FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 25th, 2016
Friday evening Edition
Week 12: Friday Fantasy Fixx
So I am looking at the passing game and matchups this week and these are a few of my favorites to start for Sunday.
With receivers like Stefon Diggs OUT this week (did not play yesterday), fantasy owners will be looking for some help and could find salvage this week from players like the Rams wideout Kenny Britt. With a decent matchup against the Saints defense this week, Britt could turn in a nice Sunday. While Britt has not been spectacular this season, the Saints secondary has allowed the 8th most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers. Britt is the Rams leading receiver and normally sees a healthy dose of targets each week. He’s not going to light up any boards, but he could fill the need this week as a low WR3 or flex option.
Another receiving option that should draw some lineup consideration this Sunday is the Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta. The Ravens will host the Bengals this week and Pitta will see coverage that has allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends, including the 5th most receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns (tied for the 3rd most). Pitta is not a primary option in the pass game, but could see a few more targets this week, especially in the red zone. He’s definitely worth a look in deep leagues.
With the Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota playing as well as he has over the past several weeks, one of his targets that should be started this week is wide out Rishard Matthews. Matthews has scored in double-digits in his past three games and this week he has a great shot to make it four in a row. The Titans will visit the Bears this Sunday and look to exploit a defense that allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including the 2nd most receptions and the 7th most yards receiving. If you have him, he’s definitely a mid-WR2 this week. Start him Sunday.
That’s My Take.
~David G Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 18th, 2016
Tuesday Evening edition

Sunday Fantasy Heroes

Every week fantasy owners are seeing big performances from big names and last Sunday (Week 6) was no different. In the Big Easy, it was all home-cooking for Saints quarterback Drew Brees passing for 465 yards with 4 touchdowns, while over in Foxboro Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was serving notice to the league with another big day; 376 yards passing with three touchdowns.

Up in the Northeast, Bills running back Shady (LeSean) McCoy was getting jiggy rushing for 140 yards and three scores and in the Big Apple, Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr was playing big with 8 receptions, 222 yards receiving, and two touchdowns. These were just some of the big names fantasy owners know and had in their lineups, but let's take a look at some notables that may have been overlooked in week 6 and should be considered in Week 7.

Week 7 Waiver Watch

The Browns rookie quarterback Cody Kessler played well on Sunday completing 26 of 41 passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns. Kessler may not be quite ready for prime-time this Sunday on the road against the Bengals, but he's keeping an eye on as a possible bye week fill-in if the matchup is right.

The Rams starting quarterback Case Keenum had a big day throwing for 321 yards with three touchdowns on the road agains the Lions. Keenum was good up until his last throw, a game ending pick. It was a bounce back performance for Keenum after a disastrous week 5, but this quarterback is going to need to stay on the watch list for while until fantasy owners see more consistency.

Up in Oakland in the Black hole may be where some go to disappear, but the Chiefs running back Spencer Ware showed up on Sunday. Ware rushed for 131 yards and two scores on 24 carries, even with the return of Jamaal Charles. He's definitely a solid weekly play, keep him in your lineups.

After a week of just 11 carries, Ravens running back Terrance West toted the rock 23 times on Sunday to the tune of 87 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 4 receptions for another 36 yards. West has definitely worked his way onto the flex radar and could be moving his way up the RB3 charts as well.

The Rams passing game has not been much to cheer about, but quietly wide receiver Kenny Britt has been creeping up the fantasy radar. This week he may have reached fantasy relevance with a big day on Sunday grabbing 7 balls for 136 yards and two scores. Britt has managed to work his way into the top 20 and should now be owned.

The Bears 2nd year wide receiver Cameron Meredith has managed to put two solid performances back-to-back with his 11 catch 113 yard receiving performance on Sunday. In the past two weeks Meredith has been a near top 15 fantasy WR option and now warrants ownership and weekly consideration as a WR3 or flex play.

These are just a handful of weekly notables that fantasy owners should continue to watch.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Evening Edition

August 27th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

DRAFT! DRAFT! DRAFT!

Get Your Popcorn Ready!

If you have yet to start your league’s draft, then get your popcorn read, because this weekend is sure to be jam-packed filled with fantasy drafts. My annual excitement started last weekend with a marathon 30 round draft (six and half hours of time “on the clock” and endless drinking). Oh yeah, that’s the other half of the fun when drafting in a fantasy league (it’s a well-kept secret in case you were unaware).

So far through the past five days of fantasy drafting (in six leagues), the one thing I have learned you gotta be prepared. In one league where I had a chance to grab Peyton Manning early (fantasy gold), I snagged him off the boards only to realize my impulsive move turned out to be more costly than I would have normally thought.

So while I felt great about my quarterback selection, what I failed to realize was this was a three-starting receiver league. After taking running backs in the 2^nd and 3^rd rounds I found myself with Torrey Smith, Jeremy Maclin, and Justin Hunter as my starters. Now don’t get me wrong, none of these players are fantasy bums, but I am truly riding a leap of faith rolling with these three.

In another draft (8-team league) with the pickins a little deeper, I stuck to my guns. With an early pick at number 4, I grabbed DeMarco Murray and followed him with AJ Green (13^th pick) and Alshon Jeffery (20^th pick). Even though running backs were falling fast, I was still able to come back with Zac Stacy (29^th pick) in the 4^th round. I stayed away from the quarterback and took my Tight End (Julius Thomas) in the 5^th before nabbing Tony Romo; a risky proposition, but one I backed up with Carson Palmer in the 10^th round.

A couple of notable picks that I grabbed in the mid-rounds were running back Chris Johnson, wide receivers Torrey Smith and Marques Colston. These players I took later, but like their potential to have very productive seasons; top 25 respectively.

There’s plenty more to learn and plenty of time to practice the craft. With more than a week until the season starts I plan on using the available time to seek out the late round gems and fantasy sleepers that will help my teams get over the hump and pave their way to fantasy glory.

Who will you take first in your upcoming fantasy draft?

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Sunday Edition
December 23rd, 2012

  

Sunday Morning Gametime

Randall Cobb
The Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb has been the clear go-to option for several weeks now and this Sunday little will change. He’s a solid WR2 option and should be in all line-ups against the Titans 18th ranked pass defense.

Demaryrius Thomas
Broncos wide receiver Demaryrius Thomas was held in check last week, but don’t count on him being quiet two weeks in a row. Last Sunday it was Decker, this Sunday you can expect Thomas to be more involved; he’s worth starting as a low-end WR2.

Lance Moore
The Saints wide receiver Lance Moore should be a part of the Saints passing parade today against the Cowboys. The Cowboys are ranked 19th against the pass and could mean a lot of Brees and his receivers. Moore is more  of a low end WR3 or flex and worth starting in deeper leagues.

Reggie Bush
The Dolphins running back Reggie Bush has a nice matchup today against the Bills 30th ranked run defense. Bush has played more as a utility player rather than a feature back much of this season, but today he could see a few more touches. Unless you have better options, he’s a low-end RB3 or flex in most formats

Kenny Britt
The Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt has not been much of a fantasy option this season and with so much inconsistency under center he’s a risky play this week that’s hardly worth it. The Titans wide receivers in general are tough to predict, if better options exist all should be avoided.

Josh Freeman
The Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman is coming off a very disappointing performance for fantasy owners, so it’s hard to imagine he’d lay another egg in week 16. Fantasy owners can expect a better game this week from Freeman, but temper your expectations the Rams defense is pretty good and ranked 9th against the pass.

Anquan Boldin
The Ravens wide receiver Anquan Boldin was held without a catch last week, he’s not going to blow up this week but could be a serviceable flex option in the deepest leagues. The Ravens passing game has been inconsistent, but before last week Boldin has been one of its’ more consistent options.

Danario Alexander
The Chargers number one receiver Danario Alexander was held to zero catches last week and draws another tough matchup this week. He’s not likely to post another donut, but it could be another long day with low out-put; avoid is possible.

Just a few notes and thoughts for today’s games…

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Sunday Edition
November 11th, 2012  

The Four Horsemen

Last week my horsemen were gangbusters riding high led by quarterback Peyton Manning and his 25 fantasy points (standard scoring). Wide receiver DeSean Jackson (16 fantasy points) and running back Arian Foster (17 fantasy points) also helped pace this small brigade.

Week 10 presents some key matchups, but we’ll be expecting nothing less than solid performances from our four riders as they get set to mount up in just a few short hours.

My week 10 fantasy picks…

Quarterback (Eli Manning, NYG)
Last week it was big brother, this week we are looking for little brother Eli Manning to step up with a huge performance this week. Eli and company are on the road today to face the Bengals 18th ranked pass defense. Manning is coming off a very poor performance and will look to rebound. The Bengals allow the 12th most fantasy points to quarterbacks; Manning will be looking to raise that number.

Running Back (Stevan Ridley, NE)
The Patriots are at home today and the Bills are coming to town. This is great news for running back Stevan Ridley. The Bills are ranked 31st against the run, they allow nearly 170 yards on the ground every week and have given up a league high 14 rushing touchdowns. Ridley has been fantastic in the run game for the Patriots and will see plenty of carries today. He has over 700 yards rushing this season and averages 4.7 yards per carry. His five touchdowns pace the Patriots ground attack; expect Ridley to pace the team today.

Wide Receiver (Kenny Britt, TEN)
The Titans are on the road to face the Dolphins 30th ranked pass defense today and wide receiver Kenny Britt can’t wait. Finally as close to 100% health as he has been all season, Britt will also see the return of his starting quarterback Jake Locker. Locker is the younger and stronger arm under center for the Titans, and he should enable Britt to take advantage of the Dolphins secondary that allows the 4th most fantasy points to wide receivers. It's time for Britt to return to form.

Tight End (Zach Miller, SEA)
The seldom used tight end Zach Miller could suddenly erupt into a fantasy gem today when the Seahawks meet the Jets. Miller has only 8 targets in the last games, but that could change today. The Jets defense allows the 3rd most fantasy points to tight ends and this season have surrendered 6 touchdowns. Miller has just one touchdown grab this season, but he could add to that total today.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Friday Editions
November 9th, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 10 Fantasy Picks (all positions)

This week’s picks digs a little deeper for some fantasy players that can offer help to those owners affected by the Byes this Sunday. There are certainly no-brainers and must plays up and down the boards this week, but if your lineup is lacking a few of those options these are some players worth consideration in week 10.

Week 10 fantasy help;

Jonathan Dwyer, RB
The Steelers running back Jonathan Dwyer returned to a full practice on Friday and looks set to return to action on Monday night. Dwyer would seem to be the favorite to start coming off his two 100-yard game performances, but even if he ends up just splitting expect him to be very effective against the Chiefs 23rd ranked run defense. The Chiefs also allow the 6th most fantasy points to running backs.

Kenny Britt, WR
The Titans big receiver Kenny Britt has been getting healthier each week and after completing a couple of days of full participation in practice he looks ready for Sunday. Britt has been mostly quiet this season and a non-factor, but facing the Dolphins 30th ranked pass defense this Sunday could be his coming out party. The Dolphins surrender the 4th most fantasy points to receivers this season and it looks like Britt will have quarterback Jake Locker under center this week; could the stars be aligning?

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB
It seems anytime you face the Saints defense, your skill players have an opportunity to play big. When the Falcons meet the Saints on Sunday running back Jacquizz Rodgers will have a chance to test that theory. The Saints defense ranks dead last in the league and allow the most fantasy points to running backs. Rodgers has gradually become more a part of the offense this season and could see plenty of extra work on Sunday; the more work, the bigger the points.

Greg Olsen, TE
The Broncos defense simply struggles with opposing tight ends. Last week the Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham post season highs in catches (6) and yards receiving (108) against the Broncos defense. This week the Panthers tight end Greg Olsen will get his shot at the Denver defense. Olsen is second on the team with 53 targets this season, but has yet to post a 100-yard receiving game. The Broncos defense allows the 4th most points to tight ends, so Olsen chances of a big game look good.

Danario Alexander, WR
The Chargers newest addition to their passing attack is wide receiver Danario Alexander. The former Ram receiver made his debut last week and wasted little time getting involved recording three catches for 61 yards. Alexander is already on a few radars this week with the team planning on getting him more involved. And with the Bucs next up on the schedule Alexander looks poised to make some noise. The big 6’5” receiver will face the Bucs secondary that has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to wide receiver and he should have lots of success.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

Sunday Edition
November 4th, 2012  

Sunday Morning Gametime

Inactives/Actives

The Packers will have Jordy Nelson (active) today, if you have Randall Cobb on your roster and have the room in your flex spot start him. With Nelson available, the Cardinals cover man Patrick Peterson will be busy locking him down and opening up opportunities for Cobb.

Megatron will be active today, but how effective will he be. There’s been indications he would be limited today. If you have him, you are almost forced to start him unless you have better options.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will start. If he’s playing you have to figure he will be fine moving around the pocket and getting rid of the ball. Tannehill faces the leagues number 7 pass defense, but the Colts struggle with the run; expect a lot of play-action and Brian Hartline.

In the same game running back Donald Brown will play today versus the Dolphins; with running back Vick Ballard figuring in the equation today and Brown dealing with knee issues, he probably a better options to avoid today.

Wide receiver Kenny Britt is active today and will start today against the Bears. The Titans passing offense has been mostly ineffective this season and facing the Bears secondary that allows the 13th fewest fantasy points to wide receiver, Britt is one play that is likely better to avoid today.

The Texans will have tight end Owen Daniels (active) in the lineup today. There was no real worry here, but it should be noted that the Bills are poor against the pass (ranked 22nd), but allow the 14th fewest fantasy points to tight ends. While that may worry some, Daniels has regained his old form and is a focal point in the passing offense; start him with confidence.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Tuesday Edition

October 23rd, 2012 

David's Daily Digest

The Week in Review

Breaking Down my Week 7 Picks

It was another tough week in fantasy football to say the least with several players disappointing and not achieving expectations, but as it always is with fantasy; win some, lose some.

 My Week 7 Duds

These are my week 7 picks that lost…

Making my duds list this week is quarterback, Matthew Stafford. After his 2011 season performance fantasy owners were expecting much bigger things from him this season and such has not been the case. With just 261 yards passing and one touchdown pass to go with a pick (16 fantasy points); hardly a the QB1 performance owners were looking for.

Bad hands….

The Colts receiver Donnie Avery has hardly been much to speak of the past several weeks and in week 7 he remained quiet with just four catches for 46 yards. Avery has not been relevant since week 2, it may be time to plant him on your bench until further notice.

Another wide receiver that remained grounded in week 7 was Dez Bryant. The Cowboys receiver was targeted just three times on Sunday and finished with two catches for 14 yards. It’s tough to sit a player like Bryant because of his upside potential, but just note his inconsistency is going to hurt sometimes.

To complete the list of the poor hands on Sunday group lets add Kenny Britt. The Titans go-to receiver was hardly went to on Sunday as he finished with a paltry 4 grabs for 30 yards. The Titans offense has been inconsistent and with the possible shuffling of quarterbacks in the next coming weeks, Britt does not look like a very good option to lean upon to heavily.

With what appeared to be a prime matchup for running back Darren McFadden, 53 yards rushing and 28 yards receiving are not enough to make fantasy owners happy. This was not his worst game this season by far, but his lack of big yardage and scoring are going to make things tough for fantasy owners. With 25 catches thus far this season he does offer some appeal in PPR leagues, but he’ll need to start ripping off some big runs soon or owners may grow restless.

Running back Trent Richardson could be another falling star. His proneness to injury has kept him off the field much too often this season. Once again Richardson was an early exit on Sunday (against the Colts) totaling just 8 yards. It’s hard for fantasy owners to count on a guy who can’t finish a game. Richardson is not worthy of a starting position in any fantasy leagues until he can get healthy again.

My Week 7 Studs

Some of my week 7 wins….

Let’s start with Monday night and the Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall. He was busy and again productive in the passing game for the Bears. Marshall is now a solid WR1 fantasy this season averaging better than 11 targets per game in his last four starts and totaling 30 catches for 434 yards and three touchdowns. He has scored in three straight and has at least 5 receptions in 5 of his 6 starts this season.

The Buccaneers were on display Sunday against the Saints with quarterback Josh Freeman (420 yards passing) and wide receiver Vincent Jackson (216 yards receiving) doing their best dynamic duo impersonation. Freeman is quietly working his way into fantasy lineups as a starter (in deeper leagues) passing for 299 yards or more in his last three games with 7 touchdown throws. Vincent Jackson is emerging as a big-time receiver again and is putting up the numbers to prove it; 17 receptions, 382 yards receiving, and three touchdowns in his last three games.

Running back Fred Jackson took advantage of a nice matchup on Sunday turning in a solid performance. Jackson rushed for 71 yards and grabbed 8 passes for another 49 yards. He also added a score to complete his week 7 strong showing. Jackson is still splitting time with Spiller finishing Sunday with just 17 touches. As long as he is part-time owners can’t expect too many games like this; play with caution and look for the favorable matchups before inserting into your lineup.

One last mention (although, there is a couple more) is wide receiver Randall Cobb. He is the Packers newest playmaker in the passing game. Against the Rams in week 7 Cobb was targeted eight times and made good on all eight. Cobb finished the day with 8 receptions for 89 yards and two scores. His stock is on a mad rise with Greg Jennings sidelined, but as often as he has been  targeted and as productive as he has been the past two weeks, I can’t see the Packers straying away too far; expect Cobb to stay involved and remain at least a strong solid flex option. He may even be a mid WR3 in deeper leagues and tough to keep on anyone’s bench going forward.

It wasn’t how it was drawn up, but Andrew Luck was money in week 7 accounting for two scores in the Colts third win at home this season. Luck passed for just 186 yards, but still finished Sunday’s contest against the Browns with 18 fantasy points. His numbers this season are not great, but Luck is still good enough to fill a bye week need in fantasy or add insurance on your bench, especially in deep 14-16 team leagues.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SFFL WEEK 7

Sunday Edition
October 21st, 2012  

Suicide Fantasy Football

Week 7

My Line-up

Once again I am engaged in a handful of SFFL leagues and I can tell you, just like last year it is as tough as ever. Fortunately for me this season I enjoying a bit of good fortune with my best team averaging nearly 117 points per week.

Just to recap how it works, you submit a weekly lineup of 8 positions; QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, PK,and DEF. Once you select a player, you may not use that player again for the remainder of the season. It’s an elimination selection process, so you have to really read your matchups and use your selections wisely.

This season I am doing well, currently positioned in 15th place in a league of approximately 130 active players. With that said, let’s take a look at week 7;

Quarterback:
This week I am rolling with little brother Eli Manning. The kid has been big at times, but usually steady. This week taking on the Redskins worst ranked pass defense looks too appetizing to pass on and add the improving health of wide receiver Hakeem Nicks; this could be a big Sunday.

Running Back:
Darren McFadden is coming off his busiest Sunday this season; 30 touches last week against the Falcons. While he was busy he was not as productive as fantasy owners would hope totaling just 98 yards, but adding a score and three grabs. This week Run-DMC meets the Jaguars shaky run defense making this the week owners could cash in on the high pick they used to draft McFadden.

Running Back:
I am not really looking for a huge game from running back Fred Jackson, but in an elimination game you have to find those matchups where your pick can produce. Jackson is facing a very spotty Titans defense. Even in spit-duty this is a good matchup for Jackson, so I like him to be productive totaling close to 100 yards, adding some grabs and finding the end-zone.

Wide Receiver:
The Tennessee Titans offense has a pretty good matchup this week facing the Buffalo Bills and wide receiver Kenny Britt should be ready to emerge as the team’s leading receiver. He is coming off a season high 11 targets and could see just as many today. The Bills have allowed 13 passing touchdowns this season and will likely allow a couple of more; Britt is a good candidate to be on the receiving end of one of those.

Wide Receiver:
The Buccaneers are not known as an offensive juggernaut, but when you face the New Orleans Saints, points and productive are at a premium. Quarterback Josh Freeman and wide receiver Vincent Jackson have been in a groove as of late; in their last two games Jackson has 10 receptions for 166 yards and three scores. They be hooking up early and often on Sunday if they hope to keep up with the Saints.

Tight End:
The Titans will not only be looking for Britt on Sunday, but I expect to see quarterback Matt Hasselbeck looking for his tightend Jared Cook quite a bit. Cook is an enormous and athletic target and could be a huge factor today, if this matchup with the Bills turns into a drag race.

Place Kicker:
It’s usually a coin toss when I am picking a kicker; it’s always tough to guess what teams will struggle in the red-zone and kick field goals. I like the Colts today at home today and one of the reasons is I believe the Browns could struggle at times to punch it into the end-zone. My pick here is kicker Phil Dawson.

Team Defense:
The Packers offense was firing on all cylinders a week ago and I believe they will come out in week 7 and do the same. When the Packers are up, their defense thrives; this could be along day for quarterback Sam Bradford and company.

These are my picks for week 7.


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Saturday Edition
October 20th, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 7 Fantasy Picks (all positions)

This week presents significant challenges for fantasy owners with six teams on the sidelines, but even with so many studs taking the day off there will plenty of stars shinning on Sunday. As I am looking over this week’s matchups I am seeing quite a few names jump out at me that I think are solid plays for week 7. Here are just five of my favorites for Sunday;

Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB
The Bills offense has sputtered at times this season, but even with some rough outings this season quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has managed to outperform (in the fantasy world) some names like Stafford, Rivers, and Schaub. With a very favorable matchup this Sunday facing the leagues 29th ranked pass defense (Tennessee), Fitzpatrick should be able to take advantage of a defense allowing nearly 72% passes completed and 292 yards passing per game. The Titans secondary has also given up 13 passing touchdowns this season; Fitz and the Bills should have little trouble cashing in. I like Fitzpatrick as a high end QB2 and worthy of a start in deeper leagues.

Kenny Britt, WR
In the same game the Titans offense is looking at similar possibilities for success. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will be making his third start this Sunday and facing the Bills 20th ranked pass defense (13 passing touchdowns allowed and 255 yards passing per game), I like his go-to receiver Kenny Britt to finally step up in 2012. Last week versus the Steelers Britt finally found the end-zone and he was heavily targeted; 11 targets last week. I expect to see Hasselbeck continue to look his often was this week leading to some nice fantasy numbers. We could see a lot of grabs, not necessarily big yardage, but he could make a trip to the end zone making him a strong flex of low end WR2 this Sunday.

Josh Freeman, QB
The Buccaneers passing offense has been breathing a little life the past couple of weeks with quarterback Josh Freeman averaging 313 yards in the air with three scores in the team’s past two games. This Sunday the Bucs play host to the New Orleans Saints and the offense may once again have to lean on Freeman and his arm. The Saints offense puts up a lot of points per game and fortunately for Freeman and the Bucs offense the Saints defense gives up a lot of yards (283 yards passing/game) and points (30.8 points allowed per game). This matchup is shaping up to be a big day of passing for Freeman and with his new found toy (Vincent Jackson; three touchdowns in last two games) he could also score a couple of TDs. Freeman looks to be a nice bye-week fill.

Hakeem Nicks, WR
It seems the Giant’s playmaking wide receiver Hakeem Nicks is getting healthier managing a full week of practice. This is good news for the Giants offense and even better for fantasy owners. There’s no question that wideout Victor Cruz has blossomed into one of Eli Manning’s main go-to receivers, so defenses will have to be sure to account for him. This should open some opportunities for Nicks on Sunday facing the Redskins 32 ranked pass defense. When Nicks is healthy he is more than just dangerous, but add a suspect secondary that allows over 325 yards passing per game and has surrendered 15 passing touchdowns this season and he is a must-start (twice on Sunday).

Donnie Avery, WR
In Indianapolis Reggie Wayne is quarterback Andrew Luck’s main go-to guy tied for the NFL lead with 70 targets this season, but wide receiver Donnie Avery is no forgotten man on the other side. Avery is far and away second on the team with 47 (9.4 targets per game). On Sunday the Colts play host to the Browns and it’s highly likely that Wayne will draw a lot of attention from the Browns top corner Joe Haden. Avery should see plenty of favorable matchups and with Luck not shy about looking his way; this could be a breakout Sunday for the Colts number two receiver. Avery should be played as a strong flex or a WR2 bye week filler.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WATERCOOLER CHAT

Wednesday Edition

October 17th, 2012  

Watercooler Chat

“Just Talking Fantasy”

This Weeks Trend-setters

These fantasy contenders or pretenders are just a few names of those that seem to be catching on at the moment, or could be on the verge of breaking out very soon. With week 7 heavily filled with bye teams, these are some of the names that are currently trending on the gridiron; 

Donnie Avery, IND: the Colts wideout has not been much of an impact through the first six weeks, but he is steadily in quarterback Andrew Lucks sight every week. Avery is second on the team with 47 targets this season, including 20 in the teams past two games; it’s just a matter of time before he and Luck start to hook-up.

Dez Bryant, DAL: the Cowboys playmaker has been coming up big of late with 21 catches for 200 yards and two touchdowns in his past two starts. He leads the team with 28 targets over the past two games and figures to continue to be the team’s main go-to receiver. With the Panthers 19th ranked pass defense on the slate for Sunday, Bryant looks positioned to continue to be a fantasy trend-setter.

Kenny Britt, TEN: the Titan’s playmaker is gradually working his way back into the picture. Last week against the Steelers Britt found the end-zone for the first time this season. His 11 targets were also a team high. With the veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck under center once again this Sunday, expect these two to continue to work out the kinks and get back on the same page.

Vincent Jackson, TB: the Buccaneers passing game has slowly been coming out of its’ slumber and last Sunday Vincent Jackson was a major contributor grabbing four passes for 66 yards, including two for scores. V-Jax led the team with 8 targets in their blowout win over KC and he also leads the team this season with 46. He’s been on a roll with 10 grabs for over 160 yards and three scores in his last two starts and with the Saints 26th ranked pass defense up next for the Bucs, Jackson looks primed to continue this trend. 

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FIVE

Friday Edition

September 21st, 2012  

FSH Fantasy Five

Week 3 Wide Receivers

Now that we have had two weeks to take a look at what we are working with, here are my quick fantasy five receivers for week 3;

Julio Jones, ATL

Julio Jones was quiet Monday night against the Broncos, but this wideout is far too talented to be held down two weeks in a row. I expect the Falcons to make every effort to get this monster started early and often. Look for the beast to be unleashed for a big game on Sunday.

Michael Crabtree, SF

In the first two weeks of the 2012 season, one thing we have learned is Alex Smith is not the same old Alex Smith. The Niners quarterback has looked stead and effective and one of the reasons has to be his reliable number one target Michael Crabtree. In two games this season Crabtree leads the team with 16 targets. He’s definitely high on Smith’s radar and after watching what the Colts were able to accomplish against the Vikings secondary, look for Crabtree to enjoy his best Sunday of the season.

Donnie Avery, IND

The Colts number two man, wide receiver Donnie Avery has quickly developed into an Andrew Luck favorite. In two weeks he has put solid numbers as the team’s second option and looks to improve this week against suspect Jags secondary. With Luck looking as sharp as he has in this young season expect Avery to have another productive Sunday; he's a solid flex this week.

Mike Wallace, PIT

Despite his late arrival to camp this preseason, the Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace has still managed to find the end zone in each of the first two games this season. He’s yet to post any big yardage numbers, but that all could change this week against the Raiders. With Antonio Brown leading the Steelers in receiving the Raiders secondary will have to account for him and that could mean good news for Wallace owners. The Raiders struggle to bring pressure to the quarterback meaning this could be a good week to see Wallace and Big Ben challenge the defense deep with the home run ball. I like Wallace this week on the road in the Black Hole.

Kenny Britt, TEN

The Titans best receiver Kenny Britt is still working his way back to complete health, but this week he’s not expected to be limited and should see plenty of time on the field. This could mean great news for fantasy owners, but it may be a little too soon to put all your chips in the middle. The Titans face the leagues number six ranked defense, but the Lions also allow the sixth highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. If the Titans quarterback Jake Locker can stay upright, Britt could be in line for a big day; I like Britt as a good flex option this week.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 21ST, 2011 Wednesday

David’s Daily Digest

Fantasy Notes:

Foster Does Not Practice
What most fantasy folks may have figured, the Texans running back Arian Foster was limited this week in practice and does not look good to play on Sunday. This is great news for fantasy owners that have been teetering back and forth with back up Ben Tate and Foster. It appears Tate will be the starter this week and he should be in most fantasy lineups. Tate has been solid this season racking up 219 yards on the ground and figures to carry the brunt of the load this week against the Saints.

Kenny Britt limited with Hamstring Injury
According to Britt the hamstring injury is the same as the one that hampered him during the preseason, but what I have been reading it does not sound serious or anything to be concerned about. Britt has been a beast in the passing game for the Titans and is now a fantasy must start every week. Next up for Britt the Broncos secondary that was just torched for 385 yards in week 2.

Newton sets his sights for the Jags
It’s starting to look like rather than opposing defenses having a target on the Panthers rookie quarterback each week, Cam Newton is measuring up his gridiron foes for destruction. In just two weeks Newton has passed for over 800 yards and rushed for another 71; he has also accounted for five touchdowns (three passing, two rushing). Newton looks like a dynamic playmaker and this Sunday appears to be another opportunity for him to showcase his talents; if you are not starting him, better get him in your lineup.

Matthews quietly Becoming PPR Stud
Ryan Matthews may be splitting time in the backfield with Mike Tolbert this season, but with his lack of carries (just 24 this season) he is quickly making up for it in the passing game. In the team’s first two games this season Matthews has already collected 10 balls for 135 yards. With that kind of production, Matthews could quickly become a fantasy gem in most PPR formats, especially if he can start finding the end-zone more often.

By David Ortega