FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 9th 2016
Sunday Morning Edition

Week 5 Sunday Notes

WAS-BAL
Looking at today's game in Baltimore, the Redskins and Ravens could be looking at severe playing conditions for the pass game. If conditions become difficutl and the passing game struggles, look for both teams to find relief on the ground. 

This is great news for Terrance West owners. The Ravens running back should have all kinds of success grinding it out against the Redskins suspect run defense. West is leagues 17th ranked runner with 232 yards on the season on 54 carries, a 4.29 yards per carry average. The Redskins allow nearly five yards a carry and have surrendered 8 rushing touchdowns this season. Upgrade West today.

On the other side, the Redskins have a capable runner in their ball carrier Matt Jones. Jones is the 13th ranked runner, but he faces a stiff test going up against the Ravens 5th ranked run defense that has only allowed 2 rushing touchdowns through the first quarter of the season. No pass, a lot of run may not spell relief for Jones fantasy owners. His value takes a slight hit.

CHI-IND
Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer will make his third start this season and after coming off a couple of solid performances with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions. He's playing well and while he's on the road this week, he will see the Colts 24th ranked pass defense that allows the 9th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Hoyer is fighting to keep the starting job and thus far he looks like a favorite. I would expect another solid outing today against a team allowing a near 70% completion rate and the 9th most pass yards this season. He may not put up monster numbers on the road today, but he should be solid as a low QB1 in deep leagues.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FANTASY FOOTBALL RULE NUMBER....

September 26th, 2015
Saturday

Fantasy Football Rule Number...

When in doubt, Thursday's Out. 

No, this is not my rule, but it happens to be one that I am strongly endorsing. It's always a tough start in any fantasy format playing on a short week, so unless you are starting those typical fantasy studs that are locked into your weekly lineup, you are safer staying away from those Thursday night matchups.

First of all, no one wants to go into the weekend with a couple of fantasy duds already locked into your lineup. It's just too much time to languish in the misery of second guessing and wishful thinking.

Where's the evidence? I don't know if there are any hard numbers to support the coined phrase, but just looking at this past Thursday's matchup is enough to convince me.

Even an elite receiver like the Giants Odell Beckham Jr provided little to excite the average fantasy owner. Now he did have a nice night with 7 receptions for 79 yards and a score, but considering where he was drafted and his current salary on the DFS sites, that bar is a little too low.

The Redskins tight end Jordan Reed also turned in a nice effort with 6 catches for 96 yards, but the lack of a score hurts those owners in leagues where touchdowns are heavy (especially the DFS sites). And if you were like me believing the hype around the Redskins rookie running back Matt Jones, his 38 yards rushing with a fumble and zero catches were costly in those lineups you played him in. Wide receiver Pierre Garcon, with DeSean Jackson out was a disappointing 5 catches for 64 yards and no score.

The best plays of the night were the Giants quarterback Eli Manning with 2 touchdown passes, 279 yards passing, and no turnovers, and wide recevier Rueben Randle with 7 receptions, 116 yards receivng, and a score.

When breaking it down, you had a division rivalry, so the teams are very familiar with one another. Playing on a short week it's tough to expect a traveling team to play big. You have an 0-2 Giants team, that could easily be 2-0, playing at home; you have to expect a better effort. It just reads as a risky play to count on much offensive output from the road team.

I think next time, if there's any dobut, Thursday's out.

That's my take.

~David G

FSH: SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

February 14th, 2010 10:07pm PST

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NOTES

What's the Latest

Matt Jones signs with Bengals

The Bengals are not wasting any time addressing some of their offseason needs signing free agent wide receiver Matt Jones to a one year deal. Jones will likely be a long shot to make the team, given his one year hiatus from football in 2009. Chad Ochcinco and Laveranues Coles are the current starters, Jones would likely battle for the number three spot.

Joey Porter remains a Dolphin

It was announced earlier in the week that the Dolphins had released linebacker Joey Porter, but recent reports deemed the release was invalid. Porter is still a Dolphin, but likely won't be for long. Despite the sudden change the Dolphins are sure to release Porter sometime in March avoiding a $1 million dollar salary cap-hit. Porter is looking for a full time gig, which could be a tough find in 2010.

Brian Westbrook planning to return in 2010

The Eagles running back does not sound ready to hang them up according to the Philadelphia Enquirer. Westbrook plans to play in 2010 and stated his goal is "to get back out there." Unless doctors advise against any return, fans can expect to see Westbrook back in 2010, but as an Eagle could be a different story. Coming off a couple of concussions and due to earn over $7 million this coming season, the Eagles may have to take a hard look at bringing the 30 year old ball carrier back for another season.

No sounds from the Brett Favre camp

The 19 year veteran is thankful and happy with his decision to play this past season with the Vikings, but despite the many endorsements from management, team-mates, and the Vikings fans Favre does not sound ready to commit. This has been the routine the past couple of season, so fans should not expect anything any time soon.

Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more of "The Latest" .....

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

July 20th, 2009 10:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

More football news and happenings from around the league; here’s the latest I am hearing, reading, and following with my take on things and how they will impact the coming fantasy season……


My Take...

QB DEREK ANDERSON EXPECTED TO BE FINE
My Fantasy Read: It most definitely looks like a true quarterback competition and controversy in Cleveland this summer. Anderson is expected to be fine for training camp and healthy enough to compete with Brady Quinn for the starting gig. Although the team has a lot of cash tied up with Anderson, the younger Quinn might just prove to be the better of the two, but neither have any fantasy appeal at this time.

WR MATT JONES A MAVERICK WITHOUT A HOME
My Fantasy Read: There are rumors circulating mostly out of the Florida area indicating there could some interest in the receiver-project. Matt Jones is a converted quarterback to receiver that never quite blossomed into what the Jaguars hoped, although he did a decent job. There aren’t too many places in need that Jones figures to be the answer, but he could eventually wind up somewhere this summer. Fantasy owners needn’t concern themselves too much here. If Jones is resurrected, at least to start with he’ll likely be nothing more than added depth and have very little fantasy value heading into the 2009 season.

WR BRANDON MARSHALL TO SHOW AT CAMP
My Fantasy Read: The Bronco’s receiver made it a point to say he “would” report to camp, but there is no promise that he will play for Denver. Either way his presence in camp is a good sign this bad-boy is going to be ready for the 2009 season. With the Broncos he’ll be viewed as a top 10 option in fantasy, but his value could take a severe hit if he gets moved, depending on where he goes!

QB BRETT FAVRE THROWING, NO MORE TALK
My Fantasy Read: If it looks like smoke and smells like smoke, then there is a good chance there is a fire. In Minnesota Brett Favre is throwing and it certainly appears he will be playing in 2009. At 40-years of age, it’s a huge gamble to take the aging veteran as anything more than a mid-level QB2, but then this quarterback has never been average. He’ll have talent around him, if he’s got enough left in the tank, Favre could very well be this season’s version of the 2008 Kurt Warner.


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

May 26th, 2009 9:30pm PST

David's Daily Digest
[My Take]

Just browsing the daily headlines from this week and offering my take on what I hear and what I’m seeing.

My Take...

TE VERNON DAVIS COULD A BIGGER ROLE IN 2009?
My Fantasy Read: Davis is claiming that in the team’s new offense the tight end position will be a focal point. Even if that is the case, Davis has been a bust the last two seasons, so fantasy owners should not put too much stock in these claims just yet.

RB THOMAS JONES WILL REPORT TO JETS OTA
My Fantasy Read: It seems that the Jets running back may be coming to his better senses. According to his agent Jones will report with the team for their upcoming OTA on Wednesday. Jones is looking for a new deal and his best chance of getting one will be back on field showing the team he’s still gone something left. Jones will be 31 in August and is in his 10th season, he’s not likely to see a new deal and could be a fantasy risk if he decides to boycott more voluntary workouts or mandatory for that matter.

WR MATT JONES MAY AVOID SUSPENSION
My Fantasy Read: According to Matt Jones’ agent, the former Jaguar will not be suspended by the NFL afterall. Jones was expected to receive a suspension for violating court-mandated drug program, but that no longer seems to be the case. With the suspension null and void, Jones may find work somewhere, but his fantasy value is going to depend on where he lands.

WR ANQUAN BOLDIN LOOKING TO REPLACE ROSENHAUS
My Fantasy Read: The Cardinals disgruntled receiver is now unhappy with not only his team, but now his agent. With no progress regarding a new contract, Boldin may be looking for someone new to get a deal done now. Regardless of where Q lands, he’s still a top 10 receiver, but there’s no question there are only a few places where his fantasy stock won’t take a hit if he leaves Arizona.

QB TOM BRADY RETURNS TO THE FIELD
My Fantasy Read: The NFL’s former MVP (2007) made his long awaited return to the field on Tuesday when he practiced with the Team during their voluntary OTA. Brady was a full participant in the non-contact drills. Brady is well on his way to returning to 100%, but after missing so much football and being away from the game as long as he was, fantasy owners may want to use some caution. Brady will be better than most, but as good as he was could be a different story.


Check back with "Your Fantasy Sports Home" for more Football to digest....

FSH: TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK

March 21st, 2009 11:37am PST


TUESDAY (FOOTBALL) TALK
[Saturday Edition]


As the annual NFL draft approaches, there seems to be plenty of time to do your homework for the upcoming 2009 fantasy football season, but it's never too soon to get started. There have been plenty of moves (signings & releases) this offseason and figures to be plenty more. With the faces of many teams always changing it can be quite a chore to keep up with what to expect and even more difficult to know who to watch. This week I give you three players that should be on your radar come fantasy draft time.

Fantasy Football Watch

Aside from all the distraction being caused by the "Cutler-McDaniels Chronicles" one of the bright spots in the Denver camp this offseason has been the progress of running back Peyton Hillis, who is coming back from surgery to repair his hamstring. Currently Hillis is ahead of schedule and should be healthy by mid-April. With Hillis figuring to be back in camp at 100%, despite all of the offseason movement in the backfield in McDaniels new system the Broncos bruising back could become a fantasy sleeper in 2009. The former Razorback when given the opportunity showed great versatility as a runner and pas catcher. With the new additions to the team it doesn't look like Hillis will be given many chances to run the ball, but could see some short yardage carries. With McDaniels bringing in his pass friendly offense from New England, Hillis could see lots opportunities. In the three seasons under McDaniels, running backs in New England averaged 77 receptions per season. Because of his ability to make plays in the passing game, Hillis could be a player to watch for 2009 fantasy football.

(Photo by Dave Zalubowski /AP)

Fantasy football fans in Jacksonville will witness firsthand the fall out from the release of wide receiver Matt Jones and it all may not be all that bad. With Reggie Williams and Jerry Porter already gone, the release of Jones now paves the way to a starting position for wide receiver Mike Walker making him a possible 2009 sleeper pick. Walker should remain off of most radars, because of an unproductive 2008, but last season when he was healthy and given the opportunity he was able to show promise as a receiver. In Week 5 he caught six passes for 107-yards. 2008 was mostly filled with injuries and Walker saw little action (especially playing behind Williams, Jones, and Northcutt). He'll be given every opportunity in 2009 to be a starter, but could be a bit of a risky play in Del Rio's conservative game plan. He more likely to offer more value as an in season pick-up, rather than expending a valuable fantasy draft pick. He'll be one to watch in training camp and the early weeks of the 2009 season.

For two reasons fantasy owners should be keeping their eyes opened and focused on the Broncos passing attack in 2009. Sure with all this Cutler mess, you have to wonder who will be under center and with wide receiver Brandon Marshall in trouble, who's going to catch the ball. So just where should owners be focusing their attention, how about wideout Eddie Royal. As a rookie in 2008 Royal caught 91 passes for 980-yards and also scored five touchdowns. He figures to be a big part of the Broncos new passing system under McDaniels and will play the Wes Welker-role in Denver. He'll have premium value in PPR leagues. If the Broncos do in fact trade Cutler, Royal still figures to be a very productive receiver and should be drafted no lower than a low-level WR2. If Cutler stays in town, with Marshall expected to miss up to eight games (suspension) and no bona fide replacement in site, Royal could see his value surge as high as low level WR1 in deeper leagues. Royal will be a hot option to watch leading up to 2009 fantasy drafts.

(AP Photo)

These are just some of my takes of who to watch for in 2009 fantasy football. Check back with me every week for more of my "Fantasy Football Watch."


By David Ortega