FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Sunday Night Edition
August 11th, 2019

Fantasy Draft 2019: 
Player Market Exchange is Open

I’ve not usually done this in years past, although heading into every fantasy football season, I am always looking at players like Stocks and Commodities; some you want to buy others you avoid or sell on. Does this sound familiar? It probably does, that’s because it does mirror a lot of those like/dislikes columns you read from the fantasy experts that are put out every pre-season. I just thought this season, I’d join the party and have a little fun with it myself.

So what are typical “Buys” and “Sells?” 

The best I can explain, for the “Buys”, these are not just the players I like, but rather these are players I do like and that I am seeing I can draft where I’d like to take them (currently in mock drafts) and where I am projecting I will take (select) them. 

The sells are not necessarily players I don’t like, to the contrary, I like quite a few of them a lot, very much. But where many of these (sell) players are going in many of the mock drafts I am doing and where they are slotted in current ADP, I don’t like. I am not expecting to draft them there, nor am I likely to reach for them earlier. This season I believe there is enough depth and too much value available in the first 10-12 rounds of your fantasy draft to reach.

So here is a quick list of some of my buys (the players that should be available in your drafts at spots where you can still get value taking them).…

These are two of my favorites, Texans Quarterback Deshaun Watson (current ADP of 6.01 per FFC) and Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (current ADP of 10.5 per FFC). I am very high (top 3 fantasy QB this season) on Watson this season and have found I can grab him around the 5th and early 6th round. I believe Winston will be a mid to top five, QB1 this season and he has been going as late as the 10th-12th rounds.

Another player to Buy that I am excited about this season is Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay (current ADP of 4.11 per FFC). His current ADP is about right in my opinion and this talented runner figures prominently in the Broncos offense; he’s going to see more than enough opportunity to finish as a top 20 fantasy running back.

Additional 2019 Buys:
QB, Aaron Rodgers; this will be a big year for A-rod.
QB, Matt Ryan; he returns to the MVP conversation.
RB, Tevin Coleman; no news here. No Mckinnon, he’s on the rise.
RB, Derrius Guice; he’s healthy and love him after the 7th.
WR, Chris Godwin; if he’s my number one WR, I’m okay with that.
WR, Calvin Ridley; can’t teach speed, takes huge steps forward in 2019.
TE, Jorden Reed; as late as he’s going, he’s a steal.

This is my quick list of players that I may avoid or won’t draft, because their value does not match the price (current ADP) in my opinion….

The Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (current ADP of 3.04 per FFC) figures to come back to earth some this season, closing the gap between his fantasy output and say the 4th and 5th fantasy quarterbacks. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an elite talent, but going as early as the 2nd and 3rd rounds in many drafts, I just don’t see myself taking a QB that early. Now, of course, should he fall a couple of rounds later, I am not wasting a moment to jump all over that.

Holdout Running backs Melvin Gordon (Chargers) and Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys) carry too much risk for me to bother using an early draft pick on either. Gordon has an ADP of 3.03 per FFC, which continues to fall; past the 4th round I may consider. Like Gordon, Elliott (current ADP of 1.05 per FFC) is currently holding out, although there’s a feeling he may get a deal done sooner, rather than later. My feeling is I can build my team without the risk and headache.

Additional Sells;
QB, Baker Mayfield; a lot of promise, still going too early.
QB, Kyler Murray; need to see it first, other options available.
RB, Jerick McKinnon; too much risk with that knee.
WR, Antonio Brown; too much noise and distraction, and may not play.
WR, AJ Green; not healthy, going to miss a chunk of games.

That’s my take.
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 17th 2017

Friday Evening Edition

My Week 11 Fantasy Favorites

Believe me when I say, there’s no deep research here. I’m not using any algorithms or scientific formulas, but at the same time I am not flipping coins or selecting the more dominant state flowers. I just go by what my eyes see and what the numbers tell me. After 10 weeks of action, these are my favorite plays for Sunday Week 11;

Derek Carr (Oak); I like the Raiders quarterback at home this week against the Patriots. And while some believe the Pats defense is playing much better, let’s not confuse Brock Osweiler with Derek Carr. The talent level and abilities are not comparable. I expect a huge day for Carr.

Latavius Murray (Min); The Rams have not been great against the run this season and their secondary is going to have all they can handle with the Wonder Twins (Diggs & Thielen) on Sunday. Murray should see a healthy number of carries (14-18) this week, enough to do some damage. He could break off a few big runs if he can get to that second level. The Rams safeties won’t be able to cheat up and will likely be making most of their tackles 5-6 yards beyond the line-of-scrimmage.

Melvin Gordon (LAC); Last week was Austin Ekeler outplaying Melvin, but this week look for Gordon to bounce back in a big way against the Bills. Gordon will line up against a defense that has allowed the 6th most rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns (most in the league) this season. Gordon should get plenty of play on Sunday and turn in a great effort.

Michael Crabtree (Oak); With Carr expected to have a big day on Sunday according to me, Crabtree should be one of the big recipients. The Patriots defense has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points, 3rd most receptions, and the 2nd most receiving yards to opposing wide receivers this season. Crabtree is the No.23 fantasy WR (in PPR) this season and will look to climb the board on Sunday.

Nelson Agholor (Phi); The Eagles wide receiver has been a quiet surprise this season, scoring in five of his first seven games. He’s been off the past two games, but he’s got a tasty matchup on Sunday against the Cowboys. The Cowboys defense has allowed the 5th most receptions and 3rd most touchdowns to opposing receivers. I am expecting Agholor to make at least one trip to pay dirt.

Travis Kelce (KC); Quite simply the Giants defense has played the worst against opposing tight ends this season. Kelce will matchup against a defense that has allowed the 3rd most receiving yards (632 yards) and the most touchdowns (10) to opposing tight ends; sounds like a big day coming for Travis.

That's My Take.
~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 12th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

Who Are You Starting & Sitting

A lot of games on the slate today for Sunday Week 10 and with fantasy playoffs fast approaching it begs the obvious question, who are you starting and sitting today?

GB @ CHI

The Bears have a pretty good defense, so I am not expecting much from the Packers offense. I am sitting Ty Montgomery today. With Aaron Jones having earned the starting backfield duties, Montgomery will be limited. Since returning from injury Montgomery is averaging just 7.3 touches per game.

CLE @ DET

The Browns do a pretty good job against the run and the Lions don’t run the ball well, so I am starting Marvin Jones Jr. The Lions will once again have to rely on Stafford and the pass and Jones (No.15 fantasy WR in PPR) has been trending upward for weeks now.

PIT @ IND

With Martavis Bryant back and the emergence of JuJu Smith-Schuster, I am starting Big Ben today. He’ll be a JuJu-Bee special today against the Colts!

LAC @ JAX

The Jags are tough against the pass and while I might not be sitting Keenan Allen today (but not expecting a lot), I am starting running back Melvin Gordon. Gordon is the No.5 fantasy RB in PPR and the Jags yield a lot of yards on the ground (125 yds/game).

NO @ BUF

The Saints have been good this season, but traditionally they do not travel well. That being the case here, they will have a tough matchup against a good Bills defense. While I’d be nervous starting any of the Saints, I am starting running back Alvin Kamara. He’ll see his usual workload today and I love his contributions in the pass game; 37 receptions this season.

NYJ @ TB

With a road game today, I am starting Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson against a terrible Bucs defense. Anderson has been trending in the right direction and the Bucs allow the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing receivers.

MIN @ WASH

With Redskins tight end Jordan Reed on the shelf for Sunday, I am starting Vernon Davis. I am not expecting a big output, but he should provide decent numbers for owners in a bind today.

CIN @ TEN

After five straight games with less than 60 rushing yards, I am sitting Titans running back DeMarco Murray. Murray has been dinged up most of the season. He doesn’t look right, he’s not producing, and right now he’s too risky to trust.

HOU @ LAR

With the Rams rolling and the offense playing well this season, I am starting quarterback Jared Goff. The 2nd year passer has played very well this season and I love this matchup against the Texans at home. Over the past two weeks, the Texans secondary has been toasted for 760 yards passing and 6 touchdowns.

DAL @ ATL

This game is being forecasted as a potential shootout and along with Julio Jones, I will be starting Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu. The Cowboys have allowed 10 touchdowns to opposing receivers and with a lot of attention focused on Julio, I think Sanu sneaks one in.

NYG @ SF

With a road matchup today with the Niners, I am starting Giants running back Orleans Darkwa against one of the league’s worst run defenses (allow 135.6 yards/game). I expect to see Darkwa receive a heavy workload and have success today.

NE @ DEN

The Broncos offense has struggled mightily for several weeks now, but tonight against the Patriots I am starting wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. The Broncos receiver is coming off a 8/70/1 stat line; he’ll the main focal point of the pass game against secondary that has allowed the 5th most receptions and 3rd most receiving yards to opposing receivers.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 29th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

My Week 8 Injury Takes

Tevin Coleman, RB (knee); the Falcons running back wasn’t listed on the Team’s injury report. No surprise here with Coleman. The Falcons will have their two-headed monster attack available this week against the Jets. Both backs are considered Top-25 this week; Freeman No.8 and Coleman No.22.

Matt Forte, RB (knee); the Jets running back is not on the injury report this week. This is good news for others, as it’s all systems go for Forte, the week 7 No.14 fantasy RB (PPR). He’s a little low on our board this week as our No.26 this week against the Falcons.

Jameis Winston, QB (questionable); the Buccaneers have announced that Winston will start, play all of your Bucs (starters) today.

Marquise Goodwin, WR (questionable); the Niners receiver is expected to play and will help a stalling pass game. Goodwin’s presence as the deep threat could open things up a bit for his counterpart Pierre Garcon, but fantasy owners should keep their expectations in check, after all the Niners are 0-7.

Willie Snead, WR (hamstring); the Saints wideout wasn’t listed on the team’s injury report. Finally looking healthy, we could finally see some production from the Saints slot man.

Melvin Gordon, RB (questionable); the Chargers running back will play today against the Patriots. He’s my No.2 fantasy RB for Week 8, get him in your lineup.

Charles Clay, TE (OUT); the Bills tight end will not play today. Clay’s absence will afford tight end Nick O’Leary another opportunity to improve on his 2/58/0 line from last week.

 

CJ Prosise, RB (doubtful); it’s unlikely we’ll see Prosise this week after suffering a setback last week and not practicing all week. With Prosise in or out, the Seahawks backfield remains muddled.

Golden Tate, WR ( questionable); although it’s being reported that he plans to play, it’s a tough call this week with Tate. Since the Lions play in the late game today. Owners will want to have a backup in place.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR (questionable); the Broncos wideout has a chance to play Monday night, but fantasy owners would be wise to look toward other options. The Broncos offense has been inept of late and Sanders will be less than 100 percent.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 23rd 2017

Monday Evening Edition

Sunday’s Lineup Killers

(Week 7)

There is always going to be those weeks when players don't perform, when they get shut down, or when they tank big time. Those are the weeks and the games fantasy owners can only hope to safely navigate their way through, because when you don't these fantasy duds can kill a Sunday lineup. These are the week 7 Lineup Killers;

QB-Cam Newton; the Panthers quarterback looked much better in his postgame, then he did on the field Sunday (at least to most fantasy owners). Newton passed for only 211 yards with no touchdowns and two picks; not the numbers of a QB1.

QB-Eli Manning; the Giants signal caller was just awful on Sunday against the Seahawks. Manning completed just 19 of 39 passes for a mere 134 yards, throwing one touchdown. Without OBJ, Manning has quickly fallen off the QB1 big board and will likely continue to fall.

QB-Marcus Mariota; it was an off week for the Titans starter. It was just one of those games where Mariota could not get his offense out of first; he passed for 203 yards with no touchdowns. Fantasy owners are hoping Mariota can get things turned around soon; he's currently the No.21 fantasy QB.

RB-CJ Anderson; with the struggles of the Broncos offense, go the struggles of the run game and Anderson. It was another subpar week with just 11 touches for 61 total yards. As long as this offense struggles as it has, Anderson is not a great RB2/3 option.

RB-Melvin Gordon; it was another tough matchup against the Broncos defense, and in this case the Broncos won the matchup. Gordon was bottled up most of the day totaling just 44 yards on 19 touches. The good news here, 19 touches and the Chargers won't see the Broncos again this season.

RB-Jordan Howard; the Bears running back found little room to run against a tough Panthers run defense on Sunday. Howard totaled just 65 rushing yards on 21 carries. The good news here, Howard once again dominated the touches in the backfield with 21; his 5th straight game with at least 19 touches or more.

WR-AJ Green; the Bengals star receiver was held in check on Sunday with just 3 catches for 41 yards. Green only had 6 targets on the day and could never really get going in a matchup pretty much dominated by the Steelers. His 6 targets were a season-low and probably something that won't be repeated any time soon.

WR-Keenan Allen; like his teammate Melvin Gordon, Allen was just a victim of a tough matchup against the Broncos. Allen caught 3 passes for 41 yards on 7 targets. Two things here, the 7 targets by far a season low and like Gordon, he won't face the Broncos again.

TE-Martellus Bennett; with the change at quarterback, there's going to be a lot of growing pains for the Packers tight end; just  2 catches for 17 yards on 3 targets. Bennett is off the fantasy radar for now.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 17th 2017

Tuesday Evening Edition

Week 6 Sunday Heroes

Not the Usual Suspects

In week 6 there were a lot of big names like Le’Veon Bell, Melvin Gordon, and Antonio Brown on the board scoring well for fantasy owners, but these were your not The Usual Suspects putting up numbers on Sunday as well.

He’s not been the best each week, but it seems every week Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is in the fold. Palmer, the No.8 fantasy QB through week 6 posted a solid line of 18 of 22 passing for 283 passing yards with 3 touchdowns and a pick; he was the No.4 fantasy QB for the week.

In a back-up role Jaguars running back Chris Ivory got a lot of play in the passing game on Sunday. Ivory was targeted 10 times, catching 9 balls for 74 receiving yards and a touchdown; good enough for the No.7 fantasy RB in PPR for week 6.

The Giants running back Orleans Darkwa had a Sunday night breakout performance against the league’s number one run defense (Broncos). Darkwa carried the pigskin 21 times for 117 rushing yards finishing the week as the No.17 fantasy RB in PPR (he was even better in standard at No.11).

The Lions passing game got a boost from wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. He’s been relatively quiet this season, but on Sunday he erupted for 21.6 fantasy points in PPR with a stat line of 6/96/1. He was the No.4 fantasy WR in week 6 (PPR format).

In the Sunday night Mile High Meltdown by the Broncos, the Giants rookie tight end Evan Engram provided plenty of heat. The rookie pass catcher hauled in 5 passes for 71 yards with a touchdown on 7 targets, good enough for the No.3 fantasy TE for Week 6 (in PPR).

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 14th 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 6 RB Rankings

This has to be PPR Week in the NFL. All the way up to No.14 this week is the Browns running back Duke Johnson Jr, solely on his receiving prowess. Through five weeks Johnson has powered his way up to the No.8 fantasy RB spot in PPR with 23 receptions on 31 targets. With only 16 carries, Duke is basically used as another receiver and stays heavily involved. Last week his touches and targets dipped a bit, but this week against a battered Texans defense he’ll likely take advantage.

Another PPR specialist that should make a lot of noise this week is Patriots running back James White. The Patriots ball carrier comes in at No.20 and that’s right where he is on the season; the No.20 fantasy RB in PPR. Through the team’s first five games White has been targeted 35 times and snagged 29 balls. He’s at home this week and will take his shots at a jets defense that allows the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs; he may not be high enough in this week’s rankings.

RB Rankings

1. Kareem Hunt

2. Todd Gurley

3. Le’Veon Bell

4. Melvin Gordon

5. Devonta Freeman

6. Leonard Fournette

7. Jordan Howard

8. Doug Martin

9. DeMarco Murray

10. Lamar Miller

11. CJ Anderson

12. Mark Ingram

13. Jay Ajayi

14. Duke Johnson

15. Ameer Abdullah

16. Carlos Hyde

17. Jerick McKinnon

18. Alvin Kamara

19. Javorius Allen

20. James White

21. Marshawn Lynch

22. Aaron Jones

23. Tevin Coleman

24. Chris Thompson

25. Andre Ellington

26. Tarik Cohen

27. Elijah McGuire

28. Mike Gillislee

29. Samaje Perine

30. Jamaal Charles

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 14th 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

My Week 6 Sunday Perfect Lineup

The Weekly Perfect lineup contest is a lot of fun, but usually its always hit and miss and unfortunately I never hit all and usually miss all, Haha. Well here we go with my Perfect Lineup picks for Week 6;

QB- Drew Brees

The trend is always go with good matchups. Maybe the Lions defense has been pretty good this season, but a couple of things here to consider; one Brees is at home, always tough and two, the Lions were just torched by quarterback Cam Newton last week. Whatever deficiencies existing in the secondary, you know Saints quarterback Drew Brees is watching the tape and will look to exploit.

RB-Melvin Gordon

I have Mel G in a couple of leagues, so maybe this is wishful thinking, but Gordon is coming off a great Week 5 game (163 total yards) against a soft run defense and this week he gets the Raiders (ranked 25th against the run). The Chargers ball carrier is the featured back and averaging 18+ touches per game, with a prime matchup on Sunday, only good things.

RB-Todd Gurley

The Rams running back is having a great season, currently the No.2 fantasy RB in PPR. He's the 3rd leading rusher in the league with 405 rushing yards and he has 7 total touchdowns. Gurley gets the Jaguars 31st ranked run defense on Sunday which could mean a big day.

WR-Mike Evans

One of the league’s top talents at the receiver spot, Evans has been quiet the past two weeks and he is currently residing at the No.23 fantasy WR spot in PPR. This week however, Evans will get a crack at a leaky 21st ranked Cardinals pass defense. The Cardinals secondary has also allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, including 7 touchdowns.

WR-Keenan Allen

Right now Keenan is the No.13 fantasy WR in PPR, he has 28 receptions on 52 targets. I love his volume and believe the efficiency will improve. This week he faces the Raiders 15th ranked pass defense that's allowed the (tied for) 5th most pass plays of 20 yards or more at 16. It was 2 seasons ago (week 7 2015), but the last time Allen faced the Raiders he pulled in 9 passes for 89 yards.

TE-Austin Seferian-Jenkins

The Jets tight end has collected 15 passes in his three games this season. This weeks matchup against the Patriots is a favorable one. The Patriots allow the 4th most fantasy points to opposing tight ends and have surrendered 4 touchdowns.

PK-Justin Tucker

The Ravens offense has struggled mightily this season, limiting Tuckers chances through five weeks. However, last week against the Raiders, Tucker was 3 for 3 with three extra points. The Ravens should be able to move the ball against the Bears, but could have to settle for a couple of chips shots once again. Look for Tucker to turn in another solid Sunday.

Broncos defense

The Broncos defense are ranked number one overall, they are number one against the run, Sunday night is a home game against the Giants. The Giants run game has been non-existent and they've lost two of their three top receivers for the season. I'd say, this one looks pretty good.

That's My Take

~David Ortega