FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Late Night Edition
October 11th 2019

Week 6: Four Horsemen

QB-Gardner Minshew, JAX: The Jaguars quarterback has been a solid fantasy starter over the past 3 weeks, ranking as the No.8 fantasy QB. This week Minshew mania storms the field in Jacksonville to take on the Saints and a defense that has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks over the past 4 weeks. In his last three starts Minshew has passed for 791 yards, 6 touchdowns, and zero picks. He’s a solid play for Week 6, start him!

RB-Le’Veon Bell, NYJ: The Jets running has been a high volume usage monster through four games this season, totalling 98 touches. Bell currently ranks as the No.17 fantasy RB and this week takes on a Dallas defense that has allowed the 10th most fantasy points to opposing running backs over the past 4 weeks. Bell has 27 receptions (ranks 3rd among RBs through 5 weeks) and has 166 receiving yards (ranks 9th). The Cowboys have allowed 37 receptions to opposing running backs, ranks tied for the 3rd most allowed through five weeks, so Bell owners can expect a busy Sunday for Jets ball carrier; start him. 

WR-Auden Tate, CIN: Cincinnati’s strolls into Baltimore on Sunday and Auden Tate will start as the Bengals No.2 receiver. With Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd likely being the focus of the Ravens defense, Tate figures to be the beneficiary. Over the past 4 weeks, the Ravens defense has allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including 873 receiving yards (3rd most). Tate is a bit of risky play, but the numbers show, he has upside potential play in this matchup; he’s my start.

TE-Greg Olsen, CAR: The Buccaneers defense has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing tight ends over the past 4 weeks, including 29 receptions and 391 receiving yards (most allowed). This Sunday Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, the No. 9 fantasy TE through 5 weeks will look to rebound after getting shutout in Week 5 and only totaling 2 receptions over his past two games. In week 2, Olsen finished with 6 receptions for 110 yards receiving against the same Bucs defense he will see on Sunday; start him. 

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Late Night Edition

October 13th, 2018

Week 6: Lineup Starts & Sits

In my season long leagues, I have several line-up conundrums I am facing this week with players like RB-Adrian Peterson, RB-Isaiah Crowell, and TE-Greg Olsen.

These are some of my Week Starts;

QB-Kirk Cousins, Min: The Vikings signal caller is back home this week coming off a big win over the Eagles in week 5. In his last four starts Cousin has passed for no fewer than 296 yards (over 400 yards twice) and completed over 30 passes. With the running game stuck in neutral, the Vikings have leaned on Cousins arm and Sunday should be more of the same.

RB-Tevin Coleman, Atl: With Devonta Freeman OUT in this one, Coleman should see enough opportunity to take advantage of a poor Buccaneers defense ranked 8th in most fantasy points allowed to opposing runners.

RB-TJ Yeldon, Jax: With Leonard Fournette still sidelined, I like Yeldon’s workload. In his last two games Yeldon is averaging 19.5 touches, including 10 targets in week 5. He’s also scored 3 times in the last two weeks.

WR-Calvin Ridley, Atl: I’m riding with Calvin for another week. He’s coming off a let down in week 5, but this matchup against the Buccaneers is a can’t pass up. Ridley has six touchdowns this season and on Sunday he’ll be looking for number seven.

TE-Greg Olsen, Car: The Panthers don’t have any reliable passing receiving options outside of running back Christian McCaffrey, so with tight end Greg Olsen returning, he should step into a situation where he’ll likely be heavily involved. He’s a risk playing with the foot injury, but if he’s on the field, he’s in my lineup.

Here are some of my Sits;

RB-Adrian Peterson, Was: The Redskins offense as a whole was atrocious in week 5, and with Peterson banged up, his week 6 outlook is not very promising. I’ll sit Peterson and avoid this situation.

RB-Nyheim Hines, Ind: With the return of RB-Marlon Mack (expected to start Sunday) and rookie running back Jordan Wilkins seeming to have earned himself some playing time, this is another situation I am going to avoid.

QB-Alex Smith, Was & Redskins receivers: In week 5 on Monday night against the Saints, Smith looked horrible; poor throws, throws in the dirt, inaccurate passes. His performance was enough to have me worried whether he can be trusted. I need to see a strong performance going forward before I trust anyone in the Redskins passing game.

That’s my Take

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 26th 2017

Sunday morning Edition

My Week 12 Injury Takes

Here is the latest of some key players as the Countdown to Sunday Kickoff winds down;

TE-Jimmy Graham; the Seahawks tight end (ankle) is expected to play and should see his normal workload in a juicy matchup against a Niners defense that’s allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing TE’s over the past month. Graham needs to be in lineups.

WR-DeAndre Hopkins; the Texans receiver (foot) is expected to play Monday against the Ravens. It’s a tough matchup against a stout Ravens secondary, but Hopkins is a must-start every week.

QB-Jacoby Brissett; Brissett (concussion) has been cleared to play and will start Sunday against the Titans. Brissett should have his full complement of receiving weapons against a Titans defense that’s allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing QBs over the past two weeks.

WR-Chris Hogan; the Patriots receiver (shoulder) has been ruled out for week 12. His absence continues to open up the target distribution to receivers Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks; over the past 2 weeks Cooks has tallied 12 catches for 223 yards.

WR-Harry Douglas; the Titans have activated wide receiver Harry Douglas from injured reserve. Douglas has been far off the fantasy radar this season, but with Rishard Matthews questionable Douglas could have some sleeper value in deeper leagues.

RB-Ty Montgomery; the Packers running back is doubtful for today and will Aaron Jones still on the shelf, it will be Jamal Williams again with the starting duties. It will be tough sledding today for Williams facing a Steelers defense that has allowed the 3rd fewest rushing yards the past month.

TE-Rob Gronkowski; Last week against the Raiders, Gronk was quiet, but did manage a score. This week he has been removed from the team’s injury report and will be one of Brady’s primary options today.

WR-Julio Jones; The Falcons wide receiver is not listed on the team’s injury report. It should be all-systems-go for Julio today against the Bucs.

WR-John Brown; The Cardinals receiver has been ruled out for Week 12. His absence mean receiver JJ Nelson will likely spend most of his time in the slot today. With the Jags Jalen Ramsey expected to play, it’s likely to be a long day for Nelson.

QB-Jay Cutler; The Dolphins will be without quarterback Jay Cutler, ruled out for Week 12. With Cutler sidelined, Matt Moore will get the road start against the Patriots; Moore is a potential mid-QB2 option this week.

WR-Rishard Matthews; the Titans receiver a late add to the injury report, is listed as questionable for Sunday. If he’s out, Corey Davis could see an expanded role in the passing game.

WR-Marqise Lee; the Jaguars receiver has been removed from the injury report this week. Lee leads the team in receiving this season, but he faces a tough matchup against the Cardinals and Patrick Peterson; he’s a low-value option this week in all formats.

TE-Greg Olsen; the Panthers have activated their tight end and he is expected to play. The word is he’ll only play about half of the offensive snaps, but owners can expect most of those to be on passing downs. He’s still part of the TE1 discussion for Week 12.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 18th 2017

Monday Evening Edition

Sunday Lineup Killers

Here is my Week 2 rundown of those players that may have sunk your week 2 matchup in your redraft league and didn’t score you some mean green in the weekly DFS;

Quarterbacks Cam Newton (11.82 fpts) and Kirk Cousins (11.86 fpts) were drafted as starters in most fantasy formats, but on Sunday neither played to that potential, as far as fantasy owners are concerned.

QB-Tyrod Taylor (BUF) 125 pass yds, 55 ru yds

QB-Cam Newton (CAR) 228 pass yds, 27 ru yds

QB-Kirk Cousins (WAS) 179 pass yds, 1 Td

Running back LeSean McCoy was anything but Shady on Sunday, totaling just 43 yards for the day. If not for his six catches his day would have been a major bust, but considering where he was taken in most fantasy drafts (even PPR) it still was.

RB-Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) 8 ru yds, 14 rec yds

RB-Rob Kelley (WAS) 78 ru yds

RB-Dalvin Cook (MIN) 64 ru yds

RB-LeSean McCoy (BUF) 9 ru yds, 34 rec yds

Wide receivers Jamison Crowder (WR2) & TY Hilton (WR1) likely drafted as starting receivers in most formats are not living up to their promise. Hilton has a built in excuse with the absence of starter Andrew Luck, while it seems Crowders quarterback (Kirk Cousins) has been playing possum himself in this early season. Neither look like great prospects in the short future.

WR-Jamison Crowder (WAS) 47 rec yds

WR-TY Hilton (IND) 49 rec yds

WR-Tyreek Hill (KC) 43 rec yds

WR-Doug Baldwin (Sea) 44 rec yds

WR-Devin Funchess (CAR) 68 rec yds

WR-Antonio Brown (PIT) 62 rec yds

WR-Jordy Nelson (GB) left game w/injury. Zero catches

Tight end Greg Olsen was injured in week 2 and his departure hurt fantasy owners as he had just one catch at the time. Unlike Olsen, Clay was not hurt during week 2, but his fantasy performance on Sunday was hurtful. Clay finished week 2 with just 23 receiving yards.

TE-Greg Olsen (CAR) 1 catch, 10 rec yds

TE-Charles Clay (BUF) 3 catches, 23 rec yds

TE-Jimmy Graham (SEA) 1 catch, 1 rec yard

TE-Martellus Bennett (GB) 5 catches, 47 rec yds

These are the players that if you were lucky enough to avoid, you might have survived week 2, otherwise my condolences.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 24th 2016
Saturday morning Edition

DFS Week 16 Core 4

For those of us that can’t get enough fantasy football playing in season long leagues, luckily we have DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports). If you’re as enthusiastic as I, you love DFS as much as the season long redraft leagues and these days we have plenty of options to play.

My choice this week is Fan Duel, a personal favorite; lots of games, big contests, with big prizes. Playing in the weekly game is no easy task, there may be a science to it, but even Newton would be challenged to figure it out. Sometimes playing is like throwing darts in the dark.

If you are game to play in any of the weekly contests, you must know navigating through matchups, tendencies, and injuries is hard enough, but be restricted by a salary cap and well, the challenge is set.

This week I am building my lineups around a core of four players, my “Fantastic Four” if you will; QB-Cam Newton, RB-Jordan Howard, WR-DeAndre Hopkins, and TE-Greg Olsen.

Cam has been off this year, by his MVP standards from last season, but he is still Cam and last week he may have found his groove again. The Panthers quarterback may have only completed 56% of his passes, but he passed for 300 yards and two scores. This week he draws the Falcons, worst defense versus opposing quarterbacks; 28 touchdowns allowed (2nd most), 282 yards passing allowed per game (2nd worst). This is a great matchup at home for Cam and his $7,900 salary is more than inviting.

Teaming up with Cam to double-down is Panthers tight end Greg Olsen. He is one of Cam’s favorite targets and over the past 7 games Olsen has been targeted no fewer than 7 times in all but one game, and that came back in week 12 when he was targeted just five times. Olsen has a great matchup this week against a Falcon defense that allows the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Back in week 4 Olsen turned in a stat line of 6 receptions for 76 yards and a score. Fantasy owners can expect similar numbers today for the tight end that is priced at only $6,800.

In the backfield, my third anchor of this marvel fantasy team is Bears running back Jordan Howard. The rookie runner has been one of the bright spots of the Bears offense this season already topping the 1,000 yard rushing mark. This week he faces a defense (Redskins) that has been one of the worst against the run over the past four weeks. In that span the Redskins have allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Howard has been solid the past 7 games topping 100 yards of offense in each, adding five rushing touchdowns. Fantasy owners can expect the fantasy bargain at $7,200 Howard to see at least 20 touches today.

Lastly, my fourth anchor is Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. With new blood under center last week Hopkins saw 17 targets which he turned into 8 receptions for 87 yards. If he can see somewhere around 10 targets today, he should have little trouble matching his output last week and may even find the end zone. The Bengals have been stingy versus opposing wide receivers this season, but Hopkins did register a stat line of 5 catches for 57 yards and a score last season. At just $6,600 this week, he’s a fantasy play worth building my team around.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 26th 2016
Saturday Evening Edition

Week 12 Perfect Lineup

I usually play two Perfect lineups each week, one on NFL.com and the other on DraftDay Fantasy site. Here is my perfect lineup for week 12 on DraftDay.

QB-Tom Brady (NE) - Brady will take his best shots against a Jets secondary that has struggled mightily at times this season. Brady is coming off a big 4 touchdown performance last week and has thrown at least three in four of his six starts. Sunday could be another big day for Tom.

RB-DeMarco Murray (TEN) - Since week 7 Murray has had no fewer than 19 touches and has eclipsed 127 total yards in three of his five starts. Murray is the number 3 scoring fantasy running back and should see a hefty workload on Sunday.

RB-Lamar Miller (HOU) - The Texans ball carrier will face a Chargers defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including 12 rushing touchdowns (tied for second most). Miller should see a lion’s share of touches on Sunday giving him plenty of opportunities to produce.

WR-Odell Beckham Jr (NYG) - The Giants dynamic wideout was slowed up a week ago, but with 6 games of 10 plus targets this season, expect OBJ to see plenty of work on Sunday. Facing a Browns defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including the 6th most receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns (tied for 3rd most).

WR-Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) - The Cardinals will host the Falcons on Sunday and Larry Fitzgerald will draw coverage from a defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. FItzgerald will see plenty of chances on Sunday, especially in the red-zone.

WR-Rishard Matthews (TEN) - The Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has been sizzling lately and his favorite wide receiver has been Matthews. The Titans wideout faces the Bears secondary that has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing wide receiver. In his last three games Matthews has totaled 18 receptions on 28 targets for 248 yards and three touchdowns. He should have plenty of chances to improve these numbers on Sunday.

TE-Greg Olsen (CAR) - The heavily targeted Panthers pass catcher is the number fantasy scoring tight end this season. This week Olsen will draw the Raiders defense that allows the 8th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Olsen has been quiet recently, but this could change Sunday against the Raiders who allow the 9th most receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns (tied for 4th most allowed).

PK-Justin Tucker (BAL) - The Ravens kicker has been solid this season and with an offense that has had it struggles he could see some extra shots from close range on Sunday.

D/ST-Dolphins - The Dolphins are hosting the 49ers who will have to make the long travel across country for the early kickoff start time. This will be a tough matchup for the Niners who are coming off a very poor performance last week against the Patriots.

That’s My Take.

 ~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 29th, 2016
Saturday Evening Late Edition

Week 8: Perfect Lineup

Here's my weekly Perfect line-ups for the NFL Perfect Challenge and DraftDay's Perfect Lineup contest.

Perfect Challenge

QB-Matt Ryan
RB-Devontae Booker
RB-Jacquizz Rodgers
WR-Brandon Marshall
WR-Julio Jones
TE-Greg Olsen
PK-Cairo Santos
D/ST-Vikings

DraftDay Perfect Lineup

QB-Matt Ryan
RB-Devontae Booker
RB-Jacquizz Rodgers
WR-Brandon Marshall
WR-Julio Jones
WR-Larry Fitzgerald
TE-Greg Olsen
PK-Cairo Santos
D/ST-Broncos

Going to start with the top. No quarterback has been as hot as the Falcons Matt Ryan, who leads all fantasy scorers (standard scoring) this season. With the Falcons playing host to the leagues number one run defense (Packers), expect Ryan and company to take to the air. And of course Ryan's favorite target is the leagues leading receiver Julio Jones (830 receiving yards). Ryan and Jones should put up some hefty numbers on Sunday making all fantasy owners proud.

The Broncos are home this week playing host to the visiting Chargers. With running back CJ Anderson out, rookie running back Devontae Booker will take the reins. Last week Booker totaled 83 yards on 17 carries and could see as many or more touches this week against a Chargers defense that allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing running back.

The Browns have been awful this season allowing the 4th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick back under center, wide receiver Brandon Marshall will see plenty of balls in his direction. In the six previous games Fitz started, Marshall has averaged 10 targets per game. He's likely to see at least that many on Sunday.

Tight end Greg Olsen (60 targets this season) has a tough matchup with the Cardinals on Sunday, but being one of quarterback Cam Newton's favorite targets he's going to see plenty of chances on Sunday.

The Broncos lost on the road to the Chargers back in week 6, so no question revenge will be on their minds when they play host this Sunday. You can expect Broncos Defensive Coordinator Wad Phillips to turn up the heat on quarterback Philip Rivers and the Chargers offense.

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 morning Edition

My Sunday Notes:

Pitt-Cin

Jesse James seeing targets
Big Ben slinging the rock
Antonio and AJ quest day

Det-Ten

Walker solid on Sunday
Marvin Jones the number one 8/118
Ebron makes noise; 4/53
Riddick 15 touches (Abdullah Q)
Det no run game, what's new

NE-Mia

Dolphins pass defense absent
The Three Amigos! (Edelman, Amendola, Hogan)
Jarvis Landry is a stud; big game.
Foster not reliable; going to miss time?


Bal-Clev

Pitta back? 6 first half grabs FA pu
Barnidge non-factor, offense sputtered
Forsett sees work; 17 touches
Duke still under used; 7 touches 56 yards
Corey Coleman interesting with big day; low WR3
Crowell has big day, but can he be consistent?

SF-Car

Newton-Olsen-Benjamin solid
Niners offense cold-hot late
whittaker has big day FA pu
Hyde disappears against solid D
Funchess with score, few grabs

Dal-Was

Prescott impressing
Dez solid with 100 yards
Cousin not solid, still a ?

NO-NYG

Giants D playing well
Saints D better today
Brees dink and dunk
Another Cruz sighting. 1-2 watch

HOU-KC

Texans defense no joke.
DeAndre is a Stud
Fuller a star, too early. But a deep league WR2
Osweiler looks capable; low QB2

Den-Ind

Bronco Defense solid
Siemian safe, reliable
CJ another score
Booker a legit handcuff?
DT nice game, but keep eye on injury
Sanders inconsistent.
Luck getting banged around, needs line help

Oak-Atl

Walford interesting; FA pu
Carr-Murray-Cooper Big three?
tough early matchups, but Raider defense shaky
Tamme is a TE1 going forward

Ari-TB

Palmer with plenty of gas in his arm
Fitz still the man
Cards defense dominant at home
Too early to crown Winston.
Jaron Brown impresses, deep league FA pu

SD-Jax

Jags still horrible.
Rivers big on Sunday, 4 Tds
Gordon's value on the rise
Benjamin looks good

LA-Sea

no offense here
Britt still has value, needs better QB play

(Thurs)

NYJ-Buf

Fitzpatrick worth grabbing FA pu
Jets receiving loaded, even Decker low WR1 in deep leagues?
Forte a workhorse; RB1
McCoy held in check.
Jets run defense solid

(Sun Night)

GB-Min

Rodgers slinging, but no deep threat yet
GB Packers are invisible
Nelson looking better
Digging Diggs; this kid is good
Vikings D for real
Starks better than Lacy?
Rudolph with a couple of grabs; low TE2
McKinnon next up, WW pu

These are my notes from Sunday Week 2

~David G. Ortega