FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WAIVER WIRE

October 10th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Late-Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

With Week 5 long gone and in the mirror, it’s time to look ahead to week 6. With injuries always playing its’ part in the game, the Waiver wire never runs dry with new names, faces, and options to fill the void caused by the Bye weeks and injuries. 

My first Waiver wire notes are the pickups of the week (for week 6). The Steelers running back Najee Harris continues to lose volume to teammate Jaylen Warren. In week 5 Harris narrowly out snapped Warren 37 to 32 and the touches were 15 (Harris) to 12 (Warren). Warren has proven to be the more effective running back, particularly in the passing game. If he’s available, he needs to be owned.

In Kansas City where there is no clear-cut number two receiving option behind tight end Travis Kelce, I believe the rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice could emerge. Rice has averaged nearly 6 targets per game over his last three games and has 12 receptions for 124 yards and score. He has nearly doubled in fantasy points the next Chiefs receiver closest to him. The Chiefs offense has yet to hit its stride this season and in what could be a high volume, high octane offense, the second round draft pick (Rice) is one of the pieces that should be owned.

Here’s the list of other notable claims that should be made this week.

RB-Kendre Miller (Saints) - Alvin Kamara is the clear starter, but Miller would be the cuff to own and worth the stash.

RB-Jordan Mason (49ers) - Just like Kamara, Christian McCaffrey seldom comes off the field. But Mason is the cuff and he should be owned and stashed.

RB-Emari Demercado (Cardinals) - With Conner going on IR, Demercado, the fantasy RB18 in week 5, looks to be the next man up.

RB-Tyjae Spears (Titans) - Recorded 11 touches for 69 yards of offense in week 5.

WR-Josh Downs (Colts) - 21 targets in last three games, led team in receptions and yards in week 5.

WR-Jonathan Mingo (Panthers) - He was second on the team in week 5 with 7 targets. He has been targeted at least 5 times in every game played this season.

WR-Trenton Irwin (Bengals) - Targeted 10 times in week 5 to Tyler Boyd’s 7.

TE-Dalton Schultz (Texans) - He may have fallen off for a bit, but looks to be back on the radar (10 targets in week 5).

TE-Jonnu Smith (Falcons) - Despite the strong performance from teammate Kyle Pitts, Smith was still heavily involved. He out-snapped Pitts and was targeted 7 times in week 5.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WAIVER WIRE

October 3rd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Late-Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

The fantasy football season is a long and arduous trek with plenty of peaks and valleys throughout. The best owners can hope for is that the valley doesn’t run too deep and that they peak at the right time.

One of the best methods for team improvement is the weekly ritual of working the Waiver Wire. Every week fantasy owners are looking for way to improve their team and looking for that diamond in the rough to turn their season around.

Here are this week’s diamonds.

Week 5 Waiver Wire Options

QB, CJ Stroud (Texans) - It may seem a bit premature to go all-in on Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, but he is putting up one heckuva argument to do so. For the season Stroud has been the fantasy QB11 and over the past three weeks he has more passing yards (970) than any other quarterback with six touchdowns and no picks. It may be risky to insert him as your every week starter, but few quarterbacks are playing as well as Stroud; he needs to be owned.

QB, Joshua Dobbs (Cardinals) - Over the past two weeks, Dobbs has been an effective starter posting solid fantasy numbers; 454 yards passing and three touchdowns. He’s been the fantasy QB10 his last two starts and can be considered a possible streaming option during the bye weeks that start in week 5.

RB, Jaleel McLaughlin (Broncos) - The Broncos starter Javonte Williams exited the team’s week 4 game, but is not expected to miss much, if any time. That being the cash, his departure opened the door for rookie running back Jaleel McLaughlin. He showed plenty of flash in the ground and air attack, totaling over 100 yards. It’s hard to determine what his usage will be going forward, but he’s definitely stash/(cuff) worthy and flex consideration.

RB, Jaylen Warren (Steelers) - The Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has been steady playing behind starter Najee Harris, but over the past three weeks he has been the more productive back. Warren has 78 yards rushing to Harris’ 179, but he also has 13 receptions for 115 yards receiving (to Najee’s 2 for 32). In a ppr format, Warren is a borderline RB2/RB3, so he’s definitely in the flex conversation

WR, Tyler Boyd (Bengals) - With starter Tee Higgens expected to miss time, Boyd steps up into a starting role and needs to be picked up. Over the past three weeks he has averaged 8 targets per game, with Higgins out his workload will increase.

WR, Michael Wilson (Cardinals) - Over the past two weeks the Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson has been targeted 10 times and caught 9 passes for 162 yards receiving with two touchdowns. He has been the fantasy WR13. He’s a worthy add this week with flex appeal.

Watchlist

These are some names fantasy owners should have on their watchlist for possible pickups in the near future, Chubba Hubbard (Panthers), Melvin Gordon III (Ravens), Allen Lazard (Jets), Darnell Mooney (Bears), and Curtis Samuel (Commanders). Keep an eye on their production and usage in the coming week or two.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: 10 THINGS FOR NFL SUNDAY

October 1st, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

10 Things for Sunday

NFL Sunday week 4 is set to start in a couple of hours. I’ve got my coffee poured, the TV tubes are fired up, watching the game in London, and I am combing over the day’s slate of games.

There are some great divisional matchups today with some potential fireworks in the forecast. We’ve got the Phins traveling north to face the Bills, the Ravens will enter the Dawg Pound today, and it’s always fun to watch the Raiders & Chargers in an AFC West clash.

The fridge is full, I’ve got my eggs on the skillet, and I am getting ready for my second cup of coffee. While I am looking over today’s docket, here are the Top-10 things on my mind as I await the kickoff to NFL Sunday Week 4;

1. “Will the Bears score 70” - Last week was not good for the Broncos defense and the only good thing they have going today is the Bears are not the Dolphins. However the Broncos are going to miss a few key players on the defensive side and may be without safety Justin Simmons. Both defenses entering this contest have been bad, so this could end up being more of a higher scoring affair than advertised. The Bears quarterback Justin Fields will provide all sorts of problems for the defense and could keep the chains moving and on the other side, I expect to see the Broncos offense take some shots downfield with receivers Jerry Jeudy and Marvin Mims Jr.

2. “Will Allen and Company Shine” - This matchup is the Marquee matchup of the day. The Bills have been on a roll, but no offense has been as hot as the Dolphins. But of course in this matchup, it’s not the Broncos defense, the game will be played in Buffalo, and Josh Allen has been a little better than Russell Wilson recently. I am expecting a shootout of sorts, start all your Bills and Dolphins, and if you have space in the flex spot, start the Waterboy.

3. “Is it time to Bench Najee” - If Najee doesn’t show-out today, he may not get another chance this season. He’s been a disappointment for fantasy owners the first three weeks and he has running back Jaylen Warren nipping at his heels. Harris is going to need his quarterback to help him out in order to open some running lanes or he could be looking at another long day. I am not holding my breath. It could be time to see more Warren and less Harris.

4. “Can anyone stop JJ” - There’s not a lot to say other than Justin Jefferson has been fantasy gold Know for fantasy owners. In ppr format through three games he has scored no less than 24 fantasy points. Getting off the bus JJ already has a couple of catches in his pocket. He’s getting heavily targeted (12+ targets per game) and he is producing at an Elite ++ level with 9 receptions and 150 yards + per outing. I can’t imagine the Panthers slowing him down today, expect more of the ridiculous same.

5. “Unleash the Zack Attack” - Over the past two weeks, it’s been the Zack Moss show as he is averaging 27 touches per game. With the Rams rolling into town, I would expect much of the same, even with the return of quarterback Anthony Richardson. I am expecting the Colts to once again feature Moss and he should again finish in the neighborhood of 20+ touches.

6. “Start of Sit Mike Evans” - After his fast start this season, fantasy WR6 through three weeks, Evans is a must start. But today presents a challenge that is likely to frustrate fantasy owners. Evans has not been historically great against the Saints, it seems Marshon Lattimore and the Saints have had his number. Evans has to be in lineups today, but owners need to temper their expectations, it could be a long afternoon.

7. “Another Swift Sunday” - This will actually be Swift’s first Sunday, since taking over the lead role in the Eagles backfield. Swift has been great in the lead spot the last two games and behind the Eagles offensive line, he’s a good bet to keep the wheel spinning in week 4. He’s currently fantasy RB18 and trending his way to the top. He’s a must-start.

8. “The Return of Joe Cool” - It’s been a slow start for Joe Burrow and the Bengals passing game, but if ever there was a game to get right, this matchup in Tennessee could be it. The Titans rank 30th versus the pass and the Bengals pass game finally showed signs of life last Monday. Today sets up to be a great opportunity and weather should not play a factor. Fire up Joe Cool and the Bengals pass catchers.

9. “Don’t forget Josh Jacobs” -.No Jimmy G today, what do fantasy owners do with Davante Adams, start him of course. But don’t forget the Raiders also have Josh Jacobs. Adams will get his, but the Raiders offense may lean a little more today on Jacobs as they should. The Chargers are in the bottom 3rd of yards and fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Today should be a good day for Jacobs owners.

10. “CMC for MVP” - The Niners running back Christian McCaffrey has been spectacular this season leading the NFL with 353 rushing yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He is also the number two fantasy running back, so he’s making a lot of fantasy owners smile. Today should just be another day at the office for CMC.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WAIVER WIRE

September 19th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

With two full weeks in the books, it’s time again to take a look at those rosters and check out the Waiver wire. With several significant injuries this past week and your championship hopes on the verge of being derailed, it might be time to work the wire and make the magic happen.

Week 3 Waiver wire options;

RB-Matt Breida (Giants) - With Saquon going down in week 2 and expected (although not ruled out yet) to miss Thursday night, running back Matt Breida looks to be the next man up. Breida is a career 4.8 yards per carry guy should fill the role fine in the short term. He may not be featured like Saquon, but he could be a low-end RB2/Flex option for the time being. Barkley isn’t expected to be out too long, so go get Breida if you have the need.

RB-Jerome Ford (Browns) - Following the very unfortunate season ending injury to Nick Chubb, Ford stepped in and did more than a commendable job. Ford carried the ball 16 times on Monday night for 106 yards and added 3 catches for another 25 yards. He also added a receiving touchdown finishing the week as RB6 (ppr). Odds are he won’t finish that high by season end, but he certainly looks like a guy he could be a borderline RB1/RB2.

RB-Jaylen Warren (Steelers) - This pickup, if Warren is available in your league, harbors on the fact that running back Najee Harris has just been ineffective the first two weeks of the season (74 rushing yards in two games). As Harris continues to lumber, Warren will continue to see his workload increase (10 touches on Monday night).

WR-DeVante Parker (Patriots) - Right now Parker is a fix for the flex spot in deeper leagues, but he should be owned. He has the talent to be a solid WR2 if he can stay healthy (11 games missed the past two seasons). Parker was targeted 8 times on Sunday night and pulled in six passes for 57 yards.

WR-Tutu Atwell (Rams) - With all the talk deservedly surrounding Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, quietly Atwell has made a case himself to be owned in fantasy leagues. After a week one stat line of 6 receptions for 119 yards, he followed that up with 7 catches for 77 yards this past Sunday. Atwell has been targeted 17 times over the first two weeks of the season. With that kind of volume he remains in the flex mix every week.

TE-Zach Ertz (Cardinals) - The fantasy tight end position can look like a wasteland at times, when you are checking weekly results. It becomes a tough spot to find production. But everyone knows before you have production, you must have that volume of opportunity. Over the past two weeks Ertz has been targeted 18 times. He’s also on the field plenty (72.4% snap share) for those opportunities. If you are streaming tight ends, it’s time to grab Ertz (11 receptions for 77 yards in 2023 - currently fantasy TE9.

A few more notables to consider and at the very least should be on your bench, if not already owned include, (WR) Josh Reynolds, (WR) Tank Dell, (WR) Jayden Reed, (RB) Zack Moss, (WR) Marvin Mims Jr, and (RB) Tony Jones Jr. These players could become steady contributors down the stretch. 

Others that could be in the cards down the road to provide some depth relief for the coming bye weeks and are worth watching now include (RB) Damien Harris, (RB) Roschon Johnson, and (WR) Chase Claypool.

Check your leagues for availability and good luck in week 3.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega