FSH NOTEBOOK: THURSDAY NIGHT MATCHUP

September 14th, 2023

David's Daily Digest

Thursday Afternoon Edition

Thursday Night Matchup: DFS Faves

It looks like the NFL got this one right with this Week 2 meeting between the Eagles and Vikings. The Vegas line has the over/under at 49.5, so the good news for fantasy owners is the expectation is an old fashion western shootout at the O.K Corral.

Both teams enter this matchup loaded with offensive weapons on both sides and according to Vegas we should see a lot of them. The Eagles defense ranks 29th against the pass, so expect a lot of Jefferson and Hockenson on the Vikes side. 

While the Vikes defense had much better numbers than Philly in week 1 on defense, Hurts and company may prove to be too much. Looking to Thursday night, I have some (DFS) favorites in play.

My Fantasy Five for Thursday Night Football;

1.Jalen Hurts (QB) - We’ll see some vintage Hurts in this one. He should give us a little bit of everything, passing and rushing. I would count on at least three scores, including one rushing. (DK-My Captain)

2.DeVonta Smith (WR) - The Eagles receiver is hardly a number two, but more like a 1B. Smith, like his teammate AJ Brown also registered 10 targets in week 1. He’ll be a key piece in this one and a strong DFS play.

3.TJ Hockenson (TE) - The Eagles had trouble (ranked last) with the tight end in week one and Hockenson is one of the best in fantasy and the NFL. Hockenson collected 8 passes in week one and could very easily duplicate his numbers on Thursday.

4.Justin Jefferson (WR) - The Eagles secondary struggled in week one against the Patriots. With Jefferson coming to town on Thursday night, it could be a long night for the Eagles defense. 

5.D’Andre Swift (RB) - Swift did not see a lot of usage in week 1, but with Kenneth Gainwell ruled out, he could be in line as the lead back and see plenty of work here. Swift is a risky play here, but I believe in the talent; it rises to the top. 

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 24th 2017

Tuesday Evening Edition

On The Cover This Week

Where this Eagle Dares!

The Eagles 2nd year quarterback Carson Wentz has been near flawless this season leading his team to a 6-1 record. He has passed for more touchdowns in his first seven games in Eagles history with 17, he's the 4th highest rated starting passer in the league, and this is only his second season.

Through seven games Wentz has completed 143 of 232 passes (61.6 completion percentage), passed for 1,852 yards (264.5 yards/game), and thrown 17 touchdowns to just 4 interceptions. He is also the league's 3rd leading rusher for quarterbacks with 196 yards rushing. And if that weren't enough, he's the No.2 fantasy QB this season.

Last season Wentz was the 2nd overall pick taken in the draft and quickly blossomed as the Eagles starting quarterback from week 1. This season he has taken his game to a new level and exploded onto the NFL scene as a superstar in the making.

Feature in the Monday Night Football pre-game show, fans also got a chance to see how well-rounded and humble this kid is; a big heart, a good head on his shoulders, and doing all the right things. He may be humble, but this is one Eagle you won't be able to keep grounded. Wentz is having a superb season and looks poised to take his team where Eagles dare to fly!

That's My Take

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 18th 2017

Wednesday Evening Edition

What I Learned from Week 6

Carson Wentz is the real deal in Philly.

We are only six weeks in, but we are six weeks in and the Eagles are 5-1. One of the big reasons has been the play of quarterback Carson Wentz. Through six weeks, Wentz is completing 61 percent of his passes, has thrown for 1,584 yards, and tossed 13 touchdowns. He is currently the No.4 fantasy quarterback this season and has his team at 5-1, in first place of the NFC East. Yep folks, Wentz is the real deal.

Jordan Howard is a Beast Baller.

I’ve had a chance to watch Howard a few times this season and surprisingly to me, he has more quickness and speed than what I remember from last season. Currently the 5th leading rusher this season, what I also remember about Howard he is a bull. At 6-feet tall and 230 pounds the kid is a load. Through six weeks he rushed for 495 yards, averaging over 4 yards per carry, and he’s added 4 rushing touchdowns. In week 6 Howard steamrolled his way through a Ravens defense for 167 yards. With rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky under center, I expect the Bears to feed the beast.

  

Peterson is still All-day and Twice on Sunday!

Many of thought that Adrian Peterson looked like a fish out of water in New Orleans and at the same time, some still questioned whether he had anything left in his tank. Well, once he found a new home where from all appearance, the fit looked right; it did not take long for Peterson to answer all questions and any doubters. Peterson proved once again he is All-Day, carrying the rock 26 times for 134 rushing yards and two scores, including a welcome to my world, I own this B&#%$! 27 yard touchdown scamper in the first quarter on Sunday. It was nice to see Peterson back out there doing what he does, and twice (two touchdowns) on Sunday!

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 12th 2017

Thursday Evening Edition

Thursday's Twitter Takes

"Newton is rolling, no stopping the Cam train!" by @FantsySprtshome

Not much to say about this. Cam Newton appears to have rediscovered his MVP and over the past two weeks he has again looked like Superman.

"Funchess and Benjamin should find the endzone" by @FantsySprtshome

Both of Cam's targets (Funchess & Benjamin) are huge receivers with solid hands and will be in play in the red-zone.

"Wentz has been good, but a tough road match could slow his roll" by @FantsySprtshome

The Panthers have been tough against the pass and allow the 9th fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Wentz is too good to be shut down, but the Panthers D is more than capable enough to slow him down.

"I'm looking for Agholor to again be the not-so-sneaky play tonight." @FantsySprtshome

The Eagles receiver broke out last week with a big performance. On the year he has three touchdowns and his 12 yards per targets ranks among the receiving leaders in the league. He's not a heavy volume receiver, but he's effective.

Tonight's matchup should be a pretty good one. According to the numbers this one could be lining up to be a defensive struggle, but I have a feeling we are going to see some fireworks from Cam and Carson. Both bring a nice compliment of weapons and too much talent on offense to be held in check. The running attacks will be modest tonight, look for most of the damage to come from the air.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 4th 2017

Monday afternoon Edition

Fantasy Watch List

Studs & Duds

It’s the holiday and a great day to play fantasy football or at least draft a team and if you are like me, that’s just what you might be doing? And speaking of drafting, if that’s the case, here are a couple of more Studs and Duds to consider;

Studs (target these players)

If I am looking at an a wide receiver with an early pick, there are several that I like, but a big favorite for me this season has to be the Buccaneers Mike Evans. The Bucs 4th year wide receiver was the No. 3 fantasy receiver in 2016 (PPR format), No.1 in standard leagues. Evans has been a top flight receiver since his arrival in 2014 and last season he arrived; 96 receptions, 1,321 yards receiving, and 12 touchdowns. Evans has finished inside the Top-15 (PPR) twice in his three seasons and looks to be a lock to finish in the Top-5 this season. He and his quarterback Jameis Winston enjoy great chemistry and enter their third season together. I believe this season Evans takes the next step in fantasy and joins the elite.

An interesting signing in Philly this offseason has me looking at wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. The former Bear will be a big target over the middle in the passing game and for young quarterback Carson Wentz, Jeffery will be an ideal red-zone threat. Jeffery looked good in the team’s third preseason game catching a couple of passes, including a score and if that’s any indication of what fantasy owners can expect, drafting Alshon early should pay dividends. Jeffery is currently going off the board around the No. 18 fantasy receiver in PPR (according to FFC); I like him here, would even consider taking him ahead of players like DeAndre Hopkins and Terrelle Pryor.

Duds (drafting too high)

It seems one of the hottest fantasy stocks in current drafts is the Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt. I’ve heard a lot of the noise too, Andy Reid likes his guys, but remember Hunt did not win this job (not to say he’s not deserving or capable), but he is the starter now by default with running back Spencer Ware going down for the season. Hunt may in fact play very well for the Chiefs this season, but I think that’s really a little too early to call. The Chiefs still have running backs Charcandrick West and (resigned) CJ Spiller who may compete for touches. Hunt is currently going off the boards as the No. 10 fantasy back (in PPR formats according to FFC), but that’s just a little too rich and high expectation for my blood with proven runners like Todd Gurley (heavy volume), Isaiah Crowell (volume), Lamar Miller, and Carlos Hyde (all Top-20 last season) still on the board.

Now this may be the most controversial thus far this season for me, but I’ve seen the Jaguars passing offense and I am just wondering how rookie running back Leonard Fournette is going to find any room to run. The big back out of LSU is expected to see plenty of opportunity this season, but could be slow out of the gate dealing with a foot injury. He’s also expected to anchor the running game for a bad offense (ranked 23rd last season) that struggled on the ground (ranked 22nd in 2016). Fournette will add improvement, but the Jags also have a few other backs that could carve out small roles in the offense. For his rookie campaign, I can see Fournette finishing in the 20-24 fantasy running back range, but not at his current ADP of 3.03, the No.13 fantasy running back off the board (in PPR). He’ll fare better in standard, but he’s one player I will relax on and look to take a round or two later (if available).

That’s My Take. ~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 7th 2016
Friday Evening Edition

Week 5 Friday Fantasy Fix

With four weeks in the books, there are several interesting matchups this weekend (Week 5) worth taking a look at for fantasy owners.

In Baltimore running back Terrance West is looking at a prime matchup against the Redskins run defense ranked 30th versus the run. West should get plenty of looks this Sunday coming off a 21 carry effort in week 4. He is also averaging better than 4 yards per carry and is currently the leagues 17th leading rusher. With the Redskins allowing the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including 7 rushing touchdowns this season, West looks to be a week 4 must play.

Colts running back Frank Gore was just removed the team's injury report for week 5 and that comes just in time. This Sunday Gore gets the Bears run defense, ranked 26th versus the run and allowing 123 yards per game on the ground. The Colts are in big need of getting the running game rolling and this Sunday, home cooking could be just what the doctor ordered to get the ship righted. Gore, the leagues 15th leading runner has averaged better than 21 touches the last two weeks; expect more Gore this Sunday and lots of production.

The Eagles running back Ryan Matthews was also just removed from the team's injury report and with a favorable matchup this Sunday against the Lions run defense he could finally get his 2016 fantasy season rolling. The Lions run defense is ranked 22nd versus the run and they also allow better than 5-yards per tote. If Matthews is finally healthy, he could see some extended work with positive results. Matthews is more of a sleeper or low-end flex play this week.

That's my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: QUICK TAKES

Monday Edition
November 5th, 2012  

David’s Daily Digest

MNF Quick Notes

Tonight’s matchup between the Eagles and Saints will offer plenty of lineup options. If you get’em, start’em…

These are my takes for tonight’s Monday Night Matchup.

The Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson should be licking his chops as he prepares the meet the Saints defense on Monday night. Jackson is the team’s leading receiver this season, but he has yet to get it going; just one 100-yard game this season. Tonight’s contest is a prime matchup for Jackson to get it going. The Saints are ranked 30th versus the pass and allow the most fantasy points to wide receivers; Jackson should have a big night.

Running back LeSean McCoy is a no-brain start tonight. The Saints defense will have plenty of trouble tracking down Shady McCoy this evening. McCoy has just tow 100-yard games and two rushing touchdowns this season; expect both to improve tonight versus the Saints (ranked 31st against the run).

Like Jackson, quarterback Michael Vick has to be excited about his matchup tonight. The Saints pass defense has allowed 15 passing touchdowns this season and they are giving up well over 300 yards in the air per game. Vick has not had an easy road thus far turning the ball over at an alarming rate, but the Saints defense appears to be even more generous. Vick looks set to breakout this evening.

On the other side, the Saints are still the Saints and quarterback Drew Brees is not going to go down without a fight. The Eagles 14th ranked pass defense will have all it can handle with Brees in the pocket. This matchup has all the makings of a regular fireworks show in the Dome, Brees will be big tonight with all the weapons he possesses and he’ll need to put points on the board in this one.

While the Eagles defense is well aware of Brees’ most lethal weapon, wide receiver Marques Colston (a nice WR2 fantasy starter) look for one of his other targets, Lance Moore to play a big role. Moore is crafty and is second on the team with 53 targets this season. Even with all the weapons the Saints have on offense, Moore will see plenty of passes his direction; he’ll be a nice flex insert tonight.

Tight end Jimmy Graham finally appears healthy and will give the Eagles plenty of fits tonight. He’s one of Brees favorite targets in the red zone, and you can be sure the Saints are going to be frequenting that part of the field tonight. Graham is a must start and should pay-off nicely.

The Eagles have themselves a pretty good tight end (Brent Celek) that they can boast, but with so many holes in the secondary downfield, Celek may take a back seat. If there is anything the Saints secondary can do well, they have managed to play tight ends with some degree of success. The Saints defense allows the 7th fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Play Celek with caution. 


By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Monday Edition

September 17th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

More Week 2 Takes

Hakeem Nicks: A Special Talent Breaking Loose

The second member of the Giants dynamic duo receiving corp, wide receiver Hakeem Nicks quickly came out of his early season slumber with a huge performance in week 2. After a very dismal week one outing with just four catches for 38 yards, Nicks rewarded his fantasy owners with an explosion in week two. His 199 yards receiving in week 2 lead the league and for PPR owners he added 10 catches and a score; 25 fantasy points in standard scoring. Nicks is a premier WR1 and owners can count on for more big games.

Brent Celek: Vick’s New Best Friend

The Eagles tight end Brent Celek emerged on Sunday as quarterback Michael Vicks favorite target snatching 8 passes for 157 yards receiving. Celek led the team in receiving and all receivers with 11 targets. This should come as little surprise since Celek is also tied for the team lead with 19 targets; a good indication that he’s on Vick’s radar every Sunday and should be fantasy lineups.

Donnie Avery: A Man on the Rise

The former Rams receiver has been incognito the past couple of seasons recovering from injury and the football abyss, but this season he’s landed in Indianapolis where he may be on track to resurrect what was once a promising career. In week two Avery caught nine balls for 111 yards on 10 targets. He’s easily and quickly emerged as one of quarterback Andrew Lucks favorite targets, second to Reggie Wayne. His 18 targets in two games makes him very relevant in fantasy and a strong flex play in all formats.

Percy Harvin: Footloose and Migraine Free

The Vikings explosive receiver Percy Harvin is off to a quick start in 2012 and his 12 catches for 104 yards in week two are just a small indication. In two games Harvin has been targeted 21, far and away the most on the team. His 18 catches this season make him a PPR darling and a good WR2 fantasy option week in and week out. As the season moves along and quarterback Christian Ponder progresses, Harvin could become and even greater fantasy option, but he’ll need to stay healthy.

Dwayne Bowe: The Big Hands on the Reservation

The Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe blew up for 102 yards receiving with two touchdowns in week 2 against the Bills. Bowe was targeted 15 times on Sunday, third most for any receiver and has 21 total targets in two games. Moving forward he is clearly quarterback Matt Cassel’s go-to receiver and should be in all fantasy lineups.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

December 17th, 2011, Saturday

David’s Daily Digest

FantasyNotes:

Risky Plays for Week 15…

Sanchez could face a tough test….the Jets take their show on theroad this weekend, a place where quarterback Mark Sanchez has just twotouchdowns in his last three (raod) starts. The Eagles defense is ranked just12^th against the pass this season, but they have managed 42 sacks and 12 picks this season. The road is a place that has not been too kind for Sanchezas of late, fantasy owners may want to consider other options (if available).

Bears defense could tame the Beast ….runningback Marshawn Lynch has been a wrecking ball tearing through opposing defensesaveraging 114 yards on the ground in his last five games. This week his “beastmode” could be tamed and meet its’ match when he takes the field against theBears defense. The Bears 10^th ranked run defense has not allowed asingle 100-yard rusher in their last 8 games (since week 5 against the Lions);and they have not allowed a single rushing touchdown in their last 8 quartersplayed. Lynch will get a ton of work, but could struggle to find many yards onSunday.

Jackson could get lost on Revis Island…..theEagles tumultuous receiver DeSean Jackson has been held in check most of theseason recording just two 100-yard receiving games this season. On Sunday he issure to spend quite a bit of time on Revis Island and could very well likely pulla disappearing act; not what fantasy owners need during championship week. Hehas recorded four or less catches eight times this season and only topped the74-yard receiving mark four times (in 12 games); he’s reward this season hardlyseems worth the risk.

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: ON THE COVER

December 21ST, 2010, Tuesday

On the Cover

Superman Has Returned!!

Mike Vick leads an improbable Comeback

If you were glued to your set on Sunday watching the battle in the Meadowlands between the Giants and Eagles, you may have left premature thinking this one was well in hand with the G-Men up 31-10 and less than nine minutes to play in the game. Well if you were unlucky enough to change that channel, you missed an incredible finish that will likely go down as one of the most improbable.

With 8:17 left on the clock, Michael Vick took over the game and brought the Eagles back from a 21-point deficit. Vick used his arm hitting his tight end Brent Celek on a deep middle pass that he took to the house for six to bring the Eagles closer, 31-17. On the ensuing kick-off credit head coach Andy Reid with a great call, a surprise onside kick with 7:28 on the clock.

With the momentum in full swing Vick next used his legs with a 35 yard scramble and a 4 yard scamper for a touchdown. The comeback was on and the Giants were literally helpless to stop it. The defense tried blitzes and coverage to contain and confuse Vick, but the playmaker would not be stopped.

With 5:28 left in the game, the Giants had a chance to run out the clock and close this one out, but when the drive stalled at the Eagles 40 yard line they were forced to punt. A nice kick from the Giants’ punter Matt Dodge pinned the Eagles at their own 12 yard line with only 3:01 left on the clock. As they had done throughout the game, the Giants defense continued to bring pressure and mixed things up.

With two incompletes from Vick caused by pressure from the Giants pass rush, the Eagles were faced with a 3rd and 10 at their own 12. The Giants would once again bring pressure in the face of Vick, but a critical error of not containing the elusive quarterback allowed him to get outside the pressure and ramble his way for 33 yards. As the Eagles drive continued Vick would again evade pressure and scramble for another 22 yards setting up the game tying score; a 13 yard pass to Jeremy Maclin with 1:16 on the clock..

The incredible comeback would be complete when the Giants unable to move the ball or run out the clock would have to punt away to the Eagles punt returner DeSean Jackson. And like a Hollywood script and finish, Jackson would return the punt back 65 yards for the game winning score as time ran out.

It was an improbable finish and an incredible meltdown. Vick would contribute to the success of both by completing 21 of 35 passes for 242 yards. He would also throw three touchdowns to go with his one rushing score. Vick finished the afternoon with 130 yards rushing to lead all ball carriers.

If you thought Superman wore a red cape and blue suit, think again. He wears number seven and plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

By David Ortega

Video found on Youtube by hotnowsports

"Michael Vick throws for over 240 yards with 3 Tds, he also rushes for 130 yards.

FSH: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 7th, 2010, Thursday



David’s Daily Digest



My Fantasy Notes:

RYAN TORAIN HAS BUSY DAY ON THE GROUND.
Last Sunday against the Eagles, running back Ryan Torain saw some extended action carrying the ball 18 times for 70 yards. The Redskin’s runner also found the end-zone on a blistering 12-yard scamper that included running right over and through the Eagles defensive back Quintin Mikell.
My Fantasy Read:
It appears head coach Mike Shanahan has found himself another gem. Remember Shanahan actually drafted Torain while he was still the head coach in Denver, so you know he is a coaches’ favorite. With running back Clinton Portis down for at least a month Torain is going to get some extended time to showcase his talents. The Packers roll into DC on Sunday with their 24th ranked run defense, so expect to see a lot of Torain.

BRANDON LLOYD TURNS IN ANOTHER BIG DAY.
The Bronco’s wide out followed up his big game in week 3 with another solid performance last Sunday. Lloyd was targeted 18 times against the Titans secondary and hauled in 11 of those passes for 115 yards (his third 100-yard receiving game this season).
My Fantasy Read:
Thus far Lloyd has been targeted a team high 40 times this season (ranks 7th in the league) and unquestionably has emerged as quarterback Kyle Orton’s favorite target. In the past two weeks Lloyd has seen 28 passes his direction and connected on 17 for 284 yards and a score. He’s got a tough matchup on Sunday against Baltimore, but is still worthy of consideration.

TERRELL OWENS BREAKS OUT IN WEEK 4.
The Bengals passing offense finally awoke last Sunday against the Browns defense and wide receiver Terrell Owens finally had a break out game this season. T.O. caught nine passes for 222 yards and a score to lead the offense.
My Fantasy Read:
Owens definitely raised his fantasy value with the great performance on Sunday, but before you go and auction the talented wide out away consider his numbers so far this season. Owens is the second highest targeted wide out in the league. He ranks 5th in the league in yards and his 24 catches rank him 11th. Currently his projected numbers make him look like a 90 catch, 1,400 yard receiving. These are exaggerated numbers, but numbers that may make you at least reconsider for a moment before ditching Owens.

BRAYLON EDWARDS LOOKS PRIMED FOR MONDAY NIGHT.
The 2-1 Jets have a huge matchup coming up on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings and their 8th ranked pass defense. So far this season wide receiver Braylon Edwards has come up big for the Jets passing game with three straight games with a touchdown.
My Fantasy Read:
Edwards is slowly shaking the nickname and label “stone-hands” that has been affectionately given to him by some of the fantasy football community. In his last two games Edwards has touchdown scores of 67 and 41 yards. He’s only caught 12 passes this season, but with an 18.9 yards per catch average Edwards is making them count. He still lacks some consistency as a favorable play, but he’s worth keeping your eye on.