FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

August 31st, 2023

Thursday Evening Edition

My Top 10 Fantasy Football 

QB Rankings for 2023

The NFL kicks off in less than one week and this coming weekend promises to be the biggest draft weekend of the season. So with no time to lose here is my Top-10 Quarterbacks for the start of the 2023 season.

The Top-10

1. Patrick Mahomes

2. Josh Allen

3. Jalen Hurts

4. Joe Burrow

5. Lamar Jackson

6. Justin Fields

7. Justin Herbert

8. Trevor Lawrence

9. Deshaun Watson

10. Dak Prescott

Last season, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was sensational passing for over 5,000 yards for the 2022 regular season. But do you know who was better on a fantasy points-per-game basis? No, not Josh Allen, but Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. 

While the top three could be considered interchangeable, in 2022 Hurts broke out with a fantastic campaign, tossing 22 touchdowns, while completing 66.5% of his passes, and adding 13 rushing touchdowns. With that type of prolific production, I have Hurts ranked as number three, but he could easily vault to the top spot.

Last season, the Bears 2nd year quarterback Justin Fields took over the reins and went on an exceptional run of his own from weeks 7 through 15 (missing only week 12). During this stretch Fields posted 7 straight games with 19 or more fantasy points, including two games over 39. Fields finished as the No.6 fantasy quarterback in 2022 and has a good chance at repeating or improving in 2023.

The Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson, after missing the full 2021 season, played in less than half of the 2022 season, 6 games. The rust from his layoff showed last season, as Watson finished as the No.25 fantasy (points-per-game) scoring quarterback. This coming after finishing as the No.5 fantasy QB in 2020, his last full season played. With a full training camp under his belt and a full complement of weapons, Watson is poised for the Top-10 and could push for a Top-5 spot in 2023..

Just missing the Top-10, but still start-worthy in 12-team leagues are quarterbacks, (Dolphins) Tua Tagovailoa and (Giants) Daniel Jones. With the Dolphins passer, his health will be the biggest concern. As long as Tua stays healthy, he’s a Top-10 all day.

With the Giants signal caller, Jones just needs to build off his 2022 season (finished as the No.10 fantasy scoring QB). Six of his final eight games Jones scored no fewer than 17 fantasy points, eclipsing 20 points three times. Like Tua, Jones is a borderline Top-10.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Wednesday Night Edition

August 14th, 2019

The First Class of Fantasy

Sometimes it seems like the quarterback position is treated like a first class citizen, in comparison to other positions on the field. They are without question, the most protected and rightfully so.

Rather than posting my complete list of all starting quarterbacks, I’ll just share my thoughts about a couple of the QB1’s for 2019.

At the top of my list for this fantasy season is the Texans starter, (MR#1 QB) Deshaun Watson. He’s a very good passer and dynamic player. With the weapons surrounding him in Houston, such as wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, and with the addition of running back Duke Johnson, Watson should deliver big numbers this season.

Landing in my top five this season is none other than Mr. Quarterback, (MR#3 QB) Aaron Rodgers. The Packers signal caller’s numbers were down a bit last season, but we know he played through injury. This season, a healthy Rodgers will have an opportunity to recapture his crown as the best QB in the league and fantasy.

I like (MR#8 QB) Mr. Baker Mayfield this season, as do many other fantasy enthusiasts, but I am not over the top with my excitement. The Browns quarterback had a very positive rookie campaign last season and with the addition of an elite wide receiver like Odell Beckham Jr, his second year looks very promising. I, however will temper my expectations some and remain grounded, as Mayfield was the number 16 fantasy QB in total points last season, so Top-10 is still trending in the right direction. 

My last notable for the evening is the final quarterback to make my preseason QB1 status, (MR#12 QB) Jameis Winston. Last season the Buccaneers quarterback finished strong in the 2nd half of the season, and all the whispers I keep hearing on the radio shows and popular podcasts suggest, this could be a big season for Winston; he does have some nice weapons.

My QB1’s list

1.Deshaun Watson

2.Patrick Mahomes

3.Aaron Rodgers

4.Andrew Luck

5.Matt Ryan

6.Carson Wentz

7.Cam Newton

8.Baker Mayfield

9.Drew Brees

10.Russell Wilson

11.Jarod Goff

12.Jameis Winston

That’s my take.

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 28th 2017

Saturday Night Edition

Week 8 QB Rankings

Topping the charts this week, to be expected is Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, as he should be facing the lowly Niners defense. Wentz has been solid this season the Niners are coming off a week 7 throttling by the Cowboys Dak Prescott.

After falling flat last week against the Bears, a week 8 meeting with the Buccaneers is just what Cam Newton may need to bounce back. Newton has been solid this season and last week may have just been an anomaly. Fantasy owners can look for Newton to have much greater success this Sunday against a defense that allows the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

The Falcons defense has been trending the wrong direction of late, enter Jets quarterback Josh McCown. It’s not a prime week for big numbers, but with so many teams on Bye, McCown (the No.13 fantasy QB) could still be in play as a streaming option. He has posted back-to-back 20-plus fantasy point games.

QB Rankings

1. Carson Wentz

2. Tom Brady

3. Drew Brees

4. Dak Prescott

5. Cam Newton

6. Matt Ryan

7. Kirk Cousins

8. Philip Rivers

9. Russell Wilson

10. Tyrod Taylor

11. Deshaun Watson

12. Alex Smith

13. Andy Dalton

14. Ben Roethlisberger

15. Derek Carr

16. Jameis Winston

17. Matthew Stafford

18. Josh McCown

19. Case Keenum

20. Trevor Siemian

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 21st 2017

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Week 7 QB Rankings

With a classic Sunday night matchup this week, quarterback Tom Brady and Matt Ryan will be popular starts this week, another start I’m leaning with is Arizona passer Carson Palmer. The arrival of running back Adrian Peterson is an added weapon that will not only bolster the run game, but help Palmer significantly in the pass game.

QB Rankings

1. Tom Brady

2. Drew Brees

3. Matt Ryan

4. Carson Wentz

5. Kirk Cousins

6. Dak Prescott

7. Cam Newton

8. Carson Palmer

9. Marcus Mariota

10. Russell Wilson

11. Ben Roethlisberger

12. Tyrod Taylor

13. Jared Goff

14. Jameis Winston

15. Philip Rivers

16. Andy Dalton

17. Brett Hundley

18. Trevor Siemian

19. Josh McCown

20. Blake Bortles

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 14th 2017

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 6 QB Rankings

I’m showing a lot of confidence in Kirk Cousins this week. I saw solid back-to-back games in weeks 3 & 4; if not for a dropped pass in the end zone, Cousins numbers would have looked that much better and the Redskins would be coming off a two game winning streak. Cousins is only the No.16 fantasy QB through five weeks, but I think he’s on the move and I like him as my No.6 QB this week.

Like Cousins, I think Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (No.11 fantasy QB) is set to deliver another strong performance. In his last two starts, Rivers is averaging over 20 fantasy points per game; he has passed for over 600 yards and tossed 5 touchdowns. Rivers is rolling and should continue against a Raiders defense that has yet to register an interception. I have Rivers coming in as my No.8 QB this week.

QB Rankings

1. Aaron Rodgers

2. Tom Brady

3. Drew Brees

4. Matt Ryan

5. Deshaun Watson

6. Kirk Cousins

7. Carson Palmer

8. Philip Rivers

9. Alex Smith

10. Jameis Winston

11. Matthew Stafford

12. Derek Carr

13. Ben Roethlisberger

14. Trevor Siemian

15. Marcus Mariota

16. Jacoby Brissett

17. Brian Hoyer

18. Josh McCown

19. Jared Goff

20. Case Keenum

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 7th 2017

Saturday Morning Edition

Week 5 QB Rankings

(does not include Thursday’s game)

The bye weeks have started and it’s time to look deeper each week for starting help and depth at all of your positions. With names like Brees and Ryan off this week, a lot of owners will be looking to a backup solution or the waiver wire for Week 5.

Deshaun Watson is my popular pick for week 5. He doesn’t have a great matchup, but what I like is Watson and his ability to make plays outside the pocket with his feet. He’s the leading rusher for quarterbacks after 4 weeks and the Chiefs have trouble keeping the QB contained. Watson is my No.4 fantasy QB this week.

Looking down the tree a little further, reports are suggesting Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford will play. Last season Bradford led the league with a record setting 71.6 completion percentage and this season he opened his campaign completing 84 percent of his passes back in week 1. If he’s healthy and returns Monday night, Bradford is my No.12 fantasy QB this week and worthy of starting consideration against a Bears 17th ranked secondary.

The Rams quarterback Jared Goff comes in at No.13 and should be considered a possible start this week for owners looking to fill a bye week need. Goff has played very well this season and is the No.11 fantasy QB through the first 4 weeks. And while the Seahawks (the Rams Week 5 opponent) present a formidable challenge this week, the Rams are a well balanced offense this season (4th ranked passing, 16th ranked rushing) and the highest scoring team at 35.5 points per game. Goff and company will also present many challenges for the Seahawks 15th ranked defense overall.

Here are my Week 5 QB rankings;

1. Aaron Rodgers

2. Dak Prescott

3. Carson Wentz

4. Deshaun Watson

5. Matthew Stafford

6. Carson Palmer

7. Russell Wilson

8. Eli Manning

9. Ben Roethlisberger

10. Alex Smith

11. Cam Newton

12. Sam Bradford

13. Jared Goff

14. Marcus Mariota

15. Philip Rivers

16. Jay Cutler

17. Brian Hoyer

18. Tyrod Taylor

19. Andy Dalton

20. Josh McCown

These are my Top-20 rankings for Week 5.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 29th 2017

Friday Late Night Edition

Week 4 QB Rankings

Quarterbacks (does not include Thurs)

1. Tom Brady

2. Drew Brees

3. Matt Ryan

4. Marcus Mariota

5. Jameis Winston

6. Russell Wilson

7. Matthew Stafford

8. Derek Carr

9. Alex Smith

10. Carson Wentz

11. Dak Prescott

12. Carson Palmer

13. Kirk Cousins

14. Ben Roethlisberger

15. Trevor Siemian

16. Cam Newton

17. Philip Rivers

18. Jay Cutler

19. Tyrod Taylor

20. Deshaun Watson

Starting at the top, of course we got Tom Brady leading the way, but a close second is quarterback Drew Brees. His strong performance last week was a reminder to not count the old man out. Brees looks as good as ever and I actually like this matchup for him on Sunday against the Dolphins. In two games the Dolphins have allowed a 79 percent completion rate. If you allow Brees to complete a high rate of passes, he has plenty of weapons to do a lot of damage.

I’ve moved up Russell Wilson considerably this week. He’s got a nice matchup at home this Sunday against the Colts and he’s coming off a big week 3 performance. The biggest key that leads me to believe Wilson will have another big day, his line is struggling in the run game. The Seahawks are ranked 20th in rushing this season and their 3.8 yards per carry is ranked 17th. If that’s any indication, how about Wilson’s 49 passes last week.; he’s in your lineup this week.

Derek Carr is moving down this week with a tough matchup against the Broncos. I’ve only moved him down to the No. 8 spot, considering how the Broncos defense struggled to contain Tyrod Taylor last week. This season Denver’s defense is allowing the 12th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. It’s a bounce back week, but let’s not go crazy.

Also sliding up considerably this week is the Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer. Through 3 weeks, Palmer is sitting at No. 15, but this is a good week for him to move up with a matchup against the Niners 14th ranked pass defense that’s allowed 6 touchdowns this season. He’s a borderline starter for week 4.

One more notable addition to my Top-20 this week is the Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson. Last week was impressive, but this kid has been impressive each week he steps on the field. Watson has great elusiveness and has playmaking ability not just with his arms, but his legs. Every week is going to be a tough matchup for the rookie, but I think he’ll continue to impress.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 20th 2017

Wednesday Evening Edition

My Week 3 QB Rankings

1. Tom Brady

2. Aaron Rodgers

3. Derek Carr

4. Matt Ryan

5. Drew Brees

6. Matthew Stafford

7. Cam Newton

8. Alex Smith

9. Jameis Winston

10. Marcus Mariota

11. Ben Roethlisberger

12. Philip Rivers

13. Carson Wentz

14. Sam Bradford

15. Kirk Cousins

16. Trevor Siemian

17. Dak Prescott

18. Russell Wilson

19. Carson Palmer

20. Jay Cutler

Just a slight change at the top; this week I give Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (No.1) the nod. Maybe I am just paying homage to his greatness or maybe it’s because in his last three starts against the Texans he has 8 touchdown passes? Or maybe because he’s Tom freakin Brady!

Matthew Stafford (no.6) has been steady this season and with home matchup against the Falcons, I see more points from the air this Sunday. The Falcons defense allows the 12th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, including the 5th most passing yards.

Cam Newton (No.7) cracks the Top-10 this week with a sweet matchup against the hapless Saints. In two games this season the Saints defense has allowed 6 passing touchdowns and 793 passing yards, both most in the league. This is just what the fantasy doctor ordered for Newton fantasy owners.

I’m not ready to make quarterback Trevor Siemian a fantasy starter just yet, but with his steady play through the first two weeks of the season, I have him checking in at No.16. Although it would appear he has a tough road matchup at Buffalo this Sunday, Siemian should continue his upward trend versus a defense that has allowed the 10th most completions to opposing quarterbacks.

Sliding all the way down to No.18 this week is Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Over the opening two weeks the offense has sputtered and with tight end Jimmy Graham banged up, Wilson could be shorthanded with some of his receiving weapons. It’s not the toughest matchup at Tennessee this week, but hardly the fix-it serum Wilson the offense is looking for. The Seahawks are more prone to get back on track with the ground game; owners should not be looking for big numbers from the air.

That’s My Take for Week 2.

~David Ortega