FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 30th 2017

Monday Evening Edition

Sunday’s Heroes

(Week 8)

It was one of the most exciting games of the season, watching Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson duel with Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Fortunately for the Seahawks, they had Russell. There’s little doubt, his Sunday performance single-handedly won matchups for fantasy owners and may have scored some cash for DFS players.

Wilson played brilliantly on Sunday completing 26 passes for 452 yards and throwing 4 touchdowns; he also added a couple of scrambles and runs for another 30 yards. It was an epic performance good enough for the win and enough to move Wilson into the No.4 fantasy QB slot.

Not-the-Usual-Suspects

QB-Andy Dalton; the Red Rifle returned to action on Sunday and played very well in the Bengals week 8 win over the Colts. Dalton completed 17 of 29 passes for 243 yards tossing two touchdowns.

RB-Jerick McKinnon; the Vikings running was big on Sunday with 20 touches leading to 50 rushing yards, 6 receptions for 72 yards receiving and a rushing touchdown. McKinnon showed off his versatility and likely earned himself more touches going forward.

RB-Lamar Miller; in a game that was highlighted with the pass (8 passing touchdowns total), Miller flew under the radar posting a solid line; 54 rushing yards, 3 receptions for 19 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown.

WR-Paul Richardson; the Seahawks receiver was golden on Sunday hauling in 6 passes for 105 yards and two scores. This probably came out of nowhere, but Richardson now has 5 receiving touchdowns on the season and should be on fantasy radars.

WR-Robbie Anderson; the Jets receiver was targeted just six times and turned in a line of 6/104/1. It was his best stat line across the board for the season. This was his third straight game scoring in double-digit fantasy points; he should be on fantasy radars throughout the bye weeks.

WR-Jamison Crowder; thus far this season Crowder has been a disappointment, but on Sunday he shined and showed fantasy owners what he can do. The Redskins receiver tallied 9 catches for 123 receiving yards. It was his first double-digit scoring performance (in PPR) and likely not his last.

WR-JuJu Smith-Schuster; the Steelers young receiver was given opportunity and he cashed it in a big way. JuJu caught 7 of 10 targets for 193 yards, including a blistering 97 yard touchdown. It was his first big game of the season and will definitely lead to more opportunities going forward.

TE-Jack Doyle; the Colts tight end worked his way into the Top-10 for fantasy TEs with his Sunday performance; 12 grabs for 121 receiving yards and a touchdown. Doyle’s workload had been trending in this direction, he’s a safe TE1 going forward.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

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September 23rd 2017

Saturday Afternoon Edition

My Week 3 Four Horsemen + a Flex

(Bold Predictions)

So a quick look back at Week 2; we didn’t do too bad. I’m never going to jump through hoops or bury my head in the sand, because I know this is not an exact science. But I will admit, it always feels good to get some call right; last week quarterback Jameis Winston wasn’t brilliant, but he didn’t hurt your lineup either.

You’ll notice I always favor my scoring takes and breakdown toward PPR (love this format), so on that note, running back Melvin Gordon (No.8 RB last week), wide receiver Mike Evans (No.6 WR last week), and tight end Rob Gronkowski (No.3 TE last week) all scored very well. In the flex spot, I whiffed with Larry Fitzgerald; 6 targets for 3 receptions and 21 yards (finished outside the Top-50).

You win some, you lose some, let’s see how we do in week 3. Here are my picks for Week 3;

Quarterback

I’m not a Chargers fan by any mean, but I love Philip Rivers grit. The kid is tough as nails and in his 14th season he can still sling it all over the yard. He’s home this week and gets a favorable matchup against a leaky Chiefs secondary that is ranked 29th (before the Thursday Night game) against the pass. Rivers have plenty of weapons and will need to utilize all in what figures to be a shootout. I expect a big day for Rivers; 330 yards passing, 3 touchdowns and a pick.

Running Back

In my backfield this week I’ll be lining up the Panthers Jonathan Stewart. His numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s been steady currently the No. 26 fantasy RB. He’s a worthy of a flex play, but this week against a soft Saints defense he could put up Top-15 fantasy numbers. Saints do a poor job versus the run ranked 24th, so I expect the Panthers to lean on the ground game. With 33 carries in two games thus far, I expect Stewart to lead the ground charge; 20 carries, 105 rushing yards, 2 catches, 15 receiving yards, and a rushing touchdown.

Wide Receiver

This week I am lining up out wide the Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Sure the Patriots know that Hopkins is the only real receiving threat the Texans have, but through two weeks quarterback Deshaun Watson has been able to pepper his favorite target with a heavy diet. Through two weeks Hopkins has been targeted 29 times (leads all receivers) and that has translated into the No.10 fantasy WR. He’s sure to see at least 10 targets on Sunday and the Patriots secondary is not good enough to shut him down. I’d look for a modest line of 7 receptions for 80 yards and a score.

Tight End

My tight end for week 3 is a bit of a risky play The Raiders Jared Cook has seen a steady diet of targets (11 total) in each of the first two weeks, but it has yet to convert into any real production. Cook has just 9 receptions for 81 yards in two games, good enough for the No.18 fantasy TE. This week I expect to see a significant rise in product against a Redskins defense that ranks 28th against the pass (before the Thursday Night game) and has allowed the most receiving yards to opposing tight ends. This week Cook scores; 6 receptions, 65 receiving yards, and a touchdown.

Flex

Going to reach a little, very little with this pick of running back Lamar Miller. The Patriots are not great against the run, currently ranked 26th and the Texans will have to shorten this one if they hope to keep it close. I am expecting the Texans game plan to be run, run, run and the beneficiary will be Miller. He has 40 touches in 2 games and could see a spike in touches on Sunday. I’m not expecting a big day, but a strong stat line of; 18 carries, 90 rushing yards, 3 catches, 20 receiving yards, and a score.

For those of us engaged in DFS or team defense leagues;

Defense; I am running with the Steelers this week. Looking at the numbers, the Bears struggle with keeping their quarterback upright and the Steelers bring pressure (9 sacks in 2 games). The Bears offense also ranks 20th in total offense, buried in the lower half of the league. The Steel Curtain should feast this Sunday.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

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September 22nd 2017

Friday Late Night Edition

My Weekly DFS Play

For those that may be interested, here’s one of my favorite line-ups for Sunday (Week 3) on DraftKings;

QB-Philip Rivers ($6,400): At this price, I believe Rivers is a great value and I happen to like his week 3 matchup very much as well. The Chiefs defense allows the 6th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and with their offense putting up points on the Chargers 20th ranked defense that sits well with me. I expect to see Rivers slinging it all over the yard, just trying to keep up with Alex Smith the Sunshine Band.

RB-Lamar Miller ($5,000): Yes, that’s right Miller. Bill O’Brien and the Texans are going to have to shorten this game as much as possible, if they stand a chance to keep it competitive. Miller, the No.19 (PPR) fantasy running back has yet to exceed 20 carries in a game this season (his high is 18), but I expect he’s got a good shot at doing just that this Sunday against a Patriots defense that allows the most fantasy points to opposing running backs. Miller Gold has a nice ring, don’t you think?

RB-Jonathan Stewart ($4,700): Now here’s the bargain of the week, Stewart for $4,700 at the Saints. Through two weeks Stewart has carried the rock 33 times for 105 yards, not a great average. He’ll get a great shot at redemption and much better numbers this Sunday against a Saints defense that is allowing 4.4 yards per carry. The Saints defense has also allowed the 4th most fantasy points (27.00) to opposing running backs, which means both Panthers backs should be productive.

WR-Keenan Allen ($7,200): This is the stack play with Keenan and Rivers, but could you blame me? His price is in line, especially following a week 2 with 10 targets for 9 receptions and 100 yards receiving. Allen is consistent and unquestionably Rivers favorite. You should be able to count on another 8-10 targets on Sunday against a Chiefs secondary that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers

WR-Jermaine Kearse ($4,600): Another bargain, with a little risk. But at his price it’s hard to pass on Kearse. Through two games he’s been the most reliable and productive receiver on the field for the Jets. I expect to see his number continue to be called and against a shaky Dolphins secondary he should have lots of success.

WR-Adam Thielen ($5,700): There’s likely no Sam Bradford this Sunday, he’s still dealing with a knee issue. As was the case last week, in the absence of Bradford, backup Case Keenum got the start. Keenum will likely start again and for Thielen owners that’s not all bad. Last week Thielen led the team in receptions (5), but for only 44 yards. Keenum started slow, but didn’t look all bad giving me the belief he may be serviceable this week and Thielen might be playable. At his price and going up against a Buccaneers secondary that allowed over 200 yards to wide receivers last week, you have to take a shot here with Thielen.

TE-Travis Kelce ($6,000): In two games Kelce has been greatly involved in the Chiefs passing game with 17 targets producing a line of 13/143/1. He’s the No.2 (PPR) fantasy tight end and coming off a strong week 2 performance. The way Andy Reid has been utilizing his big tight end through two weeks, the Chargers defense is going to have a tough time handling. And now Kelce has a nice compliment of weapons around him on the field to draw attention away, he should have another busy afternoon on Sunday

Flex-Ty Montgomery ($6,900): With bargain runners I have slotted, I was able to go a little higher with my flex and what a deal! Montgomery has seen plenty of work through two weeks and even if they dial it back a bit, he’ll still see plenty of touches this Sunday against the Bengals. Montgomery is No.4 (PPR) fantasy running back averaging 19.5 touches per game. Expect his workload to remain in line this week with the prospect of Randall Cobb out and Jordy Nelson possibly being slowed with a bruised quad.

D/ST-Steelers ($3,400): Playing by the numbers here. Steelers are well priced and the Bears offense has not played well. The Bears O-line has allowed only 5 sacks, but they have allowed the quarterback to take a ton of hits (18) in two games. And what do the Steelers do well; 9 sacks (ranked 3rd) and hit the quarterback 16 times this season (tied for 2nd most).

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

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September 14th 2017

Thursday Edition

My Thursday Night Takes

The Houston Texans will travel to Cincinnati tonight in our Weekly Thursday Night Matchup, and unfortunately for those fans that enjoy lots of points this affair has the makings of an ugly matchup and not a lot of points. That being said, there’s still going to be some fantasy relevance, whether you play or avoid certain play.

Here are some of my Thursday night takes for fantasy owners;

The Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to start. Its unlikely fantasy owners even drafted Watson this season, except for maybe Dynasty leagues, but his matchup this week has the potential of being a train wreck. He’s only played quarterback for a half in the NFL and he’s gets his first start on the road and a short week; nuff said.

Although his quarterback may struggle tremendously tonight, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is almost assured to see a plethora of targets. Even with 16 targets in week one Hopkins was not able to generate much of a big game, but his 4th quarter score was able to salvage the day. Fantasy owners may be able to count on the same happening here tonight, especially if the Bengals get up big.

One area of success the Texans offense may be able to rely on tonight, is the running game led by running back Lamar Miller. The Bengals defense did not struggle too poorly in week one allowing 157 yards on the ground; they held Ravens ball carriers to less than 4 yards per carry on 42 attempts. This one could be close throughout providing Miller plenty of opportunity to accumulate the carries; Miller’s got a good shot at 20 or so carries and 100 yards.

Perhaps the favorite play tonight will be the Bengals Defense. The team is coming off an embarrassing week one loss and with a home game tonight and the prospects of facing a rookie quarterback the thinking could be someone ring the dinner bell. Bengals D should be a DFS streaming favorite this week.

And his name is Dalton; quote from the movie Roadhouse. Unfortunately quarterback Andy Dalton is not our hero, as was displayed in week one. Dalton has a tendency to be like that, cold and hot, so tonight at home could be quite the opposite from last Sunday. I’m not gambling any farms away on this, Dalton should be decent against the Texans, but hardly worth starting.

Fortunately for wide receiver AJ Green, a good game for Dalton only means good things for Green. In week one AJ was targeted 10 times finishing 5/74, he’s going to be featured heavily once again. The Texans do have good corners so owners should not expect a huge game; more in the line with week one numbers, but maybe add a score.

I’m not going to bank on a bounce back game for tight end Tyler Eifert who was targeted just once in week one. He’ll be a part of the passing game plan, but may only put up modest numbers. I, however think he gets a couple of looks in the red-zone tonight and may be able to cash one in. He’s a tough play, especially in DFS.

The area of confusion fantasy owners may have trouble sorting through for tonight’s matchup is the Bengals backfield; running backs Jeremy Hill, Giovanni Bernard, and (rookie) Joe Mixon. There’s no easy read here where the team might commit, but of the three Giovanni looked like the best in week one. Hill and Mixon will get looks on the ground, but if you have to play any of the three I am leaning with Bernard because of his pass catching prowess.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

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January 6th, 2017
Friday Evening Edition

Friday’s Fantasy Five

It’s Wildcard Weekend and it’s time to start getting jacked for the NFL Playoffs. It all starts tomorrow (Saturday) and even though the regular season has concluded, fantasy does not stop. Thanks to DSF sites and the NFL Playoff Challenge, there’s plenty of fantasy left to play.

With fantasy on the brain, let’s talk about this weekend’s games and what five players are my favorites to perform well.

My first pick comes from the early game on Saturday, the Raiders are on the road to take on the Texans. And without quarterback Derek Carr under center, the Silver and Black will need to rely heavily on running back Latavius Murray and the running game. The Texans have been very good versus the pass this season, but their defense is only ranked 12th against the run. Murray won’t find too many big holes on the ground, but he could see some extra work in the short passing game and have a big day just on volume alone.

The Texans will likely lean the same direction as the Raiders and try to ride their own ball carrier, my second pick; Lamar Miller. In their early matchup this season, Miller tore through the Raiders defense for 104 yards on 24 carries. If the Texans have their way on Saturday, Miller could see a similar workload with similar results.

In the early game on Sunday, the Dolphins-Steelers matchup offers plenty of fantasy frenzy and my third pick; wide receiver Eli Rogers. The Steelers 2nd year receiver has been coming on of late and in his last two games with Big Ben tossing the pigskin he collected 9 passes on 11 targets for 159 yards receiving and a touchdown. There’s no doubt the Dolphins secondary is going to be preoccupied and have it hands full with the Steelers other receiver Antonio Brown. This will only mean plenty of chances for Rogers and Big Ben to connect on a big one against a secondary that has allowed the 4th most fantasy points to opposing wide receiver over the past four weeks.

In the weekend finale, my number four and five picks; wide receiver Davante Adams and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. There’s no question Rodgers is going to be the popular play this weekend and rightfully so. He’s Mr. Snow, Mr. Lambeau, Mr. Fire on Ice and over the past two months he’s been on a roll; his last 8 starts, 298 yards passing/game, 20 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Drawing a first round home game, weather will not be a factor for Rodgers.

With Rodgers under center his receivers are going to be busy and in line for a big Sunday. Wide receiver Jordy Nelson will draw a lot of attention, opening up opportunities for wide receiver Davante Adams to step up. Adams finished the year with 75 receptions, 997 yards receiving, and 12 touchdowns. He’s ready to breakout this post-season.

That’s My Take

~David G. Ortega

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November 26th 2016
Saturday Evening Edition

Week 12 Perfect Lineup

I usually play two Perfect lineups each week, one on NFL.com and the other on DraftDay Fantasy site. Here is my perfect lineup for week 12 on DraftDay.

QB-Tom Brady (NE) - Brady will take his best shots against a Jets secondary that has struggled mightily at times this season. Brady is coming off a big 4 touchdown performance last week and has thrown at least three in four of his six starts. Sunday could be another big day for Tom.

RB-DeMarco Murray (TEN) - Since week 7 Murray has had no fewer than 19 touches and has eclipsed 127 total yards in three of his five starts. Murray is the number 3 scoring fantasy running back and should see a hefty workload on Sunday.

RB-Lamar Miller (HOU) - The Texans ball carrier will face a Chargers defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including 12 rushing touchdowns (tied for second most). Miller should see a lion’s share of touches on Sunday giving him plenty of opportunities to produce.

WR-Odell Beckham Jr (NYG) - The Giants dynamic wideout was slowed up a week ago, but with 6 games of 10 plus targets this season, expect OBJ to see plenty of work on Sunday. Facing a Browns defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including the 6th most receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns (tied for 3rd most).

WR-Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) - The Cardinals will host the Falcons on Sunday and Larry Fitzgerald will draw coverage from a defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. FItzgerald will see plenty of chances on Sunday, especially in the red-zone.

WR-Rishard Matthews (TEN) - The Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has been sizzling lately and his favorite wide receiver has been Matthews. The Titans wideout faces the Bears secondary that has allowed the 6th most fantasy points to opposing wide receiver. In his last three games Matthews has totaled 18 receptions on 28 targets for 248 yards and three touchdowns. He should have plenty of chances to improve these numbers on Sunday.

TE-Greg Olsen (CAR) - The heavily targeted Panthers pass catcher is the number fantasy scoring tight end this season. This week Olsen will draw the Raiders defense that allows the 8th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Olsen has been quiet recently, but this could change Sunday against the Raiders who allow the 9th most receiving yards and 5 receiving touchdowns (tied for 4th most allowed).

PK-Justin Tucker (BAL) - The Ravens kicker has been solid this season and with an offense that has had it struggles he could see some extra shots from close range on Sunday.

D/ST-Dolphins - The Dolphins are hosting the 49ers who will have to make the long travel across country for the early kickoff start time. This will be a tough matchup for the Niners who are coming off a very poor performance last week against the Patriots.

That’s My Take.

 ~David G. Ortega

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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

MY TOP PPR RUNNING BACKS TO TARGET

August 27th, 2015
Thursday

MY TOP PPR RUNNING BACKS TO TARGET

With my next fantasy draft coming up in a couple of days, the emphasis in this next draft is PPR and no position will be more important than my backfield. 

As many of may be hearing and seeing, even with the recent onslaught of injuries and suspensions the wide receiver still seems to be the deepest it's ever been. Quite simply fantasy owners can not escape the fact that the running back is by far the highest contact skill position, providing the biggest risk; drafting depth always is and will once again be a premium in PPR or standard leagues.

With my upcoming draft, I am focusing on production yes, but just as important in my thought process is opportunity. In fantasy, opportunity is the prelude to utilization and production.

What I am looking for in my top targets, touches, targets, and production. With this criteria in mind as I prepare for my draft, here are my top running backs to target;

2014 numbers:
Jamaal Charles, KC - 206 carries, 40 receptions, 59 targets (265 chances)
Le'Veon Bell, PIT - 290 carries, 83 receptions, 105 targets (395 chances)
Arian Foster, HOU - 260 carries, 38 receptions, 59 targets (319 chances)
Mark Ingram, NO - 226 carries, 29 receptions, 36 targets (262 chances)
Lamar Miller, MIA - 216 carries, 38 receptions, 52 targets (268 chances)
Justin Forsett, BAL - 235 carries, 44 receptions, 59 targets (294 chances)
Andre Ellington, ARI - 201 carries, 46 receptions, 64 targets (265 chances)


Last season was a bit of a down season for Charles and based on his total chances in 2014, I only see that number increasing a lot.

Bell was a fantasy stud in 2014 and despite the two game suspension to start this season, he should be able to improve upon these numbers from a year ago.

Foster is someone I am looking at trying to steal early. His numbers may taper back a bit this season due to the early injury, but once he's healthy he'll see volume and produce.

Ingram is someone I think I am likely to value higher than most. I believe he can be a bell-cow in New Orleans and with no Immy Graham, the Saints offense will have a more conservative look this season.

Playing in what should be an improved offense, behind a rising star quarterback I can only see Miller continuing his ascent as one of the more reliable runners in the league.

Forsett is another one of those backs I may be valuing higher than most. I watched a lot of his games last season and I am a believer in his skills. He may lose some goal line touches to a bigger back, but he's still going to see plenty of work in the pass game.

I don't really like chasing sleepers and I am not sure that these backs would be considered, but Doug Martin  (missed 5 games last season) in Tampa and Rashad Jennings (208 chances in 11 games) are a pair that I will target in mid-rounds to add depth.

Just my take.

~David G

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Saturday Evening Edition

September 27th, 2014 

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Night Quick Reads

Do the Numbers lie?

With bye weeks in effect for this Sunday’s slate of games, there are quite a few matchups worth paying close attention to and taking notes. As I survey all 11 games on Sunday and Monday nights matchup, I hear the numbers talking that fantasy owners should be listening to….

Fantasy owners looking for help in the backfield should be able to turn to Chargers running back Donald Brown for relief. The Chargers are thin at running back, so Brown figures to see the bulk of the work load on Sunday. He has a meaty matchup at home against the Jaguars and could be in for a nice day. The Jaguars are the worst defense in the league versus the run, allowing 160 yards per game and allow the most fantasy points against opposing running backs. Play Donald.

The Panthers are on the road this Sunday against the Ravens, but for wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin he could be making himself right at home facing a (Ravens) defense that has allowed the 5^th most receiving yards to opposing receivers. Through the first three weeks Benjamin has been targeted 27 times catching 16 balls, including two for scores. On Sunday he’ll be a busy Panther and should be solid play for fantasy owners. Start him if you got him.

It’s not a home game and it’s not road, but for Dolphins running back Lamar Miller his matchup against the Raiders could be a good game. Miller is coming off a 100-yard rushing effort in week 3 and this Sunday he faces the Raiders defense that ranks second to last against the run and is allowing the 7^th most fantasy points to opposing running backs. If fantasy owners are looking for a strong play, this has all the makings according to the numbers. Miller is worth starting.

That’s my take for week 4.

~David Ortega

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Sunday Morning Edition

September 14th, 2014 

 

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Gametime

Last Minute Notes

Well, we actually have more than a couple of minutes; we are several hours away from Sunday kickoff. But in the whole scheme of things this is last minute considering how much time we have had available to set our line-ups.

With Sunday kickoff for week 2 of the NFL just a few short hours away, I thought I would take a look at some of today’s matchups and offer some helpful insight or just give you my opinion; whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

While I am setting my 19 head-2-head fantasy lineups this morning and one thing I will be remembering, in the Jacksonville-Washington game today the Jaguars will not have the services of safety Johnathan Cyprien (concussion). Cyprien is a great talent in the secondary and was second on the team in tackles last season with 104. Last week when Cyprien left the game against the Eagles, the Jaguars secondary had a lot of problems, blown assignments and allowed several big plans. As a result the defense surrendered 34 second half points.

The Redskins offense is in great need of some kind of spark coming off their poor performance in week one scoring just six points. The Jaguars may be just what the doctored ordered. With Cyprien ruled out this week, the Redskins wide receivers Pierre Garcon (10rec/77yds) and DeSean Jackson (8rec/62yds) may finally get on track and hit a few big plays in the pass game. I like both plays today and I would even consider tight end Niles Paul (4 targets in week 1) a sneaky sleeper play today for those with need at the position. And of course with all this love for his receivers, I have to say I like quarterback Robert Griffin III to bounce back today with a solid performance.

Looking at another matchup today with injury implications having an impact, the Saints-Browns matchup is interesting. Browns tight end Jordan Cameron has been listed as questionable all with a shoulder injury that he reaggravated in week one. With Cameron limited or possibly ruled out, I am in heavy favor of wide receiver Andrew Hawkins (8rec/87yds last week). Hawkins played with the Bengals last season and came over to the Browns during the offseason. During training camp he built up a nice rapport with quartback Brian Hoyer; in week one Hawkins was targeted 10 times. Today could be much of the same. Hawkins is not a big play, but has the look of a volume receiver; he’ll see plenty more targets and rack up more catches. That’s PPR gold.

Circling back the wagons and looking at an earlier morning matchup in the Northeast, I believe the Dolphins-Bills matchup today will be a close game. I believe both teams will be able to stay with the game-plans and run the ball extensively. The Bills did a solid job in week one limiting the Bears run game allowing 86 yards on 18 carries. The key number here is the 18 carries, because today the Bills defense is likely to see a significantly larger number facing the M&M boys. In week one against the Patriots, the Dolphins running backs Knowshon Moreno and Lamar Miller combined for 35 carries. Moreno is the favorite here, leading the way in week one with 24 totes, but Lamar Miller still has plenty of fantasy relevance. Miller carried the ball 11 times to the tune of 59 yards; he also snagged four passes. Both have value and both should be in your lineup today; Moreno as an RB2 and Miller as a flex.

These are just a couple of my takes for Week 2.

Good luck.

~David Ortega