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 17th, 2016

Saturday

Week 2: Free Agent Frenzy

If you are in a bind heading into Sunday and looking for some help, here are a handful of potential free agents that could offer some relief.

Last Monday night the Steelers passing game entered the post Heath Miller ERA, and 2nd year tight end Jesse James moved into the starting role. His first start was less than memorable racking up a mere 31 yards receiving, but the good news for fantasy owners were his 7 targets. James also managed 5 catches in week one, which is a good sign for those that play in PPR leagues. This week the Steelers will match up against the Bengals, a team that allowed 21 receptions for 175 yards receiving to their tight ends in two games last season. James could be a nice sneaky Free Agent pick & play this week.

The Vikings passing game is not your typical place to go looking for fantasy production, but with a change coming under center this week there may be some hope. Wide receiver Charles Johnson was very quiet in week one catching just one pass for 17 yards, but this week he'll have a better match up against a Packer secondary that allowed 13 catches for 178 yards receiving to opposing wide receivers last Sunday. For owners looking for Free Agent relief in week 2 Johnson could be floundering around on the available market. His one catch could deter some, but his six targets indicate he's a big part of the pass game and and with a new signal caller he's got a great chance to improve this week.

It wasn't a big night for Niners wide receiver Jeremy Kerley tallying 61 yards receiving, but fantasy owners should have paid attention to his 11 targets. The starting slot man for the Niners, Kerley was targeted early and often and could see more of the same with head coach Chip Kelly's fast paced offense. Kerley is likely not the most popular name on fantasy rosters, but his 11 targets are too big to ignore. If he's still out there, he's worth grabbing as a number 3 or 4 receiver and possible flex option going forward.

Raven's wide receiver Mike Wallace was all but a forgotten man last season in Minnesota, but a new team with a big-armed quarterback (Joe Flacco) and the barn burner has suddenly found new life. In week one Wallace and Flacco connected on a 66 yard touchdown bomb and although that was the highlight of his day, his six targets make him a promising play going forward. He's also a likely free agent candidate that has big upside potential and should be scooped up now. 

That's my take

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 3rd, 2011 Thursday

David’s Daily Digest

More Fantasy Notes

Could Super Sunday Be a Repeat?

A Look Back at Last Year

The Packers passing offense was explosive in the December 2009 meeting against the Steelers led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In a game where their running game was pretty much non-existent (60 yards and 22 came Rodgers) it was Rodgers who provided the spark the Packers would need. Against the Steelers secondary the Packer’s signal caller completed 26 of 48 passes for 383 yards in the air and he accounted for four scores; three pass, one run.

Rodgers was complimented with some great talent in the passing game with players like Greg Jennings, Jermichael Finley, Donald Driver, and Jordy Nelson. Jennings led the group with five grabs for a buck-eighteen and a score. Driver was also effective with three grabs for 76 yards while Nelson caught four balls for another 71 yards. Finley was big in the last seasons’ contest, but with him out in this year’s clash, the Packers could be looking for players like Nelson and James Jones (2 catches, 36 yards, one touchdown in the 2009 matchup) to step up.

On the Steeler’s side, it was quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who provided the most memorable performance completing 29 of 46 passes for more than 500 yards. Like his counterpart, Big Ben operated without much of a run game (65 total rushing yards), but he got plenty of help from his friends as he passed for 503 yards against the Packers.

Big Ben’s biggest asset against the Packers was his trusty old companion wide receiver Hines Ward (7 receptions, 126 yards receiving). Wide receiver Mike Wallace was also the team’s most effective weapon with the long ball catching two passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns; he could be huge impact player on Sunday. The Steelers tight end Heath Miller was also big last season against the Pack posting a career high 118 yards receiving with seven receptions. Santonio Holmes (now with the Jets) also grabbed three passes for 77 yards, so the Steelers will be looking to one of their rookies (Emmanuel Sanders and Aaron Brown) to pick up the slack.

While this 37-36 shootout between the Packers and Steelers featured plenty of offense, there was some evidence of defense displayed by the Packers who sacked Big Ben five times. Surprisingly with 94 passes thrown and a total of 131 offensive plays called there were no turnovers in the game.

Sunday will likely not turn out to be exactly like the matchup we witnessed in 2009, but it certainly has all the makings of a great one.

Keep Your Eye On

A couple of notable points to keep in mind, although both team struggled on the ground, there were three rushing touchdowns scored; running backs James Starks (Packers) and Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers) should definitely see a couple of chances at the goal-line on Sunday.

The Steelers pass defense struggled through the post season gainst opposing tight ends allowing 11 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. The Packers tight end Andrew Quarless has been quiet throughout the playoffs, but has a chance to make a difference on the big stage.

Heath Miller has not made much noise in the post season, and while you can’t forget his big game last season against the Pack, you must note the Packer’s secondary has been stifling against opposing tight ends in the playoffs; six catches for 62 yards in three games.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

January 26th, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

A breakdown of the notable fantasy players that will take the field on Super Sunday, February 6th,2011;

James Starks: Led the NFL Rushing in Post Season
The Packer’s rookie runner has been the spark the offense has needed in the run game to keep their explosive passing game firing on all pistons. Starks has ran well enough for Green Bay to lead the NFL in rushing this post season with 263 yards.
My Fantasy Read:
Starks role in the run game is very simple the team is not looking for yards, but rather the number of carries. His 70 attempts this post season led everyone, but he did only have one score in three games. Starks may get a couple of shots, but he’ll be hard pressed to score on the ground against the Steel Curtain.

Aaron Rodgers: Top Passer in the Post Season
There has been no other quarterback quite as hot this post season as Rodgers, at least up until the NFC Championship. Rodgers did not struggle per say, but he did throw two interceptions in the win along with 244 yard and a rushing touchdown. Rodgers finished the 2010 season with just under 4,000 yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 101.2.
My Fantasy Read:
The Packer’s gunslinger is on a roll knocking down the best the NFL has to offer; the Giants, Eagles, Falcons, and Bears twice. Last season against the Steelers Rodgers did not have 500 yards passing, but he did throw for nearly 400 and accounted for four scores; three pass and one run. Super Sunday should be great for Aaron.

Mike Wallace: Big Play Specialist in 2010
The Steeler’s speedy receiver led the team this season with 60 receptions for 1,257 yards receiving with 10 touchdowns. Wallace’s 21.0 yards per catch ranked 2nd in the NFL while his 26 catches for 20 or more yards led all receivers this past season.
My Fantasy Read:
Wallace is the homerun hitter for the Steelers. Last year against the Packers Wallace was held in check to just two catches, but both were big balls for scores; one was for 19 and the other was for 60 yards.

Heath Miller: Played Big in Last Matchup with Packers
The Steelers tight end did not make many catches in the post season, but don’t count him out of Super Sunday. Miller led the team this post season with 7 catches and finished with 77 yards receiving and a score. For the year Miller was the team’s third leading receiver with 42 catches, 512 yards receiving, and two touchdowns.
My Fantasy Read:
A big note for Miller, in last year’s shootout with the Packers he set a career high with 118 yards on seven catches. The Packers had some trouble with balls out of the backfield against the Bears, but managed to keep tight end Greg Olsen in check; it may not be another career day for Miller.

Jordy Nelson: Quietly Becoming A Weapon for Rodgers
Behind the Packers leading receiver Greg Jennings, Nelson was second on the team this post season with 12 receptions for 146 yards. Nelson has quietly moved up the depth chart into the number three slot and will see plenty of snaps come Super Bowl Sunday. Nelson finished the 2010 season with 45 catches and 582 yards.
My Fantasy Read:
This post season Nelson has developed into one of Rodgers best targets and most reliable hands on the field. The third year product out of Kansas State is also a very good blocker, so he’ll see plenty of snaps on Sunday in the pass and run game making him a safe fantasy play.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY FANTASY WATCH

January 21st, 2011, Friday

Friday Fantasy Watch

Matt Forte: Running For Tough Yards

The Packers don’t boast a formidable run defense (ranked 18th in the league) and in their last meeting with the Bears running back Matt Forte was able shuttle his way through the defense for 91 yards. Even if this matchup turns into a shootout Forte still figures prominent in the Bears attack.

In his last three games Forte is averaging over 150 yards of offense, including 15 receptions and 56 yards receiving per game. Forte caught 8 passes in their last meeting and could be a key element in the pass game for Cutler as he will likely be facing some tremendous pressure from the Packers pass rush and 5th ranked pass defense.

Sunday’s projections against the Packers.
(15 carries, 60 yards rushing, 5 catches, 50 yards receiving, one touchdowns)

Jordy Nelson: Could Be A Big Weapon on Sunday

The Packers are deep at the wide out position and one of their young stars is Jordy Nelson. He played a significant number of snaps last week for the Packers and started the game as the number three receiver.

The Packers ran a lot of their “Bone” formation with Nelson on the field; he’s listed as the number four receiver, but see’s almost as much time on the field any of the other receivers. In the pass-friendly offense of Green Bay Nelson is among the favorites to produce.

Sunday’s projections against the Bears.
(6 catches, 65 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Heath Miller: Could Be Big Ben’s Safety Net

The Steeler’s wide receivers are going to have their hands full trying to shake off the Jets corners, but tight Heath Miller could have an easy time of it matching up with safeties and linebackers. Last week Big Ben did not hesitate to go to his big target over the middle connecting on five throws, including a touchdown.

In their first meeting with the Jets Miller did not play, but his back-up Matt Spaeth did and he was effective catching three passes for 27 yards and a score. Miller has a much better rapport with Roethlisberger and could be much more effective on Sunday.

Sunday’s projections against the Jets.
(4 catches, 55 yards receiving, one touchdown)

Mark Sanchez: No Snow, but Cold Steel in the Forecast

The stars don’t seem to be aligning quite all in place for Sanchez to enjoy a Cinderella ending on Sunday with the league’s best pass rush up next. There’s no question that he and the Jets have managed to clear some very tough hurdles, but Sunday’s could be the size of a steel mountain.

Sanchez played well in their first meeting and he may play well on Sunday, but he’s going to be in a pressure cooker like no other. In their last three games the Steelers defense has registered 13 sacks and 8 takeaways. The Steel Curtain defense is as hot as the Packers offense right now and figures to present a lot of problems for Sanchez.

Sunday’s projections against the Steelers.
(16 of 35 passing, 190 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions, sacked four times)

Just my take.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: MY WEEKLY FANTASY

January 20th, 2011 Thursday

My Weekly Fantasy

Championship Week

Sunday’s Fantasy Lineup

Some quick notes about Sunday’s lineup…..

My Quarterback:

Well Sunday’s pick should be pretty simple; no quarterback has played nearly as well as the Packers Aaron Rodgers over the past month. Rodgers is on fire this post season with six touchdowns in two games and no interceptions; he is also completing 78 percent of his passes and currently owns a 134.5 passer rating. He is a no-brainer start this weekend, but if for any reason you are not able to ride the strong-arm of Rodgers, Big Ben (Roethlisberger) could be a good play.

At home on Sunday Roethlisberger will be looking to continue his own hot hand. In his last five starts Big Ben has not thrown a pick and has six touchdown passes, including two last Sunday against the Ravens. In his previous matchup against the Jets earlier this season (Week 15) Roethlisberger passed 264 yards with a touchdown; he also scrambled for another 25 yards. With the Jets tough run defense (3rd in the NFL), Big Ben will be forced to make some plays in the pass game.

My Running backs:

This happens to be a very rough week for running backs with the number one, two, and three ranked run defenses playing, but if you are looking for some production you could still see plenty. The Packers boast the number 18th ranked run defense making Bears running back Matt Forte an appealing option. Forte has been running the ball particularly well the past month and he’s also become a regular option in the pass game with 15 receptions in his last three games; he’s also averaging over 150 yards of offense.

The Jets don’t figure to run through the Steel Curtain on Sunday, as no runner was able to top the century mark this season against their formidable ground stoppers, but the shifty LT was able to squeak out 49 yards on 11 carries back in week 15. Those aren’t great numbers, but LT could figure significantly in the pass game matching up against the Steelers linebackers and Dick LeBeau’s blitz calling tendencies.

Another back worth taking a hard look at this week would be the Packers rookie James Stark. The Bears have the 2nd best run defense in the league, but they will have their hands full keeping Rodgers and the Packers passing game out of the red-zone; Starks may not see many yards, but could pick up an easy score or two.

My Wide Receivers:

This could be a huge weekend for receivers with very few yards being shed on the ground. The Packers-Bears matchup could be the game with the most fireworks with two gunslingers, Rodgers and Cutler under center. If these two can’t grind out any yards on the ground, you know neither will be shy about putting the ball in the air. Names like Jennings and Driver may call out to fantasy ears, but on Sunday I will roll the dice with a couple of lesser known names like Jordy Nelson and James Jones. The Bears are not deep in the secondary and they just won’t be able to cover everyone; it’ll be pick your poison (they will try and take away Jennings). If Cutler is forced into a shootout, he will be looking downfield a lot; wide receiver Johnny Knox could come up big with several catches over the middle.

In the Jets-Steelers matchup, both teams combined could struggle to reach 100-yards, but their secondaries could be susceptible to a number of big plays. It appears the Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards has really improved his hands this season and with his big size, he’s a safe bet to pull down a few balls on Sunday. With the Ravens really taking away Steeler’s wide receiver Mike Wallace, Big Ben found a new target that could be an effective play on Sunday as well, rookie Emmanuel Sanders (he could be risky, so consider others first).

My Tight End:

Last week to many people’s surprise the under-used Greg Olsen emerged from his hiatus with several big catches to lead the Bears passing attack; he caught three balls for 113 yards and a score. With the Packers tough corners working to take away the deep ball, Olsen could see plenty of work again down the seam early. Olsen may not tally nearly as many yards this week, but he could see a few more throws.

In the AFC contest, my favorite there is not the trusty Dustin Keller who went into hibernation most the regular season, but the Steelers Heath Miller. The Jets corners will be pre-occupied with the Wallace and Ward and Big Ben knows how to use his tight end; last week Miller caught five passes for 39 yards and a score.

FSH: MY WEEKLY SURVIVAL

November 25th, 2010, Thursday

My Weekly Survivors

Last week was not our best week, although our fantasy team did not suffer too much damage. With players like DeSean Jackson (5 points) and Percy Harvin (2 points) not living up to the hype, my fantasy team struggled it’s way to 73 total points. It was enough to keep the team locked inside the top ten, but we’ll need big improvement in the coming weeks to reach the leaders.

A few notables and highlights from last weeks picks include a great performance from running back Fred Jackson (24 points) who finished with 116 yards rushing with two touchdowns. Matt Ryan was also a solid start under center adding 20 point s by passing for 253 yards and tossing two scores. We’ll need of this type of production in week 12 if we hope to make another push to the top in the standings.

The well continues to dry, so again we’ll be scrapping the bottom and the sides to see what we can find in the coming weeks, but for the week 12 slate of games here’s what we got;

Here are my picks for week 12….

QB-Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs
Since week six, no other quarterback in the NFL has more passing touchdowns than Matt Cassel; he has 14 and just one interception. Cassel is also averaging 19 fantasy points during this stretch. Sunday he’ll face the league’s 30th ranked pass defense and if given the time (has only been sacked 15 times this season) Cassel could have another nice afternoon.
(Projected: 20 fantasy points/ 285 yards passing, 11 rushing yards, two touchdowns)

RB- Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
There’s only one thing to say here, it’s Chris Johnson. The NFL’s leading rusher a year ago is not having quite a 2,000 yard season, but this Sunday will help him to try and get back on track. In his last two games against the Texans Johnson is averaging 174 yards rushing and has scored three times. I am looking for another big game this week.
(Projected: 22 fantasy points/ 115 yards rushing, 5 catches, 55 yards receiving, one touchdown)

RB-Danny Woodhead, New England Patriots
Quietly this kid is becoming a fantasy football underground favorite. After “Hardknocks” then being picked up by the Patriots after the Jets let him go, the 5’6” package of dynamite has been a welcomed addition to the New England offense. Woodhead is coming off two solid performances scoring 15 and 19 fantasy points. Against the Lions this week he could make it three in a row.
(Projected: 14 fantasy points/ 55 yards rushing, 5 catches, 35 yards receiving, one touchdown)

WR-Santonio Holmes, New York Jets
Since becoming active with the team in week five, Holmes has gradually evolved into Mark Sanchez’s favorite target; leads the team with 49 targets over that stretch. Last week Holmes brokeout with a big game catching 7 balls for over 100-yards receiving with a couple of scores. He may not be looking at the same production Thursday night, but against the Bengals he’ll do just fine.
(Projected: 15 fantasy points/ 6 catches, 95 yards, one touchdown)

WR-Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings
We tried one Viking last week why not try another this week? What I liked about Rice’s performance last week; 48 snaps and 56 receiving yards with three catches. With another full week of practice to get the timing down, I would expect more improvement this Sunday.
(Projected: 14 fantasy points/ 5 catches, 85 yards, one touchdown)

TE-Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
If you have been following the Bills defense this season you know the tight end position has scored very well more often than not. Last week the Bengals did not take advantage, but with Pittsburgh Big Ben likes his tight end Heath Miller a lot and should take advantage. Miller won’t make many grabs, but he is facing a defense that has allowed 8 touchdowns to the tight end.
(Projected: 10 fantasy points/ 4 catches, 40 yards, one touchdown)

PK-Matt Bryant, Atlanta Falcons
Picking kickers this season has not been one of my strengths, but in a game (Packers-Falcon) that has the feel of a lot of scoring, I am counting on the Falcon’s kicker Matt Bryant to have plenty of opportunities to add a few points to the board.
(Projected: 9 fantasy points/ two field goals, three extra points)

My Previous starts

Week 1 (Total points-77)
QB Donovan McNabb (WAS)
RB Matt Forte (CHI)
RB Carnell Williams (TB)
WR Jeremy Maclin (PHI)
WR Jabar Gaffney (DEN)
TE Zach Miller (OAK)
K Joe Nedney (SF)

Week 2 (Total points-68)
QB Michael Vick (PHI)
RB Ahmad Bradshaw (NYG)
RB Rashard Mendenhall (PIT)
WR Nate Washington (TEN)
WR Greg Jennings (GB)
TE Chris Cooley (WAS)
K Nick Folk (NYJ)

Week 3 (Total points-87)
QB Tony Romo (DAL)
RB Darren McFadden
RB Ray Rice (BAL)
WR Austin Collie (IND)
WR Dez Bryant (DAL)
TE Brent Celek (PHI)
K Lawrence Tynes (NYG)

Week 4 (Total points-58)
QB Eli Manning (NYG)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX)
RB Frank Gore (SF)
WR Mark Clayton (STL)
WR Brandon Marshall (MIA)
TE John Carlson (SEA)
K Jeff Reed (PIT)

Week 5 (Total Points-72 points)
QB Drew Brees (NO)
RB Steven Jackson (STL)
RB Thomas Jones (KC)
WR Donald Driver (GB)
WR Calvin Johnson (DET)
TE Marcedes Lewis (JAX)
K Mike Nugent (CIN)

Week 6 (Total Points-83 points)
QB Peyton Manning (IND)
RB Ryan Torain (WASH)
RB LaDanian Tomlinson (NYJ)
WR Hakeem Nicks (NYG)
WR Kenny Britt (TEN)
TE Dallas Clark, (IND)
K Sebastian Janikowski (OAK)

Week 7 (Total Points-93 points)
QB Philip Rivers (SD)
RB Adrian Peterson (MIN)
RB Michael Turner (ATL)
WR Larry Fitzgerald (ARI)
WR Dwayne Bowe (KC)
TE Tony Gonzales (ATL)
K Matt Prater (DEN)

Week 8 (Total Points-82 points)
QB Kyle Orton (DEN)
RB Felix Jones (DAL)
RB Jamaal Charles (KC)
WR Brandon Lloyd (DEN)
WR Deion Branch (NE)
TE Tony Moeki (KC)
K Stephen Gostkowski (NE)

Week 9 (Total Points-79 points)
QB Aaron Rodgers (GB)
RB LeSean McCoy (PHI)
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (NE)
WR Steve Smith (NYG)
WR Patrick Crayton (SD)
TE Jacob Tamme (IND)
PK Mason Crosby

Week 10 (Total Points-78 points)
QB Joe Flacco (BAL)
RB LeGarrette Blount (TB)
RB Cedric Benson (CIN)
WR Roddy White (ATL)
WR Steve Johnson (BUF)
TE Brandon Pettigrew (DET)
PK Rob Bironas (TEN)

Week 11 (Total Points-73 points)
QB Matt Ryan (ATL)
RB Fred Jackson (BUF)
RB Peyton Hillis (CLE)
WR DeSean Jackson (PHI)
WR Percy Harvin (MIN)
TE Jermaine Gresham (CIN)
PK Dan Carpenter (MIA)