s matchups I am seeing quite a few names jump out at me that I think are solid plays for week 7. Here are just five of my favorites for Sunday;

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB
The Bills offense has sputtered at times this season, but even with some rough outings this season quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has managed to outperform (in the fantasy world) some names like Stafford, Rivers, and Schaub. With a very favorable matchup this Sunday facing the leagues 29th ranked pass defense (Tennessee), Fitzpatrick should be able to take advantage of a defense allowing nearly 72% passes completed and 292 yards passing per game. The Titans secondary has also given up 13 passing touchdowns this season; Fitz and the Bills should have little trouble cashing in. I like Fitzpatrick as a high end QB2 and worthy of a start in deeper leagues.

Kenny Britt, WR
In the same game the Titans offense is looking at similar possibilities for success. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will be making his third start this Sunday and facing the Bills 20th ranked pass defense (13 passing touchdowns allowed and 255 yards passing per game), I like his go-to receiver Kenny Britt to finally step up in 2012. Last week versus the Steelers Britt finally found the end-zone and he was heavily targeted; 11 targets last week. I expect to see Hasselbeck continue to look his often was this week leading to some nice fantasy numbers. We could see a lot of grabs, not necessarily big yardage, but he could make a trip to the end zone making him a strong flex of low end WR2 this Sunday.

Josh Freeman, QB
The Buccaneers passing offense has been breathing a little life the past couple of weeks with quarterback Josh Freeman averaging 313 yards in the air with three scores in the team’s past two games. This Sunday the Bucs play host to the New Orleans Saints and the offense may once again have to lean on Freeman and his arm. The Saints offense puts up a lot of points per game and fortunately for Freeman and the Bucs offense the Saints defense gives up a lot of yards (283 yards passing/game) and points (30.8 points allowed per game). This matchup is shaping up to be a big day of passing for Freeman and with his new found toy (Vincent Jackson; three touchdowns in last two games) he could also score a couple of TDs. Freeman looks to be a nice bye-week fill.

Hakeem Nicks, WR
It seems the Giant’s playmaking wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is getting healthier managing a full week of practice. This is good news for the Giants offense and even better for fantasy owners. There’s no question that wideout Victor Cruz has blossomed into one of Eli Manning’s main go-to receivers, so defenses will have to be sure to account for him. This should open some opportunities for Nicks on Sunday facing the Redskins 32 ranked pass defense. When Nicks is healthy he is more than just dangerous, but add a suspect secondary that allows over 325 yards passing per game and has surrendered 15 passing touchdowns this season and he is a must-start (twice on Sunday).

Donnie Avery, WR
In Indianapolis Reggie Wayne is quarterback Andrew Luck’s main go-to guy tied for the NFL lead with 70 targets this season, but wide receiver Donnie Avery is no forgotten man on the other side. Avery is far and away second on the team with 47 (9.4 targets per game). On Sunday the Colts play host to the Browns and it’s highly likely that Wayne will draw a lot of attention from the Browns top corner Joe Haden. Avery should see plenty of favorable matchups and with Luck not shy about looking his way; this could be a breakout Sunday for the Colts number two receiver. Avery should be played as a strong flex or a WR2 bye week filler.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT

Wednesday Edition

October 17th, 2012  

Watercooler Chat

“Just Talking Fantasy”

This Weeks Trend-setters

These fantasy contenders or pretenders are just a few names of those that seem to be catching on at the moment, or could be on the verge of breaking out very soon. With week 7 heavily filled with bye teams, these are some of the names that are currently trending on the gridiron; 

Donnie Avery, IND: the Colts wideout has not been much of an impact through the first six weeks, but he is steadily in quarterback Andrew Lucks sight every week. Avery is second on the team with 47 targets this season, including 20 in the teams past two games; it’s just a matter of time before he and Luck start to hook-up.

Dez Bryant, DAL: the Cowboys playmaker has been coming up big of late with 21 catches for 200 yards and two touchdowns in his past two starts. He leads the team with 28 targets over the past two games and figures to continue to be the team’s main go-to receiver. With the Panthers 19th ranked pass defense on the slate for Sunday, Bryant looks positioned to continue to be a fantasy trend-setter.

Kenny Britt, TEN: the Titan’s playmaker is gradually working his way back into the picture. Last week against the Steelers Britt found the end-zone for the first time this season. His 11 targets were also a team high. With the veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck under center once again this Sunday, expect these two to continue to work out the kinks and get back on the same page.

Vincent Jackson, TB: the Buccaneers passing game has slowly been coming out of its’ slumber and last Sunday Vincent Jackson was a major contributor grabbing four passes for 66 yards, including two for scores. V-Jax led the team with 8 targets in their blowout win over KC and he also leads the team this season with 46. He’s been on a roll with 10 grabs for over 160 yards and three scores in his last two starts and with the Saints 26th ranked pass defense up next for the Bucs, Jackson looks primed to continue this trend. 

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Friday Edition

September 21st, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 3 Wide Receivers

Now that we have had two weeks to take a look at what we are working with, here are my quick fantasy five receivers for week 3;

Julio Jones, ATL

Julio Jones was quiet Monday night against the Broncos, but this wideout is far too talented to be held down two weeks in a row. I expect the Falcons to make every effort to get this monster started early and often. Look for the beast to be unleashed for a big game on Sunday.

Michael Crabtree, SF

In the first two weeks of the 2012 season, one thing we have learned is Alex Smith is not the same old Alex Smith. The Niners quarterback has looked stead and effective and one of the reasons has to be his reliable number one target Michael Crabtree. In two games this season Crabtree leads the team with 16 targets. He’s definitely high on Smith’s radar and after watching what the Colts were able to accomplish against the Vikings secondary, look for Crabtree to enjoy his best Sunday of the season.

Donnie Avery, IND

The Colts number two man, wide receiver Donnie Avery has quickly developed into an Andrew Luck favorite. In two weeks he has put solid numbers as the team’s second option and looks to improve this week against suspect Jags secondary. With Luck looking as sharp as he has in this young season expect Avery to have another productive Sunday; he's a solid flex this week.

Mike Wallace, PIT

Despite his late arrival to camp this preseason, the Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace has still managed to find the end zone in each of the first two games this season. He’s yet to post any big yardage numbers, but that all could change this week against the Raiders. With Antonio Brown leading the Steelers in receiving the Raiders secondary will have to account for him and that could mean good news for Wallace owners. The Raiders struggle to bring pressure to the quarterback meaning this could be a good week to see Wallace and Big Ben challenge the defense deep with the home run ball. I like Wallace this week on the road in the Black Hole.

Kenny Britt, TEN

The Titans best receiver Kenny Britt is still working his way back to complete health, but this week he’s not expected to be limited and should see plenty of time on the field. This could mean great news for fantasy owners, but it may be a little too soon to put all your chips in the middle. The Titans face the leagues number six ranked defense, but the Lions also allow the sixth highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. If the Titans quarterback Jake Locker can stay upright, Britt could be in line for a big day; I like Britt as a good flex option this week.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Monday Edition

September 17th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

More Week 2 Takes

Hakeem Nicks: A Special Talent Breaking Loose

The second member of the Giants dynamic duo receiving corp, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks quickly came out of his early season slumber with a huge performance in week 2. After a very dismal week one outing with just four catches for 38 yards, Nicks rewarded his fantasy owners with an explosion in week two. His 199 yards receiving in week 2 lead the league and for PPR owners he added 10 catches and a score; 25 fantasy points in standard scoring. Nicks is a premier WR1 and owners can count on for more big games.

Brent Celek: Vick’s New Best Friend

The Eagles tight end Brent Celek emerged on Sunday as quarterback Michael Vicks favorite target snatching 8 passes for 157 yards receiving. Celek led the team in receiving and all receivers with 11 targets. This should come as little surprise since Celek is also tied for the team lead with 19 targets; a good indication that he’s on Vick’s radar every Sunday and should be fantasy lineups.

Donnie Avery: A Man on the Rise

The former Rams receiver has been incognito the past couple of seasons recovering from injury and the football abyss, but this season he’s landed in Indianapolis where he may be on track to resurrect what was once a promising career. In week two Avery caught nine balls for 111 yards on 10 targets. He’s easily and quickly emerged as one of quarterback Andrew Lucks favorite targets, second to Reggie Wayne. His 18 targets in two games makes him very relevant in fantasy and a strong flex play in all formats.

Percy Harvin: Footloose and Migraine Free

The Vikings explosive receiver Percy Harvin is off to a quick start in 2012 and his 12 catches for 104 yards in week two are just a small indication. In two games Harvin has been targeted 21, far and away the most on the team. His 18 catches this season make him a PPR darling and a good WR2 fantasy option week in and week out. As the season moves along and quarterback Christian Ponder progresses, Harvin could become and even greater fantasy option, but he’ll need to stay healthy.

Dwayne Bowe: The Big Hands on the Reservation

The Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe blew up for 102 yards receiving with two touchdowns in week 2 against the Bills. Bowe was targeted 15 times on Sunday, third most for any receiver and has 21 total targets in two games. Moving forward he is clearly quarterback Matt Cassel’s go-to receiver and should be in all fantasy lineups.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT

September 28th, 2011, Wednesday

Watercooler Chat

Waiver Wire

The wide receiver position in fantasy leagues does not appear to be exceptionally deep this season, so if you are in search of help you may have to look high and low. Normally when looking high you might find depth with teams like the Saints and Patriots, but with both turning to their tight ends more in 2011, searching low may be the way to go.

One of the low places to look could be in Seattle where the Seahawks saw the return of their premiere wide out Sidney Rice. There is some concern at the quarterback position for fantasy owners with (Tarvaris) Jackson under center, but in Rice’s first game back he was targeted 10 times and caught eight passes for over 100 yards. Remember Jackson and Rice have some familiarity playing together in Minnesota and tat already appears to be apparent with two connecting often on Sunday. Rice may struggle to turn in those big games from week to week, but he looks to be a safe WR3 or flex with plenty of upside.

Another struggling passing game where owners may find some light could be in Minnesota with wide receiver Michael Jenkins. The former Falcon was never the go-to receiver, but he is showing lots of potential with the Vikings and is quickly becoming (Donovan) McNabb’s favorite target (17 targets this season ties for team lead). Surprisingly Jenkins is showing sure hands this season nabbing 15 of those targets and with his great speed he has big play capability. He’s a fantasy diamond in the rough, but if you are desperate for help he’s a low risk, high reward as a WR3 or flex play.

“Take of the Week”

There’s no question that if he’s available on the waiver wire, one of this weeks’ best take (out) is Packers running back James Starks. After a disappointing performance last Sunday against the Bears, Starks could be in line for a prime start against the Bronco’s shaky defense. The latest news reports are indicating running back Ryan Grant (bruised kidney) could miss week 4, if he misses that could open the door to a big game for Starks.


Watch List

With the loss of stud receiver Kenny Britt, the Titans have a big void to fill in their passing attack. This week the time inked a deal with former Rams receiver Donnie Avery. Now I am not saying Avery is the answer and will fill that void, but if Avery is healed from his past knee injuries, once he returns to football shape he could give the Titan’s their big-playmaker and deep threat they lost with Britt’s injury. And with a savvy veteran like (Matt) Hasselbeck under center, Avery’s fantasy status could also benefit.

Time for the ”dump”

The Raiders are playing good football at the moment, showing lots of balance with a strong ground game and steady passing attack. With all that is going well in Oakland, there seems to be a missing component or contributor to the success; wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey. DHB has hardly been in the mix and even with all the great speed he possesses, he just can’t seem to get out of the starting gate. In three weeks DHB has only caught five passes and was only targeted three times last Sunday (finished with one catch). As the Raiders continue to roll and get better, the more likely it appears DHB will be left behind. If you invested any confidence in Heyward-Bey this summer, now may be the time to part ways and look elsewhere for help at receiver.

Just My take.

By David Ortega