FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING QUICK TAKES (WEEK 10)

November 12th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

Week 10 FF Quick Takes

The Rambling Runners

Gus Edwards (Ravens)

The Ravens running back has had the hot hand of late scoring 6 rushing touchdowns his last three games. This week he faces the Browns 6th ranked run defense, so treading on the ground this week could be tough, fantasy managers should temper expectations a bit.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Lions)

Even with the return of David Montgomery this week, the rookie runner (Gibbs) should be a featured piece in the run as well as the passing game. Gibbs has 18 receptions for 106 receiving yards in his last three games.

Rachaad White (Buccaneers)

The Bucs running back has been trending upward over the last several weeks with 17 receptions for 181 receiving yards over his last three games. He’ll also have a chance to do some damage on the ground against the Titans run defense that has allowed the 3rd most rushing yards the last two weeks.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SATURDAY'S FF QUICK TAKES

November 11th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Evening Edition

Week 10 FF Plays

Sneaky Plays for Week 10

It’s another week impacted by the Byes and fantasy managers will have to dig a little deeper this week with teams like the Eagles, Dolphins, and Chiefs off this Sunday. There will be no Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, or AJ Brown available this Sunday, so time to go diving and find some fantasy value.

Mayfield is in Play this Sunday.

The Buccaneers quarterback has been a steady fantasy play over his last three games. Mayfield has been scoring in the fantasy starting range during this stretch averaging 259 yards passing, while completing 63.2% of his passes with five touchdowns. While the Titans defense has been pretty good against opposing quarterbacks, Mayfield faces a secondary that allows the 9th most completions and the 6th highest completion rate this season with the fewest picks this season.

Trent Irwin has value against the Texans.

With the Bengals receiving corps banged up and wideout Tee Higgins already ruled out, Irwin is in play this Sunday. The Bengals could also be without Ja’Marr Chase on Sunday opening up opportunities for the remaining pass catchers. While Tyler Boyd will be the popular pickup and insert this week, Irwin could fill a void in deeper leagues and provide value in DFS.

Noah Brown is a streaming Dark Horse.

Following a breakout game in week 9, the Texans wide receiver Noah Brown should be on most fantasy managers' radar heading into Sunday. Led by rookie quarterback CJ Stroud, the Texans passing game appears to be in high gear heading into this Week 10 road tilt with the Bengals. In two of their last three games, the Bengals secondary has been lit up by opposing receivers allowing the 7th most fantasy points in each contest.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: FRIDAY NIGHT FF QUICK TAKES (WEEK 10)

November 10th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Friday Evening Edition

Fantasy Football Quick Takes

Passers that are Slingin It

Dak Prescott (Cowboys) The Cowboys signal caller Dak Prescott has been on a heater over his last three starts. He is completing 71.4% of his passes averaging 316.7 yards passing per game with 8 touchdowns and a passer rating of 120.73. Prescott and the Cowboys have won two of their last three, falling just short last week against the Eagles. This week with a home tilt against the Giants, Prescott should be considered mid-to-low QB-1.

Joe Burrow (Bengals) The Bengals passer has been on a roll of late finishing in the Top-10 fantasy quarterbacks for the week in three of his last four starts. Through his last four games Burrow is averaging 283.2 yards passing, completing 76.9% of his passes while tossing 10 touchdowns. With a matchup against the Texans secondary ranked 24th against the pass, Burrow is locked in as a low-end QB-1 this week.

Sam Howell (Commanders) The Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has been slinging it pretty good over his last three games. During this span Howell has averaged 323.7 yards passing per game with completing over 65% of his passes. With quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa on a bye, Howell is in play this week as a low end QB-1 starter.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SATURDAY (FF) QUICK TAKES (WK8-2)

October 28, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Quick Takes

Jets vs Giants Matchup

The Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (fantasy WR23) has 32 receptions for 369 yards receiving and two touchdowns this season. Despite the inconsistent play at quarterback, Wilson remains a low-end WR-2 or flex play.

Jaguars vs Steelers Matchup

The Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr (fantasy RB5) has rushed for 504 yards with 7 touchdowns this season. Etienne Jr has also caught 24 passes for 196 yards receiving. Over the past three weeks Etienne has been the top fantasy running back, he’s locked in this week and should be a safe Top-10 fantasy RB.

Eagles vs Commanders Matchup

The Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (fantasy WR25) has caught 37 passes for 432 yards with one touchdown this season. A fringe WR-2 thus far this season, McLaurin has a friendly matchup this week with the Eagles 31st in fantasy against wide receivers.

Texans vs Panthers Matchup

The Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (fantasy QB17) has thrown for 1,660 yards (276.6/game) and tossed 9 touchdowns to one pick this season. Over his last three games Stroud has averaged more than 250 yards passing per game with 5 touchdowns. Sitting just outside the top-12 this week, he’s a strong play in 2-QB leagues.

Browns vs Seahawks Matchup

The Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker (fantasy RB8) has rushed for 450 yards this season, adding 7 touchdowns (6 run, 1 receive) and 13 receptions for 106 yards receiving. A full participant, Walker is good to go for Sunday and locked-in fantasy lineups.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SATURDAY (FF) QUICK TAKES

October 28, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Saturday Afternoon Edition

Fantasy Football Quick Takes

Rams vs Cowboys Matchup

The Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (fantasy WR7 - ppr) has collected 58 receptions for 752 yards receiving this season. He's a must-start every week.

Vikings vs Packers Matchup

The Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is averaging 5.3 receptions for 71.7 yards and better than a touchdown over his last three games. He's a must-start every week.

Falcons vs Titans Matchup

The Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder has been the fantasy QB7 over the last three weeks averaging 295 yards passing, 1 touchdowns, and 22 yards rushing per game. He's in play in 2-QB and deeper leagues.

Saints vs Colts Matchup

The Saints running back Alvin Kamara is averaging 26 touches and 118 yards of offense over his last three games played. He's the fantasy RB3 during this stretch. A must-start matchup for Week 8

Patriots vs Dolphins Matchup

The Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has totaled 53 receptions for 902 yards receiving and 7 scores this season. He is the fantasy WR1. He's forever locked in.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

October 15th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

FF Quick Notes for Week 6

Justin Fields (QB)

The Bears quarterback has been sizzling the last two weeks throwing for 617 yards and tossing 8 touchdowns with one pick. He’s also added 82 yards rushing, while scoring over 30 fantasy points per game.

David Montgomery (RB)

The Lions running back has rushed for 230 yards and scored 4 rushing touchdowns on 51 carries in his last two games. He has also recorded 4 receptions for another 40 yards. He has scored 55 fantasy points (ppr) combined in the two games, which ranks 2nd behind only Christian McCaffrey.

Travis Etienne Jr (RB)

The Jaguars running back has been churning out the yards the past two weeks, 256 yards of offense. He rushed for 191 yards (46 carries) and added 65 yards receiving (7 receptions) while recording two (rushing) touchdowns.

DJ Moore (WR)

No receiver has been hotter than the Bears wideout over the past two weeks. Moore has totaled 16 receptions (ranks 4th), for 361 receiving yards (ranks 1st), on 19 targets (ranks 10th). Moore has also added 4 receiving touchdowns, which ranks tied for the most by receivers for the past two weeks.

Adam Thielen (WR)

The Panthers wide receiver has been getting it done quietly under the radar. Over the past four weeks Thielen has caught 36 passes, for 382 yards and three scores, ranking as the fantasy WR4.

Cole Kmet (TE)

The Bears tight end has been solid for fantasy managers over the past couple of weeks, scoring in two straight games. He’s the fantasy TE2, recording 12 receptions (on 14 targets) for 127 yards receiving, with three touchdowns in his last two games.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Night Edition
November 30th 2019

FSH: Quick Takes

The Seahawks rookie wide receiver DK Metcalf has not seen fewer than 5 targets in each of his games since week 6 and has 25 total in his last three starts. His numbers have been modest to quiet his past two starts, but he could be in line to bounce back on Monday night against the Vikings.

Over the past four weeks, the Vikings secondary has been toasted allowing the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing receivers, including 727 receiving yards (3rd most), and four receiving touchdowns. On the season, the Vikings defense has allowed the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing wideouts, including 15 touchdowns (tied for 3rd most). 

This could be just the matchup Metcalf needs to repeat his breakout performance from week 9, when he turned in a line of 6/123/1.

That’s My Take
~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Night Edition
November 30th 2019

FSH: Quick Takes

If you were quick to the Waiver Wire draw last week and lucky enough to pick up Colts running back Johnathan Williams, then you should thinking start him this Sunday. In his past two games, Williams has carried the rock 39 times and hauled in four receptions for a total of 268 yards (220 rushing/48 receiving).

This week Williams will get a savory matchup against a struggling Titans defense. Over the past four weeks, the Titans defense has allowed the 5th most fantasy points to opposing running backs, including four rushing touchdowns (4th most over the four week span), and 4.5 yards per carry. 

Williams may be on a limited clock, but he’ll get the start at least one more week with starter Marlon Mack not expected to make his return until week 14.

That’s My Take
~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Saturday Night Edition
November 23rd 2019

Week 12: Quick Take

RB-Nick Chubb, Browns
Over his past five games, Browns running back Nick Chubb has had at least 20 carries, averaging nearly 24 touches per game. The Browns ball carrier has seen a minimum of 21 touches and eclipsed 100 yards rushing in three of the five contests. His per game average over this span is 105.1 yards rushing (526 total rushing yards) with two rushing scores. Chubb has also been active in the passing game with 12 receptions for 55 receiving yards on 17 targets. This week Chubb faces a Dolphins defense that allows 148.3 yards rushing per game (31st in the league), so he’ll have a great chance to post solid numbers.

That’s My Take
~David G. Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

November 26th 2017

Sunday morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

Quick Takes

Going through my season-long league lineups, I am trending toward Broncos running back Devontae Booker. I think he will dominate the touches today in the backfield and get some good run against the Raiders.

With Rishard Matthews out today, the rookie Corey Davis should see an increased role coming off a quiet week 11. Take note, Davis has been targeted 17 times the past two weeks, so volume will work in his favor today.

I’ve got a couple of lineups that need to make huge runs, so I am going boom or bust with Martavis Bryant this week. With JuJu Smith-Schuster ruled out, Bryant should see more snaps and more opportunity.

Kelvin Benjamin was ruled out earlier this week, I am liking the prospects of rookie receiver Zay Jones today against the Chiefs. The Chiefs defense has allowed the most fantasy points to opposing receivers and the most touchdowns (15) this season.

That's My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

October 6th 2017

Friday Late Night Edition

What I Learned from Week 4

(Quick Takes) 

Cutler and Dolphins offense in trouble.

After watching their awful performance in Week 4 against the Saints, you get the sense the Dolphins offense is in really trouble if things don't start clicking quick. Cutler was pulled out of retirement because he knew the offense and had familiarity with the system. With receivers like Jarvis Landry and Devante Parker and running back Jay Ajayi, this team wasn't necessarily expected to be better, but should have been just as good. So far this has not been the case and this week they are home with Tennessee rolling into town. Last week the Titans were wiped out by the Texans surrendering 57 points. If the Dolphins are going to get things right, if fantasy owners are going to be able to trust players like Ajayi, Landry, and Parker, this is the week to make it all happen.

Texans have something special brewing.

I've been talking this up all week and if you haven't heard me, you just haven't been listening. Yes, it's a little early to making such bold statements about Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson, but the kid is playing special. Through 4 games he's been special. Watson is the No.7 fantasy QB, ahead of names like Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton, Matt Ryan, and Marcus Mariota. He's 2-1 as a starter, making plays, throwing for 7 touchdowns, while running for 2 more. He's a rookie, so mistakes will come, but the resiliency this kid has already shown, he's making me a believer every Sunday.

Vikings receivers need Sam Bradford

When the season opened, back in week one the Vikings offense and passing game burst onto the scene with Bradford and his talented pass catchers leading the way. Diggs (No.1 in PPR) and Thielen (No.13 in PPR) are still among the top pass receiving fantasy options this season, but their numbers tailed off a bit last week and fantasy owners have to be getting the sense they really need Bradford back. If these two and tight end Kyle Rudolph are going to run with the fantasy big dogs, they need their starting quarterback. Bradford knows the system well, he's efficient with the ball, and deadly accurate; their numbers get a bump when Sam plays.

Are the Falcons Smoke and Mirrors?

To put it simply, the Falcons are 3-1, but could easily be 1-3 after surviving week 1 & 3 scares against the Bears and Lions. Last season the Falcons were a dominate team, lighting up the scoreboard. This season seems different. The team is still averaging 26 points per game (ranks 6th in the league), but they are definitely doing it in different ways. Matt Ryan had elevated his play a year ago to elite status, but this season he's just the 22nd fantasy QB and as would be expected wide receiver Julio Jones is the No.25 fantasy WR (in PPR). These are fall below fantasy owner expectations. Are the Falcons as good as advertised and will Ryan's numbers eventually reflect or are they telling now and the worse is to come? We'll see.

Is something wrong with Big Ben?

Big Ben has never really been a Top-5 fantasy QB. Since 2011 he has only finished inside the Top-10 once, in 2013 when he was the No.5 fantasy QB. Despite the lack of top finishes, fantasy owners have to be frustrated with Roethlisberger's current No.21 ranking. In four games he's only topped 250 yards passing once, and has just two multiple touchdowns games; two games of two. These are not quite the fantasy numbers owners are looking for. Historically Big Ben has always played well at home versus the road, so even though it's Jacksonville up next owners are hoping playing at home this Sunday will help him to get things going.

The Giants run game stuck in reverse.

After four games, it's pretty apparent the Giants running is non-existent. The Giants are the 30th ranked run offense this season and their 3.2 yards per carry average ranks near the bottom of the league. The prime culprit for these poor numbers is running back Paul Perkins. He's averaging less than 2 yards per carry this season and has just 61 rushing yards through 4 games. A starter to begin the year, Perkins (ribs) who is likely sidelined this week has fallen off the fantasy map and running backs Wayne Gallman and Orleans Darkwa will now try to resuscitate the Giants lifeless run game.

Cousins and offense starting to show something.

There's no doubt, had Terrelle Pryor hung onto that touchdown throw late in the game and the Redskins came out on top, the talk on Monday would have been look out for Washington. This was the second straight game for Cousins where he played very well. In a tough road matchup Cousins was 14 of 24 for 220 yards passing and two scores (which could have easily been three). He also added 38 yards on 7 scrambles/runs. If the Redskins can get some of their pieces like Jordan Reed and Robert Kelley, healthy and back soon, then lookout because these guys could start to heat up real fast.

That’s My Take

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 17th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

It’s another week of NFL action and to be precise it’s only week 2, so this party is just getting started. Fantasy Football is in full swing, if you’re like me you are immersed in fantasy leagues (approximately 35) and every nugget, piece of info, and NFL update can make the difference in a win and/or loss.

With Sunday kick-off a mere couple of hours away, it’s time for a few Sunday morning quick takes for week 2;

The Seahawks are not the same Legion of Boom from their Super Bowl run a few years back and with Richard Sherman dealing with a hamstring issue, I am liking Niners receiver Pierre Garcon today. The Hawks were toasted in week one by the Packers passing game and while I don’t put Hoyer and Niners in the same conversation, I think Garcon will be heavily targeted once again (10 targets in week 1).

You took Jordan Howard with a 2nd or 3rd round pick in your fantasy draft, if he’s suiting up you need him in your lineup. It’s pretty safe to assume, these guys aren’t taking the field unless they can endure the hits and punishment. It’s probably not a great matchup for Howard on the road, but if he’s a go he should see plenty of work and could salvage the day with a score.

The Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry is expected to play without limitations, but not exactly sure what that means for fantasy owners. Landry should get his number called plenty today, but in standard leagues the favorite has to be Devante Parker. In PPR leagues, I am starting Landry today.

Probably the big news and concern for owners is the health of Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford. His playing or sitting today shouldn’t affect too many quarterback sit/starts dilemmas, since he was likely undrafted in most redraft leagues. The biggest concern for Bradford’s availability comes from fantasy owners of his receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. These two were dynamic in week one with Bradford under center, if he’s out Thielen could be a tough play and Diggs value will also take a hit. It’s very simple, if Sam plays, I’m starting both.

The Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was held in check in week one, but that was against a well prepared Andy Reid Chiefs defense. Remember, when Reid has additional time to prepare he’s very good. This week head coach Sean Payton has a short week to get ready for Brady and company. I am starting Gronk with confidence and he’s a must in DFS today.

The Colts offense really struggled a week ago without Andrew Luck and once again they will be without. I am staying away from everyone today, but if I have to start anyone out of the backfield, I am probably leaning with the rookie Marlon Mack. Mack and running back Frank Gore had virtually the same number of snaps last week (17 & 19 respectively). Mack is youth and figures to only get better, while Gore is in the decline of his career and fighting off father time; although I’m not starting either today if I can avoid.

There’s not a lot of talk this week going around Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. Yes his week one performance was less than stellar and yes he draws a tough matchup against a Vikings defense that only allowed 55 yards on the ground, but Bell is a dual threat weapon. The Vikings also allowed 9 receptions and 74 yards receiving to the Saints running backs. Bell is in your lineup today and should be; in PPR he should fare just fine with plenty of grabs.

That’s My Take.

~David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 10th 2017

Sunday Morning Edition

Sunday Morning Gametime

This is one of the most exciting times of the year, right up there with March Madness and Christmas; it’s the first Sunday of the NFL, week 1 and a full slate of games. This is what fantasy owners have been waiting for since camps opened back in July and the time has arrived.

Now that kick-off is just about 75 minutes away how about a couple of “Hot Takes” for week 1;

I’ve not heard anything definitive, but as long as quarterback Cam Newton starts, I am big on wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. A huge red-zone target in the passing offense, look for two scoreS today from Benjamin.

I may not be starting Niners quarterback Brian Hoyer today, but I think he’ll draw some fantasy owner attention today with a solid performance. He’s not goinig to be a sexy play any week, but he’s going to be a quarterback you can stream throughout the season.

One reason for Hoyer’s success will be his connection with wide receiver Pierre Garcon. He’s the number receiver in a system he’s familiar with he could see double digit targets today and post WR1 numbers against the Panthers.

The Bills running back LeSean McCoy is going to see plenty of carries today and could top the 150 total yards mark. The Jets defense has been picked apart this offseason and they could really struggle this season against opposing running backs, especially in the pass game.

And finally for Week 1, look for the old man (sorry Carson) in Arizona, quarterback Carson Palmer to find a little fountain of youth in Detroit today. He and the legend wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald could pull out some old tricks and post some big numbers today; 300 yards passing, 100 yards receiving, and at least one scoring connection.

That’s My Hot Takes for Today.

~David Ortega