FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Late Night Edition
October 18th 2019

Week 7 Fantasy Fixx

Week 7 Fantasy Football

Start
QB-Daniel Jones, NYG; The Giants rookie quarterback has shown flashes this season and on sunday facing the Cardinals he could shine even more. The Cardinals defense is ranked 30th against opposing quarterbacks, allowing 296 yards passing per game and 16 passing touchdowns. Jones will have his starting tailback and tight end back this week, so he should be all systems go; start him.

Sit
QB-Teddy Bridgewater, NO; While the Saints back-up quarterback has been great in the win-loss column since taking over for the injured Drew Brees, Bridgewater will have some tough sledding ahead of him this Sunday against a stout Bears defense. The Bears’ defense ranks 5th against opposing quarterbacks, having allowed just four passing touchdowns (3rd fewest). Bridgewater is a tough start, look for better options.

Start
RB-Tevin Coleman, SF; The Niners have been flexing their ground game muscle all season, ranked 2nd in the league averaging nearly 180 yards per contest with 8 rushing touchdowns this season. Coleman should see his fare share of work this week and could get some goal line opportunities against a 28th ranked Redskins run defense. Coleman’s a safe play this week, start him.

Sit
RB-Adrian Peterson, WAS; After recording his first 100-yard rushing game of the season last week with 118 yards on the ground against the Dolphins, Peterson could struggle to find yards this week against the Niners. The Redskins offense ranks 28th overall and the Niners defense ranks 2nd; the numbers suggest a long day for Peterson and the Washington offense. Avoid Peterson and start

Start
WR-John Brown, Buf; The Bills leading receiver has been steady this season, but far from great. This week with Phins in town with their 26th ranked pass defense, Brown has a chance to reach paydirt and shine. The Dolphins have allowed 9 receiving touchdowns to opposing receivers this season; Brown is a safe play, insert him in your lineup.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Evening Edition
September 13th, 2019

My Week One Reaction & notes:

• Not going to over-react with Jones, Adams, and Rodgers
• Will need lots of patience with Bears offense
• Robinson and Cohen are PPR stars.
• Dalvin Cook-good start, he’s an RB1, Top 5 fantasy RB
• Cousins; quiet game, game script, still productive
• Falcons pass defense better, run defense not so good
• Ryan looked rusty, needed more snaps, will bounce back week 2
• Jones got his work (11 targets), but not numbers; he’ll be fine.
• Ridley with a nice week 1, could be huge in week 2.
• Watched Eagles footage, believing in Wentz
• Give him an arm (Wentz) and DeSean still electric
• McLaurin looks like a deep deadly weapon.
• The John Brown myth continues to grow and may be real
• Like Singletary’s role to grow going forward; Waiver or trade target
• Chris Thompson is PPR magic with 10 targets again
• Hockenson is a waiver or trade target, if you can deal; playmaker in the making
• Lamar looked good as a running back, even better as a passer.
• Adnrews, high volume safety blanket, borderline TE1.
• Sammy Watkins is a hot rising stock, will continue to rise for now.
• All Rams wide receivers are in play in 2019
• Garoppolo a little shaky, but another game under his belt and another win.
• Where is Steelers tight end Vance McDonald?
• Where is the Steelers offense.
• The Goat. And they have AB joining them.
• Derek Carr looks sharp; year two under Gruden, what a difference.
• This Darren Waller kid looks like the real deal.
• It’s the Lindsay-Freeman show in the Broncos backfield.
• Flacco looked pretty good; stood tall, looked poised, and still has arm strength.
• Welcome to 2019 Courtland Sutton.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Monday Evening Edition
August 26th, 2019

Late Round Fliers: Favorite Sleepers and Such

[Diamonds in the Rough]

NY Jets, Running Back Ty Montgomery

Currently coming off the board (Full PPR) as the RB58 at ADP #157.2 (according to FFC), the Jets back-up running back is a steal. Even with running back Le’Veon Bell in the lead-dog position in New York, Montgomery is going to see action because of his versatility as a runner and pass catcher. At the very least I think he can be a reliable low value flex play with potential upside. If Bell should miss any time, Montgomery would see an increase work-share. Don’t get me wrong, Bell figures to dominate touches in the backfield, but Montgomery has enough talent and skill he could work his way onto the field every week. At the very least he figures to be a great hand-cuff you can snag late and may even offer some stand alone value.

NY Jets, Quarterback Sam Darnold

Let’s not get carried away here, I am not thinking the Jets will have a juggernaut offense in 2019, but I do believe they will be in the upper half. Their young quarterback (Darnold) is a budding star in this league and this offseason he’s been given a few new toys. At the close of 2018, Darnold showed flashes as a top 12 Fantasy QB over his last 3 starts; 5 touchdown passes, no interceptions, and 102.8 passer rating. Add an elite pass catcher out of the backfield like Bell (160 receptions his last two seasons played), wide receiver Jamison Crowder (already showing strong chemistry with his QB) in the slot, and tight end Chris Herndon (suspended for the first four games) when he returns and Darnold will have plenty of weapons in 2019. He’s an absolute heist going as #QB23, ADP 161.7 (FFC). He’s absolutely worth a stash on your bench in deeper leagues and could be a difference maker down the stretch for fantasy owners.

SF 49ers, Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin

In his last 5 games in 2017, with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo under center, Goodwin was number 13 fantasy receiver in full PPR (stat line; 29 catches, 384 yards receiving, 1 touchdown, 43 targets). He’s currently coming off the boards at ADP 164.1, #WR64 (FFC) and he’s projected to be a starter heading into the regular season. There have been plenty of whispers about some of the other receivers in San Francisco, but Goodwin has history with Garoppolo. If Jimmy G can get his legs under him, these two could once again find that chemistry for 2017. Going as deep as Goodwin is in drafts, he’s a must pick up late.

Buffalo Bills, Wide Receiver John Brown

Over the past several seasons, Brown has become kind of a training camp folk hero. Every year it seems, we hear the whispers of how good Brown looks in camp. There’s no question, Brown has big play talent and skill, health has always been his nemesis. Well he’s healthy again this offseason (as he was last season) and once again he’s looking great in camp. The difference this season is the big arm under center in Buffalo (Josh Allen) and the great rapport and connection the two are showing. There’s not another real established receiver in Buffalo ahead of Brown, so another difference this season is “Opportunity.” Brown who is coming off the boards at ADP 145.5, #WR57 (FFC), has a chance to lead this team in receiving. He’s another starter with breakout potential, that you can snag very late in drafts.

Minnesota Vikings, Quarterback Kirk Cousins??

For the money he’s getting paid, he may not be worth, but as a fantasy starting QB, I disagree. Cousins is coming off the boards late #QB18, ADP 138.7 (FFC). He has the weapons in wide receivers Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen and tight end Kyle Rudolph, add the return of running back Dalvin Cook (who looked great in the team’s third preseason game) and Cousins will put up numbers. Last season was a down year for Cousins, but he still finished as the number 12 fantasy QB; this after finishing 6th in 2017 and 5th in 2016. I like his outlook and believe in his ability to produce. Call this a gut feeling, but I got a feeling.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Night Edition

September 15th, 2018

The Fantasy Football 

Season is Underway!

Well my Fantasy Football Week one was brutal. In my season long leagues, I went a disappointing 0-4; disappointing yes, but not all bad.

In two of my leagues, I lost to the weekly high, so what can you do. In the other two leagues, performances were not up to expectations, but not all was bad. Before I look at the what, let’s take a look at the “how I got there.”

Leading up to the new fantasy football season, based on my draft positions there were a couple of pre-draft targets I had my sights on; WR-DeAndre Hopkins, RB-Royce Freeman, QB-Kirk Cousins, and TE-Trey Burton to name a few players.

There were some disappointing performances from all in week one, but plenty of signs to not panic. Although Hopkins did not put up huge numbers he still had 11 targets (nearly 33 percent of passes thrown by Deshaun Watson). And while Freeman did not blow up in week one, he averaged over 4.5 yards per carry and led the Broncos backfield in snaps. There will be better days.

Digging a little deeper into my drafts and players I was looking for; it looks like WR-John Brown (2 touchdowns in 2 games) and TE-Jared Cook (180 receiving yards in week 1) could be huge surprises this season. It’s still early, but if you took late fliers on these two, you have to be happy with what you are seeing.

The season is just getting started with week 2 already underway. Here are 8 players I like for 2018;

QB-Philip Rivers

Waited too long to take him in my drafts, too bad cause he’s going to be top-8

QB-Alex Smith,

I drafted him late, but I think he’ll play well under Jay Gruden.

RB-Tevin Coleman,

He’s going to get some extra duty early this season with Freeman out.

RB-Dion Lewis,

Watched him a little in preseason, I like what I saw.

WR-Stefon Diggs,

Gets a big contract, will have a big season.

WR-Geronimo Allison,

He showed some flash last season. Should be enough targets for him to shine.

TE-Trey Burton,

Drafted him as my No.1 in a couple of leagues; he’ll finish strong this season.

TE-Vernon Davis,

Definitely a dart throw that could play big late in the season.

That’s my first take for 2019.

~David G Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 21st 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 7 WR Rankings

With Carson Palmer under center a favorite of mine this week, I am really excited about wide receiver John Brown. The speedy Cardinals wideout is no longer on the injury report and after playing a significant number of snaps the past two weeks, I think he’s ready to breakout.

1. Julio Jones

2. Antonio Brown

3. AJ Green

4. Mike Evans

5. Michael Thomas

6. Dez Bryant

7. Chris Hogan

8. Larry Fitzgerald

9. Brandin Cooks

10. Jarvis Landry

11. Demaryius Thomas

12. Doug Baldwin

13. Adam Thielen

14. Pierre Garcon

15. Alshon Jeffery

16. Jordy Nelson

17. Keenan Allen

18. Kelvin Benjamin

19. TY Hilton

20. Terrelle Pryor

21. John Brown

22. Rishard Matthews

23. Devin Funchess

24. Davante Adams

25. DeSean Jackson

26. Nelson Agholor

27. Danny Amendola

28. Eric Decker

29. Cooper Kupp

30. Jermaine Kearse

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 15th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

Who are you Starting & Sitting?

(Week 6)

QB-Trevor Siemian (start) The Giants look to be a mess this week. Decimated with injuries on the offensive side and a defense filled with drama and a suspension, this could be a good week to strike. The Broncos will lead with the running game, but look for Siemian to capitalize on some play-action and take shots. With DT and Sanders healthy, Siemian provides streaming option fantasy value this week.

QB-Eli Manning (sit) In the same game with his receiving corps completely wiped out last week, entering Mile High Country to take on the No Fly Zone, it's going to be a long night for Manning. Expect up close and personal introductions from lineback Von Miller and defensive lineman Derek Wolfe to occupy Manning's evening. Avoid this disaster in the making.

RB-Ty Montgomery (start) I would be surprised to see Montgomery picking up too many carries today. It would be more in line and make sense to see Montgomery almost exclusively involved in the passing game, defering most carries to rookie Aaron Jones. Nonetheless, I expect Montgomery to see enough touches and total enough yards to provide double-digit fantasy points in PPR today. He's a mid flex option today.

RB-Elijah McGuire (start) With no Powell and a less than 100 percent Matt Forte (turf toe), I like the rookie to get plenty of run in a favorable matchup against the Patriots. Count on McGuire to see 15+ touches today, enough to offer flex value in week 6.

RB-Adrian Peterson (Sit) It's too early to know what you have with Peterson in Arizona. The Cardinals are a pass first offense and it may take a while for All-Day to change that, if he's got anything left in the tank. The Cards also have one of the poorer O-lines in the run. Peterson's too risky to start this week.

WR-John Brown (start) Following the same theme with sitting Peterson, a healthy John Brown is a good start in Week 6 against the Buccaneers secondary. Brown has playmaking ability and the Bucs are a poor defense agains the pass, start Brown this week. He's a strong flex candidate.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 15th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

My Week 6 Injury Takes

RB, Ty Montgomery (ribs); the Packers running back is expected to play today without limitations. Regardless, Montgomery remains a risky play today, playing with fractured ribs. He's considered a risky flex in PPR this week.

RB, Terrance West (calf) ruled OUT; with West continuing to be sideline, the reigns will once again lie in the hands of Buck Allen and Alex Collins. Allen got more run last week with 21 carries and 4 receptions. He's the favorite in the Ravens backfield today, especially in PPR.

RB, Rex Burkhead (ribs) ruled OUT; with Burkhead out, the running back in the Patriots backfield that will lead the fantasy charge is James White. He is the No.20 fantasy RB and should be heavily involved in the short passing game once again.

QB, Marcus Mariota (hamstring) Questionable; the Titans quarterback is looking like a real game-time decision. If Mariota can't go, Matt Cassel would get his second straight start. Without Mariota, the Titans receiving corps fantasy value across the board takes a hit.

WR, Stefon Diggs (groin) ruled OUT; Diggs suffered the groin injury last Monday night and exited early, he'll miss Sunday's matchup with the Packers. With Diggs out, targets should open up for both wide receiver Adam Thielen and tight end Kyle Rudolph.

TE, George Kittle (chest); the Niners tight end has been removed from the team's injury report. Kittle had his best game last week and has a good matchup and even better shot at backing that up with another solid Sunday today at Washington.

TE, Jack Doyle (concussion); the Colts tight end has cleared the concussion protocol and will play Monday night. At No.16 in my rankings this week, Doyle is considered a week 6 reach or streaming option. There are likely better options available.

QB, Matthew Stafford (ankle, hamstring); the Lions quarterback is expected to play which is good news for fantasy owners of Abdullah and Tate. With Stafford under center even at less than 100 percent, wide receiver Golden Tate (ranked 15 this week) is a strong play today.

TE, Travis Kelce (concussion); the Chiefs tight end was not listed on the team's injury report and appears completely recovered from his Sunday night concussion. Kelce was rolling big when he exited last week's game at halftime. He'll try to recapture some of that momentum today at Arrowhead against the Steelers.

TE, Rob Gronkowski (thigh); Gronk was not listed on the team's injury report and tops my Week 6 tight end rankings; just another Sunday in the day and life of Gronk.

QB, Tom Brady (shoulder); the Patriots quarterback was removed from the Patriots injury report. Brady looks set to wheel and deal today, he's my No.2 fantasy quarterback this week against the Jets.

WR, Amari Cooper (knee); the Raiders wide receiver has been removed for the team's week 6 injury report. Good news for Copper owners, Carr is back this week. Bad news is Cooper has been so bad this week, he's tough to trust, although keep in mind the Chargers have allowed the 2nd most touchdowns to opposing receivers (which may be better news for Crabtree owners).

WR, John Brown (quad); the Cardinals wide receiver wasn't listed on the team's injury report. He appears to be his healthiest he's been this season and just in time for a tasty matchup with the Buccaneers. He's got some flex appeal this week.

QB, Derek Carr (back); Carr will start on Sunday. The Raiders signal caller made better progress and was able to return much sooner than expected. With the Chargers sack-pack of Ingram and Bosa on the slate, Carr is a risky week 6 option.

WR, Jordy Nelson (back); the Packers wide receiver was removed from the team's injury report. Nelson is good to go and locked in as my No.6 fantasy receiver.

RB, Bilal Powell (calf) Questionable; it's been reported now that Powell will not play today. With the Patriots poor run defense on the slate, it's time to roll out rookie running back Elijah McGuire this week.

That's My Take

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 13th 2017

Friday Late Night Edition

Week 6: Four Horsemen + Flex

(Not-so-bold Predictions)

Here were my picks a week ago; I had Carson Palmer under center, his 15.64 fantasy points ranked 12th for week 5. At running back I picked Le'Veon Bell, his 19.30 fantasy points ranked 5th among running backs, at receiver I selected Pierre Garcon with 17.40 fantasy points he ranked 13th at WR, and at tight end I had Hunter Henry with 13.20 fantasy points (ranked 12th in Week 5). My flex selection was Duke Johnson who scored 17.30, good enough for 7th among RBs and finally my defense for week 5 was the Bengals, 9 fantasy points (ranked 8th). Overall not too bad; 

Overall grade B+

Here are my Bold Picks for Week 6

Quarterback

The Cardinals will play host to Tampa Bay this week and for quarterback Carson Palmer, he gets the league’s 26th ranked pass defense. The Bucs allow the 5th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and Palmer enters this week 6 matchup with a healthier receiving corp. With a prime matchup this Sunday, Palmer currently the No.12 fantasy QB will look to move up the ranks; 24 of 32 passing for 330 yards and three touchdowns.

Running Back

After a slow Week 5 against the Seahawks, the Rams running back Todd Gurley II looks to rebound with a favorable matchup against the Jaguars. Gurley has been solid this season running the ball and a heavily inolved in the Rams short passing game with 22 receptions and 3 receiving touchdowns. Jacksonville allows the 7th most fantasy points to opposing runners and they've surrendered the 3rd most rushing yards. Gurley is in line for a big day; 95 rushing yards, 4 receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown.

Wide Receiver

The Redskins wide receiver Terrelle Pryor is off to a slow start this season, but he could be on the mend. In week 4 Pryor looked much better getting targeted 5 times and grabbing three balls for 70 yards. He's got a nice matchup against a Niners defense that has allowed the 8th most fantasy points to opposing receivers, including the 4th most receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Pryor should be strong play and a great candidate to find the endzone; 5 receptions, 80 yards receiving, and a touchdown.

Tight End

The Jets roll into Foxboro on Sunday and for tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins, this could mean a big day. The Patriots allow the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends and have allowed 4 touchdowns this season. Seferian-Jenkins has remained steadily involved in the Jets passing game with 15 receptions in 3 games and he's coming off his best fantasy scoring game from a week ago; 5 receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown.

Flex

If you are paying attention, then you may be aware of the news that the Cardinals wide receiver John Brown was not listed on the team's injury report. Brown put in a full session on Friday and appears to be his healthiest of the season, just in time for a prime matchup with the Buccaneers on Sunday. The Bucs defense allows the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, so this could be the game where Brown breaks out; 5 receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown.

Defense; I am going with the rested Falcons at home. Atlanta typically plays better in the dome and with the Dolphins coming to town, this sets up as a good matchup for the Falcons defense.

That's My Take

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 8th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

My Week 5 Injury Takes

Ty Montgomery (ribs) Doubtful - Montgomery is sitting today, so it's likely a timeshare in Green Bay with running back Aaron Jones expected to be the lead back; Jones is a week 5 fade.

Derek Carr (back) Questionable - the Raiders quarterback has been petitioning to play, but despite his effort it's unlikely you will see him on the field; sit Carr today.

Melvin Gordon (knee) - the Chargers running back was removed from the team's injury report and is ready to go for week 5; Gordon is facing the Giants today is my No.9 fantasy RB.

Amari Cooper (knee) - the Raiders receivers has been removed from the team's injury report. With a likely changes at quarterback today, Cooper is considered a low-end WR2.

Michael Crabtree (chest) - Crab wasn't listed on the team final injury report. This will be good news for EJ Manuel and company, but with the tough matchup against the Ravens today Crab is my No.29 fantasy WR.

CJ Prosise (ankle) ruled OUT - the Seahawks running back is OUT for this week. With Prosise shelved, running back JD McKissic is expected to fill the pass-catching role and be heavily involved in the pass game.

Carlos Hyde (hip) - the Niners running back wasn't listed on the Week 5 injury report, so he'll be ready to go today against the Colts. Hyde is an RB1, coming in at No.8 on my Week 5 rankings.

Davante Adams (concussion) Questionable - Adams has cleared the concussion protocol, so he's expected to suit up today; Adams is outside my Top-30 and considered a risky flex play today.

JJ Nelson (knee) Questionable - the Cardinal's receiver was limited in practice all week, but is expected to play. Less than 100 percent, Nelson has not been affective since week 2, he's a risky flier this week against the Eagles.

John Brown (quad) Questionable - Brown has been limited all week, but is expected to play today against the Eagles. Like Nelson, Brown is a risky flier this week, but with more upside.

Benjamin Watson (calf) Questionable - Watson was able to practice in full on Friday, so he should be good to go today. He's my No.17 fantasy tight end this week on the road against the Raiders.

Jeremy Maclin (hand) Questionable - the Ravens wide receiver practiced in full all week, so he's good to go today. With a struggling Ravens offense, Maclin is a risky receiving option this week.

Jay Ajayi (knee) - the Dolphins running back wasn't listed on the team's final injury report. Ajayi is good to go today and should be ready for a full workload; he's my No.5 fantasy RB this week.

Paul Perkins (ribs) ruled OUT - with Perkins sidelined this week running back Wayne Gallman will likely take the reins in a good against the Chargers.

Ameer Abdullah (ankle) - the Lions running back has been removed from the team's Week 5 injury report. It's a tough week 5 matchup for Abdullah, but he's been carrying the Lionshare this season; he's locked in at No.13 on my rankings.

Kenny Golladay (hamstring) ruled OUT - the rookie receiver will miss another week nursing his hamstring injury. Golladay is off the fantasy radar for now.

Tyrell Williams (neck) Questionable - the Chargers 2nd leading receiver on the team will play Sunday. That's good news for Rivers and company, Williams will be considered a low-end WR2.

Kelvin Benjamin (knee) - the Panthers wide receiver is not listed on the team's finaly injury report. Benjamin is ready to go for week 5 against the Lions; he's a low-end WR2 today.

Marcus Mariota (hamstring) Questionable - the Titans quarterback is not expected to play today. Back up Matt Cassel is expected to start; Cassel is not a fantasy option this week.

Jack Doyle (concussion) ruled OUT - the Colts tight end will be sidelined today. His absence should benefit TY Hilton and afford him a few more looks on Sunday.

Martavis Bryant (illness) Questionable - the Steelers explosive receiver is expected to play today. Fantasy owners are still waiting patiently for Bryant and Big Ben to breakout, but today's matchup with the Jags does not favor any coming out party; Bryant is my No.26 fantasy WR this week.

That’s My Take for Week 5.

~David Ortega