FSH NOTEBOOK: DFS SATURDAY NIGHT

December 2nd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Late-Evening Edition

DFS Saturday night

These are the names I like on Sunday, NFL Week 13. I’ll have each of these players sprinkled in and throughout my fantasy lineups, as well as stacked in several.

RB, Zack Moss (Colts) We’ve seen Moss do it before as the lead back and with Jonathan Taylor already ruled out, he’ll serve in that role once again. The Titan’s run defense has been a bit leaky as of late and with Moss handling the lion share of the duties on Sunday (averaged over 23 touches per game pre-Taylor), he’ll provide a safe floor.

RB, Najee Harris (Steelers) This week at home against the Cardinals 30the ranked run defense, this feels like a Najee Harris game. He’s coming off his best rushing game of the season with 99 yards on the ground and a score and he led the team with 15 carries. 

WR, Tyreek Hill (Dolphins) Through 11 games Hill has been unstoppable. In his last 7 games he’s had no fewer than 9 targets, caught fewer than 8 balls once, topped 100-yards receiving in five of the seven, and has scored in six of the seven. The Commanders have been amongst the worst pass defenses the past four weeks, and with a matchup against Hill it won’t get any better.

WR, Michael Pittman Jr (Colts) The Colts wide receiver has seen 8 or more targets in each of his last four games, including 12 or more in three of those. He has only eclipsed 100 yards in one of those contests, but with his high volume he has a safe floor with upside.

TE, Sam LaPorta (Lions) The Lions rookie tight end has a nice matchup on Sunday and he’s coming off a nice showing of 5 catches, 47 yards receiving and a score last week. LaPorta has seen at least 5 targets in his last six straight games and has posted double-digit fantast points (ppr) in 3 of his last 5.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY NIGHT MATCHUP

November 2nd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Thursday Night Matchup

Tonight’s matchup between the Titans and Steelers doesn’t have too many hot takes, but it does offer some intrigue with potentially some new faces on the field. While the Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett has a chance to play, the Titans will be rolling the dice with rookie quarterback Will Levis.

Levis is coming off a phenomenal debut last Sunday, when he completed 65.5% of his passes for 238 yards and touchdowns. With the short week and limited film study time available, I don’t see the Steelers defense being able to throw a lot of exotic looks or too much at the rook. We could see another strong performance against the league's 24th ranked pass defense.

MY DFS STACK PLAY

(QB-Will Levis and WR-DeAndre Hopkins)

Levis is coming off a strong performance where he hooked up with his primary receiving weapon, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The two were highly efficient and explosive in Week 8, connecting on 4 of 6 passes for 128 yards and three scores. This connection seems like a lock tonight against a suspect secondary that has been had by Jaguars wide receivers Calvin Ridley & Christina Kirk in Week 8 (10 receptions/129 yards receiving), Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua in week 7 (8 receptions/154 yards receiving), and Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers in Week 6 (6 receptions/50 yards receiving/1 touchdown).

I can see many entrants running with this stack tonight, so a possible change of direction to consider would be the Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo. He was second on the team last week with 5 targets and could be effective tonight against the Steelers defense that surrendered 11 receptions to the tight end last week.

Looking to go against the grain, consider the Steelers Najee Harris tonight, but temper expectations. In two of their last three games the Titans defense has allowed 100 or more yards rushing..

That’s My Take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FF WEEK 5 SITS

October 7th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Late-Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Week 5

Sit’Ems

There is a lot to navigate in week 5 with a lot of notable injuries to work around, but just as important as knowing who to insert into your lineup, you have to know who to avoid and sit. Injuries play a part, just as much as matchups when making the start/sit decision.

These are your Week 5 notable injuries;

Jimmy Garappolo (concussion) P

Joe Burrow (calf) Q

Derek Carr (shoulder) Q

Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) D

Javonte Williams (quad) Q

Aaron Jones (hamstring) Q

Saquon Barkley (ankle) Q

Davante Adams (shoulder) Q

Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) D

Tee Higgins (ribs) O

Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) O

These are my Week 5 notable sits.

Joe Burrow (Bengals) - We’ve now had a four week sample size of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. He has not looked sharp and the offense has struggled. While it is understandable, Burrow has been dealing with a calf injury, this fantasy owner is growing impatient with the dismal production.

Burrow still has his big play weapon in Ja’Marr Chase available, but after four weeks with little to show, it is probably best for now to move Joe Cool to your bench. We’ll need to see better play from Joe Cool and good health before we can trust him. Sit Burrow.

Najee Harris (Steelers) - Just like Burrow, the Steelers running back Najee Harris has not been productive through the first four weeks and this fantasy owner is getting restless. His week 5 matchup against the Ravens does not look any better and chances are it will be more of the same.

The Ravens defense is ranked 13th against the run, have allowed the 12th fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs, and have yet to surrender a rushing touchdown this season. At this juncture it would be wise to move Harris to your bench until we see better offensive line play and production from the Steelers offense. Sit Harris for week 5.

The Patriots receivers - If you are looking for help at the wide receiver spot for Week 5, you should probably avoid the New England receivers. Other than Kendrick Bourne’s big week one when he scored twice, only one other Patriot receiver has topped double digit fantasy points and that was DeVante Parker with 11.6 (ppr).

The passing game has been inconsistent and unreliable paired with poor play from the QB position. Until Belichick and company can get this rectified, all Patriots receivers should be avoided. Fantasy owners should just move along. Sit the Patriots.

Kyle Pitts (Falcons) - There is no question that the Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts has talent and ability, but it is just not showing up on the field. Through four weeks, Pitts has yet to score in double digit fantasy points.

Through four games Pitts is actually the second leading receiver at the tight end position for the Falcons. He has been targeted 21 times, has caught 11 passes for 121 yards receiving, averaging less than 6 fantasy points per game in ppr format. Pitts has ability and skill, but fantasy owners are just not seeing it on the field, so for the time being leave Pitts on your bench until we see improved numbers.

If you are going to own a Falcons tight end, Jonnu Smith is the tight end to own. Sit Pitts.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: 10 THINGS FOR NFL SUNDAY

October 1st, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

10 Things for Sunday

NFL Sunday week 4 is set to start in a couple of hours. I’ve got my coffee poured, the TV tubes are fired up, watching the game in London, and I am combing over the day’s slate of games.

There are some great divisional matchups today with some potential fireworks in the forecast. We’ve got the Phins traveling north to face the Bills, the Ravens will enter the Dawg Pound today, and it’s always fun to watch the Raiders & Chargers in an AFC West clash.

The fridge is full, I’ve got my eggs on the skillet, and I am getting ready for my second cup of coffee. While I am looking over today’s docket, here are the Top-10 things on my mind as I await the kickoff to NFL Sunday Week 4;

1. “Will the Bears score 70” - Last week was not good for the Broncos defense and the only good thing they have going today is the Bears are not the Dolphins. However the Broncos are going to miss a few key players on the defensive side and may be without safety Justin Simmons. Both defenses entering this contest have been bad, so this could end up being more of a higher scoring affair than advertised. The Bears quarterback Justin Fields will provide all sorts of problems for the defense and could keep the chains moving and on the other side, I expect to see the Broncos offense take some shots downfield with receivers Jerry Jeudy and Marvin Mims Jr.

2. “Will Allen and Company Shine” - This matchup is the Marquee matchup of the day. The Bills have been on a roll, but no offense has been as hot as the Dolphins. But of course in this matchup, it’s not the Broncos defense, the game will be played in Buffalo, and Josh Allen has been a little better than Russell Wilson recently. I am expecting a shootout of sorts, start all your Bills and Dolphins, and if you have space in the flex spot, start the Waterboy.

3. “Is it time to Bench Najee” - If Najee doesn’t show-out today, he may not get another chance this season. He’s been a disappointment for fantasy owners the first three weeks and he has running back Jaylen Warren nipping at his heels. Harris is going to need his quarterback to help him out in order to open some running lanes or he could be looking at another long day. I am not holding my breath. It could be time to see more Warren and less Harris.

4. “Can anyone stop JJ” - There’s not a lot to say other than Justin Jefferson has been fantasy gold Know for fantasy owners. In ppr format through three games he has scored no less than 24 fantasy points. Getting off the bus JJ already has a couple of catches in his pocket. He’s getting heavily targeted (12+ targets per game) and he is producing at an Elite ++ level with 9 receptions and 150 yards + per outing. I can’t imagine the Panthers slowing him down today, expect more of the ridiculous same.

5. “Unleash the Zack Attack” - Over the past two weeks, it’s been the Zack Moss show as he is averaging 27 touches per game. With the Rams rolling into town, I would expect much of the same, even with the return of quarterback Anthony Richardson. I am expecting the Colts to once again feature Moss and he should again finish in the neighborhood of 20+ touches.

6. “Start of Sit Mike Evans” - After his fast start this season, fantasy WR6 through three weeks, Evans is a must start. But today presents a challenge that is likely to frustrate fantasy owners. Evans has not been historically great against the Saints, it seems Marshon Lattimore and the Saints have had his number. Evans has to be in lineups today, but owners need to temper their expectations, it could be a long afternoon.

7. “Another Swift Sunday” - This will actually be Swift’s first Sunday, since taking over the lead role in the Eagles backfield. Swift has been great in the lead spot the last two games and behind the Eagles offensive line, he’s a good bet to keep the wheel spinning in week 4. He’s currently fantasy RB18 and trending his way to the top. He’s a must-start.

8. “The Return of Joe Cool” - It’s been a slow start for Joe Burrow and the Bengals passing game, but if ever there was a game to get right, this matchup in Tennessee could be it. The Titans rank 30th versus the pass and the Bengals pass game finally showed signs of life last Monday. Today sets up to be a great opportunity and weather should not play a factor. Fire up Joe Cool and the Bengals pass catchers.

9. “Don’t forget Josh Jacobs” -.No Jimmy G today, what do fantasy owners do with Davante Adams, start him of course. But don’t forget the Raiders also have Josh Jacobs. Adams will get his, but the Raiders offense may lean a little more today on Jacobs as they should. The Chargers are in the bottom 3rd of yards and fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Today should be a good day for Jacobs owners.

10. “CMC for MVP” - The Niners running back Christian McCaffrey has been spectacular this season leading the NFL with 353 rushing yards, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. He is also the number two fantasy running back, so he’s making a lot of fantasy owners smile. Today should just be another day at the office for CMC.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WEEK 4 FF SITS

September 30th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Week 4

Sit’Ems

My week 4 Sits for Sunday and Monday.

I believe every fantasy football owner greatly looks forward to NFL Sunday. There is so much promise and possibility as the day begins, but of course once the games kick off and the reality of the action starts to set in, it’s not always rainbows and pots of gold. On some Sundays, we experience heavy rains and lots of dark clouds.

RB-Gus Edwards (Ravens)

As I look ahead to this Sunday, these are just some of my thoughts for the week 4 matchups, where if you have a viable replacement option, you might want to look to your bench for help. I never enjoy predicting doom for anyone and certainly don’t hope anyone has a bad day. But if you are facing the Cleveland Browns defense in week 4, a bad day is what you can likely expect.

The Browns defense has been ridiculously good and stingy this season. They are allowing just 52 yards rushing per game with a 2.8 yards per carry average (both 2nd best in the league). In three games the Dawg Pound D has allowed less than 2 first downs rushing per game through the first three weeks of the season.

Last week the Browns defense held the Titans running back Derrick Henry to just 20 yards rushing on 11 carries and that followed a week 2 outing where the defense limited Steelers running back Najee Harris to just 43 yards.

The Ravens offense is going to face all kinds of problems moving the ball on the ground against this stout Browns defense. It’s likely a lot of their success will come from the legs of Lamar Jackson, limiting opportunities for Edwards. Edwards is averaging a little more than 10 carries per game the last two weeks. This is just not enough workload to trust looking ahead to Sunday. Sit Edwards.

RB-Dalvin Cook  (Jets)

The Jets offense in general has been a struggle this season. With the loss of quarterback Aaron Rodgers in week one, Zach Wilson just hasn’t stepped up to the plate. The team was able to salvage a week one win, primarily due to the 4 turnovers committed by the Bills offense. Since then the Jets rushing offense has been anemic. 

In week 2 against the Cowboys, the Jets totaled just 24 yards rushing on 10 carries from the backfield and the following week against the Patriots they didn’t fare much better, gaining 37 yards on 21 carries. With such low output from the running game, Cook’s contributions have reflected the same.

We’ve seen Cook’s workload fall from 13 carries in week one, to 4 in week two and 8 last week. His rushing totals haven’t been any better, 33, 7, and 18. With just 25 carries this season Cook is averaging a meager 2.3 yard per carry. Cook is still competing for touches with running back Breece Hall, but as the former gets healthy, Cooks’ window could be closing.

The Jets offense is bad and this week a Sunday night matchup with the Chiefs doesn’t bring good news. Through three games the Jets offense is averaging 22 run plays per game to 28 pass. On the surface there just doesn’t seem to be enough workload available and with his current trend Cook looks like a bad bet. Sit Cook.

TE-David Njoku (Browns)

The Browns tight end has popped up on the injury report this week and he is listed as questionable, but nonetheless I don’t like this week 4 matchup for Njoku. Even if he suits up, he could be limited, but that might not even matter.

Only the Browns defense has been better versus opposing tight ends this season, than the Ravens D, allowing the fewest fantasy points. For three weeks the Ravens defense has done a great job to shut down the position, allowing 8 receptions for 45 yards. 

Through the Brown’s first three games, Njoku is averaging just 3.3 receptions, 3.6 targets, and 30.6 receiving yards per game. He’s just not seeing enough shares or production in the passing game to be a viable option at the time. With a bad matchup on the docket, keep Njoku on your bench. Sit Njoku.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FANTASY FOOTBALL WHIFFS

September 26th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Morning Edition

Fantasy Football Whiffs!

(NFL Week 3)

So week 3 was an unforgettable week for fantasy owners, filled with some generational performances that will go down in history. If you had players like Tua Tagovailoa, Raheem Mostert, Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, and Davante Adams in your lineup, you are probably smiling looking at your week 3 outcome.

If by chance you had any of these players in your lineups, your happiness does not exist. These were my Week 3 whiffs.

Ridder has a rough time in the Motor City.

QB-Desmond Ridder (QB26) - The Rookie quarterback could not take his show on the road to Detroit. The Lions defense stepped up and gave him lots of trouble, sacking Ridder seven times. After a strong week 2 performance (fantasy QB12), Ridder posted a dud on the road passing for 201 yards, no touchdowns and a fumble lost.

Following his Week 2 dud, definitely expected better.

QB-Trevor Lawrence (QB17) - It wasn't a terrible day for the Jaguars signal caller, but his 279 yards passing with one touchdown pass and pick for the QB17 spot is not good enough for owners that drafted him as a fringe QB1. 

With the matchup he had, expected better numbers

RB-Najee Harris (RB34) - The Steelers running back plodded his way to 65 yards on the ground on 19 carries. He recorded zero catches and was only targeted once. It’s almost time to leave Harris on your bench, almost.

Did not expect the team’s leading receiver to disappear.

WR-Nico Collins (WR66) - After two weeks, Collins was starting to look like a locked-in WR1. On Sunday he was only targeted three times. Catching 2 passes for 34 yards, which is a little concerning. At this point he still needs to be in lineups.

Still getting the targets, just not the numbers.

WR-Calvin Ridley (WR58) - After laying an egg at home in Week 2, the Jaguars offense came back and laid another in week 3. Ridley followed up his week 2 disappointing stat line with another on Sunday. Ridley only registered three receptions for 40 yards, but he was targeted another 7 times. His production has been anemic, but the opportunity is there.

Wasn’t expecting the top spot, but Top-12.

TE-Hunter Henry (TE25) - After consecutive weeks finishing as the fantasy TE1, Henry came back to earth. The Patriots tight end only registered two receptions in week 3 on 5 targets. His 3.7 fantasy points finished outside the top 20 for the week.

Expected Schultz to play a bigger role in the passing game.

TE-Dalton Schultz (TE43) - The Texans tight end was only targeted three times on Sunday, recording a single catch for 9 yards, in a game the team won. I certainly didn’t expect this low output from Schultz. This was a big whiff in week 3. 

I was expecting Hayden to be more involved.

TE-Hayden Hurst (TE37) - The Panthers tight end was quiet on Sunday recording one catch for 11 yards. This was the second straight game where Hurst has finished outside the top-30 fantasy tight ends. He can be dropped.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: WEEK 3 FF START'EMS

September 23rd, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Week 3

Start’Ems

My Week 3 Starts for Sunday and Monday.

This week has a number of nice matchups with the probability of a lot of points, from the Charger & Vikings game, to the Lions & Falcons game, to the Eagles & Buccaneers game,and finally the Rams & Bengals. It’s hard to not get excited about the amount of offense we could see this weekend. With all that excitement, fantasy owners want to make sure they have the right players in their lineups on Sunday. These are some of the players I am most excited about and will have in my lineups (redraft, Dynasty, or DFS) this weekend & Monday.

QB-Kirk Cousins (Vikings) - The Vikings signal caller has been money for fantasy owners through two weeks. Cousin currently ranks as fantasy QB1, passing for 708 yards and throwing six touchdowns in two games. This week the Vikings are home and will play host to the Chargers. Cousins will take his shot at a Chargers defense that has allowed 712 yards passing (most allowed) and the most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. He’s a must-start.

RB-Najee Harris (Steelers) - Through two games this season, by the eye test Harris has not looked good, but the numbers tell a different story. Harris has only rushed for 74 yards this season without a score, and caught 3 passes for 2 yards receiving. The silver lining, in his limited usage through two games he is averaging 4.6 yards per carry. This matchup on Sunday against the Raiders sets up as a great opportunity for Harris to get going. The Raiders defense ranks 29th against the run allowing better than 5 yards per carry. Start Harris.

WR-Michael Pittman Jr (Colts) - The Colts leading receiver Michael Pittman Jr is currently the fantasy WR12. In two games this season Pittman has 16 receptions and 153 yards receiving on 23 targets. He is the teams go-to receiver and this Sunday I expect the team will look his way often going up against a Ravens secondary that has allowed the 2nd most receptions to opposing wide receivers. Even with Anthony Richardson out this week, (Gardner) Minshew to Pittman works. Start Pittman and get him in your DFS lineups too.

WR-Tank Dell (Texans) - While most of the attention has been on wide receiver Nico Collins (warranted), fantasy owners should also be paying attention to Tank Dell. Quietly the rookie receiver has been working his way into fantasy relevance, currently slotting in at fantasy WR29, good enough for WR3/flex consideration. Dell has 10 receptions for 104 receiving yards with a receiving touchdown. He’s got a nice matchup this week and should be in lineups-start him.

TE-Hunter Henry (Patriots) - I am rolling the dice with this one, third time's a charm. Henry has been the top fantasy tight end the past two weeks, can he make it three in a row? I am not banking on that factor, but I do believe with such a juicy matchup Henry will produce. Henry faces a Jets defense that has been vulnerable in the Red Zone allowing two receiving touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season. Start Henry, again.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WAIVER WIRE

September 19th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Tuesday Evening Edition

The Waiver Wire

With two full weeks in the books, it’s time again to take a look at those rosters and check out the Waiver wire. With several significant injuries this past week and your championship hopes on the verge of being derailed, it might be time to work the wire and make the magic happen.

Week 3 Waiver wire options;

RB-Matt Breida (Giants) - With Saquon going down in week 2 and expected (although not ruled out yet) to miss Thursday night, running back Matt Breida looks to be the next man up. Breida is a career 4.8 yards per carry guy should fill the role fine in the short term. He may not be featured like Saquon, but he could be a low-end RB2/Flex option for the time being. Barkley isn’t expected to be out too long, so go get Breida if you have the need.

RB-Jerome Ford (Browns) - Following the very unfortunate season ending injury to Nick Chubb, Ford stepped in and did more than a commendable job. Ford carried the ball 16 times on Monday night for 106 yards and added 3 catches for another 25 yards. He also added a receiving touchdown finishing the week as RB6 (ppr). Odds are he won’t finish that high by season end, but he certainly looks like a guy he could be a borderline RB1/RB2.

RB-Jaylen Warren (Steelers) - This pickup, if Warren is available in your league, harbors on the fact that running back Najee Harris has just been ineffective the first two weeks of the season (74 rushing yards in two games). As Harris continues to lumber, Warren will continue to see his workload increase (10 touches on Monday night).

WR-DeVante Parker (Patriots) - Right now Parker is a fix for the flex spot in deeper leagues, but he should be owned. He has the talent to be a solid WR2 if he can stay healthy (11 games missed the past two seasons). Parker was targeted 8 times on Sunday night and pulled in six passes for 57 yards.

WR-Tutu Atwell (Rams) - With all the talk deservedly surrounding Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, quietly Atwell has made a case himself to be owned in fantasy leagues. After a week one stat line of 6 receptions for 119 yards, he followed that up with 7 catches for 77 yards this past Sunday. Atwell has been targeted 17 times over the first two weeks of the season. With that kind of volume he remains in the flex mix every week.

TE-Zach Ertz (Cardinals) - The fantasy tight end position can look like a wasteland at times, when you are checking weekly results. It becomes a tough spot to find production. But everyone knows before you have production, you must have that volume of opportunity. Over the past two weeks Ertz has been targeted 18 times. He’s also on the field plenty (72.4% snap share) for those opportunities. If you are streaming tight ends, it’s time to grab Ertz (11 receptions for 77 yards in 2023 - currently fantasy TE9.

A few more notables to consider and at the very least should be on your bench, if not already owned include, (WR) Josh Reynolds, (WR) Tank Dell, (WR) Jayden Reed, (RB) Zack Moss, (WR) Marvin Mims Jr, and (RB) Tony Jones Jr. These players could become steady contributors down the stretch. 

Others that could be in the cards down the road to provide some depth relief for the coming bye weeks and are worth watching now include (RB) Damien Harris, (RB) Roschon Johnson, and (WR) Chase Claypool.

Check your leagues for availability and good luck in week 3.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 31st, 2023

Thursday Late-Evening Edition

My Top 10 Fantasy Football 

RB Rankings for 2023

With the signal-callers out of the way, it’s time to look at the workhorses in the backfield. Here are my Top-10 for the start of the 2023 season.

The Top-10

1. Christian McCaffrey

2. Austin Ekeler

3. Nick Chubb

4. Saquon Barkley

5. Bijan Robinson

6. Tony Pollard

7. Derrick Henry

8. Josh Jacobs

9. Rhamondre Stevenson

10. Najee Harris

With running back Kareem Hunt no longer in Cleveland, this paves the way for running back Nick Chubb to improve upon his No.7 fantasy scoring (points-per-game) finish in 2022. Last season the Browns running back posted 1,525 yards rushing (career high) and 12 rushing touchdowns (tying-career high). Chubb will be running behind one of the best O-lines in the game this season and at the youthful age of 27, he’s primed for a big year.

The Giants running back Saquon Barkley is coming off a bounce back year in 2022 (finished as the No.5 fantasy running back) after his disappointing 2021 season (finished as No.29), minimum of 10 games played. Last season Barkley set a career high with 1,312 yards rushing while posting 10 rushing scores (2nd most in his career). More than a full season removed from his ACL tear that cut his 2021 season, Barkley is a Top-10 fantasy running back heading into the 2023 season with Top-5 tendencies.

The Steelers running back Najee Harris rounds out the Top-10, coming in at number 10. Harris was disappointing in 2022 for fantasy owners finishing as the No.19 fantasy scoring running back (minimum 10 games). Harris took a step back in 2022, rushing for over 160 yards less than the previous season and catching 33 fewer balls. It’s no secret Harris played with an injury last season which could have played a big role in his regression. The Steelers offense looks a bit different this preseason (improved) and could be set up to take some big steps forward when the regular season starts. Now healthy, Harris figures to again lead the ground attack and should benefit greatly.

The Next 10.

11. Breece Hall

12. Travis Etienne Jr.

13. Aaron Jones

14. Joe Mixon

15. Dameon Pierce

16. Jahmyr Gibbs

17. Kenneth Walker

18. Alexander Matison

19. JK Dobbins

20. Alvin Kamara

The Texans running back Dameon Pierce slots in at number 15 in my rankings. He’s coming off a shortened 2022 season where he finished as the No.20 fantasy scoring running back. Pierce totaled over 1,000 yards with 5 touchdowns in his rookie campaign. Pierce has the talent and ability to improve upon last season’s numbers and if he plays a larger role in the offense than originally thought, he’s got a chance at finishing as a borderline RB1/RB2.

Notably missing is running back Jonathan Taylor. In a 12-Team format, I am not willing to risk the draft capital with an early round pick. I’d rather sit on him and get him as my third RB or pass altogether.

Another notable back absent from my Top-20 is Miles Sanders, just missing the cut. Last season he finished as the RB22 in fantasy scoring, so I am pretty comfortable where I have him. 

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega