FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

September 8th 2017

Friday Night Edition

That’s My Take 2017

Fantasy Player Notes

Drafting gets you nowhere unless you know who to take and when. I’ve completed a large number of drafts and like when I started, there is just so much to remember. Good thing for you I like to share a lot of useless knowledge that will only confuse and bewilder you, but hey at the very least it may give you some idea what you might expect from some of these players I am about to mention. To continue with my current theme, here are the fantasy wide receivers.

Fantasy Wide Receivers

AJ Green

In Cincinnati there is wide receiver AJ Green and in the Bengals passing there is only AJ Green. Yes, there are a couple of “other guys”, but Green is the only one I am targeting and he’s someone worth taking as early as the number 7 or 8 pick in fantasy drafts. Green only played in 10 games last season, but when he exited he as the No.4 fantasy wide receiver in 2016 with 66 receptions, 964 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns; he was on his way to a monster season. He’s back, he’s healthy, and still quarterback Andy Dalton’s clear cut number one primary. Expect Green to wash, rinse, and repeat in 2017.

Brandin Cooks

No, Cooks is not the next Randy Moss in New England, but he is the first Brandin Cooks and with him he brings a lot of dynamic explosiveness and excitement to the Patriots passing game (especially with Tom Brady under center). Last season Cooks was a fantasy stud in New Orleans finishing as the No.10 fantasy receiver in PPR (according to Fantasy Data) with 78 receptions, 1,173 yards receiving, and 8 touchdowns. Brady is an accurate deep ball thrower and Cooks seems to be a specialist in this field; I like him early and often in fantasy drafts. He’s in the same tier as AJ Green, Mike Evans, and Jordy Nelson.

Michael Thomas

The Saints 2nd year receiver Michael Thomas is someone whose basket I will be putting a lot of my eggs in. As a rookie he finished in the Top-10 for fantasy receivers in Standard and PPR leagues; he’s a lot of catches guy and a Touchdown-guy with 9 scores last season. With the departure of Cooks, there should be a few more opportunities to score. Thomas’ stock is on the rise and he’s another early receiver that’s going to have a big season. By the year end he could belong in the second tier conversation.

Alshon Jeffery

The big question for new Eagles wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is can he stay healthy. A fair question yes, and if he can he’s a huge target and can easily be a Top-10 fantasy receiver. I really like Jeffery as a mid WR2 this season with some upside to go, he’s a solid 2nd receiver pick for your fantasy team. I like his quarterback, Carson Wentz (he’s up and coming). Paired with the capable receiving tight end Zach Ertz, Jeffery has a real legit shot to return to top-flite.

Demaryius Thomas

The Broncos wide receiver has been as steady as they come as far as fantasy receivers go; five straight seasons with 90 catches and 1,000 yards. It’s safe to say Thomas is about as safe a fantasy receiver pick as you can find. He’ll have his same quarterback (whom fantasy owner's hope will improve this season), so it’s reasonable to think he can match last season’s totals. Thomas is projected around the No.16 fantasy receiver this season and a favorite of mine as a mid-to-low WR2.

Travis Benjamin

Let me get this out of the way first, I love Keenan Allen and believe he’s back and in line for a big season, but another Charger receiver I am enamored with is Travis Benjamin. Benjamin has got electric speed and with quarterback Philip Rivers already displaying their big play potential in the preseason (the two connected on a 74-yarder in week 3). Benjamin started 8 games for the Chargers last season finishing with a line of 47-677-4. He’s a late round flier with potential upside that I am big on. He’s going to be available on week 1 waiver wires and fantasy owners should keep their eyes on him.

That’s My Take. ~David Ortega

Next up Fantasy tight ends

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

Tuesday Edition

August 14th, 2012 

David’s Daily Digest

The NFL Returns: Fantasy Football is Back

The Pre-Season is Here

With replacement referees on hand and one week in the books the NFL is back and with it Fantasy Football. Sure it’s only the preseason and it may be early, but it’s not too early to start talking fantasy football. If you check out the internet, you can catch mock-drafts galore and plenty of cheat sheets for your league’s upcoming draft. And for some fantasy drafts never come early.

When camps opened just a few short weeks ago, that was just a teaser to whet the appetite. With games now being played and a chance to view some of our favorite players, the fantasy faithful mouths are watering and we are ready for some football.

The 2012 campaign is well under way and as with each new season come new questions, especially for the fantasy world as we prepare for our upcoming drafts.

Just a few questions some may be asking;

Can Denver be the new Peyton’s Place?

My Take: So far the risk looks like it could pay off huge in 2012. Peyton Manning has been looking strong, especially for a guy that took a year off, but to keep things in perspective we have not seen a large enough sample to make a complete assessment. He does however, look good and appear to be heading in the right direction.

How will the arrival of Tebow impact the Jets?

My Take: The Jets are hoping to cash in on some big pay-offs, especially in the red-zone, but that’s no secret. Tebow was not regarded as much of a passer in Denver, yet he was still able to find pay-dirt on the ground.

Which Rookie will have the greatest impact?

My Take: RGII and Andrew Luck would appear to be the popular picks and after watching their first preseason performances, there’s much to be excited about. It’s still too early to decide, but either way, these two are likely to be later round fantasy picks for most (if selected at all).

Can Rodgers repeat in 2012?

My Take: There’s enough evidence to believe that Rodgers will produce strong numbers in 2012, but you have to keep things in perspective; 4,600 yards, 48 total touchdowns (45 pass/3run) and just six turnovers last season was ridiculous. He’ll post similar yardage (maybe more), but his 45-6 ratio will be a tough act to follow; more like 38-9.

How will Payton’s absence affect Brees?

My Take: The Saints have been hit hard this off-season by the league with suspensions, but even without the normal captain of the ship, Brees and company should be fine. Last Season Head Coach Sean Payton missed some time and spent a number of games in the booth, leaving Brees with the keys to the offense. Coming off his record setting season, I think Brees is going to be just fine driving the Saints offensive machine again in 2012.

Will Moss or Owens be relevant in 2012?

My Take: I am sure this is not a burning question for too many, but just a couple of thoughts; in San Francisco even if Moss is looking good and has regained some of that old form, it’s still quarterback Alex Smith under center. That’s a tough knock, but Smith has been around a while and we’ve yet to see anything to indicate all he needs is a big-time receiver. And at 35 after a year off, would you still call Randy big-time?

By David Ortega

FSH NOTEBOOK: DAVID'S DAILY DIGEST

February 11th, 2011 Friday

David’s Daily Digest

The Most Notable Fantasy Players of 2010

I am just continuing with my takes on some of 2010s’ most notable fantasy players. These are the studs that raised eyebrows, caught our attention, and will be part of the chatter come fantasy draft 2011.

QB-Matt Ryan
The Falcons third year quarterback really came of age in 2010 passing for over 3,700 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions. His 91.0 passer rating along with his other significant passing numbers (yards, TDs) including completion percentage were all career highs. Ryan raised the level of his play this past season and has clearly taken a huge step toward the top tier of fantasy quarterbacks in league. He’s a top 10 gunslinger in 2011.

QB-Kyle Orton
The Bronco’s signal caller had a breakout 2010 season in his own right. Orton was well on his way to setting career highs in yards passing, touchdowns and passer rating if not for injuries and a sudden change of gears at the end of the regular season. Orton finished the season having started just 13 games, had he started all sixteen he could have easily posted some huge fantasy numbers. With Tebow part of the “starting quarterback in Denver” conversation and talks of trade, Orton’s stock value will remain on the decline. Fantasy owners will have to re-evaluate once the camp opens and we see what the plan is with Orton.

TE-Marcedes Lewis
Last season the Jaguars’tight end finally came of age as a real primary pass receiving threat, especially in the red-zone. Lewis set career high in receptions (58), yards (700), and led the club with 10 touchdown grabs (ranked tied for 1st in the league for TE’s). He also finished the season as a top five fantasy tight end. He will definitely be valued much higher in 2011 than he was last summer; with his size and skill Lewis is a legit top 10 fantasy tight end.

TE-Rob Gronkowski
The Patriots traded their deep threat receiver Randy Moss in the early parts of the 2010 season and found a star in their rookie tight end Rob Gronkowski. The rookie was even expected to be their number one pass receiving tight end, but by year’s end he was playing like it. Gronkowski finished his 1st season catching 42 balls for 546 yards and 10 touchdowns (tied for the most touchdowns for TE’s). With the Patriots loving their two tight end sets, Gronkowski shouldn’t have too much trouble replicating these numbers in 2011; his catches and yards were a little down for fantasy numbers, but he’s still a top 15 fantasy tight end.

TE-Jacob Tamme
Another player that turned a few heads in 2010 was the Colts 3rd year tight end Jacob Tamme. The Colts back up emerged from the unknown when starter Dallas Clark went down with a season ending injury. Clark is a great talent at the position, but the kid (Tamme) did an admirable job filling for the injured veteran. Tamme caught 67 balls for 631 yards and scored four times. Tamme is now on the map and his stock has risen, but with Clark expected to return at some point next season it’s not a stock worth investing heavily. Tammeis more than a capable backup, but that’s exactly what it looks like he’ll be in 2011; he’s a late round fantasy pickup for now.

By David Ortega

FSH: SUNDAY MORNING GAMETIME

November 28th, 2010 Sunday

Sunday Morning Gametime

There are plenty of games and big matchups to watch today, even with three already in the books. With just two weeks left in the fantasy season (for most fantasy leagues), today’s games and matchups will be huge for those owners fighting for their post season life. Always playing a big part in the life of a fantasy owner; the injury report….

Today’s injury notes:

The Brown’s kick returner/wide receiver Josh Cribbs (foot injury) is active today against the Panthers 14th overall ranked defense. While Cribbs will play, rookie quarterback Colt McCoy (high ankle sprain) will sit with quarterback Jake Delhomme getting the start.

The Bills will be without their rookie running back C.J. Spiller (hamstring injury) who is listed as inactive. Even with the majority of carries today, it could be a rough day for starter Fred Jackson facing the league’s number one rush defense (Steelers).

The Panthers will have running back Jonathan Stewart (concussion) on the bench, but he will play; starting in his place again running back Mike Goodson. Goodson has been effective as the starter and should continue to see the majority of carries against the Browns.

The Jaguars will have the services of wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker (ankle injury) today, who returns after missing some action. Also active today is running back Maurice Jones-Drew (abdomen injury) who will face the Giants 5th ranked run defense.

The Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (flu symptoms) is expected to start today, but it sounds like he will be far less than 100%. Favre’s illness condition has gotten worse according to reports and he could be experiencing a sinus infection. Don’t expect a little bug to keep him sidelined, but if weakened any he could lose a little zip on his some of his throws today.

Notable Matchups;

With Bernard Berrian being deactivated today, it looks like it could be a very active day for wide receiver Sidney Rice. He’ll have a favorable matchup today facing the Redskins 29th ranked pass defense and as expected the Vikings wide receiver (Rice) will start today.

The Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson is starting to feel more like his old self as his ankle injury he has been nursing most of the season heals. The Titans struggle versus the pass this season ranked 26th and could be in for a long day trying to catch Johnson.

The Redskins will be without running back Ryan Torain (hamstring), so Keiland Williams will get the start once again. It may not be a good idea to jump on the Williams bandwagon today with the Redskins facing the Vikings 7th ranked run defense. Williams is also likely split some carries with recent practice-squad call up running back James Davis.

There’s been some chatter this morning in the Randy Moss camp and deservedly so; the Titans face the league’s worst pass defense. There’s no question it’s a risky play, but with the Texans allowing more than 300 yards passing per game and 25 touchdowns this season, you have to expect Fischer and company will take their shots downfield with Moss.

FSH: MY 2010 FANTASY WR'S

September 11th, 2010, Saturday

Ready to Make the Grab

Top Fantasy wide receivers:

Everyone already knows about both of the Johnson brothers, Andre and Calvin. Andre has been the giant the past two seasons in Houston leading the NFL in receiving yards with over 1,500 in each. In Detroit, Calvin enters his fourth season with 21 career touchdowns under his belt and a blossoming strong-armed quarterback ready to elevate “Megatron” to fantasy royalty.

As I review my top twenty for 2010, the most notable receivers on this list are Sidney Rice who I might have ranked higher had he not gone down for at least six weeks. Vincent Jackson is in a similar spot poised to sit out significant time, although at the time of this posting there are rumors suggesting he could land in Minnesota. If VJ gets traded to the Vikings, an early risky pick for fantasy owners could pay heavy dividends in the second half of the fantasy season.

I rate Terrell Owens higher than Ochocinco, simply because this preseason TO has been targeted more and looked more reliable as the possession type-receiver. Also his size has to make him a favorite in the Red Zone.

My Watch list…

In Indy, fantasy owners need to keep an eye on wide receiver Pierre Garcon. Garcon came on last season finishing strong in the post season with 21 receptions, including two for scores. With so many other weapons around him, he is one that is ready to breakout this season with a big year.

Very similar in Green Bay is third year wide out James Jones. Jones battled through injuries last season, but when healthy showed by play potential. With Jennings and Driver grabbing much well deserved attention, Jones could quietly blossom this season.

A third wide out that I will be watching closely is the Eagles second year receiver Jeremy Maclin. With DeSean Jackson grabbing the headlines with his big plays last season, defenses will be rolling their coverage in his direction often (but they better watch out). As a rookie last season, Maclin caught 56 passes for nearly 800 yards. The Eagles have enough weapons in the passing game for Maclin to see a lot of single coverage; could be a sleeper pick in 2010.

A last notable mention for what it’s worth is the Ram’s wide receiver Laurent Robinson. The Ram’s wide out started out looking very strong on a weak offense last season, before going down in the third game. He is healthy this season and rookie quarterback Sam Bradford looks more than capable to get him the ball. He may not be a top10 this season, but Robinson could be worth a flyer this season.

My 2010 top 25 Wide receivers

1. Andre Johnson, HOU

2. Calvin Johnson, DET

3. Randy Moss, NE

4. Larry Fitzgerald, ARI

5. Roddy White, ATL

6. Reggie Wayne, IND

7. Greg Jennings, GB

8. DeSean Jackson, PHI

9. Steve Smith, NYG

10. Wes Welker, NE

11. Miles Austin, DAL

12. Anquan Boldin, BAL

13. Steve Smith, CAR

14. Sidney Rice, Min

15. Marques Colston, NO

16. Brandon Marshall, MIA

17. Santana Moss, WAS

18. Donald Driver, GB

19. Mike Sims-Walker, JAX

20. Terrell Owens, CIN

21. Malcom Floyd, SD

22. Michael Crabtree, SF

23. Jabar Gaffney, DEN

24. Vincent Jackson, SD

25. Deion Branch, SEA

My 2010 Top 10 tight ends

1. Antonio Gates, SD

2. Owen Daniels, HOU

3. Dallas Clark, IND

4. Jason Witten, DAL

5. Jermichael Finley, GB

6. Vernon Davis, SF

7. Tony Gonzales, ATL

8. Brent Celek, PHI

9. Chris Cooley, WAS

10. Zach Miller, OAK

FSH: FOOTBALL TALK

January 6th, 2010 9:17pm PST

FOOTBALL TALK

Looking under the hood of

Week 17

Vikings flex some muscle on Sunday...

So much for the worry, on Sunday against the Giants the Vikings offense appeared to have cured all of their offensive ills. Quarterback Brett Favre was back to form completing 25 of 31 passes and throwing four touchdowns, while the ground game pounded out 129 yards, including a score by Adrian Peterson. The defense was also stellar forcing two turnovers, recording three sacks, and limiting the Giants to only 181 yards.

Cardinals don't show much in finale ....

With nothing to play for in Week 17, the Cardinals limited quarterback Kurt Warner to a cameo appearance last Sunday. Warner only threw six passes, but he'll need to throw a lot more if the Cards hope to get past a very good Packers pass defense (ranked 5th) that leads the NFL with 30 interceptions this season. Warner is a savvy veteran quarterback with plenty of weapons and he'll have wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (13 touchdowns) available, but Anquan Boldin (84 receptions) could be a different story with a banged up ankle.

Bengals show very little in finale.....

Whether it was by design or not, the Bengals showed very little in their season finale against the Jets. The performance was so poor it could have many fantasy owners concerned about even considering any starters this weekend. Against the Jets stout defense the Bengals managed only 72 total nets yards, turned the ball over three times, and surrendered three sacks. With quarterback Carson Palmer going one for eleven passing and the offense mustering just five first downs, offense could be a problem on Saturday.

More fantasy Notes

"Inside the Matchups"

The Bengals could have a big problem on Saturday in their rematch with the Jets in the AFC Wildcard round of the playoffs. Last week shutdown corner Darrelle Revis (six interceptions) did a huge number on wide receiver Chad Ochocinco not allowing a single catch in five tries. Whether Ocho plays or not, the Bengals figure to half a tough time completing passes in the direction of Revis. Revis has been stellar all season up against the best and leads the NFL's number one ranked pass defense.

The Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (94 receptions) did not have a big season in the end zone, but he was consistent and one of quarterback Tony Romo's most reliable. Last week against the Eagles Witten was effective catching six passes for 76 yards, including a score. In his last five matchups with the Eagles Witten has been an effective target, so there's little doubt that Romo will be looking his way a great deal on Saturday night.

The Patriots may have suffered a big loss last Sunday with the injury to Wes Welker, but they will still have the NFL's 2007 MVP, quarterback Tom Brady. It was not a Brady-like season, but the Patriots quarterback still finished the year with strong numbers; 4,398 yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and 96.2 passer rating. With Welker out, it will be a lot of Randy Moss (13 touchdowns) and Julian Edelman (10 receptions last week) on Sunday against the Ravens 8th ranked pass defense.

By David Ortega

Check back every Tuesday for more “Tuesday (Football) Talk”

FSH: MONDAY MORNING HUDDLE

January 4th, 2009 9:07pm PST

[Late Edition]

Monday Morning Huddle

Fantasy Football is not over

The regular season may have just concluded, but for many diehard fantasy gamers, the second season is just getting started. Much like the 16-17 week marathon season that many fantasy faithful partake in each year, the post season fantasy spectacle is just the mini-version.

With games set to begin on Saturday, there's not a lot of time or room for error. New, notes, and information will be at a premium, so pull up your favorite armchair and let’s get ready for some fantasy football!

Injury notes from Sunday...

QB-Tom Brady (finger)....expected to start Sunday.

WR-Wes Welker (knee)...likely out for postseason.

WR-Chad Ochocinco (knee)..questionable, but expected to play.

RB-Pierre Thomas (ribs)....did not play in Week 17.

WR-Anquan Boldin (ankle)...scheduled for MRI Monday.

DB-Charles Woodson (shoulder)....expected to be OK.

LB-David Harris (ankle)....status for Saturday uncertain.

What I saw in Week 17

Rodgers looks like a man on a mission....

The Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers only threw 26 passes in the team's finale, but completed 21 of those for 235 yards and a touchdown. Over the past two months Rodgers has been a man on fire, completing (186 of 281) over 66 percent of his passes. In that span he has thrown 14 touchdowns with only two interceptions leading the Pack to a 7-1 record to close out the season. With weapons like Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, and Jermichael Finley, Rodgers is sure to post big numbers in the post season.

Edelman is sure to be stock on the rise....

The Patriots suffered a huge loss on Sunday with the injury to wide receiver Wes Welker, but like on queue Julian Edleman has stepped in to fill those big shoes. On Sunday Edelman quickly became a Brady favorite with Welker out and caught 10 passes for 103 yards. While the loss of Welker is big, there's no question Edelman's stock will be rocketing after this past Sunday's preview. With Moss still lining up on the other side, Edelman will step nicely right into the number two role just as he did against the Texans.

Quick Notes:

On Sunday against the Eagles tight end Jason Witten finished the game with six receptions for 76 yards and a score. This week he'll face the same defense, but this time on the road. In Witten's last five games against Philly has had no fewer than six catches and is averaging 78 yards receiving.

The Eagles tight end Brent Celek is starting to heat up at the right time. In his last four games he has totaled 20 receptions, with two for scores, and is averaging 88 yards receiving per game. He is coming off a seven catch 96 yard effort against the Cowboys, the team he will face on Saturday night.

With the Patriots quietly strolling into the playoffs, the Ravens will have their hands full with one of the leagues very best deep threats. Over the past three weeks following the disappointing Week 14 performance (one catch), Randy Moss of the Patriots has quietly strung together a nice three game run; 14 receptions, 190-yards, and 4-touchdowns.

Remember to check back for more "Monday Morning Huddle!"