FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Morning Edition
September 29th 2019

Sunday Morning Gametime

Week 4 matchups

The Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (QB4 according Fantasy Data) has been solid this season with the league’s 2nd highest passer rating 127.9 (minimum 2 starts), behind only Patrick Mahomes. His week 4 matchup pits him against the Saints defense that has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Lock Dak up for another solid start in Week 4.

Through the first three weeks of the 2019 season, the Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (QB5 according to Fantasy Data) has been on a tear, averaging 300 yards passing and over 70 percent completions. His foe on Sunday is the Arizona Cardinals whose defense has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Wilson is a fantasy Road Warrior, start him.

The Chiefs will be bringing their Big Top Show to the Motor City this week and running LeSean “Shady” McCoy (RB19 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) will have a great matchup against a Lions defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. McCoy is still nursing an ankle injury, but appears ready to go and should be a safe RB2 for Week 4.

The Lions running back Kerryon Johnson (RB22 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) should be a featured focal point of the offense on Sunday when the Chiefs roll into town. The Chiefs defense has allowed the 9th most fantasy points to opposing running backs and Lions should be trying to play keep-away with Johnson. Through the first three weeks, Johnson is averaging 17.6 touches per game; he’s likely to see that total finish north of 20, start him.

The Redskins rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin (WR11 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) leads the team with 24 targets through the first three weeks of the 2019 season. This weeks he’ll get his shot at the Giants secondary that has allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. As the team’s primary receiving threat, McLaurin should see plenty of opportunities on Sunday; he’s a WR2 play this week.

The Chargers are on the road this Sunday to take on the Dolphins in a matchup that could go south for the Phins early. The Dolphins rookie wide receiver Preston Williams (WR51 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) has been seeing a health share of targets (23) through the first three weeks of the season. If the Dolphins can stay competitive, Williams should be heavily involved and even if this one gets away, he could see a lot of garbage time points (they still count). He’s a bye-week plug or flex play this week.

The Lions rookie tight end TJ Hockenson (TE15 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) started out the 2019 season as a nice fantasy play with a monster opener in week one, but the past couple of weeks he’s been a bit of a disappointment. This week Hockenson draws the Chiefs defense that has allowed the 5th most points to opposing tight ends. The Chiefs have also allowed the most receptions to opposing tight ends which should afford Hockenson plenty of opportunities to produce. He’s a borderline TE1-TE2 this week.

The Broncos offense is need of a kickstart this week and their rookie tight end Noah Fant (TE25 according to Fantasy Data, PPR scoring) could be the one to provide the spark. Fant will face a Jaguars defense that has allowed the 6th most receiving yards to opposing tight ends. Fant’s 11 yards per reception, ranks him 12th amongst tight ends with minimum 10 targets this season. He’s a week 4 sleeper.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday morning Edition
September 15th, 2019

Sunday Morning Gametime

Week 2 Matchups

The Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, threw 5 touchdowns in week 1. This week he is facing a Giants pass defense that allowed 4 passing touchdowns and 7 plays of 20+ yards (tied for most in the league) with zero sacks and ranks last in the NFL. I’m starting Lamar, especially in DFS.

The Seahawks signal caller, Russell Wilson is on the road this week against a Steelers pass defense that allowed 366 net yards of passing, recording just one sack while giving up three passing touchdowns and 7 plays of 20+ yards (tied for most allowed in the NFL). Start Wilson.

Kerryon Johnson played 50 snaps in Week one and recorded 18 touches totaling 62 yards of offense. In week 2 the Lions running back will get plenty of run against a Chargers run defense that currently ranks 31st in the league, allowing over 200 yards on the ground in week 1. Kerryon should be in lineups today.

A week 2 matchup against a Colts defense that allowed 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns to opposing running backs, could be good news for the Titans Dion Lewis. He could be in the flex conversation today, but proceed with caution. I am probably sitting Lewis; need to see more production.

The Bills receiver John Brown could be looking at another solid fantasy week facing a Giants secondary that allows the most fantasy points to opposing receivers. In week one, the Giants allowed 18 receptions off 22 targets for 341 yards. I have Brown in my lineups as a flex.

Week 2 could be a bounce back week for the Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. This Sunday he gets a Seahawks secondary that surrendered 6 pass plays of 20+ yards and 276 yards to opposing receivers in week 1. Start Juju, he gets back on track in Week 2.

The Redskins tight end Vernon Davis, could follow up his strong week 1 performance with another solid outing in week 2 against the Cowboys. The Cowboys defense allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in week 1, including 12 receptions for 124 yards receiving. Davis is a streaming option for me this week.

A sleeper play that the fantasy world is quickly waking up to, is the Raiders tight end Darren Waller. Playing on Monday, Waller was able to showcase some of his upside and in week 2, a showdown with the Chiefs could continue the trend. The Chiefs defense held the Jaguars tight ends in check in week 1, but did allow 8 receptions on 9 targets. Waller is a great DFS play and viable option in Season-long leagues.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Morning Edition
September 8th, 2019

Sunday Morning Gametime

I am reading the Twitter updates, checking all of the popular sites for fantasy football news, and from these sources, I have some Week one notes to share when considering setting your Fantasy Football lineup…

(RB) Chris Carson in the Seahawks heavy run offense versus the Bengals defense today. Cincinnati allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing running backs last season (NFL scoring).

(RB)  Leonard Fournette against the Chiefs defense. Last season the Chiefs allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs (NFL scoring), including 4.9 yards per carry and 6 receiving touchdowns (tied for the most in the league).

(WR) Chris Godwin against the Niners secondary today, with Mike Evans (slated to play) under the weather. Last season the Niners defense allowed a league high 27 receiving touchdowns to opposing receivers.

(RB) Le’Veon Bell against the Bills defense today. The Bills defense surrendered the 8th most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2018, including 21 total touchdowns (2nd most in the league).


My Fave DFS Lineup Week One

Every week I play DFS, because let’s face it, I am a football addict and love the NFL. I watch the games, I root for the players, and every week I piss a few dollars away; but it’s fun. Well the playing part, not the pissing dollars away. Here’s one of my favorite line-ups for Sunday Week One!
Fave DFS play Week One

QB-Kirk Cousin, Min; love the matchup, last season Falcons allowed most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks (NFL).

RB-Chris Carson, Sea; Carson has a tasty matchup today against the Bengals.

RB-Kerryon Johnson, Det; This is a great opportunity and favorable matchup for Johnson, hoping to see 20-25 touches.

WR-Chris Godwin, TB; This matchup could be a shootout, Godwin could be in line for 8-10 targets.

WR-Mike Williams, LAC; defense will be focused on the Chargers other weapons as well, Williams should see a number of red-zone opportunities today.

WR-Odell Beckham Jr; A gambling move, but can’t resist the opportunity to own a share of OBJ. He seems like a good bet to find pay-dirt today.

TE-Delanie Walker, Ten; Walker is healthy and has a great matchup against a Browns secondary that allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing TEs last season (NFL scoring)

Flex-Davlin Cook, Min; Cook looks healthy and could be looking at a big season. He should get off to a fast start today against a Falcons defense that allowed 4th highest fantasy points to opposing RBs in 2018.

Def-Seattle; I like this matchup for the Seahawks, especially at home today.


That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Late Evening Edition

September 7th, 2019

Week One: Fantasy Five

This is my first Fantasy Five entry for the season; these are my five predictions for Week One. There are obvious players you drafted you will be starting regardless of the matchup, so these are bubble players that may or may not be in your line-up on Sunday! Here are my Stud, Dud, Boom, Bust, and Sleeper for tomorrow.

Stud - WR, Mike Williams

There’s not a large sample size to evaluate here, so this is more of a gut call for me. Williams is in his third season now and ready for a breakout. The Chargers will meet the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, but this is a home matchup, so I like the homedawgs to have success on offense tomorrow. The Colts were the best last season against opposing receivers allowing the fewest fantasy points, so why do I like Williams. Last season in his last four games, Williams saw at least six targets in three of his last four games. With the Colts defense keying on the other Chargers receiver Keenan Allen (WR11 according to FFC), and with his 6’4” frame I like Williams to find the end-zone on Sunday. He’ll finish much better than his WR26, ADP 61.8 (according to FFC).

Dud - QB, Matt Ryan

The Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was coming off drafts boards with an ADP of 68.2 (FFC), good enough for the QB5 spot. That high in drafts, he’s a QB1 in all redraft leagues, but fantasy owners will need to keep their expectations in check. Ryan and the Falcons open on the road and face the Minnesota Vikings, the league’s 3rd ranked pass defense (allowing fewer than 200 yards passing per game) from a year ago. The Vikings also allowed the 3rd fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. While many project a big year for Matty-Ice, he may not get off to the high-flying start many will be hoping for. With the weapons Ryan has, I am predicting a decent outing, but his numbers may fall outside the top 12 for the week.

Boom - RB, Kerryon Johnson

The Lions are set to meet the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and running back Kerryon Johnson is set to have a huge Sunday. The Cardinals defense was bad last season against opposing running backs allowing the most fantasy points, over 150 yards on the ground, and 20 rushing touchdowns (to running backs); all led the league in 2018. Johnson should some flashes last season when healthy and given the chance. Coming off fantasy drafts boards as the RB14, I think he’s a shoo-in to be a Top-10 on Sunday. He’s healthy and primed to be a workhorse in the Lions backfield this season; at least in Week one he should take full advantage of the opportunity.

Bust - TE, David Njoku

This is hardly a news breaker, but the Browns tight end is going to be lower in the pecking order when it comes to Targets, likely behind OBJ (Odell Beckham Jr), Jarvis Landry, and (maybe even) Nick Chubb. He’s a talented pass catcher with a lot of skills, but he’ll have a difficult matchup this week against the Titans defense that allowed the 5th fewest points to opposing tight ends in 2018. Njoku finished the 2018 season as the TE9, the same spot he’s being drafted in fantasy leagues at ADP 81.1 (FFC). In 2018, in his final 8 games, Njoku had just two games with more than 5 targets, and his 7 targets in Week 17 were the most he saw during that stretch. With the arrival of OBJ, the target shares he enjoyed last season may not be available. Njoku may give owners fantasy TE9 numbers over the course of the season, but at times it could be feast or famine; Week one looks like a potential famine.

Sleeper - QB, Kirk Cousins

Cousins and the Vikings open up at home and with the return of a healthy running back Dalvin Cook, the offense looks primed for 2019. Cousins has been a steady fantasy QB1, over the past several seasons and with a full complement of weapons this Sunday against the Falcons, I like his prospects for a big game. The Falcons defense allowed the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks last season along with 33 passing touchdowns, 4th most allowed in the league. The Falcons are healthy this season and should be improved, but Cousins was the QB18 in fantasy drafts at ADP 130.8 (FFC); he looks like a lock to finish significantly higher this week than QB18.

Week One: Injury Notes

Notable

• TE Jordan Reed (concussion) is out, fade all Redskins TEs
• WR Stefon Diggs (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday, check status.
• WR Robby Anderson (calf) is questionable for Week 1, look at other options.
• WR Alshon Jeffery (biceps) expected to play Sunday, he’s a safe flex or WR3.
• WR Marquise Lee (knee) removed from injury report, a possible week one sleeper.
• WR Antonio Brown lands in New England; he’s out for Week 1

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