Showing posts with label Jameis Winston. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jameis Winston. Show all posts

Sunday, November 10, 2019

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Night Edition
November 9th 2019






DFS Saturday

It’s almost Sunday of NFL Week 10, and there are a lot of good matchups and ways to go with when building your lineups. The first place I am starting has to be the prime Fantasy matchup between the Buccaneers and the Cardinals; the over-under is set at 54 points.

Both defenses rank near the bottom against the pass (Ari-29th, TB-32nd), so there should be and could be a plethora of points on Sunday.

Players of interest for those that may be considering, Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston will face a Cardinals defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 24 touchdowns (tied for most in the league). 

Getting the start this week, the Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones III will get a crack at the Cardinals defense that has allowed the 8th most rushing yards to opposing running backs, including 4.4 yards per carry.

On the other side, this may be a great week for Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who will face the Bucs defense that allows the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 19 touchdowns (2nd most in the league).

What would also make a great stack and connection with Murray is wide receiver Christian Kirk. The Buccaneers defense allows the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. 

There are of course no guarantees when playing DFS, but I like my chances with these matchups on Sunday.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

Saturday, September 21, 2019

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Late Night Edition
September 20th 2019








Friday Fantasy Fixx


Week 3 JMO Notes:

After a tough matchup against the Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey in week 2, the Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins (currently WR15, PPR scoring according to Fantasy Data) is hoping to put his 5 (catches) for 40 (yards receiving) in the past. This week he’ll look to bounce back against a Chargers defense that has allowed a 79% completion success rate to wide receivers. Hopkins is too good to struggle for two weeks in a row, expect a bounce back game on Sunday.

The Viking running back Dalvin Cook (currently RB2, PPR scoring according to Fantasy Data) has been a fantasy stud through two games this season. Cook is averaging 23 touches and 311 yards of offense per game with three rushing touchdowns. With the Raiders coming to town on Sunday, fantasy owners can expect more of the same.

The Bengals defense has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, including the most rushing yards allowed to running backs (308 rushing yards) and tied for the most rushing touchdowns allowed to running backs (3 rushing touchdowns). In two games, the Bills running back Frank Gore has found the fountain of youth, leading the club with 30 carries. This week he looks like he’s got a great chance to improve his 2.9 yards per carry average; start him.

Fantasy Five

Stud - The Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston played well last week on the road against the Panthers, in week 3 he gets home cooking against the Giants. In two games the Giants have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and over 325 yards passing yards per game. Just reading the tea leaves on this one, the Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd will take his shot against the Bills secondary that through two games has allowed the most receptions to opposing receivers. Through two games Boyd leads the team with 21 targets and 18 receptions and will pad those numbers on Sunday. An easy call here with the Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott. Facing the Dolphins defense (ranked 31st against the run) this week, it should be all Zeke, all day.
Dud - The Chiefs will be without starting running back Damien Williams, but running back LeSean McCoy is a bit banged up and taking on the league’s number run defense. It could be a long or short day for Shady.
Boom - The Packers defense has been snake bit by running backs through two weeks, on the ground (6.0 yard per carry allowed-and in the air (18 receptions allowed-most allowed). This week, Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (13 targets this season), the team’s primary pass receiving back should see plenty of opportunities and could finally find the end zone. After a breakout week two, Niners running back Raheem Mostert could be making a case for himself to stay on the field, even after Tevin Coleman heals. Mostert currently ranks as RB17 in fantasy (PPR scoring) and his matchup against the Steelers (8th most fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs) this week, could yield more success.
Bust - The Raiders tight end Darren Waller (TE8 in fantasy) will face a stout Vikings defense on the road this week; he could see his numbers cool on Sunday. The Redskins quarterback Case Keenum (QB6 in fantasy this season) has had a bit of a hot hand, but it could get cold fast on Monday night against the Bears' defense (7 sacks this season).
Sleeper - With no Tre’Quan Smith and no Drew Brees, the check down on Sunday could feature the Saints tight end Jared Cook who faces a Seahawks defense that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. The Bears running back Tarik Cohen was targeted 10 times in week one and 15 for the season. He could see more work in the slot against a leaky Redskins secondary on Monday night. The Broncos running back Royce Freeman (RB27) has been seeing enough work this season to be not only fantasy relevant, but flex worthy. He should get plenty of touches on Sunday against the Packers and could find pay dirt for the first time in 2019.


Recap Week 2
Stud - The Ravens Lamar Jackson (QB2) and Mark Andrews (TE1) came through with solid week 2 performances, but the Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (WR54) was held in check, all PPR scoring.
Dud - The Rams tight ends finished Week 2 as TE23 and TE30, none worth starting or playing consideration. The Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery was basically a no-show exiting early in week 2 with an injury and a donut for a stat line. The Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay finished the week as RB26, not terrible especially considering the matchup against the Bears.
Boom - The Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley was WR8 in week 2, the Bills wideout John Brown was WR33 (flex play territory), and the Seahawks rookie receiver DK Metcalf was WR29 (flex play), again all PPR scoring.
Bust - The Bills veteran running back Frank Gore was an effective RB11 in week 2, while the Titans running back Dion Lewis (RB64) was just forgettable. 
Sleeper - the Niners running back Raheem Mostert was RB3 with a huge day, while the Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (TE3) was also big with a pair of scores. The Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (QB27) was awful last week.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega


Friday, September 20, 2019

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Late Night Edition
September 20th, 2019






Week 3: On the Cover this Week


In Godwin we Trust

In pre-season fantasy drafts, the Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was getting a lot of love from fantasy owners, coming off the boards as the WR15 according to Fantasy Football Calculator. Through the first two weeks of the 2019 NFL, Godwin has not disappointed with a touchdown grab in each of his first two games.

If you targeted Godwin early in drafts and were able to snag him as your second receiver, your investment is paying off early and could pay huge dividends later as well. Godwin is currently ranked as the number 13 fantasy receiver after two weeks (PPR scoring) with 11 receptions for 174 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

Last season Godwin and quarterback Jameis Winston found a groove over the last two weeks of the 2018 season; a small sample size yes, but something to build off. There was a lot of buzz in the preseason and it appears, good things for Godwin could be just around the corner.

Through the first two weeks of the 2019 season, Godwin currently leads the team with 15 targets, he also leads the Bucs in receptions, yards receiving, and receiving touchdowns. Next on tap for Godwin and the Buccaneers are the Giants of New York who have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. The Giants secondary has also surrendered 550 yards receiving to wideouts, most in the league. 

With this savory matchup next on the slate, Godwin looks to be a solid fantasy bet to keep trending upward.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega


Monday, September 2, 2019

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Late Evening Edition
September 1st, 2019





Season Long: Four Horsemen


Texans, QB-Deshaun Watson
I think the Texans did a pretty good job this preseason with some of their moves, but even prior to them I was all-in with their quarterback. Last season the Texans had one of the worst, if not the worst offensive lines in the league (62 sacks allowed in 2018) and Watson still managed to finish as the number 4 fantasy quarterback. He’ll start his 2019 campaign with the best in the business, in wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and a healthy pass catcher in Will Fuller (expected to be ready for week 1). With running backs Duke Johnson and Carlos Hyde set to line up in the backfield, Watson will have a very nice compliment of weapons all around. If the Texans can protect Watson and run the ball effectively, this signal caller should be a lock for a top-3 fantasy quarterback in 2019.

Vikings, RB-Dalvin Cook
An 85-yard touchdown run against the Cardinals in the Vikings third preseason game was all I needed to see, well actually that a couple of other plays on offense. Cook looked fresh, healthy, strong, and fast as heck (especially on his touchdown run). The Vikings runner is now more than a season removed from his knee injury suffered during his rookie season; he’s healthy now and looks great. During his 85-yard dash he showed great explosion and acceleration. I think this kids going to show folks what we were seeing from him back in 2017. Cook is getting drafted in the early second round (ADP 15.1 according to FFC), but he’s worthy of a first round pick and will be a Top-6 fantasy running back in 2019.

Buccaneers, WR-Chris Godwin
I am buying Jacks beans, taking the bait, and falling hook line and sinker for wide receiver Chris Godwin. There are a lot of signs pointing in the right direction for the Bucs wideout. A stable quarterback situation in 2019, with Jameis Winston the starter, and a new Head Coach in Bruce Arians. Godwin showed some flashes at the tail-end of last season and with rumors out of camp suggesting he and Winston are building chemistry, I like his outlook. The expectation in the leagues highest passing offense from 2018 and under Arians offense, Godwin is going to see an increase in targets and should breakout this season. Even with an ADP of 39.8 and WR16 (according to FFC), I am locking him in my Top-12 fantasy receivers for 2019.

Saints, TE-Jared Cook
In 2018, tight end Jared Cook finished the season as the number 5 fantasy TE with Derek Carr as his quarterback. Now that he’s a Saint, he’ll be catching passes from quarterback Drew Brees. Does anything more need to be said. The last time Brees had a solid pass catching talent at tight end it was Jimmy Graham, back in 2014. Graham finished that season as the number 2 fantasy tight end; that’s Cook’s upside this season. The Saints will roll out plenty of weapons this season and Cook should benefit greatly. He’s the TE7, ADP 70.7 (according to FFC) and deserving of this currenting ranking, but in my best estimations, he’s going to challenge the top trio.

These are my top fantasy prospects for 2019, that I am trying to grab as many shares of in Best Ball, re-drafts, and season long leagues. As some might say, I am going to ride high with these Four horsemen!

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega


Saturday, August 24, 2019

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Evening Edition
August 24th, 2019








In These Hands We Trust


Let’s begin with this, my numbers are not scientific, nor are they prophetic, they are merely my opinion based on my eye test and last season’s production. With that much said and not trying to say too much, these are my WR rankings for the start of 2019 season.

At the top of the board is Mr. Number one himself, DeAndre Hopkins (MR#1WR). In full PPR Hopkins finished as the number wide receiver last season, after finishing second by a half point in 2017. Hopkins has hands of glue and he is Mister Consistent. He’ll see his normal 170-plus targets and should be back at the top once again.

Right behind Hopkins, filling the number two slot is the Packers Davante Adams (MR#2WR). I actually like Adams a ton; he could easily unseat Hopkins for top billing. Adams will have the luxury of catching passes from a healthy Aaron Rodgers and after coming off a season with career highs across the board (catches, yards, touchdowns, and targets), he’s a shoe-in to post large numbers in 2019.

Yes, the top two receivers have great outlooks for 2019 and both are appropriately ranked, but my number four fantasy receiver, the Browns receiver Odell Beckham Jr (MR#4WR) deserves a huge mention here. It just feels like the perfect storm this season for OBJ, who was traded to Cleveland in the offseason. With the gunslinging quarterback Baker Mayfield under center, it feels like OBJ is going to be on Sportscenter a lot this season.

The First 12 pairs of hands
1.DeAndre Hopkins
2.Davante Adams
3.Julio Jones
4.O. Beckham Jr
5.Michael Thomas
6.Tyreek Hill
7.Smith-Schuster
8.Mike Evans
9.Keenan Allen
10.Antonio Brown
11.Adam Thielen
12.T.Y. Hilton

Leading the second set of 12 is the Buccaneers receiver (MR#13WR) Chris Godwin; in Godwin I trust. He’s been one of the talks of the offseason, I’ve been listening to. Godwin had a very nice 2nd season starting 5 games and finishing with 59 receptions, 842 yards receiving, and 7 touchdowns. Now in his third year with the Bucs, this is expected to be his breakout. In four of his last five games in 2018, Godwin had no fewer than six targets per contest with quarterback Jameis Winston under center; the Bucs starting Quarterback for 2019. Godwin is a rising star.

The two Rams receivers, Brandin Cooks (MR#16WR) and Robert Woods (MR#17WR) are basically bookends; you can flip-flop these two. The Rams high-octane offense presents plenty of opportunity for both, even with the return of Cooper Kupp. Last season Woods finished as the 11th scoring fantasy receiver, with Cooks checking in at 13 (full PPR). I believe the return of Kupp will knock these two down slightly, but both are worth drafting as your WR2.

Ankle surgery has me avoiding Bengals receiver A.J. Green (MR#24WR) in my drafts, but he is going to return at some point this season; expected to only miss a few games. If you can get him late, he has the potential of being a solid late grab and could be a difference maker. But he is coming off surgery, which is always risky.

The Second set of hands
13.Chris Godwin
14.Stefon Diggs
15.Julian Edelman
16.Brandin Cooks
17.Robert Woods
18.Jarvis Landry
19.Amari Cooper
20.Cooper Kupp
21.Kenny Golladay
22.Tyler Lockett
23.Calvin Ridley
24.A.J. Green

Some notables that just missed the cut, Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd (MR#25WR), Chargers receiver Mike Williams (MR#26WR) and Eagles receiver Alshon Jeffery (MR#27WR). I really like Williams this season, easily see him cracking the top 24. The same for Boyd, with Green expected to miss time he’ll be the go-to receiver for quarterback Andy Dalton.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega



Wednesday, August 14, 2019

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Night Edition
August 14th, 2019








The First Class of Fantasy



Sometimes it seems like the quarterback position is treated like a first class citizen, in comparison to other positions on the field. They are without question, the most protected and rightfully so.

Rather than posting my complete list of all starting quarterbacks, I’ll just share my thoughts about a couple of the QB1’s for 2019.

At the top of my list for this fantasy season is the Texans starter, (MR#1 QB) Deshaun Watson. He’s a very good passer and dynamic player. With the weapons surrounding him in Houston, such as wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, and with the addition of running back Duke Johnson, Watson should deliver big numbers this season.

Landing in my top five this season is none other than Mr. Quarterback, (MR#3 QB) Aaron Rodgers. The Packers signal caller’s numbers were down a bit last season, but we know he played through injury. This season, a healthy Rodgers will have an opportunity to recapture his crown as the best QB in the league and fantasy.

I like (MR#8 QB) Mr. Baker Mayfield this season, as do many other fantasy enthusiasts, but I am not over the top with my excitement. The Browns quarterback had a very positive rookie campaign last season and with the addition of an elite wide receiver like Odell Beckham Jr, his second year looks very promising. I, however will temper my expectations some and remain grounded, as Mayfield was the number 16 fantasy QB in total points last season, so Top-10 is still trending in the right direction. 

My last notable for the evening is the final quarterback to make my preseason QB1 status, (MR#12 QB) Jameis Winston. Last season the Buccaneers quarterback finished strong in the 2nd half of the season, and all the whispers I keep hearing on the radio shows and popular podcasts suggest, this could be a big season for Winston; he does have some nice weapons.

My QB1’s list

1.Deshaun Watson
2.Patrick Mahomes
3.Aaron Rodgers
4.Andrew Luck
5.Matt Ryan
6.Carson Wentz
7.Cam Newton
8.Baker Mayfield
9.Drew Brees
10.Russell Wilson
11.Jarod Goff
12.Jameis Winston

That’s my take.

~David G. Ortega

Thursday, October 5, 2017

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 5th, 2017
Thursday Afternoon Edition





Thursday's Twitter Takes




Last week kind of an easy pick with Green Bay handling the Bears fairly easily; actually took the Packers in my survivor. Although the Pack won it was costly losing Montgomery (ribs) and Adams (concussion). Of course Rodgers was on point, but with a full quota of receivers (Nelson, Cobb, and Adams), there wasn't enough looks for Geronimo Allison to go around (whiff). Bennett did his usual cameo, but for maybe a few more yards while Montgomery's shortened evening hurt owners. Not much to speak about when it comes to the Bears. Jordan Howard (Thunder) salvaged his night with a late score. Tarik Cohen (Lightning) flickered some, and even Kendall Wright ended up being playable.

Well that was last week, so let's talk about tonight's contest;

"Mike Evans should have a big night on Thurs night against the No.32 ranked pass defense. He's definitely a Week 5 stud!" @FantsySprtsHome

The Patriots are surrending north of 300 yards passing per game and have allowed 11 receiving touchdowns in just three games. Another concerning factor is the high percentage (69.7) of completions the secondary is allowing. There's little doubt Winston and company will test the corners and attack them with his big target Mike Evans. It's hard to imagine Evans not getting into the endzone tonight at least once.

"You can expect Tom Brady to be busy tonight playing keep up or catch up. Even on the road he'll be a Top-3 fantasy QB this week" @FantsySprtsHome

And while the Pat's defense is lacking against the pass, the Buccaneers are not far behind. Only the Patriots allow more yards passing per game, but a big factor to watch is the lack of pressure. The Bucs have only sacked opposing quarterbacks once in three games; yes once! If Brady is given time, he's like a mad scientist and will completely dissect the defense. Expect the mad doctor to go operating tonight, especially since the run game is lacking.

"Doug Martin returns to action tonight, but don't discount Jacq Rodgers. He'll still have plenty of flex appeal tonight!" @FantsySprtsHome

While the Patriots are bad against the pass, they are not much better against the run, ranked 26th. A notable stat, the Patriots also allow 5.1 yards per carry. I'm sure we're going to see Martin sprinkled into this one, but I would be surprised if Rodgers didn't log at least 12-15 carries tonight, and haul in a couple of passes.

"After seeing what Watson was able to do against this defense, Winston owners have to be salivating; Top-10 fantasy QB this week!"

Two weeks ago the Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson had a terrific game against the Patriots, passing for 300 yards and tossing two scores. Tonight the 3rd year Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston enters his matchup against the same Patriots defense with some pretty good weapons of his own. If experience counts for anything, we just may see Winston a very mobile and capable QB in his own right take his game to the next level; fantasy owners get your popcorn ready.

"Gotta love Patriots RB-James White tonight in a game where Brady is likely to throw as many as 50 passes!" @FantsySprtsHome

If numbers mean anything, the Patriots defense is going to have a rough go at it trying to slow down and stop the Buccaneers offense. That being the case, it just may be up to quarterback Tom Brady to keep his team in this one throughout and hopefully close the game on a late drive. Unfortunately (or fortunately), Brady and company will likely have to rely on his arm. Through 4 games the running game (ranked 20th in the league) has not been there averaging just 3.6 yards per carry. Brady, the No.1 fantasy QB this season, through 4 games is averaging over 38 pass attempts per game; tonight he's got a great chance at surpassing his average with ease.

"DJax has been quiet much of the early part of this season, but tonight could be his breakout game!" @FantsySprtsHome

Currently DeSean Jackson is ranked outside the Top-50 wide receivers with just 9 receptions for 143 yards and a touchdown. His long this season is just 32 yards; not exactly what you would expect from a burner like DJax. The Patriots secondary is going to have to account for Evans all night, giving Jackson opportunity. Jackson will also have the good fortune of attacking a secondary that has allowed 19 pass plays of 20 or more yards (3rd most in the league), including 4 pass plays of 40 yards or more (tied for 2nd most).

Those are My Takes!

~David Ortega



Saturday, September 16, 2017

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 16th 2017
Saturday Evening Edition






My Week 2 Four Horsemen + a Flex



(Bold Predictions)

So I took a beating in week one with injuries (Woodhead), poor performances (Powell), and big disappointment (Crowder). Only my quarterback (Roethlisberger) and tight end (Ertz) came through. Tomorrow’s another week and another shot at My Week 2 Bold Predictions;

Quarterback

Tomorrow Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers will make their first appearance in the 2017. This is expected to be a big year for Winston and tomorrow it should get off to a quick start. It’s a home matchup with the Bears who allowed more than 300 yards passing in week one to Matt Ryan and the Falcons. Winston has a strong arm and all the intangibles to make plays, with an elite receiver like Mike Evans and the newly acquired speedy DeSean Jackson, he’s set up for a big year and (Week 2) Sunday. I’d expect a solid line from Winston; 18 of 26 passing, 246 yards, and 3 touchdowns passing.

Running Back

The Chargers are at home tomorrow and running back Melvin Gordon is ready to have a big home-coming. Last week against a tough Bronco’s defense Gordon was still effective and produced. Last season the Dolphins weren’t bad versus the run, but did allow the 6th most receptions to opposing running backs. Gordon is a dual threat and will be involved in the run and pass game. I’d expect to see him hit 20 touches or so and put up RB1 numbers for week 2; 18 carries for 80 yards, 5 catches for 40 yards, and one touchdown.

Wide Receiver

I like Bucs receiver Mike Evans this week as a DFS stack and as one of my bold predictions here. Yeah, this one is not-so-bold. Evans is big time and with Winston ready to take the next step, Evans is also about to elevate to the next level. In his three year career Evans has averaged nearly 10 targets per game, so owners can count on him to be a big part tomorrow. Evans should have a healthy line of 7 receptions for 100 yards and a score.

Tight End

The Patriots laid an egg in week one and tight end Rob Gronkowski was a non-factor with just two catches for 33 yards. Expect a bounce back performance here in a favorable matchup this week against the Saints. The Patriots will be on the road, but Gronk is too valuable and will be heavily involved this week. The Saints defense played well last week, but did allow a touchdown. Fantasy owners can expect more than just a score from Gronk this week; 6 receptions, 85 yards, and a touchdown.

Flex

The Colts secondary is in a lot of trouble this week, after getting torched by quarterback Jared Goff and the Rams in week 1 for 13 catches, 194 yards and a touchdown all to the receivers. Enter Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals this week. The Cardinals had their own struggles in week one, but the Colts secondary may be just what the doctor prescribed. With corner Vontae Davis expected to miss week 2, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald could be in for some extra work this week. He’s my flex of the week; 8 receptions, 80 yards receiving, and a touchdown.
  
That’s My Take for Week 2.

~David Ortega




Friday, September 15, 2017

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 15th 2017
Friday Morning Edition





Friday Fantasy Five


5 Things to Watch this Week

As we enter the second week of the NFL there are always little things each week to keep an eye for and to watch. With week 2 quickly approaching, here are five things I’ll be looking for on Sunday;

#1 Quarterback Jameis Winston
If you been watching this season’s “Hard Knocks” you’ve been following the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and quarterback Jameis Winston. The 3rd year signal caller has been working hard and looks poised and ready to take the next step this season. The Bucs are at home this week facing the Bears and I would have to say the expectation is to see great things from Winston. This will be a favorable matchup against a secondary that allowed over 300 yards passing to Matt Ryan in week 1. I am watching Winston on Sunday.

#2 Vikings Offensive line (Sam Bradford)
In week one the headlines were all about quarterback Sam Bradford’s numbers and the passing game, but a big key to his success starts and ends with his offensive line. Bradford is a former number one draft pick (2010 draft), so someone believed the kid could play at a high level. I believe we saw some of that last Monday night. Bradford’s past struggles can easily be connected to playing on poor offenses and bad teams. The Vikings looked to be a complete team Monday night and as long as the line can protect Bradford and keep him healthy, we could see a lot more of repeat performances of week 1. I’ll be watching the Vikings line on Sunday against the Steelers.

#3 Adrian Peterson
The Saints running game last Monday looked like a train wreck. It seemed head coach Sean Payton was too much trying to juggle his three backs (Peterson, Mark Ingram, and Alvin Kamara) and was struggling to figure out how to use them. You’ve read it, heard it, and I’ll say here too, Peterson looks out of place in this offense. Unless Payton commits to using Peterson more, 9 plays isn’t going to do anything for fantasy owners. Last week Payton definitely favored the rookie (Kamara), but Ingram stayed just as involved. I’ll be watching Peterson closely on Sunday against the Patriots.

#4 Jay Cutler & Devante Parker
This will be week 1 for the Dolphins and a passing combination that owners and myself will be very interested in seeing; Jay Cutler to Devante Parker. The Dolphins made an offseason scramble to pick up Cutler to replace their injured starter Ryan Tannehille. The move seemed sensible reuniting with (head coach) Adam Gase and to fantasy owners this offers a lot of upside for Parker ( a speedier version of Alshon Jeffery). There are a lot of questions with Cutler, but what he showed in the preseason left owners with some promise. This Sunday my focus will be on the duo and hopefully we see some of their big play potential.

#5 Kirk Cousins (& Redskins offense)
Lastly, the fifth thing for me to watch on Sunday will be Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousin and the offense. Coming out of the preseason, there were some discussions about their struggles and hints that it could take a while for the pieces to fall into place. This was quite evident in week one against the Eagles as Cousins completed only 57 percent of his passes, was sacked four times, and the offense only scored 17 points. What will be most interesting to watch is Kirk Cousins under pressure this week facing a tough front four that will feature the return of Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald. Cousins’ is going to have to make good decisions and get rid of the ball quickly, chemistry with his receivers will be at a premium and I will be watching.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega