FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 26th 2017

Sunday morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

Quick Takes

Going through my season-long league lineups, I am trending toward Broncos running back Devontae Booker. I think he will dominate the touches today in the backfield and get some good run against the Raiders.

With Rishard Matthews out today, the rookie Corey Davis should see an increased role coming off a quiet week 11. Take note, Davis has been targeted 17 times the past two weeks, so volume will work in his favor today.

I’ve got a couple of lineups that need to make huge runs, so I am going boom or bust with Martavis Bryant this week. With JuJu Smith-Schuster ruled out, Bryant should see more snaps and more opportunity.

Kelvin Benjamin was ruled out earlier this week, I am liking the prospects of rookie receiver Zay Jones today against the Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing receivers and the most touchdowns (15) this season.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 29th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

Week 8 has begun with two games in the books. I am just running down, my thoughts for Sunday morning, sprinkling a little bit of this and that for fantasy consideration. I don't have a crystal ball or hot-line to Matt Berry for info, so tread with caution;

Stud of the Week

I am all-in with Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen. The great thing here is the matchup against the Patriots and the fact the quarterback Philip Rivers has plenty of other options that should keep the defense honest. Allen has been a target monster at times this season, today could be another double-digit look and big production.

Dud of the Week

I am staying away for Niners running back Carlos Hyde. This is an ugly matchup for the Niners, over-matched on the defensive side facing the Eagles offense and likely to be overwhelmed this week on the offense side matching up against the league's number one rushing defense.

DFS favorites today

Joe Mixon; I like the rookie running back's matchup today. Mixon has been getting the bulk of the workload in the backfield and with today's matchup against the Colts, owners should see significant production in what I predict to be a breakout performance.

Kelvin Benjamin; the Panthers and quarterback Cam Newton look to rebound from the ambush at Soldier Field a week ago. Benjamin is going to be a primary target and should get a couple of scoring opportunities today. I like him a lot against the Bucs today.

Diamonds in the Rough

Mack Hollins; the explosive Eagles rookie receiver had one catch last week, but it was a big one; a 64 yard touchdown strike. A risky play in redraft leagues yes (maybe a flier in big DFS tournaments), but I like his chances today to get behind the Niners secondary for another big score.

Marlon Mack; the Colts rookie running back has been trending in the right direction with his snap count. He's a preferred option in the pass game and could potentially see significant play today in a game where the Colts could be playing catch-up most of the way.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 27th 2017

Friday Evening Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Five 

What to Expect on Sunday Week 8

Could be a Boltz Blitz on Sunday

I know the recent numbers against the Patriots may be saying one thing, but I’ve been watching the Chargers this season and weapons they have. Philip Rivers has been steady this season and with Hunter Henry (No.9 fantasy TE) once again emerging along with wide receiver Keenan Allen the Chargers offense is quite potent. Running back Melvin Gordon (No.4 fantasy RB) is having a strong 2017 campaign, but how he’s doing it is a bit surprising; 29 receptions for 228 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. As well as the Patriots have been playing recently, they’ll have their hands full trying to slow down the Boltz.

Wentz Looking to Soar Higher

After a magnificent Monday night performance against the Redskins, Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is primed and poised to have another big week. Wentz is currently the No.2 fantasy QB and he’s having a terrific season. Last Monday he looked unstoppable and this week he gets the Niners who have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks the past four weeks. With Wentz playing at such a high level, everyone on the offense should benefit and be played; Agholor, Ertz, and Smallwood.

Cousins Ready for a Rodeo

And just like that, the Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has elevated himself to the No.7 fantasy QB this season. After a slow start, Cousins has really come on of late with 11 total touchdowns (10 pass/ 1 run) and three 300-yard passing games in his last 4 starts. He’s really been playing well for fantasy owners scoring better than 20 fantasy points in four straight starts. Cousins faces the Cowboys have allowed over 20 fantasy points to the following quarterbacks; Carson Palmer, Aaron Rodgers, and Trevor Siemian. I like Cousins chances at a big Sunday.

And His Name is Dalton

It has not been the best year for Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (No.27 fantasy QB), but some of that could change on Sunday. Dalton and company will play host to the Colts this week and face a defense that has allowed the 7th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including 321 passing yards per game with 6 touchdowns. Wide receiver AJ Green could be looking at a big day as well matched up against a secondary that has allowed the most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers.

Wham, Bam, Time for Cam

The Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (No.8 fantasy QB) has been a little up and down this season. He’s coming off a poor performance last week against the Bears passing for just 211 yards and throwing two picks. This should be his up week with a favorable matchup on Sunday against the Buccaneers who have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Not only should Cam be looking at a good day on Sunday, but owners should be looking to play both wide receivers Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess; the Bucs allow the 2nd most fantasy points and receptions to opposing wide receivers.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 12th 2017

Thursday Evening Edition

Thursday's Twitter Takes

"Newton is rolling, no stopping the Cam train!" by @FantsySprtshome

Not much to say about this. Cam Newton appears to have rediscovered his MVP and over the past two weeks he has again looked like Superman.

"Funchess and Benjamin should find the endzone" by @FantsySprtshome

Both of Cam's targets (Funchess & Benjamin) are huge receivers with solid hands and will be in play in the red-zone.

"Wentz has been good, but a tough road match could slow his roll" by @FantsySprtshome

The Panthers have been tough against the pass and allow the 9th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Wentz is too good to be shut down, but the Panthers D is more than capable enough to slow him down.

"I'm looking for Agholor to again be the not-so-sneaky play tonight." @FantsySprtshome

The Eagles receiver broke out last week with a big performance. On the year he has three touchdowns and his 12 yards per targets ranks among the receiving leaders in the league. He's not a heavy volume receiver, but he's effective.

Tonight's matchup should be a pretty good one. According to the numbers this one could be lining up to be a defensive struggle, but I have a feeling we are going to see some fireworks from Cam and Carson. Both bring a nice compliment of weapons and too much talent on offense to be held in check. The running attacks will be modest tonight, look for most of the damage to come from the air.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 1st, 2017

Sunday Early Morning Edition

Who are you Starting & Sitting (Week 4)

Start or Sit

(Sunday’s Games)

Marcus Mariota (start) The Titans are on the road this week, but that shouldn't slow quarterback Marcus Mariota. Currently the No.10 fantasy QB Mariota will look to increase his numbers today against a Texans defense that allows the 8th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks; start him.

Marquise Lee (start) How often will you hear anyone say to start a Jaguars receiver. With Allen Robinson done for the season, Lee who emerged in the second half of last season has started to become more active with 19 targets over his last two games. If he stays involved today, look for him to find the end zone for the first time this season.

Kelvin Benjamin (start) The Panthers wide out was removed from the injury report, so he should be good to go and I like him today against the Patriots. The Pats have allowed the 5th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers; start Benjamin.

Adam Thielen (start) The Vikings passing game has received a new injection with the surprise play of quarterback Case Keenum. Through the two weeks Keenum has started, Thielen has been effective; 10 receptions for 142 yards over the past 2 weeks. I expect another productive day from Thielen, start him.

Austin Hopper (sit) The Falcons tight end has not been a big part of the offense this early part of the season with just 6 targets through 3 games. Don’t expect Hooper to get kickstarted today against a Bills defense that has been stingy against opposing tight ends.

Joe Flacco (sit) After last weeks dismal performance, I don’t expect there are too many rolling with Flacco today. He should have been on your bench last week and that’s where he should stay today. The Steelers defense limits opposing quarterbacks to the 3rd fewest fantasy points, sit no go Joe.

Isaiah Crowell (sit) Crowell has quietly become a forgotten man in fantasy through the first three weeks. Crowell was expected to be a top 20 fantasy runner, currently No.40 in PPR, today’s matchup against the Bengals is not likely to help his cause. Sit the Crow.

Sammy Watkins (start) This is a gut call, but I also like the matchup. Watkins will be available week 4 and the big play receiver should have success working against a Cowboys secondary that has allowed the 5th most receptions and 4 touchdowns to opposing receivers. Start Sammy.

Travis Benjamin (start) A Philip Rivers favorite in the passing game it seems, Benjamin was pretty good a week ago with 5 receptions for 105 yards receiving. The two should have no problem keeping this combo rolling against an Eagles defense that has allowed the most receptions to opposing receivers. Start him.

Paul Perkins (sit) The Giants run game has been non-existent and even more so running back Paul Perkins has done nothing through three games. He may eventually get things turned around, but too risky to chance today. Sit Perkins.

Chris Johnson (start) CJ2K looked a little rusty last week, so with another week of practicing perhaps he can get his wheels spinning into a higher gear. He’s got the matchup to make some noise today against the Niner’s 22nd ranked run defense.

Jamaal Charles (start) This is not too bold, but it’s risky, start Jam today against the Raiders. Last week Charles played out as a nice flex option with 56 yards and a score. He’ll get a few more carries today and I like his chances to break one against the league’s 19th ranked run defense (Raiders).

Paul Richardson (start) The Seahawks receiver has had a nose for the end zone in the early going this season with two scores. The Colts allow the 9th most fantasy points to opposing WRs, I like Richardson here to be more involved, especially with Baldwin less than 100 percent. Start Richardson.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 30th 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

My Week 4 Injury Takes

RB-Carlos Hyde; the Niners running back is dealing with a hip injury and is a game-time call. He’s practiced all week in limited fashion, so there’s a chance he plays, but given the nature of the injury and the concern there seems to exist, Hyde could be a real risky play. I would lean with other options, if available.

WR-JJ Nelson; the Cards receiver is questionable, but expected to play on Sunday. After his donut last week with only three targets, he’ll be a risky play and hard to trust. I would prefer to see him back to 100 percent before inserting him back in my lineup.

WR-John Brown; the Cards are saying Brown will play, but after sitting two games he’s a wait and see option. I like him going forward and will watch him this week with a close eye.

WR-Julio Jones; the Falcons wide receiver was removed from the team’s injury report on Friday. It will be all systems go for the playmaking receiver on Sunday. He’s my top ranked wideout for week 4.

WR-Doug Baldwin; the Seahawks receiver returned to practice on Friday, but there’s no questions he still not back to 100 percent. He’s likely to play this week, but I’m not looking for much from Baldwin. I’ll be sitting him and hoping he gets through the week with no setbacks.

WR-Michael Crabtree; the Raiders receiver has been downgraded to doubtful and should be removed from your lineups this week. With Crabtree likely out, wide receiver Amari Cooper gets a bump in value in a tough Week 4 matchup.

RB-CJ Prosise; the Seahawks running back is doubtful for Sunday as expected. It will be Chris Carson and likely JD McKissic according to head coach Pete Carroll. The Seahawks backfield is a muddled situation and Carson is really the only back this week that carries any value.

WR-Amari Cooper; the Raiders receiver was removed from the team’s injury report. That’s good news for Cooper, but for owners the bad news is his recent dings have had little to do with his recent struggles. He’s going to be mid-WR2 this week with a tough matchup against the Broncos.

RB-Jalen Richard; the Raiders passing catching back was removed from the team’s injury report. With the likely absence of Crabtree this week, Richard could see even more play in the passing game. He’s a low-end flex this week.

RB-Melvin Gordon; the Chargers starting running returned to a full practice on Friday. He’s still dinged up, but will be a go on Sunday. He’s my No.11 fantasy RB this week.

WR-Mike Williams; the Chargers rookie wide receiver has been ruled out for week 4. The rookie is close as there was some thought he may play. Even when he does return to the field this season, at least in the early going he’s going to be nothing more than a stash until owners see what he can do.

TE-Delanie Walker; the Titans tight end was removed from the team’s injury report. Walker should be ready to roll on Sunday against the Texans, he’s my No.5 fantasy TE this week.

RB-Matt Forte; the Jets veteran running back has been ruled out for Sunday. With Forte shelved, running back Bilal Powell will start and likely see a larger share of the workload this week. Even with Forte out, Powell is considered a low-end flex at best.

RB-Rex Burkhead; the Patriots running back entered the regular season with a lot of hype, but recent injuries have really derailed his opportunities. He is listed as doubtful, although he did return to practice Friday, so he’s close to returning. Right now Burkhead is merely a stash in deeper leagues.

WR-Kenny Golladay; the Lions rookie receiver is listed as questionable for Sunday after missing the team’s last two practices. And while he has not been ruled out, owners should go ahead and avoid. Golladay hasn’t done much since his fast two score start in week one.

TE-Jack Doyle; the Colts tight end has been removed from the team’s injury report. He’s the No.17 fantasy tight end in PPR and my No.16 this week. He’s not your starter, but worth rostering as a bye week fill (if the matchup is right).

RB-Duke Johnson; the Browns running back is off the team’s injury report and is a viable flex option this week. He’s my No.29 fantasy RB in PPR.

WR-Kelvin Benjamin; the Panthers receiver has been removed from the team’s week 4 injury report which is good news for owners. Benjamin has a great matchup this week against the Patriots, but he also did last week against the Saints before exiting early. He’s a borderline flex option this week, but as long as he remains in the game he’s got potential to haul in some passes. He could be a boom or bust this week.

WR-Jamison Crowder; the Redskins receiver is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, but he did practice on Saturday; a good indication he’ll be available Monday, Crowder was quiet last week in a game where Cousins passed for over 300-yards; it’s hard to trust him at the moment until we see something. He’s a WR3/WR4 for week 4.

TE-Jordan Reed; the Redskins tight end is listed as questionable although the sense is he plays. Just the same like last week, if you can plan it have back up tight Vernon Davis loaded in your holster in case Reed is a scratch.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 23rd 2017

Saturday Late Night Edition

Who are you Starting & Sitting (Week 3)

Start or Sit

(Sunday’s Games)

Javorius Allen (start) Just like last week, Buck Allen is a start for Week 3 against the Jaguars. He may not do too much treading on the ground, but his pass catching skills will help his value this week. Allen is expected to pick up the load if running back Terrance West is limited or slowed.

Tyrod Taylor (sit) The Bills quarterback has an awful matchup this week facing the Broncos No Fly Zone defense. The Denver defense hasn’t been exactly seal tight, but they seen some pretty good skill position players at the receiver spot (like Dez Bryant and Keenan Allen), something Taylor is lacking. Sit the Bills quarterback.

Kelvin Benjamin (start) The Saints are in town and that means lots of yards all around. The Saints have allowed an avalanche of yards passing and rushing in their first two games. Time for Benjamin owners to reap the rewards of this matchup. Start the Panthers wide out.

Jordan Howard (sit) The Bears starting running back is off to a slow start this season and things may not get any better on Sunday. Howard will line up against the Steelers 8th ranked run defense that allow just 3.3 yards per tote. Sit him.

Ameer Abdullah (start) In what should be a matchup filled with a lot of points on both sides, I really like Abdullah to see a fair amount of carries and overall touches in this matchup. The Falcons allow 5.4 yards per carry, start Abdullah.

Jack Doyle (start) The Colts tight end is the No.13 fantasy TE currently. With a matchup against the Browns defense that’s allowed the most receptions and 3rd most receiving yards to opposing tight ends, expect Doyle to improve his ranking.

Jacquizz Rodgers (sit) The Vikings defense allows the 6th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and overall they are ranked 11th against the run allowing just 3.1 yards per carry. I don’t like Rodgers in this matchup, sit him.

Mike Gillislee (start) The Patriots running back played more of a featured role last week with 18 carries and a score. The Texans will be tested in the air by quarterback Tom Brady and his bunch, which should open up a few running lanes for Gillislee. He’s sure to get one of those easy scores as well.

Jermaine Kearse (start) The Jets receiver has been busy through two weeks, ranked as the No.7 fantasy WR. Kearse has been targeted 14 times in two games and figures to see a steady diet of targets on Sunday against the Fins; a defense that’s allowed a 73% efficiency rate for opposing receivers.

Brandon Marshall (sit) The Giants number 3 receiver has been non-existent through two weeks and shouldn’t be trusted at this point. Marshall has caught just two passes and looks completely out of sync with quarterback Eli Manning right now. Sit him.

Derrick Henry (start) Let me start with, sit DeMarco Murray. The writing's on the wall for this one anyway. Even if Murray is active, he is likely to play second fiddle. Henry ran like a beast last week totaling 92 yards on the ground and he should get the Lionshare Sunday against the Seahawks 23rd ranked run defense that allows 5.2 yards per carry.

Jeremy Hill (sit) The team axed their Offensive Coordinator and head Coach Marvin Lewis has to be feeling the heat. Expect a lot of changes, including the usage of or lack of usage for running back Jeremy Hill. There are whispers this week we could see more of the rookie running back Joe Mixon. Hill’s a risky play, pass on him this week.

Hunter Henry (start) The Chargers tight end finally got some work in week 2 and turned in a nice stat line of 7/80/0. Henry caught all seven of his targets last week and could be just as busy Sunday against a Chiefs defense that’s allowed the 6th most receiving yards against opposing tight ends. Start Henry.

Samaje Perine (start) Starter Rob Kelley has been ruled out, so the rookie will get the nod. Start him. The Raiders are ranked 19th versus the run, allowing 4.8 yards per carry. Perine should get plenty of run in the backfield Sunday night.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 10th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

This is one of the most exciting times of the year, right up there with March Madness and Christmas; it’s the first Sunday of the NFL, week 1 and a full slate of games. This is what fantasy owners have been waiting for since camps opened back in July and the time has arrived.

Now that kick-off is just about 75 minutes away how about a couple of “Hot Takes” for week 1;

I’ve not heard anything definitive, but as long as quarterback Cam Newton starts, I am big on wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. A huge red-zone target in the passing offense, look for two scoreS today from Benjamin.

I may not be starting Niners quarterback Brian Hoyer today, but I think he’ll draw some fantasy owner attention today with a solid performance. He’s not goinig to be a sexy play any week, but he’s going to be a quarterback you can stream throughout the season.

One reason for Hoyer’s success will be his connection with wide receiver Pierre Garcon. He’s the number receiver in a system he’s familiar with he could see double digit targets today and post WR1 numbers against the Panthers.

The Bills running back LeSean McCoy is going to see plenty of carries today and could top the 150 total yards mark. The Jets defense has been picked apart this offseason and they could really struggle this season against opposing running backs, especially in the pass game.

And finally for Week 1, look for the old man (sorry Carson) in Arizona, quarterback Carson Palmer to find a little fountain of youth in Detroit today. He and the legend wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald could pull out some old tricks and post some big numbers today; 300 yards passing, 100 yards receiving, and at least one scoring connection.

That’s My Hot Takes for Today.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 9th 2017

Saturday Night Edition

Who Are You Starting & Sitting (Week 1)

Start or Sit

Charles Clay (start) The Bills tight end has a nice matchup against a Jets secondary that ranked 9th worst against opposing tight ends last season and allowed 10 touchdowns. He’s a low TE1 this week.

Kendall Wright (start) The Bears wide out will likely fill a familiar role in the offense this season and goes up against a Falcons secondary that ranked 10th worst against opposing receivers and allowed the 6th most receptions. He’s a nice flex this week.

Jeremy Hill (sit) The Bengals appear to have a bit of a convoluted backfield this season and add that they face a Ravens defense that allows the 7th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs and I am inclined to stay away.

Martavis Bryant (start) The Steelers wide receiver could have a juicy match up this week playing alongside with Antonio Brown. Add the Browns secondary allowed 20 touchdowns to opposing receivers last season and Bryant is favorite flex this week.

John Brown (start) The Cardinals wide receiver has been working hard to get healthy and back to form and in the team’s third preseason game he showed what he’s capable of when healthy with two scores. Sunday he’ll take on a Lions secondary that allowed the 7th most receptions to opposing wide receivers and 20 receiving touchdowns in 2016. Brown is another favorite for a flex play this week.

Leonard Fournette (sit) The Jags passing offense really struggled in the preseason which makes me believe the rookie runner is going to see a lot of 8 and 9 man in the box this season. Fournette will also be facing a Texans defense that returns JJ Watt and allowed the 11 fewest rushing yards a season ago. It’s going to be a long day for Fournette on Sunday.

Marshawn Lynch (sit) A lot of folks are excited about the return of Beast Mode, but fantasy owners may want to temper their expectations this Sunday. Lynch and Raiders will face a Titans defense that allowed the 3rd fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs last season. You may have to start him because of where he was drafted, but if you have options you may want to consider.

Terrelle Pryor (start) The Redskins newest big target has a tasty matchup on Sunday facing an Eagles secondary that allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. In the matchup I start Pryor and believe he’s got a great shot to score.

Sammy Watkins (sit) The Rams newest receiver may have a difficult time finding the end zone on Sunday. The Rams offense sputtered through the preseason and even with a Colts secondary missing cornerback Vontae Davis, the Rams are likely to run the ball a lot. Watkins could be tough sit on Sunday, but if you have to play him, it could be a long day.

Tyler Lockett (start) The Seahawks travel to Green Bay and like the recent heat wave in Southern California, Lockett could get hot on Sunday against a secondary that allowed the most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Lockett is not likely to see a large volume of targets, but he could get loose on a long one which is why I like him as a flex start.

Kelvin Benjamin (start) The Panthers wide out has looked sharp this preseason and should be peppered with bunch of targets on Sunday. He’ll face a Niners secondary that allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. He’s a mid WR2 start for me.

Paul Perkins (sit) The Cowboys were very good against the run a year ago allowing the second fewest yards rushing and the 4th fewest fantasy points. Perkins is going to have a tough time running against the Boys on Sunday night.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega