FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 12th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

Injuries always play a factor and influence game-flow and the potential outcomes in every game. Looking ahead to today’s slate of games, a couple of injury notes that could affect player performances in Week 10.

Tyler Boyd (Bengals)

With the potential of missing both wide receivers Tee Higgins (ruled OUT) and Ja’Marr Chase (back), Boyd would be elevated to the number one primary receiver. The Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been slinging it all over the yard the past several weeks, making Boyd a favorite today in seasonal, as well as DFS.

Brandon Powell (Vikings)

The Vikings are still without wide receiver Justin Jefferson (activated off IR) and likely do not have KJ Osborn available today. Jordan Addison will be the popular pick today and deservedly so, but Brandon Powell will have some flex appeal and DFS value today. Even tight end TJ Hockenson is noted as possibly being on a pitch count today. For a lack of options available, Powell could see his role expand greatly today.

Tank Dell (Texans)

The Texans rookie wide receiver blew up last week against the Buccaneers, it was his third game with more than 20 fantasy points (ppr). With starting wide receiver Nico Collins (ruled OUT) sidelined today, Dell will likely become the defacto number one with a huge ceiling against a suspect Bengals 22nd ranked (vs the pass) secondary.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SATURDAY'S FF QUICK TAKES

November 11th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 10 FF Plays

Sneaky Plays for Week 10

It’s another week impacted by the Byes and fantasy managers will have to dig a little deeper this week with teams like the Eagles, Dolphins, and Chiefs off this Sunday. There will be no Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, or AJ Brown available this Sunday, so time to go diving and find some fantasy value.

Mayfield is in Play this Sunday.

The Buccaneers quarterback has been a steady fantasy play over his last three games. Mayfield has been scoring in the fantasy starting range during this stretch averaging 259 yards passing, while completing 63.2% of his passes with five touchdowns. While the Titans defense has been pretty good against opposing quarterbacks, Mayfield faces a secondary that allows the 9th most completions and the 6th highest completion rate this season with the fewest picks this season.

Trent Irwin has value against the Texans.

With the Bengals receiving corps banged up and wideout Tee Higgins already ruled out, Irwin is in play this Sunday. The Bengals could also be without Ja’Marr Chase on Sunday opening up opportunities for the remaining pass catchers. While Tyler Boyd will be the popular pickup and insert this week, Irwin could fill a void in deeper leagues and provide value in DFS.

Noah Brown is a streaming Dark Horse.

Following a breakout game in week 9, the Texans wide receiver Noah Brown should be on most fantasy managers' radar heading into Sunday. Led by rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, the Texans passing game appears to be in high gear heading into this Week 10 road tilt with the Bengals. In two of their last three games, the Bengals secondary has been lit up by opposing receivers allowing the 7th most fantasy points in each contest.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DFS WEEKLY (WEEK 8)

October 28th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

DFS Weekly Primer

Fantasy Five

It’s another week of DFS play for me and looking over the week 8 slate I see several options I can work with to build a lineup. It’s been a rough season for me, I haven't quite had the success I was hoping for and expecting, but Week 8 is another day.

I like players like (RB) Alvin Kamara, (WR) Ja’Marr Chase, and (WR) Terry McLaurin this week and will have plenty of shares of each in my DFS lineup to go along with the following plays here. These are some of the plays that I like in DFS this week.

Dameon Pierce (Texans-RB) The Texans running back has been relatively quiet this season, but a great matchup this week against the Panthers affords the opportunity to shine. The Panthers are the 31st ranked defense against the run and allow the 5th most yards per carry. If the stars align, Pierce could be back in the fantasy fold.

Breece Hall (Jets-RB) Fresh off the bye, the 2nd year back would appear to be healthy and ready for a big Week. Hall has been the clear leader in the backfield the past couple of games and is poised for a big outing against a porous Giants run defense (ranked 27th against the run). His low DFS (DK) salary makes him a premium play this week.

Calvin Ridley (Jaguars-WR) The Jaguars wideout has been highly inconsistent, along the boom or bust lines this season. He is currently the fantasy WR45, but he continues to see a steady diet of targets weekly.  Squaring off with the Steelers this week, Ridley will face a secondary that is ranked 25th against the pass, allowing the 3rd most fantasy points and 7th most receiving yards to opposing receivers.

Odell Beckham Jr (Ravens-WR) This week the Ravens passing game has a good matchup against the Cardinals 23rd ranked defense. The rookie wideout Zay Flowers figures to be a key play for the Ravens on Sunday, but after logging a Full practice on Friday and carrying no injury designation Beckham Jr could be ready for a bigger role this week. OBJ is coming off his best game of the season in Week 7 that included 7 targets. At his low (DK) salary value, I like his chances to make a splash in Week 8.

George Kittle (49ers-TE) With the 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel already ruled out, Kittle (fantasy TE8) can expect to see a greater share of targets in his Week 8 matchup with the Bengals. The Bengals defense allows the 7th most fantasy points and 3rd most touchdowns (4) to opposing tight ends this season. Kittle is due for a big day.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

October 18th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

The formula for success never changes. Fantasy gold for managers starts with chances and opportunities and in week six there were plenty players who found opportunity and cashed in. Players like the Bills receiver Stefon Diggs (66 targets this season) continued his high rate of usage, while in Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce (46 targets this season) proves even in his 11th season he’s still among the best at his position, and out of the backfield it’s the new kid on the block, Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson (32 targets this season) who is showing off his hands skills.

There are a lot of familiar faces on the lists this week and a couple of new ones. Take note because success starts here.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 6

Top 10 WR

1. Stefon Diggs - 16

2. Amon-Ra St. Brown - 15

3. Michael Pittman Jr - 14

4. Adam Thielen - 13

5. Ja'Marr Chase - 13

6. Drake London - 12

7. Garrett Wilson - 12

8. Keenan Allen - 11

9. Kendrick Bourne - 11

10. Terry McLaurin – 11

The Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is currently one of the highest targeted pass catchers in the league this season, especially over the last three weeks. Since Week 4, Chase is commanding a 36.9% target share and has turned his 41 targets into 28 receptions, 345 yards receiving, and three touchdowns. Currently on a bye this week, Chase will get a chance to continue his hot hand with the Bengals face the 49ers in Week 8.

Top 10 TE

1. Sam Laporta - 11

2. Travis Kelce - 9

3. TJ Hockenson - 8

4. Dallas Goedert - 8

5. Dalton Schultz - 7

6. Darren Waller - 7

7. Evan Engram - 7

8. Kyle Pitts - 6

9. Michael Mayer - 6

10. Mark Andrews - 6

Over the past three weeks only Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been targeted more than the Jaguars Evan Engram. The Jags pass receiving tight end has been targeted 23 times and recorded 18 receptions for 128 yards. While the production is a bit on the low side, his scoring has him as the fantasy TE9-tied over the past three weeks and still No.6 for the season. Even with a tough matchup this Thursday, Engram needs to be in lineups.

Top 10 RB

1. D'Andre Swift - 10

2. Alvin Kamara - 8

3. Bijan Robinson - 8

4. Zack Moss - 7

5. Tony Pollard - 7

6. Alexander Mattison - 7

7. Rhamondre Stevenson - 6

8. Isiah Pacheco - 6

9. Jonathan Taylor - 6

10. Austin Ekeler – 6

The Eagles running back D’Andre Swift has been a busy part of the passing game out of the backfield. Swift has been targeted (21 targets) the 3rd most of all running backs over the past three weeks collecting 18 passes for 101 receiving yards and a score. His pass receiving skills has him cracking the Top-15 (14th) fantasy scoring per game among running backs over the last three weeks. And while his rushing numbers have cooled, it’s his ppr scoring that has been carrying him recently. He’ll have a shot at improving both in a classic Sunday night showdown with the Dolphins this week.

Touches Are Fantasy Gold

Just like a receiver needs to be targeted, a running backs success leans heavily on how many times they touch (carries + catches) the rock.

Here are the weekly Touch leaders;

Week 6

Top 10 RB

1. Saquon Barkley - 28

2. Josh Jacobs - 27

3. Alvin Kamara - 26

4. Kenneth Walker - 22

5. Isiah Pacheco - 22

6. Alexander Mattison - 22

7. Travis Etienne Jr - 21

8. Tony Pollard - 21

9. Chuba Hubbard - 20

10. Raheem Mostert – 20

With 28 touches on Sunday night against the Bills, could Saquon Barkley be back? After missing several games due to an ankle injury, Barkley made his return. After a slow start in the first half, he looked pretty good on a couple of late runs. If the Giants can continue to feed him, he could be in for a big Sunday against the Commanders.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEKLY AWARDS (WEEK 5)

October 12th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Weekly Awards

(Week 5)

AFC Offensive Player of the Week

WR- Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)

*19 targets

*15 receptions

*192 yards receivng

*12.8 yards per reception

*10.1 yards per target

*3 touchdowns

*52.2 fantasy points (ppr)

AFC Defensive Player of the Week

LB-Quincy Williams (Jets)

*5 solo tackles

*4 assists

*1 tackle for loss

*2 sacks

*3 QB hits

*1 forced fumble

NFC Offensive Player of the Week

QB-Justin Fields (Bears)

*15 completions

*51.7% completion rate

*282 yards passing

*9.7 yards per pass

*4 touchdown passes

125.29 passer rating

*11 carries

*57 rushing yards

NFC Defensive Player of the Week

LB-Fred Warner (49ers)

*5 solo tackles

*3 assists

*1 tackle for loss

*1 sacks

*1 QB hits

*1 pass defense

*1 interception

*1 forced fumble

Rookie Offensive Player of the Week

OFF/RB-De’Von Achane (Dolphins)

*11 carries

*151 yards rushing

*13.7 yards per carry

*1 rushing touchdown

*1 reception

*14 yards receiving

*21.5 fantasy points

Rookie Defensive Player of the Week

DEF/DL-Jalen Carter (Eagles)

*3 solo tackles

*1 assists

*2 tackle for loss

*2 sacks

*2 QB hits

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FF SOMETHING WORTH NOTING (WK5)

October 10th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

Fantasy Football: Something Worth Noting

Looking back, at what was Week 5, I have several takeaways that not only define the week, but also provide some fantasy football implications owners can take with them into week 6.

Patriots are awful (both sides)

Right now the Patriots are a mess and look terrible on both sides. The offense is in shambles, no production from any of the skill positions and the defense looks like a house of cards ready to fall at the first site of a strong wind. Avoid Patriots starters for now and start any team defense facing New England. If you have any running backs (ppr) matched up against the Patriots defense, they should be considered a safe play.

Broncos have worst defense, absolutely awful vs run

I don’t think I’ve seen any other team nearly as bad against the run this decade, as the Broncos have been this season. The Dolphins massacre may have been considered an outlier that slightly inflates the numbers, but after their performance in week 5 against the Jets, the numbers are true and you are what your record says; yards per carry allowed ranked last, rushing yards allowed per game ranked last, rushing yards allowed this season last, and rushing touchdowns allowed second to last.

George Pickens is a stud - just give Pickett time.

He was one of my pre-draft targets this season, although I was only able to get him in two of my six drafts. Pickens has great hands, crazy athletic ability and if the Steelers O-line can just give quarterback Kenny Pickett time, good things happen. Pickens is the fantasy WR19 at the moment, but trending in the right direction. Three of his last four games have been 75 yards receiving or more with two over 125 yards. Just give it time.

The Giants may have found Waller.

I just can’t figure out what the objective is when the Giants have the ball. All preseason the tales just continued to grow about Waller and Jones, but so far this season there’s been little evidence. That is until week five, where Waller was targeted a season high 11 times and recorded 8 grabs for 86 yards. I’d like to think the Giants have found possibly their best pass catcher, but this is a tough read for fantasy owners. Jones was knocked from the contest late and the Giants were trailing by multiple scores late. Regardless I’m just hoping the Giants watch the tape and realize they have Waller.

The Joe Cool and Chase show is back

It took five weeks, but well worth the wait. I admit, I jumped the gun and believed I had to look elsewhere and move off Joe for week 5. Now I never entertained the idea of dropping Joe, just wanted to wait until he plays better and looks healthy. He definitely looked great, threw the ball incredibly well and when Chase has his buddy Joe slinging it, great things happen. It’s safe to say, keep rolling with Joe Cool and JC.

Kupp and Nacua - the new Dynamic Duo

There was little doubt in my mind that a Sean McVay offense could support both Nacua and Kupp. I’d say my only hesitation was how much workload would Kupp be ready to handle. I’d say 12 targets would indicate nothing to worry about. And his teammate Nacua saw 11 of his own. Both receivers finished fantasy WR11 (Nacua) and WR12 (Kupp). They look like the new dynamic duo.

Justin Fields forever Moore.

There’s something happening in Chicago. The past two weeks have been a big indicator and I am believing that Fields has found his go to in Moore and fantasy owners can expect to see more of this going forward. Over his past two games Moore has caught 16 passes for 361 yards and 4 touchdowns. He’s also scored a touchdown in three straight games. Fields, now the fantasy QB4 has tossed 8 touchdowns with one pick in his last two starts and his 11 total touchdowns passes ranks tied for 2nd this season. Both are must-starts going forward.

The Niners are the best team right now

I don’t think I need to announce this to anyone who watches the NFL. But after their week 5 Sunday night dismantling of the Cowboys, it’s really hard to not recognize the Niners as the best and most complete team. As impressive as they are with weapons on offense like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, etc., they are equally impressive on the other side. IDP studs would include Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Dre Greenlaw. They may not run the table, 17 games is a long season, but they are going to be a tough out in the playoffs for whatever unlucky team has to face them.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

September 27th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

Your fantasy players can’t produce without the ball and they need opportunities to produce. Week 3 was a big week for production, lots of yards totaled and points tallied, and undoubtedly a lot of the production was reflected in the opportunity that was there.

Let’s take a look at the Week 3 leaders in targets and touches.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 3

Top 10 WR

1. Davante Adams (20)

2. Keenan Allen (20)

3. Ja’Marr Chase (15)

4. Adam Thielen (14)

5. AJ Brown (14)

6. Justin Jefferson (13)

7. Deebo Samuel (12)

8. Stefon Diggs (12)

9. Jakobi Meyers (12)

10. Joshua Downs (12)

11. Romeo Doubs (12)

The Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, currently fantasy WR26 for the season, turned his 15 targets (most this season) in week 3, into 12 receptions for 141 receiving yards. By far this was his best output of the season and good enough for fantasy WR6. If this trend continues (26.4% target share), fantasy owners will start to reap the rewards from the draft capital they invested in Chase.

It’s really no surprise to see Adams (fantasy WR4) sitting near the top of the fantasy receiver tree. His 37 targets for the season ranks 4th, his 322 yards receiving ranks 5th, and his 25 receptions are tied for 4th. As long as he and Jimmy G (Garoppolo) can continue to connect at a high level (39.3% target share) Adams will remain a Top-5 fantasy WR.

Top 10 TE

1. Sam LaPorta (11)

2. TJ Hockenson (11)

3. George Kittle (9)

4. Kyle Pitts (9)

5. Evan Engram (8)

6. Travis Kelce (8)

7. Luke Musgrave (8)

8. Jonnu Smith (8)

9. Four players tied with (7)

The Vikings TJ Hockenson, also the No.1 fantasy tight end continues to be a Target Hog in the passing game. Hockenson is getting a 20.3% target share per game which is equating to 9.3 targets per. With that kind of volume it should not be surprising to see him at the top of the fantasy tight end tree. His 11 targets in week 3 were good enough to produce 8 receptions for 78 yards. With his current volume he’s Top-5 the rest of the way.

The Jaguars tight end Evan Engram has been trending in the right direction the past two weeks. With his 16 targets in that span, he has accumulated 13 receptions for 124 yards receiving, numbers good enough for fantasy TE4. For the year, he has 21 total targets which have him sitting as the No.3 fantasy tight end, behind LaPorta and Hockenson. This type of workload (18.6% target share) will keep him well inside the Top-10 fantasy tight end conversation.

Top 10 RB

1. Miles Sanders (10)

2. Raheem Mostert (7)

3. Kyren Williams (7)

4. Alexander Mattison (7)

5. Bijan Robinson (6)

6. Christian McCaffrey (5)

7. Travis Etienne Jr (5)

8. Josh Jacobs (5)

9. Antonio Gibson (5)

10. Six tied with (4)

Not only has the Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert been healthy this season, but he has been producing at an elite level. After three games Mostert is the top fantasy running back. He’s not only getting it done on the ground, but he’s contributing in the passing game with 10 receptions, 79 yards receiving, and a touchdown. His 17 touches per game, if this continues, will keep him in the RB-1 conversation.

Touches Are Fantasy Gold

Just like a receiver needs to be targeted, a running back’s success leans heavily on how many times they touch (carries + catches) the rock.

Here are the weekly Touch leaders;

Week 3

Top 10 RB

1. Zack Moss (32)

2. Tony Pollard (26)

3. Alexander Mattison (25)

4. Christian McCaffrey (23)

5. Travis Etienne Jr (23)

6. De’Von Achane (22)

7. Kenneth Walker III (21)

8. Josh Jacobs (20)

9. Rhamondre Stevenson (20)

10. Joe Mixon (20)

How good has the Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker been this season, he’s the fantasy RB7 through the first three games. Over the past two weeks, he’s been even better, totaling 140 yards rushing, 70 yards receiving, and four rushing touchdowns good enough for fantasy RB3. His 39 touches over the same span ranks tied for 5th. 

The Colts running back Zack Moss may only be renting the starting gig in Indy, but he’s looking like a permanent squatter at the moment. Over the past two weeks Moss has been the fantasy RB5 (tied with Jerome Ford). He has totaled 210 yards rushing and 42 yards receiving with 54 total touches (ranks 2nd). As long as the workload continues he’s a must-start, beyond week 4 we’ll have to see what happens with running back Jonathan Taylor.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: 10 THINGS FOR NFL SUNDAY

September 17th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

10 Things for NFL Sunday

(Week 2)

With the Kickoff to NFL Sunday week 2 just a few hours away, I’m getting fresh batteries for my remotes, breaking out the second TV, switching on Youtube TV (with Sunday Ticket), checking my fantasy lineups, making some last minute adjustments, and tuning into the latest fantasy shows for injury updates.

There’s a lot to take in and the clock to kickoff is counting down. On top of the inventory check on cold beverages and football foods supply for the day, here are the Top-10 things on my mind as I anxiously await for NFL Sunday to kick off;

1. “James gets cooking” - I like what I saw from the Bills running back on Monday night. Although he did not put up great numbers, his snap share and his usage indicated to me, he’s the guy. It’s only a matter of time before he gets cooking and week 2 versus the Raiders is as good a time as any.

2. “Joe Cool to Chase” - The Bengals passing offense was stagnant in week one, but you had a tough Browns defense and horrible weather. It looks like the weather won’t be a factor this week

3. Henry is still King” - At least for another Sunday, Titans running back will show why he is King. The Chargers are traveling back east for an early game, so this sets up as one of those games where they could fall flat. You know the Titans will lean hard on Henry, especially with a banged up D-Hop (DeAndre Hopkins).

4. “Big Sunday for Big Mike” - The Chargers wideout was quiet in week one and as per the norm, he’ll bounce back this week with a big performance. It’s a good matchup for Big Mike and three times last season when he was targeted fewer than 5 times, he averaged nearly 22 fantasy points.

5. “ASB & Lions keep prowling” - When was the last time the Lions started out 2-0? How about 2023? The Lions will be on the prowl today squaring off with the Seahawks. This matchup looks like a great opportunity for Goff to ASB (Amon-Ra St. Brown) to be called a couple of times. The Seahawks secondary was torched in week one.

6. “Texans not out of Woods” - It’s not surprising to see Robert Woods still hanging around in the NFL, but after the past two quiet seasons I hardly expected to hear his name called again. Now he didn’t light up the scoreboard last week, but he did turn in a solid 6 catch, 57 yards receiving performance. The glaring statistics were his 10 targets and 75.3% snap count. He may not have much fantasy relevance leading into the 2023 campaign, but those numbers might say otherwise.

7. “Mooney is money” - DJ Moore who? Did everyone forget about Mooney? Mooney was a 1,000 yard receiver for the Bears in 2021 and before going down to injury in 2022 he was a primary target for quarterback Justin Fields. Fields trust him and knows he’s money. Don’t count him out.

8. “Waller is winning” - The Giants tight end doesn’t carry an injury designation leading into Sunday. Fantasy owners can grab your popcorn and get ready to see what all the hype during training camp was all about.

9. “Sunday is Deebo Time” - It’s rivalry Sunday, Rams and Niners and that means Deebo time. The Niners wideout has scored in four of their last five meetings, including 5 total touchdowns. He was relatively quiet in week one, but against the Rams I expect a lot of noise from the playmaker.

10. “Jeudy will bring the Juice” - He may be on a pitch count, but no question when he’s on the field he’ll make it count. One element missing last Sunday from the Broncos offense was explosiveness. Jeudy has great speed and can be electric, on Sunday he will bring the juice.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY'S FANTASY FIXX

September 15th, 2023

David’s Daily 

Friday Morning Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Fixx

(Week 2)

(Favorable Matchups)

After one week of data it doesn’t get any easier for fantasy owners to decide who to start and who to sit, but the information does help. So let’s take a look at the week 2 matchups and set our lineups for Sunday.

QB-Jared Goff (Lions) - Coming off a week 1 win over the defending champion Chiefs, Lions quarterback Jared Goff will be playing with a lot of confidence in this week 2 matchup. Goff and company will square off against a Seahawks defense that allowed 334 yards passing (3rd most) in week one. This could be a big afternoon for Goff.

RB-Bijan Robinson (Falcons) - Considering his usage in the passing game in week one, this Sunday against the Packers could be a big afternoon for the Rookie. Robinson was targeted six times in week one and will face a Packers defense that allowed 11 receptions (2nd most) last week. The Falcons rookie should have another productive Sunday.

WR-DeAndre Hopkins (Titans) - Just playing the numbers with this call. Last week Hopkins was heavily targeted and no reason it should not continue. This Sunday the Titans will face a Chargers secondary that surrendered the most receptions, yards, and touchdowns to opposing wide receivers. Fantasy owners can expect Hopkins to turn in another busy Sunday.

WR-Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals) - After a quiet week one, this sets up to be a great bounce back game for Chase and the Bengals offense. In two games versus the Ravens last season Chase was targeted 25 times, so the elite wideout can be expected to be heavily involved in the passing game this week.

TE-Evan Engram (Jaguars) - The Jags tight end was a bit quiet in week one, but still finished as the No.5 fantasy tight end with 5 catches for 49 yards. This week Engram will take his shot at the Chiefs defense that surrendered 7 catches (tied for 3rd most) last week to the opposing tight end. Last postseason, the Chiefs were able to limit Engram to 31 yards receiving, but that was the pre-Ridley era. Results this Sunday should be very different.

These are not necessarily considered week 2 start’ems, as some are of course already locked in your lineups as they should be. These are rather my predictions or feelings about their respective week 2 matchups and outcomes this weekend. 

These are my week 2 favorites with some great matchups.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 1st, 2023

Friday Evening Edition

My Top 10 Fantasy Football 

WR Rankings for 2023

We are moving right along with my 2023 Fantasy Rankings. I’ve looked at the ball carriers, the passers, now it’s time to look over my Wide receivers.

The Top-10

1. Justin Jefferson

2. Ja'Marr Chase

3. Tyreek Hill

4. Stefon Diggs

5. Davante Adams

6. Cooper Kupp

7. CeeDee Lamb

8. AJ Brown

9. Amon-Ra St. Brown

10. Garrett Wilson

There’s no shock here with the Vikings Justin Jefferson sitting in the top spot, a well-deserved honor after his epic 2022 season. While Jefferson appears to be the consensus number one wide receiver in most drafts and overall, it’s hard to argue the obvious number two receiver is the Bengals Ja’Marr Chase. The Bengals explosive receiver is a highlight reel in his own right and last season his No.4 fantasy receiver finish has made him one of the top options to target in your draft.

I’ve seen a few of the Expert mock drafts and not to my surprise, I have been seeing Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams getting selected in the 1st round. Now I have him as my number five, where I believe he belongs, but some Experts are in my opinion undervaluing Adams. I’ll just say I believe in his talents, skill, and abilities and his 100 receptions and 14 touchdowns from a year ago.

But as I go down the list it’s worth noting, I have adjusted Rams receiver Cooper Kupp down a couple of spots due to his recent injury. He’s still a top six fantasy receiver as long as his current injury doesn’t linger. It’s hard to bet against a kid that has proven to be as good as Kupp has played. Over the past two seasons Kupp has been the number one fantasy scoring receiver.

The Next 10.

11. Jaylen Waddle

12. Chris Olave

13. DeVonta Smith

14. Amari Cooper

15. Tee Higgins

16. DK Metcalf

17. Calvin Ridley

18. DeAndre Hopkins

19. Keenan Allen

20. Deebo Samuel

Rounding out the bottom 10 and slotting in at the number 14, is the Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper. Last season Cooper finished as the No.18 fantasy scoring receiver with his 2023 starting quarterback (DeShaun Watson) playing in only six games. This season Cooper will team up with Watson for the full go and has the potential of putting up strong numbers in 2023.

There is a lot of hype around the Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley. While Ridley was fantastic a few years ago (in 2020), he’s returning from missing an entire season and will be playing with a new team. There’s no question about the talent and ability, but I need to see it first. He’s still a Top-20 receiver in my book, but with other mouths like Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram to feed, it could be tough for him to rise much higher.

I have DeAndre Hopkins at number 18, ranking a little higher than his current ADP (Fantasy Calculator). He’s coming off a subpar and shortened 2022 season, but even though he only played in 9 games his numbers are worth noting. Hopkins finished the season as the No.9 fantasy receiver (minimum 90 targets) and from weeks 7 through 15 he was the No.6 fantasy receiver. Hopkins ceiling may take a slight hit playing on the Titans, a team that likes to run with ball with running back Derrick Henry.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 29th, 2023

Tuesday Evening Edition

My Top 10 Fantasy Football 

Draft Rankings for 2023

(PPR Format)

The final weekend and probably busiest weekend of fantasy draft season is creeping towards us and with so much excitement afoot it’s time to dial in your strategy and hone in on your 1st round picks.

Below are my Top 10 and full 1st round (12-team league) rankings for 2023 and of course, there’s no surprise here with my top pick of Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson. This season the Vikings wideout is the consensus number one pick in most rankings and well deserved. In 2022, Jefferson led all receivers with 128 receptions and posted the 6th best All-Time receiving yards mark with 1,809.

The Top-10

1. Justin Jefferson

2. Ja'Marr Chase

3. Christian McCaffrey

4. Austin Ekeler

5. Cooper Kupp

6. Tyreek Hill

7. Travis Kelce

8. Saquon Barkley

9. Stefon Diggs

10. Davante Adams

The Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase falls in at number Two. An incredible talent and highlight-reel, Chase scored double-digit fantasy points in every game he played last season. He’s entering season number three and appears poised to post big numbers in 2023.

In the PPR format, I had to boost Chargers running back Austin Ekeler to the number four spot. Ekeler is a scoring machine with 38 combined touchdowns over the past two seasons and in 2022 he finished tied for the 5th spot in fantasy points per game (ppr). Perhaps his best stat is playing in all 33 games the past two seasons.

With a full season of health under his belt, I am probably higher on running back Saquon Barkley than most. In 2022 Barkley posted 295 carries, played in 16 games, and finished 5th in fantasy scoring for running backs. Healthy and ready to go in 2023, Barkley should only improve on those numbers.

Another fantasy wide receiver I am excited about more than most others is Davante Adams. I am not sure why so many are down on the Raiders receiver this year. Yes, he’s getting a new quarterback, but he’s still an elite receiver. His numbers over the past three seasons have been prolific. Since 2020 Adams has 4,443 receiving yards and 338 receptions, both rank first among fantasy wide receivers.

And filling out the tail end of Round One…

11. CeeDee Lamb

12. AJ Brown

The Eagles receiver AJ Brown was solid in 2022, especially down the stretch. For the season Brown was the number eight fantasy scoring receiver. In his last six games he posted no fewer than 13 fantasy points, eclipsing 17 or more points in four of those six games.

Set your sights high and draft with confidence.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega