FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 28th 2017

Saturday Night Edition

Week 8 QB Rankings

Topping the charts this week, to be expected is Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, as he should be facing the lowly Niners defense. Wentz has been solid this season the Niners are coming off a week 7 throttling by the Cowboys Dak Prescott.

After falling flat last week against the Bears, a week 8 meeting with the Buccaneers is just what Cam Newton may need to bounce back. Newton has been solid this season and last week may have just been an anomaly. Fantasy owners can look for Newton to have much greater success this Sunday against a defense that allows the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

The Falcons defense has been trending the wrong direction of late, enter Jets quarterback Josh McCown. It’s not a prime week for big numbers, but with so many teams on Bye, McCown (the No.13 fantasy QB) could still be in play as a streaming option. He has posted back-to-back 20-plus fantasy point games.

QB Rankings

1. Carson Wentz

2. Tom Brady

3. Drew Brees

4. Dak Prescott

5. Cam Newton

6. Matt Ryan

7. Kirk Cousins

8. Philip Rivers

9. Russell Wilson

10. Tyrod Taylor

11. Deshaun Watson

12. Alex Smith

13. Andy Dalton

14. Ben Roethlisberger

15. Derek Carr

16. Jameis Winston

17. Matthew Stafford

18. Josh McCown

19. Case Keenum

20. Trevor Siemian

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 24th 2017

Tuesday Evening Edition

The Weekly Waiver Wire

(Week 8)

Last weeks waiver grabs weren't the best options to follow as Darkwa and Decker both fizzled big on Sunday. On the other hand, a pair of Jets McCown and Seferian-Jenkins paid some nice dividends in Week 7. McCown threw 3 touchdowns, while Seferian-Jenkins scored in his third straight contest. Our drop suggestion last week wasn't too far off either; Jonathan Stewart rushed for 48 yards on 14 carries for a 3.4 yards per carry average.

This week is another week and another chance to make up for past blunders or the opportunity for a few more..

Last week I had Josh McCown on the radar and in case anyone failed to snag him last week, he still remains a viable bye week filler and streaming QB option. Against the Dolphins on Sunday McCown passed for 209 yards with three scores, finishing the week as the No.6 fantasy QB.

The Vikings finally got a chance to see what they have in running back Latavius Murray. Given the opportunity to lead the backfield Murray toted the rock 18 times for 113 yards and a score. He'll face some tough treading this week against the Browns, but Murray is worth rostering and could be valuable rotating RB play in the future.

The Jaguars wide receiver Marquise Lee has quietly put himself into the fantasy conversation. Last Sunday he had an unassuming 4 catch for 72 yards day, but in his last two games he's been targeted 16 times for 9 receptions and 155 yards. In the PPR format, Lee can be a useful play as a bye week filler, having now strung two consecutive games with double-digit fantasy points. He's yet to score this season, so probability would suggest that could be coming soon.

My tight end pickup for this week is Vernon Davis. I play in a couple of deep leagues, so I made this move a week ago, but I'm sure in many leagues Davis is still available. Over the past three weeks Davis only been targeted 11 times catching 9 balls, but with his strength, speed, and athleticism he has totaled 221 receiving yards. The way he's being utilized in the pass game, he has fantasy value in the PPR arena. He's worth streaming for those lacking better options.

Sleeper Watch

My sleeper pick this week is wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. This may not be the best week to play Chiefs receiver, but it could be the best week to stash him for going forward. All I keep hearing from the popular online sources and broadcasters is “how much the Chiefs like this kid” and with Conley on IR, he now gets an opportunity. The subtle hints I like are, last week Robinson tied with the team lead in targets (8) and in week 6 he was 2nd with (5) behind Kelce and Hill. Keep your eyes on this kid.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 23rd 2017

Monday Evening Edition

Sunday’s Heroes

(Week 7)

Not the Usual Suspects

Nothing makes fantasy owners happiest than seeing their studs do what they do on Sunday, then there's the bench guys that blow out; whole nother story. These guys can drive an owner crazy having the biggest game on your bench when they count for nothing. These are the Fantasy Studs from Sunday week 7 who are not your usual suspects;

QB-Josh McCown; the Jets quarterback should have been on most fantasy radars heading into week 7, coming off a big week 6 performance against New England. If you were watching the waiver wire last week, you may have been able to take advantage of his three touchdown game on Sunday against the Dolphins.

RB-Aaron Jones; the Packers running back has likely worked his way into not only a starting gig, but perhaps a feature role. On Sunday Jones dominated the touches in the backfield with 20 touches, totaling 138 yards and a touchdown; Going forward expect Jones to hold serve in the backfield for now.

RB-TJ Yeldon; with starter Leonard Fournette sidelined, running back TJ Yeldon found some opportunity on Sunday and took advantage. Yeldon rushed for 122 yards on 9 carries and added 2 catches for another 15 yards. The Jaguars are on bye next week, when they return so should Fournette and Yeldon will return to his regular backup role.

RB-Latavius Murray; the Vikings former pro bowl running back (when he was in Oakland) finally showed off some of that skill he possessed when he wore Silver & Black. On Sunday against the Ravens Murray broke loose for 113 yards and a touchdown. He'll be on fantasy radars this week.

WR-Kenny Stills; with wide receiver Devante Parker inactive, next man up for the Dolphins is Kenny Stills. Flying under most radars on Sunday, Stills just put up the following stat line, 6/85/2. Stills was targeted 9 times, the most he's seen since week 2. With a short week and quarterback Matt Moore likely to start, if Parker is not available, Stills may again on the fantasy radar.

WR-Ted Ginn Jr; the Saints speedy receiver had a very good game against the Packers. Ginn Jr hauled in 7 passes on 7 targets for 141 yards. It was a season high in targets for Ginn and by far his most productive day. He's been too much hot and cold to trust just yet, but get him on your radar, with Brees more days like this could be coming.

TE-OJ Howard; the Buccaneers tight end broke out on Sunday catching 6 balls for 98 yards and two scores. This was by far his best game fantasy-wise, but i was only the second time he posted more than 3 fantasy points, so let's not jump on the band wagon just yet. He's still a wait and see option especially with a healthy Cameron Brate on the field.

TE-Evan Engram; the Giants rookie tight end continues to blossom with another nice Sunday; 6/60/1. As long as there is no OBJ and the receiving corp continues to be in flux, Engram will see plenty of opportunity going forward and be a solid TE1.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAIVD'S DAILY DIGEST

October 17th 2017

Tuesday Late-Night Edition

The Weekly Waiver Wire

Week 7

As fantasy leagues push deeper into the fantasy season, owners will continue to go to the waiver wire well each week to drink. Fortunately as we enter week 7 of the NFL season and fantasy season, the well has not gone dry; well at least in redraft leagues it hasn’t.

If you are streaming your quarterback position through the bye week, the Jets quarterback Josh McCown has been steady this season. He’s averaging over 13 fantasy points per week and checks in as the No.19 fantasy QB this season. McCown is coming off a strong Week 6 performance with 20.26 fantasy points and has thrown 2 touchdowns in each of his last 2 starts. Back in week 3 McCown totaled 14.66 fantasy points against the Dolphins (the Jets week 7 opponent) and he looks poised to do as much this week.

In the backfield, it looks like the Giants have found a running game behind the efforts of running back Orleans Darkwa. In his last two games Darkwa has gained 186 yards on 29 carries with a rushing touchdown. He’s a nice week 7 grab with the potential of a feature back workload, based on his Sunday night performance against the Broncos (21 carries). His next opponent is the Eagles who have been good against the run, but so were the Broncos.

At the wideout spot, the Titans wide receiver Eric Decker looks to be falling in rhythms with his quarterback and is coming off a solid Monday night game. Based on his numbers entering Week 6, Decker is sure to be lingering on the waiver wire. This is a good time to grab Decker with a week 7 matchup against a Browns defense that just surrendered 3 touchdowns to wide receivers this past Sunday.

One of the reasons for McCown’s steady play is the emergence of his tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. After serving his two-game suspension to start the season, Seferian-Jenkins has been steadily coming on. In his past two games the Jets tight end has totaled 19 targets, turning in 14 receptions for 75 yards and two scores. He’s a red-zone gem and has now become one of the featured targets in the passing game. He’s a must grab this week off the waiver wires.

Drop of the Week

In PPR formats, Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart has fallen outside the Top-40 (39 in standard). In his last two games Stewart has totaled just 17 rushing yards on 26 carries. He’s coming off not only his worst performance of the season, but of his career. It’s time to let him go, there are plenty of better options available at this point.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 30, 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

We may be hours from our normal Sunday NFL Kickoff routine, but tune into FOX to catch the Redskins-Bengals live from London. An early score has the Redskins up 10-7, just about mid-way through the 2nd quarter.

Now looking ahead to Sunday's slate of games, just a couple of my own Fantasy Notes for today;

"My Fantasy Notes"

For the Patriots, there is no Dion Lewis this week against the Bills, so if you are a James White owner hang on to him. Even when Lewis likely returns in week 9, there's no guarantee he reinserted right away. Remember, he's missed a lot of football, White will still have value.

Today Browns quarterback Josh McCown makes his return. It's not real big fantasy news, unless you own tight end Gary Barnidge. The Browns big pass catcher has fallen off this season, ranked as the 14th fantasy tight end. Last season Barnidge finished 2nd amongst fantasy tight ends and much of his damage was done with McCown, so his stock is up today.

"Injury Notes"

The Packers wide receiver Davante Adams is listed on the injury report this week, but from all reports I am readng it sounds like he is playing. If healthy today against the Falcons, he's worth taking a shot as a flyer this week. Whenever you have quarterback Aaron Rodgers throwing the ball, your receiver has a chance.

Running back Lamar Miller will be playing banged up today, but it's not a good matchup for Fantasy owners. Miller and the Texans draw the Lions who allow the 11th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs. Miller when healthy has been solid and with his upside, he's a risky play today that owners will have a tough time sitting. If he's active he should be in your lineup.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 18th, 2016

Sunday

Sunday Spotlight

I am just spotlighting a couple of Sunday plays this week that I happen to fancy.

After his week one dud, fantasy owners are probably ready to toss the Browns big tight end, Gary Barnidge to the side, but hold on there. Last week was with Robert Griffin III under center and this week there has been a change. With the likely season-ending injury to RGIII in week one, the Browns will have journey-man quarterback Josh McCown under center this Sunday. For fantasy owners of Barnidge, with McCown calling the signals there is hope.

Last season with McCown throwing to him, Barnidge was a weekly top-10 fantasy play and a big reason for the tight end finishing as one of fantasy's top tight ends. Last week Barnidge was a big goose end only seeing two targets, owners can expect a big reversal this Sunday. He should be plenty involved in the pass game and his large frame makes him a solid red-zone target.

His Sunday line; 6 receptions, 75 yards and a touchdown.

The Giants will be playing host to the traveling Saints today and if you own any Giants get them in your lineups today; even the waterboy could get in for a score. While the popular plays will be the regular starters, one play I am high on is the return of wide receiver Victor Cruz.

Last week Cruz found the end zone against the Cowboys and this week I expect a return trip against the Saints. Cruz could see a few more targets than the four he saw last week facing a Saints secondary that was abused last week for over 300 yards in the air. With Odell Beckham Jr drawing a lot of the attention, I look for Cruz to slip into the top 20 this week with a solid receiving day.

His Sunday line; 5 receptions, 80 yards, and a touchdown

That's my take

~David G. Ortega