FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL TARGET PRACTICE

October 28th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Saturday Target Practice

Garrett Wilson (Jets) The Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (fantasy WR23 - for the season) has been heavily targeted (33 targets) over his last three games. He has 32 receptions for 369 yards receiving and two touchdowns this season.

Drake London (Falcons) The Falcons receiver Drake London (fantasy WR37) has seen a steady diet of 28 targets over his last three games. London has 32 receptions for 383 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns this season.

Jakobi Meyers (Raiders) The Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (fantasy WR12) has been a busy pass-catcher of late with 30 targets over his last three games. This season Meyers has caught 37 passes for 385 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns.

Week 7 Top 10

1.Amon-Ra St.Brown - 19

2. AJ Brown - 15

3. Tyreek Hill - 15

4. Chris Olave - 15

5. Jakobi Meyers - 13

6. Puka Nacua - 12

7. Stefon Diggs - 12

8. Chris Godwin - 12

9. Davante Adams - 12

10.Jordan Addison – 10

Josh Jacobs (Raiders) The Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (fantasy RB20) remains locked in as an RB-2, getting a nice bump from the passing game. Over his last three games he’s been targeted 14 times producing 8 receptions for 42 yards receiving.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions) The Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs (fantasy RB21) is coming off his best game of the season in Week 7. When he’s been healthy, Gibbs has been a big part of the passing game. Over his last two games he’s seen 15 targets. He’s a weekly play in ppr formats.

Week 7 Top 10

1. Alvin Kamara - 14

2. Jahmyr Gibbs - 10

3. Rachaad White - 6

4. Rhamondre Stevenson - 6

5. D’Onta Foreman - 5

6. Travis Etienne Jr - 5

7. Emari Demercado - 5

8. Aaron Jones - 5

9. Jonathan Taylor - 4

10. Saquon Barkley - 4

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: 10 THINGS FOR NFL SUNDAY

October 22nd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

10 Things for Sunday

We are getting closer to the season’s mid-point and the Byes are flexing this week with six teams out. Despite the fewer games, this week should provide plenty of fireworks, lots of scoring, and fantasy points much to the delight of fantasy managers. As we look over the slate of games today, what’s has your attention?

Here are the 10 quick questions or things on my mind.

1. Is this the Josh Jacobs Breakout game?

The Raiders running back certainly looks primed to breakout. He’s averaging the second most touches of all running backs over the last three weeks, including the most carries (20+) and second most receptions with 5 per game. The production has yet to catch up, but the workload certainly appears to be there. It’s a good matchup today and a chance for Jacobs to have a big day.

2. Can Diggs do it again?

I say yes. The Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs has been on quite a heater of late. He’s managed to record at least 100 yards receiving in four straight games with at least 6 catches. For the season Diggs has hit the century mark 5 of 6 games and scored 19 or more fantasy points in those contests. Last year Diggs, in two games, averaged 7.0 receptions, 98.0 yards receiving, and 1.0 touchdowns. Someone queue the Brittany Spears jam.

3. Is Barkley healthy and ready to roll?

Last week against the Bills on Sunday night, down the stretch Barkley showed some flash with a couple nifty runs. He looked a lot like the Week 2 Barkley we saw earlier this season. I believe he’s ready to roll and could have success today against the Commanders who allow better than 4.5 yards per carry this season.

4. Can Mayfield Shake n Bake on Sunday?

This is more of a hunch than anything else. I like the home matchup against the Falcons defense, who have recorded the 5th fewest sacks and allowed the 5th most passing touchdowns. I am thinking Baker to Evans for six in this one.

5. Will Flowers bloom on Sunday?

We are getting closer to the winter season, but that shouldn’t matter for the Ravens rookie receiver. Over the past two weeks his targets per game at Top-12, so he should see plenty of opportunities today to put up decent numbers. Continue to trust the bloom of Flowers.

6. Is the third game a charm for Kupp?

The Rams receiver has looked great in his return totaling 15 receptions for 266 yards receiving and a touchdown. I love this matchup this week against the Steelers (ranked 25th against the pass) and expect Kupp to have another big game. Third time is always a charm.

7. Can Walker make it 5 in a row?

I say Kenneth Walker can score a rushing touchdown today to make it 5 straight games. He’s not compiling huge yardage numbers, but his 6 rushing scores this season have him elevated to the No.8 fantasy RB slot. Facing the Cardinals 24th ranked run defense Walker will have a chance to improve his rushing numbers (345 yards this season) as well as his touchdowns.

8. Is Sunday time for the Hollywood Shuffle?

The Cardinals primary receiver has been targeted heavily (31 times) the last three weeks heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Seahawks. The Seahawks rank 28th against the pass and allow the most fantasy points to opposing receivers. This one is lining up to be a big day for Hollywood Brown.

9. Can Aaron Jones run wild against the Broncos?

The Packers running back says he feels good and should be ready to go against the Broncos. The Mile High defense has been absent all season allowing the most yards on the ground and yards per carry this season. Jones is a dual threat out of the backfield and could be in for a big day leading the Packers backfield.

10. Can Swift shine on Sunday night?

After his blow up performance in Week 2, the Eagles running back has steadily been returning to earth. His fantasy numbers (No.12 fantasy RB for the season) are still very good, but today’s matchup with the Dolphins, offers a great opportunity. The Phins have allowed the 9th most rushing yards to running backs and those numbers should climb even more today.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega 

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

October 11th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

5 weeks in and with week 6 on the horizon, there’s still one formula to success in fantasy football. Your guy needs to get the ball. In fantasy football luck will always play its part, but success is all about chances and opportunities. You can’t win if you don’t have the ball and your dudes can’t score fantasy points if they don’t have a chance.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 5

Top 10 WR

1. Ja’Marr Chase (19)

2. Adam Thielen (13)

3. Cooper Kupp (12)

4. Stefon Diggs (11)

5. DeAndre Hopkins (11)

6. Puka Nacua (11)

7. Zay Flowers (11)

8. DJ Moore (10)

9. George Pickens (10)

10. Jakobi Myers (10)

It looks like the Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp didn’t skip a beat in his week 5 return. But more importantly for fantasy owners, it appears the other Rams receiver Puka Nacua was able to continue his high volume assault in the passing game. Through five games Nacua leads the NFL with 63 targets.

Top 10 TE

1. Travis Kelce (11)

2. Logan Thomas (11)

3. Kyle Pitts (11)

4. Darren Waller (11)

5.Dalton Schultz (10)

6. Mark Andrews (10)

7. Dallas Goedert (9)

8. Chigoziem Okonkwo (9)

9. TJ Hockenson (8)

10. Evan Engram (8)

And just like that the effect of Pop-icon, American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has not affected Travis Kelce’s game. Another strong performance from the Chief’s tight end in week 5, has him back on top of the fantasy tight end pedestal. Kelce ranks second among tight ends with 37 targets this season and over the past three weeks he ranks 1st with 23 receptions, 2nd with 196 yards receiving. His three receiving touchdowns is also tied for the league lead among tight ends.

Top 10 RB

1. David Montgomery (6)

2. D’Andre Swift (6)

3. Antonio Gibson (6)

4. Travis Etienne Jr (5)

5. Josh Jacobs (5)

6. Tyjae Spears (5)

7. Samaje Perine (5)

8. Tony Pollard (5)

9. Patrick Taylor (5)

10. Jaleel McLaughlin (4)

The Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is starting to look more and more like the league’s leading rusher from a year ago, but it is apparent he has elevated his pass receiving skills this season. It is evident with his 30 targets (most among running backs) and 23 receptions this season, he is also being featured more in the passing game. Last season Jacobs caught 53 balls and currently he is on a pass to exceed 75 catches.

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 5

Top 10 RB

1. Travis Etienne Jr (30)

2. Joe Mixon (29)

3. Derrick Henry (28)

4. Zack Moss (25)

5. Breece Hall (25)

6. Alvin Kamara (25)

7. Josh Jacobs (25)

8. D’Andre Swift (23)

9. David Montgomery (21)

10. Christian McCaffrey (21)

Over the past two weeks, since he returned to action following his three-game suspension, the Saints running back Alvin Kamara is averaging 24.5 touches per game (ranks 4th among running backs). As a result of this high-volume workload, Kamara has totaled 181 yards of offense, caught 16 passes, and scored one rushing touchdown, making him the fantasy RB8 in that span.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

October 4th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

It’s the same ol situation here. Luck has its role, skill plays its part, but every fantasy owner needs their players to perform to have success. And all successes start with each player having a chance. The more chances your players have, the greater opportunity for success.

Your players can’t perform if they don’t have the ball and they can’t score fantasy points if they don’t have a chance. Here’s this week's list of players with the most chances, targets, and touches.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 4

Top 10 WR

1. Garrett Wilson (14)

2. AJ Brown (13)

3. Romeo Doubs (13)

4. Davante Adams (13)

5. Christian Kirk (12)

6. Chris Godwin (11)

7. Puka Nacua (10)

8. Terry McLaurin (10)

9. Marquise Brown (10)

10. Terrace Marshall Jr (10)

The Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams is easily one of the heaviest targeted receivers over the past several seasons, and through the first four weeks of this season it’s business as usual. As a result with his 50 targets (2nd in the NFL), Adams is currently the fantasy WR6 with 33 receptions, 397 yards receiving, and three touchdowns.

Top 10 TE

1. Tyler Higbee (11)

2. Zach Ertz (10)

3. Cole Kmet (9)

4. Travis Kelce (9)

5. Evan Engram (8)

6. Jake Ferguson (7)

7. David Njoku (7)

8. Jonnu Smith (6)

9. Tyler Conklin (6)

10. Mark Andrews (5) - tied with four others

After missing week one, the Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has 26 targets in three games to lead all tight ends during this span. For the season his 17 receptions is tied for sixth among tight ends and his 155 yards receiving rank 10th. On the year he is the fantasy TE2.

Top 10 RB

1. Alvin Kamara (14)

2. Josh Jacobs (11)

3. Christian McCaffrey (8)

4. Jaylen Warren (6)

5. Jerome Ford (6)

6. De’Von Achane (5)

7. Khalil Herbert (5)

8. Bijan Robinson (5)

9. Matt Breida (5)

10. Jahmyr Gibbs (5) tied with one more player

With his 11 targets in week 4, the Raiders running back Josh Jacobs turned in a day worthy of the fantasy RB3 slot. Jacobs caught 8 passes for 81 yards and also rushed for 58 yards on 17 carries, adding a rushing touchdown. After a slow start this season, Jacobs is now the fantasy RB17 and trending in the right direction.

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 4

Top 10 RB

1. David Montgomery (34)

2. Kyren Williams (28)

3. Christian McCaffrey (27)

4. Dameon Pierce (25)

5. Josh Jacobs (25)

6. Alvin Kamara (24)

7. Isaiah Pacheco (23)

8. Travis Etienne Jr (23)

9. Khalil Herbert (22)

10. Derrick Henry (23)

Through four weeks the Lions running back David Montgomery has totaled 69 rushing attempts (ranks tied for 4th) and his 72 total touches is tied for 9th. His workload this season has him at the fantasy RB7 slot. He’s a must-start every week and not going away anytime soon.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Morning Edition
November 17th 2019

Sunday Morning Gametime

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

The Bills Quarterback Josh Allen has a prime road matchup against the Dolphins, ranked 26th against opposing QBs, according to FanDuel. Allen has scored at least 17 fantasy points over his last five games and has a great chance to keep this trend going.

The Raiders rookie running back Josh Jacobs has been solid this season and will get the 29th ranked defense versus the running back in the Bengals. In his last two games Jacobs has totaled over 100 yards and scored three touchdowns. He has a very good opportunity to do both today.

The Falcons will have a new face starting in their backfield today with running back Brian Hill taking over ball-carrying duties for the injured Devonta Freeman out. Hill logged 20 carries last week replacing the injured Freeman and should see similar work today against the shaky Panthers run defense (ranked 30th against opposing running backs). Hill could be a nice sneaky play in DFS today.

The Texans top receiving target DeAndre Hopkins (PPR Fantasy WR7) has not been big this season, but he has been steady. Over his past three games Hopkins has logged at least 15 fantasy points (according to FanDuel) with at least 8 receptions. Hopkins will get the Ravens secondary (ranked 17th versus opposing wide receivers, according to FD) today and have a chance at keeping those steady numbers rolling.

Despite what should be a difficult road matchup against the Vikings today, the Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (PPR Fantasy WR14) has a chance to continue his solid 2019 campaign today facing the 27th ranked defense versus wide receivers. Sutton has had at least 6 targets in every game this season and has scored in double digit fantasy points in 7 straight games.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Friday Night Edition

August 23rd, 2019

Bad Boys Running Wild

The Ones!

With the peak of the Fantasy draft season upon us (a lot of fantasy drafts expected this weekend and next), it’s time to tighten up your rankings and close in on those fantasy picks that are going to bring home the hardware.

Out of the gate, this of course is not headline news, the top pick for me is a no-brainer; Saquan Barkley (MR#RB1). Last season the Giants runner totaled 352 touches (261 carries, 91 receptions), playing in all 16 games of his rookie campaign. There is no reason to think he won’t see similar numbers once again and with his nose for the big play, he’s a solid first pick.

Running backs Christian McCaffrey (MR#RB2) and Alvin Kamara (MR#RB3) offer similar upside, but both are not quite the workhorse as is Barkley.

It’s no secret in Cleveland, running back Nick Chubb (MR#RB5)is expected to be the man to open the season. He has a great opportunity to be a fantasy star and with the upgraded passing game, he should be. Last season Chubb finished 10th in NFL rushing and just missed 1,000 yard by four.

It may be a surprise to see Le’Veon Bell (MR#RB7) as high as I have him, but unlike many other Fantasy experts, I believe Bell will be fine in New york. You don’t pay top dollars for a high-performance car to park it in the garage. I happen to believe Bell is going to see a large volume of work and will be highly productive.

I have the Lions star runner Kerryon Johnson (MR#RB10) in my top 10, because I am drinking the Kool-aid. His rookie season was cut short due to injury (knee), but Johnson is healthy in 2019 and expected to open the season as the Lions lead-back. KJ is a versatile back (32 receptions in 2018) and from weeks 7 to week 11, he averaged 17.4 touches per game. He has the potential for a heavier workload and finishing inside the Fantasy Top 10 this season.

1.Saquon Barkley

2.C. McCaffrey

3.Alvin Kamara

4.David Johnson

5.Nick Chubb

6.Joe Mixon

7.LeVeon Bell

8.Dalvin Cook

9.Todd Gurley

10.Kerryon Johnson

11.Damien Williams

12.Devonta Freeman

The Next 12

Just a couple of quick notables for the second 12 of my rankings list; I am believing the hype surrounding Raiders rookie running back Josh Jacobs (MR#RB14). He could be a 20-touch per game back in Head Coach John Gruden’s offense.

I dropped Ezekiel Elliot (MR#RB15) outside my top 12, due to his holdout and the risk he could miss some games. Should he get signed, he catapults up the charts to number 5. Drafting him as a RB1 or RB2 is basically based on how confident you are he’ll be back in Dallas and when.

I have Leonard Fournette (MR#RB17) a little low at 17, but if he stays healthy this season he could easily finish in the top 10. Last season Fournette played in 8 games, finishing as the No.40 RB in fantasy PPR scoring, as compared to his rookie season where he played in 13 games and finished 9th.

Although he may be considered a little undersized, Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (MR#RB24) proved he is more than capable in an NFL backfield. The former Buffalo out of the University of Colorado finished his rookie campaign as the 13th RB in fantasy PPR scoring. He makes my board as a low-end RB2, but I honestly feel he could be a little low.

13.James Conner

14.Josh Jacobs

15.Ezekiel Elliott

16.Aaron Jones

17.L. Fournette

18.Marlon Mack

19.Melvin Gordon

20.Derrick Henry

21.Mark Ingram

22.Tevin Coleman

23.Chris Carson

24.Phillip Lindsay

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega