FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Evening Edition

September 20th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Night Quick Reads

Do the Numbers lie?

Looking at Sunday’s matchups there are a lot of key matchups to take note, but you also can’t forget to pay attention to what the numbers are saying. With 20 line-ups on tap to set for Sunday week 3, I am looking for any and every parcel of information that will help me find the strongest plays.

When I look at all of my matchups, I am hoping the numbers don’t lie….

The Colts will invade swamp country on Sunday when they face the Jaguars in Jacksonville and running back Ahmad Bradshaw could be looking to do some serious damage. The Jaguars defense is ranked dead last in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs and their four rushing touchdowns allowed this season are most in the league. Bradshaw is coming off an 18 touch performance last Monday that produced 5 receptions, 96 total yards of offense and two scores. This is a great matchup for Bradshaw, he’s a week 3 must play!

The Cleveland Browns defense was stung last week for 10 catches and two scores by Saints tight end Jimmy Graham. This Sunday the Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta is not quite the same caliber player as Graham, but in week one Pitta posted his own 10 catch game. The Browns allow the 7^th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends and Pitta with his 19 targets in two games could be in for a big day on Sunday. He’s a favorite for Week 3.

If you are looking deep on your roster and you come across the Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins, if you have not started him yet this Sunday could be the time to do just that. Watkins is coming off a strong week 2 performance; 8 catches on 11 targets for 117 yards and a touchdown. Watkins will face the Chargers defense in week 3, the same defense that has allowed 7^th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Watkins is a playmaker and could be geared to make more plays on Sunday; he’s a strong week 3 flex play.

The Chargers are making the long distance travel across country to face the Bills on Sunday in week 3, even though they are good team this could be a tough matchup. The Chargers defense allows the 10^th most fantasy points and facing running backs CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson offers no comfort. Spiller has yet to breakout this season and Jackson too has been quiet, but the two could be in for a big day of production against the Bolts. The Chargers have allowed more than 230 yards of offense, 16 receptions (2^nd most allowed) and three touchdowns to running backs; Spiller and Jackson are on track for a productive Sunday.

The Chiefs defense has been a mere shadow of itself from a year ago and the timing could not be any better for Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill and Company. The Chiefs secondary is allowing the 3^rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 5 touchdowns (tied for most in the league) and zero interceptions. With safety Eric Berry already ruled out, the matchup just gets better for Tannehill and wide receiver Mike Wallace (19 targets in 2014). Tannehill is coming off a tough loss against the Bills in week 2, so he and Wallace will look to get back on track this Sunday. In deeper leagues both could be sneaky plays for week 3.

These are more of my takes for week 3.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday morning Edition

September 7th, 2014 

David’s Daily Digest

SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Numbers to help the Cause

With the Week 1 Sunday kickoff just hours away, fantasy owners are scrambling to make those last minutes tweaks to their lineups. If you are like me, I am always looking for data and numbers to help me find the best plays for Sunday.

Here are some of the numbers you should know for week 1;

Even though the Rob Ryan Saints defense only allowed the 5^th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks last season, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has had success in the past throwing the ball. In 4 of his last 6 starts versus the Saints Ryan has thrown for more than 300 yards. In his one game last season against the Saints when he had all of his weapons Ryan also completed 65 percent of his passes and threw two touchdowns.

Facing the Ravens defense at home today, Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton may be one to avoid. In his two starts last season against Baltimore Dalton has been picked off seven times, including four at home in the finale.

The Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer was coming off the board as a mid QB-2 in most drafts and even later in some. He’s been a little overlooked, but in 2013 in the second half of the season Palmer showed some glimmer. In his last 8 starts he completed over 60 percent of his passes in five of those, throwing multiple touchdowns in 5 of those contests as well. Palmers’ numbers down the stretch were not out of this world, but they should not be overlooked; 295 yards passing per game, 14 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. Monday night he’ll face the Chargers secondary that allowed the 8^th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

The Bills will use a committee of both running back CJ Spiller and running back Fred Jackson (both were top 30 running backs in fantasy last season). Even with a lesser experienced quarterback (E.J. Manuel) under center, both should find success on the ground facing the Bears defense today. Last season Chicago allowed the second most fantasy points to running backs, including 19 rushing touchdowns, 2^nd most. Both Spiller and Jackson should be safe plays today.

There’s been little talk about Texans running back Arian Foster, and more importantly no talk about any injuries. A healthy Foster facing a suspect Redskins run defense could spell for a big day. Foster has the talent to blow up and with the Redskins allowing the 4^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs and 20 rushing touchdowns (most in the league) last season, he could be fantasy gold.

Just some numbers to know for Sunday week 1.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MONDAY'S FANTASY HEADLINES

Monday Edition
November 26th, 2012  

David's Daily Digest








Monday’s Fantasy Headlines

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

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

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

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

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

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


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Sunday Edition
November 25th, 2012  

Sunday Morning Gametime

The Falcons will have wide receiver Julio Jones (will start) today, but playing outdoor and a bad wheel (ankle) he could be a risky play. It’s tough to sit Jones with his tremendous upside and big play potential, so proceed with caution.

The Bills running back Fred Jackson is active and expected to play, but Spiller will get the start and should see the lions’ share of the carries today. Jackson is coming off a concussion and with Spiller being as effective as he has been (all season) it’s hard to imagine Jackson getting worked in too much today; Spiller is still the play in the Bills backfield.

Quarterback Jay Cutler is going to start, that’s good news for Brandon Marshall owners. Marshall is clearly Cutler’s favorite and go to receiver, so he’ll see plenty of work today. Marshall is a WR1 with Cutler in the game.

The Niners are going to roll with quarterback Colin Kaepernick. With Kaepernick’s mobility, he adds another dimension to the offense that could help open up things in the pass game. Tight end Vernon Davis and wide receiver Michael Crabtree would appear to be upgraded options with Kaepernick in the game. 

The Steelers will be without wide receiver Antonio Brown today (ruled OUT). With quarterback Charlie Batch under center expect the Steelers to work the trenches with their ground game. No Brown, no effect, today will be all about the three-headed monster led by running backs Jonathan Dwyer and Rashard Mendenhall.

Just a few notes for today’s games…

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Sunday Edition
November 25th, 2012  

The Four Horsemen

My week 12 fantasy picks…

Quarterback (Ryan Fitzpatrick)
There’s not a lot being said about the Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick this week, but going on the road to play the Colts, he’s got a nice matchup. Fitz will face the Colts 20th ranked pass defense that has allowed 18 touchdowns this season to just four picks. The Colts allow the 12th most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Don’t look for Ftiz to throw for a ton, since Spiller and Jackson should be able to carve into the Colts 21st ranked run defense, but the Bills quarterback should be better than effective in the red zone. He’s a good play today if you don’t have better options.

Running Back (CJ Spiller)
The Bills running back CJ Spiller is going to lose a few carries with the return of Fred Jackson today, but that won’t matter. Heading into today’s contest he’s averaging over 100 yards from scrimmage and 14 touches per game. Given the fact Jackson is returning from injury (concussion), the Bills will lean on Spiller and he should deliver solid numbers today. Spiller faces the Colts 21st ranked run defense today that has surrendered 11 rushing touchdowns and they allow the 7th most fantasy points to running backs. Spiller is a must start and top 10 option today.

Wide Receiver (Michael Crabtree)
The Niners wide receiver Michael Crabtree has not had too many big games this season, but he has been on a roll of late finding the end zone in three straight. With the Saints coming to town, Crabtree will get his shot at one of the league’s worst secondary pass defenses; Saints are ranked 31st in the league and allow the most fantasy points to wide receivers. Crabtree is likely no higher than a mid WR2 today, but he has a chance at a big game especially if Kaepernick (starting today) can be as effective as he was last Monday night.

Tight End (Brandon Myers, Oak)
The Raiders are on the road today and running into a hot Bengals team, winners of two straight and 59 points scored in their two wins. This could be one that the Raiders end up playing catch up; enter tight end Brandon Myers. The Raiders are already heaving it up almost 50 times per game over their last three and Myeres is seeing an average of 10 targets per game. Myers is averaging 6.3 receptions, 57 yards, and a touchdown in his last three starts. In a game that is likely to see a lot of passing, Myers is a top 10 option this week and should deliver.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Edition
November 24th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Bryce Brown Slated to Start Monday Night
The Eagles have ruled out LeSean McCoy (concussion) for Monday night and back up rookie running back Bryce Brown will get the start. Brown has seem limited action this season, but filling in as the starter this week could offer some hope to struggling fantasy owners. With rookie quarterback Nick Foles making his second start, the Eagles could rely more on its’ ground game after last week’s struggles in the air. Brown should have some success against the Panther’s 19th ranked run defense that allows over four yards per carry. The Panthers also allow the 11th most fantasy points to running backs.

Spiller Looking for Big Game on Sunday
Running back Fred Jackson is expected to return to action this Sunday against the Colts, but it will be CJ Spiller getting the start. Jackson is returning from a concussion and will likely see limited action. Spiller has the hot hand and could continue his solid play this week facing the Colts 21st ranked run defense. Spiller leads the team with 723 yards on the ground and has added another 336 receiving yards with five total touchdowns (4 rush, 1 receiving). The Colts allow the 7th most fantasy points to running backs and have surrendered 11 rushing touchdowns; this is the recipe for a great Sunday.

Foles will Start, Vick Ruled OUT Monday
The Eagles will roll with rookie quarterback Nick Foles on Monday night against the Panthers with Michael Vick (concussion) being ruled OUT. Last week Foles really struggled in the pocket completing less than 50% of his passes and throwing two interceptions. Foles was harassed all afternoon by the Redskins defense that sacked him four times and forced three fumbles from the rookie. With Foles under center, starting receivers DeSean Jackson (2 catches, 5 yards last week) and Jeremy Maclin (0 catches last week) become huge risky plays this week. The Panthers will bring more pressure this Monday night and only allow the 6th fewest fantasy points to wide receivers. Jackson and Maclin should be avoided, if you have other options.

Smith or Kaepernick, Expect Niners to Ride Gore
The move to start quarterback Colin Kaepernick on Sunday against the Saints has not been made official just yet, although all signs indicate he will. Whether the Niners make the move from Alex Smith to Kaepernick this Sunday or not, facing the Saints 32nd ranked run defense the team is likely to feed its running game that features Frank Gore. Gore leads the team with 829 yards rushing this season and quietly ranks 8th in the NFL. The Saints defense this season allow the most rushing yards per game and give up the 2nd most fantasy points to running backs; Gore needs to be in all line-ups this Sunday.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Edition
November 14th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

Spiller to Carry the Load
With running back Fred Jackson sidelined this week with a concussion, CJ Spiller will not only start but likely carry the load. Spiller has been a consistent flex option all season, but his new starter status has likely vaulted him to the top of the charts as a lead RB1 option this week. The Bills take play Thursday night and take on the Dolphins 5th ranked run defense, fortunately for owners Spiller has been effective in both the run and pass game; he’s a safe start in week 11.

Run-DMC Likely Out Again
The Raiders will not have the services of running back Darren McFadden once again this week as he nurses his injured ankle. With Run-DMC sidelined full back Marcel Reece is the preferred fantasy selection from the Raiders backfield. With the Raiders set to host the Saints defense this Sunday, Reece has a nice matchup against one of the league’s worst defenses; the Saints also surrender the 2nd most fantasy points to running backs.

The Steelers Carrying a Full-House
With Mendenhall returning to a full practice this week, the Steelers are shaping up to have all three of their bruising running backs ready for Sunday. With Mendenhall, Redman, and Dwyer all figuring in the mix; the smart money would be on running back Jonathan Dwyer to get first look. It’s a tough dilemma and a tough read for fantasy owners and one best to avoid if possible.

Sproles Looks Ready to Return 
The Saints running back Darren Sproles returned to practice this week and looks on track to play this Sunday. With the recent strong running of backs Chris Ivory and Mark Ingram, the backfield now appears to be a little overcrowded. Even with the crowded backfield, Sproles is the favorite to see plenty of action, but his best value is in PPR formats.

Vick Likley Out, Foles Expected to Start This Sunday
It’s not official, but all signs are pointing to rookie quarterback Nick Foles starting this Sunday. If Foles does in fact start, the fantasy impact could be a lot of running back LeSean McCoy. While the team will want to see what Foles can do, the rookie will need protection and his safety net could be running back McCoy. The Eagles ball carrier is a dynamic and crafty runner with blazing speed and exceptional vision, but through 9 games this season he has just two touchdowns and eclipsed 20 carries just three times. Expect McCoy to see a lot of work this week.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SFFL WEEK 8

Saturday Edition
October 28TH, 2012  

Suicide Fantasy Football

Week 8

Before looking ahead to Sunday, here’s a quick look back at week 7. It’s been a steady year thus far, with my team averaging 116 points per week, but in week 7 we fell off the pace a bit scoring just 108 points.

The highlight of my week 7 lineup was undoubtedly the Jackson 2. Running back Fred Jackson was solid last week against the Titans totaling 26 fantasy points which was powered by his 8 receptions a touchdown and 120 yards from scrimmage. The other Jackson, Bucs receiver Vincent Jackson was even greater with 7 receptions for 216 yards and a score.

If my team is going to make any moves this week, I’ll need efforts like this from more than just two players, so let’s take a look at who I am turning to in week 8.

My Line-up

The season is long and there are still plenty of weeks to play, but after falling a couple of spots last week, it’s time to make a big jump up the board and get back into this race. Here’s a look at my lineup for week 8 and the players that will get the job done;

Quarterback:
This week under center it will be “Big Ben” Roethlisberger against the Redskins. Big Ben has faced two teams ranked 25th or higher against the pass and he’s averaged 373 yards passing with 5 touchdowns and just one pick. The Redskins rank 32 versus the pass and allow the 6th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Running Backs:
I am saddling up with a couple of horses that should run pretty ragged this Sunday. The first is Ryan Matthews; the Chargers ball carrier is looking at the league’s 25th ranked run defense (Browns) that allows the 13th most fantasy points to opposing backs. The Chargers are coming off a horrid collapse on Monday night in week 6; they got away from the run and it hurt them. This week lots of Matthews should lead to a road win.

My other tailback for Sunday is LeSean McCoy versus the Falcons. The Eagles running back currently ranks 16th in fantasy scoring among ball carriers. Fantasy owners are waiting for the real “Slim Shady” McCoy to arrive and this week could be the week. The Falcons defense ranks 28th against the run, allowing seven rushing touchdowns this season, and giving up the 12th most fantasy points to running backs. Look for Shady to break loose this Sunday.

Wide Receivers:
Leading the good hands people in week 8 is the Packers “Mr. Excitement” wide receiver Randall Cobb. With Jennings out, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had to call on his other weapons to step up and over the past several weeks Cobb has been one to answer that call. Since week 5 Cobb leads the team in receptions (19-tied) and receiving yards (273). This week Cobb should enjoy more success against a Jaguars defense that ranks 24th against the pass.

Also lining up out wide this week is wide receiver Antonio Brown. It only makes sense if Big Ben is going to have a big Sunday, than his targets are in line to do the same. With Wallace always a threat to go deep on the other side, Brown has been seeing lots of opportunities averaging better than 9 targets per contest. The Redskins give up the most fantasy points to receivers; Sunday should be a very good day for Brown.

Tight End:
The Browns defense is ranked 26th against the pass this season which should spell good news for Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. The Brown may only allow the 8th fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season, but Gates is no ordinary tight end. He is coming off his best performance of the season, scoring twice in week 6 against the Broncos, and should be a focal point in the Chargers passing attack.

Place Kicker:
This week I am entrusting the foot of Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski. On the road the Raiders offense could stall in the red zone and Janikowski has the leg to hit it from anywhere. I am expecting at least three field goals on Sunday.

Team Defense:
The Chargers defense has not been much to get too excited about this season ranked 13th overall, but facing a rookie quarterback is always a nice prospect. The Chargers defense ranks 17th in fantasy scoring with 10 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 6 fumble recoveries this season. Sunday they will look to improve upon these numbers.


These are my picks for week 8.


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: SFFL WEEK 7

Sunday Edition
October 21st, 2012  

Suicide Fantasy Football

Week 7

My Line-up

Once again I am engaged in a handful of SFFL leagues and I can tell you, just like last year it is as tough as ever. Fortunately for me this season I enjoying a bit of good fortune with my best team averaging nearly 117 points per week.

Just to recap how it works, you submit a weekly lineup of 8 positions; QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, PK,and DEF. Once you select a player, you may not use that player again for the remainder of the season. It’s an elimination selection process, so you have to really read your matchups and use your selections wisely.

This season I am doing well, currently positioned in 15th place in a league of approximately 130 active players. With that said, let’s take a look at week 7;

Quarterback:
This week I am rolling with little brother Eli Manning. The kid has been big at times, but usually steady. This week taking on the Redskins worst ranked pass defense looks too appetizing to pass on and add the improving health of wide receiver Hakeem Nicks; this could be a big Sunday.

Running Back:
Darren McFadden is coming off his busiest Sunday this season; 30 touches last week against the Falcons. While he was busy he was not as productive as fantasy owners would hope totaling just 98 yards, but adding a score and three grabs. This week Run-DMC meets the Jaguars shaky run defense making this the week owners could cash in on the high pick they used to draft McFadden.

Running Back:
I am not really looking for a huge game from running back Fred Jackson, but in an elimination game you have to find those matchups where your pick can produce. Jackson is facing a very spotty Titans defense. Even in spit-duty this is a good matchup for Jackson, so I like him to be productive totaling close to 100 yards, adding some grabs and finding the end-zone.

Wide Receiver:
The Tennessee Titans offense has a pretty good matchup this week facing the Buffalo Bills and wide receiver Kenny Britt should be ready to emerge as the team’s leading receiver. He is coming off a season high 11 targets and could see just as many today. The Bills have allowed 13 passing touchdowns this season and will likely allow a couple of more; Britt is a good candidate to be on the receiving end of one of those.

Wide Receiver:
The Buccaneers are not known as an offensive juggernaut, but when you face the New Orleans Saints, points and productive are at a premium. Quarterback Josh Freeman and wide receiver Vincent Jackson have been in a groove as of late; in their last two games Jackson has 10 receptions for 166 yards and three scores. They be hooking up early and often on Sunday if they hope to keep up with the Saints.

Tight End:
The Titans will not only be looking for Britt on Sunday, but I expect to see quarterback Matt Hasselbeck looking for his tightend Jared Cook quite a bit. Cook is an enormous and athletic target and could be a huge factor today, if this matchup with the Bills turns into a drag race.

Place Kicker:
It’s usually a coin toss when I am picking a kicker; it’s always tough to guess what teams will struggle in the red-zone and kick field goals. I like the Colts today at home today and one of the reasons is I believe the Browns could struggle at times to punch it into the end-zone. My pick here is kicker Phil Dawson.

Team Defense:
The Packers offense was firing on all cylinders a week ago and I believe they will come out in week 7 and do the same. When the Packers are up, their defense thrives; this could be along day for quarterback Sam Bradford and company.

These are my picks for week 7.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Edition

October 17th, 2012 

Davids daily digest

Eli Manning has had a pretty good 2012 campaign, but it looks to get a lot better in a hurry this Sunday. The Giants will play host to the Washington Redskins on Sunday and fantasy owners have to be loving this matchup. The Redskins are ranked dead last in the league against the pass and have allowed a league high 15 passing touchdowns. It looks like it could be a big day for Eli.

Good news for Darren McFadden owners, the Raiders appear to be determined to get their playmaker involved. In week 6 Run-DMC finished his game with 30 touches for 98 total yards of offense and with the Jaguars 30^th ranked run defense next on their schedule McFadden figures to be busy once again. The Jags allow more than 160 yards rushing per game and have allowed 7 rushing touchdowns this season. It’s a good bet McFadden visits the end-zone on Sunday, at least once.

The Buccaneers offense awoke from its’ slumber in week six against the Chiefs scoring 38 points. Quarterback Josh Freeman turned in a big game passing for over 300 yards and tossing two scores. This Sunday he could find similar success against a very shaky Saints defense. The Saints secondary is ranked 26^th in the league allowing more than 280 yards in the air with nine passing touchdowns given up. Freeman is on a roll averaging 313 yards passing with three touchdowns in his last two starts; he’s in a groove and could be feeling the funky beat this Sunday against the Saints.

The Bills running back Fred Jackson had his best game a week ago in part-time duty splitting carries with CJ Spiller. Jackson touched the rock 21 times and totaled more than 80 yards with a score. Jackson will be looking to build off that success this week facing the Titans 24th ranked run defense. The Titans allow nearly 130 yards per game and have surrendered 7 rushing touchdowns; Jackson should enjoy considerable success and could make another trip back to pay dirt.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Sunday Edition

September 30th, 2012 

Sunday Morning Gametime

Some quick fantasy notes for Sunday week 4, who to play and who should stay (on your bench);

I like Cedric Benson a lot today against one of the league’s worst run defenses (Saints). The Packers like to throw the ball quite a bit, but look for Ced to tote the rock near 20 times today on the Frozen Tundra.

Fred Jackson is starting today for the Bills, but is expected to share carries with C Spiller. Coming off the knee injury and only part-time today, if you have a better options leave Jackson on your bench.

The Seahawks defense looked beastly Monday night sacking quarterback Aaron Rodgers 8 times in the first half. Today matched up against the Rams offensive line that has already allowed 12 sacks in three games; expect another solid outing for the Seahawks D. Start them

Tom Brady and wide receiver Brandon Lloyd are off to a bit of a slow start, but gradually this connection has been looking better and better. I am expecting a possible breakout game for Lloyd today; either way he’s a good play and should deliver at least one score today.

The Niners wide receiver Michael Crabtree has been quietly steady this season, leading the team with 19 receptions in three games. He has yet to score a touchdown this season, but facing the Jets without Darelle Revis, that could change. I like Crabtree in your lineup today, he’ll deliver five catches for plus-80 yards and a score.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Wednesday Edition

September 12th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

QUICK TAKES

Last Sunday the Jets offense may have posted a league high 48 points in their week one win earning the grade of A, but there defense will need lots of study this week if they hope to make the grade. Against the Bills, the Jets run defense surrendered a league high 195 yards on the ground and with the Steelers next on the slate their task to stop the run will likely not get any easier. If fantasy owners were hoping running back Isaac Redman would be the temporary productive fill-in for the injured Rashard Mendenhall, week one was a big swing and a miss. Redman finished Sunday’s game in week one against the Broncos with just 20 yards rushing on 11 carries.

The spark in the ground game came from back-up Jonathan Dwyer. The former Yellow-Jacket from Georgia Tech toted the rock nine times for 43 yards and added a couple of grabs for another 11 yards. It was not a big game by any stretch, but far more effective than Redman. It’s been noted that Dwyer is in line to see an increased load on Sunday in week 2 and with the Jets coming to town, that could spell some big numbers.

My Take: Dwyer is likely not owned in many leagues and if you suffered from the Fred Jackson week one injury, this Steeler could be the perfect fix in week two. Redman or Dwyer versus the Jets, I like Dwyer as one of my fantasy favorites in week two.

By David Ortega